By Patrick Young – Able USA

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Reopening a business during a pandemic comes with many challenges, not the least of which is figuring out how to keep customers and employees safe. If you’ve already tackled that hurdle, you also have to face the prospect of staying open and remaining successful in an uncertain time. You’re not alone; small businesses all across the country have had to act quickly and think outside the box in order to stay open in recent months.

The good news is, there are a few things you can do that will make the process easier, such as utilizing federal funding and updating your website to let customers know about safety modifications and updates. In addition to enhancing your online presence, you can also think about how to protect your business in the coming months using cost-effective measures.

 

Take advantage of some benefits

Forming an LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a great way to protect your business and take advantage of a few money-saving tax benefits at the same time. This step will add legitimacy to your business if you’re fairly new to the local scene, and you’ll keep your personal finances safe and separate from your business accounts. Filing for an Illinois LLC comes with a few requirements, including specific paperwork and deadlines, so it’s essential to read up on the steps and complete them in a timely manner. Once you’ve formed your LLC, your business will have some security and you’ll have some peace of mind.

 

Attract your customers

For most small businesses, word of mouth just isn’t enough to keep a steady influx of customers coming in. Once you’ve established a bit of protection with an LLC, think about ways to work on getting your business out into the world. If you’ve just reopened, you might make it clear on your website that your business is following the latest health guidelines and post rules that everyone must follow, such as wearing masks or social-distancing while inside the building. Take clear, engaging photos of your business that show the changes you’ve made so that customers will feel safe and comfortable enough to show up. Offer various options for shopping, including online and curbside pickup. You can also partner with other local businesses to create new deals and garner support.

Remember to think about how you can make your business accessible to everyone during this time. You might have customers who would love to shop in your store but can’t due to health concerns, and that means you’ll need to get creative. For instance, I utilized a live video feature on social media to hold virtual shopping sessions that showcased my merchandise, then offered shipping and pickup options.

 

Boost your presence

Offering online ordering is important these days, and you can choose how much of your inventory can be accessed that way to streamline the process. You’ll need to spread the word, however, and that means boosting your online presence altogether. While it can be time-consuming, it’s absolutely necessary for small business owners now, when so many people rely on social media to get their information.

Utilizing various platforms to advertise can expand your reach; take a look at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter especially and get a feel for how their algorithms work so you’ll get the most exposure. You can even set up targeted ads according to how much money you want to spend.

Keeping your business on track during a pandemic can be challenging, but by utilizing all the resources at hand, you can ensure that your customers keep coming back. Think of ways you can offer your services to everyone during this time to remain accessible.

 

Need a customized IT solution for your business? The Lurdez Consulting Group is ready to help your organization with all its IT needs! Call (630) 300-8828 or complete this form online.

 

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