intelligent
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URING LOCKDOWN IN the
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UK , there was no question that SME businesses and local traders were hit hard . Around 80 % of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK have seen a revenue impact in the last few months , due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent lockdown .
Despite this , many local businesses have made it through extremely testing times and now have a stronger , and more loyal , customer base than ever before . In the height of lockdown , many consumers began to see it as their duty to help support local businesses and see them thrive against all odds .
There were various ways in which people supported , and are still supporting , local businesses such as pubs , bars and cafes . In one survey , 36 % of people said that they ’ d supported local enterprises by utilising their takeaway / delivery services and 30 % said they had purchased vouchers ; 29 % said that they had recommended their favourite businesses to friends and family , and 20 % said that they ’ d donated to a few online fundraising initiatives .
Evidently , people were willing to make the shift to shopping local at the beginning of lockdown and , thanks to this , many small traders have a thriving new customer base . The question now , as we move forward into uncharted territory , is how can traders retain , and capitalise on , this customer base ? Read on to discover our top five tips .
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Use your delivery experience as a new marketing channel
In the initial phases of lockdown , most small businesses were prompted to adapt their business . For many , this meant offering online delivery options instead of in-person services . Even though people are able to visit places in person once more , it ’ s important that you continue to offer an alternative , as this could also work as a new marketing channel for your business .
Omnichannel marketing is the concept of providing customers with an integrated shopping experience , including both online and in-person shopping . During times when many people are still dependant on ordering
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NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE COMING MONTHS WILL BRING , SO THE ABILITY TO BE FLEXIBLE IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES .
Intelligent SME .
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