With the COVID-19 pandemic bogging down almost every part of the country, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Even those that are lucky enough to remain open face challenges in regards to customer communication.

Before we discuss some of the best ways to keep customers close to your business through the COVID-19 scare, there’s something you need to remember: these people are more than customers. They are husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons.

In other words, it’s important to put the well-being of everyone above the well-being of your business.

With that being said, let’s look at three of the best ways to stay in touch with your customers during this time of uncertainty:

1. Get on the Phone

You may not be able to see your clients face to face, but that doesn’t mean you have to cut out all forms of personal communication.

Take a few hours out of your schedule to make as many customer calls as possible. Ask them how they’re doing. Ask them if there’s anything they need. Let them know that you’re there for them, whatever that may mean in regards to the products/services you offer.

2. Email Marketing

It may not be the right time to take aggressive sales action, but you can still use email marketing to keep customers close. Consider sending the following types of email:

• Update on new products and services
• Update on how your business is working to best serve customers during the pandemic
• Share coupons or discount codes

Email is one of the best forms of communication, especially when you know your audience is relying heavily on technology to stay in touch with the world.

3. Social Media

Without the ability to communicate in person, many people are taking to social media to stay in touch with family, friends, and local businesses. So, it only makes sense that you position yourself accordingly.

You can use social media to answer industry questions, share professional guidance, and check in on the well-being of your customers. Make yourself present and you’ll be surprised at the benefits it brings.

The COVID-19 pandemic won’t last forever, but for now it’s changing the way everyone does business. Follow this advice for keeping customers close to your business until things return to normal.

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!