Strategies For Small Business During Covid-19
Many companies have halted their digital marketing efforts to save money. While it’s understandable, it could eventually come back to bite them. Why, you wonder? Not everyone has put the breaks on budgeting out money each month to promote their business. Some of our clients may have scaled back their efforts, others have increased their budgets.
The ones who are surviving, some even barely, want to remain in business. These small business owners are taking advantage of the times by securing financial assistance and finding affordable marketing solutions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Relief
Covid small business loans, grants and debt relief programs are available. If you are already working with the SBA, your bank or credit union to secure your financial situation, great. Hang in there.
If not, here are some helpful links to sources where you can get some financial assistance for your small business in Florida.
COVID-19 Resources for Florida Employers & Individuals
Source: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)
COVID-19 Business Disaster Recovery & Resiliency Assistance
Source: Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
CARES Act Loan & Grant Programs (PPP | EIDL | MSL)
Source: Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Small Business Marketing Ideas
During this time we have been able to move our client’s websites into higher page ranking on Google and Bing. Our affordable services allow our small business clients to compete with their competitors during these trying times.
SEO Packages For Small Business
Pay as you go SEO packages are the best option for small business owners. You only pay for the work the search engine optimization company does rather than paying a monthly fee. It’s the easiest way to scale back or to increase SEO spending whenever you want.
This is how we, SoFloWeb, provides SEO services. We create a strategy and as needs change or times call, we can easily make changes to it. What we don’t recommend is completely stopping your SEO efforts during Covid19, it can hurt you in the long run. You want to do something, even if it is minimal. Don’t let Google or Bing think your website has gone stale.
Digital Marketing & Promotion
Map and Business Listing Websites
Placing more focus on your business listings is a great way to improve your digital marketing. Take some time to update your Google My Business and other map listings. You’ll also want to take some time to update review websites like Yelp or Trip Advisor if your company is listed on them. When all of your business information is accurate, start promoting your services and products. Post pictures and updates to keep the listing fresh.
Social Media – Facebook and Instagram
An inexpensive way to promote your business is to use your social media accounts. One of the easiest ways to gain social media notice is to post pictures. Share photos and videos of your business to engage your followers. By creating visually unique content on your Facebook and Instagram accounts, you’ll start to develop a relationship with your followers. Don’t forget to include hashtags. We find single word hashtags tend to work better.
Email Marketing Strategies
Having your own list of customer emails is an easy and affordable way to communicate what is going on at your business. Send useful information and updates to provide subscribers a reliable source during these times. Avoid hard-selling in every email, it may be a turn off to some people which could result in high unsubscribe rates.