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Businesses in provinces and states across Canada and the U.S. are reopening after the forced economic lockdown of 2020. But for nearly everyone the process is not as simple as opening the doors. Far from it. Instead, companies must craft a reopening strategy to account for the current economic climate while recognizing changes in consumer behavior. To protect and grow revenue the strategy must begin with enhanced digital transformation. Here’s what you need to do.

5 Digital Transformation and Online Marketing Tips to Protect and Grow Your Business Amidst the Economic Reopening of 2020

1. Open All Online Communication Channels

As businesses began to reopen in mid-May many reported a slow start. Some cited trepidation on the part of consumers. However, consumers were reporting quite the opposite, as evidenced by line-ups at highly visible shops and stores across your city. So what’s the problem? Consumers had little to no idea what was and was not open. Nor were they clear on adjusted hours of operation along with what safety steps businesses were taking. The result was lost revenue for those who failed to communicate. Your business must open up all online communication channels, and make evident the fact that you are open and provide adjusted hours of operation complete with a breakdown of health and safety precautions. In addition, communicate any discounts and offers being presented during the reopening. These online communication channels include the following (bare minimum):

  • Google My Business page
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

If you weren’t active daily on these social networks before, that needs to change today.

2. Increase Your eCommerce Capabilities

While many consumers are chomping at the bit to return to a physical retail setting, a significant percentage will continue to shop online. The evolution of eCommerce during the lockdown is a permanent one – no matter how you look at it. For this reason it is essential for sellers to reduce the reliance on a brick and mortar facility and establish and/or enhance their eCommerce capabilities. Here’s how to make that happen. With evolved eCommerce your businesses reopening strategy will become a more sustainable one.

3. Increase Your Digital Marketing Spend

Even luddites have had to toss aside their reservations and join the millions of others who have increased the amount of time spent online during the lockdown. “Screen time” has become more habitual than ever. Businesses looking to get the attention of consumers in the post-lockdown world will need to deliver their marketing messages in a digital format. Outdoor advertising and other transitional mediums will never be the same, so adjust your marketing budget accordingly. View more on why you must increase your online marketing spend to reopen your business with success.

4. Increase Your Investment in Cyber Security

The FBI reports that cybercrime has quadrupled by the 2nd quarter of 2020. Cybercriminals are capitalizing on the fact that businesses have scrambled to adjust to closures and overnight changes in consumer activity. They are also circling over SMBs like sharks through the reopening phase, knowing that companies are so focused on how to get customers back that they have become lax on IT security. While you must increase your investment in digital marketing, you must also do so in IT security via the following:

  • Move data storage and productivity (marketing included) solutions to secure cloud-based servers.
  • Institute multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all staff and stakeholder digital access points.

5. Partner With a Digital Marketing Pro

People have learned to lean on one another during the lockdown, and this has already carried over into the reopening phase. Businesses should take note. Given that a digital revolution is critical to your reopening strategy it’s important to find a partner that will assist with a successful and sustainable transformation. After all, you need to focus on your product, service, and customer with great vigor and should not be distracted by activities beyond your time, expertise, and skill set. That’s what we’re here for. Strategis Consulting Group is your partner in digital marketing (and transformation). Let us help you craft a reopening strategy that will ensure a lucrative future for your business through 2020 and beyond. Contact us today.