For Retailers: Creative Ways to Retain Customers and Attract New Business During Pandemic

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and associated office closures, small businesses are struggling to interact with and/or retain current customers and to engage and generate new customers. While businesses may be closing their doors, they don’t have to stop offering their products and services. Below we share some ideas we have come across that might be of use to businesses during this time.

Launch an email or blog campaign. Consistent communication with customers through email, chat groups or online blog posts can keep customers engaged. Instead of sending promotional or sales materials, businesses should consider sending educational or useful information to customers on how to stay healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Try e-commerce, gift cards, and discounts. With social distancing, customers are less likely to go out to restaurants or stores and are resorting to e-commerce. Many marketing experts are suggesting that businesses consider providing online gift cards or discounts for customers to use on their website. Gift cards in particular may help with cash flow issues for industries such as restaurants that are the subject of government closure orders.

Stay active on social media. Having an online presence also includes keeping social media accounts active and updated. Using FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram can be great ways to keep customers updated on business news and events. Retailers could also use social media for giveaways, contests, or drawings.

Utilize webinars and web-based interaction. Through the use of internet and applications like Skype, YouTube or Google Hangouts, businesses can provide customers a way to stream videos, tutorials, webinars and other web-based interaction. These online services can be offered for free or require customers to pay before viewing or having access to videos and web content.

For more information, contact SS+D, or visit:
https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/customers/customer-retention-during-coronavirus

ABOUT THE SS+D COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM
The SS+D COVID-19 Response Team was formed to provide clients, colleagues, and friends of the Firm updates for the foreseeable future on COVID-19 issues facing businesses, executives, and employees. Please let us know if there are any items/issues you would like for us to track or summarize.