COVID is an entirely new beast that no one saw coming. It has affected both humans and the economy in a way that is simply indescribable. If you are like many of the African American business owners today, you’ve likely found yourself in what feels like a losing battle. You probably feel like as you take two steps forward, you get throwback three or four. This is completely understandable and only natural to feel this way during this time of financial uncertainty. A whopping 62 percent of small businesses in the country have seen a decrease in revenue and sales, so you are not alone.
However, that doesn’t mean that you have to be like the masses. In fact, if you stay headed in this direction, your business might not make it. Believe it or not, there are proven marketing methods that you can take advantage of during this time to potentially boost your sales and overall revenue. Want to know what they are and how you can take advantage?
Reassurance Is A Must
It goes without saying that customers are the lifeblood of any business. Without them, no business would exist. This is why you not only have to get customers on board, but you have to get them active and excited. The good part is, you already have half of the equation. As an operating business, you already have customers. You might not have as many as you need, but you do have existing customers. Given the uncertain times that every is facing, you must do whatever is within your power to reassure those customers that you are still there for them.
Did you ever think that you might not currently be making sales because your customers don’t know that you are up and operating? Most Africans are on lockdown now, this is entirely possible. Create a new letter, start an e-mail, or do whatever you need to make sure your customers know that you are still there for them.
Get Involved
One of the best ways to promote your business while so many consumers are isolated in their homes is by getting involved in your community. Currently, organizations are rallying behind their causes to get more donations. As an African American business owner, it is likely you support causes associated with your race and culture. This is the perfect time to utilize your support to bring awareness to your brand.
Believe it or not, many big business owners partner with non-profit organizations for advertising purposes. This is a great way to make more consumers aware of your products and/or services.
Go Online
Millions of workers are laid off from their jobs. Whether these layoffs are temporary or permanent is still up in the air with COVID-19 exposure threats still looming over our heads. There is no better and more affordable way to market your brand than through social media. With so many social media platforms reporting increased traffic, now is the ideal time to take your marketing efforts online.
Some of the top social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Google Plus+, and Pinterest, are experiencing higher-than-normal visitor numbers. If for some reason, you have not taken advantage of social media marketing, you should start doing so immediately.
With nowhere to go and no one to talk to in-person, more and more people are relying on social media platforms to keep up with the latest happenings, communicate with friends and family members, and offer input whenever possible.
Whether you own an online casino or brick-and-mortar book store, social media is an effective marketing platform. And, do not just stop at signing up with one of these platforms when you can benefit so much more doing more.
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