We understand that during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting with customers can be a challenging task. Businesses need to communicate effectively and maintain brand awareness and recognition these days. Here are some tips your business can use to better interact with your consumers during the crisis:
1, Utilize virtual spaces
With everyone at home, brands can engage with customers in many ways through the virtual space. Virtual events and community experiences are a good idea. For example, we have seen active brands releasing free virtual workout sessions. A virtual webinar or panel is also a good idea. You can also consider live streaming on social media or website to better connect with your customers as well.
With a lot of people at home and many of them are eager to beat lockdown boredom, you can take advantage of virtual spaces now to showcase your goods and keep your brand on top of their mind. There are several great streaming platforms out there that you can use, and you can always utilize your social media platforms to connect with your audience in the most natural way.
2, Ensure that you provide a smooth online shopping experience
If you are a retailer, now is the time to make the move online or improve your eCommerce site. If you are a brand that has always been traditionally sticking to offline sales, it’s important to make the shift online now. As many people are staying home, there is a large portion of consumers moving online. To get started, getting a website and digital catalogue will be helpful for customers to shop just like browsing your offline store. You should also utilize social media and digital marketing strategies such as running ads online or email marketing to reach more people and keep them updated.
If you have already managed an online store, make sure that your digital store is up and running smoothly. It is crucial to ensure a good user experience so customers can view and choose the products they want and place the order easily. You can also engage with customers during and after the shopping experience, such as sending them a follow-up email with a feedback form and ensuring that virtual support is always available on the website.
For businesses that provide services, you may have many problems with delivering your service and communicating with your clients online during this time. Make sure to utilize online meeting platforms (such as Zoom, Google Hangouts or Skype) and project management applications (such as Slack, Asana and Trello) to keep the team and your clients on track.
3, Send out human-centric messages
The public is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit us hard. Thus, messages that are human-centric can be effective. For example, if your business has offered your employees help and support during the crisis, or if you provide support to the community, feel free to send out the message. Showing that you are being sensitive to the human side is important to customer loyalty.
4, Avoid fearful language
It doesn’t help your brand to share over-sensationalized messages that the media has been sharing. Instead, you can share what your business has been doing to reduce the spread of the virus and send out positive vibes.
NEXT STEP:
Stay tuned for more blogs that can help you manage and grow your small businesses! Check out some of our past blogs in the meantime:
New year resolutions for small businesses
Top 3 small business challenges and how to solve them
5 Powerful ways to improve your small business marketing