From Yelp to Help, The Corona Safe Business Directory Opens Doors
The “New Normal” is upon us and local businesses all across the nation are struggling to keep afloat. As the Covid-19 pandemic winds its way down Main Street, city by city and town by town, most small, local businesses find it near impossible to stay connected with their clients and customers. Not all is lost, it’s boom or bust depending on what your product, event or service type might be. However, for most businesses, the statistics don’t look good and the question everyone keeps asking, “Is there light at the end of the tunnel. “
Unfortunately, with shut-downs, dubious re-opening experiments and a reluctant public, the path forward may be a long and challenging one. How quickly times have changed. Today, businesses need help not yelp; after all a 5-star review does not make the cash register ring if customers are unsure if a business is open or closed, afraid an establishment is not safe or unaware of new “safe” options that might be offered.
Some communities and business leaders are forming war-room like groups where all ideas are put on the table, all possibilities are pondered, with the hopes that some workable formula might emerge. But most ideas are experimental, cumbersome and vary widely from business type to business type.
Marketing strategist, Dan Hollings, who has helped small business owners for over 3 decades offers simple advice,
“Look at what has worked recently in other businesses still operating today. Borrow these ideas, morph them to fit your business and implement rapidly. As you move forward, step-by-step monitor your results, tweak it, and take the next step.”
So, what business models are working for small businesses today? Pick-up and delivery is one, offering more online shopping options is another, putting products online or on Amazon, online memberships, video streaming, webinars, Google Meet and Zoom Groups, the list goes on.
However, offering safe alternatives is only half the equation, equally important are direct communications with customers. After all, if customers don’t know what is offered and how their engagement will be made safer through social distancing, staff PPE, and sound safety practices, customers will stay home or seek safer alternatives.
This week, a major step toward solving many of these challenges was launched with the announcement of an innovative new platform designed to help small business owners, shoppers and their communities. The Corona Safe Business Directory is opening doors.
Not only is The Corona Safe Business (CSB) Directory addressing many “New Normal” marketing needs of small local businesses, it is also addressing the communication needs between consumers and local business. Both shoppers and local businesses stand to benefit.
Customers don’t come to Corona Safe Business to read how good a Pizza is, they come to learn if they can get their Pizza “contactless.” Local residents don’t look up a business in CSB to find the best pricing for an air conditioner that needs repaired, instead they want to know if the repairman is going wear Personal Protective Equipment and sanitize surfaces when they are done. And for those ’planning to visit a retail shop or dine-in at a restaurant it will be The Corona Safe Business Directory that will clarify customer safety policy upfront… are masks required, will there be hand sanitizer, are there special hours for seniors, etc.
For consumers and local shoppers, everything is free. After a customer visits or interacts with any listed business, they have the option to share their experience by submitting a “Customer Story.” So reviews are out, and positive stories are in.
In turn, all businesses start with a free listing at Corona Safe Business Directory, in fact many businesses will find that basic information about their business is already available for visitors within the Directory. Business owners may enhance their free listing with images, hours, descriptions and most importantly, any special notices about health and safety matters and how they’re handling operations during these times. This is a lifeline between current and future customers and the businesses they love.
For small businesses that need or want more direct hands-on help, Corona Safe Business integrates “New Normal” marketing services in conjunction with the 11Hands Marketing Agency, a sister company within the same network of small business services.
As doors open, the CSB Directory has all services at half price or better, but every business in the USA will be welcomed to join at no cost as we get started. Open or shut, product or service, booming or near bust, The Corona Safe Business Directory’s doors are now open.
CORONA SAFE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
