small business Archives - CURLY AND CANDID

It’s no secret that businesses of all sizes have taken a huge hit because of the coronavirus pandemic. It has been particularly damaging to smaller businesses that might not have the money to thrive immediately after lockdown is lifted. These post-lockdown tasks for businesses could very well make all the difference to your success and growth moving forward.

No matter if you have a physical shop or are mostly online, you need to be proactive with your decisions if you want to continue to operate. To guide you with this, here are 4 steps that you can take to help you to adapt to the ‘new’ normal.

Post-Lockdown Tasks for Businesses: Protect Your Employees & Customers

Whether you’re in a shop or you’re in an office you need to ensure that you’re protecting your employees (along with the customers). You can begin by carrying out a thorough COVID-19 risk assessment. In line with HSE guidelines, this will guarantee that the practices you’re following are as safe as possible.

As part of this, you may need to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your staff. Then rethink the layout, place 2m markings across your shop/office, place hand sanitiser throughout. Whatever you can do to eliminate risk.

Maintaining social distancing is also so important throughout this time. As people start to go back to work, it’s something that can’t be ignored.

Create a Contingency Plan

The coronavirus took everyone by surprise. Many small businesses simply weren’t prepared. Make sure that this lack of preparation isn’t repeated in the future – especially if a second wave hits. Do this by creating a contingency plan that maps out the steps that you can take in the future.

Within this contingency plan, you could set aside some of the money that the business has acquired throughout the coronavirus lockdown or reopening period (if this is possible), cut operational costs, etc.

Post-Lockdown Tasks for Businesses: Keep Customers Updated

Whether you’ve continued to operate online during the lockdown or you’ve had to close because of it, it’s essential that you keep your customers updated on any changes your business is facing. This frequent communication is vital if you want to drum up interest and keep customers interested throughout this time.

Although this is something that you likely did during the lockdown, it’s something that you should continue to do afterwards if you want to increase your revenue.

Continue to Focus on Online Methods

Even though many non-essential shops are reopening, it’s still a good idea to continue to focus on your online presence. Despite shops are opening, you may not have the same number of physical customers as you did before the lockdown.

This is due to the safety measures that have to be implemented throughout your store and the fact that many people are still nervous to venture out. Alongside regularly posting on social media (as mentioned above), you should continue to work on your customer service practices. Improving the functionality of your website and ensuring that items are finding their way to the customers as efficiently as possible is essential.

Final Thoughts

4 simple steps your small business might have to take after the lockdown has lifted. Of course, the steps that you take will depend on the type of business that you run and your budget.

Whatever steps you take, know that you’re proactively adjusting to what’s happening and making the best decisions for your business and employees.

Outshine Your Competitors With Superior Marketing

One of the best ways to outshine your competitors is through your marketing approach. Consider using a content aggregator to boost your marketing efforts as part of a content marketing strategy. You’ll be able to make better decisions when you have access to this information and be able to set yourselves up as the experts in your industry. Implement a marketing strategy that will allow you to get your message across to the right people at the right time so you can attract new business.

Customer Service

Another way to outshine your competition is by offering exceptional customer service during every interaction. When you listen attentively and are responsive and helpful, you’ll notice that your customer review scores and testimonials improve. Be quick to solve issues that arise so that your customers feel heard and that their concerns are evaluated and taken seriously. Train your staff so that they understand your policies and always treat each customer with respect and fairness.

Top Quality Will Outshine Your Competitors

The better quality your products and services are, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to attract and keep customers. Outshine your competition by focusing on improving the quality of your offerings and always delivering on your promise. You’ll notice you receive fewer complaints and returns and that consumers begin to speak highly of what you’re selling. Better quality also shows that you, as a business, are putting a lot of thought behind your products or services and you care that the customer is receiving their money’s worth.

Brand Reputation

Your brand reputation will go a long way in helping you to outshine your competition. The more well-known your company is for all the right reasons, the more likely it is that you’ll continue to receive positive responses and feedback from buyers. When you build trust with customers, they’ll turn to you first when considering making a purchase instead of a similar option that may exist. Be proactive and address any controversy or negative feedback as quickly as possible so that there isn’t information floating around that may tarnish the reputation you’ve built.

Conclusion

These are some of the best ways to outshine your competitors and get ahead in the business world. Take matters into your own hands and proactive steps in the right direction so that your business enters the spotlight and receives more attention from consumers. It’s wise to put the focus on and highlight elements that set you apart and the benefits of doing business with you to help your cause.