Business owners are used to compromising and problem solving on the reg, but we can probably all agree that COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges. Over the last 7-8 months, businesses all over the country and across nearly every industry have been affected by the virus in many ways, from economic losses and disruptions in supply chains to the ongoing challenge of conducting operations mostly – and for some businesses completely – online.
According to Business Insider, more than 99% of all businesses are small businesses, and they employ about half the U.S. workforce. That’s a lot on the line! With no vaccine yet and “stay at home” orders still in effect in many states, the stakes remain high. So if you’re a small business owner who wants to not just survive, but potentially thrive and grow your company over the next year and beyond, you’ll need to adapt your business model and practices to fit with consumer behavior in this “new normal.”
For most businesses, it’s time to amplify your digital presence. Today’s consumers were already making most purchasing decisions online before the pandemic, but now some people rarely leave the house – which means businesses that depend on foot traffic and word of mouth are most in jeopardy. Whether your business has had a digital marketing strategy for years or you’re unsure how to use online marketing effectively, it’s time to dial in because there are several reasons why the importance of digital marketing will only continue to grow during and after COVID-19.