Small Business Social Distancing To Do List
We’re thinking and praying for all those affected by COVID-19 as so much of the USA and beyond is closing down this week. We know this is affecting each of you so uniquely, and we’re with you! If you’re stuck inside or are trying to figure out how to keep your business running, we’re here to help.
15 Things To Do For Your Small Business During Social Distancing Season
1 . Take An Online Course Or Class
PRO TIP: Take advantage of free trials to get free eduction (for example, Lynda has a one-month free trial for online education). If you’re looking for courses to take with GoLive, check out our Online Workshops here.
2. Create A Realistic Budget And Financial Plan
Check out our post on 25 Ways To Market Your Business For Cheap on the blog if you’re needing to make some wise financial cuts during this season.
3. Build, Launch, Or Revamp Your Website
Social distancing is here to stay for at least the near future, so now is the best time to make sure your business is online. If this is your first website, don’t be afraid to do a little DIY to launch your website. If you already have a website, consider doing a few things to revamp or do small changes to rebrand.
4. Update Your Headshot For LinkedIn, Your Website, & Your Social Media
This doesn’t have to be a fancy shoot! An iPhone with a timer or a willing roommate or spouse can help you get a current headshot for your brand.
5. Start Building Your Email List
The are a lot of reasons why starting an email list is a good idea, but especially as things move more and more digital, it’s important to start building that list.
6. Create A Free Download For Your Email Opt-In
Upgrade your current opt-in or lead capture from “news and updates” to an enticing download that your potential clients or customers will love. Need help with this? Check out our list of 5 Ways To Add Value To Your Email Opt-In to get started.
7. Plan And Create An Online Course
Get creative in how you can go digital. Consider creating a quick course of how people can do your service themselves from home, or create a digital guide.
8. Update Your Portfolio
This is a great time to work on your business and showcase your recent work. If it’s been awhile since you’ve updated your portfolio, or if your current portfolio doesn’t reflect the work you want to be doing, go in and update it now. If you need a Website Template that shows off a portfolio in a unique and dynamic way, check out our Squarespace Templates that feature a portfolio feature here.
9. Update Your Testimonials
Add your recent testimonials to your website. If you don’t have any, now is the perfect time to email or DM old clients or customers and ask for one to support your small business! They should be short (1-2 sentences) and highlight a key feature of your product, service, or offering. Here’s a tutorial on How To Create A Testimonials Slider on Squarespace.
10. Email Your Mailing List With Updates About Your Business
Don’t let your potential clients or customers forget about you! You don’t have to send the same email that’s been going around that you’re sanitizing your desk. But, an email that says that you’re still working, that you’re still taking on clients, or that you still have your offerings available is vital to make sure that your business stays at the top of their mind during social distancing.
11. Revamp, Reorganize & Clean Your Workspace Or Office
You’re probably stuck in your home office for quite a bit instead of being able to venture out into coffee shops for a much-needed break for a little bit. If you’re feeling distracted or bored in your work space, spend a morning or afternoon cleaning up clutter, rearranging furniture, or even ordering a few new things from other small businesses to spruce up your space. Here’s our list of Office Must-Haves our team has in their home offices.
12. Plan Out Your Social Media Ahead Of Time
We are constantly recommending this tip to small business owners because it really frees up your time from posting and planning every single day. Do it in chunks to save time and be more strategic with your social media strategy. Check out or post on How To Use Trello To Create A Content Calendar if you’re feeling really exciting about making a plan.
13. Find Ways To Automate Your Business
Do you have the same email that you write over and over? Add it to your canned emails or email templates. If you’re a client-based business, consider using a platform like Dubsado to build out an automation for your contract and billing process.
14. Write Out A Bunch Of Blog Content
Sit down and try to type up as many blog ideas as you can in one sitting! If you need help starting your blog for your business or don’t know where to start, check out our post on 10 Tips For A Killer Blog Strategy.
15. Find Online Community Of Others In Your Industry And Support One Another
Cheer each other on! No one quite understands what you’re going through like the others in your industry who are in similar situations. This is not the time for competition, but to support and encourage one another so everyone succeeds!
THE WRAP UP
Continue looking for the positive. We’re all in this together! Comment below if you’re making any moves in your business to prepare.