3 ways to use Websites+Marketing to keep your business healthy during COVID-19

Life during COVID-19 definitely is unlike anything we’ve experienced in our professional lives. Governments have shut down schools and enacted quarantines.

Luckily, as entrepreneurs, we have the ability to be creative and make our own way. Whether your business already has an online component or you’re creating brand new offerings, it might be hard to sort through all of the conflicting advice.

At GoDaddy, we have thousands of customers (and Guides who are also entrepreneurs). We’ve been listening and joining in on discussions, and have distilled the three essential things you need to do to keep your business healthy.

1. Communicate business changes to your customers

When things are unsettled, people look for information. One of the best and simplest things you can do to help your customers is to update your website home page and contact information.
But, what else?

• Update your business hours and contact information in other places, such as Google My Business or Yelp, and let them know this is updated information. If you’ve connected to your business Facebook or Instagram page, that information is automatically updated through your Websites + Marketing connection.
• Reach out to your customers via email. Let them know what’s going on. How is your business the same? How is it changing? End with one call-to-action or just ask your customers how they are doing and what they need.
• Share a post on social media about what’s going on behind the scenes, something inspirational, or something people need to know or do. Or ask people to share what’s going on in their lives and tag you (which could also provide good material for reviews and testimonials).

Finally, tell your story. Add a blog and post when you can. One of the most common business expressions is, “people buy from people they know, like, and trust.” Stories are the best way to let people get to know and like you, and by extension trust you and become loyal.

And in these times, something is far preferable to nothing at all.

Share your story. Let people get to know you.

Related: 5 ways to keep customers informed about changes to your business

2. Build customer loyalty

The best way to build customer loyalty is by connecting with stories. However, there are other things you can do to help.

To start, customer reviews and testimonials go a long way in building trust. While you’re updating your website and contact information, take a moment to update your customer reviews and testimonials.

Hard times bring out both the worst and the best in people. While some people are hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer, others are asking how they can help support local businesses.

If you’re a business transitioning from in-person to online, give your customers a way to support you. Something you can do is create gift cards so people can still buy your services using Square or any other virtual gift card service.

Also consider setting up PayPal as a way for people to pay for your services if you’re new to setting up online payments. You can also use PayPal to enable people to donate money, like an online tip jar, or give offerings for religious groups.

If your customers have also fallen on hard times and need help, we also have ways for you to offer coupons, promotions, and other services like free shipping.

Related: 5 creative ways to build customer loyalty

3. Analyze and improve your business strategies

While updating your business info is quick, and building customer loyalty is ongoing, analyzing and improving your business strategy takes time and thought.

Perhaps you recently reviewed your business as part of your new year resolutions. If so, it’s time to do it again. If not, now’s the chance to start. There’s no time like the present!

If your business is not online, it’s time to figure out how to create an online component.

• In-person services like fitness trainers can set up online appointments and offer virtual classes instead of face-to-face appointments.
• People who create things for locals, such as the food industry, can set up online ordering with delivery or pick-up service.
• If you have something shippable, sell your products on Marketplaces. One of the best features of Websites + Marketing is the ability to set up products on Marketplaces, then list them in multiple places: your own website, Etsy, Amazon, and more.

Once you figure out how to move parts of your business online, it’s time to get noticed. Take advantage of your free Ad credits from Google, Yelp, and more.

Related: Take your small business online — A step-by-step guide

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