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One of the most difficult transitions for any business in the coming weeks (and even months) is that of trying to take a face-to-face service online, from photographers, restaurants, beauty therapists, and more.

The solution comes from figuring out other things you can offer, as well as finding a way if possible to deliver your current services, even if it requires creative solutions!

Here are a few things to consider during this time, and moving forward. 

Information Is Valuable

No matter what services you provide, you’re only able to do so because of your skills and knowledge - and this is something you can now focus on passing on to your customers. 

This can be something as simple as an infographic detailing crucial aspects of your business, or giving tips customers can use at home, or a more detailed guide for people to download.

Infographics and other free content will help you keep your audience, and more detailed guides will help you use your expertise to provide value to that audience.

Free and Paid

All across the internet, you’ll find free and paid downloads and expert guides on a variety of subjects. When I was starting out as a VA I found this sort of material from people with experience in the industry extremely helpful and definitely worth paying for!

This information can be put everywhere, from sharing across social media, email marketing, to your website - anywhere you have an audience. 

You can offer something for free as a way to introduce people to your service and content, then if they want more once they see the value you provide, they will pay for it. 

Depending on what kind of content you create, it could become a passive income stream. If you have a 30 minute video that you want to sell for £5, and 100 people to buy it, well, you do the math on that one. The advantage of content being online, is that everyone in the world can potentially access it, so your market is nearly 8 billion people. 

It is Enhancement not Replacement

Don't worry that sharing information will result in fewer customers because they can now just DIY. A hairdresser can say how to treat your hair, but people won't actually do it by themselves. Just because some *knows* how to photograph with correct lighting, angles etc., doesn't mean they will go do their own photoshoot. 

Don't be concerned about giving away too much information. If people really wanted to know how to do your service, they would Google it and there is tons of information about it. 

What you are doing is showing that you know your industry, and can therefore help people because of your knowledge and skill. 

Plus, the information can help people who would never be your in-person client because of geographical restrictions. 

So go create content that you can share with people in a variety of ways!

Create Content to Share

Whatever service you’ve been offering, there is a story behind it and you.

Whether it’s the tale of how you got started, or a more detailed look at your services, telling stories is a great way of engaging your audience and showing them you still have something to offer.

These stories can also form the backbone of a new content strategy that you can monetize.

Story Suggestions

For example, a restaurant could easily start a food blog sharing recipes, tips, and anecdotes (what is the weirdest food substitution that was requested? Any nightmare clients? Proposals or big anniversaries celebrated at the restaurant?)

A beautician can tell stories (anonymously) of treatments they've given people and the results gotten.

A photographer can write about events they attended and what challenges they faced. 

Just because it seems like a normal interaction or occurrence for you, few people actually know the minutiae of your service. So telling stories of previous jobs done is interesting to read about, and will create a deeper understanding of what you actually do. 

Be Personable Not an Ad

This content is not meant to be salesy in any way. There's no "get in touch now for an appointment". But instead, it is sharing what you have done and why you do it. If it will make the reader smile, then it is a job well done. 

Whatever you create, make sure you’re posting it on social media frequently. This will be the easiest way for you to directly reach your audience. Whichever platform you prefer, post at least 2-3 times a week, and be a presence that will be remembered. 

Invite Your Audience In Directly Now

So far, we’ve looked at some of the more passive options, and building foundations for when face-to-face interaction can happen again. But what can you be doing that involves actively interacting with your audience right here right now? 

Well, it’s time to ask yourself, is there anything you can offer that can be turned into an online event (such as a webinar) or workshop?

Something that can be delivered that people will sign up and pay for.

There is a Market

Google your industry and see what kind of information is out there. There are online courses for pretty much everything and anything - but that's not a barrier. That's showing that there is a market and a demand for it! 

And now is the time to make the most of that. People will be more interested than ever in something that provides value and gives them an outlet for their time or helps them learn something new. 

Put Yourself Out There 

Even if people aren’t able to use your services, they are still looking for ways to support businesses they have a connection to.

Whether that’s through opting into content such as events or workshops, or paying what they can into a support fund with promises of future goods - this can only happen if you get your business out there and build those relationships. 

Be Active

Being present online now is more important than ever. Do not shrink from being online. People have very short term memories, and unless you are regularly "in their face" they won't remember you.

Even if you don't have active appointments to offer people now, there are still things you can do to make them think about you, for when appointments are again available. 

Figuring out your next steps, and implementing them can be tricky. As a virtual assistant and expert in online marketing, I can help take your business through the next stages, just get in touch with me today to find out more.