We are currently in the midst of a pandemic which is sweeping the world, affecting people and businesses in many different ways. It is important that in this crisis we support each other, and as businesses it is important we put in place measures to support, protect, and aid those most vulnerable, including our own customers and other businesses.

It is also a scary and difficult time for us as businesses to run ‘business as usual’, so we have come up with some simple ways to keep in contact and support others in your community.

Stay connected during the crisis – it’s vitally important that during the current disruptions you stay connected to your customers and your community and this may include:

• Telling your customers about your business availability and opening hours

• Offer your customers additional benefits or support during the crisis

• Share with your customers how much you value them and thank them for their ongoing support

• Communicate what you are planning to do to support your customers and community

• Be honest about how the situation is affecting you and your business

Use your online presence, social media and your website to communicate any hour by hour changes as the situation unfolds.

Support your customers, community and other businesses – in the coming weeks your community or industry is going to need to come together and support each other until things return to normal.  We’ve put together some suggestions to help:-   

• Use your business network and clients to support community or industry engagement that helps sick or vulnerable people. 

• Share ideas that your business is doing to prevent the spread of infection.

• Publish your businesses personal space and health policy on your website and share it online with customers and staff.

• Offer your clients or community benefits and support to help people.

• Use your digital footprint to stay connected with your customers about opening times or restrictions that may affect people’s lives.

• Create your own digital postcard highlighting services such as short- term home delivery, community helpdesk for important services, etc.

• Never forget to keep saying thank you for your client/community’s ongoing support for your business.

Make sure you stay connected and engaged with your community or industry during the coming months.

With the advent of social media and online reviews it’s important for every business to demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility.  It’s a chance for businesses to stand up and support their communities.  See below some ways that you can do this and enhance your connectivity:-

• Regular social media posting

• Respond to feedback and reviews immediately

• Update your Google my Business listings and other search engine directories

• Use email marketing to stay in touch

• Add a chat box tool to your website so customers can stay in touch in real time

Lastly, we would like to extend our support to anyone currently affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Please stay safe, follow government guidelines, wash hands and maintain social distancing.

If anyone has any fears, concerns or questions in the coming weeks, feel free to email me directly at frank.stannard@worlddigitalfoundation.com and I will try my best to help.