Using a Website to Maintain Profitability for Small Businesses During COVID 19

While, the “Stay At Home Order” was put in place in an effort to protect public safety, we at MIBS, Inc. also understand the challenges that have resulted for small businesses. That is why we want to help you think of ways that your small business could best utilize a website to maintain profitability while still practicing social distancing.

  1. Update the Online Presence of Your Business:Having an up-to-date website will prove to be one of the most profitable marketing strategies for your business during this time. If you do not have a website already, now is the time to get one. If your website is out of date, now is the time to update it. Your business’ online presence will never be more important than it is now. Keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to use your website to connect with your customer base and maintain your business’ profitability.
  2. Create an Online Shop: This is a proven method of generating profit for your business during this time. ACI Worldwide found that general retailers have experienced a 209% increase in eCommerce sales in the month of April compared to that same month of last year. Online shops will look different depending on your business. For small restaurants it will mean putting your menu online and creating an “order online” page. For most other stores it will mean moving your inventory online, and creating a shoppable landing page for your site.
  3. Keep in Touch with Your Customer Base:There are several features that you can create on your website to keep in touch with your customers and keep them informed. You can create a “Signup” page on your website to allow your customers to sign up for email updates. You may also wish to create a “FAQ” page where customers can find answers to some frequently asked questions revolving around your situation during this time. You’re also going to want to make sure that your website is up-to-date with all special notices and announcements. For example, if you have changed your hours of operation, if you have special offers, or if you are implementing new operational procedures you should have a clear notice of this on your website.
  4. Find New Ways to “Go Virtual:”There are so many options available to you to take your business online. One way to do this is to move events that would typically be in-person online. For example, if your small business hosts live-performance music events, use your website to livestream those events. If your business hosts read-aloud events, conferences, classes, tours, shows, et cetera, use your website to move those online. Hoostuite offers some tips and tricks for livestreaming events for your business.

As most business transactions continue to occur online during social distancing it will be vital for the survival of your small business to have a strong online presence. The first step in that is to have an up-to-date, informative, and easy to navigate website for your customers.

Are you looking to strengthen your online presence? Contact MIBS, Inc. today to learn more about how we can help you develop the best website to meet the needs of your organization and to help you connect with your audience.