A pandemic, stay at home orders, and lockdowns galore have made 2020 a memorable year. At the stroke of midnight, we were glad to leave it all behind us and start 2021 with brand new hopes and ideas. Unfortunately, hanging up the new business calendar does not mean all of 2020’s challenges are behind us. Let’s take a look at how you can grow your business in a post-2020 world. 

Grow Your Online Presence

2020 saw you truly taking your business online. You replaced your old, worn-out website with a clean, modern design. If you want to continue growing what you’ve built, you have to:

  • fix any broken links
  • make sure your customers can find what they’re looking for via categories and filters
  • update your low-resolution images
  • invest in Shopify Plus Experts that specialize in solutions for high-growth businesses (like yours is about to become) 
  • Create a social media presence worth following 

Young Consumers and Authenticity 

E-Commerce forecasts have shown that 2020 caused the behavioral shift towards online shopping. Young consumers were the key drivers behind this change. They have a strong desire to see authenticity in their brands.

Authenticity isn’t so difficult to replicate if you truly know your business, and can tap into a language that connects with your audience. Be clear in your communication, and interact genuinely on your social media channels. Listen to your audience and make it clear that they’ve been heard by tailoring your responses accordingly.

Don’t go doing a silly dance on TikTok just because that’s what the kids are doing unless it’s a natural fit for you and your brand. People can smell inauthenticity a mile off. 

Social Responsibility

Younger audiences also value social responsibility. Taking a stand on important issues such as factory working conditions, civil rights movements and the environment is a way to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

In the past, businesses have shied away from making social issues a part of their message. However, the past 5 years has seen a massive shift in businesses joining in the conversation. With big corporations like Netflix, Facebook, and Glossier, making it clear that anti-racism should not be polarising, it is important to show your consumer where you stand on social issues. Business growth happens alongside social growth. But beware of making this a box-ticking exercise. Choose an issue that really matters to you, or you might appear to be cynically appropriating a cause.

Shop Local, Shop Independent 

Consumers are hesitant to shop in-store and eager to spend their hard-earned money at local, independent shops. This is excellent news to grow your business. As an independent business you are more likely to benefit from this consumer movement.

Now you need to make yourself more accessible. Here are some ways to outshine commerce giants:

  • free and speedy shipping (almost a quarter of consumers feel frustrated when shipping costs extra) 
  • shoppable social media
  • Expertly designed, speedy Shopify website
  • buy now, pay later options 

Don’t forget about your local customer base. Have you considered offering curbside pick-up and local delivery? I get my loose leaf tea delivered from a local shop. The short, socially distanced interaction keeps me coming back for more, and shopping locally makes me feel better about my shopping habits. 

Conclusion

You are resilient, and you have adapted to 2020 at lightning speed. Now it’s time to look at 2021 and go from reacting to the economy to driving economic growth. Feeling inspired by your 2021 business goals? Not sure how to go about it all on your own? Thankfully you don’t have to. At jdp we pride ourselves on being Shopify website experts. Get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation, and let us transform your resolutions into reality.