As the restrictions are easing, more and more companies are reopening their offices. Yet, governmental campaigns to go back to work may be hitting a wall as surveys reveal that the majority of employees would prefer to continue working from home.
Tech giant Huawei discovered that 90% of office workers want to maintain their WFH – work from home – status, at least partially during the working week.
A whopping majority of respondents mention a mental health boost with remote workstations, saying they felt happier about being able to choose where they set up to work and being productive at home or in their favourite spot.
Fur furloughed or unemployed individuals who have needed to be creative to make ends meet during the lockdown, the prospect of working from home has become an everyday reality. The COVID pandemic has forced many individuals to take back control of their careers, recording a boost in online side hustles and full-time independent businesses.
A surge of interest in websites
GoDaddy, a popular website building platform, reveals that 20% of their customers were considering launching their own business during lockdown.
Starting a website serves a variety of purposes for freelancers, furloughed and unemployed individuals, from giving them a sense of purpose during self-isolation to offering the opportunity to become their own boss and make money online.
Platforms such as GoDaddy, WordPress, Wix.com or Squarespace allow solo entrepreneurs with no web design knowledge to build a professional-looking and functioning site.
For independent businesses or side hustles, the lockdown has been the opportunity to develop content and create their brands, using the website as an informative platform for their audience.
Promotional presence online for all
Building a website has never been easier. It takes only a few clicks to have a page up and running, and readily accessible from the most commonly used browsers.
But entrepreneurs born out of lockdown have also proven their digital savviness. Many have been quick to build social media profiles for their brands and create their first social media advertising campaigns. Facebook Ads Manager is a popular service that lets businesses reach out to their local audience group or boost their brand awareness.
With plenty of online tutorials, new entrepreneurs find it easy enough to get seen on social media platforms. Reports of advertising budget for solo entrepreneurs are soaring, through self-managed ad campaigns and professionally managed PPC services that make their brands visible and findable.
Limited physical interactions for greater success
As face-to-face interactions have been a no-no during lockdown, the absence of physical contact and meetings is making the business launch more manageable.
For solo entrepreneurs, the lockdown business requires less presence and real-time commitment. Instead, online content offers a safe and cost-effective alternative. Coaches can use online meetings for their classes and appointments, for instance.
Boutiques replace footfall with online baskets, tackling shipping challenges instead of shop display and management. Other experts can work via emails and cloud software tools, keeping touch with clients through calls and Zoom meetings.
In short, as physical presence was not a requirement during lockdown, small ventures have been able to save money and time to build growth.
In conclusion, the COVID pandemic is creating a new wave of business creation. Ultimately, the health crisis has provided ambitious experts with a unique opportunity to run their venture online.
It’s fair to wonder whether the online growth of entrepreneurship that marked the lockdown period will carry on once restrictions have expired.
