If you thought running a business pre-pandemic was tough, the last couple of years probably felt like swimming upstream—with weights tied to your ankles. The reality is simple: COVID-19 changed the game. If you’re not online, you’re invisible. But here's the good news: there are ways to not only survive but thrive during this wild digital shift. Let’s dive into some power moves that can help your business gain visibility, even in a pandemic.
1. React Fast, React Smart
You know that old saying, "Adapt or die"? Well, that’s never been more true. The businesses that are thriving during the pandemic didn’t wait around for things to get back to normal—they adapted to the new normal.
Think about it this way: are your customers’ needs the same as they were before? Probably not. They want more convenience, more safety, more online options. If you used to sell only in-store, now’s the time to shift to e-commerce or offer services like curbside pickup. This isn’t just a pivot; it's survival.
Take Geppetto’s, a toy store in California, as an example. They quickly added an online ordering system with click-and-collect options. They didn’t wait to see how things would play out—they jumped on the opportunity. And the result? Click-and-collect orders doubled every month after launch. Adaptation isn't optional; it’s your ticket to staying relevant.
2. Partner Up with Local Businesses
It’s a tough time for everyone, but why go at it alone? Team up with other local businesses, share the customer base, and offer something that neither of you could have done solo.
Let’s get creative here. Imagine you run a local greengrocer, and there’s a butcher shop around the corner. Why not combine forces and create a “Sunday Roast” package? You offer the veggies, they offer the meat, and together, you’re offering customers a complete solution. More customers, more reach, and more engagement.
The best part? You’re doing something that benefits both businesses. Cross-promote on social media, run joint competitions, or offer exclusive bundles. When you work together, your visibility skyrockets, and so does your customer loyalty.
3. Double Down on Re-marketing
Look, we get it. The pandemic put a strain on your marketing budget. But here’s where you need to work smarter, not harder. Instead of trying to win over brand-new customers (which can get expensive), focus on the people who’ve already shown interest in your brand. This is where re-marketing comes in.
Using tools like Facebook Pixel, you can track visitors who’ve already checked out your site and send them personalized ads. Why is this so powerful? Because these people are already warm leads—they’ve shown interest in what you offer. You’re not starting from zero.
And here’s the kicker: re-marketing costs a fraction of what you’d spend trying to rope in new customers. So, stop wasting money on cold leads and start converting the warm ones.
4. Refresh Your SEO and Optimized Content
You might have had your SEO game on lock before, but the landscape has changed, and so should your strategy. Are your keywords still relevant? Are you targeting new customer concerns, like whether you offer contactless delivery?
Tools like SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner can help you stay ahead of the game by showing what’s trending and where the opportunities lie. For example, if you own a restaurant, your keywords might now need to focus on “curbside pickup,” “takeout,” or “contactless delivery.”
You can’t afford to be static in a world that’s changing by the minute. Refreshing your SEO isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
5. Host Virtual or Live Events
Even if customers can’t visit you in person, they can still engage with you online. Hosting live or virtual events is a great way to stay connected and keep your brand top-of-mind.
Consider a local gym that had to close during lockdown. What did they do? They pivoted to online workout classes. You could do the same, whether it's a virtual cooking class, a live Q&A about your products, or even a simple “meet the team” session on Instagram Live.
Virtual events give people a reason to keep engaging with your business, even when they’re stuck at home. It’s all about staying relevant, staying visible, and staying connected.
6. Create a Knowledge Hub
Let’s face it, people are bored, and they’re looking for useful information. Now is the perfect time to create a content-rich knowledge hub that positions your business as an expert in its field. Whether it's how-to guides, product tutorials, or even blogs on trending topics in your industry—create content that people want to share.
Not only does this improve your SEO (hello, backlinks!), but it also helps build trust with your audience. A customer that trusts your expertise is a customer that’s more likely to buy from you.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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