It’s a time of uncertainty for people around the world — and an especially challenging time for small business owners.
There are many small businesses that qualify as essential and continue to operate as normal, while others have closed their doors or drastically cut back their services, inventory, and availability.
Has your business been affected by the global crisis, resulting in more “free time” than usual? We know this was unexpected and difficult, but there are ways you can switch the situation at hand into a positive and be productive.
A great opportunity to get ahead of while business is slow is marketing — and we have some ideas that we hope inspire you. Let’s get started!
Is it time for a brand refresh?
For those who have been in business for a while: When was the last time you revisited your business’ brand? Are you still happy with the look and feel of the logo and color scheme? Even if you love your logo, you could be due for an update.
Once it’s time to reopen your doors, you can really impress customers with a modern touch on the appearance they’re familiar with.
Whether you just want a second opinion or you’re sold on a brand refresh, it’s worth reaching out to a graphic designer to get their professional opinion.
Now is the best time to inquire about your branding and logo needs, as a lot of creatives in the marketing industry are freelancers who work for themselves. (There are many people out there looking for jobs and they’d appreciate the project just as much as you’d appreciate a new look.)
What are your storefront needs?
Have you considered using custom coupons, branded signage, or other storefront materials?
In-store branding is often overlooked, but it can have an incredible impact on the customer experience.
Brainstorm ways you can use printed materials — from flyers promoting a limited-time offer to countertop signs letting customers know you’re on social media or review platforms like Yelp.
Working print materials into your marketing allows customers to connect more deeply both in-store and after they’ve left your storefront. Do what it takes to earn that valuable spot on your customer’s fridge!
If this is something you’re interested in, too, be sure to reach out to a freelancer with experience designing both digital and print collateral.
Are you active on social media?
Speaking of social media platforms, how would you grade your activity on social networks? Are you someone who is comfortable using social media to engage with customers? Now’s the time to experiment!
Social distancing means it’s prime time for social media. People are doing a lot more scrolling lately, and you want your business to be there for it.
If you’re open for business, staying active is easily done through daily updates. Let customers know that you’ve adjusted your hours or you’re offering delivery. Push out limited-time offers and give followers the inside scoop on your latest stock additions. People are making an effort to support local businesses during this crisis, so make sure you’re keeping them up-to-date on how they can support yours.
If you’re not able to be open at this time, customers still want to know how you’re doing. Keep up on what’s trending and don’t be afraid to weigh in on topics you’re passionate about (as long as they align with your company values).
Finally, if you’re feeling good about your real-time activity, now is a great time to get ahead on social media content that’s worth sharing when the crisis is over. Start writing posts and think of ad campaigns you can run when the time is right. Later on, you can pull pre-written posts from the library you created — saving you time and ensuring you don’t lose consistency.
Like your branding and design needs, there are also freelance content creators and advertisers who can help you get your social media presence in check.
Do you utilize your POS system?
Did you know that your point of sale system can support your marketing efforts, too? Having an integrated POS solution can be a complete game-changer. Our point of sale systems can manage several aspects of your of your small business marketing, including:
- Email campaigns
- Discounts and promotions
- Customer loyalty
- Online ordering integration
- Gift cards
For existing POS Nation customers interested in learning more about marketing through your point of sale system, reach out to our team at 1-877-727-3548 or customercare@posnation.com.
If you’re in the market for a point of sale system, you can take a tour of our software by scheduling a demo or contacting sales@posnation.com.
We’re a small business just like you, so don’t hesitate to reach out with additional needs. Our team has your back — and we’re all in this together.
