Business And Marketing Tips For Uncertain Times

As we all face these difficult times head-on, we want to try and make the best out of every challenge that is thrown our way! But for companies and employees trying to continue moving forward with work, these can be extra challenging times. Now is the time to focus on the goals and mission of your business, and find new ways to connect with potential customers. Here are some tips to keep top of mind during this time of uncertainty.

For Every Business

Depending on the type of products you sell and where you’re located, the options may be limited, but these are some ideas we’ve found that are helping different types of businesses. 

Communication is Key

• Make sure to reassure your customers, let them know what actions you are taking and how you’re handling the situation concerning your products, services, and customer interactions.
• Clearly communicate whether you’re open, closed, or if they should expect any delays on shipping or customer service response. 
• Adding tools like an online chat to your website provides an easy way for customers to get in touch with you virtually. It also offers lots of flexibility for you to offer support wherever your support staff is working from – whether that be in your business location or at home. Chat offers a quick implementation at a reasonable cost.
  • Here are two chat vendors that our clients have had success with: Live Chat and Olark

Use Digital Marketing to Your Advantage

• Now is the perfect time to make sure your social media is as up to date as possible, while changing how you target customer online.
  • Think, “visit us online” versus “stop by today.” Change ads and any campaign to encourage people to shop online rather than having them come into your business location.
• Use social media tools such as an Instagram live stream or Facebook groups to communicate daily with customers active on social media.
• Use private video chat such as Skype, Zoom or FaceTime for the ultimate personalized shopping experience.
• Use email to send out any company announcements as well as, focus on remarketing ads to stay engaged with those who have already visited your website.
• Now is a good time to optimize your Paid Search marketing efforts – we’ve seen a decrease in bids and competition in some areas, so it may be worthwhile to ramp up your efforts if you’re able to. 

Stay Focused on the Core Mission of Your Business

• Look at all the ways to reduce costs, any non-essential expenses should be cut back for the time being. Keep in mind your business’s key goals and core mission while minimizing your spending. Try renegotiating contracts, refinancing loans, etc.
• It’s important to have several contingency plans in place so you’re ready to act if a difficult situation should arise.
  • Contingency plans are a key part of risk management. They help you prepare your business for when unexpected things happen, by having to backup options. Check out Contingency Planning- Developing a Good “Plan B” by Mind Tools

Show Your Appreciation to Both Your Staff and Customers

• Be sure to appreciate customer’s support during this difficult time. People appreciate knowing that you’re still promoting your products to be able to keep your employees employed and sustain the business.
• Make sure your staff also feels appreciated for working during this stressful time. 
• For those of you that have a physical store, if you’re still able to remain open, offer online order pickup and curbside delivery.

For Home Builders

Take your Website and Online Marketing Ability to the Next Level 

• Enhance your website to include online tools to support your customers when they are not able to physically visit your communities and models.
• Show progress photos of homes under construction. When customers can see progress, they won’t need to visit the office or job site.
• Encourage your customers to schedule virtual sales meetings or private physical meetings with your sales team. Integrate appointments into your CRM system to allow appointment booking online.
• Support your sales teams’ need for virtual presentations. Now more than ever, they need tools like interactive floor plans, virtual tours, etc. to share while they are speaking with customers. Check out more about adding virtual tools to your staff’s toolbelt with Outhouse.
• Branch out and try new virtual marketing tools. For example, use customizable electronic brochures for personalized follow-up after a meeting.
• Add the ability to take payment via credit card or e-check online, this will allow your buyer to start and/or continue the buying process without an office visit.
• Create a virtual Design Center by simplifying the option selection process with predefined packages and help buyers make selections online.

Contact us today to to discuss how we can help you upgrade your website and marketing programs to support your business.