Due to the pandemic, today’s consumers tend to expect contactless options to promote safety.
Limiting contact with people and surfaces has become a priority. In order to get the edge on your competitors, you should aim to provide a contactless service where possible. It depends on the type of business you run, of course, but offering the option will boost your credibility and reputation. Self-service is another popular trend among consumers, so look for ways you can optimise this for your business. Here are five tips to get you started.
Contactless payment methods
If you operate out of a brick-and-mortar store you’ll need to be able to take contactless payments with a credit card swiper. Cash is slowly becoming a thing of the past and contactless is taking over. If your business doesn’t accept card payments it might be a nuisance for your customers and they could move on to your competitors. Ensure your WiFi connection is strong to avoid any downtime due to card machine transaction failure.
Set up self-service kiosks
In order to make your business more innovative, try setting up self-service kiosks. These are trending in the hospitality business, and also in many takeaway restaurants. This is a quick and safe method for ordering food or other amenities and services. Include self-service customer support on your website as well, such as chatbots and FAQs. Consumers like self-service options because they can access the information they need quickly without waiting on hold.
Invest in your eCommerce store
New shopping trends are emerging and now is the time to invest in your eCommerce store. More and more purchases are being made online, especially due to social distancing. Invest in revamping your eCommerce site. Optimise it for user experience and build a solid SEO campaign. Your online presence is more important now than ever, and Google’s algorithms are always evolving. You need to keep up with the trends.
Manage your own deliveries
If you manage your own deliveries you will minimise contact with third-parties. This could be an option for your small business if you have the resources. There are innovations in software that can help you, such as a delivery management system. This will allow you to estimate delivery times, communicate with drivers, and notify customers. Offering a fast delivery service will also help you meet the expectations of today’s customers. With so many on-demand services, it’s hard to compete otherwise.
Offer online consultation
Almost all types of businesses can offer online consultation. Arrange an appointment to discuss your products or services with your clients. As well as formal consultations, there are many other ways you can reach out to potential customers online. You could offer Q&A sessions, upload YouTube videos, or even host webinars and promotional events. The internet is a great tool and you don’t need to worry about social distancing. Find new and creative ways to communicate with your customers on a personal level. You can then prepare your business for a more contactless future.