COVID-19 Tips and Support for Businesses

COVID Support for Businesses

Fallen we have, but together we’ll stand

COVID-19 is f***ed-up, period.
This pandemic has changed the world, and gone are the days where we can simply enjoy a nice cold beer at your local bar with a group of friends. All around the world, we saw lockdowns and restrictions that forced many small businesses to sink and struggle to stay afloat. The hardest hit were those who were in our own backyard: our local businesses.
But as the saying goes, “When one door closes, another one opens.”
It has been an eye-opener for many businesses who saw the upside of the situation. Several business owners took a leap of faith, reinvented themselves, and tried new business ventures.
They jumped into the digital era by adding online shopping, digital takeout menus, and upgrading pictures of their products and/or dishes. They re-designed their marketing strategies and focused on social media to improve their online presence.
The new normal is online. Don’t believe it? Just look at Amazon. Not only did their sales thrive, but they also grew exponentially in a time of great uncertainty. During the pandemic, Amazon sales doubled, they increased the number of customers and secured the existing ones.
From Minty, we want to encourage businesses to invest in their online presence and to bravely step into the digital world because the ‘new normal’ is here, and it’s here to stay.

How can I improve my online presence?

1. Create a website

If you already have a website, great! You’re heading in the right direction.
In light of the COVID pandemic, now is the right time to re-evaluate and re-examine what improvements can be made to help you through this difficult time. These improvements can help you re-connect with pre-pandemic customers, and help attract new visitors.
Adapting to market changes will make your business more resilient and sustainable while giving you the competitive advantage you need to succeed.
If you do not have a website, don’t worry, we have your back! We will help build your website and find the right approach and tools that will achieve the best results for your business needs.
In 2019, 25 million people in Canada bought goods and services online. So, let’s get started!

2. Product and food photography

A picture is worth a thousand words. Images have deep and profound power. They appeal and entice our physical senses in ways words cannot. Words and descriptions have their limits. Your products deserve to be showcased in their best light. A well-designed image with all of the right elements can help you achieve your product’s truest potential. With professional photos, customers can get a real feel for the quality, texture, and vibe of your products. What can be seen builds trust, and this is your best opportunity to influence your clients to make their purchases. 
Do your photos convince customers your product or service is right for them? 
At Minty we will set up, conceptualize, and edit the photos for you. We will provide high-quality professional photos that truly represent your product in the way consumers want to see it and the way you want to show it.

3. The power of social media

Social media proved to be surprisingly helpful in the face of COVID. Businesses were promoted by their online communities and received a lot of support during these tough times. The power of word of mouth has always been one of the strongest drivers of expansion, and social media gives you yet another outlet for spreading your brand. Platforms like Instagram connect you to so many people and give your business a chance to shine. Not convinced? Here are facts about Instagram that might change your mind:
1. There are 1 billion active monthly uses as of 2019
2. 200 million Instagram users visit at least one business profile  
3. 33 % of the most-viewed stories are from businesses
Consider using social media as part of your marketing plan. Your business will appreciate all the benefits.

4. Marketing, marketing, marketing

When it comes to marketing most people think of a salesperson enthusiastically selling or advertising products on billboards and online ads. Marketing is more than just advertising and promotion. It involves strategic planning and research to effectively reach your target audience. You will be able to achieve your short, mid, and long-term goals by making a well-thought-out marketing plan.
Elements like knowing who your intended clients are, what they like, where they live, what they want, what common factors string them together will not only benefit your sales but it can optimize your branding and customer experience. There are so many advantages to investing in your marketing strategy.
Planned marketing requires careful attention to the little details and that makes the difference between a successful company and one that fails.

Newsletter sign up