Some ideas for things to do as a freelancer who is out of work, or a small business owner who has had to close during the Covid-19 Lockdown.
strategise
Now is the time to get a business strategy in place, including a marketing and social media strategy. Work on planning offers, events and new products or services for your business and be ready to launch with a bang when life returns to normal.
keep posting
If you’re able to, continue social media. You may need to post less often than normal, but the algorithm on Facebook and Instagram will penalise you if you do not post at all on your page for weeks at a time. Try adding more personal content, behind-the-scenes, recipes, workouts and throwback photos.
prep future posts
There’s growing pressure for small businesses to be active on social media. It is essential to put out quality content. Use this time to photograph products, create graphics and map out your future social media content. When businesses begin to reopen, you will be relieved to have a catalogue of posts to use. If not a design whiz, I recommend using Canva to create posters and graphics.
accounts and taxes
Yes, for most of us, this is one of the more tedious tasks to owning your own business, but it’s inevitable, so why not get it out of the way whilst you have time?
update your website
Time to log in to your website, update plugins, refresh the copy and change up the images. This should be done regularly but often gets forgotten. It’s essential to have up-to-date information on your website at all times, and ensuring all plugins are kept up-to-date will help to keep your site safe and secure.
create a blog
If you haven’t already, add a blog to your website. Not only should blogging be a key part of your SEO strategy, but it also provides an opportunity to keep customers visiting your website and interested in what you do. Aim to post about 1-2 a week if you can, but adding the occasional blog post is better than nothing at all. Don’t forget to link your best post on social media to drive traffic to your website!
get organised
Deep clean your office, back up your computer, and organise your files, both physical and on your computer. There’s nothing that clears the mind better than a tidy workspace.
learn a new skill
Master that skill you’ve always wanted to learn but never had time for. There are hundreds of great resources online including; Skillshare, Masterclass and Youtube. Learn a new language, try using Photoshop or practise your photography.
talk to other business owners
Now is the perfect time to reach out to other local businesses. Support one another through this difficult time, and not only will you learn from each other but there may be opportunities for collaborations and joint ventures in the future.
just relax
It’s an incredibly stressful time for everyone; economically and socially things are very uncertain. As a small business owner, you will need to be adaptable as the rest of the year unfolds. If you’ve been forced to close your small business, or you’re a freelancer without work, take some time to rest, and care for your mind and body. Try not to feel pressured to be productive whilst stuck inside. I’m having bursts of productivity, but I have also watched many, many Disney movies. I’m learning to go with the flow.
Stay indoors! I hope you are all remaining safe and well.