It is no longer business as usual. #Covid19 has literally turned the world upside down. Within a matter of weeks, borders have been shut and social distancing has been encouraged. This has taught and still teaching us, particularly Caribbean business owners a lesson – the importance to ‘Take Your Business Online‘.
If you’re not online, you don’t exist…
If its one time Caribbean business owners need to get online, it is now. Social distancing has minimized foot track into stores and restaurants, which most likely will lead to a drop in sales. It is a trying time for business, but with a little creativity and innovation, we can work around the setbacks and still keep customers informed about what is available. Also, in keeping with advice from world health organizations, you give your customers the option to purchase and still be safe. See these options below:
Update Your Website
Please take the time to update your website with current stock. Include pictures of products, services, contact information (absolutely necessary) and an opt-in to collect customer email addresses.
Also Read: 7 Steps to Starting Your Blog
Build An Online Store
Building a website may sound scary for a lot of people, but don’t fear. There are hundreds of online tutorials to help with the process and thankfully, you don’t need coding skills. See video below.
P.s. if you will like an online tutorial on how to build a website, please let me know. We’re in this together!
In case you are wondering what platforms to use to build your site, here are a few you can choose from. I use BlueHost.com to host my WordPress site.
Use Social Media
Use your social media page to point customers to your website for purchase. Share info, but try your best to be strategic about it. (P.S. I provide social media services, if you need the help.)
If you are not interested in using or building a website, that is all fine. You can certainly use your social media pages to market your products and services. It may also be good to include delivery service.
Ensure to use the platform(s) that reaches your ideal customers and be consistent with sharing. Things you can share:
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- Characteristics of your business that set you apart from the rest
- Benefits of your products and services
- Pictures of products
- Customer testimonials
- Customers using your product or services
- Short tutorial videos
- New services/products
- Upcoming products/services
- Changes to business operations
Also Read: 10 Phone Photography Tips For Social Media Posting
Don’t Leave Out WhatsApp Stories
Most Caribbean businesses tend to use Facebook, Instagram and in some cases Twitter to share their products and services, however, there are contacts waiting to for you on WhatsApp that you may never reach on other social platforms. So use it and include links to your site or social platforms.
If you don’t have WhatsApp Business, download it. It allows you to include your business information which means that everyone on your contact list will see your business information.
Use Local Online Services Available
Another option for Grenadian businesses wanting to put their products and services online, but prefer to stay away from maintaining a website, is KariBites for restaurants and Yogo.Gd for products and services.
These businesses are reliable and safe. They are also very professional with excellent customer service and provide delivery to customers (conditions apply). I highly recommend them both! I did a feature on their services some time ago, so click the links and take a read.
Email Marketing Is Still A Thing!
Email marketing has worked to get the word out about new blog posts. Collecting emails from customers is something all businesses should look into. In the event that social media is not available (for whatever reason), you can resort to email advertising using captivating pictures, text and links to your websites to encourage customers to make purchases.
