The pandemic changed many people’s lives, and many businesses are feeling the effects of the lockdown. People have less money to spend on products or services, making marketing your business more difficult. There are still ways to market your business effectively during these challenging times; it just takes some creativity and patience.
Here are some pointers for marketing your business in these challenging times.
1) Get creative with what you offer
Getting creative means thinking outside the box and developing new products or services that people will want during these hard times. Consider changing the way you advertise your business, too. Look for ways to offer what people want or need in a way that sets you apart from other businesses and provides value, such as offering discounts on products or services when they purchase two together at the same time.
Think of your potential customers as individuals with unique needs. Consider adding a free “thank you” item for every purchase to show appreciation and kindness towards them, just like they deserve. If someone buys the newest iPhone, give them an extra phone case or screen protector gratis so that they’ll always feel valued in their decision-making process.
Other things you can offer to your customers to grab their attention and make them your loyal customers are:
- Free delivery for orders with a total of a certain amount
- Special discounts on store products and services, including free shipping when spending a certain amount (mentioning this can increase sales)
- A loyalty program where customers can earn points every time they purchase something, which can be redeemed at any time
- Cashback rewards if a customer purchases anything worth more than a certain amount within their first year as a new member
On top of these perks, it’s essential to include what makes your company different from others so people can differentiate between you and the competition. Hire a professional copywriter to do the job for you and help you stand out. Some qualities to look for in a copywriter are:
- Great research skills
- Listens closely and is willing to implement your ideas effectively
- Has experience relating to the niche you’re concerned with
2) Reinvent yourself
It’s hard to stick with the same marketing strategy when it isn’t working, so why not try reinventing yourself? Do you have a shop where people haven’t visited in ages because of the pandemic? Why not take a risk and turn it into your own unique little cafe?
Or, if you’re the owner of a restaurant, think about transforming it into a coffee house. No matter what kind of business you have, there are many ways that you can reinvent yourself during these difficult times, so people know they’re coming somewhere new with something different to offer them.
The best option will be opening an online pharmacy in these times to cater to those who are anxious for quick relief and need their medicines without having to go to the store themselves.
3) Invest in local advertising
Local advertising is an excellent way to reach people in your area. Get out into the streets and talk with people about how they’re feeling, what they need from their businesses, and brainstorm ways that you can offer those products or services more effectively just for them. You could also put up posters in shops around town so that people can see them when they’re out and about.
4) Focus on online retailing
In a pandemic, it’s also essential for you to take your marketing efforts online to reach a wider audience. Focus on finding highly trafficked websites where potential customers are likely to be found, like blogs or social media sites, and offer their readers a discount or coupon code in exchange for a link to your website on their site.
If you are new and want information about marketing strategies, you can always look up business franchise marketing services near your area. Hiring these services will help you market your brand more efficiently and take a lot of load off your shoulders.
5) Encourage customers to sign up for a loyalty program
A loyalty program can be one of the most effective strategies to make people stick with you and promote loyalty. However, as stated by a market research report by the Harvard Business Review, a loyalty program is only effective if planned and implemented correctly.
One of the best things that you can do to promote a loyalty program is through your own customer service. It feels good when companies are thoughtful and caring about their customers. You should offer them better deals on products or services if they sign up for a card.
The second way to encourage people to enroll in your loyalty program would be by sending out a mailer with a special deal for the first 100 people to sign up. This way, you’ll be reaching an audience that may not have been aware of your program before the pandemic.
Another way to promote a loyalty program would be through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and blog posts. Offer people who sign up on these platforms something exclusive or special, so they are more likely to share it with their friends.
Know that you can market your business during this difficult time. Remember, it’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and prospering, too. So take the extra steps to encourage people to buy from you. Then hope for this pandemic to be over soon so that things can go back to the way they were.