As consumers shelter in place and some stores are being ordered to close, staying in touch with your customer has become more crucial than ever. AVB Marketing is providing BrandSource members with a host of messaging options, including free live chat for 60 days, payment gateway setup, and banners to remind shoppers they can purchase your products from the safety of their homes and have them delivered quickly. Those resources and more are available here. Like many BrandSource members, Bakersfield, Calif.-based
Urner’s is stepping up its social media efforts amid the coronavirus outbreak.
It’s shop-local messaging, primarily on Facebook, reminds customers that it
has been serving the community for more than 100 years, and continues to
provide local sales, service and support through the current crisis. As principal Steve Illingworth noted, the effort is also
helping to address what Idler’s President Don Idler described as a trend on social
media in the stay-at-home state of California to shame even essential
businesses into closing. “My primary responsibility is to help our employees stay
employed and for Urner’s to survive,” Illingworth said in an email. While acknowledging
that the Facebook posts are “risky” in the current climate, he believes “The
community understands how important it is for the local independent to keep our
doors open, and they’ll tolerate our motives more than they would a national
retailer.” Illingworth spent $500 for a one-week boost of a March 20
Facebook post, which resulted in hundreds of “likes” and 60 shares in just one
day, and suggests members emphasize in their social media that they are
providing essential products and services. Typical of the comments he received
were “God bless every employee at Urner’s for their dedication to the
community. Stay safe,” and “God bless you and all other local retailers.” In addition, Urner’s is partnering with two local TV network
affiliates to sponsor exclusive public service announcements informing viewers
of charitable and other community assistance activities within its trading
area. Tools to Help with Customer Messaging
Urner’s Ups its Social Media Messaging
