Now more than ever your digital presence matters and ultimately could be what saves your business as the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop.

Here are some action items your business can take NOW to help develop and establish your digital presence during a pandemic. 

Utilize Social Media to Stay In Touch

This is an uncertain time for many people. Using social media is a great way to communicate with your audience and keeping them up-to-date on critical information:

1. Are you still operating as usual (hours, locations, activities, etc.)
2. What measures is your business taking to keep your customers happy and healthy?
3. Are there alternative ways they can experience your brand that doesn’t involve in-person contact?

Here is a sample template you can use:

Friends and Family,

We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding Covid-19 and are committed to being responsive to the needs of our community as the situation evolves.

Given global concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we wanted to ensure you that we are taking extra precautions to protect the health of our patrons and staff. During this uncertain time, we will be taking the following precautions.

1.

2.

3.

However, if you’re having second thoughts these days about leaving your home or business to go out to, we’ve got you covered. You can continue to enjoy our brand through

1.

2.

Stay in touch 👉https://website.com/

Thank you for your continued support!

Utilize Paid Advertising

Local businesses are being hit the hardest during this time. With foot traffic decreasing you can use paid ads to target your local area and direct customers to alternative ways that they can still enjoy your brand from home.

• Restaurants: use ads to direct customers to your delivery and drive-through options
• Have a website? Use this time to blog and stay connected with your audience
• Fitness Instructors: Host remote training using Zoom video conferencing
• Specialty stores: Utilize Facebook live to showcase your products and continue selling products. 

The opportunities are endless it just requires some creativity!

Update Google my Business

If you’re a local business, take advantage of updating your Google My Business to reflect any changes in usual business. If this is not something you do regularly this is a good time to do some digital housekeeping.

Double-check that you’re up to date with the following information:

• Hours: Update when your business will be opened or closed. The hours will show when the customer visits your Business Profile, and they’ll know exactly when to visit. Learn how to change your hours.
• Update information: You can share information about any extra precautions the business is taking during COVID-19, if you’re providing any extra services to the community, or whether you’re experiencing delays. Learn more about editing your business description.
• Create a post: Share more detailed and timely updates about what’s going on with your business through Posts. For example, add information about what products and services you have available, and link to other resources. You can continue to use Posts to directly communicate with your customers on a regular basis as your business changes. Learn how to create a post.

Working from home

If you’re lucky enough to work from home, take care of yourself. Wake up in the morning and get ready like a normal day. Make sure you’re sticking to a routine to avoid overwhelm.

If you’re new to working from home here are some great tools to help with the transition:

• Zoom: This all-in-one video conferencing tool is great for meetings, webinars, conferences and staying in touch with colleagues.
• Loom: This screen recording tool recently cut prices in light of COVID-19. If you’re a teacher or a student at a K-12 school, university, or educational institution using Loom for classroom work, you can use Loom Pro for free, forever.
• Google Suite: if you’re new to working from home the hardest thing to adjust too is organization. Google Suite has many FREE tools that will help you not only stay organized by continuing to collaborate with your team. 

Team up with other small businesses

Most businesses are being affected to some extent by COVID-19. Teaming up with other small businesses will help you expand your reach and community involvement. 

Remember: you’re feeling the financial strain but your customers will also be feeling the strain. Remember that people are scared and sick. A lot of people still have to go into work and worry about getting sick. Or getting sick without health insurance. It’s scary for everyone right now. But it’s scariest and most dangerous for our most vulnerable people. Think about how you can help them. Your typical customers will not be wanting to leave the comfort and safety of their couch. How can you bring your brand to them? More importantly, how can you bring the community to them during a time that is lacking human contact.