It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a deleterious impact on the global economy, resulting in a high increase in unemployment locally. To combat this financial difficulty, many persons have opened their own businesses in an attempt to make ends meet. However, this increase in small businesses has been met with a decline in consumer spending as the depressed state of the economy continues.

Business owners must now more than ever, find ways to separate themselves from the pack and stand out amongst their competitors. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Reimagine your brand and reintroduce yourself in a fresh way – Consumers have become bored due to the slowing of activity caused by the pandemic. Refreshing your brand and your product offering can help to excite and intrigue the public to take note of your business. Be creative!

• Ensure your product fits the new market – Make sure there is demand for your product in the new COVID environment or find creative ways to ensure that your good or service can still be used in spite of the various restrictions in place.  E.g. Event planners shifting to the hosting of online events

• Focus on solving a problem – Make sure your business is not just a passion project with no purpose. In these hard socio-economic times, all businesses need to ensure that they are helping consumers in some way. This could be by inter alia providing entertainment, information or health and safety supplies.

• Phenomenal Customer Service – Don’t just aim for satisfactory customer service. Train your team to always go the extra mile to help your customers. This will leave a great impression and will encourage customers to refer your business to their friends and family.   

• Build a Strong Online Presence – In this digital era, it is imperative that you stay connected with your customers and the public online. Regular social media posts will ensure that your business remains top of mind.

• Reward Customer Loyalty – With so many options now available, you should be honored that your customers choose to shop with you. Show them that you appreciate it!

• Keep in touch with old customers – Reach out to old customers to find out what they may need at the present moment while keeping them up-to-date with upcoming sales or special items you have in stock. 

• Offer discounts and incentives to new customers – This is not the time to charge full price on your goods or services – times are hard for everyone. Entice new customers to patronise your business by offering special discounts and incentives each month.

• Be active in your community and give back – Show your community that you genuinely care about its well-being and are not solely interested in profit-making by getting involved and helping where possible.