How To pivot successfully from in-person to online Business Services

In this post, we take a look at how you can pivot from an in person to online business service.

Accept payments online

Add a Sales Master widget to your site so clients can automatically pay and book, reducing the amount of calls about payments

Since so many people are inside and on social media, make sure you’re there as well. Connect with new customers, let them see what you offer, and add a call to action button with a booking and payment link on your Facebook site.

Accepting major credit cards is a good, idea, and using PayPal as well means your clients can choose their preferred payment method.

Add your payment link to estimates and invoices and let clients pay online securely, in just a few clicks.

Accept contactless payments

If you’re still doing business in person, offering contactless payments will help your clients feel safer and will make it easier for you to maintain hygiene standards. You’ll avoid facing payment issues with clients who want to minimize contact.

Both Square and Stripe offer contactless card readers that you can set up at your POS terminal or in your office. Quick online payments can offer an alternative to a contactless reader if you find yours malfunctioning or you can’t afford one at the moment.

Track client communications

You can also use CRM software to track client conversations, preferences, and progress. This makes it easier to give your clients personalised service each time you talk to them.

With sales master hub, you can also use the CRM tool to track accounts receivable. Client and invoicing information is connected, so you can see at a glance how many invoices a client has outstanding.

Save cards on file

Make it easier for clients to pay you with a secure client portal, so your client has a one-stop place for all their payment needs. Their saved information means they’ll be able to pay you in one click.

Make recurring payments easier by billing clients automatically through PayPal.

Revisit payment terms

Consider offering a discount for paying upfront and closing deals faster, or an early payment discount for payments made well before the invoice due date.

If your invoices are normally Net 30, think about whether you can adjust the terms to Net 15.

Balance your budget

Take a look at your budget and see if there are any unnecessary expenses you can cut.

If you’re switching to remote services, revamp your budget to see where you’re saving and what extras you can give your clients as a result.

Contact your suppliers, negotiate prices and extend payables, intelligently. One way to preserve business capital is to take longer to pay your suppliers.

Many governments are offering support for small businesses during this time. If you’re really struggling, do a little digging to see if government support is available to you.

Keep your place safe and clean

If you are taking online bookings, add a checkbox to your booking form so your client will declare that they are healthy prior to their appointment.

Customise your booking policy

Setup your business hours with predefined intervals between visits

Use digital forms – let clients complete forms at home & upload to the client portal to allow for better social distancing.

Give your patients the confidence they need

Reduce any tension by letting your clients know you’re a safe place to be in. Communicate with your clients and keep them updated with changes. Emails, videos, social media posts are all great ways to let the world know you are open and keeping high health care standards as always and now in the time of pandemic you are going above and beyond.

Grow your customer base with online services

Going online actually creates new opportunities for reaching a new audience. Classes, events, webinars, online workshops and even telehealth appointments – everything goes virtual.

Constant contact

Make sure you have a good client relationship management system in place so you can plan when and how to contact your clients. CRM software like vcita can help you strategize your communications so they’re always timely and appropriate.
• Appointment reminders and payment reminders are crucial, especially during times when most people’s schedules are turned upside down

Awaken dormant clients
• Try offering service discounts for clients who have booked you for a certain number of hours, even if it was a while ago. Start off with an email thanking them for their business.
• Remember that your dormant clients might come back for new services you’re offering! Keep them in the loop by staying active on social media and email campaigns, and describing your new offers.
• Keep your current clients’ files up to date, so that if you haven’t seen them for a while, you can ask questions from where you left off. Clients who see that you’ve made the effort to keep track of them are more likely to rekindle their business with you.

Offer packages

List your business. If it’s not listed, no one can rate it! Make sure you’re listed on all the websites where it might make sense to give you a rating.
• Respond to feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. When it’s possible, responding to negative feedback in a courteous and professional manner will show future clients that you’re committed to listening to your clients and improving your business.

Coupons and promotions for future services

If you already know what times of year business gets slow, plan ahead. Now more than ever, it’s a good idea to have an email campaign ready for when you know your business will take a hit (so you can be better prepared for when you don’t).
• Instead of discounts, why not throw in a little extra? Consider offering a free upgrade for a limited time, or a free trial of a product in the mail.
• Offering little online alternatives to the extras they’d get in person is a nice touch that shows you still care about their experience. It’s easier than ever to send an online thank-you gift or e-card to make someone’s day!