The coronavirus pandemic is changing the digital world for SMBs

With the UK in lock-down, lots of small to medium sized businesses are experiencing an unprecedented amount of turmoil and apprehension. And for many with eCommerce sites, focusing on the digital sales, and digital marketing, has become more important than ever before. However, search habits, and consumer habits are changing because of the current client. And this means that SMB’s and brands will need to adapt quickly to these changes, to keep demand and sales high. So how is the coronavirus pandemic changing the digital world for SMBs? And how should your company be adapting? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design, we are Preston’s leading web design and web marketing professionals. We provide valuable web design, SEO, and marketing solutions to a range of clients, across the North West, including Southport and Wigan, as well as Manchester. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you need to know about the online trends currently affecting businesses.

How is the coronavirus pandemic changing the digital world for SMBs?

The current pandemic has meant that for many businesses and service providers, it has been necessary to close down real world premises for the weeks ahead. And at the same time, many of your potential customers are either furloughed from work, or are currently working from home. In an effort to keep business flowing, digital and online orders are soaring, and this has led to some shifting patterns in search and consumer/brand interactions, including:

• Rise in desktop searches
• Increasing social media presence
• Local is most valuable

Rise in desktop searches

With many people now staying at home, internet searches, and organic traffic from desktop computers is at an all time high. And while responsive design is still essential for mobile users, who continue to make up around 60% of the overall search traffic, you may find that your desktop site needs adjustment.  It may also be a good idea to design an information box or pop-up in relation to the current Covid-19 pandemic. For many businesses changes may need to be highlighted including:

• opening hours if the premises is still open
• re-opening hours for when you expect to be back up and running
• delivery times and expectations
• order quantity limits

Increasing social media presence

If you are a service provider or a small to medium sized business, you could consider increasing your social media presence. Live video is currently one of the most used and valued ways to interact with your potential or previous consumers, and to increase interest in your products or services overall. This is being used by brands of every size to provide entertainment and information during this time. Live quizzes, games and interviews can be a great way to connect with others, and build or increase a brand identity and reach.

Any increase to your social media presence is a great investment for the future of your business, once normal life resumes.

Local is most valuable

As the pandemic spreads, an increasing number of people are looking for ways to give back to their community safely, and hep others during this crisis. One easy way for people to achieve this is to order and shop with local companies. And during the rise of this pandemic we have seen local businesses becoming increasingly popular. As a result, if you are a local business or service provider, you should make sure that your website content and social media content makes your local status obvious.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the team here at Pumpkin Web Design.