Hands up — who saw 2020 panning out like this? Us neither. Even when you plan ahead to the utmost detail, there are some things that you just can't predict.

Running an ecommerce store during a pandemic isn't always easy, as we're in truly unchartered territory. However, there are ways in which you can promote your store, bringing in consistent traffic in a time when many competitors are really feeling the struggle.

We've got our top five tips below — just keep reading to find out what they are. 

1. Adjust Your Marketing Strategy

People are spending more time at home than ever before, whether they're working, studying or watching TV. As a result, people are relying on ecommerce more than usual, perhaps buying products online that they'd otherwise buy from the store. 

There's a large market of potential new customers here. Does your marketing strategy take them into account? 

It's a bit of a delicate balancing act — adjusting your strategy while continuing to meet the needs of your current customers — but it can be done, and you'll see the rewards.

2. Improve SEO

Of course, if you're an ecommerce store you should already be optimizing your website for search engines. However, this becomes more important at a time when more people are shopping online, as you'll want them to find your business when they search for products.

You should try to target COVID-19-related keywords, as these are what people will be searching for, and create relevant content related to your business. Improve the speed at which your site loads too.

3. Customer Segmentation

Who are your customers? 

What your customers look like may have changed a little in light of the pandemic, so it's important to keep up-to-date with customer segmentation.

You should create comprehensive buyer personas, in which you look at their needs — both physical and emotional. Consult your customers as you build your personas. Ask them what they need from you, and how you can meet their needs.

4. Plan Ahead

As we said earlier, you cannot predict everything. However, you should do your best to have a clear plan in place for the rest of the pandemic, as well as how you'll adjust to life afterward.

Perform a business audit, looking at how your ecommerce store is doing and where you can improve, and keep up-to-date with the government's economic plans too, as these can affect your business' future. 

5. Customer Communication

These are uncertain times not only for you but for your customers too.

Keep in touch with your customers, as they can find it comforting to hear from their favorite stores. Let them know of any changes with regards to deliveries, product availability, and safety measures too, so they know what to expect.

Showing that you care can be the difference between customers choosing to go with you or a competitor, so make sure you don't forget to stay in touch!

Promoting Your Ecommerce Store

These are just some of the ways to promote your ecommerce store during a pandemic. Of course, there are many ways in which you can do so, but these are our top five, for ease, effect, and efficiency.

If you'd like to get in touch, you can do so here. How can we help you out?