[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Right now, everyone is telling you how to adapt your business strategy during COVID-19, but what about planning for a post-COVID-19 strategy? They say cancel non-essential fundraisers and launches, promote relevant messages, focus on your online services, strengthen your social media presence, and much more.  But as important as it is to know how to navigate during a crisis, knowing what to do after is equally important.

When the pandemic slows down, businesses reopen and the country takes its first steps toward pre-pandemic normalcy, you’ll want to set up a game plan for how your company will resume regular operations. Here are some tips for a post-COVID-19 strategy that help guide you through this process:

 

• Don’t Sell Insensitively

Everyone is well aware by this point that with COVID-19 running rampant throughout the world, many people have died, loved ones have died, jobs have been lost, and more.  Even when the economy “reboots” and social distancing guidelines are lifted, that is not the opportunity to aggressively sell to make up for the lost time. Consider the type of business you operate and tailor your strategy.  If you are in a niche market, one that people don’t shop in during or after a recession, then get creative with the way you interact with your customers and don’t oversell.

 

• Enable Your Website for Online Commerce

 

Even when businesses and the country reopen, many people will be wary and not be venturing outside. If you don’t have a robust website, it’s a good time to take a hard look and invest in website design & development services so your website that works for your business. For example, if you sell products in your store but you don’t sell them online, you may want to install E-Commerce on your website. Shopify and WooCommerce are excellent E-Commerce solutions for WordPress websites. The pandemic also highlights the inefficiency of some restaurants that don’t offer an online takeout service, so make it easy for your customers to order online. If you are a restaurant owner, you want to be prepared and improve your online ordering and delivery before the country opens up. 

 

• Listen to Your Customers

 

How do your customers feel? What do they want? How can you help?  These are important questions to ask to get a better understanding of buyer behavior post-pandemic.  There’s no sense in promoting something that your customers have no interest in. It’s no surprise that the lives of your customers will be changed. Some people will go back to their jobs, some won’t be able to. Others will continue to social distance and many will remain on the front lines of healthcare. Think about how the pandemic has changed your customers and what sort of new situations they will find themselves in.

 

• Communicate

 

Communication through online channels such as social media and email marketing is the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay in touch.  Keep your loyal fans up-to-date with your latest offerings, hours of operation, and any other information that would be helpful to them. Engage with them on social media by liking and replying to their comments.  If your customers ask questions, be sure to get back to them in a timely manner. Simple communication strategies like these show that you care.

 

• Keep Track of Analytics

 

Noting how much website traffic or social media reach you’re getting is vital to understanding how you should approach your post-crisis strategy.  Set reasonable goals and compare month to month. When writing blog posts, ensuring that your content is SEO optimized could help maintain your rankings, but note that overall engagement during COVID-19 has been disrupted.  Don’t be surprised if it takes some time to get back to your performance standards.

 

• Offer Incentives

 

As previously mentioned, many people have lost their jobs or have significantly reduced incomes. Offer incentives to get your customers to buy your product or service. Focus on how the product or service will add value to them. Make things easy!

 

• Build Relationships

 

You’re here for your customers and they’re here for you. Get to know them. Show that there is a genuine person behind each one of your emails, to-go orders, etc. If customer service is part of your business, train your team to deliver high-quality conversations that will put people at ease.  Be honest with yourself and your loyal customers.

 

• Say Thank You

 

Tell your customers how much you appreciate their support during the crisis or the fact that they came back when it was over. These people are of utmost importance to your business and you should show your gratitude. 

 

• Be Patient

 

Understand that everything will not bounce back as quickly as you want it to. Be patient and acknowledge that things have changed and focus on what’s in your control. Set realistic expectations and don’t pursue anything that doesn’t align with those goals.

When COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror, it’s important that you take time to assess your crisis strategies and adapt them.  If you have questions about this, let us know!

Another great post-COVID-19 strategy is to get a marketing tune-up! What is a Tomo360 Marketing Tune-Up?  It’s a great way to assess your marketing efforts to see what’s working and what could be improved to help you reach your goals. We have several packages to choose from! We encourage you to explore all of our marketing services.

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