The pandemic has been a difficult time for businesses of all sizes. However, some small businesses have fared better than others, largely due to their resilience and ability to adapt quickly.
In this blog post, we will discuss four key actions that have helped small businesses survive the pandemic and how you can apply these lessons to a future crisis.
1 - A Clear USP
One of the most important things that small businesses have going for them is a clear unique selling proposition (USP). This means that they can clearly articulate what makes them different from their competitors and why customers should do business with them.
During the pandemic, it was more important than ever for small businesses to communicate this message effectively as people looked for ways to support local businesses.
If you don't have a clear USP, now is the time to develop one.
Start by evaluating what makes your business unique and then find creative ways to communicate this message to your customers.
You can also use marketing materials like website copy, social media posts, and even signage in your shop or office to highlight what sets your business apart.
2 - Moving Online
Another key action that helped small businesses survive the pandemic was moving online. This not only allowed them to continue doing business, but also allowed them to reach a larger audience. In fact, many small businesses saw a significant increase in online sales during the pandemic.
Of course, most businesses already have some kind of website, but the ones who fare best are the ones who invest as heavily in their sites as they do in their brick-and-mortar stores or offices.
This means creating a great user experience, using high-quality visuals, and making sure that your site is mobile-friendly.
You can also use online marketing tools like email marketing, social media advertising, and search engine optimisation to reach more customers.
3 - Focusing on Community
Another key to small business success during the pandemic was focusing on community.
This means creating and nurturing relationships with customers, suppliers, and others in the business community. During uncertain times like these, people are looking for ways to connect with others and feel supported.
Small businesses that focused on community saw a lot of success during the pandemic. They were able to create a sense of belonging for their customers and establish themselves as a trusted source of information.
You can do the same thing by hosting events, supporting local charities, and partnering with other businesses.
Many businesses were also able to create a strong sense of community on social media. This can be done by sharing user-generated content, hosting contests and giveaways, and using hashtags to unite people around a common cause.
4 - Being Flexible
The final key action that helped small businesses survive the pandemic was being flexible. This means being willing to change your business model, pricing, and even products or services to meet the needs of customers.
During the pandemic, many small businesses were forced to close their doors due to lack of sales. However, those who were able to adapt quickly survived. This included changing their business model to online-only, reviewing prices, and introducing new products or services.
If you're not currently flexible, now is the time to start working on it. Start by evaluating your business and looking for ways to make changes that will meet the needs of your customers.
You can also use market research to find out what products or services people are interested in.
Final Thoughts
The pandemic was an incredibly difficult time for small businesses but those who were able to take the right actions survived. If you're a small business owner, now is the time to evaluate your business and see what you can do to improve your chances of surviving and thriving over the next few years.