The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic came as a surprise to most of us and has changed the way we live our lives for good. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, both school and workplace environments have shifted tremendously.
For businesses with products and services that thrive in physical environments such as salons, spas, gyms, retail shops, restaurants, accommodations, and many more, the pandemic has posed risks and challenges that sadly not all business owners could handle. Many businesses, big or small, struggled, operated at limited capacity, or shut down completely.
However, the rules in business and economics haven’t changed. Higher risk is still associated with a probability of higher return. What if this pandemic that no one saw coming can be a chance for existing or upcoming businesses to practice resilience, innovation and find new opportunities for growth?
In this article, we will let you in on our best tips and strategies for your business to survive, or even thrive in pandemic-ridden times. For more information, we suggest reading our blog post on all you need to know about running a business during the pandemic here.
Be resilient, adaptive and creative
No one knows for certain when this pandemic will end, so the best move is to just play the hand you are dealt and make the most of your current circumstances. This can be done in a few ways. The best way to prioritize the safety of both your customers and staff.
We know shops won’t be shut down forever, but while the number of cases is still on the rise, opt to make a few adjustments instead of staying completely shut off. Just be sure to follow all the safety protocols. You can still utilize your shop safely by offering delivery or curbside pickups for your goods. You can reduce the store hours by half, or only stay open a few days a week.
As for your manager and employees, conduct swab testing at least once a month, especially if you are in the food or beverage business, and make sure they are compensated fairly.
Take your business online
If your shop has never had any sort of digital presence, it’s time you get on that now. At the moment, going digital is the best way to reach your customers. Fewer people are able to leave their homes, which has led to significant changes in consumer habits. Having a website is a good way to reach your customers, backed up with ad placements on social media, youtube, or websites relevant to your business. However, if you’re opting for something that’s free of cost, having a social media page is a good place to start.
If you’re skeptical about the effectiveness of online channels, just think of all the times you or a loved one has bought something online and had it delivered to your home during this pandemic. All of those businesses invested in their online presence, Why shouldn’t you?
Have an post-pandemic marketing plan ready
Although not at full capacity, the world is starting to open up again. People have begun to travel, or simply come out of their homes to see friends and family, and there are millions more who can hardly wait to do the same.
This is where having a post-pandemic marketing plan comes in handy. It can be something as simple as making small changes to your physical store to a total rebranding. If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it is that change is inevitable and we should not be afraid of it. Why not give your old and new customers a warm welcome once your shop finally reopens? Our Large Roll Up Banner Stand can be a great way to do this. It is also quite portable and can be used in several different ways.
It takes a lot of careful planning, trial, and error but if your business can survive a pandemic throughout these periods, then its chances of success and survival will be much higher moving forward. Contact us for high-quality and affordable business solutions.
