The Internet is never closed.

By Craig Slater

Yes, you can even access the world wide web on Christmas Day and during a global pandemic. Just because your storefront says you’re temporarily closed doesn’t mean potential customers need to be turned away.

Lean on your website and social media channels. They remain effective tools for sharing information, engaging with the public and conducting business. But are they looking their best for this surge in online traffic?

With the majority of Canadians having shifted to working from home as a result of COVID-19, network providers across the country have experienced a dramatic change in consumption patterns.

Internet traffic in Canada typically peaks during the evening hours on weekdays. However, over the past few weeks, usage rates in this country have taken on that look a good chunk of the day.

With more eyes on your website and social media these days, now is the ideal time to let your customers know you’re still open for business, albeit through online service only.

Update your content. Give your site a fresh look by sharing a story the local media missed in its haste in covering the pandemic. Perhaps you put a news release on pause or cancelled a high-profile event. Now is the time for Plan B. Staying relevant with your messages is as important now as any other time.

Develop a short-term communications strategy to support sales and marketing, which will gain momentum once the pandemic has passed.

Social media is an important vehicle for addressing stakeholders and customers because of its fast, relevant and interactive nature. Now would be a good time to increase your social media posts to engage the community.

Don’t be afraid to write a few blogs and share them on your platforms. Stay relevant and fresh and give your online visitors a reason to return to your site.

New routines and habits will be formed during isolation. Don’t be overlooked or forgotten. Stay visible and top of mind.