There's never been a more important time for businesses to keep themselves front of mind with their customers. North East online print portal, Where The Trade Buys, has some top tips about how to survive in these tough times...
It’s no surprise that 2020 was one of the worst years for many businesses, trying to keep their heads above water in the face of the spectre of Covid-19. Constant closures for retail and hospitality, the tier system and lockdowns – all had a huge impact on the economy. They’re just some of the reasons why finding ways to stay in touch with existing customers – and winning new ones – is vital to any organisation which is looking to the future. And it’s at the heart of a number of initiatives created by online print portal, Where The Trade Buys.
The company, which has a base in Sunderland and in Dagenham, has blazed a trail throughout the past year with a whole range of products and services designed to help businesses through the toughest of times. From introducing a split delivery system so that customers can easily have products sent to a whole host of addresses to some much-needed fun items like two metre long Christmas crackers, WTTB has earned its place as one of the UK’s leading print organisations.
Mindful of the on-going challenges that businesses are facing, the company’s latest innovation is offering targeted door drop marketing campaigns so that information can be tailored to hit the most receptive audience. Gary Peeling, CEO of Where The Trade Buys, believes this is an invaluable tool in helping to raise awareness and – more importantly – translating that awareness into sales. “Door drop campaigns offer a unique opportunity to deliver a hard-hitting message and call to action directly to a customer’s home,” he said.
“It’s cost effective and is a method of marketing that makes an instant impression, rapid response and also builds brand exposure.” Gone are the days when door drop marketing was all about shoving a leaflet randomly through a letter box. WTTB has a scientific approach, using its data management tools to target a specific geographical area or to hit a particular demographic.
It’s a valuable way to ensure that marketing spend hits the mark and hits the right audience for whatever a business wants to offer. Gary also advises companies to think beyond just using social media to promote their products are services.
“It’s worth remembering that there are lots of people out there who don’t use social media, plus the fact that it’s such an overcrowded market that your message can get lost,” he said. “There’s a huge number of offline customers and businesses should not forget using some more traditional forms of marketing to engage them.” The majority of shops may not be open – but that doesn’t mean that their owners can’t use their shop windows to place posters or notices with information, particularly if people can order over the phone or there’s a click and collect option.
Flyers and leaflets can still be distributed – perhaps something friends or family can post through letterboxes on their daily exercise. There’s never been a more important time to be inventive, look to the future and encourage people to engage. “Keeping the local economy thriving is certainly more important than ever,” said Gary.
” While small business owners will have to work much harder in order to secure those all-important clients and customers during the lockdown period, it can be done – and doing it properly could mean that your business comes back bigger and better than ever once the restrictions are lifted.”