The current quarantine situation has had an unprecedented effect on all types of businesses. In fact, there are many businesses that are not expected to survive the quarantine. However, there are a number of other businesses that have found a way to survive and even thrive during these challenging times. It’s all a matter of adapting to the current situation. So how, exactly, do you do that? Well, here are five ways other businesses have been surviving and thriving during the quarantine. Each of these approaches should be applicable to any business of any size.
Stay in Touch With Your Existing Customers
The very first thing you should do is stay in touch with your existing customers. You spend a lot of time and money getting those customers. You don’t want them to forget about your business or your brand. Now, you don’t need to sell them anything. You simply want to let them know that you are around and that you will continue to be operating.
Some of the ways that you can stay in touch with your customers are through e-mail or direct mail. Let them know exactly what you are doing during the quarantine. Also, ask if the customer has a specific need that you will be able to fulfill. For instance, if you are a gym that is closed during the quarantine, you can offer free exercise at home videos. Along with those videos you can sell some exercise home equipment. Brainstorm a couple of communication messages and perhaps you can stumble on a new marketing opportunity.
Upgrade Your Digital Marketing
Now is the time to upgrade your digital marketing efforts. Ad rates are lower than ever on Google and Facebook. You can add some exposure to your brand for less. Even if you have nothing to sell right now, you can grow your lead list. That will better prepare you to start up again once the quarantine is lifted.
You can get a digital ad strategy prepared by a company that specializes in agency digital technology services. These companies know how to get leads for less on Google and Facebook. Make a small investment now that will pay big dividends later.
Develop New Products or Services
Many companies are currently innovating the way that they do business during the quarantine. Let’s start with services. Right now, many car dealerships are offering to deliver vehicles to people who want to take a test drive. Many in-dining restaurants have created a “drive-up & take out” service. Many therapists and psychiatry practices are now offering telemedicine appointments in lieu of visits to the office.
When it comes to products, you can be creative and develop something that can be used in the home. For instance, golf companies can create practice putting greens for indoor use. Camping companies can make tents for kids to put over their beds. Think of new and innovative ideas that keep your business going.
Support Pandemic Issues in Your Community
One of the most cost-effective ways to generate publicity is by simply doing good in the community. A $500 donation of masks to your local hospital can generate thousands of dollars of positive publicity on television, online and in the newspaper. You can even donate some of your products to people in need.
You can also donate services. If you are a delivery service, then you can offer to deliver meals or food to the elderly. You can also help deliver medical supplies to hospitals. This will make your business look like a valuable part of the community. In turn, the community will have a vested interested to keep your business open.
Partner with Other Businesses
Sometimes one plus one can equal three. You can partner with another company to help keep each other afloat during these times. For instance, if you are a florist you can partner up with a home decor company to offer package deals to both of your customers.
Think of what companies are compatible with yours. Reach out to those companies and make a proposal to bundle offers.
Stay proactive and keep your business going. Stay in contact with your customers, develop a digital marketing plan, develop new products & services, help the community and partner with other businesses. Soon, the quarantine will be over and your business will be going ahead at full speed.
