Reopening your business? Most US States will begin reopening within days (CNN) to start making up for lost time. In Hartford, Connecticut Governor Lamont is targeting May 20. Now’s the time to plan your reopening strategy: this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a head start on your competition. Here are 8 tips on what you should do today.
Reopening is more than just opening your doors again
Sure, you can open your doors in Stamford for Norwalk and hope that business will return. And for some “favorite” restaurants and retailers, you’ll see customers walk in. But it will take work to try to build up to where we were. For others there’s a “new normal” that will create winners…and losers.
Here are 8 tips that you can use today to create a brighter future:
- Facebook can remind customers: yes, they loved you. But it’s been months since they’ve visited you. Create a list of photos your products, of your business in action (your storefront, your office, your workers) in action.
- Instagram: do you have a “photogenic” product? Or photos of the services you provide in action? Post the on Instagram. Even service companies can do it. We’re starting this, too.
- LinkedIn: do you sell to businesses, or business people? Then you’ve got to be on LinkedIn. The first steps: create your own personal profile. Fill it out completely. I have a guide that gives you lots of simple ways to make it more complete (email me to receive it). Then start a business profile and fill it with helpful information. Be sure to fill it with “keywords” your customers search. Finally, connect with all your business associates to gain recognition.
- Google My Business: the first step is to Google your business. Is there a Google Profile of your business in the right column of the results page? If not, you’re not registered with Google. Either register or email us and we’ll show you the fastest way to accomplish it.
- Reviews: did you know that 97% if consumers read online reviews? And half of them only trust businesses with 4- or 5-star reviews. So reach out to your customers to ask them for reviews. Need help? Email us and we’ll help.
- Do your customers call you? If you’re answering the phone personally, that’s great. Let customers know that you’re open or will be reopening your business soon. When callers are placed on hold, let them hear more messages on hold giving all the best reasons to start working with you when you do open for business again. Want to sound professional? Ask us about custom written on hold messages
- Do you have a storefront? Or a visible building? Get your signage ready with outdoor banners, vehicle wraps, and eye-catching lawn signs so you can used them the moment you’re ready.
- Guerrilla Marketing idea: why not distribute “door hangers” (you can also put them on mailboxes, railings, etc. to maintain social distancing), or let the post office do it for you with EDDM (Every Door Direct Marketing) postcards that only go to target neighborhoods.
This is no time to be bored!
There are stories that everyone in Connecticut is sitting home, bored, doing jigsaw puzzles and “putting on the COVID 19” (just like the Freshman 15!). There’s no reason: there’s valuable work to be done when you’re reopening a business. Looking for more tips? Email us for ideas. Or, in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport call (203) 655-3920. Throughout Connecticut and nationwide call (800) 862-8896 today, so you’re ready when you open your doors.
5 Year Chamber Ambassador