As we enter our 7th week of lockdown in the UK, many business owners have now accepted a new ‘normal’ in how they operate. This means that businesses continue to trade with each other and money is being spent. So, what can owners of small, independent businesses be doing RIGHT NOW to market themselves? In this article, we’ll take a look at some different industries that many of our clients work in, and what they can be doing to generate more business.
Restaurants & Pubs
Although businesses in hospitality have been hit hardest, there is still opportunity to trade to local customers both physically and online. We’ve seen a number of restaurants adapt to offer takeout and delivery service. Some restaurants are also creating meal packs that contain meat and veg to be cooked at home, either following an included recipe card, or to make a meal of the customer’s choice.
Online, gift vouchers are being sold via restaurant websites or gifting websites such as www.buyavoucher.co.uk
Hair & Beauty
Similar to hospitality, businesses such as hair salons, barbershops and beauty spas have closed their doors, meaning that all business has to been moved online. Such business can sell gift vouchers online, to be used on services once lockdown is relaxed.
People are also looking online for beauty tips to maintain their appearance whilst staying at home. Social media marketing in the form of video tips for nail care, hair treatments or the best way to cut children’s hair are great ways of providing useful advice to customers whilst retaining brand awareness.
Gardening & Landscaping
With the weather starting to (hopefully) improve, more people will be escaping the indoors for some time outside in the garden. Late Spring is peak time to be planting and undertaking general garden maintenance so businesses such as landscape gardeners, garden centres and nurseries are in a great position to be able to provide useful content via social media and blogging on topics such as ‘What flowers to plant during May’ or ‘How to build a small garden planter’.
DIY & General Trades
Work will have dried up for many trades people such as plasterers, plumbers and painters & Decorators because of strict social distancing measures meaning many households are no-go areas.
However, with many people gaining a lot of spare time whilst on lockdown, small DIY jobs around the house including painting & decorating are taking priority. This is a great opportunity for trades people to create visual content for social media that would act as how-to’s or top tips. ‘Best colour choices for a kitchen’ or ‘how to fix a dripping tap’ would benefit lots of amateur DIY’ers that want to spend their time doing those jobs that never get done, or to simply modernise their home.
Photographers & Videographers
The cancellation of weddings, public events and mass gatherings will have been a big disruption to photographers and videographers that rely on these events to make a living.
So, how can these types of business continue to market their brand? The expertise and knowledge they have may come in useful to amateur photographers who want to improve their technique or know how to take better photographs. Social media posts or online blogs such as ‘How to take better portraits on an Iphone’ or ‘How to make lighting on a budget’ would make useful reading to many people who would like to practice whilst in lockdown.
Personal Trainers & Nutritionists
Although gyms and health centres are shut, people want to continue to stay fit and active whilst at home. Celebrity PT Joe Wicks was an early adopter of online technology by providing his daily fitness classes for kids through his youtube account.
These types of businesses have a wealth of information and knowledge that can be put into downloadable training plans by creating video and text content that can be shared online. Online memberships can also be created whereby a customer can watch content on-demand, helping the business owner retain a passive income.
Obviously, there are many more industries that can learn to adapt right now in order to continue trading. If you’d like to discuss ideas with us or develop a new marketing plan for your business, we’d love to speak to you. Call us on 07786 444472 or email hello@allianceagency.co.uk
