Small Business Marketing in the time of coronavirus

Anyone tired of seeing that “C” word in their email inboxes yet? 

Well it’s affecting us all – on a very real level. Bars/Restaurants are closed to take-out services only. The building/contracting industry are not permitted to go to work (my husband included). Events, gatherings and meetings are being cancelled or rescheduled. Our health care providers are seeing people with emergent needs only.

So what does this mean for you? 

Google recommends a few steps to notifying your customers of your business hours, offerings and services during this time. Some things we may do to help with your marketing and customer communication online…..

Change your business hours

If your business is affected by COVID-19, update your Google My Business profile to provide the most accurate information to your customers. For example, change your hours of operation if you’re closing early, or add more details to your description. The updates will show on your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.

Yelp offers a section to post a “covid-19 update” while also allowing businesses who need to temporarily or permanently close, fill out a quick online form to that affect.

Facebook has COVID-19 updates easy to access right from your App, and you can post an update to communicate as hours or services evolve.

Manage your business info

Make sure customers can reach you by desired point of contact via phone or email. 

You can share information about any extra precautions the business is taking, if you’re providing any extra services to the community, or whether you’re experiencing delays. This is comforting to your customers – encouraging them how you’re responding for the safety of staff and the public. Many people have fear about getting take-out or shopping, so encourage them to keep consumer trust in your brand.

Create another post

Share more detailed and timely updates about what’s going on with your business through posting frequently.

1. Post to your website – homepage, contact page and or a blog post

2. Post to social media

3. Send an email blast to your clients or customers as new information can be shared that affects your business, products or service can be shared. 

4. Reschedule meetings or Go Live! Google Hangout and Zoom are perfect ways to keep your meetings and keep business going from home. Both are free to sign up.

If we had an in-person meeting scheduled, let’s reschedule and plan to communicate via phone conference and emailing.