While COVID is still visible, it’s in the rear-view mirror for most people and businesses, especially as we move towards the less dangerous months of summer. While caution should still be taken, and many businesses are keeping mask policies in place, it’s also time to start planning for a future where this is just another seasonal virus. However, this is also the “new normal,” and not all pandemic business strategies and procedures forged in the darkest days of COVID should be reverted – it’s time to look forward to what businesses, employees, and consumers liked and didn’t like.

Remote Work and Virtual Business

The biggest business success of the pandemic was the pressure it put on businesses to provide contactless employment and services to employees and clients alike. Companies that succeeded were the ones that adapted early and went digital where possible. For some businesses, a fully virtual office is unobtainable, but that doesn’t mean tossing it all out:

• Remote Work as an Employee Benefit: If you keep up on business news, the fight for remote work features prominently. Current and future employees are looking for this perk – if you can feature it (or hybrid models), that’s an employment perk. Make sure to care for your remote team.
• Virtual Meetings and Webinars: We’ve all had our share of Zoom calls this pandemic. While it doesn’t replace in-person meetings, it does make client and sales meeting much easier. Seminars as a sales tool can be replaced with webinars – you just have to do it right.

Digital and App-Based Commerce & Services

Another effect of the pandemic was an explosion in online services – everything from using digital storefronts instead of going in-person to the rise of “gig economy” convenience with food delivery apps when restaurants closed.

Using eCommerce for Your Business

Using eCommerce for your business allowed you to get a leg up, especially with cautious customers, and that’s something you shouldn’t throw away. This might have been by selling on a third-party platform such as Amazon or even on social media platforms like Instagram. Or maybe you cut out the middleman and build eCommerce onto your website.

Employee and Customer Health & Care

Beyond the various mandates in the US, which varied from state to state, many businesses also adopted additional measures to keep employees and customers comfortable – many of which are still in effect post-mandates. From being mask-friendly (including making them part of customer service) to options for contactless services, including online ordering and checkout, you’re showing both customers and employees that you care about their health and personal preferences.

One thing many businesses stopped but didn’t adapt to the pandemic is their marketing. If you’ve found yourself in this position or were unable to pivot during the pandemic, Vision Advertising can help. We’re masters in digital marketing, from SEO to get your website seen to social media to engage with your customers and find new ones. We can even help you restart your old business you closed during the pandemic. Contact us today to get started.