Are you finding it hard to protect and manage your online business during the coronavirus pandemic? In the face of COVID-19, it's more crucial than ever to protect your online print-on-demand t-shirt business against the changing market conditions and malicious threats. With this guide, you will learn some easy tips to get your business back on track amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now as the world is fighting its worst battle against the COVID-19 enemy. While it's advised by government agencies to maintain social distancing, the question is how to manage your business amidst such a crisis. A human tragedy and a business crisis, COVID-19 has become a pandemic affecting not only humans but also businesses, big and small, around the globe. The effect of the pandemic on the economy is undeniable and unprecedented. According to e-commerce experts, due to COVID-19, buyer's habits have also changed drastically.

Impact of coronavirus on e-commerce business

One topic that is dominating public perception right now is COVID-19. While the world is fighting the war against coronavirus, the same is true for e-commerce owners. With a large number of offices, schools and malls closed, how can e-commerce business cope? From production chains to dropshipping, everything is under threat.  As online companies face uncertainties, at Print Genie our aim is to reduce the uncertainties for customers as much as we can. Amidst the pandemic, we are committed to working even harder to help and fulfill the needs of our customers. In these circumstances, we believe in the motto, "slow and steady wins the race”.

The aim of writing this blog is to help e-commerce owners prepare and protect their online business from the impact of COVID-19. With the restrictions imposed by government, companies are struggling to make the ends meet. However, there are no limits and restrictions when it comes to using innovative and creative ideas to engage with customers in quarantine. So, without any further delay, let's dive into the possible ways of exploring and managing your business amidst the nationwide lockdown.

1. Stay updated: Use the lockdown as an opportunity to update yourself with the latest e-commerce trends. Follow current updates, acknowledge what's going on in the world, brainstorm new ideas and adapt your strategies accordingly. To stay updated, perform the following steps:

• Your products: It's essential to make sure your products match current events. For instance, in view of the restrictions and to practice social distancing, people will avoid crowds and beaches.  This means it's not the best time to sell rash guards.  However, you can expand your home and living category products.

• Message: Show your solidarity towards COVID-19 survivors and front line employees by printing custom embroidered products with a COVID-19 message.

• Finances: It may take a long time to develop a vaccine for the worst pandemic. Until then, anticipate a dip in sales. With a decrease in sales, it's essential to start saving to deal with the tough times. Do an audit of your website to determine the areas where you can cut costs.

• Innovative campaign: To keep your customers engaged, develop a creative marketing campaign. For instance, if you have a low performing ad, it's not worth spending money on it.  Focus on a platform with the potential to retain customers.

2. Manage your online business: Trust us, you are not going to hear the phrase “business as usual” for a long time. However, there are ways to keep connected with customers via your website and data structure.

• Website: Update your customers through FAQ pages to address the common questions amidst the lockdown. Some questions you can address include modified business hours, changes in products or services you offer, and how you are addressing the COVID-19 crisis.

• Structured data: Use structured data to highlight content and tell search engines what your content is saying. If you have a retail business, use the term "item availability" to inform your customers about the availability of a product. In this pandemic, use structured data to remain connected with customers.

3. Carry out research: To help small and medium scale businesses, government agencies are offering relief packages. Research what's available in your area and whether the relief package applies to your business. Even a small relief package can be a savior amidst the pandemic situation.

4. Constant communication: Constant communication is the key to retaining customers during this pandemic crisis. If you are still accepting orders, communicate the same to customers and, if not, give them the option to create a wishlist of products they can buy later on. Tell your customers about any expected shipping delays and manage their expectations on order fulfilment. Being more transparent will increase the chances of a customer remaining loyal to your brand even after the crisis ends. Here is a list of questions you can expect from customers:

• The effect of COVID-19 on your store?
• Will I receive an order?
• Will there be shipping delays?

You should include essential information in your non-marketing messages and other channels like:

• Order confirmation emails
• Product descriptions
• FAQs and content related to shipping
• A pop-up or header banner

5. Increase your security measures: As a proud owner of an e-commerce business, what's your primary concern? It should be protecting your website from hackers, If you are not taking enough security measures, now is the time to do so. The global pandemic has allowed cyber attackers to use confidential data as more and more people are working from home. Phishing and fake websites are on the rise as hackers lure people into downloading malware. In such situations, online store owners need to uplift their security measures. Ask your customers to be aware of phony emails and not to download attachments from unknown senders.

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, we can only pray and wait until the situation becomes normalized again. With the hope of a bright future, use these measures to manage your store that sells embroidered dropshipping products. Most importantly, stay safe and pray for the COVID-19 survivors!