COVID-19 has been the defining event of 2020. It has massively impacted businesses around the globe, and many have had to change their business model with little notice to keep up with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
All businesses have had to reduce human interaction to a bare minimum to protect themselves and others. This shift has caused almost all employees to work remotely, and take their business operations entirely online. Having an online presence has made it possible for many to stay open, but what happened to businesses without an online presence during this time?
Losing Prospective Customers
Almost all of us have bought something online before. When so many people are making transactions online, businesses that don’t have an online presence are losing money because they are missing an opportunity to secure (and build relationships with) potential customers. When a company does not have an online presence, they fail to capitalize on a large portion of the market share. Simply stated, this is a missed opportunity.
Lack of Quick Service
Since the coronavirus has caused governments to impose restrictions on when businesses operate, it is essential that customers get their concerns addressed quickly. If your customers can’t find you online, they’ll go to a competitor because they’re easier to find.
Thankfully there is good news; it’s not too late to go online and create a presence for your business. Taking your business online can have a lot of advantages, and it can completely reshape the way you operate your business. Here are some ways an online presence can redefine and elevate your business.
Your Customers Can Find You Easily
As stated earlier, people search for almost everything online. When you have an online presence, your customers can find you easily just with their smartphone. Your customers can also find out a lot of information about your business, such as your operating hours, email address and contact information just by visiting your website.
Another added advantage of social media is the different ways you can promote your brand. Podcasts, for instance, can be accessed anywhere, anytime it’s convenient like when someone is cooking and can’t watch a video. A podcast is engaging, and it promotes multitasking.
Increased Visibility
When you’re online, you don’t have to worry about how many people will see your ad in the newspaper. When you’re online, there are powerful tools like Google and Bing that position your business in front of your target audience. Traditional forms of advertising aren’t as effective as they used to be; people are less drawn to flashy billboards and flyers. Nowadays, it’s all about reaching customers where they hang out with their friends, and to do that, you need to be online.
A Stronger Brand
You might be surprised, but competitors are drawn to the tiniest of details of how you present your business. The language you use, the colours in your logo and the values you stand for attract consumers, and make sure they remain true to your brand because it is something they feel like they know and trust your business and your team. Social media allows you to show off some personality.
Internet marketing is an effective way for businesses to promote themselves during positive and challenge times, including during COVID-19. It’s never too late to build your online presence, and we’re dedicated to using our knowledge to create the messages that reach your ideal customers and help your business grow.