This is an especially stressful time for everyone. Whether your business is slow, temporarily closed, or maybe even overwhelmed with an uptick in business, we thought we’d share a few things you can do to ensure your brand stays strong throughout this challenging time.
Stay Connected
It goes without saying, you should stay connected with existing customers — check in on them, ask how you can help, and make sure they know you are there for them. Stay up to date on your social media posts to continue the relationships you’ve built, and work to foster new ones. Take this time to not only create thoughtful posts, but to listen to your customers, respond, and offer reassurance. Engaging on LinkedIn will be very valuable right now. You can share your own articles or posts, and see how a lot of your connections are doing.
Be Mindful With Advertising
When engaging with new prospects, the right approach depends on what you have to offer. Is it something people really need right now? Then do your work to get the word out but be thoughtful with your messaging so you don’t come off as opportunistic.
Is your product or service the last thing on people’s minds right now? Then your approach must be even more thoughtful. Don’t give them a hard sell. Instead think, “what can I say or do that will genuinely help people right now?” People will remember you for that. Brands who offer genuine help and support to their audiences during challenging times come out stronger when brighter days arrive.
Let Your Customers Do the Talking
We all know how much we rely on word-of-mouth advertising and reviews in our own lives. One of the best ways to promote your business now is to let other customers do it for you through written or video testimonials. Ask for testimonials during this uncertain time and then use them on your website, across social media platforms, as part of emails and in other communications for the future.
Create New Assets and Refine Existing Ones
Revisit your website to ensure all the information, images, and functionality are up-to-date and relevant. Create those new downloadable tools or interactive experiences you’ve been thinking about but haven’t had time to work on. Thought about blogging? Now’s a great time to write some timely posts and even develop some evergreen or planned posts ahead of time. This way, when business gets busy again (and it will), you’ll be ahead of the game.
Take Care of Yourself
Engage in professional development via LinkedIn Learning, webinars, online courses, etc. during any down times. This will help keep you stimulated and arm you with even more skills to either be more attractive to businesses hiring or be able to contribute even more to your company.
No business wants to experience a slow period; and these times are unlike any we have ever seen. Stress levels are high, and uncertainty is the new normal — at least for now. Do your best to stay positive. Brighter days are ahead.
We sincerely hope you, your employees, your customers, and your loved ones are staying safe and well!
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