Small businesses have been hit the hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to CNBC, using Yelp data, around 60% of these small businesses have permanently closed their doors. Many of them had been caught off guard and were not able to sustain themselves with the restrictions in place. Fortunately, some small businesses have been able to pull through with innovations and with the help of technology to prevent closure. Here is what they are doing to survive these trying times.

Delivery and In-Store Pickup

Delivery and In-store pickup are two ways businesses have adapted to bring in customers. Delivery inhibits customers from having to go out to the store and lets them interact with less people. In-store pickup may not prevent one from going to the business, but results in less person-to-person contact. Small businesses that already had delivery and pickup options are doing better compared to others. The benefit of these services can be best seen with the food industry. Restaurants who focused on a dining experience are more likely to be having a harder time than establishments focused on to-go orders.

Digital Channels

Smaller businesses before the pandemic may have solely relied on foot traffic and physical store locations. This put them at a greater disadvantage with the pandemic. The switch to digital channels has discouraged further destruction of businesses who have made the effort. As mentioned above, ordering online with curbside pick up has prevented some establishments from closing. This digital switch includes re-training workers to work from home, which they might have not done before Covid.

Social media has become more important for the promotion of products and services because of the pandemic. Lower amounts of people are going out and higher amounts are browsing the internet. Business owners can let potential customers know what they are about with social media pages. This digital connection does not replace what was possible before, but assists in keeping the community alive. Business owners can still talk to their customers online in communities they build together.

Live Streaming

Live streaming is another digital channel the small businesses are taking advantage of. It may be less thought of than social media pages, but is just as useful. Live streaming allows for business owners and employees to continue connecting with customers. Live streams have been extremely successful for art and performance based businesses. The live stream can bring the show to you at home. Artists such as painters, potters, tattoo artists, bakers, musicians etc, who have not tried live streaming should probably do so immediately.

Cutting Costs, Refocused Priorities

Working from home requires less office space and reduces costs for employers by not needing to pay large expenses. Social distancing, regulations, and sanitation cost money but an online office prevents those costs by avoiding them altogether. Businesses that can not fully go remote must not cut corners when it comes to keeping their business sanitized and safe. Customers can see when measures are in place to keep them safe and sound. This is something that smaller businesses remaining open have not slacked on. This includes installing plastic shields at registers, cleaning high touch surfaces often, and store capacity limits.

How Can I Help?

• Order from small businesses
• Like, follow, and share on social media
• Volunteer Expertise
• Offer discounts

If you are not personally affected by the havoc Covid-19 has caused for small businesses, you most likely know someone who has been. If you are going to order takeout, consider small business options over corporations. Some are solely getting by on takeout orders and your support can prevent doors closing permanently. This includes all types of businesses, not only restaurants, try to choose local options over corporate.

On social media like, follow, and share business pages/posts to make them reach a wider number of eyes. You can share your own stories on social media about the business as a form of support. Another great way to aid small businesses is by volunteering your skills for free if you have the time and ability to do so. Offering to manage social media, create merchandise, start a fundraiser, etc will be appreciated by all. If you own your own business you can offer discounted rates for smaller businesses, or delayed payments.