Marketing During the COVID19 Crisis

As a small business owner, it can be challenging to keep the pace of business during a crisis that has now shut-down about 1/4 of the country. Many companies are struggling to maintain momentum, or worse, closed completely as we strive to flatten the curve through social distancing. 

While even large businesses are bearing the burden of this shut down, small companies have the additional challenge of having a smaller footprint, and a lower budget for marketing activities. 

So how can a small business maintain a customer relationship and prepare to ramp up again when the "stay at home" orders are lifted?

1. Take the time to reach out to customers - Reach out for a quick phone call to say hi and offer a moment of connection to your regular customers to show that you're thinking of them. In this time of disconnection, a simple conversation goes a long way. 
2. Create video content on your favorite social platforms - Many people are at home with extra time to spare. Creating positive content that they can tune into can be a great way to interact on a larger scale with your community to continue the relationship you've built with them. 
3. Continue your ongoing marketing - While it may seem best to pull back, staying the course of marketing (if budget allows) will keep your company in mind for the moment when business activities resume. 
4. Find ways to provide virtual services - Is there something you can offer online? Make a list of the services and products you sell and think about the needs your customers have right now. If something you offer has value in the current circumstance and has the ability to be offered online, find a way to provide that product or service through digital sales to keep your business operating. 
5. Engage in online groups providing valuable responses and tips - When in-person networking isn't available, we can turn to online avenues such as social media groups, and virtual events. Use your available time to engage in those conversations to meet new people, share your knowledge, and improve the lives of others. People will remember the impact you made and that support will come back around when you're back in business. 

Women of Denver has a network of thousands of women in business. Connect with us by joining our Facebook group, becoming a member and attending virtual events, or use us as a platform for marketing and PR support by becoming a Power Woman.