How to Stay Connected to Your Customers – at a Distance

Running a business during a pandemic isn’t something you planned to do in 2020, but it’s a reality we’re all experiencing. As you continue to move forward, how can you stay connected to your customers during a time when you’re supposed to stay at a distance? Here are five tips to consider:

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.

One of the best ways to connect with your customers is to continue communicating with them as though you were seeing them face-to-face. Use your social media channels more often to discuss things that relate to your business. Email your customers the “latest and greatest” happenings at your company and how you continue to respond to their needs.

Make It Easy for Customers to Buy Online.

During this time, it’s essential to make your products and services more accessible online. You may want to send an email or post a video discussing all the ways customers can buy your products and services online – and even incent them to do so.

Get Creative With Your Offerings.

Offer discounts or credits customers can redeem now or later, whether online or in person. You may even promote your gift cards to gain sales and maintain positive interactions with your customers. It may also be an excellent opportunity to encourage long-term subscriptions or memberships at a discounted price.

Post-training Tutorials or Fun, Entertaining Videos.

Now’s the time you may need to get a little creative with your business. Let’s say you’re a personal trainer. You may want to create a daily workout for your clients to use to stay in shape. Or maybe you own a local restaurant. Start a fun cooking show on YouTube to give new recipes to try or share your “secret recipes” for your customers’ favorite entrees. Have fun finding new and unique ways to communicate with your customers. You may find that some of these ideas will stay with you even after the pandemic ends.

Keep Things Clean and Sanitized.

If customers can visit your store or office, be sure you’re maintaining proper hygienic practices. Deep clean your business every night, and before you open, wipe everything down to ensure cleanliness. Check your bathrooms several times a day to ensure they are clean and sanitized. Keep hand sanitizer available for customers to use and consider offering complimentary masks (or charge a nominal price). Try to urge customers to maintain social distancing protocols for continued safety as well.

In these unprecedented times, you’ll need to connect to customers in unusual ways. Talk to customers and employees to learn what matters most to them and find ways to meet their needs. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You may find that some of the things you implement right now may stick and drive in business better than you would have imagined.