Enhance your business website during the Covid-19 pandemic

With the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic set to continue into 2021, why not be proactive and safeguard your business website for the future.

We have put together a few tips and recommendations on how to prepare your business website for the second lockdown and ensure it’s up for the job during this unsettled time

Create or update your online shop

If you have products to sell ensure your online shop is up to the job of selling.

It sounds obvious but with many stores being unable to open during this second lockdown your online presence is your shop front. So you need to make sure it is as informed and easy to use as a physical shop.

Clear stock lists, the ability to find & filter products and usability are the key to conversion. Marketing your eCommerce shop is also crucial so your loyal customers know where to find you.

Update your website content

Whether you are offering a service or product, update your website inline with how you are working now. There is nothing more frustrating to a consumer than reading outdated information on how they previously could have received your product or service.

If you are working remotely or offering a new way of sharing your services put a notice or banner on the homepage of your website to make this clear to your customers. This can link to an information page of how your business is adapting to Covid-19 restrictions.

Improve your website design and functionality

As previously mentioned your website is your shop front, it is your online presence. A good website design and functionality should give the user a good impression as soon as they land on the site, be easy to use and company branded.

It is important your website meets these needs because once a prospect lands on the site by default they will feel confident you are capable and trustworthy in your products or service.

Are you being found in search rankings?

Online users may have more time on their hands however with us all doing more online shopping and enquiries, we expect to find what we are looking for almost instantly.

Appearing highly in relevant search results is vital to ensure your customers and clients can find you. You can do this organically by checking your search rankings and adapting your content and metadata to be SEO friendly. Alternatively, you may choose to focus on PPC (pay per click) or Google Ads to be ranked ahead of the competition.

Connect with your audience & stay in touch with your customers

Just because we are physically restricted to where we can work does not mean we are virtually restricted. You can show your audience and customers you are still open for business digitally.

Continue to post across your social media channels, create and share content and send out email campaigns during this time. It’s a great way to show your customers that you’re still around offering products or services.

It is important to ensure you communicate with your audience transparently. You can use your email newsletters to inform your customers on any Covid-19 related business changes or policy updates. If you keep in touch with your customers they will know what to expect from your company as the situation changes.

Brand consistency

It is imperative to maintain a consistent voice across your channels, this includes retail locations, social channels, website, customer service, in short anywhere your customer can find you.

Marketing plays a big part in this as your clients should be able to recognise your company without any obvious branding to guide them. Creating a strong brand with consistent messaging will help your business to gain repeat customers, help to establish your brand as a prominent player in the industry and increase awareness. It will enable you to be seen as reliable, trustworthy and authentic.

Final thoughts

It is a very tough time globally at the moment and there is no sugar coating the pandemic. However, we can all use this time to future proof our business, further our online reach and continue our business plans albeit in a slightly different direction than first thought at the start of 2020.

We are passionate about Kent businesses and offer complimentary website advice. So if you would like to discuss any of the tips in this article on updating your businesses online presence please get in touch.