Although social distancing is great for slowing the spread of Coronavirus, it’s not so good for small businesses. As we pass the one-month mark, many businesses are worried that the impact of COVID-19 will be far deeper than anticipated. Even if your business is closed for quarantine, there are still ways to connect with your consumers from a distance. Keep reading for some tips on customer retention during Coronavirus.

A Guide to Coronavirus Customer Retention

• Stream your services. Go digital with your services to continue to provide access to your customers. Therapists, personal trainers, tutors, and even doctors are all using tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to keep business running as usual.
• Use Instagram to sell products. Shopping doesn’t have to stop when foot traffic does. Post products on Instagram stories, and allow customers to DM if they would like to make a purchase. Check out how local Austin boutique Hemline is keeping afloat using this method.

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• Host an event online. Recognize that users are craving entertainment while quarantined at home. If you had a store opening, product launch, or anniversary celebration planned, move it Facebook or Instagram Live. Offer a discount code to the first 50 people who share the live stream of your event.
• Promote your gift cards. Gift cards are the perfect way to get an immediate infusion of cash and guarantee customers will return in the future. If you are a restaurant or business that operates on small margins, gift cards can help you stay afloat until the crisis ends. Offer an e-gift card option to reduce human contact.
• Utilize discounts. Now is the time to use discounts to entice long-term sales. Take a hint from Dallas gym The PilatesBarre, who recently had a quarantine blowout sale, pricing their usual $35 classes for $17 when customers bought in bulk.

As our economy enters uncertain territory, it’s now more important than ever to focus on customer retention. While your consumers may have less disposable income in the meantime, nurturing relationships with them will ensure they are loyal after the crisis passes.