How to Survive the Coronavirus as a Small Business

First things first. If the social distancing and lockdowns are threatening the financial survival of your small business, research the federal disaster loans in your area and apply for as many as you can. ————————————————————

While social distancing, canceled events, and full-out lockdowns are threatening small and large businesses alike, a few weeks of low traffic could spell the end for a small coffee shop or a local yoga studio. But even if your business has enough cash to float you through the next few weeks, the question becomes: how do I keep my customers without actually being able to sell them anything?

DIGITAL CONTENT.

Your digital strategy has never been more important. You need to become a part of your customers’ daily digital routines.

What this could look like:

• Instagram Live interviews with relevant guests in your industry
• Instagram Story takeovers
• Podcasts
• Tik Tok videos
• Value-added newsletters; and not just bombarding your customers with information about what you are doing to protect them during Coronavirus, but giving them content that is relevant to their lives as well as to your business. For example, if you are a local coffee shop, providing your subscribers a fact sheet about the top ten health benefits of coffee, the best time to drink it, etc.,.

You need to get creative and think about the unique intersection your business operates on, and how you can use that to your advantage. Do you have access to celebrities? Ask them to takeover your Instagram and show the world how they are dealing with the lockdowns. Have your customers met your CEO? Now could be a great time to profile your CEO/ founder or have them takeover the company Instagram for a day. Give your customers & audience VALUE-ADDED content that you are uniquely positioned to provide. Free (or low cost) online yoga classes; recipes that customers can make at home. The list goes on.

Building a digital community has always been important, and now it’s a necessity. But the good thing is, investing in your digital strategy can cost close to nothing and can provide long-term returns. If you are new to the digital world and not sure where to start, have a read through WAYE’s Building Your Digital Strategy resource. And if you need some extra support, you are always welcome to reach out to me directly.

In community with you,

Sinead Bovell