With all of the uncertainty and instability of these times, it is important for small businesses everywhere to contemplate where their customers may be at this time. Consumers have been supporting small businesses during these challenging times yet they seem to be gravitating toward those businesses that will support them with regard to what they see as support from those same businesses. Some new research by GoDaddy, and published at Smallbiztrends, has discovered certain things consumers are specifically looking for. The following is taken directly from that published research:
- The research surveyed 2,000 adults in the US about their shopping habits and what they would like to see from small local businesses post-pandemic. The survey found that since the pandemic began, 76% of consumers have made an effort to support local small businesses.
- The general message from the survey is that customers appreciate how small local shops have evolved throughout the health crisis. 41% of participants said they appreciated small businesses offering curbside pickup. The same amount said they appreciate having the option of contactless payment, and 36% they welcome businesses having an online store.
- Melissa Schneider, vice president of marketing and global operations at GoDaddy, reiterated the value to actively sell online for small local businesses: “Offering your goods or services online is the best way to keep people coming in through the doors, which might seem counterintuitive at first, but it really acts as a superpower.Having an online storefront or online payment options, along with offering contactless payment options in-person, are all critical to consumers today.”
- The survey found the eight things’ shoppers want the most post-pandemic are:
- Contactless payment options 37%
- Curbside pickup 37%
- Online stores 37%
- Self-checkout 34%
- Virtual/digital loyalty cards 30%
- Mobile apps 30%
- Ordering ahead online 26%
- QR code menus 23%
- The survey confirmed the importance of offering goods and services online, with 68% of consumers saying they would shop more from small businesses if they could purchase items online.
- The survey confirmed the importance of offering goods and services online, with 68% of consumers saying they would shop more from small businesses if they could purchase items online.
-Written by Kevin Sawyer
