For most businesses, it is time to rework … everything? Adapting to coronavirus is challenging, especially if your livelihood relies on in-person interactions or you don’t have an existing online setup for your business. If you’re reeling, feeling uncertain, and don’t know where to start, hopefully, it’s slightly comforting to know you’re not alone.
It’s been incredible to witness the nimble, creative ways small businesses have responded and adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our collaborators at Top4 are responding in wonderful ways to deal with this, and one of them is working their magic online (Yes, literally magic!) and here’s an inspiring example out of likely millions:
Sam Powers, the contemporary Australian master Illusionist is a spectacular showman with style and flair on his own. As the entertainment business has been put to a halt for the time being, but the fact that people cannot be present in a crowd all at once doesn’t stop entertainers and performers to work their magic! He compels his audience when he’s on stage, but he’s going to try something new! An online magic show is coming up performed by spectacular Illusionist Sam Powers! Some of you may have seen him on stage, but you’ve yet been dazzled by his online performance! It’s time to spice up your daily routines and make your Zoom go BOOM! An action-packed, totally interactive experience with mind-bending magic and outrageous comedy like nothing you’ve ever seen before is coming Live Online! What’s best of it all is that you can watch Sam Power’s performance right from the comfort of your home!
Bring the magic into your home and check out more here! Get ready to be amazed to a whole new level!
If you’re looking to offer online versions of your in-person business or are simply looking to connect online while we ride this out, below are some tips and resources to help you go virtual, too.
Pick a Streaming or Meeting Platform
You’ll need to decide if you want your online yoga class, workout, or study group to be private or discoverable to folks on social media. There are lots of apps and tools for meeting online or streaming videos to platforms, each with its own set of features. Here are the apps our community is using most often.
- Zoom: The preferred platform for small businesses. Best if you want to host a large number of participants for webinars and video conferencing. Note that Zoom is Hippa-compliant, making it the preferred option for health professionals. However, your region may have regulations in place around how mental health professionals can practice teletherapy.
- Google Meet: A good option for those who want to use other applications in tandem with video conferencing. It’s integrated into many Google products and allows you to take advantage of your G Suite subscription at no additional cost.
- Re.Stream: Perfect for the business or individuals who want views, but are ok with a lack of privacy, this app allows you to stream across 30 social networks at once!
- Adobe Connect: Adobe is offering a free 90-day trial in light of current events. Adobe Connect is an enterprise solution that allow employees to join meetings, virtual conferences, and trainings from their homes, where they can continue to be productive and socially engaged. Government agencies, school districts, or any company dealing with sensitive information have also found Adobe Connect to be helpful thanks to its extensive security measures.
- Houseparty: A web and mobile app that allows you to see everyone’s face at once and even play games together. Perfect for playgroups, supervised kid entertainment, and connecting with friends and family.
- Teachable: Has everything you need to create, host, and sell an online course. It handles everything from the concept all the way to the payment process.
Set Up a Process for Collecting Payments
If you don’t already have an online payment system, consider asking clients to pay via Paypal, Stripe, or Venmo. Upon receipt, send them a link to where they can log on to join the conference call or virtual hangout. You could also set up a Patreon account to monetize your content offerings on an ongoing basis.
Payment Apps to Consider
- Paypal: One of the more widely known and trusted platforms in the ecommerce industry. Many of your clients will already have their own account. It does not require sign-in for payment.
- Stripe: Offers a globally integrated payment gateway. Stripe becomes most necessary when you are ready to set up payment renewal, whereas the other two do not offer this option.
- Venmo: Venmo has made a name for itself for being easy to use and give you quick access to your funds, all on mobile. The main thing to note is that Venmo is only available for your clients in the US.
- Patreon: Designed specifically to make it easier for artists and creators to get paid. It’s a crowdfunded membership-based platform.
Get the Word Out
Another important part of the success of your move online is to get your customers on board! Make sure you’re communicating the when, where, and how–and even the why! This is a great time to rally your most devoted customers and provide a service of connection. People need to move, interact, and connect more than ever before. Adobe Spark templates allow SMBs to blast the word out on social media, via text, email, or on your website.
Don’t Forget to Record the Virtual Class to Promote Later
You could potentially earn more income by offering the recording to those who couldn’t make the live hangout. Simply hit record on your meeting or use your preferred screen-recording technology. This allows your customers flexibility and gives you the potential to build a passive revenue stream. Consider offering different price structures for your live and recorded classes if your clients are considering tightening their budgets.
Looking to build customer loyalty through social media? Don’t forget to add your business to Top4.com.au
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source: Street Fight
