Survival strategies for businesses during COVID-19 lockdown

All over the world businesses are coming to terms with the lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several companies have shut down operations, major tech & sporting events have been cancelled or postponed to next year.

Whether you are working from home or completely stopped your business, use this time to future-proof your business by taking proactive steps to protect yourself, your family and your business.

Use the next couple of weeks to focus on the 3 R’s of your business digital marketing strategy and sales strategy during lockdown.

#1: Re-evaluate your digital marketing efforts:

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit businesses that rely on word-of-mouth referrals to get new customers. If your business involves going out to meet customers face-to-face, then it is time to reevaluate your marketing strategy.

Even when the lock down is over, no one knows how long this social distancing will continue. Customers who have been visiting your business would now be more comfortable shopping online and if your business is not online, then you would find winning back existing customers and acquiring new customers more difficult than before.

#2: Restructure your digital assets:

This is a perfect time to digitally transform your business. If you don’t have social media, create one now. If your website is outdated, old or has not been touched in the last few years, then invest in setting up an updated digital identity that reflects your business values and matches your customer’s expectations.

Building trust is essential for any brand, but it’s especially critical for your digital assets. Customers cannot meet you and assess your business in-person, so you need to build authentic relationships digitally to nurture the relationship with them and gain their trust.

The backbone of any business in the digital world is a website. Hence it is very important that your website gives users a clear idea of who you are, what your brand is about and what types of products or services you offer.

More than 50% of the population is on social media. If you are not taking advantage of this, then you run the risk of missing out on an effective way to reach your current and future customers.

Don’t make the mistake of being in all social media channels. Identify where your customers are and then connect with them by growing your awareness and visibility in order to generate leads and boost sales.  This will help you to increase sales after lockdown period.

#3: Regroup your marketing efforts:

The lock down period is a perfect time to reflect and regroup your marketing efforts. Not just in the immediate coming months but also for the years to come.

In times like these, marketing budgets are the first to get cut in order to reduce costs.

While it may seem like a good way of saving money, it is not the answer. By cutting off your marketing, you are more likely to negatively impact your business in the long run as customers cannot find you online.

The corona virus pandemic has turned the way businesses used to operate. With more people staying indoors, instead of reducing your marketing spend, businesses should view this as an opportunity to reach your customers. Many buyers are turning to social media and going online for support, information and reassurance.

Not only that, your competitors might be leveraging this opportunity by investing more on digital activities. Work on your marketing ideas during lockdown so that you can focus better on sales strategies after lockdown.

While the entire world is facing challenges resulting from the virus and its impact on business, it is very important to recognize this as an opportunity to create and implement a digital marketing strategy that protects and safeguards your business’ future. That way it will become a part of your long-term marketing contingency plan.

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” …