Have you had to close the doors of your business for a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Countless small business owners have faced the same scenario over the past few months. Now that many companies are starting to reopen and get back to their normal operations, you may be wondering how to encourage your customers to return while adjusting to these new circumstances.
The first step? Rethink your marketing and promotional strategy! In addition to connecting with a consultant like The Marketing Sage, these tips can help you develop a brand new, cost-effective marketing plan from top to bottom.
Smart Budgeting
Before you start coming up with ideas, you’ll need to take a close look at your business budget. Your profits may have dipped in the previous months, but chances are, you can still find a way to invest in marketing.
However, if you’ve realized that you’re going to need additional financial support, you can begin looking for outside funding. According to Zen Business, your business may be eligible for financial assistance through the CARES Act or looking for independent organizations’ grants. You could also consider applying for an SBA Express Bridge Loan or researching the Main Street Business Lending Program.
Put Safety First
Right now, everyone is concerned about their health and wellbeing. If you have staff coming back to work in-person, make sure that your marketing plan includes spreading information about your safety protocols for both employees and customers.
If you have employees working from home, you need to think about online safety as well! Per Work-From-Home Depot, you should take some time to make Internet safety recommendations to your staff, such as encrypting their home’s WiFi connection, not sharing devices with their family members, and using antivirus software.
Find Your Customers
If you want to craft a truly effective marketing plan, you need to know where to reach your customers. Do they expect to receive materials from you through direct mail marketing? Are they frequently connecting with your brand through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram? Or do your customers tend to visit your website first for information about your business? Make sure to identify the channels that will allow you to get in touch with your customers quickly!
Spread the Word on Social Media
Social media marketing is every brand’s secret weapon during this pandemic. With your customers and clients spending plenty of time online, you have countless opportunities to reach them through social media. I am wondering what to post? Try to create content with a few post-pandemic consumer trends in mind, like an increased interest in frugal spending, e-commerce, and storytelling through branded content.
Email Marketing Campaign
Compared to other marketing tactics, email marketing provides a fantastic return on investment. Sending out an email newsletter with updates on new deals and promotions, information about new products, and even upcoming virtual events are the perfect way to impact your customers positively. Plus, you can make it personal, helping your brand stand out amongst others in your industry.
Overall, creating a cost-effective marketing plan to bring customers back for your reopening is all about connecting with your loyal customers and advertising to potential new customers or clients. You may be hesitant to spend additional money on marketing during such lean times. Still, brands that can go the extra mile to connect with customers over the next few months will have an easier time staying afloat and boosting profits. By going over your budget and determining how to spend your funds best, you’ll be able to ensure that you get a high return on investment for all your marketing efforts.
This is a guest post from Tina Martin from Ideaspired.
Need help creating a marketing plan?
I can help. You can set up a time chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Our initial conver?sation is free. You talk, I listen. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com or call me. 919 720 0995. Visit my website at www.themarketingsage.com. Let’s explore working together today.
Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash
