We know that many businesses have had to close, or change the way they are working in the second lockdown. We are here to help in any way we can.
The BID have created a listing of websites which we are constantly updating with details of click and collect / opening hours / online trading.
Let us know if you would like to be added, or updated.
https://www.banburybid.com/winter-guide-businesses-website-directory/
Getting Digital Ready
To help you get digital ready we have compiled a list of useful tips and websites.
We know that on average a person spends 3 hours a day on social media and this is likely to increase during lockdown. All professional advice suggests that this is the time to make social media work as hard as possible for your business, even if you are temporarily closed.
While in lockdown; like and share posts amongst our consumer community to support one another, drive positive messages where possible, and please share the link to our Winter Campaign that promotes Banbury Town Centre.
https://www.banburybid.com/be-in-banbury-this-winter/
Google Tips
Google can be an extremely useful tool for your business – Google owns over 90% of the worldwide search market, yet small and independent businesses rarely take full advantage of the opportunities it provides.
Here are 13 different optimization strategies that a business can use to get the most out of the free tools available:
- Claim your Business Profile
- Complete every section of your Google My Business account – including information on click and collect if you offer this
- Be meticulous with contact information
- Select primary and secondary categories
- Mark off applicable attributes
- Write a complete “from the business” description
- Publish Google posts weekly
- Upload new photos weekly
- Answer questions
- Collect and respond to reviews
- Add your products and/or services
- Set up messaging
- Maintain your Business Profile
Google Training
Google digital garage offers free training webinars. The Banbury BID team have been in touch with Google to find out more about what they offer small businesses. We will deliver more details as we get them but in the mean time you can access many free digital courses here:
https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses
Maybe
Maybe are offering good advise on using Soc Med during lockdown. For an insight into their last webinar visit
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6729766003355475968
We strongly suggest you attend the next free webinar:
10am on Wednesday 11th November – High Street Support Webinar
How towns and businesses can stay connected and encourage customers to shop local this Christmas DESPITE lockdown
Save the High Street
Do you subscribe to the Save The High Street newsletter?
If not we recommend you check out their daily blogs.
https://savethehighstreet.org/category/blog/
Nighttime Economy Advice
The NTE have put together this helpful advice for you by recycling some earlier blogs on how you can best prepare and protect your business and staff, as you prepare to close down again.
LoyalFree
Make sure you are on LoyalFree – and that your details are up to date.
We are driving traffic to the LoyalFree from the Winter Guide and the
Win £500 to spend in Banbury Competition. So make sure you are using it to your advantage.
https://www.banburybid.com/spendingtime/
if you need help getting onto LoyalFree please call Nate or Jo for more details.
Government Advice Links
How to work safely during coronavirus.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Business support:
- Loans, tax relief and cash grants are available
- Employers might be eligible for financial support to pay wages
- Self-employed people might be eligible for a taxable grant covering 55% of trading profits
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support