With the prospect of stores operating at a reduced capacity for months, possibly longer, to come we are strongly encouraging all NoHo businesses to begin building out their online presence. The advantages of doing so are virtually unlimited, but most importantly, building your online presence allows you to communicate with existing customers, reach new clients, and generate sales that you ordinarily wouldn’t have been able to.
Currently, non-essential businesses may allow one employee in the store to fulfill remotely-placed online or phone orders. Though some fields have an easier route to online sales than others, we are encouraging all businesses to begin to explore ways of generating revenue online.
Online Advertising Grants for Small Businesses: Every business has had to change their operations in some way. You may now be offering delivery for the first time, have launched an online store, etc. and it’s important to spread the word to customers. These online advertising grants can help you get the message out and boost sales. It’s incredibly important to apply for all of these programs as soon as you can, as demand will likely far outstrip supply. Learn about grants available from Facebook, Google, and Yelp here. The NoHo BID is also here as a resource to spread the word that you’re open for business! We want to promote ways our community can support businesses in this time. Please reach out to us with what we can do to promote you.
Information and Resources to Help You Get Online: These tools include online workshops, recorded webinars, digital guides, and other resources to help you figure out the many ways you can bring your business online.
- Shopify Compass: NoHo’s own Shopify is an eCommerce platform that functions as both a website, inventory management system, and online store. They’ve launched Shopify Compass, a free online hub featuring all kinds of workshops, educational videos, social media marketing, and tips to help you build out your online presence. They’re also offering free 25 minute consultations with a Shopify expert. Learn more here.
- Grow with Google: It’s important to make sure you’ve claimed your business on Google and update your hours, services, etc. Doing so will improve your search results and help expose your business to more companies. Grow with Google is their center to help you claim your business, learn how to market yourself online, and more. Check it out here.
- Open for Business Hub: This hub has a huge list of tech companies offering free resources for small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. You’ll find everything from conferencing tools, employee management software and more. See the list here.
- Instagram Business: Learn how to use Instragram, make sure you’re registered as a business account, and get demographic information on your followers. See more here.
- eBay Support: eBay has waived fees for new sellers through June 30th through it’s Up & Running program. This initiative is designed to accelerate your growth in ecommerce and help you get online faster. Learn more here.
