Adapting Your Retail Brand To The Post-COVID World

As the world begins to adjust to the ‘new normal’ post-COVID, and with consumers relying on online shopping now more than ever, is your brand adapting to this new way of living? 

According to eConsultancy, some categories of retail jumped from being 10-20% online, to 100% online, with ecommerce becoming the highest priority for retail brands.

Though many of us are likely to head back to the high street and into the shops as restrictions are lifted, it’s unlikely these numbers will return to levels seen pre-COVID. In light of this, here are just a few ways to ensure your retail brand is at the top of its game in the post-COVID world.

Understand your customers

Your customers’ wants and needs may have changed, so understanding what your customers are looking for is crucial. 

Your website’s search tool can offer some excellent insight into these changing wants and needs. By identifying any emerging search trends, your brand can begin to adapt and offer exactly what your customers are looking for. 

For example, customers are searching for terms such as ‘masks’ more than ever before, meaning many brands are now adapting and stocking this essential post-COVID product. This is an obvious example, however, your search tool is a great tool for identifying terms that may not be quite so obvious.

Improve customer experience

Provide your customers with the best online shopping experience you can offer. Understand any obstacles to purchase and provide a simple, human-centered design that works well across all devices and platforms.

A fresh pair of eyes from a UX design expert can be invaluable to achieving high user satisfaction, keeping visitors on your website and ultimately – getting users to convert.

Overcome ‘out of stock’ obstacles

Supply chain management has been an ongoing challenge for many retailers throughout the COVID-19 crisis, with demand for certain products being high.

In situations where supply is out of stock, always try to offer your customers a viable alternative wherever possible.

Allowing customers to sign up for ‘back in stock’ alerts also means your brand can be the first to let them know when a high-demand item is available.

Invest in marketing

“Bold companies that invest ambitiously and timely in their online business are likely to emerge as market leaders. The bold and ambitious companies that embrace the new reality and take timely action can capture market share and emerge after the crisis as market leaders” – Deloitte

If SEO, PPC and social media have never been of prime importance to your retail brand before, then now is the time to change this.

Investing in marketing channels search as SEO, Google Ads and social media is so crucial, as competition begins to intensify and brands begin to compete for space in the online world. Having a strong online presence can help to future-proof your brand against any future crisis.

Are you a retail brand wanting to get ahead in the post-COVID world? From fully integrated digital marketing strategies, to UX design and ecommerce solutions, our team is here to help. Get in touch today.