Guest Post: How to Gain Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

This week we feature an article by Derek Goodman, entrepreneur and creator of Inbizability. He shares some tips on how to grow your client list despite a global health and economic crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has slowed many businesses down. At times, it almost feels like the economy has ground to a halt and, as a result, clients aren’t eager to invest in new services. However, you can overcome this and build your client list despite the pandemic. Shep Hyken offers a look at a few of the tools you can use to ease your clients’ hesitation and turn it into a new customer. 

Adapt to the New Normal 

The pandemic has changed everything, including how we do business — and as a result, your old methods may not be effective in today’s market. For one thing, everything has shifted to the web. It’s how consumers are searching for services and products, and it’s how they are spending their hard-earned money. ROI Revolution notes eCommerce is growing by leaps and bounds with no slowing down in the near future. 

If you don’t already have a high-quality website, now’s the time to invest in one. Among other things, it should be navigationally clean, easy to read, load quickly, and be secure. You can use a website builder for a basic site, but to really be competitive, consider hiring a web developer.  

Now is also the time to revisit your service methods to help your customers feel safe and encourage their loyalty. Your brick and mortar is directly affected since aside from masks and plastic shields, a touchless payment experience is a top priority right now. The time is ripe to offer curbside pickup and delivery options, too, as customers demand it for the sake of their well-being.  

Create a Media Kit  

What are you doing right now that tells your customers you’re the right place for them to spend their money? It’s time to find ways to tell them why you’re a good investment.  

Put together a media kit that tells your story in a relatable and professional manner. It should include information on your history and what you offer, answering questions potential customers, investors, press representatives, and others would have about your company. Address what you’re doing to stay current amid the pandemic, and have it on hand to supplement and strengthen your pitches to potential clients.  

Evaluate Your Work Environment  

Ultimately, your potential to build your client list comes down to your ability to work effectively. For instance, if you’re working from home, Biz2Credit points out that you need a plan to help you focus and stay productive. Just like if you were heading to an office, professionalism in your schedule, boundaries between personal and professional life, and even your appearance weigh into how your energy and days will play out.  

Especially if you have family members home through the workday with you, a dedicated workspace allows you to get in the right mindset to work. And for the sake of your comfort and endurance, make sure your computer monitor is the right size and brightness to prevent eye fatigue. Similarly, consider investing in an ergonomic chair and desk so you can stay comfortable throughout the day. Coupons can help you stretch your budget, and happily, whatever you invest in can likely be written off on your taxes.  

Right now, success is all about finding ways to be flexible and creative in a new environment. Focus on helping clients understand your worth and value in this market. With the right game plan, you’ll be able to build your client list and push your business into the future.  

For more information on taking your customers’ experience — and thus your business — to the next level, connect with Shep Hyken. 

Derek Goodman is an entrepreneur. He’d always wanted to make his own future, and he knew growing his own business was the only way to do that. He created his site Inbizability, to offer you tips, tricks, and resources so that you realize your business ability and potential now, not later.