Back in March, when this pandemic began, raise your hand if you thought things would return to “normal” within a month or so. It’s likely that many of you felt that way, no doubt believing that COVID-19 was short-term… nothing more than a soon-to-be repaired pothole on the highway of life.

But April turned into June, June into July, July into August and unfortunately, there’s still no end in sight to this virus. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, the economy is suffering, businesses are struggling to stay afloat, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed, and your kids’ classes are still taking place in the den or living room.

If you’re a business owner, you’re likely on Plan E or F at this point as you pull out all the stops trying to stay relevant, or in many cases, open. This “new normal” has you scrambling as you try to figure out how to market your company. While there’s no special potion that will instantly do the trick for everyone, there are some ideas you should consider that could make a difference.

First of all, maintain a connection with your customers/clients. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Stay positive and upbeat and send out regular e-blasts to let them know that you’re still there for them. You should also:

• Make the most of your social media platforms. Do not, under any circumstances, go dark – out of sight is definitely out of mind. Post often, promote specials, conduct contests. Trust us; it will make a tremendous difference to your audience.
• Continue to advertise so that when consumers do start buying again, you will be top of mind. And be creative with your advertising. Now is the perfect time to try something new, to think outside the box.
• Get to work on that new website. An attractive, inviting, user-friendly website (optimized for mobile viewing/purchasing) is crucial, and there’s no better time than now to introduce an exciting, informative new look.
• Offer free consultations, give your customers exclusive deals or pricing, and give back to your community. Letting people know you care during challenging times can solidify old relationships and build new ones.

These are just a few options for you to consider as we all continue to navigate the choppy waters of this pandemic. Remember, during trying times such as these, hard work, communication, and attitude will keep your company moving forward while those who refuse to pivot fall behind.