The world has changed due to the coronavirus, so your business likely looks a bit different today.
Even with the current challenges, it’s still possible to run a successful business if you focus on the right things. This mean concentrating more on the customer and your value, and less on your product. Keep reading below for four ideas on how you can creatively scale your business during COVID-19.
Double down on your mission
It’s during challenging times that you want to hone in on what values your business stands for. Facing difficulties changes the mindset of consumers. You want to show them that you care about (and are reaching) customers’ concerns right now, in the day-to-day moments.
People are looking for reassurance and connection now. How is it that can you make a difference for them? How can you show your customers that you’re an ally? That you care about what they care about? Tap into this with how you market your business during this time. Think of ways customers can use your product or service to connect with others and feel a sense of comfort. Make sure this is evident in your online presence.
Expand your market
Find a need that arose from people working remotely, spending more time at home, or feeling more isolated. What are people looking for and needing now? Brainstorm ways you could help fulfill a common need by adding a new service or product to your offerings.
As one example, a number of distilleries switched to producing hand sanitizer in recent months as a way to meet a critical need and keep their business afloat. Some of the distilleries gave the sanitizer away for free, which helps build customer loyalty that can last even after the pandemic is over.
Expand your delivery
If customers can’t access your business in-person or are just buying less in general now, consider other ways you can reach them. Many brick and mortar businesses found creative methods to fill in the gaps and offer their products to customers at home. Wineries delivered tasting kits and hosted online tasting events. Bakeries offered DIY baking kits and kid-friendly baking activities for around the house. In addition, many dine-in restaurants switched to online ordering and curbside pickup. And live events pivoted to streaming.
Even if you sell services online, you can find engaging ways to create more of an at-home experience for your customers. For example, if you would normally meet in-person for customer onboarding and are now doing virtual meetings instead, try sending your customer a coffee shop giftcard ahead of time. They can run through a drive-thru close by and grab a drink to enjoy during your onboarding call (or later, if they can’t step away at that time). Adding a small personal touch to your delivery like this can set a positive tone for your project during difficult times.
Explore new partnerships
Partnering with other businesses can help you reach new audiences. Look for companies in an overlapping or related industry that have customers within your target audience. Brainstorm mutually beneficial ways to team up with them.
As an example, some restaurants have partnered with grocery stores to offer ready-made meals. This benefits both the restaurant, whose business was impacted by recent closures, and the grocery store, who now has a new revenue-generating product. It also benefits the customer who’s looking for a convenient meal and the comfort of a familiar restaurant name.
In a similar way, individual creators have teamed up with businesses to offer discounts or special access for their respective audiences. This type of collaboration can help boost the bottom line for the creator and the business alike, as they’re both reaching new audiences, expanding their brand awareness, and using new methods to engage their viewers. A partnership between brands allows both sides to share their message in an authentic way and connect with people who might otherwise be difficult to reach.
What new strategies have you adopted this year? What’s worked well for you? Tell us about it @workifyco.