Small Business Resources
Times may be unprecedented, but that doesn’t mean that you need to go without access to resources that can help your business. Check out the following tips and information for ways to keep your customers, employees, and community up to date despite any uncertainty you may be facing.
Communication is Key
It’s crucial to let customers know if your business hours have changed - a quick way to make this information accessible is to edit your Business Profile on Google . If you have a website and/or social media for your business, make sure to post any important updates. While you’re at it, you can also use Posts on your Google Business Profile to communicate information directly. Sending customers special offers or updates on your inventory is a great way to let them know you care about keeping them in the loop.
It can also be helpful to set up an email auto-reply to respond to frequently asked questions. Despite any changes to your hours or overall operations, it’s vital that you continue to communicate with your employees. Some simple ways to get started are to keep contact information for employees, vendors, and clients online to allow accessibility from any device. Making a business continuity plan is a great way to share updated information with employees via email - and they can have access outside of the workplace if they need it.
If your business has more than one location, giving local managers directions to assume authority and carry out appropriate actions based on their particular location is a helpful step to ensure operations run smoothly.
Optimize to Work Remotely
If you’re able to, make sure you have the appropriate materials to work from home, such as having the right tech equipment, internet access, and information available remotely. While you may not be able to meet in person, you can still collaborate using shared documents , conference calls , or create email lists and chat rooms .
No matter where you are, you can still access important documents by uploading them to the Cloud through Google Drive or by downloading them to your mobile phone or computer to access online.
Modify your Advertising (if necessary)
Stay on top of your ads by editing your ads as necessary to let customers know about any updated hour or policy changes, or to inform them about useful services like online shopping or delivery options.
Make sure to pause any campaigns if product inventory is running low due to demand or shipping issues. If your business relies on patronage from global customers in areas most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, consider shifting portions of your ad budget to other locations .
For more information about business best practices during the coronavirus outbreak, please refer to the Center for Disease Control’s guidance for businesses . You can also visit our blog , LinkedIn page, and Facebook page for more tips on navigating the current local business landscape. Stay informed, and stay safe!
Reference: Google for Small Business
