How can small businesses survive another UK national lockdown? Is it even possible? Since March 2020, UK society has undergone a paradigm shift, as everything has gone remote, online and socially distanced. Everything, it seems, except businesses who haven't made the jump.
But how can small businesses, with small or no marketing budgets, stay afloat?
I've seen some great examples of local small businesses making the jump to online selling, and here's a summary of my informal research, presented as suggestions or advice:
1. Share photos of the goods on your shelves
We still want to shop. We miss being able to actually see the products we want to purchase. We want to browse your goods, look at the items you're selling, and come up with purchase ideas, gift ideas and so on. Get your photos up on your social media channels (Facebook seems to be the preferred platform) and show people that your shop is still stocked, even if it's closed. Include the prices, or price ranges and show that you're still selling. There is really nothing more infuriating than seeing pictures of amazing products on shelves (they could be collectable toys; they could be bespoke pottery items, designer clothes or whatever) and NOT having a price. And if customers respond to your pictures and, for example, ask what the prices are, then RESPOND TO THEM!
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| Items on shelves with clear prices... definitely a good idea! |
2. Have multiple communication options
Some customers like social media. Some like email. Some prefer text messages, and others will probably want to speak to you (or your staff). List all your communication channels on all your sites - it might be true that Facebook users will message you on Facebook, but they may actually prefer a different channel. Do you have a website? Link to it in your posts and in your profile.
Website; landline; mobile; facebook; email... list them all!
3. Respond to all your social media
I can't stress this one enough (and I've written this in full capitals already). I have personally made contact with a local small business on a number of occasions via Facebook messenger, and have tried to order various items from them. I get as far as "I'd like to buy product number 1234, please can you order it." and then ... nothing. If customers are reaching out to you, then reply to them - ask them to contact you via phone, or something, so that you can arrange payment. Which brings me onto the next point...
4. List your payment and delivery options
Should we send you a payment to your bank via online banking? Do we click and collect, and pay you via a card machine? Do you want cash on delivery? And do you deliver? What's your delivery radius? Do you offer click and collect, or do you send orders out via Royal Mail/Hermes/Yodel?
We want to shop local. We want to shop small. A lockdown isn't going to stop us, just don't let it stop you.
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