How Small Businesses Can Cope With The Omicron Age

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Opinion expressed by Businessman contributors are their own.

For small businesses, the harsh news surrounding the Omicron case is hard to hear given the hardships they have faced over the past two years. While some small businesses received financial assistance or PPP loans during the pandemic, many did not. This means Omicron’s recent surge continues to add to widespread staff and inventory shortages.

About 70% of small businesses are financially affected by Omicron, according to a study by Goldman Sachs. Fortunately, there are several options to help businesses bounce back. First, businesses should research the funding and loan opportunities available to them outside of traditional loans. More than five million new businesses started in 2021. As a result, by 2022, the needs of these new small business owners include raising affordable capital to scale their business, developing efficient digital marketing to gain more customers, and most importantly, find time to run their business.

How businesses can cope

Some companies will help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and offset the difficulties often associated with traditional bank loans.

In addition, businesses can continue to highlight pandemic precautions within their staff to assuage customer concerns. Cautious customers who have already limited their outside exposure will not take the time to visit brick and mortar if they know they are not taking precautions against the virus. Businesses need to cover, vaccinate or test their staff and keep customers safe. Owners should inform their customers of the safety procedures they implement, both online and on social media, to keep them aware so they are comfortable enough to start shopping again.

Related: 3 Stocks Leading Omicron’s Rebound

Optimize your digital presence

Next, develop and optimize a digital presence for your brand with social media and a website. Small businesses that didn’t have an online platform before the current pandemic are among those struggling the most or are closing down.

Today, consumers shop more online than in person. Without an online presence or a way for customers to interact with an online business, this business simply isn’t on the consumer’s radar. Additionally, social media can be a great tool for small business owners to communicate business changes with their audience, and there are many opportunities for that during a pandemic.

There are more steps online entrepreneurs can take to ensure better business practices. Owners can build email lists, but more importantly, they can pay attention to their SEO. Google My Business is a subset of SEO, and those listings are more likely to attract local traffic and increase business sales and web traffic. It also ensures that the business ranks at the top of Google’s keyword searches, increasing views and awareness.

Related: 2022 Grammys Indefinitely Delayed Due to Omicron Surge

Pay attention to the community

In addition, small businesses must be aware of their current position in society. It can be as simple as an online review. If customers see that a business hasn’t responded to any negative reviews or questions on social media, it can force them to go elsewhere. Owners should be diligent in reviewing and ensure that they have offered to help with customer issues in any situation.

Business agility has never been more important, and that applies to global industries. Small businesses with fewer customers should take the time to ensure that everyone who walks through the door, or shop online, is a repeat customer. Business owners need to provide great service and quality products during this economy, or they will be left behind.

Small businesses need to rely on digital funding, marketing resources, and effective communication with their customers online to ensure they thrive during this Omicron boom.

Related: 4 Ways to Lead Your Organization Through Omicron Surge

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