Building Consumer Confidence and Preparing your Business for the Post-Pandemic Era

Published on 11th June 2020

Many businesses are now facing the challenge of adjusting their strategies and adopting new procedures as we hopefully start to transition into the post-pandemic era. As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, business owners across the UK need to analyse any changes that their industry has experienced over the last few months and decide whether these changes will affect how they operate moving forward. 

 

One thing that has certainly changed during the global pandemic is consumer confidence, and therefore how people spend their money. A lot of people’s incomes have been impacted, which can have the effect of meaning they spend on essential items only, and without knowing the full effect of COVID-19 and how long it may be around for, this trend is likely to continue. 

 

This is why it’s important for companies to re-evaluate their current processes and adjust them accordingly. To help your brand move forward during these uncertain times, we’ve created this eBook that looks at some short and long-term strategies you can apply to help build consumer confidence and make your business resilient.

 

Shifting to online and digital solutions, repositioning your brand and future-proofing your business are just some of the strategies we touch upon. We also speak to industry experts to get their tips and advice on how to navigate the business world in the post-pandemic era.

 

How can you prepare your business for life after lockdown?

 

Maintain social distancing measures. Although we may be close to a post-lockdown era and restrictions are being lifted slowly, consumers want to feel safe when they do venture outside. With this in mind, make sure you put safety measures in place, such as increasing space between customers and using floor tape to mark areas as guidance. To help your employees, avoid using shared workstations and encourage phone or video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings. Be more accommodating with opening hours or switch to appointment-only to keep the number of visitors to a minimum. 

 

Make hygiene a priority. All businesses have an important role when it comes to preventing the spread of the virus. Encourage frequent hand-washing and supply hand sanitiser around your premises. Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, such as handrails and door handles. Provide staff with their own cleaning supplies to clean their workspace often. Consider protective screens as these will benefit employees and customers and encourage contactless/online payment where possible. 

 

Keep consumers and staff informed. Communication will be key during this transition period, not just with employees but with customers too. Most businesses will be facing many challenges along the way, and you should acknowledge them but reassure staff and customers by communicating effectively. Let employees know who they can talk to within the business should they have any concerns. Make use of your digital communication channels such as email, social media and your website to inform customers of any updates or changes. 

 

For more information and advice to help build consumer confidence, check out our eBook.