For many companies, both big and small, this year’s lockdown has tested our businesses to the max. If you survived relatively unscathed, give yourself a massive pat on the back! If you didn’t don’t worry, we are going to go through some “marketing after lockdown” basics resurrecting your business like a phoenix from the ashes, coming back stronger, and faster than ever before. 

Firstly, we would like to point out that we are not quite out of the woods yet, however, the eye of the storm has passed and we are going to mark this day “the start of a new beginning”.

 

So, how do you make your business grow after the COVID lockdown?

As a business owner, you have to start with making up for your losses. As a marketing agency, when we say losses, we mean traffic and conversions. (you will be well aware of the financial burden you have suffered due to Covid-19) 

Yes, we understand money may be tight right now, however, that ball has to start rolling, to kickstart your revenue. You must not disappear into the background!

Paying loyal staff is all good and well when they have a job to do, so it’s up to you to ensure you stay busy by getting customers back “through the door”. 

There is no doubt, you will have to spend money to start making money. Set yourself a clear plan of action including a budget which will cover Ad spend.

Marketing options do not have to be expensive if done right! From Google Ads to email marketing, if set up and run correctly, you can optimise your cash flow. 

 

You may be entitled to finance and support for your business to jump-start your business operations coming out of lockdown – If you need it, ask for it! 

 

Double down on your key products

Have you had a takeaway recently and noticed a “streamlined menu”? 

Large franchises have started to focus on what they do best and in doing so they maximise their services and minimise their spend! 

Ask yourself, what are your best sellers? Can you temporarily drop the slow movers?

No matter what your business model is, consolidating your products and services to a smaller but more successful range will help you move forward! 

 

Expand your reach

If you haven’t already started to reach a little bit further with your customer base, now is the time to do it, whether it’s advertising to a larger target audience or offering a doorstep service. 

 

Be present 

The advice I give to many of our clients time and time again, yet very few business owners actually do it. Staying relevant and present on social media HELPS. Communicate with your customers.

Why? Well, because social media creates brand awareness for your company and generates additional website traffic. 

It is also incredibly frustrating when you see a post or advertisement and you click the “message now” button just to find out you’ll be waiting days for a response. 

More than 1 in 3 Internet users say they use social media while gaining information about a brand or product, so it’s really important to keep your page up to date! 

By the way – we offer this service. Just check out our digital marketing page where we cover all platforms! 

Don’t forget to let people know your reopening or offering more services again. Shout it from the rooftops, not just once but every day if you must. 

 

Offer up a good deal! 

Everyone is feeling a little strapped for cash at the moment, so offer great deals where you can. 

A sale making 80%, is 80% more than no customer at all. Plus, research shows that when a customer feels they have had a good deal, they associate positive feelings with your brand. Increasing a return rate and maximising word of mouth marketing – Bonus! 

 

Adapt your marketing as the economy recovers 

Don’t sit on this advice to long. Times are changing very quickly, and before you know it, Boris has ploughed on through the regs and into another state of living.  

Be open to looking at your marketing strategy at least once a fortnight and tweaking it to maximise all benefits. 

Also, although this is a very rare situation, it would now be advised to prepare your business for a future epidemic.

I expect new laws and regulations which relate to any future cases, will cover business contracts and employment terms and conditions, so, it is fundamental to keep your ear to the ground and keep your plan of action up to date! 

 

Take the time

If you’re still working from home, or business just isn’t working at full capacity yet, take time to analyse your website performance. 

SEO is an important part of your online presence so while you have the time, improve your content!

Don’t know how? Don’t have the time? – Get in touch. 

 

We use a strategic method which has been fine-tuned over 20 years, helping hundreds of businesses start, run, and reach success. Each company is different, each campaign is tailor-made. This is not marketing, its an art form.