News
Why marketing is more important than ever during the shutdown
When business is going well, bookings are up and loyal customers keep returning, marketing your business automatically becomes an afterthought. As we enter a time of uncertainty for so many businesses, it is clear that marketing is more important than ever during this Covid-19 shutdown.
Why should I be marketing if my business is closed?
At first, it may sound strange to be marketing whilst your business is closed but it actually makes perfect sense. Most of your customers will be in the same situation – at home wondering when this shutdown will come to an end.
Regardless of the services you provide, once the shutdown ends, your services will be needed again. If you are not advising your loyal customers that you value their business and look forward to servicing them again, you can be assured that your competitors will be.
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Keep your existing clients informed
Unfortunately, many businesses like yours have had to shut their doors to help control the spread of Covid-19. Clients you have created a relationship with will care about your business – let them know your plans before they start to see your competitor’s plans on their timelines.
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Keep your existing clients engaged with your brand
If you are in the beauty industry, use social media to share some engaging tutorials or tips that your clients can use during the lockdown. Do you sell wine? share a selection of meals for two recipes with a fabulous wine recommendation. Regardless of what service you provide, you can share tips and advice with the help of a good graphic designer.
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Keep your existing clients entertained
With the vast majority of the British public on lockdown, scrolling is going to become the number one activity for a bored nation. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and, TikTok are going to be the default destinations for many and if you are not promoting your business, how are you going to maintain your relevance? Think about creating an interesting video.
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Keep your existing clients!
Existing clients you have created a relationship with will care about your business for as long as you stay relevant. By continuing or improving your marketing strategy throughout the shutdown, you increase the chances of keeping your existing clients and gaining potential new ones.
What type of marketing should I be focused on?
Good marketing costs money. There is no denying this simple fact but as you will probably have more time on your hands, you will be able to do some of the work yourself.
Focus on social media and digital marketing that enable you to capture data. The ability to capture leads and opportunities for the future is the most important goal.
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Social Media
Using social media platforms for marketing is not new to you. You may have outsourced it or dabbled with it when you had some spare time. After reading this, you should be aiming to become a social media expert in the next 30 days. Experiment and get a good understanding of each platform’s pros and cons.
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Email
Most people hate email marketing because they do not have the time to read it. Guess what most people have now? If you didn’t have a newsletter before, now is the time to start one. Here is the perfect opportunity to share your past and current successes with client testimonials and images of your work. You have a wealth of knowledge and experience so share it with existing and new potential clients.
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Offer discounts vouchers
When the shutdown comes to an end, how are you going to entice your clients back? How are you going to stop competitors from stealing your clients? Offering your clients discount vouchers they can use when the shutdown is lifted is one way to entice your clients back once you open your doors.
Harpenden based Twist Teas have announced their “Brew for a Hero” campaign is back! Launched to support and boost morale for NHS staff and key workers, the Brew for a Hero” campaign gives people a chance to show their appreciation for all the heroes from all walks of life during the current pandemic. This could be anyone – local postal workers, refuse collectors and cleaners, emergency services and health care staff, teachers and chefs, community groups and volunteers.
You can participate in the “Brew for a Hero” by nominating a NHS or key workers hero you know. Nominate your hero and give them a chance to win one of Twist Teas Rainbow inspired tea caddies. If you know a key worker, that you would like to surprise with a personalised Rainbow Caddy of tea, simply email your nominations to hello@twist-teas.co.uk. Please include a brief reason, as to why they deserve a little treat. Twist Teas will again be tasked with the difficult job of picking winners, to be announced on the 31st of January.
Twist Teas will also be making caddies available to purchase via their website with profits going to NHS Charities. More information about Twist Teas can be found in our interview with founders, mother and daughter duo Nicky Kavanaugh & Claire Ayers.
Watford BID have launched a video highlighting the reasons why they believe they deserve a second 5-year term. Many residents in Watford are aware of Watford BID but not many understand exactly what they do and more importantly, how integral their work is to the success of Watford.
What is a BID and why are they so important?
Essentially, a BID (Business Improvement District) is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a specific area in which a levy is charged on all business rate payers. This levy is used to develop projects and provide services which benefit businesses in the local area. This can include:
- Activities to increase visitors to the area
- Reducing overall business costs for levy members
- Marketing and promotion of the area such
- Lobbying councils/local government
- Working with local police to reduce anti-social behaviour
There is no limit on what projects or services that can be provided through a Business Improvement District. Some BIDS are more effective at certain tasks than others for a number of reasons but overall, the benefits BIDs offer to the various towns across Beds, Bucks & Herts is immeasurable.
Three reasons for Watford BID to get renewed
We have selected what we believe are the three main reasons why Watford BID should get renewed.
1. Watford BID offers a central point of contact
At a time when the Government don’t know if they are coming or going, having a central point for all information relating to Watford offers residents, visitors and business owners a much-needed level of clarity. Social distancing procedures and safety communication both need harmonisation to keep Watford Town safe.
Watford BID have been extremely informative on Social Media and in the district sharing key information such as this statement on the national lockdown from the Mayor of Watford.
Typically a Business Improvement District is within a local authority boundary but in April 2013 government introduced Cross Boundary Business Improvement Districts enabling Business Improvement Districts to operate across local authority boundaries.
2. Watford Restaurants & Bars will need support after the lockdowns end
Promoting Watford’s entertainment venues post-covid is going to need a lot of collaborative support post covid. Individual businesses taking to to social media to posts and update Facebook is not going to tempt the same numbers back to the district’s nightlife venues.
By having one organisation working alongside all the venues to promote Watford as an entertainment destination, visitors will hear one concise message that Watford is open for business.
3. Think of the benefits for residents and visitors
There have been calls for BIDs across The Three Counties to do more by some levy payers but in fairness, the amount of work involved in some of the projects is not to be underestimated such as launching The Watford Gift Card.
It is also important to understand that alongside promoting what’s on in Watford and things to do in Watford, the organisation is a key source for useful information for those living in and visiting Watford.
Regardless of lockdowns and coronavirus, people want food. Fans of Five Guys could be getting a late Christmas present with a new Five Guys in Stevenage. A recent job post on the Five Guys recruitment page for a General Manager in the Stevenage area has got locals excited about the possible arrival of the much loved American Chain.
Could this be the biggest clue for a Five Guys in Stevenage?
Spotted by an eagled eyed member of ‘Stevenage Chit Chat‘, the advert for a General Manager drops a few clues at a possible opening of a Five Guys in Stevenage.
Unit 10 appears empty on Google Maps
Clue No.1 for a Five Guys in Stevenage – The perfect scene
Nothing cements a clue in a mystery more than a location. The recruitment team have placed a X on the spot and that is 51°54’02.4″N 0°12’33.7″W. For all the normal people reading this, that is Unit 10 in Stevenage Leisure Park. This was home to Pizza Hut since late 2002 but this recent Google treasure map shows the unit is currently empty.
Clue No.2 for a Five Guys in Stevenage – A job for an ‘accomplice’
Did we mention there is a second job advert for a ‘Assistant Manager? If one job advert was not enough proof, two should be enough to convince you that plans are afoot for a Five Guys in Stevenage.
Clue No.3 for a Five Guys in Stevenage – A motive
What more motive do you need than hungry people in Stevenage in need of a good burger? A Five Guys in Stevenage is well overdue. It could even tempt Sir Lewis Hamilton back to Stevenage.
Local business launch “Brew for a Hero” campaign for NHS & key workers
Watford businesses to decide on the future of Watford BID
Could this be the biggest clue for a Five Guys in Stevenage?
