COVID-19 is having a major impact on small businesses in unprecedented ways. We can all feel new pressures as the world shifts to a different way of living and working. It’s a challenge for us small business owners to seek new revenue streams and how to communicate and engage with customers. As Official Squarespace Experts, we’ve used the platform to help more than 100 businesses to design and build websites that connect with their audiences. Squarespace offers some great solutions for small businesses that can help get them through these uncertain times. We can help you implement these cost-effectively if you’re already using Squarespace.

Introduce a new revenue stream.

There are many ways to preserve your business and serve your customers through uncertain times, whether you’re simply reconsidering the products you sell online or are seeking an entirely new revenue stream. For instance, many businesses are now selling gift cards.They offer customers a way to support their favorite businesses when they’re unable to visit. Some businesses are contributing a portion of gift card sales to their out-of-work staff. The option to sell gift cards is now available to Squarespace customers selling online (until September 1, 2020). Cards are emailed as codes and redeemable immediately on your website.

Remote classes, workshops, and consultations are also seeing widespread adoption with many people spending the majority of their time at home. Online scheduling services and integrations with video conferencing software empower businesses to roll these offerings out quickly and easily. 

Communicate quickly and clearly with your customers.

There are many urgent messages to get out right now. Hours of operation, availability of items, and shipping times are in flux. For example, local deliveries might be a new option for your business, or you might have new policies around deliveries or in-person transactions. How you communicate with your audience right now is just as important as what you are communicating. Chances are, your business has a website, social media accounts, and an email list. You don’t need to blast the same message across all channels, especially in this moment of information over-saturation and crowded inboxes. The flexibility of these channels is their power: it can be as simple as adding an announcement bar or pop-up to your website. Use MailChimp with messaging crafted specifically to address the impact of coronavirus on your business in your customer communications.

Getting through social distancing and our collective efforts to flatten the curve may pose major challenges—it also presents opportunities for new ways to connect with your customers and diversify how you bring in business. We’re focused on supporting our customers during this challenging time. We’re always available to answer any questions and to help you implement the above strategies to help you get through these uncertain times.

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