With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, small businesses across the US are experiencing difficult times. Day to day lives have changed with people in the US staying home and doing most of their shopping and research online. Now, small businesses are looking for ways to stay connected to their customers online and increase their digital presence. Keep reading for a few ways to keep your small business’s cash flow strong during this pandemic.
Increase your digital presence with email and social media
Whether you want to reach out to your customers regarding store hours, delivery, curbside pick-up, virtual services, or anything else, email and social media are great ways to keep in touch.
Offering gift cards to your audience during shutdowns or decreased hours is a great way to increase cash flow. Your customers can use these when social distancing guidelines or shut down regulations are lifted.
Additionally, you can promote hours, take-out information, curb-side pick-up, or digital availability on social media. It is a great way to give real-time updates to your audience and allow them to ask questions quickly and easily.
Provide business services virtually
With the lockdown restrictions and social distancing guidelines in place, new solutions are available for you to serve your customers even if your physical business is temporarily closed.
For example, if you offer physical goods, like plants, clothing, books, or the alike, you can offer your items online via social media or a website. You can also offer free local delivery or curbside pickup so you and your customers can continue to meet the CDC guidelines.
If you own a gym or fitness studio, you can offer virtual workout classes or personal training sessions via video chat, like Zoom. Many of your customers are looking for ways to continue working out while still at home.
Access Google and Facebook Ad Credits for Small Businesses
Google has announced a commitment of $340 million in Google Ads credits as part of $800+ million to support small businesses and crisis response. These ad credits may be available to small business owners with active Google Ad accounts that can be used any time before the end of 2020 across the Google advertising platform. Google hopes this will alleviate some of the cost of staying in touch with their customers and supporting small business growth. Please check your Google Account for more information.
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to offer support and help during this financial challenging time. These Facebook grants and ad credits will be available for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where Facebook operates. Find out if you are eligible here.
By implementing these small changes, you can increase your digital presence and allow your customers to easily stay connected and grow your business.
