Running a small business in 2020 meant that you had to innovate often. Between the loss of business and learning how to navigate a global pandemic, many small and medium-sized business owners were left shuttering their doors weeks to months at a time. And if you’re one of the many businesses just getting ready to reopen in 2021, you’ll have to be money conscious and innovative. Here are some tips on how to rebound in 2021 without completely draining your savings.
Digital Marketing
Marketing is essential to growing your business. Therefore, online or digital marketing goes hand in hand with business. But what might be new for business owners is that the majority of your marketing efforts for 2021 will take place online.
This will require you to determine where exactly you want to reach your customers. This could be on your website where you can share your professional biography, your portfolio, or samples of your products. You can also market on social media sites, such as Facebook, which remains popular, particularly with older adults. Live video is another great way to grab attention.
Equipment Upgrades
Once you have gotten your potential customers’ attention, keep it by providing unrivaled service. Part of the customer experience is operating quickly and efficiently. Since much of your communication and work will be done online, consider upgrading your equipment.
Look for new office equipment that will save you time and money, as well as do your job seamlessly. Invest in a new laptop – you can find deals online. A small digital printing press will allow you to keep your newsletters and other printed communications in-house without the expense of a printing company. Lastly, a 3D printer and chatbot software are two other technology upgrades that will have an impact on your customers.
Safety Practices
Safety will be front and center on the minds of your customers through the pandemic and beyond. Adrian Bartha of eCompliance notes that, while workplace safety looks different now than it did before, changes you make today will have a positive impact moving forward. As such, it only makes sense to focus your efforts on ways to keep both your customers and employees safe.
One way to do this is by implementing physical distancing procedure. If possible, work by appointment only and sanitize all high-touch surfaces between meetings. You can also require temperature checks if you run a business where physical distance isn’t practical.
Customers Service
Although things will look different in 2021, there are many ways that business will remain the same, including customer service. Here are a few ways to keep customer happy:
- Maintain an affordable price structure. This does not mean you have to be the least expensive in your market, but make sure that the dollars your customers spend with you count.
- Provide quality. Quality and quantity are not the same. It is very difficult as a small business to provide both. If you have to choose, choose quality. Your customers will notice your dedication to your craft.
- Listen. Most importantly, listen to your customers. If they say they want more of one thing, give it to them. You are the expert in your field, but they are the ones that provide you with the resources to continue doing what you love.
The 2021 rebound will have bumps in the road. But when you put yourself in a position to weather the turbulence, you will soon find that the sun will shine on the other side. So get ready, roll up your sleeves, and keep your customers happy. At the end of the day, that’s what matters, and that’s what will keep your doors open and your calendar full.
About the Author
Naomi Johnson created lifebasedbusiness.net for small business owners, creatives, solopreneurs, boss babes and bros, and side hustlers who are committed to designing their careers to accommodate how they want to live, instead of the other way around. Through her site, Naomi offers practical advice and inspiration to help others adopt the life-based business mentality and change their lives in immensely positive, fulfilling ways.
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I enjoyed reading this informative post. Good tips provided. Thanks for sharing.