The COVID-19 Pandemic has made most business owners evaluate how to best operate their business in the most cost-effective way.

The sudden closures of brick and mortar locations have left businesses struggling with how to promote their products to potential customers and how to keep their repeat customers coming back. One thing is abundantly clear, having a digital marketing and ecommerce strategy, complemented with “contactless” options is the best way to keep your business going and your customers satisfied during this economy.

Online apps and sites have never been more popular then they are now, with countless people flocking to social media and apps to communicate with friends and loved ones. But did you know that they also seeking out connections with businesses even more than ever, online?

Here are tips on how to keep your business going and customers happy during this time:

1. Don’t make them guess – let them know you’re still open for business: Now is the time to leverage every single channel available to you to let consumers know that you are still open and ready for transactions. Update your Google My Business profile with your new hours. Update all of your social media channels with business updates and keep customers engaged with engaging posts. If you have access to the back-end of your website or have a website developer, have them update your website with a COVID-19 business message as well.

2. Offer contactless transactions: Due to physical distancing guidelines, offering a contactless solution to help your customer finance their auto, retail or powersports purchase is a worthwhile solution.

   • eSignatures: Using eSignature solutions like DocuSign lets your customers complete financing transactions like signing contracts or bills of sale.

   • LendCare accepts DocuSign, unlike some banks and lenders who do not accept this option. Customers can sign documents on any device and you’re immediately notified via email when it’s completed. Contact LendCare to find out how you can complete your LendCare financing using DocuSign.

3. Reap the benefits of digital marketing: Now is the time to promote your business, in the most cost-effective way. Try posting photos of your products on Instagram, with details and specs and information about how people can purchase them. You can create simple, sponsored posts that you can use to target people in your local community. Check out this great resource for businesses using Instagram: https://business.instagram.com/advertising/.

4. Stay close to your customers: Use some of your down time to write simple but relevant emails to your customers. Tell them how much you appreciate their business, ask how they’re enjoying their past purchases, check in to see how they’re coping with their new normal. This communication will keep customers close and will help you to stay top of mind for future business.

Now is the best time to get creative with your sales process. Be open, flexible, and create a solution that is unique to your business, but make sure that you adhere to your local emergency orders and guidelines. And who knows, you may choose to incorporate these new solutions into your business practice throughout the lifetime of your business.