The Coronavirus pandemic has hit our community hard.
Local small businesses are suffering…plummeting sales, mandated shut-downs and so on.
It’s time to think about things differently, outside-the-box.
Small business owners everywhere are frustrated, confused and concerned, not knowing what to do or where to turn.
Are you asking yourself…
What can I do now to help my business survive during this uncertain time?
We can help.
First, let me share some financial resources available to small businesses.
Financial Resources
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- NYC Small Business Service: Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted Due to Novel Coronavirus
- Facebook: Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Also, check with your local financial institutions and banks.
Now, for the fun stuff
Small businesses can up their social media game like never before. After all, time is plentiful now.
“It’s clear that coronavirus is the first global pandemic that is unfolding on social media with unprecedented volumes of conversations happening every second.” Grad Conn, Sprinklr CMO (March 12, 2020)
Let’s face it… although we may be working remotely, we’re also bored to tears. We’ve binge-watched our favorite shows, cleaned the house, cooked meals…now what? “Let’s see what’s going on with my friends, family and the outside world.” So, we turn to our digital newsfeeds and emails with unprecedented levels of screen time.
Now is the time to leverage your social media outreach to stay top-of-mind with your customers and prospects, so when mandates are lifted, they’ll be knocking on your door. Let’s engage and increase your followers.
5 Proven Social Media Engagement Strategies for 2020
1. Question
Ask a question. “How are you handling being cooped up inside?” Or, “What’s your favorite series to binge-watch?” Make it personal and relevant. And, be sure to stay on top of your posts so you can reply in a timely manner.
2. Expression
Conduct a picture upload contest. If you own a fitness club, ask people to “strike-a-pose” (i.e. plank, flexing muscles) or “who wore it best” (i.e. your business logo shirt). Also, be sure to set criteria and have a prize, i.e. feature the winner for a day on your business Facebook cover image.
3. Incentive
Play games, compete and keep score. Again, be sure to set criteria and log on frequently to your newsfeed. This may also be a good time to offer the winner(s) a gift-certificate to your business (i.e. $25 off) for a future purchase.
4. Offer
Maybe you have a restaurant, or other business, that is equipped for home-delivery. Ask folks to “Like,” “Share” or write a comment on your business page and they will be put into a drawing for a free pizza delivery. Like others above, set criteria and delivery boundaries.
5. Support
Look inside your tool-chest and see what you can give away for free, at low or no cost to you. Tie that offer to helping your community (i.e. you own a deli, so provide free lunch and delivery to kids who typically get free lunch at school). Create a timely message and link to the offer on your social media business page.
Last, but not least, be sure to turn “ON” your notifications so you can respond in a timely manner.
Source HubSpot
Checkmate!
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We’re here to help…
As always, we welcome you to reach out to us for more information, as well as a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Best regards, until next time!
Kathy Argyros
Founder and Chief Consultant
Exceller Marketing, Inc.
914-450-9149
kathy@excellermarketing.com
excellermarketing.com
Exceller Marketing is a boutique-style, full-service web design and digital marketing agency in Westchester County, NY. We empower small businesses and entrepreneurs with outstanding web design and expert digital marketing services that keep our clients ahead of their competition.