How to Generate Revenue When Your Doors are Closed Featued.jpg

How to Generate Revenue When Your Doors are Closed

There are a handful of states that have started reopening some of their businesses; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean that business has resumed as usual. Social distancing requirements are still in place, even if a business is open. Figuring out how to help customers and employees stay safe and keep their distance is something many businesses are struggling with at the moment.

The fact of the matter is that it will probably be at least a while longer before things go back to normal and businesses will be able to fully open their doors to in-person business once again. But, that doesn’t mean that businesses can’t be generating revenue while their operations are restricted or their doors are closed.

With a little out-of-the-box thinking, businesses can stay afloat and protect their bottom line.

6 Ideas for Generating Revenue When Your Doors are Closed

#1. Curbside Pickup and/or Delivery

The easiest and most straightforward way to keep your business going, while in-person business is still limited, is to make the transition to offering pickup and delivery. This works for restaurants and retail alike, and it keeps your customers actively engaged with your business.

If you have the resources to start offering delivery, you’ll be able to serve a much wider customer base, because you’ll be able to serve people who are in high-risk categories and may not be comfortable leaving their homes for even curbside pickup. Offering delivery could also help you find a new purpose for staff you might otherwise have to let go.

#2. Online Store

Whether you decide to offer online pickup or delivery, your customers are going to need to be able to make those purchases somewhere, and most would prefer to do so online. If your customers have no choice but to call you when they want to order something, they’ll be less likely to actually do it. Furthermore, without online ordering, people may not know that you are open for business in the first place or which products or services are even available.

Having an online store makes it easy and convenient for your customers to shop with you when your doors are closed. Plus, it allows you to advertise for your specific products and services, which could lead to additional sales.

#3. Online Classes

Nail salons and beauty salons might not be able to serve their customers in person, but that doesn’t mean that their customers couldn’t benefit from their expertise. Many people are used to going to nail salons and beauty salons on a regular basis and would jump at the opportunity to be able to keep some semblance of their routine up at home. Why not help them do so by offering online classes? You could even pair those classes with kits that contain the necessary products.

It’s not just nail salons and beauty salons that could benefit from offering their expertise online. Lots of service-based businesses could do so, also. It just might take a little creativity to figure out what kind of online classes to offer.

Check out my last blog to learn how to start offering classes online.

#4. Gift cards

Local businesses that have been able to turn their customers into loyal fans and win over their communities are at a huge advantage because people want them to succeed and are willing to support them. One great way that you can help them support you is by selling gift cards that they can use in the future.

To encourage your customers to support you by buying gift cards, you could give them a special deal. For example, you could offer a 10 percent discount for gift card purchases of $50 or more. If they’re planning on doing business with you in the future, lots of people will jump at the change to save a little more.

#5. Online Fundraising Event

Another way that your fans and local community can support your business is through an online fundraising event.

There are several different ways you could go about hosting an online fundraising event. For example, if you own a restaurant, you could do a workshop on knife skills or do a presentation on how to make your favorite cocktails at home.

Fundraising events allow you to stay connected with your customers and top of mind with your community. It also gives people an immediate reason to support you. And, when they see your face, hear your story, and witness your expertise for themselves, it will give them even more incentive to support your business.

Generating revenue online starts with having the right website.

Regardless of whether you build an online store or host an online fundraiser to generate revenue while your doors are closed, you’re going to need the right website in order to do so. If your business isn’t currently online, or your website is out of date and fails to provide an acceptable user experience, it’s time to build the right website for your business with Websites 360®.

We have amazing design templates to choose from — each one completely customizable — allowing you to create a website that reflects your brand. Start building your business website with Websites 360 today!