How to Market Your Store’s Reopening During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If your small business is preparing to reopen for the first time since March, you’re one of many throughout the country. And while getting “back to normal” is the hope, we all know that this won’t be the case. The pandemic has forever changed many things about how non-essential businesses will operate. However, as long as you’re willing to think outside the box and make the necessary adjustments, your small business can thrive now and in the years to come.

The first step in setting your business up for success in these times is to have a successful reopening. And in order to do that, you will need an effective marketing strategy. Below, we’ll discuss some practical tips for how you can get the message out and draw people to your store’s reopening.

Plan to Invest

As with any kind of change, developing a solid marketing strategy will require you to invest. Fortunately, if your budget is stretched at the moment, there are many options available to small businesses. Research the various grants and funding that could help you put together and execute an effective marketing strategy for your reopening, whether it’s a private grant, SBA express bridge loan, the Main Street Business Lending Program, or one of many other financial assistance programs.

Spruce Up Your Online Pages

Many more of your customers and potential customers are now turning to online sources for information on businesses. Thus, it’s essential that all of your business pages are up-to-date. This includes your website, social media accounts, and business listings on Google and other platforms. Be sure to evaluate your business pages each day to ensure that people can get the information they need.

Hit the Digital Marketing Hard

Along with an updated (and mobile-friendly) website, make sure you are utilizing online marketing as much as you can. Social media content and email newsletters, promos and coupons are all great ways to reach your audience for your store’s reopening. Other marketing strategies to consider are search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

Offer Promos for the Reopening

Many people are going to be more hesitant to visit a physical store than they were before the pandemic. One thing that can prove to be an effective incentive is to offer a special promotion. For instance, markdowns, buy-one-get-one-free deals, and/or 50% off all items will be sure to draw a crowd.

Establish Safety Measures

Even as restrictions loosen across the country, the pandemic is still in full effect. This means that your first priority should be the health and safety of your staff and customers. After all, if customers feel safe in your store, they will be more likely to shop for a while, and to keep coming back.

Along with limiting the number of customers that can be in your store at one time, be sure to place social distancing markers throughout the store, and hang plastic protection screens between the cashiers and customers. Also, establish strict cleaning and sanitation guidelines, and make sure everyone on your team uses face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Moreover, communicate to your customers through your marketing campaigns the steps you are taking in response to the pandemic.

In order to have a successful reopening, your store must implement a great marketing strategy. Remember to look into small business funding options, update all of your online business pages, and take full advantage of online marketing. Also, come up with promotions to offer at your reopening, and make sure there are stringent safety guidelines in place at your store. Most importantly, remain open-minded to any adjustments you will need to make in the future.

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