5 Tactics to Help Small Businesses During COVID-19

By Nicholas Santana

Since the start of COVID-19, many small businesses have had to close their doors. Recently, restaurants were allowed to resume business, but under many regulations that slows business down. Small businesses have had to come up with new ways to market themselves to keep loyal customers and attract new ones, in order to make a profit. Here are five of the best tactics small businesses can use to keep their business growing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. QR Code Rebirth
I can’t be the only one who thought QR codes were going extinct, right? This year has been full of surprises, like the QR code having its comeback. As the world moved to more touch-free, germ-eluding communication, QR codes were the perfect response. Now at many restaurants you will not see any physical menus, but QR codes placed on tables, coasters etc. QR codes allow restaurants to have a fully digital menu that could be easily changed in seconds.

2. Up to Date Website
Visiting a website is generally the first time you interact with a business. So, having an easily navigational website has never been more important than now. Your businesses website should give a quick overview of who you are and what you offer, and clearly direct customers to place an order. With the help of website builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace, it is easier than ever to create an aesthetically pleasing website to drive traffic. 

3. #Hashtag Usage  
Using keywords in posts about your business improves SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and makes it easier for your business to be found. Hashtags help bring in new customers as well as gain exposure to new audiences. With the implementation of using SEO and hashtags in posts, small businesses are able to be easily found by new customers, improving their sales to make a profit. 

4. Instagram Story Stickers & Action Buttons
Instagram and Facebook now allow businesses to add Action Buttons to their stories to direct customers to their website to order food or gift cards. This option is great for the restaurant's revenue because sites like DoorDash or Postmates have price fluctuations. Bringing the customer directly to restaurants' webpage to order food means that these small businesses will not have to give a portion of their profit away to third party delivery apps. 

5. Outdoor Dining 
​Outdoor dining is nothing new, but it has become very popular since the spread of the coronavirus. The restaurant industry has had to cease indoor dining and have convert to outdoor/curb side dining. Big and small businesses have had to create unique outdoor experiences to keep business flowing. Small businesses are taking the cake on this one. Converting parking lots, curbside drop offs and rooftops are just some of the many tactics restaurants have implemented since the spread of the Coronavirus. 

Through the past year there have been many tactics, redesigns and rebirths used for businesses, allowing them to thrive during such a confusing time. What cool and innovative business tactics have you seen during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments.

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