Right now we’re in a particularly troublesome time. The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is affecting every single country in the world. In Canada, several businesses have closed their doors and even more events have been cancelled for the sake of preventing further spread of COVID-19 via large group gatherings.

Not every business is closed however; certain services such as car repairs, HVAC maintenance, mental health care, website development, and so on are all shifting their gears so they can better serve their customer bases despite drastic shifts in daily living such as working from home and self-isolation.

Now is the time, more than ever, to seriously consider your business and its website, but not only that—you need to also consider new options and directions to provide your service and product via your website. Here’s what you need to do.

  1. Get that website updated ASAP

Even if it’s just to announce you’re closing, you need your customers to know what’s going on lest they get the bright idea to risk their lives and come to you for in-person service, minus the now quintessential social distancing. You may find that while you’re closed, there are some things your website could improve upon: the need to share content, for example, is essential for businesses right now, as is the need to communicate virtually. If your website can’t even fulfill that basic need for communication, it’s high time you got that updated.

  1. Get a completely redone website

Maybe you’ve been putting it off already, or maybe you’ve been trying to save up money, but now is the time to get a new website completely redone, because…well, maybe you’re one of those businesses who have temporarily shut your doors to in-person contact. If you’re stumped on how else to pass the time (maybe you and your staff have self-isolated yourselves), you can always work with us from the comfort of your own home also while we create and redo your website.

  1. Discover new virtual services

Some services absolutely require in-person contact in order to prosper, which is why we’re unfortunately seeing some businesses close their doors indefinitely. However, if you’re not closed, this is your moment to discover a few new ways of helping your customer base without having to put them at risk.

  • Offer free webinars. Some people may feel extra uncertain about life at this point, while others may be looking for tips that don’t require leaving their homes. Webinars can be a great learning tool and you can either host them for free or ask for online payment.
  • Contactless delivery. Some restaurants are still open and offer food or goods via delivery using online contact forms where people can leave exact instructions if they’re quarantined.
  • Content. Inform your customers what to do if in-person contact is absolutely necessary, how you’re keeping everyone safe, and so on. They may not say it outright, but it can be comforting to see how you’re contributing to keeping everyone safe via social distancing and serving while others are forced into quarantine. You’re showing your customers you care about their well-being and health, and that’s what they really need to know right now.
  • Virtual meetings and software. Zoom and Skype are helpful in that both offer virtual meetings to take place. You can talk to your co-workers and figure out what needs to be done next for the business without having to come to an office building.
  • E-mail. Even if people are sick of getting messages, it still matters to some that you’re taking all of the precautions needed to ensure your services are still available, and how you’re going to stay open (or, unfortunately, if you’re going to have to close your doors).

What to do if you must close your business

If you’re one of those businesses with no choice but to close indefinitely, then you absolutely should announce that to your customers online. Some great examples we’ve seen of companies having to close their doors temporarily have released strong and positive encouraging e-mails and e-newsletters, while others provide instructions on what to do if they’re open but must maintain social distancing. Online is exactly how your customers are getting their information these days, so reach out to them that way, no ifs, ands, or buts.

If you don’t have every customer’s contact information for an e-mail or e-newsletter, social media is the other best way to reach out to them. Otherwise, posting the announcement on your home page may be the best course of action to take.

If you can’t do any of the above though…call us, we can help make that happen.

Get the Help You Need from V3

You may be wondering why we keep plugging our company for this sort of thing, but there are some excellent reasons that matter now more than ever before. For one, our staff at V3 work from home and have done so long before this pandemic ensued, and we delegate our tasks via phone call and e-mail. You don’t even need to ask for help with updating your website in person. We serve not only BC but also Alberta and even the rest of Canada and the world from the comfort—and safety—of our homes. We’ve been in the industry for almost 30 years now and have helped clients build, rebuild, and navigate through several events in that time.

When it comes to getting help with your website, experience definitely counts. Give us a call. Now more than ever your customers need you to be online; we can help you let them know you care.