2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for businesses. Just as it looked as though green shoots were sprouting, company owners find themselves facing further uncertainty. With restrictions in place, agility is key. If you’re looking to adapt your business to thrive during lockdown, here are some top tips.
Driving online sales and enquiries
Online business has boomed in 2020, as consumers look for safe, convenient ways to shop from the comfort of their own home. If you’re not already selling or promoting your business online, now is the time to embrace digital marketing and modify the way you work. Even if you don’t sell products that people could buy online, you can harness the power of online marketing techniques to showcase your brand, generate interest and create leads.
Many businesses can sell products online, but if you offer services, you can also benefit from having an online presence. Local SEO is particularly effective for companies targeting a local audience. Studies show that over 85% of smartphone users will either contact or visit a business within 24 hours of performing a local search.
If you have a website, but you’re not getting many visitors, consider revamping your marketing strategy and investing in SEO. If you’re selling online, it’s also an excellent idea to use email marketing and social media to connect with customers, advertise promotions and offers and create a buzz.
Your website should also offer seamless, swift ordering functions and informative content and it should cater to mobile users. Whether you sell online or promote services, accepting payments remotely is beneficial for both your business and your customers. With an effective, efficient POS system, you can accept payments on the go, boosting the chance of converting leads. You can also use online platforms to keep in touch with clients and let them know how you’re adjusting to new measures and what you can offer them.
Catering to new trends
The Covid-19 crisis has changed the way we work, shop and spend our free time. With millions of people now spending more time at home than ever before, it’s advantageous for businesses to adapt to cater to new trends. As well as selling online, you may be able to capitalise on emerging trends by modifying and diversifying your product range or offering new services.
Many restaurants, cafes and coffee shops are offering takeaway or click and collect services, while the demand for office furniture for home use, cleaning products, virtual entertainment, home gym equipment and activewear has skyrocketed. Look for gaps in the market, and think about how you could build on your existing business model to provide customers with new products or services that will prove popular in the coming weeks and months.
This year has been incredibly challenging for businesses, and the future remains uncertain. Agility and flexibility are critical. If you can adapt to new trends and new ways of working, your business could thrive during lockdown. Analyse data, look for emerging trends and gaps in the market and adjust your business model to capitalise on increased demand for related products and services.
