Seven Simple Steps to Improve Your Business During COVID

Online Accuracy, Fast Facts, and Positive Reviews Can Increase Business Activity and Sales

While these seven simple steps can prove invaluable to the success of your business during COVID, the prevailing message is applicable to your business even in the best of times.

1. Update and regularly monitor your most critical information – business hours and contact information – on ALL of your social media platforms.
   Confirm that each listing has the same, accurate information.
   And – do a search of your business name.  Make sure that it is found in seconds with as few clicks as possible.

    

2. Edit your business description to reflect your revised operations during COVID. Editing can typically be done quickly and easily in the sections referred to as About, Business Information, Business Profile etc.
   Keep your content short, positive, and compelling.
   Update your description on all sites where your business is listed.
   Don’t forget to hit the SAVE CHANGES button!

    

3. Add a COVID post, page, or banner to your website and Facebook page.
   Describe the safety measures you have implemented and when applicable, use immediately identifiable icons.
   Stay current with federal, state and local recommendations and respond accordingly.

    

4. Check your website for outdated and broken links and pages.
   “Old news” and unresponsive links undermine credibility.  Both indicate a lack of attention to detail and disregard for the vital importance of an accurate online presence.
   Maintain your site by regularly running updates and scans.

    

5. Engage more and stay connected to your customers.
   Increase your presence on social media with striking, current photos, special deals and enticing blog posts.
   Send upbeat emails and include loyalty discounts.
   Implement a refer a friend program if appropriate.  This is a smart marketing tactic for retaining customers and attracting new ones.
   (Caution: Be careful not to post or email excessively.  Your goal is to be appealing NOT annoying.)

    

6. Diligently monitor customer reviews.
   A recently released poll from Nielsen revealed that 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any other type of advertising. Word Of Mouth (WOM) both in-person or shared on social media, can make or break your business. A study from Forbes, stated that 94% of consumers avoid a company with bad reviews! But on the flip side, Forbes also reported that 45% of consumers will patronize a business that takes the time to respond to negative reviews. Make it a point to check customer reviews often – daily if possible – and respond with sincere and helpful comments. Showing that you care about customer experience sends a clear and positive message.

    

7. Formulate a FAQ page that highlights issues relevant to COVID and your specific industry.
   Put yourself in the place of your current and potential customers. Envision their questions and concerns and provide answers in a straight-forward and reassuring manner.

    

The accuracy and integrity of your online presence is a direct reflection of your business philosophy and the degree to which you value and respect CX – customer experience.  Keep it current. Keep it positive.