News

April 2, 2020

Tips for Keeping your Business Afloat During the “Work from Home Isolation”

Life in quarantine is an obvious struggle for many businesses. Many things are out of your control and you’re forced to just ride the wave and hope you make it to the other side. But there is one thing in your control – your online content.

“Having consistently updated, quality content is always important in terms of Google standings,” says Silverpen Productions, LLC founder, Jenna Caputo, “but during a situation like this, your online content could be what carries you through. Many businesses are used to relying on their foot traffic and word of mouth, but with this situation, things are different, and now businesses need to shift their thinking and use the tools still available to them.”

Online content consists of multiple factors – your website information, a blog or similar type of component to relay helpful information, email newsletters and your social media messages.

Silverpen Productions is a local, customized content services agency that works closely with local businesses to help them achieve both their print and digital content and marketing goals. Through the years, Jenna has seen a reoccurring pattern. “Most small businesses have a very limited budget and resources available to them. One or only a couple of people are responsible for running all aspects of the business. There are only so many hours in the day, so naturally some things will have to be neglected. Often, that thing is the company’s website and/or blog so they can concentrate their time on the actual service they provide to their customers. Creating content for a blog or social media can take time, and it’s not something that instantly pays off. It feels like you’re working for free and just wasting precious time,” says Caputo. “However, that content is a direct source not only to your current customers, but potential ones you may not otherwise be able to reach. And during these unprecedented times, online is really the only place you can reach anyone these days.”

Caputo suggests using this “break” to reach out to your customers in new ways. “You want to stay at the top of their minds, so when business starts up again, you’ll be one of the first places they’ll go,” she states. Her suggestions?

• If you have a barely used blog, now is the time to start using it regularly. Show your expertise. Post useful information that can be passed along and shared with others (don’t just try to sell). Keep it positive. People are looking for pleasant distractions and ways to feel productive while at home. Help them achieve that goal.
• If you don’t have a blog – start one! Even after quarantine is over, it’s a critical tool not only for your Google standings, but your overall branding image as well. Use this extra time to get things up and running. Create material to have in the queue for when business is fast again so that you can keep it up even after the stay-home order is lifted.
• Beef up your social media. The social media sites are at an all-time high now that people have even more time on their hands. You now have a rapt audience – Get yourself in front of all those eyes and show what you can do! The best sites for your business vary depending on the type of business, but generally Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are your best bets.
• Update (or build) your website. If you’ve been holding off updating your site, now is the time. To maximize your site’s potential, it should be built on a recent platform, mobile friendly, contain current information and pictures, have clear contact information, links to your social media sites and affiliations, and have a built-in blog hosted directly through your own site and not through another platform like Blogger, WordPress, etc.
• Send out (or create) an email newsletter. Keep your customers updated with the latest developments and services right from the comforts of their own homes. Provide useful information, positive content, easy-to-scan visuals and updates on any promotions or services you are currently offering.

Need help with your strategy or content? Silverpen Productions is offering discounted rates throughout the quarantine period for any business that would like assistance in strengthening their communications during this time. All consultations are free. Contact them at info@silverpenproductions.com for more information.