The Covid-19 pandemic has led to some pretty big changes in the way we do business. While big corporations like Amazon are doing well, it can be tough for small businesses to stay alive during these trying times. Due to restrictions on opening hours, businesses like restaurants, bars, and other nightlife establishments are having a particularly difficult time bringing in money. However, with some creativity and determination, it’s possible to keep your business alive during a global health crisis. Some restaurants focus on increasing takeout orders, while retailers try to boost online sales. If your business has been struggling and you need some inspiration, here are some ways businesses have been staying alive during Covid-19.
Advertising Takeout
In some parts of the world, restaurants are only allowed to be open for takeout when coronavirus cases surge. During the state of emergency in Japan, restaurants either closed altogether or stayed open. There were few, if any, that switched to a take out only operating model. However, many restaurants have gotten creative with their takeout options to entice customers who are weary about dining in. Some restaurants started offering takeout even if they had never done so previously. Others have started offering bento lunch boxes that people can pick up on their way to work. However, restaurants that don’t just offer, but advertise takeout are doing the best. No one will come buy takeout if they don’t know that you’re offering it. Make sure to post photos of your takeout meals in cute packaging on social media. If you can make your customers believe that getting takeout will be just as nice of an experience as dining in, they’ll be sure to stop by.
Offering Online Services
If it’s possible for your business to offer some of its services online, doing so will attract customers who would rather visit you virtually. Many English schools in Japan have started offering online lessons. In addition, schools that offer only online lessons are emerging. While telemedicine was rare in Japan before the pandemic, many clinics have started offering it. Even if some of your services can only be conducted in person, you can still add online appointments to your offerings. For example, a hairdresser or makeup artist will have to meet their clients in person to actually complete a haircut or makeup application, but they can offer consultations over video call. Similarly, lawyers are able to meet with clients and handle some cases virtually.
Setting Clear Safety Procedures
A great way to get customers to stop by is to make sure that they feel safe doing so. Customers are more likely to feel safe visiting stores that have clear safety procedures set in place. Stores like Uniqlo take customers’ temperatures and ask them to sanitize their hands before they are allowed to enter the store. Many restaurants make it clear to their customers that they are sanitizing surfaces more frequently, and that servers will be wearing gloves and masks. At other restaurants, a bottle of hand sanitizer is placed at every table. In some municipalities, businesses that agree to comply with the local government’s safety guidelines are given a poster to place in their window. Showing customers that you take their health and safety seriously will make them feel comfortable and want to return. If you want your business to survive the Covid-19 pandemic, make sure the virus itself stays out of it.
Improving Online Shopping Experiences
Retailers have been boosting sales while encouraging people to stay home by offering free shipping and returns. When there’s no financial risk involved in ordering online, customers are more likely to skip out on the health risk that is posed by a trip to a brick and mortar store. In addition to offering free shipping and returns, there are a couple other things you can do to make shopping online more fun. If you sell clothing or makeup, virtual “try on” software helps customers see what a dress would look like on someone their size or how an eyeshadow would show up on their skin tone. These days, “try on” software is so advanced that people can easily shop for eyeglasses online. Additionally, you can add a chat feature to your website that allows customers to quickly have their questions about products answered.
Focusing on Digital Marketing Methods
In Japan, there are many businesses that don’t have a website or social media. The pandemic has been changing that. Since people aren’t walking the streets and looking at posters, flyers, or billboards as much as they used to, it’s best to start marketing online. As people do more of their socializing virtually, they view and click on more PPC ads. Successful brands are taking this opportunity to get more ads out there. Furthermore, since social media has become more popular than ever, opportunities for digital marketing have grown. Just as friends and family stay in touch on social media, businesses can stay in touch with their customers. Companies that have established a presence on every major social media platform and regularly create posts are doing much, much better than companies that don’t even have a website. If you’re new to the social media game in Japan, be sure to check out our article “Marketing in Japan: Social Media”. We can also help you learn more about using Instagram to engage with customers and creating videos for social media. Once you’ve read up, pick up your phone and start getting in touch with your customers. You might be able to establish relationships that will outlast the pandemic.
