I have always been as optimistic as anyone until COVID19 shut down - or tried to shut down - our industry. Shops always had weddings and other summertime events to help get us through the slow times. But this terrible pandemic has wiped them all away - along with many shops who are already struggling to keep our doors open. The numbers of people testing positive for this virus are increasing again and the future is scary. I fear that the lock downs could be reinstated again or extended.
That’s why the time to act is NOW!
Right now, as our industry changes right before our very eyes, we have a choice. We must move along and continue to find our way, just as local florists have always done in the past.
Local Retail Florists need 3 things going into late summer and for the future:
#1 Up-to-date website and social media listings
Nearly every retail establishment in the country has been forced to alter and adjust their operating hours because of the coronavirus pandemic. Even large large retailers like Walmart who used to be open 24 hours a day have scaled back and how have opening and closing times that often vary by store or location.
Even stores that have reopened completely are often forced to make adjustments based on staff availability or local restrictions.
The best way to keep customers updated on your current operating hours is by adjusting them on three places:
Your website
Google
Facebook
Once you have updated those three platforms, your correct information should begin appearing in most places people use to search online. In some cases it may take up to 24 hours for the changes to take place across the platforms. If you need any assistance with adjusting your store or delivery hours, please click here and let us know so we can keep you up to date.
#2 Google Ads
Gone will be the shops sitting back waiting for orders to fill them. They are going to be the ones that will hang on by a thread, MAYBE. Most likely though, they will be gone. COVID19 is forcing the hand of the local retail florists to get aggressive and change the landscape of floral retailing by REMOVING wedding and special event options.
Here is a sample of what a shop did changing into the Google click model this past May in upstate New York area.
#3 Forever Remembered obituaries listings to "take back" and secure orders while improving your website SEO
This program is changing how people order funeral flowers online and will remain for years after COVID19 is gone. Over 10 years ago, LEGACY entered the funeral industry and posted obituary listings which created a link that sent the orders directly to the Sympathy Store. Today, they’re processed through FTD.
Today, Bloomerang Solutions is releasing custom local flower shop obituary/sympathy websites. Our network of websites across the country helps to create and link orders directly to your shop’s website! That’s right, we have removed the middle man!
No Per Order Fees
No Additional Membership Fees
Every Order is Your Order
Haven't we all had enough? It’s time to start taking back our industry. If your area is not yet taken, you have a choice - please call me and we can get you started today! There has never been a more important time to plan for your shop’s future. Call me anytime (941) 313-8025.