Social media has always been a valuable tool for local businesses, but now that communities across the country are under stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19, social media has become more important than ever.
Winmark franchise owners are using social media in myriad of ways to continue engaging with their customers while their storefronts are temporarily closed. From sharing store updates and funny memes to selling merchandise, social media has proved crucial for resale franchise owners.
Keeping Customers Informed
Social distancing rules vary state by state and are ever-changing. Social media allows our franchise owners to let their community know exactly what’s happening at their local store as policies change and evolve.
Across the Winmark network of resale brands, franchise owners are using social media to inform their community about curbside pickup, delivery options, available inventory, how to order merchandise online or over the phone, and more.
Creative Solutions to Help Community Members Get the Products They Need
Social media is serving as a virtual storefront for many franchise owners while their brick-and-mortar locations are temporarily closed to the public. While several of our brands have ecommerce options available to them, franchise owners are also finding social media to be extremely helpful for providing customers the items they need.
Using social media, franchisees are able to post photos of their inventory and take orders, offer virtual personal shopping and display products for sale via live stream. For example, Play It Again Sports® franchisees have been able to share photos when they get in-demand items like hand weights back in stock.
Once Upon A Child®, Plato’s Closet® and Style Encore® locations are offering virtual personal shopping options. Customers can request the sizes and styles they are looking for, then a staff member at the store will send photos of items that fit their requirements. Customers are then able to choose the items they want, pay for them online and pick up their purchase using curbside pickup or have their items delivered to their home.
Providing Human Connection from Afar
Connecting with customers on social media is a whole lot more than just buying and selling. While it’s more important than ever for franchise owners to promote their business, this is also a critical time for building connections within the community and relating to customers on a personal level.
Franchise owners are sharing jokes, memes and other light-hearted content with their communities to start conversations, lift spirits and make connections. For example, Once Upon A Child® franchise owners are sharing jokes that moms can relate to. Meanwhile, Music Go Round® franchisees are sharing memes that strike a chord with musicians.
Franchisees are also sharing questions, polls, employee spotlights and heartfelt thank you notes to their customers to engage with their communities and keep their brand top of mind during this time.
Social media is bringing communities together to support local businesses and each other as they navigate these challenging times. Our franchisees and their communities are close-knit and are helping one another get through this together.
To learn more about franchise opportunities with the Winmark network of resale brands, contact us today.
