COVID-19 and Small Business

COVID-19 is hard on small businesses. While I have been able to continue conducting my work over the Internet, most of my clients are not able to do the same. But no matter your size, experience or market, you do have options that could help.

Over the last 10 months I have been working with many of them to find ways to change their websites, add virtual offerings where none had previously existed, or tweak SEO practices to help improve their search engine rankings. Each has fallen into one or more of the categories below. If your business is struggling, we might be able to work together to find a way to help your business through this challenging time.

Brick and Mortar Businesses

If yours is a strictly brick and mortar business, you may not be taking full advantage of your website, and how it can help continue to drive customers to your location. It could also allow you to switch gears and take some of your business online during shutdowns and restrictions. For example, adding Zoom or streamed content instead of in person classes, with links to those on your website, make it clear to customers that you are still in business, as well as providing an easy way for them to access that content. Posting your COVID protocols and procedures can make it clear that your business is open, taking precautions, and also informs customers what to expect when they come to your location. Adding a temporary online shopping experience with delivery or curbside pickup can help service customers who might not feel comfortable coming to a business in person. Each business is different, so we would need to chat to figure out the best options for you and your particular situation.

Online Businesses

Companies with online businesses may have room for improvement as well, even with an established online store or business. For example, providing both delivery and curbside pickup options in your store, adding new payment options that might be preferable to potential customers, or offering sales or loyalty discounts, are small changes that could help bring in new customers. There might also be tweaks to your online store or service procedures that might make your business more appealing to customers, as well as small improvements to your user interface or page content that could help customers or search engines better navigate your website.

New or Service Businesses

New or service-based buinesses can sometimes postpone polishing their web presence because they are focused on servicing their customers. But in today's climate, you want to be very clear to customers that your company is open, adhering to COVID-19 restrictions, and ready to accept new business. And, when you are ready to grow or expand your customer base, a little can go a long way. Whether it is polishing your website with a more professional look, adding a live chat feature to quickly and easily answer questions, expanding your social media profile, or improving your search engine ranking, there are many options available to you that might help propel your new or service-based business forward, even during COVID-19.

Helping Potential Customers Find You

One of the biggest issues for any small business is being able to help potential customers find your business. If potential customers don't know you exist, you are losing the battle before it even begins. That is where search engine optimization comes in. Especially today, when customers are actively trying to shop local wherever possible, utilizing good search engine optimization practices and employing other small tricks and tools can make a big difference to how many customers you are able to reach.

Let's Discuss Your Options

I would be happy to discuss your business and it's unique issues, and help you come up with some options that might help you thought this challening time. If you are struggling, or just looking to expand your current customer base, we can find a solution that fits any budget. Your small business has options.