A few things to consider when reopening your business after lockdown….

As the 2020 lockdown seems to be about to ease, many small businesses are about to open their doors again. Life has changed so much in such a short space of time – we’re all going to need to work hard to keep customers engaged and to communicate with an audience that is nervously re-emerging from the safety of their homes. Personally I’ve been spending the last few weeks working on this new website and updating my logo and branding - its always nice to stay fresh and think about new ways of working, and whilst it hasn’t been an easy time, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to have a thorough review of my plans.

I don’t consider myself to be a marketing expert by any means but I thought I’d share a few simple tips that I have found really helpful when thinking about business life after the lockdown…

Keep your brand up to date

This is the perfect time to update your business image library – effective marketing relies on professional imaging.  I’m offering socially distanced photoshoots for small local businesses around Berkshire to show customers how you’re doing after the lockdown.  I provide images of your business optimised for online sharing or print so that you can send personalised offers to customers on the socials or even as good old fashioned postcards and flyers, or just to keep your blog and Facebook up to date. Please drop us a line for further details.

Planning

It feels very hard to plan for the future at the moment when the future is so uncertain - every day we have different messages from the Government about what we can and can’t do. Marketing plans made at the start of the year are now most likely completely obsolete, so try to review and update your marketing plans as often as possible. I’ve benefitted from some very helpful advice and planning tips from my business coach, she’s been a great support during the lockdown. Don’t forget to post regularly and consistently as well to remain visible customers old and new.

Say thank you!

Regular, loyal customers are probably one of the main reasons your business survives in such difficult times. When you announce your reopening, be sure to contact your followers on the socials and on your email lists separately with a big THANK YOU, and maybe offer a small gift or voucher or even a rewards programme just for them to say thanks for their continued custom or to encourage them back after the hiatus.

Reassure your customers

If you run a bricks and mortar business, you could set up a page on your website to show customers what to expect when they visit you, or list the measures taken by your company and employees to ensure customers’ safety. It’s likely that everyone will need to continue to maintain social distancing and carry on regularly washing hands for some time to come. Many businesses have been busily keeping customers informed during lockdown - Don’t stop now!  Stay in touch with your audience using email, social media and print and press.

Stay in touch with those people who aren’t quite ready for the ‘new normal’

Lots of us simply won’t feel safe returning to normal just yet, especially with all the uncertainty about the next stages of lockdown currently in the media. I for one have a partner on strict lockdown and am anxious about exposing him to unnecessary risks although I am very keen to get back to work! Many consumers have said that they will not return to shops and public venues for some time after the lockdown eases. If you have been providing a new online service during lockdown, be prepared to continue for a bit longer while you’re opening up, and make the new normal a better normal! 

Team up with local vendors and suppliers

Now is the time to stick together and help each other out - many small businesses are benefitting from networks they have built with other vendors to cross-promote their brands and services. Reading has a fantastic network of small independent food and drink businesses and it’s great to see them actively supporting each other.

Contact local press

Local newspapers are always on the lookout for new content and will be happy to hear from you if you send them a well written press release, preferably with some good quality images. Make sure that you also share any positive press on your website and social media pages to promote your restaurant business to local customers.

Best of luck with your return to business, and stay safe!

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