Business 2021 - 5 Tips to Adapt and Survive Online

Your Business

Business 2021 – 5 tips to Adapt and Survive Online

by Deborah Monshin

2020 was a challenging year for small businesses, and 2021 seems to be going the same way. The saying 'hope for the best but plan for the worst' seems like good advice. What's worked for your business in the past may not work this year, particularly in industries like fitness, beauty and therapy. People are shopping online and using social media more than ever before. So what does that mean for businesses? We need to change how we engage with consumers. As a therapist, I usually work one to one. But I have now taken to offering online workshops. As an introvert, it's something I never thought I'd be doing, but I'm having fun!

How you can use the internet to support and grow your business:

1. Get a social media account. Every business should have an internet presence, even if only for advertising. Facebook is excellent for boosting your content, setting your target audience, and for live talks. Zoom is ideal for hosting workshops and demonstrations.

Pinterest and Instagram are perfect for visual marketing for creators and artists.

There's a lot of platforms, and at least one will suit your business. 2. Can you offer your current goods and services online or as a takeaway?

Create an Etsy or Facebook shop for your products, and use Facebook Marketplace.

Use online workshops for talking therapies, fitness classes, or for crafting and cooking.

Group or individual sessions can be online.

Either charge per session, consider a membership or run courses. 3. If you cannot offer your existing products online, it's time to think outside the box.

What aspect of your business can you tweak into an online option?

Hairdresser: hairstyling demonstration or hair care product recommendations.

Masseuse: a talk on the benefits of different massage oils, or a face massage workshop.

Think knowledge sharing and 'how-to'. 4. Can you create a booklet or E-book based on your knowledge to sell through your social media platform? They can be simple PDF files or published free through Amazon KDP. 5. Gift vouchers.

Selling gift vouchers for future use gives people something to look forward to. Sell gift certificates for your online workshops and demonstrations.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it. Experiment, see what works. Because doing something is better than worrying about the future. Good luck!