To stay afloat throughout COVID-19, most companies — both large and small — have had to change the ways they do business. Many started selling products and services online for the first time, while others began offering delivery, curbside pickup, and contactless payments. However, there are some other steps small business owners can take to keep their companies alive and growing as the pandemic lives on, and this guide from Business Express covers a few of them!
Claim Your Business on Google
To increase website traffic, build customer trust, and improve your search engine rankings, you need a Google My Business listing. Here’s how to claim your listing and get the most out of this free online tool.
- Discover the benefits of creating a Google My Business profile and learn how to optimize your free online listing. By creating a Google My Business profile, you’ll improve your online visibility, keep customers up-to-date, and boost your search engine optimization (SEO).
- Visit Google My Business to find and manage your listing in a few simple steps.
- Add your business to other online directories as well, including Facebook, Apple Maps, and Bing.
Tackle a Few Administrative Tasks
From upgrading your business structure to creating a financial recovery plan, now is the perfect time to complete a few important administrative tasks.
- Learn how to use free online tools for time tracking, file sharing, graphic design, and task management.
- Create a financial recovery plan for your small business.
- Apply for financial relief if you need it. Different options include the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG).
- Outsource tasks so you can focus on running your business.
- If you need to augment or beef up your business skill set, take some online college-level courses to update your knowledge of concepts in management, operations and communication.
Plan to Reopen Your Brick-and-Mortar
If your brick-and-mortar has been closed throughout the pandemic, these resources will help you plan a safe business reopening.
- Create a reopening plan that keeps your customers and workers safe. To meet the needs of all customers, it’s important to offer virtual and contactless options even after reopening your physical location.
- Share your reopening plans on your business website, emails, text messages, and social media channels.
- Are you thinking about closing your brick-and-mortar and operating solely online? Explore the pros and cons of doing so.
Even if your brick-and-mortar business remains closed, there are a number of actions you can take to keep your company alive and growing as the pandemic wears on. And with these resources at your disposal, you’ll boost your online visibility, plan a safe reopening, and improve your small business overall!
