If your business falls into the category of a high-traffic workplace, such as retail or restaurants, you have already reworked your model to adapt to the new rules of the pandemic. Many restaurants and stores quickly adapted to online ordering and curbside pickup.
Now that you can re-open, some are struggling with ways to entice your customers back to your business.
Here are a few tips:
- Spread the Word. Just like when you closed your doors and created new rules, it’s time to revisit those same marketing tools to get the word out, yet again. Pinterest, Houzz, Facebook, and LinkedIn are places where you can spread the word that you are open for business. Pinterest tells the story in pictures. Houzz is also visual, but focused on the home.
- Facebook Boosts are also another effective way to reach out to your clients and prospects. If you don’t yet have a company Facebook page, now’s a great time to get one – start making connections and telling your story. Facebook boosts offer an affordable way to advertise; try out a campaign for $10 a day for 10 days and track your results.
- Use the tools you already have. Change your company voicemail message with an updated one. Post signs or banners on your retail store or restaurant that tells your new way of doing business. Call and text your customers. Add a message to your website about your new rules.
- Get Clear. After being shut-in for the past few months, there’s a variety of opinions from the public on their level of comfort on returning to ‘normal life.’ Let customers know what to expect: tell them about the ‘new rules’ at your business: social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands, temperature taking – share what you are doing to keep customers and employees safe. Places to share it are on your website, social media, e-blasts. Not everyone likes to read, so creating a video can be helpful too. People prefer different tactics to get their info, so you may need to share this info in a variety of ways.
- Don’t Give Up. Some customers may take longer to return to your place of business due to their personal circumstances. Continue to stay in touch with e-mail, text, phone, e-blasts. Give them online ordering options, curbside pickup, early shopping hours.
You can do it. Make the change and build a better company.
Authored by Guest Blogger Nancy Sipera.
Nancy Sipera is the president of First Impressions Marketing, a full-service, award-winning marketing firm in Cherry Hill, N.J. that works with business owners and leaders who understand the impact that marketing can have on their bottom line. Visit First Impressions Marketing online at www.MakeFirstImpressions.com