Be There When Your Customers Need You

One of the first things I noticed about “Pandemic Life” was the renewed importance in the internet and everything digital. For a while, there was a slight trend of digital usage decreasing, an effort to keep online time in check and a general exhaustion with social media and other internet fueled distractions. That attitude has been put on hold or possibly changed for good with the consequences of Covid-19.

The internet, specifically websites and social media now play a very necessary and central role in our lives as we are forced to interact digitally with people, places and businesses.
When the outbreak became serious in cities across the US, it happened in a very short period of time. Where I lived, we went from living normally to an emergency declaration in a matter of a couple days. People were concerned and needed information fast.

People took to the internet, and If you were a small business and you didn’t have a website with current information, customers went elsewhere. I heard stories from family and friends, and I experienced this personally on several occasions. Whether it was groceries, hardware, medicine, libations, fuel, etc…, if you did not have an up-to-date website or web presence, customers were left frustrated and disappointed. Calling and waiting on the phone isn’t an option during an emergency. Many businesses have only a couple phone lines to take calls. Even big businesses have a limited number of customer service employees. Whether you are big business or small business, a websites can serve an unlimited number of people at the same time.

Many businesses were forced to overhaul their website after the lockdown went into place because they needed a more useful, comprehensive digital presence. This surely resulted in lost business and lost customers, and it highlights the importance of taking your website and your internet presence seriously.

Make the most of this uncomfortable situation. Update your website and get creative with your internet presence. Businesses are using the internet in new and interesting ways to keep their audience engaged and interested. Musicians are performing free, live concerts. Chefs and other artisans are giving online workshops and tutorials. Big businesses like Nat Geo are doing live Q&As with the public. Parks are providing virtual tours. This is a trying time for sure, but in times of crisis there is opportunity. Contact me if you would like a free assessment of your digital presence.