Last Updated on: 22nd April 2024, 03:56 pm
How to interact with customers during COVID-19? Here are 5 ways to stay relevant and keep your customers informed and safe.
Are you having difficulty identifying every possible way to interact with customers in the middle of the pandemic? To stay in the know with your customers during COVID-19, you need to be communicating on every channel possible.
The internet is a vital part of our lives and a way for us to communicate quickly. Social media has been one of the most popular ways for businesses to connect with their customers, but it is not always the best option to make sure everyone is informed about COVID-19 and how to make it safer for your customers.
Many businesses were taken down to the ground when COVID-19 hit us. But it was also the time and a defining moment for some in finding ways to interact with their customers by being more creative and adaptive while we are in this situation.
Here are five ways to stay relevant and keep your customers well-informed and safe, so they will still trust that you have their best interest: health safety.
Updating your business profile in every change in your business is critical in keeping your customers informed.[/caption]
How to Interact with Customers Tip #1. Inform Customers by Posting Updates
The pandemic changed the way people shop; they are becoming more cautious, especially when shopping in a physical store. Local businesses should make their COVID-19 related announcements such as health and safety measures (customers and staff are required to wear masks, etc.) prominent and easily accessible on their website, social media platforms, and business profiles.
How to interact with customers starting with tip number one – inform your customers regarding your business’ status, updated business hours, change of location, delays, delivery or curbside pickup options, online appointments, etc., through posts so that when customers visit your physical store or book an online appointment, they know what to expect. Utilizing your questions and answers to give COVID-19 updates and announcements will also keep users informed as soon as they search for your business on the local search.
How to Interact with Customers Tip #2. Be Creative in Writing Email
People are tired of dry email that does not make sense. By now, most of them are receiving countless coronavirus-related emails from businesses- big and small, explaining how they are responding to a pandemic. This type of email is good, but in order to stay on top of your competition, you should add creativity.
For example, a local restaurant sends an email blast promoting their DIY Pizza kit that includes a pack of toilet paper. Add spice to anything that can make your email humanize and attention-grabbing. Those are guaranteed to convert and keep your customers interested in your business.
How to Interact with Customers Tip # 3. Use Social Media
With COVID-19 looming on the horizon, many businesses struggle to stay up-to-date with all of the regulations and guidance from various sources. For local businesses that rely heavily on word-of-mouth marketing for their success, this can be difficult. Having that in mind, here’s how to interact with customers tip number 3.
A lot of people are stuck in their homes during the lockdown. Most of them are probably bored and use their social media to connect with a friend, read updates, or shop online.
You can use your social media to provide information about the following:
- Provide information about the status of your business (Closed physical stores, changed business hours, etc.)
- Create a post and schedule it to be uploaded when your target market is active the most.
- Answer questions from people in the area who feel anxious or afraid about the pandemic and assure them that it is safe to shop on your business.
- Post updates on when stores will be open for business again.
Posting an encouraging direct engagement between your business and your customers on social media can help you deliver excellent customer service even in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis while keeping your business relevant.
How to Interact with Customers Tip #4. Make Use of Offline Messaging
While the internet has the largest market share in local consumers, you should still incorporate offline messaging to those who still do not have access or are not a fan of using the internet in their day-to-day lives.
You can put a storefront notice on your front door with your phone number and website, so when people come across your closed business, they will be aware that they can still reach you via phone or website. This way, people will more likely visit your website, where you can publish your complete details and address their concerns.
How to Interact with Customers Tip #5. Update Your Business Profile
The pandemic opened many opportunities for local businesses to keep up amidst lockdowns and social distancing protocols. Even if your physical store is forced to close for a week or two, you can still open an online storefront.
Keep in mind that updating your business profile in every change in your business is critical in keeping your customers informed. Now, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can easily update your business name, description, hours, etc. In a single platform.
Simply Be Found offers an excellent opportunity for local businesses to stay on top of their game even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have created a self-advertising platform that will help your business get found locally while communicating regularly with your customers to keep them informed and updated about what is happening to your business or within the local community.
COVID-19 is a disaster that should never even have existed in the first place, although it did. Many local businesses found themselves clinging to whatever they could get their hands into. Some are forced to adapt, while others are still devastated by the deadly effects on their businesses. That is why it is essential to prepare yourself so you can maintain your customer base and your business health with the right communication strategies so that you do not miss out on many opportunities.
To learn more about how you can keep your customers informed about changes in services during COVID-19, visit Simply Be Found.
