COVID-19 has forced individuals and businesses around the world to pivot and adapt in an unprecedented way, in an extremely short period of time. Within a matter of weeks, our world has changed dramatically, our daily life altered in ways we couldn't have anticipated. Businesses have had to shut completely or modify their offerings almost overnight to remain open. If you're one of those business owners who has moved to an online business model virtually overnight, or if you have a long-standing Shopify store, you're likely looking for ways to generate more revenue - now. Shopify has been a huge resource from day one of this pandemic for business owners and we've compiled some of their advice here for you. Shift Your Policies If you sell physical products, consider extending your window for exchanges and returns. This will give customers more time and lets them know that you are sensitive to the current climate and the resulting delays and roadblocks. This is a small change, but it can make a huge difference to people's willingness to buy if they know they have some baked-in flexibility should they need to return an item they are unsure of. Make Gifting Easy With friends and family unable to see one another in person, gifting is more important than ever. Consider making gift cards available on your shop if they aren't already, a feature that has been made completely free by Shopify. In addition to gift cards, consider things like gift bundles on products you carry making them easy for people to gift someone they care about. Offer special note options or unique packaging touches if possible for extra personalization for your customers. Check out this article on Shopify's free rollout of the gift card feature to all merchants here. Reach out to High-Value Customers During these uncertain times, loyal customers are looking for ways to support the small businesses they care about. Reach out to your high-value customer if you haven't already done so. "Since roughly 20% of your customers contribute 80% of your revenue, consider prioritizing your high-value customers to ensure their lifetime loyalty." - Shopify Convert your high-value customers and encourage them to share their experience with your product or service online. Engage Appropriately on Social Maybe you've gone a little silent on social as you haven't know what to say or how to say it? Now is the time to start talking to your audience again if you have taken a step back. Authenticity is key here, as it always is on social media. You don't want to appear tone-deaf, opportunistic, or careless with your messaging. Our advice, be open and honest with your audience about what you're experiencing. Shopify Has More Shopify has lots of creative solutions for your small business from marketing ideas to shipping optimization. Read more of them here. Have questions or need a hand? Reach out to us or Shopify support.