At the beginning of Covid-19, the idea of staying at home was temporary. But, it's safe to say that we will be participating in a world with new guidelines for some time to come, and with that - it's important to actually put focus on setting up your health and wellness business online (not just as a temporary band-aid). Your business does not have to come to a screeching halt; getting online means new ways to reach existing clients, and a way to engage potential new clients from all over the country.
Here's how (and why you need) to move your health and wellness business online during this pandemic:
70 to 80% of consumers research a business online before visiting in person or making a purchase. This is true during a pandemic or not, it's important to stake out some real estate that you own online. While social media profiles area a good starting spot - a website, for prospective clients to do their own research on your and your services is the real key to legitimacy. Websites don't need to be daunting. Consider a straight to the point website that includes: experience, speciality, credentials, testimonials, and get in touch with you. (Shameless plug - try ClickEasy - we make it super easy and we promise it does not require tech savviness!)
While we recommend creating a profile on all social media platforms, it's in your best interest to pick one to focus your attention on to start. Invest in regularly posting, following and engaging there. Are you participating in a fashion forward, influencer world of Instagram, a more tech and journalism centric Twitter, a business centric customer base of LinkedIn, or local community and network focused approach on Facebook, or visually focused on Pinterest? Here's your to-do list to get started on social media, plus your fool proof social post guide for any day.
Video is the #1 form of media used in content strategy, overtaking blogs and infographics. Good thing you're reading this list :) but it would be in all of our best interest to create some video guides and content. If you add a video on your website, 80% of your website visitors will click and watch! Not sure how to make or produce a video? Start with low resolution one, like downloading an Instagram story or TikTok video. Ask a friend to take a video of part of a class or a workout. Consider creating videos that can passively reach new audiences and drive new business! (For instance a series of 10 classes on how to tone arms).
It takes 5 to 7 impressions for people to remember a brand. When you're focusing on content to garner interest via social media, advertising, email campaigns or other - consider that the first, second, and third time someone sees your post might not register. Don't be shy to do repeat posts, or share content that isn't time sensitive. Consider different series around ab workouts, ways to workout with objects in your kitchen, or how to workout before anyone in your house wakes up. Interested to learn more about branding and content? Read more.
Now, we know that Venmo is easy. Do it once, verify the contact, cash-out in 1-3 business days, we love it to pay friends back for Thai food. However, being able to receive payment for a class or session in a way that feels professional and secure for both parties is important once you're working with multiple clients especially when it's online. We like Stripe a lot, and super easy to set up with a cash out to your bank every day.
Especially during the age of social media, your competition does not have to be competitive. Work together with other health and wellness businesses or personal trainers in your space. If you are a person who focuses in one speciality, connect with a trainer who excels in a different niche. We are all about the helpful competition. A shout out on your story equates to a shout out on their story - and more clicks and new followers to you!
73% of consumers love a brand because of helpful customer service. Getting new business is awesome, but what is more important is keeping the customers you have! While you are transitioning online, consider the needs of your existing clients. Who will need help with video calls? Who will need a new rate per session? Who will need to change their time, focus on something new, or have to pause for a time being? What can you provide customers if they aren't able to participate in the same weekly time or rate? Consider shifting your offerings to include pre-recorded video content or more recipe management.
89% of customers stay loyal to brands that share their values. While everyone is overcoming challenges and struggles in their own way throughout the pandemic, there is always a way to engage in a positive way. Giving back to your community locally or at large will resonate with your clients too! Announce where you choose to donate your proceeds on your website.
While you transition existing clients online and get used to started with new clients online as well - open the door for feedback. How's the sound? How's the video? How's the communication going? You will only improve if you know where to improve. Use our guide to asking for feedback, and read 5 ways feedback will improve your health and wellness biz.
And finally, we realize that moving a business online kind of sucks and can feel overwhelming. There's a lot of technology out there claiming to be easy, but really isn't and can become expensive.
But we also know that moving online is necessary! It's not just because it's a pandemic - including an online business is an excellent way to diversify your business model, set up video courses as passive income, and reach customers all over the country or world! So in that spirit, we advise you to pretend like you have it all figured out, because we promise you that you will in time!
