The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on all types of businesses around the world. However, if your company has made it this far, then you can begin to make changes now that will better position you for long-term growth and success. From upgrading your website to modifying your physical store, check out these tips from alt-Line for keeping your small business thriving during and after the pandemic.
Boost your website.
One of the first things you should do is evaluate your business’s website. Remember that the trend of online shopping is likely to continue rising for the foreseeable future. Plus, more and more consumers are finding businesses online. Make sure your website stands out and that it represents your brand accurately and attractively.
Along with looking great, Hobo Web suggests your website should load quickly and be easy for visitors to navigate. Furthermore, you should maintain quality content that informs and inspires your audience. Regularly uploading blogs, informational videos, and other types of content can help you solidify your reputation in the industry, grow your customer base, and increase your sales. Freelance content creators and writers can provide you with excellent work on an as-needed basis.
If you’re using a web platform that allows you to make modifications, and you have ample experience, you can update the design and features of your website by yourself. But if you don’t have much experience, it would be more time- and cost-effective to hire a web developer.
Add an ecommerce element.
If you don’t have an online store for your small business, now is the time to add one. Creating and maintaining an online store is quite easy and affordable, especially if you hire an ecommerce specialist. By adding an ecommerce element to your business, you’ll be opening the door to the global market, with the potential of increasing your customer base exponentially.
To be most effective, look for products that are related to your industry and that tie into your company’s mission and core values. And to make maintenance even easier, consider the dropshipping model, which essentially means that you ship items directly from the supplier to the customer, thus removing the need to keep physical inventory.
Create a mobile app.
Having a mobile app developed for your small business can also prove a worthwhile investment. This provides consumers with a seamless shopping and checkout experience right on their smartphone or tablet. You can also use your mobile app to keep your audience engaged in the happenings of your business and industry. In fact, your mobile app can serve many — if not all—of the functions that your website does.
Speaking of mobile apps, using the latest comprehensive payroll offering will save you time and money when it comes to processing payroll.
Revisit your products and services.
The Brookings Institute explains that consumer demands and needs have changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Your ability and commitment to meet those needs will determine the long-term success of your small business from this point forward. Constantly research to stay knowledgeable of what your target audience is looking for, whether it’s new products, home delivery, or any other offerings.
Revamp your brick-and-mortar store.
If you operate a physical store, make sure you invest in any modifications necessary to help customers feel comfortable and for your business to meet federal, state, and local guidelines. For example, you might change the layout of your store to better accommodate social distancing. You might provide masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves to customers when they walk in. And maybe a new set of product displays, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and refinished floors could make your store more appealing.
Conclusion
Yes, the times are fraught with challenges for the business world. However, no matter what industry you’re in, implementing the tips above can help you position your company to flourish for many years to come. At the end of the day, it’s all about meeting customers where they are and providing the best products and services possible.
Post authored by Leslie Campos of Wellparents.com