5 Ways to Get Sales in an Economic Downtown

Things to Consider When You're Unsure How to Pivot During Hard Times

It’s hard to know what to do during a time like this. The thing is, we’re all going through it together. Some businesses are shutting down, while others are encouraging remote work, and some are deciding to face this head-on and do whatever they can.

While there is still a lot of unknowns, we want to share a few ways you can face this head-on while still doing what's most important: building relationships with your clients.

1. Be Honest

It’s time to be straightforward with your customers and clients. While you can continue working hard as if nothing is happening, you have to address the fact that a lot of things are changing. Let people know how it’s affecting your business, what you’re doing, and how you want to continue to serve your customers. Some businesses are diving into new mediums for reaching their customers - through videos, trying delivery programs, and much more - take this as a chance to be honest with your customers and let them know you're trying something new. This allows you to both ask for a little grace while also providing an easy medium for them to provide feedback. 

People are nervous and scared right now and coming at them with a generic email won’t help. That being said, a positive attitude and outlook can help spread joy.

2. Consider a Discount

Depending on what you sell, now might be a great time to offer a discount or run a sale. Despite an unsure market, many people are buying as usual on eCommerce sites, possibly even more due to the higher number of people at home. That being said - you can address that it’s not just a generic sale. Maybe it’s a “Spread Some Cheer” sale or “Support Local Business” sale, giving people even more reason to want to shop with you. 

If you're a brick and mortar store or don't want to give too big of a discount, consider adding a discount for a future purchase or even offer free local delivery over a certain threshold.

3. Be Transparent

Similar to being honest, transparency is key during this time. We are all going through strange times so sharing with people the reality of your business can help them relate and build trust with them. 

If there will be shipping delays with your products, funky hours, or slower customer services, just be transparent and say so. Stay in touch through social media, emails, and your website and share with them what you’re doing to make it work. Videos, photos, and behind the scenes are great during this time and can show people you’re really trying to serve them. 

4. Niche Down Your Marketing

Consider what industries are most and least affected right now and are in your target market. Can your services help one of those that are struggling? Or can you market to the industry that isn’t? Consider how you can better focus your marketing efforts and niche down on the target markets that you can best serve during this time. 

For us, it's working on helpful content and helping our clients do the same. And remember, what you're doing now may not result directly in a sale immediately, but it can help build trust with potential clients and help you in the long run. 

5. Involve Your Community 

Consider the long term that you can be building during this time as well. Building trust and working hard to serve your clients' can is what keeps businesses going. Do you have a few other favorite local businesses? Tag them in a post and encourage your followers and customers to shop there. Are you a place that has extra food or product that could be helpful to people in need? Figure out ways to donate. You can even ask your followers to tag photos from there favorite memory at your business through social media. Involving those around you will not only be beneficial for them, but also provide some comfort to remind you that you're not alone in this!

And remember… literally the entire world is taking this as it comes. It’s okay to not know what the next day holds, but building trust and relationships is never a bad place to start.

Have a question?

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