COVID-19 swept through the world within weeks, forcing countries to go into lockdown. With some restrictions now easing, companies are dusting off the open signs and preparing for customers. Still, it’s not quite business as usual. There are a few things you should be doing once you return to your normal trading hours. Read on to find out what these essential steps are.
Make it a Big Deal
Opening your doors after weeks of having them closed should be a cause for celebration. So, why not make the reopening a big deal? The more hype you build around it, such as with exclusive deals and promotional products, the better your chances of seeing a healthy number of customers on your first day back in business. More customers ultimately mean more money, and that’s something that will certainly help in these trying times.
Focus on Marketing
The economic impact on many businesses has been severe, so it makes sense for companies and SMEs to want to cut costs wherever they can. If there’s one area you shouldn’t cut from your budget during the current climate, it’s marketing.
Most people know that search engine marketing, for example, is a marathon rather than a sprint. To put a halt on this form of marketing is to potentially undo months or even years of hard work. You may like to change your marketing goals, but cutting the budget is a surefire way to lose customers to the competition.
Follow Government Rules
COVID-19 has impacted nearly every country in the world, so governments have had to act swiftly to keep their citizens safe. Many have imposed rules for how businesses can operate in the wake of a pandemic. Make sure you are familiar with what these are before you open.
Check with your local government to see if there’s anything you need to be doing, such as one-in-one-out policies, face mask use, having branded hand sanitizer available, and enacting social distancing rules.
Diversify
More and more people have been working from home since the COVID-19 outbreak, which has meant companies have had to diversify their products and service offerings. This doesn’t have to change once restrictions lift. Consider whether offering online sales and delivery is something that can benefit your bottom line going forward.
You may be able to do without a physical storefront and switch to a virtual office instead. Even full staff meetings could be held from the comfort of your home via video conferencing. Diversification may be the key to your future success.
Keep Everyone Safe
Millions of people across the globe have been impacted by the coronavirus, which shows just how quickly it can spread. Therefore, you must have a plan in place to keep your team and customers safe.
Consider spreading out your work areas, putting glass screens up in reception areas, and increasing cleaning frequency. Every small change you make can offer peace of mind to those who visit and work in your business.
Be Kind to Yourself
Business owners and workers are going through one of the most stressful times of their lives and careers. One of the essential things to remember after reopening your business is to be kind to yourself. Know that it’s okay to feel stressed, anxious, or nervous about the future. Most importantly, seek help when you need it.
When the time comes to open your business back up to the public, there are a few things you are going to want to do. The more time you spend planning, the more confident you can be in your future and the products and services you’re now offering.
