Recovering in a Post-Pandemic Marketplace: 4 Digital Strategies for Small Businesses

The largest companies in the U.S. fared relatively well in 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19. Small businesses were not so lucky. Many up-and-coming companies were forced to close permanently. Thousands more saw drastic reductions in their revenue.

While there are plenty of reasons why these businesses had such a rough time during lockdowns, the inability to reach customers was chief among them. Many of the traditional community-oriented sales channels that these companies relied upon were hindered by the pandemic.

If the pandemic taught small business owners anything, it is that they must have a sound digital marketing strategy. 

However, companies cannot simply attempt to reproduce the campaigns used by America’s top companies. Instead, they should leverage the community around them with these 4 strategies.

1.   Call for Compassion

Communities everywhere have drawn closer during the height of the pandemic. People are focused on leaning on one another and returning to normalcy.

During your efforts to attract new customers, do not neglect the power of compassion. Large groups of consumers are consciously attempting to prioritize shopping at local businesses.

Work with other local businesses and focus your advertising on supporting the community. This message will strike a chord with consumers while also helping your fellow business owners to rebound.

2.   Stay Connected

People want to be able to connect with others. It is an intrinsic part of human nature. When you’re building your digital presence, make it easy for consumers to fulfill this desire. You can host livestream Q&As, put polls on Instagram, and offer group discounts. 

Whatever you do, make it easier for consumers to enjoy human interaction. If your community has completely lifted social distancing guidelines, organize a farmer’s market or another event with other business owners. Set up a booth and share valuable information about your organization.

3.   Network with Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Just because face-to-face interactions have been limited, does not mean that you cannot benefit from word-of-mouth marketing. However, you will need to rely more than ever on social media interactions.

Consumers are always going to trust other people more than paid ads. If people are actively telling others about your business, then it is a sure sign that you are doing something right. 

Begin working on building your social media following. Every time a consumer purchases a product or service, ask them to like your page. Post regularly and interact with people on your pages. This includes replying to comments, going live, and other actions that will generate buzz among consumers. 

4.   Leverage the Latest Digital Tools

The best strategies for connecting with consumers involve leveraging your position within the community. However, you also need to implement the latest digital tools, as many community interactions now occur online.

There are a wide array of digital tools at your disposal. Some of the most popular include: 

• Targeted advertising
• Analytics software
• PPC campaigns
• Digital strategy companies

Large corporations have been engaging with consumers online for years. Don’t expect to be as proficient as the sales giants. After all, they have massive budgets and digital strategy teams.

It will take time to learn your way around and find your niche in the digital marketplace. Instead, you can partner with a proven marketing firm if you want to accelerate your efforts…but more on that below.

A Digital Strategy Company You Can Count On

By implementing the above strategies, you can help your small business bounce back in the post-pandemic marketplace. If you want to optimize your efforts, consider partnering with a digital strategy company like Insights ABM.

We are the minds behind some incredibly exciting and innovative projects. Let us put our creative minds to work on growing your brand. Contact our team today and let’s make things happen!