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Join us for our first ever #WorkshopWednesday! We'll be beginning shortly, at 10:30 am ET, with insights on engaging and retaining customers during the coronavirus crisis. Fill up your coffee cup and chat with us by clicking right here 
https://bit.ly/2wK8Igk
https://bit.ly/2wK8Igk
Internet & social media usage is up 40% during #coronavirus crisis, which is why businesses need to be communicating with their customers online, says @katfishandgrits founder Marcus Davis
Online messaging used to be one of many ways to communicate with customers — it's quickly becoming the only way, says @PodiumHQ's @steele32. Messaging apps & other online tools can help. Examples here: https://uscham.com/2wG0HZI #CustomerEngagement
@hailleymari of social media management platform @buffer explains that customers *want* to hear from businesses they frequent right now, and they want tangible advice from businesses they trust. Focus your messaging around being helpful.
And you don't need to be on every social channel right now: Focus on one or two platforms where your customers are already spending time & engaging, says @hailleymari
"The entrepreneur cannot exist without the community, and the community cannot exist without the entrepreneur." Marcus Davis explains that now is the time for small businesses to work together with customers, to lean on each other and navigate this crisis together.
Not sure how to start talking to your customers during this crisis? Here's a tip from @PodiumHQ's @steele32 "One of the best practices we've seen is just for businesses to say, 'Hey, we're here. And even during this challenging time, we can communicate with you."
What's the best social platform for businesses to engage with customers on right now? @hailleymari says to explore @instagram. Do some research to ensure your customers are already active there, then check out the platform's many tools for engaging your audience.
How do you balance asking for your customers' support while still offering something of value? Channel empathy. Acknowledge that times are tough. Stress the point that you and your customers are in this together, says @steele32
Considering using @tiktok_us to promote your business right now? Look at how businesses like yours are already using the platform. Then try to repurpose your content from other social platforms to fit the TikTok ethos. [Stellar advice from @hailleymari]
When it comes to developing new revenue streams at this time, "You've got to be creative. You've got to be innovative," say @katfishandgrits founder Marcus Davis. What new goods or services can you offer customers right now?
If you're trying to build up your social following to promote your business right now: Do your hashtag research! Search social platforms for local-specific or niche hashtags. Then reach out to other businesses in your area using those hashtags to partner with. -- @hailleymari
Thank you for following along for insights on engaging & retaining customers during the coronavirus crisis. You can find many resources on this topic in our Coronavirus Small Business Guide: https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus. Next week we'll discuss ways to better engage remote employees.
Look out for registration info for next week's #WorkshopWednesday (coming soon). And if you want more details on financial relief/ #PPPloans, join us on Fridays @ noon ET in our #SmallBizTownHall w/ @Inc & @USChamber. Register here: https://bit.ly/2K3GUqa
