5 Free Ways to Boost Your Business during the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic

You may have heard of the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, a little story sweeping the globe?

Of course you have and no doubt many of it’s ramifications are yet to be felt worldwide. Our thoughts are with all those already impacted by it and especially with Australian small businesses. 

According to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, "Using the employment measure of small business, there are 2,065,523 small businesses in Australia employing less than 19 people, accounting for 97% of all Australian businesses by employee size."

Small businesses in Australia account for 33 per cent of Australia’s GDP and employ over 40 per cent of Australia’s workforce. Given those facts it is obvious the important role small business plays within our economy and in the current climate, the subsequent importance of supporting each other, both in a business sense and personally.

After all, close-knit networks are the hidden engine behind the success and longevity of many small businesses. The support of business colleagues, clients and personal friendships can't be underestimated and is really the inspiration behind this post. That idea being one of assisting each other in simple, yet effective ways which have the potential to boost each others business.. and are FREE.

So, without further adieu, please take a look at our 5 Free Ways to Boost Your Business during the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic.

1. Podcast participation

You don't need to begin your own podcast to benefit from the exposure a podcast can bring to your small business. Get involved! Ask to participate, be interviewed and gain some great, potentially very large exposure to new networks and potential new clients. The impact this can have on your business shouldn't be underestimated, nor should the level of knowledge you most likely have about your own industry.

If you are interested in promoting your business for FREE and participating in a small business podcast get in touch here.

2. Sharing your business colleagues content online

Have you ever shared a friends post on facebook or linkedin? Sure we all probably have, but have you considered doing the same in a structured way with your business friends, clients & colleagues? It doesn't have to be overcomplicated, just get together 5 of your most trusted business buddies, work out a simple weekly plan of what each of you will be sharing and when. Then each of the other people in your group share that content to any or all of your own networks.

This can be a very effective way to rapidly share your content to a far greater network.. and that's just with a group of 5. One of the challenges with using social media for many people is the creation of content in the first place so if you're struggling you can always use your trusted group for ideas and work together for the greater good of each others businesses.

3. Helping each others business via email marketing

We've already covered the idea of sharing each others content online so why not take those very same ideas / content and generate a regular email newsletter to your own network. But this time also include offers and/or links to content of your business colleagues as well. Remember, this is about helping each other and what goes around, comes around, plus you'll have your other business friends doing the same for you on their email newsletter.

4. Continue Networking

Don't stop networking! In fact it might even be that you'll be able to do even more than you imagined from behind your computer or via phone. Of course nothing beats face to face meet ups but a zoom or Skype chat can be almost as good. As the theme of this post is all about helping each other, it's very important that we all keep in touch and do what we can to use our networks to assist each other through whatever means we have.

5. Google My Business Posts & Reviews

Most of you will have a google my business profile. You know.. the one where people leave reviews, find your location etc. What most people don't know is the very important role these profiles have in influencing your website ranking in search results. No, they won't send you to the first page overnight and just having one is not the key here. Regular updates using the posts feature in your google my business profile and having people provide reviews will send all the right signals to google and play a role in increased rankings for your website. Plus of course the google my business profile itself will become more visible as well. 

You can also use your profile to share other content as we've already covered as well. The key is to 'regularly' share and create posts and it is this regularity that sends the right messages to google.

In closing, all these simple tips are about supporting each other and given the current Novel Coronavirus Pandemic many people have been thrust into new ways of working, decreased interest in services and spending. However it's our belief at Roundhouse that collectively, if we even make small beginnings using things like the above tips, we might just make a difference to each others businesses.

Keep healthy, calm & help a buddy out!