How to Stay Connected During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The COVID-19 outbreak is unlike anything we have experienced in the past. Trying to stay up to date with changing protocols and suggestions by our industry experts and government officials can be taxing. While this is true, as a small business owner, it is even more important to keep up with relevant news and make decisions for your business accordingly. Taking this one step further, it is imperative that you communicate these business updates to your customers as soon as possible to keep them informed.

Where to Get Your Information

In times of uncertainty such during the age of social media and meme culture, it is important that you get your news and information from reliable resources. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website has a very comprehensive section dedicated to Covid-19 covering topics such as signs and symptoms and how to prevent getting sick, as well as up to date numbers of current cases across the country and world. You can also check your state and local municipality websites and social media pages for updates on where travel is restricted, where stay-at-home warnings are in place, and more. We have also compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help you and your business stay informed.

How to Relay Information to Your Customers

If your business hours and/or practices are going to be impacted, it is important to get this information to your customers as soon as possible. The changes you make to your business may affect their ability to get around in their vehicles. One of the simplest ways to do this is to stay active on social media. Customers are turning to social platforms like Facebook to get up-to-date information on small businesses in their area. Once you have your updates complied, you should then craft a statement to put out on your social platforms.

How to Craft a Statement

When crafting the statement, you are going to send to your customers via social platforms, you want to be clear and concise and include all the information about your business that could potentially affect them.

If You Plan to Close Completely

ü Your statement should state that for the health and safety of your staff and customers, you will be ceasing operations.

ü Be sure to explicitly state the date you will be stopping operations as well as what to do if customers have appointments set up already.

If You Plan to Update Your Hours and/or Procedures

ü Start by assuring your customers that you will be staying open for the time being, as well as the updated hours (if applicable).

ü Be sure that your customers know what sort of precautions you are taking if remaining open to keep them, your staff, and their vehicles safe. These precautions can include things such as letting them know your waiting room will be closed, you will be sanitizing all tools and equipment used, you are offering pick-up and drop off of vehicles, and stating that you will be following CDC guidelines.

In the end, the important part of your statement to your customers is letting them know that whatever decision you are making is to ensure safety for them and your staff. In these times of uncertainty, most people just want to be sure that they are as safe as possible, and it is up to you to gain their trust and earn their business.

We want you to know that Net Driven is there for you every step of the way during these hard times. Be sure to reach out if you need a helping hand. We are all in this together.

This article was created by the team at Net Driven. Learn more about Net Driven digital marketing solutions by visiting www.netdriven.com.