COVID-19 has had a severe impact on the global economy and local businesses. However as a business owner you often need to pivot quickly to take advantage of situations for the long-term benefit and survival of your company.
With certain lockdown measures about to be relaxed, and some industries already back, we thought we would provide some handy tips on how to come out of this in a strong position so your business can get back to servicing customers.
1 – Ensure your website is a great shop window
Websites sometimes become neglected, so now is the time to get everything up-to-date. Add in your latest services, work and anything else so that it provides a strong foundation for your marketing going forward. If you don’t have a website then now is the time to get that rectified. Our sister company provides them for only £99 (more info here). So if you currently only have a Facebook page, or nothing at all, getting a website and increasing trust in your company is essential to get your business moving forward.
2 – Paid Ads Can Help
You want to get customers calling, buying or emailing quickly. Using paid adverts on Google or Facebook are usually quick ways in which to target people who are looking for your services. Take the below search for “Plumbers Halifax” on Google – the first 4 ads you see are paid for, and the great thing about paid ads is simple, you get to show up for keywords that help drive customers to your website, and you only pay everytime someone clicks on your advert and goes to your company. This allows you to directly target people looking for your services and/or products. It can be expensive, however it can also be highly lucrative if your website evokes trust with your website visitors and clearly answers any pre-purchase concerns they may have.
3 – Get Your Local Presence Nailed Down
If you operate in a particular area you need to make sure that you are front and centre when people search for your services in that area. On Google not only can you have your ads at the top of searches for what you offer. You can also list your company on Google My Business, thus giving you another avenue in which to show up for searches around what you offer. Just make sure you get plenty of reviews as well. From the below who would you want to call? Probably John and his 158 reviews!
4 – Use Local Magazines
Getting the local word out is key. Although we are a digital agency, we do promote other methods of advertising for our clients – we just want to see clients bringing customers in and growing. Local Magazines such as our very own Skircoat Green Directory or Halifax Directory can help you market to a wider hyper-local audience, and also towards an older demographic.
5 – Build Trust
Everyone will be still conscious of social distancing, so you need to make sure you think about this, as well your messaging and your cleanliness when working. Going to peoples homes, if your service requires it, will need proper thought and clear messaging so people feel safe. If you business involves people coming to you, then clear distancing measures and hand sanitising stations may also need to be addressed.
People will be concerned, so you need to look to address these concerns with clear and actionable advice.
If you would like to discuss any marketing for your company as we come out of lockdown please get in touch.
