How to Protect Your Small Business During COVID-19

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Small businesses across the country are feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many have been forced to lay off employees. Others have had to close their doors temporarily. Some businesses, unfortunately, have gone under permanently. If you’re a small business owner right now, it’s completely normal to be worried. But you don’t have to feel hopeless! There are several resources out there to help your business survive and thrive during the pandemic. 

Find Resources for Texas Entrepreneurs

The response to COVID-19 has varied from state to state. As Texas begins to reopen, keep yourself up-to-date with the latest coronavirus information and know where to go for other local business resources.

• Find out how Texas is responding to and handling the coronavirus. Keep yourself informed about the governor’s plan to reopen certain businesses and what kinds of precautions you need to take. 
• Texas-based small businesses affected by the coronavirus have access to financial relief and funding help through several different programs.
• Consider forming an LLC to protect yourself from debts or liabilities related to your business.

Make Improvements to Your Business

The coronavirus lockdown has prompted many businesses to innovate and focus on their virtual presence. This is a great time to make upgrades to your business and streamline your operations with automation tools.

• Invest in affordable technology to bring your business into the 21st century. This is the time to upgrade your website, automate your marketing, and improve data security.
• If you don’t have a business website, now is the time to make one. Ensure that it’s attractive, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• Take this time to research your competitors and discover ideas that you can incorporate into your own business. Focus on companies that are thriving during the pandemic.
• Explore ways to increase employee morale to improve productivity and reduce turnover. Ask your staff for feedback and consider implementing their suggestions.

Keep Your Customers Informed

During times like these, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to your customers. How you handle this crisis will give your customers valuable insight into the honesty and reliability of your business.

• Continue posting on social media, even if your business is temporarily closed. Keeping in touch with your customers now will help solidify your relationship in the long run.
• Notify your customers of updates to your opening hours, online order process, curbside pickup, or in-store coronavirus safety plan.
• Show your customers that you care about your community by making donations to local charities or offering special discounts to healthcare workers.
• Use your business downtime to ask your customers what they like and dislike about your products, services, and customer service approach.

As a nonessential business owner, you may be worried about what the coronavirus pandemic means for the future of your company. Try not to panic! Take advantage of the resources available to you and use the lockdown to make improvements to your business operations. When it’s time to reopen, your business will be better than ever!

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