by Haris Quintana

There is no doubt that businesses are going through a strange and unpredictable time. Just a few months ago, nobody could have foreseen what would unfold in the weeks ahead. The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we live, contributing to a shift towards home working and different ways of buying products and services. In this guide, we’ll discuss how businesses can adapt and move with the times to cater to changing customer preferences and demands. 

Image courtesy of https://pixabay.com/photos/ecommerce-selling-online-2140603/

Online business

One of the most significant effects of lockdowns, which have come into force in countries all over the world, is growth in online shopping. If your business doesn’t already sell online, it’s hugely beneficial to think about enhancing your website and using social channels and networks to promote your brand and connect with customers. You can sell online and set up click and collect or home delivery services, and you can use digital marketing techniques to increase traffic to your site and expand your reach. Even if you don’t sell products through your website or another online resource, you can still benefit from upping your online marketing game at the moment. People are spending more time online than ever before, and they are using search engines and social media to find businesses and gather information about products and services. 

Contactless options

In recent weeks, many businesses that offer face-to-face services have reopened. Safety is a priority, and business owners are being encouraged to employ techniques and measures that reduce physical contact and facilitate social distancing. In addition to stringent cleaning guidelines and encouraging customers to keep apart in stores and restaurants, business owners can also take advantage of technology to minimize risks. One brilliant way to champion contactless ways of operating is designing a Flowcode to add to menus, brochures and retail tickets and labels. With innovative technology, diners in a restaurant, for example, can choose what they want, place their order and pay without coming close to a server, touching a menu or handing over cash.

Offering reassurance

Some people are desperate to get out and about, book tables in cafes and shop up a storm at the local mall, but for others, leaving the house is still not all that appealing. If you run a company, it’s hugely beneficial to offer your clients and any new customers reassurance that it’s safe to shop, dine, stay or enjoy a drink with you. Use communications, including emails, website posts and updates and social media videos, images and stories to engage with followers and customers and provide information about what you’re doing to keep everybody safe. You can use videos and live streaming to show people around the premises and highlight the new measures in place, and you can also discuss alternatives. If you’re open, for example, you can urge shoppers to pop in and see you, but for those who aren’t so keen on leaving the house yet, explain that there are solutions. You could offer click and collect or run a local home delivery service, for example. 

Picture credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/barcode-cellphone-close-up-coded-278430/

Both consumers and business owners are navigating uncharted waters at the moment. As trends emerge and preferences change, it pays for businesses to move with the times and be flexible and adaptable.