The need for strong, calm, trustworthy leadership is more important than ever during these uncertain and stressful times. Here’s some simple ways to keep your brand alive by letting people know that your business is thriving and adapting!
What are some ways to stay strong during these changing times?
Touch base with your customers.
Your customers LOVE ♥ you and most are loyal, understanding, and willing to help! So, understand your customers and develop products and services that meet those needs. You can gain insight into your customers by personalizing your services and encouraging feedback. Many happy customers may be willing to serve as a Brand Ambassador, sharing content and kudos to your business social media accounts. You can stay in touch with an email newsletter, letting them know about events and promotions ahead of time.
At the same time, look for opportunities to get more work and build your customer base. Make sure you find the right balance between nurturing customers and finding new ones.
Offer great customer service!
Go the extra mile when you can. Your customers will not only remember great service they will also be more likely to refer other people to you.
Up your social media game.
Social media is a powerful tool to promote your business to potential customers and gain valuable insight through ‘social listening’. Through social listening you can find out what customers are saying about you, gain insight into their behaviour, identify keywords and trends that appeal to your target market and so improve your customer service. Social media can help you to build your business profile, attract new customers, and offer a way to share updates about your products/services.
Be candid: How are you and your team coping with new ways of working?
Follow other businesses in your field to get a sense of what seems to be working and how you could do something similar. Be sure to include geotagging so potential customers know where you are.
Think about which #hashtags can help people find you. Build your brand by sharing a variety of home-grown and other complementary content that helps reinforce your brand message and gives followers a real sense of who you are and what you stand for.
Attend virtual networking events.
Invest time to build your network by hosting or joining virtual networking events – Often it’s not what you know but who you know. Networking allows you to build relationships with other people and encourage them to refer customers to you through word of mouth. Invite some of your best customers and encourage them to bring their friends.
Give back to your local community.
Building brand awareness in your local community is a great way to attract new business. Consider sponsoring other small businesses, sharing their stories, offering your time to critical causes, or participating in a community event.
Request reviews.
Testimonials and reviews are a powerful marketing tool, but often business owners forget to follow up to request these soon after the product or service is received, or feel shy about asking. One of the easiest ways to request and display your reviews is to create a link to your Google Reviews page. Then, follow the instructions to create a short URL to send to customers. Draft a simple email to request a review, such as the one below:
Hi Debra
I’m so happy you’re pleased with my (your product or service)! Would you please take a minute or two and leave a rating and review for me on Google by following this link (insert short URL)?
I appreciate your feedback and if there is anything you would like to discuss, please call me at (your phone number).
Thank you,
Olivia
Be POSITIVE and JOYOUS!
If negativity, criticism, and blame pushes its way into your heart, send it packing. Because there are many options for keeping your business strong – whether by sharing more information, adapting to providing your offering online, helping other local businesses, or gaining word of mouth recommendations.
Be a strong leader. Be focused. Be kind. And stay connected!
Stacy Layman
Director, Marketing and Creative Services
Jacksonville, Florida