9Steps To Do If Coronavirus Disrupts Your Small Business

As countries around the world impose restrictions to limit the coronavirus outbreak, small businesses are wondering what to do next. On the one hand, you want to act as long as possible, on the other hand, the health of yourself and your workforce is the top priority. If you are worried about the consequences of a temporary closure for your business, there are eight steps you can take now to protect your business now.

9 steps you can take now to protect your business

Be open and honest with your customers

Today we all are faced with uncertainty – whether we are self-employed, businessmen, parents at home, or working full time. So be with your previous customers and tell them what action your company took. Are you closing temporarily, switching to door-to-door delivery, or working part-time? Adding an FAQ section to your website is the easiest way to provide your customers with the information they need.

Work from home or get serious about workplace precautions

In almost all affected countries, the advice is to work from home if you possibly can. If you’re used to going into your shop, office or restaurant every day then this can feel strange at first. But did you know that 86% of people feel less stressed working remotely (according to FlexJobs)? Get started with our guide on how to work efficiently from home.

Not everyone can work from home. But aside from enforcing strict hygiene practices (keeping a safe distance away from others, regular hand washing, and disinfecting communal areas and equipment) look for ways to keep your social contact to a minimum. Could you teach your yoga class online using an app like Zoom or Google Hangouts? Or offer a doorstep delivery service throughout your local area instead of having customers shop in-store? If you’re not sure what you can do, ask your customers for their input on social media. They’ll quickly tell you what they want and what they’d be willing to pay for.

Find out what assistance your government has to offer

Authorities around the world are already taking steps to reduce the economic impact of COVID-19. Ranging from small business loan programs to helping employers get sick pay.

The UK has announced plans to offer various grants, loan programs, reduced business rates, and legal relief for sick wages for SMEs. UK businesses can also call the HMRC Coronavirus Helpline on 03000 456 3565 if they are concerned about paying taxes. In the United States, many cities launch business support funds, such as the Boston Arts Support Fund, while the Australian government has a variety of strategies ranging from incentivizing business investment to helping employers make money. New Zealand’s policies include wage subsidies for small businesses with workers and financial support for people who are self-isolating.

Check your city or state’s website to find out what’s on offer in your area.

Update your Google My Business page

If you don’t already have one, take the time to submit your listing to Google My Business now. It’s free and helps customers find your business online.

If you have a Google My Business page, log in to your account and you will see a new home option called “Coronavirus (COVID-19)”. Follow the link to a page where you can suggest changes to your business information, such as: For example, update your working hours, add additional services you offer to customers or the local community or notify them of delays in normal service.

Move your sales to an online shop

Selling online has never been easier and now is a great time to start an online store that offers an additional source of income. Depending on your country, the postal and courier services may still work; otherwise, many companies offer “at the door” delivery. In this case, the business owner drops the package at the door and the customer picks it up from there so that no contact is connected. It’s also a great way to help the most vulnerable people in your community get the things they need.

 Accept donations through your website

We love local businesses – and we’re not the only ones! If you are a local business, you may be important to your community. Add a donation button to your website and give your customers the opportunity to support your business now so you can continue to support them in the future.

Notify customers of updates

During a pandemic, companies are finding new ways to adapt. If you offer new local pickup options, have changed working hours, or require customers to wear masks when visiting your store, let them know with a message block. This will grab their attention and help you avoid communication mistakes. Just go to your website, click + to add a block, and select News.

Keep posting on social media

Most companies use social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote their products and interact with customers. They are usually a luxury or even a nuisance, but as more people work or are isolated from home, these platforms can become lifelines providing important connections with the outside world. Even if you are forced to temporarily stop trading, don’t stop publishing! Use your account to show solidarity and instead keep in touch with your customers and you will have a stronger relationship with them when things return to normal.

Check with your supplier

Depending on your job, there may be a disruption to the consumables needed to make your product or work. Knowing this in advance will help you prepare and set realistic expectations for your customers. If it takes you longer than usual to complete an order, your customers will understand better if you tell them beforehand.