The scope of the coronavirus is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Aside from the serious public health concerns that the virus has introduced, public health restrictions are  wreaking havoc with small businesses who have been forced to shutter their business to comply with social distancing, quarantines, and the public’s fear of being out in public.

Even in these troubled times, it’s important for business owners to keep in mind that adversity can open new opportunities. Small business owners that are developing strategies to keep their business relevant even in these difficult times and prepare it for re-opening once the restrictions are lifted, will be well- positioned to transform a very big negative into a positive business result.

How Can SMS Help During a Pandemic?

Stay Connected

Let your employees, vendors and customers know that you care and are thinking of them. A short text message updating them on what you’re doing in quarantine and asking them to share with you how they’re coping keeps the community that you built connected and engaged. They already have shown have in interest in your product or service so share an activity idea related to your business that they can keep busy with at home. Ask them for feedback about changes that you’re considering or suggestions for other upgrades. Keep your business at the top of your mind and make it the public square for your community.

Order Fulfillment

SMS chats with customers allows businesses to stay in contact with their customers. Maintaining your relationship during difficult times could ensure that when the current health crisis is over, your customers will return to your shop.

More than that, though, SMS chats and chatbots can help you continue to sell merchandise. Consider offering SMS order fulfillment. After an order is received, you can let your customers know by SMS what time to arrive at the store for curbside pickup.

When the customer arrives to the store, they can reply that they are outside waiting. An employee can bring the merchandise out to the car, and put it directly into the customer’s trunk. Payment can be made using a credit card through one of the many digital payment options available, including through SMS.

Digital Promotions

Businesses that provide digital products and services haven’t been affected as badly as other verticals, but they are still facing an uneasy public that is hesitant to spend money. Concerns about the economy abound, with ripples being felt from the disease in every corner.

To break through the fear, digital businesses need to deliver their best offers. The channel most likely to be seen, especially in this time of uncertainty, is SMS. SMS messages have an open rate well above 90%, and are typically read within 3 minutes. If you are going to put out your best offer, you want to make sure customers can see it.

Other Businesses

At MessageWhiz, we’re looking for new ways to help your business engage with customers. That’s why we’re offering 30% off your messaging through June 30, 2020.