Many businesses are getting ready to re-open as COVID-19 restrictions around the world begin to lift. This is excellent news for many as both customers and owners are excited about getting back to some version of normalcy. Naturally, it won’t exactly be ‘business as usual’ for many companies. Client and employee safety is still incredibly important and many companies have updates that they need to share with their customers.
With reduced hours, personal protective gear, limits on occupancy, and social distancing measures still in place, it is vital to communicate your company's new policies to your clients. Marketing plays a vital role in communicating this new information. There are many different ways in which you can utilize marketing resources to let people know that you are reopening.
Here is a quick checklist to be sure your reopening goes as smoothly as possible.
1) Update your Social Media Channels
As you may have noticed, social media has played a powerful role during this period of isolation. Many people have turned to social media to interact with family and friends and keep up to date with what is going on in the world.
Many companies have also made use of this rapid shift to social interaction online and pivoted their marketing to cater to the digital world. Clients use social media as a way to get information and updates about their favorite local businesses.
One of the first things on your marketing checklist should be to update all of your social media profiles and let your clients know that you are re-opening. It’s best to act early and let your followers know as soon as you plan to re-open. There are several excellent ways to spread the message on social media, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Go live on Instagram and Facebook, or post a video to update your customers
- Post to your Facebook and other social feeds with information about your new schedule. Include any changes you plan to make and any new rules your clients must follow.
- Post to Instagram and Instagram Stories to alert your followers
- Update your bio on all of your social media channels (this is the first thing your followers see when they see your page)
All businesses are different so it is important to target your message and focus on the social media channels that are most effective for you and your followers.
2) Update your Google My Business Profile 
Your Google Business Profile is a free resource that Google provides. It lets you appear on Google Search and Google Maps. As a business owner, you can customize your profile and add up-to-date information for those searching for your company.
It’s your digital, local business listing online. Log in to your Google My Business profile and add your updated hours, and update your COVID-19 post.
When clients search your business name, your profile will show with up to date information, so they will know you have reopened.
3) Send Out an Email Campaign
Your mailing list is an excellent way to alert your followers and let them know that you are open. The best way to do this is to set up a series of emails that inform your customers of any new policies you have regarding health and safety, as well as new operating hours.
Make sure to add a call-to-action at the end of the email - it can be to call you, buy/book online, or to take advantage of a special offer
If you are unsure about how to get started, you can learn “How to Create a Great Email Marketing Campaign” for new ideas and guidance.
4) Update your Website
Your customers will visit your website to learn more about your operating hours, book appointments, and send general inquiries. If you previously created a pop-up, a banner, and/or a site page devoted to your COVID-19 message, you should update the content there.
This will let people know that you are open and ready for business. It is also the perfect place to share in-depth details about your new operating hours and policies that your clients must follow when they visit you.
5) Use Outdoor Signage 
If you have a storefront in a high-traffic area, you can use a “we’re open” sign to let any local clients know you’re ready for business.
A simple sign in the window can also go a long way, and it’s visible to both foot traffic, and those driving by. This is a small detail, however, it can make a big difference for certain businesses that rely on walk-ins and visitors walking by.
6) Update Your Yelp Profile
Lastly, just as you updated your Google My Business Profile, it is essential that you update any additional online company profiles you have. For many companies, this means updating your Yelp profile. Update your operating hours and the COVID-19 message on your Yelp profile to let users know the latest status regarding your business.
Yelp is a platform that often ranks quite high on Google when prospective clients search for product/service providers, so it is likely that your Yelp profile will show up when someone searches your company online. It’s therefore important to have your Yelp profile updated and informative.
Overview: Your Marketing Checklist
- Post to all social media channels, update your profile and let people know you’re open
- Update your hours, COVID-19 post, and additional information on Google My Business
- Send an email campaign to your subscribers and tell them about your business updates
- Update your website banners, chatbots, pop-ups, and COVID-19 policy page
- Use outdoor signage to indicate you are open
- Update your Yelp profile
Contact ElementIQ for Marketing Support
ElementIQ is here to support you and assist with any questions you may have about marketing your business during this time. We have helped many businesses pivot their marketing strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact us to book a digital consultation with our team and learn about how you can go above and beyond to stand out and market your business as restrictions begin to lift.
