The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) China branch first became aware of a few reports of a then-unknown virus responsible for pneumonia cases within the city of Wuhan, a region of Eastern China on 31 December 2019.
The Covid 19 virus, as it was later identified, began as an epidemic concentrated in a small part of China, but has now quickly spread across the world, leading to a global pandemic of epic proportions.
This virus has, so far, been responsible for thousands of people falling ill and dying due to its highly contagious nature, and is currently wreaking havoc within the economic sector, due to mandatory travel bans and quarantines. Stock markets are declining at a rapid pace and events are being cancelled all over the globe. Employees are being sent to work from home until further notice in hopes of containing the outbreak.
The widespread closing of shops and businesses in South Africa and around the world is unprecedented. Many businesses have closed due to government mandates and health concerns. And many of these closures will impact the ability of businesses to pay ongoing expenses and survive the shutdown.
What does this dramatic shift mean for businesses?
Covid 19 is impacting many facets of society, and the impact on small businesses in South Africa, and around the world is likely to be severe.
These businesses, unfortunately, may have to make the very difficult decision to scale down and perhaps cut their online marketing budgets, in the event that the economy suffers a further recession. And while this might make total business sense in the short term, it may hurt businesses in the long term.
Companies of all sizes need to make marketing and maintaining an online presence a priority if they hope to keep their business afloat in the long term.
Those that host local events and offer various in-person services are expected to experience a drastic decline in sales and are likely to be the most affected by the changes in worldwide trends.
Everyone, even people who wouldn’t typically buy online, now find themselves having to rely on e-commerce sites on a day-to-day basis to some extent. If this becomes the norm, businesses will be forced to adapt or die.
How can your business survive?
If your business has a marketing budget, keeping that intact and running it, as per usual, is recommended. The ongoing marketing of your business, especially during this time, will not only keep your business top of mind, but will also act as an effective communication channel for you to remain in touch with customers during this unprecedented Covid 19 outbreak.
Use the tools you have at your disposal to keep them updated and at ease with your situation. Letting them know that you’re just a comment away and emailing them information on how to take care of themselves during this time.
Through online marketing and social media channels, you can reassure your customers by notifying and keeping them up to date with what is happening and what you plan to do in your business. Keep them in the loop about measures that your business is introducing to protect their safety and make an effort to show small but significant gestures that consumers will appreciate.
Doing this will put followers’ minds at ease and reassure them that your business hasn’t jumped ship and deserted them during this very difficult time.
If you find yourself without a marketing strategy or a solid online presence, get in touch with us for assistance and let The Mustard Flower assist your business in staying afloat during the Covid 19 crisis.
