Steps for Success in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily changed how many of us conduct business and interact with customers. We know you’ve become inundated with information about this crisis, so we’d like to cut through the noise and share some practical resources to help you through this time.
Are You Staying Engaged with Your Customers?
Loyal customers would rather visit you in person. Let them know how you’re ensuring everyone’s health and safety during the pandemic. Communication is key during this time, so use your website, email or social media to stay in touch:
- Share stories and trends that lift the spirit. Ask your customers to do the same by tagging you on social media!
- Offer online sales, pickup in store, drive-up or curbside pickup.
- Showcase featured products and services, including gift guides, gifting trends and “Top Ten” lists.
- Provide what customers can expect if they do choose to shop in person, i.e., temperature screenings, masks, etc.
- Create a digital catalog that you can post online as a flipbook so customers can see your latest product offerings. Issuu is a popular service for digitizing and hosting online catalogs, and their basic plan is free!
Create an Ecommerce Website
One thing has become obvious: in 2021 it is critical for small businesses to have an online presence. Consider developing an easy-to-use website if you don’t have one.
Here are some reputable ecommerce website platforms that are cost-effective, easy to setup, require minimal upkeep and currently offer free services.
Zapiet offers a 45-day free trial of Store Pickup + Delivery solution.
Shopify is offering a free 14-day trial
Big Commerce is offering 0% transaction fees.
Already Have a Ecommerce Website?
Check out these 8 tip from Google Here.
Resources for Small Businesses
It can be challenging to navigate through all the tools and strategies out there to assist small businesses. We have identified three valuable websites to help make sense of what is available to you.
America’s Small Business Development Centers provides webinars and other resources for small businesses.
U.S Small Business Administration offers a variety of up-to-date COVID-19 support
U.S Department of the Treasury lists options to assist small business during the current pandemic crisis.