Digital communication efforts have never been more important or impactful to your audience. With the current state of the U.S. and abroad, we are still in uncharted waters. The coronavirus (COVID-19) has thrown us into uncertain times and no one knows when we will start to see some form of normalcy again. With people at home and turning online for answers, your business should be communicating every step of the way.
With regulations changing week to week, we’ve seen business hours changing or accommodating to new restrictions along the way. But even if your business has been closed or hasn’t had to adapt to new hours, it’s important to communicate with your audience. Let them know that you are here for them during this time and let them know you are still either open for business or that you are closed and ready to re-open when the time comes. No news sometimes equals gossip among social media groups, so make sure news is coming directly from you.
Update your website
Your website’s homepage is your front door. Let your audience know if you are open with a simple update stating what your hours are and what your accommodations look like under the current circumstances. Don’t forget to include any pertinent information, such as contactless pick up or drop offs. If your business is closed, make sure you let your customers know that you are still around to answer any questions and that you plan to reopen as soon as you are able. Last but not least, thank them for stopping by and wish them well.
Update your social media accounts
Take that same message from your website (remember to stay cohesive) and create graphics to post and pin to your social media pages, so that this message is front and center. This is a quick way to update your pages, while having this message at the top of your feed, especially if you are still posting other content. Don’t forget to check your pages message feature to see if any customers have left any messages or questions. Tip: To get the word out quicker, take that same graphic and post to your Facebook and Instagram stories!
Go live!
Going live on social media is a great way to chat directly with your audience about the current state of your business. Make sure that the message remains the same as the graphics so there is no confusion. This is also a great time to target any FAQ’s you may have been getting from your customers and to connect with your customers on a more personal level.
Don’t forget your email list
Take that same message and create an email campaign to your entire email list – even if your list is segmented, you will want your entire audience to know the status of your business during this time.
Update Google My Business and Yelp
These accounts sometimes get neglected but it’s important to make sure that your message is streamlined and available on all platforms where your customers may be looking for you. Even if they are just curious to the status of your business, make sure they can find that information easily on each platform.
Share in Groups
And finally share your information on your own social media pages and in any local social media groups you are a part of. Direct all traffic back to your social media pages or website. You can also use this opportunity to let people know that you have an email list they can sign up for additional information.
Even if your business is closed, it doesn’t mean the message should stop. Make sure that you update your message periodically so that people know you will be available as soon as you are able. If you are available, make sure they know when, where and how they can reach you or receive your products or services. No news can sometimes mean bad news, especially with the current state of the economy, so make sure your customers have all the current information on your business. Need help? Get in touch.
