During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are having to shift their strategies when it comes to sales. It’s not really an option anymore to work face-to-face with consumers. Unless there’s an emergency, most people won’t have service pros in their homes until things are safer. Now is the time to shift your sales strategy to online through digital platforms, in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. The best part is that it’s a good idea to have an online sales strategy even when there isn’t an active quarantine going on, so you’re doing your future self a favor.

What can business owners do to shift their strategy to an online focus through digital platforms?

Activate Your Social Presence

84% of people with access to the internet use social media regularly. Activating your business’ social media presence means that you join those users and make your business known to them. Interacting with customers through social media is convenient, quick and effective. 90% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a business after a positive social media interaction. A positive social interaction on social media could be:

Consumers find value in your content.
Back-and-forth communication with your customers on social media.
Quick responses from your business to commenters.
Providing helpful information on your social media pages.

Consumers are already on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn everyday, so it’s the perfect place to market to them simply by being there, posting relevant content and engaging with your followers.

Start a Blog

If your business doesn’t already have a blog, now is the time to start one. You can add a ‘Blog’ page to your website and update it regularly with content that is relevant and helpful to your consumers. Whatever industry your business is in, your blog should be full of information that pertains to what you do and your expertise. Consumers will be looking to your blog page to find valuable information from you, which will help them to trust your business in future interactions.

Market to Customers through Email

Online communication with customers is more valuable than ever while people are staying home and spending more time on the internet. In-home internet internet usage is up 18% since the beginning of the pandemic, making now the best time to market to your customers through email. People are spending more time online, which means they’re spending more time checking, and actually reading, their emails. If you’re looking to engage with your customers through email, consider sending content that is most valuable to them during this time:

Send discount codes or special coupons.
Offer a new product, such as gift card sales.
Let your customers know what safety precautions your business is taking.

Keeping in contact with your customers is the most important thing a business can do right now.

Implement a Chat Feature on Your Website

79% of consumers prefer to communicate with businesses through webchat. Catering to customers’ preferences during a pandemic is a great way to keep your business on top when the economy opens back up. At some point, hopefully sooner rather than later, people will be spending money again. Consumers will be looking to update their homes, their plumbing and HVAC systems and serving their vehicles. Allowing your customers access to immediate responses and help through webchat on your site is convenient for both parties and a preferred method of communication, now more than ever.

If business is slow, it’s the perfect time to set goals for an online presence and marketing strategy. Use your downtime to prepare your business for a more successful future, while adjusting your sales strategy to one that is most suited for the temporary pandemic.

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!