{"id":19511,"date":"2020-03-20T16:29:11","date_gmt":"2020-03-20T16:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.valpak.com\/?p=19511"},"modified":"2020-04-09T13:03:11","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T13:03:11","slug":"marketing-small-business-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.valpak.com\/advertise\/blog\/marketing-small-business-coronavirus","title":{"rendered":"Should You Market Your Small Business During the Coronavirus Crisis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reading time: 6 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n

As a small business owner, you\u2019re facing unprecedented challenges and an economic slowdown for which there is no magic bullet. How you respond in this time of crisis will help determine how well your business recovers.<\/p>\n

Even in these uncertain times, there is hope. Consumers went through with their lawn care. They ordered takeout. They hired an HVAC company to install an air purifier in their system. They went to the grocery store to find toilet paper. They ordered new sneakers from their local running store, as they now have time to walk in the morning. They hired a pool cleaner because the kids are at home. They hired a maid service to sterilize their house.<\/p>\n

Life continues on and consumers need to know your business is open and ready to serve them.<\/p>\n

What Are the Steps to Take to Sustain Your Small Business?<\/h2>\n

As millions of Americans work from home and practice social distancing, your business must adjust to the new norm. Businesses that stay aggressive during a time like this can gain market share when competitors take their foot off the gas. Here are some suggestions to market your establishment to an at-home audience.<\/p>\n

Communicate with Your Customers<\/h3>\n

Communication is key. Communicate via social media, email and your website regarding the status of your business, the steps you\u2019re taking to ensure the health and safety of your employees and customers and any changes to your hours, products or services.<\/p>\n

Pay attention to your tone in these messages as, like you, consumers are struggling to cope with heightened fear and anxiety. What once was clever or humorous may now be inappropriate or offensive. When in doubt, ask a trusted colleague or friend to review your message before you hit send.<\/p>\n

Test out or increase your video marketing. You don\u2019t need fancy equipment or editing software to send video updates to your customers. Shoot a video with your phone and post it on your website or social pages. You could even try Facebook Live<\/a> if you\u2019re feeling brave.<\/p>\n

Adapt to the Needs of Your Customers<\/h3>\n

\u201cThe species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Charles Darwin<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no manual for responding to coronavirus. With each news conference or regulation, another small business is forced to adapt to survive. Some are required to shut down altogether. If you\u2019re still up and running, there are some marketing strategies that seem to be working:<\/p>\n