What Does Your Coronavirus Web Strategy Look Like?

It was only a few weeks ago that my team and I were talking with new clients about the best way to take advantage of the soaring economy to reach new customers. Now, many of the same business owners and executives are scrambling to keep up with the latest coronavirus developments.

Few of us saw this coming, and no one can say exactly what will happen next, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t smart steps you can take today to keep your business moving ahead.

While nothing about the current pandemic feels lucky, we are fortunate to live and work in an age where there are digital tools to help. To help you overcome the current chaos and remain profitable for the likely-difficult months ahead, here are some ideas you can use to get through this crisis using the web.

Focus on Your Website as a Virtual Sales and Marketing Tool

If you are used to having customers walk through your front door, chances are things are about to change for a while. Quarantines and social distancing measures mean shoppers are avoiding unnecessary trips – even for B2B meetings and consultations.

That doesn’t mean your sales and marketing efforts have to grind to a halt, though. Using website chat, ecommerce apps, video conferences, website features and more, we can turn your website into an extension of your store or office. You can even include virtual demos from you or your sales team to give buyers the walk-through experience they’ve gotten used to.

Integrate a Pop Up on your Website’s Home Page

Maybe one of the easiest ways to connect with your customers and prospects during this time is to integrate a pop-up on your website’s home page to help communicate a global message.

Embrace the New World of Home Offices and Online Meetings

This might not fall strictly into the realm of websites and digital strategy, but it’s important to point out that a lot of people are going to be working from home over the next few months. Web conferencing tools, file-sharing apps, and real-time Slack chat software can make you feel closer while you’re away.

To make sure your normal day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted, you can even use remote desktop access software, live chats, and VoIP call forwarding to be “in” while you’re away. With schools closed and sick days coming, working from home will be inevitable for some, but having employees away doesn’t have to slow your business down.

Adjust Your Digital Marketing Strategy for the Next Few Months

Even though we are only beginning to understand the implications of the coronavirus pandemic on the business world, it’s already becoming crucial that companies adjust their marketing strategies. Buying patterns are certain to change in the near future, and the pandemic is widely expected to trigger a short-term recession.

Knowing this, savvy business owners and executives are going to make two types of adjustments. First, they’ll alter the messaging on their website to highlight the products and services their customers will want most in the next two months. And, they’ll find ways to suspend campaigns (especially internet ads) that cost money without generating a positive ROI in the short-term. 

Don’t Let Coronavirus Take Away Your Perspective

As I mentioned in the opening to this article, it was only a couple of weeks ago that we were celebrating the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. While the business world has certainly been jolted unexpectedly, it’s important to remember that tough times never last forever.

The coronavirus pandemic originated in China a couple of months before I composed this article, and as of this writing there are signs that business there is coming back to life.

I can’t predict how long it will take for life (and normal economic activity) in the U.S. to get back on track, and neither can anyone else. However, what I do know is that our country is strong, resilient, and always looking forward. Your priority right now – after taking care of yourself and your loved ones – is to keep your company running in what feels like a dark and unpredictable time. Don’t forget, though, that the recovery may arrive faster than you think.

Have a website redesign on your mind?

If a website redesign is part of your 2020 initiatives, then this may actually be a great time to work through one together with GoingClear. Typically, the process runs between 8 and 12 weeks and if you happen to have a little more time on your hand during less customers needing your services, then potentially working through a new website will allow you to relaunch your digital brand along with any post-launch digital marketing & advertising tactics too.

Want Help Putting These Ideas into Action?

At GoingClear, we’ve built a reputation as one of Boston’s best digital agencies because we blend creative thinking and technical integrations with good business sense. If you’re looking for innovative design collateral, websites, web apps and or digital marketing/advertising solutions that make sense for the way your business operates, feel free to get in touch with us today.