The Covid-19 pandemic has forced businesses to maintain and build relationships with consumers when their world has been upended. As small business owners know all too well, the challenges facing their business are very similar to those experienced by large organizations. However, they have to manage them with limited resources. This tension is very real, particularly for newer ventures or smaller business that provide discretionary products and may not have the resources to survive long periods of severely diminished cash flow.

Create personalized email messages

As soon as possible, send emails from known leaders within your company to the key stakeholders at your customers informing them of immediate steps your company is taking to mitigate the impact of the crisis. This email is to keep at our customers to talk about business continuity and how we will take care of our customers and employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Social media responds

Keep your social media current and respond quickly to messages people send to you. If and wherever you have social media accounts, be sure to pay attention and respond to messages on a regular basis. Show you care by conveying concern and compassion.

Educate consumers about how to interact with your company

Tell them about all changes to your operation, including new hours, facility closures, staff reductions, customer service availability, and ordering options, among others. While you can reference the emergency government regulations that necessitated these changes, it is far better if you are viewed as being proactive and motivated by your customers best interests.