Try as we might, there are some things that a business owner just can’t control. The weather, road construction, global pandemics….all of these are out of your hands. But nothing strikes fear into the heart of a small business owner like the threat of a recession.
While the state of the economy can feel abstract and overwhelming, you don’t have to throw in the towel and accept bad outcomes. With the right strategy, planning, and teamwork, your business will survive this challenge – or even THRIVE!
Recession-Proof Marketing Checklist
With a looming recession, what can you do to recession-proof your digital presence? While your instinct might be to slash spending, pull up the drawbridge, and brace for impact, studies show that businesses that invested in long-term marketing strategies, followed the data, and remained flexible to suit customer needs came out of past recessions in better shape than their more cautious counterparts.
Step one: don’t cancel your digital marketing campaigns. Instead, your biz could actually benefit from ramping up your online efforts. While the specifics of which digital marketing services you focus on might change, the over-arching idea should be the same: consistency, accuracy, and a focus on customer service and experience.
Stick To Your SEO Strategy
While pricey social media ads might not be in the budget when the purse strings are being tightened, one area you should continue to invest in in SEO. Search engine optimization (SEO) offers companies an opportunity to grow their businesses online naturally, without taking on the large budgets that paid ads require. SEO strategies are a marathon, not a sprint, meaning that pulling back on your investment here could unravel your hard-won rankings. During a recession, when long-distance travel is often reduced and families are looking for affordable local activities, a high-ranking result for your target SEO terms can make a huge difference in driving traffic to your FEC and give you a boost over the competition.
A Website That Works For You 
Your website is a powerful tool for delivering information and bringing more business to your door, and is often responsible for potential customer’s first impression of you – so you better make it a good one! Investing in an up-to-date and easy-to-use website is essential for informing customers of updates, deals, events, and any other goings-on at your business. In 2022 one of the most important features of any website is mobile responsiveness. Global media-use statistics show that the the vast majority of internet users are accessing the web from a mobile device – which means that if your website isn’t built for a mobile experience, you’re missing out on their business – and potentially doing harm to your reputation in the process! Give your business the best possible chance of success with a website that works for ALL potential customers.
Accurate Info Across The Board
Even if you don’t spend another dime on marketing during a recession, don’t skip this essential step: ensure that the information about your business available around the web is ACCURATE and CONSISTENT. Old addresses, out-of-service phone numbers, incorrect hours…..these are all surefire ways to annoy customers and ensure they won’t be spending any more time, money, or energy with your business. With a listing service as part of your digital marketing strategy, we’ll monitor your web listings to provide consistent business information across all platforms. No matter how they get there, your customers will always know just where to find you.
The number one thing to remember when facing a recession as a small business owner is that you’re not alone. The TrustWorkz team is on your side, and we’re here to help navigate whatever unexpected obstacles might come your way!
