Maintaining a presence during COVID-19

Small businesses are the backbone of the communities they serve. Unfortunately, many small businesses are struggling right now as the global community faces the COVID-19 crisis. It isn’t selfish or wrong to think of your business right now. Our businesses — our work — is our livelihood. If you are looking for some ways to maintain a presence in the community despite closure or decreased sales, read the list we compiled below.

• Keep up with your social media. Even though you might have had to close your doors for now, it’s important to maintain a presence on social media. A lot of people are turning to social media right now, both for reassurance and just out of social distancing-induced boredom. Now is a great time to remind people that you’re still there, maybe not physically in your brick and mortar establishment, but you are still around.
• Offer whatever promotions you can. If you can sell gift cards, do it. If you can offer discounts off of future visits, go for it. People want to support you. Give them ways to do it!
• Virtual offers. If you can offer virtual services, by all means do so! A lot of people who are stuck at home are looking for ways to maintain normalcy. If you usually teach a yoga class, offer a virtual one (if possible). Whatever you do, if you can do it virtually, take advantage of that opportunity.
• Help one another. Pandemic or no, it’s always a good idea to try to boost one another up. If you’re struggling to find things to post on social media about your own business, share some of your favorite local business partners. Help get them some attention. Also, if you’re able to help support them financially by buying delivery or gift cards, go for it! And share on social media so other people can make some purchases, too.
• Share your story. Take this time to share with your clients and supporters how you’ve been affected by the current situation. Right now, we can all relate to one another in the struggle we’re facing together.

At the end of the day, our community will always come together. We’re stronger with all of our amazing small businesses thriving. Unfortunately, right now, it’s not really realistic for our small businesses to thrive. But we can help them make it to the other side of this crisis. If there are ways for your community to help you stay afloat, share them. We can always help one another!