Updated October 2020
If you’re reading this, you may be one of the thousands of people who, in the last year, found themselves having to catapult their business online. I say this because it probably happened with very little warning, no time to plan a strategy, no shiny website shop to promote, no online launch, just a scramble to serve your customers before they went elsewhere!
Well, you’re not alone and actually, with 3.2 billion internet users shopping online, if your business didn’t exist in this space prior to COVID-19, it’s probably about time it did. So there’s the first positive! It’s not easy, the economic strain is being felt across the board, but it’s particularly acute for small businesses who don’t have the luxury of surplus contingency funds. So what to do?
- LEAN IN Whether you wanted to or not, you’re focusing your business online so lean in to this. It may be hard to recognise all the opportunities presenting themselves right now, but there are plenty of opportunities out there, so get on board and embrace them.
- MINDSET You’re not saving your business, you’re building it! Approaching this from the right angle will give you the confidence to push forward. This is a chance to grow your business, reach new customers and compete in new arenas. However hard it may be, getting in the right mindset will give you the motivation and energy you need to come out of this stronger, wiser and more resilient.
- ENGAGE. Your customers will be just as willing to engage with you online as they are in person. Make sure your social media is interesting, informative and a reflection of your brand. Your platforms are your shop window, keep them polished!
- ASK FOR HELP You are venturing into new areas at a time when nothing is predictable and consumer behaviour is less than typical. You can’t be expected to know it all. Engage with communities that are sharing ideas, knowledge and insight. Invest in specialist help where necessary. Most online specialists will offer one-off consultations which don’t require a large financial or long-term commitment.
5. BE SEEN This is perhaps most important of all. Now that you are operating online, your products and services are available to a vast pool of potential customers. They won’t look for you if they don’t know you’re there, so market yourself online and be seen!
I am a Facebook Ads Strategist and Social Media Consultant keen to support businesses during this challenging time. To find out more about power hours or consultancy packages, please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
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