Navigating your online presence during a return to ‘normalcy’

With state governments lifting COVID-19 restrictions and more people having access to vaccines, consumers across the country are starting to make their return to “normalcy” by visiting their favorite small businesses.

While these shifts are happening, it is crucial for small business owners to understand how to manage their online presence, staff and reputation to find success in this post-shutdown world. Consider these tips to ensure a successful reopening.

1. Acknowledge if you are short staffed.

Due to the pandemic, so many industries were forced to cut staff and in turn, are experiencing longer wait times or delayed service requests. The best way to mitigate longer wait times, bad reviews and a stressful environment for employees is to communicate that gap with customers.

Ninety-seven percent of consumers use the internet to find local businesses, meaning the most effective way to acknowledge staffing issues is to update the website, social media and online listings.  Make an announcement explaining staffing issues and acknowledge it might lead to issues, such as longer wait times.