Here we go again… 😷😷
The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet. That’s for sure.
As the situation continues to unfold, people throughout Australia are adapting to the escalating situation. Our hearts go out to those business owners who may be most heavily impacted by the latest lockdowns. The restaurant owners, the bricks and mortar retailers, the tourism operators… the list goes on. A lot of people are dealing with a lot of uncertainty right now.
We wanted to reach out with a five quick tips that may assist you as you seek to pivot (again!)
1. Communicate with your team
What does this latest lockdown mean for them? What procedures or processes have you put in place in the last 24 hours? How can you help to keep your team feeling connected, even if it is virtually? The Banter Group team has been on Google Hangouts 👩💻👨💻 for several sessions today to make sure we are still on-track with our deadlines….and comparing ‘raiding the pantry and keeping the kids quiet’ stories.
2. Communicate with your clients and customers
Let them know what the latest COVID-19 restrictions mean for them in relation to your business.
Consider:
- An email to your database
- A simple social media post – a short video if possible
- A website pop-up message
Let them know:
- Your current business status
- The COVID-Safe measures you have put in place
- The best way for them to contact you / use your service / buy your product now.
3. Marketing tactics to try
Digital advertising: Can you utilise digital marketing tactics to get in front of your target audiences, for example by using sponsored social media posts, as when people are in lockdown they tend to be online more too.
Stories are your friend: Post stories via Instagram and Facebook several times a day to keep your clients and customers up-to-date as things continue to change and unfold. Behind the scenes stories, a message from the business owner straight to the camera – this content is authentic and timely. Unpolished is fine, just be real.
Update your Google My Business profile: Keep it current, it’s a great way for customers and clients to find you and be ‘in the know’ with the current situation.
Use Facebook’s Pin to the top feature: Post your latest update from your Facebook business page and pin it to the top so it’s quick and easy for visitors to find. How to do it.
Be active in local Facebook Groups: Post and engage in local Facebook groups. Use these localised group platforms to spread the word about your current business operations. Chances are that people in these local groups are seeking ways to support local businesses.
4. Be agile. Business owners essentially have to be acrobats too!
How can you adapt to keep your business moving forward and that cash flow flowing right now?
As a restaurant owner – are you back in home delivery mode? As a business that takes appointments – can they be done virtually instead? If people have booked an event or experience with your business – can you offer a gift certificate ahead of a refund?
5. It’s ok to not be ok
Reach out for help if you need it. ABC News published an article titled: ‘Managing your mental health when facing a new COVID-19 lockdown.‘ It’s got some great tips that are easy to implement and also a range of helplines if you need mental health support. You are not alone.
Signing-off from a Southern Highlands’ home office now
The Banter Group team are all working from home 🏡 right now, but are here to support you if you have a marketing question that’s cropped up in the current 🦠 COVID-19 🦠 climate.
Take care, mask-up 😷 and stay safe,
The whole Banter Group team
