I don’t need to tell you that the world has changed over the last year.
As we navigated through lockdown and quarantine, we learned how to do things differently. Like grocery shopping, working remotely, and connecting with loved ones via Zoom and Facetime.
Many of us found new and more convenient ways to do things which we will continue to do in the post pandemic world. In other words, people have changed their behaviors and buying patterns over the last year.
As a business owner, it’s important that you understand how your customers have changed. It might mean that you need to adapt your business model to meet their new buying patterns.
Tips for Marketing in the Post COVID World
1. Increase Your Google Reviews
I spoke to a caterer the other day that said his phone is now ringing off the hook and people want to see his Google Reviews. He said that rarely came up before 2020, but everyone is asking for them now. After a year of shopping online, people are heavily relying on customer reviews. If you have reviews on your website that’s great, but make sure you have them on Google too.
2.Have a Killer Website
Many business owners think their website is an electronic brochure. That’s old school thinking. Your website should be a lead generator/money maker. In other words, people should be able to purchase products, book appointments, etc. If you aren’t set up to do that, it’s time to make some changes to your site.
3.Up Your Social Media Game
During the pandemic, many people used social media as a way to stay connected to business associates and loved ones during the pandemic and that isn’t likely to change. Even though we can connect in person again, many people will continue to do it via social media. This means it’s important that you and your brand are well represented on your social channels. Post regularly, have nice images and let people get to know you via your social media.
4.Make the Customer Journey Easy
Over the last year Amazon’s sales grew approximately 37% (numbers vary depending on the source.) This means consumers expect they can order anything online and receive it quickly. Customer Experience is now more important than ever, so make sure you are making it easy and painless for people to shop or work with you.
5.Take Advantage of the “Shop Local” Trend
After a year of shopping almost exclusively online and watching neighborhood businesses struggle, there’s a trend toward shopping local. Many consumers are looking to spend their money locally to support neighborhood businesses who suffered over the last year. This is a great time to jump on that bandwagon and encourage your clients and potential clients to support local companies.
About the Author: Meg Huwar is a small business marketing expert and Principal of Brand Accelerator. She and her team work with companies who want to market their business but don’t have the time, experience or staff to do it themselves. Meg can be reached at mhuwar@thebrandaccelerator.com or 412-848-8822.