The Impact of Online Customer Reviews on The Brand's Reputation

Talking about digital marketing, especially in this unprecedented crisis because of the COVID-19 situation will lead shoppers to the online business which is shifting their habit from traditional buyer to online customer. It is essential for them to read reviews before making a decision and trust the brand that will impact the brand's reputation. the impact of online customer review on the brand reputation

Gaining customer's trust is an important part of every business that will open the possibility to turn them into loyal customers. In another word, it will be increasing the level of sales and guide a company to gain business revenue. However, in online businesses, a successful business depends on online user reviews. 

Most online shoppers would do a "little" research by googling, or through social media, and even word-of-mouth to collect information as much as they need to make conclusions about the brand. Looking at how another customer as a personal recommendation is a prime step for shoppers to find out not only the product itself but also the virtual store reputation which is put the online customer reviews at the top of the game of online-shop. Positive reviews and at least 4-star will show the brand performance. At this point, the potential customer will trust the business and willing to become loyal customers if they are satisfied with the brand and the services. Because users most likely to do business with "excellent" reviews and do not want to purchase from a business that has negative online reviews. Therefore, there is an important task for the online business to concern about and do not underestimate consumers' voices. If the business has to deal with negative reviews then what would an online business do? First, admit if make a mistake and do not refuse for what customer experiences; second, analyze the problem and solve it by giving the best services next time which is mean that taking shoppers complain to make the brand stronger by the time; third is show what the best from the brand, for example, good quality, quick delivery, special design, consistency, et cetera.

Brand reputation in online business is made up based on customers' experiences on how they feel, hear, think about its business which is collaborated about customer satisfaction. In other words is not only the products must surpass consumers expectation, but also packaging and other services for instance customer services that quickly respond to any question about the brand. Basically, creating positive reviews in digital business is the combination of how the business work; starting from choosing the materials, processing, quality control, packaging, storage and delivery, and customer services. All those elements connected with one another. 

What the benefits of getting good reviews for an online business that leads to a good reputation? 

• get the customer's heart which is also known as "trust". When potential customers read positive online reviews about the brand, it leads to purchasing the product and attract loyal customers
• Increasing business revenue because shoppers decide to buy after seeing other consumer experiences from the reviews they write
• It guides to outstanding among others, in other word is distinguished from competitors. To achieve a higher level of success, the online business must pay attention to reputation because it is a big deal for any kind of business
• Getting more customers. Basically, if one consumer is satisfied with the brand, they will recommend the brand to their friend and family which is free advertising and lower marketing costs

We can see that's how the impact of online reviews on the brand reputation opens the door to many opportunities and possibilities. It virtually impossible without a good reputation to achieve success because naturally, customers do not want to pay a lower quality of products or services.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission 

Chinese New Year Celebration During Pandemic in Singapore

 

Some of Lunar New Year treats from our neighbor - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

Lunar New Year or also known as Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration in Singapore. This year sounds different because of the Covid-19 situation. However, I think people still celebrate it in another way. How does it look like? Are you feeling curious and want to know how locals managed to mark this special occasion? Let's get on it!

We have been staying in Singapore for about 9 years. Since moved to Singapore a few years ago the first thing in my mind was on how to bonding with locals. I wanted to know their daily life, how they eat, habits, and events including Chinese Year New. I think it is my rule that I have to learn culture and tradition wherever I live. With this new knowledges, I hope that I could become a better person and open my horizon.

Talking about the biggest event, Lunar New Year in Singapore, well, there are lots of intriguing things happening, for instance, foods, ceremony, family dinner, and snacks. Simple thing Chinese New Year is the time for a family reunion and sit down together and eat together. Maybe many of you think this festive is only for Buddhists or related to this religion. If I am not wrong, Buddhist is not a religion but guides people on how to live. That what I hear from a friend. Back to the topic, here in Singapore, regardless their religion, everyone who have Chinese root, they celebrate Lunar New Year. For example, my neighbors who are not Buddhist yet still celebrate it. That's what I like about living in Singapore. Living in harmony and respect for each other.

Pineapple tart/ cookies, tom yam yam, salted egg yam, seaweed crackers, and crackers - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

In 2021, due to the coronavirus situation, there are so many rules that we have to adhere to so that we can continue managing the spread of the Covid-19 infection in the community. For example, each household only receives 8 visitors a day. Dining at a restaurant is also allows 8 people except for the same household. But it is merely impossible for one household with 10 residents. Everyone must understand the situation even though the daily new local case of COVID-19 infection is zero. What if someone or a group of people breach management safety? Well, the fine of up to $ 10,000 and 6 months jail will wait for you.

So, what did locals do to celebrate Lunar New Year during the pandemic? Many of them stay at home and cooking at home. My neighbors, for example, just sit tight at home even if they felt a little sad. Cooking at home and having dinner with a family member, their children, and grandkids. If another family would do visit then with the arrangement, 8 people a day. What are locals cooking? When my husband and I went to the hypermarket 2 days before Chinese New Year Eve, most people bought hot pot ingredients such as wong bok (Chinese cabbage), enoki mushroom, meat, fishball, lobsters, et cetera. This indicated that during this festive season makes a hot pot at home is their choice. Besides making a hot pot set menu at home, I think many of them cooking another food based on family culture or tradition, for example, chili crab. Every family has its own tradition that's what I have been believed. So, there is not always a hot pot. 

My hot pot style at home - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

What about snacks? Of course, there are abundant snacks and treats during this particular occasion. What I like about Lunar New Year in Singapore is that plenty of snacks, cookies, and sweets, all those treats are special because we can only find them during Lunar New Year. For instance, Chiku chips are also known as arrowhead chips, love letters, durian cookies, larva cheesecakes, pumpkin cake, coffee cookies, bahulu cakes, et cetera, you-name-it. The most popular are pineapples tart and kuih bahulu. Both are traditional ones and I think it must buy them in this special season.

Something that special on Chinese New Year in Singapore, we exchange snacks or gifts with our neighbors. I usually make a goodies package for my neighbors and give it to them before Chinese New Year Eve. My choice is always the same every year; pineapple tart and bahulu cakes, and 2 oranges, including flower brooches or flower accessories in these goodies. These handmade flowers are made by myself. This year I chose pineapple tart, salted egg yam, 2 oranges, and handmade flower accessories. Even though I do not want my neighbor to give me gifts but still they sent some gifts to our doorstep by hanging them. As result, we have lots of snacks and another package at home and we do not know how to eat all of those treats.

Packages for my neighbors - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

That's how locals celebrated Lunar New Year during pandemics, at least in my neighborhood. What I have learned is that maybe it is a different celebration but we feel grateful because we are still in good shape, healthy. Instead of complaining about the government rules, laws, and how strict safe measurement, we, in Singapore, are just grateful for our life. All those laws that government imposes are for safety and the future. We must understand and do our part fight against Covid-19.

By exchanging cakes, or gifts, I think it helps to cheer up our neighbor who celebrate Lunar New Year during the coronavirus year. If you want to know more, I do exchange cakes on Christmas day as well. Not only that, during New Year's eve 2021 one of my neighbors sent me cakes even if I did not send them cakes, what nice and kind neighbors. I love living here!😊 I feel that I just live in kampoeng. "Kampoeng" means village. Then I realize, it does not matters where we live in whether in the city or village, we can still do living in "kampoeng spirit". It means we can manage our relationship with neighbors regardless of race, language, and religion. So, are you staying in Singapore, are you living in "kampoeng spirit", if yes, tell me then  what your experiences😊

Read my another article on another blog about Tom Yam Hot Pot here https://ichi-recipes.blogspot.com/2021/02/cny-sg-2021-tom-yam-hot-pot.html and A Budget Hot Pot here https://ichi-recipes.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-budget-hot-pot.html

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse these photographs anywhere else without permission 

Making DIY 4-layer mask with felt as non-woven material

4-layer maks designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

The world changes rapidly and so are we. Since the Covid-19 struck our world last year wearing a mask is compulsory which means we have to buy it just like groceries that need them every day. The money will involve and the big question is "how much money do we need to spend on masks?" At this point by making DIY masks becomes popular and trigger many people more creative every day to design DIY mask. On top of that, the biggest question is how to make a proper handmade mask against the Covid-19 virus by using unexpensive material?

4-layer mask designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

The first thing that I thought in my mind was how poor families could afford masks. If you are following my Ichikraft Give and Care blog then immediately you know the family who lives in poverty have always been struggling to earn money every day just to provide food. With a wage range between $15 - $ 40 a month, it's virtually impossible to buy masks for their family. Which one they choose, buying masks to protect them or buying foods to fill their stomach? Who will take full responsibility for their real issues? 

4-layer mask designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

I came out with the idea by using felt as non-woven material to substitute surgical masks. I believe many of you know that surgical mask material is a nonwoven material. Where the idea from? First of all, I would like to say that felt is a common material for my handiwork. Basically, since I have started my business, this material tags along with me which means I used to use it. In January 2020, we had a shortage of masks in the market. Believe me, at that time we couldn't find masks everywhere. Feeling desperate, of course, but it is not my personality if I just give up so easily before finding a solution. The first mask I made was 1-layer masks to cover the mount. The second mask that I made was 4-layer masks with nonwoven and cotton material inside. At this point, I have used felt which I believe do the same work as a surgical mask. However, before decided use felt as a nonwoven material, I did a search by googling what kind of nonwoven material is. That's how I found out and made a decision to create the 4-layer mask by using felt and cotton inside. After almost a year since the second mask I created, I have made my third mask and they are still 4-layer with felt and cotton inside, but in a different design. 

4-layer mask designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

The cotton inside the mask that I have made is our t-shirt. Well, sometimes we have some clothes that we do not use it anymore. Why do I need to add cotton inside? What I have believed is that more layers are more protection. White cotton is my choice because it won't absorb the heat compared to dark colors, for instance, black, dark blue et cetera.

4-layer mask designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

The DIY 4-layer mask that I have made is hand sew. Even if hand sew but still I can produce acceptable masks. I wish I have a sewing machine at home, unfortunately haven't. For me, whether have it or not, I am still capable to create something useful with my hands. Challenging my limit is my motivation that can push my creativity beyond. Well, I could say my work is not bad 😁 

4-layer mask designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

The front and back layer is pattern fabric, the second layer is felt, the third layer is cotton material. If you are following my article then instantly you know that I have made this kind of mask since March 2020 and it becomes my standard that we can make easy at home and use it to protect us against the Covid-19 virus. Indeed, it just my assumption without any prove properly such as to conduct research, but this kind of mask will useful for people who live in poverty. That's my dedication to finding solutions for poor people in the pandemic situation. Not only them but also for me😊 I am happy that I do not need to spend some money on masks every month. Believe it or not, I haven't used my money to buy masks, not a single one. 

4-layer mask designed by Acik Mardhiyanti - Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti

The vantages about this particular mask are cheaper materials that affordable for poor people, easy to make at home as long have a needle and thread, and washable with distinctive caution because we deal with felt; remember do not wash this mask in the washing machine. After hand washes with detergent, we can soak it into disinfectant. It sounds good, right? 

Sometimes we just need to creative and willing to learn something else rather than only complaining about so many things. I think we should thank this unprecedented crisis because we are reborn as a stronger person to get through this situation. Keep your courage, embrace it, we can make it!

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Photographed by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission
• Do not reuse these photographed anywhere else without permission  

Developing marketing strategies by analyzing competitor

I believe many businesses could sometimes don't realize the importance of competitor analysis. We assume that it has nothing to do with the marketing strategy. In fact, every marketer must do an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of potential competitors to develop marketing strategies. The situation will become crucial when we are talking about entering a saturated market. By analyzing competitor puts the business in the next level of marketing and develop new strategies.

A few months ago I discovered a distinctive product that I love it. I found it on social media and decided to get more information about their products by following the update before made a decision to buy it. At first, all products seemed unique and as a potential customer, I could say they are good at this particular business. Everything they put on social media convinces me that I'll grab them soon. But it didn't take long after I saw the disturbing marketing strategy they applied. Immediately  I made up my mind to unfollow and deleted their website and all contacts that were on my phone before. What happened and what is wrong with their strategy? 

I was born and grew up in a remote village that most of the villagers worked as farmers. But many of them were also businesses owner and it was small family businesses that passed down from generation to generation. Since 11 years old, I worked in these small industries that thrive around my father's house. What I learned from them was that whatever businesses we are in, it must unique, different, and the most important thing is to go along with the competitors and do not spread hatred. There wasn't surprise, the competitor was not the enemy, instead, they even could work together as a partner and even became a best friend that would help to figure out their specialties, or sharing knowledge; especially when someone new in the same business, many business owners would love to share their proficiency with a newcomer, just asked them nicely. As a result, each product was unique and had its own market. Thus, make competitors walked along and became friends with the brand. That's what I call "healthy business." The big question is how could that happen?

Bringing back my experienced that I talked about early, what happened? The brand created unfair marketing. What does it mean? Do you had ever been read or heard about the "dirty" strategy in marketing? Me, personally, I do not like these acts. I encourage you if you are planning to open a business in a saturated market you would rather do analyze competitors in marketing than playing an unpleasant strategy. For instance, comparing your brand with a competitor brand by taking pictures side by side, using it as your digital marketing branding, uploading it in public, and talking "pussy" about competitor brands for example: "look at this brand X, you can see my brand is the best, their quality is bad, et cetera." Whatever your reason, it is neither a proper nor elegant move. This kind of action will give a bad impression on the customer's eyes. Moreover, it will damage your reputation because customers may think you are not professional; of course, it is an unprofessional business.

So, what should businesses do to develop new marketing strategies based on analyzing competitors? 

1.  What kind of business market you are in

You know, right, when you decided to start a business the first thing is what market you are involved in. Good for you if, only IF, your product is unique and no one else produces it. But everything changes when you want to sell something that much likely crowded in the market. What would you do? Here is the key that you must act fast to create a new strategy. 

For instance, to understand how a new act will develop; let say you want to sell chips, it could be banana chips. There are abundant chips in the market, then what should you do? You can offer special chips with unique flavors; maybe banana chips with cheese or chocolate flavor. It sounds great and a better move to make your business different from others.

In this case, thinking out of the box will help to figure out what kind of business we are involved in. By offering something exciting for customers to try will put the business surpass their rivals in the market. 

2. Who are your competitor

I know, might feel uncomfortable when talking about who is a business rival. Examining the competitors will lead a business to get an opportunity that might be unseen before. Instead of copying the competitor's strategy, a business must step forward and grab the chance. You have to make your own path rather than following the rival moves.

I remember when someday we visited a tiny town. I saw lots of diners offering the same menu; it was meatball soup with the same style. I could say they opened a business by following the existing market. Indeed, entering business must consider what a high demand that easy to make some profit. But, don't you think that business competition will be increasingly fierce? What should a business do?

If that happens to you as a newcomer in a saturated market, you can take a competitive advantage which means you can outperform your rivals in the same business. How to do that? First, you can offer a low price to the customers; or secondly, give the clients good quality products and services. 

3. Who are the customers 

When you decided to build a business, first; considering what market will you enter, right? If you can determine it then it should easy to know your potential customers and what they expect from the products.

Let's say your business is healthy products, it could be healthy snacks or organic foods. I am sure you can picture what kind of clients or consumers that will approach. If there is a 10 % market for vegan customers this is your chance to impress and make them your loyal customers. 

4. What are the strengths

Talking about the key of business strengths which means we are speaking about price, consumers, or it could be services that related with the products. What make it is special and different from others that will effect marketing strategic. Using what the best products have to promote or advertise that will attract petential customers. Do not compare your products with other when promote your products that only make bad reputation. For instance, taking competitor's product picture and use it for your advertising by place it side by side with your products. Be careful, this is not professional moves. 

In my view, the best marketing is that when we can show to the consumers what we are the best at; maybe a product with a good quality and lower price, or a product with a good quality and same price as competitors but offer 1 years or 2 years guarantee or give them discount or free side items.

For example: a brand new computer who want to enter market. What the new brand can offer to the potential customer in a saturated computer market? Giving the competitive price is one of the answer. But how to make a profit if the price is lower that the rivals. Here is the answer; selling computer accessories that buyer can't resist to buy when they buy the product ( a new brand computer). In this case, offer cheaper price is the product strength, and develop new strategic by selling computer accessories. 

There are 4 ways to develop marketing strategies by analyzing competitor. By determining what business that we are involved, who are the compettitor is, what kind of customer we will face, and what the strenghts product have to surpass customer. All of those strategies will lead developing marketing strategic to outperform its competitor. 

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission

 

 

How Culture Can Impact Marketing Strategic?

Businesses that want to enter a new market must do analyze customer behavior to understanding them and make a decision on what is marketing strategy that able to meet buyers. In what I've believed that culture plays important role in how businesses will be successful. Answering the question of how culture can impact marketing strategy,  understanding strategic glocalization will give the business a golden opportunity in a new environment.

We can not treat the customers in the same way especially if you want to sell the product in different regions or even globally. Understanding local will give us some sort of view on what customer thinks, acts, behave on the product they consume. The decision that they make is based on culture. This is where a marketer should work; knitting opportunity on how to create a product that aligns with the culture. With this particular product, it most likely acceptable in the market.

Sometimes, or many times, businesses fail to identify culture as an issue because they mostly focus on getting profit and thrive without realizing what they dealing with those processes. I agree that looking into deep about the people such as how they live, what food they like, their jobs, etc, is not easy, but all of them are the key to know them better because they are potential customers. What I've seen in this case that sometimes businesses overconfident to invade the market. As a result, they are unsuccessful to surpass the market. Maybe you have read or heard that Dunkin' Donuts failed in India, Starbucks not succeed in Australia, and also 7-Eleven collapsed in Indonesia; how that happened?  The answer is that culture affects customer's decisions. If the product does not meet what they desire, your business will break down easily. 

Now, what is a marketing strategy that will lead businesses to resound in a distinctive market? Talking about it maybe some of you have ever heard this strategy called glocalization. Glocalization is a combination word of "globalization", and "localization. In short words, for easier understanding, it means think global, act locally which is that the products sell or distribute across the region/ world, but adapting the local market. Together with culture, local identity, and knowledge, will create a product accepted by consumers. Yet, the brand still exists with its standardization that comes along as a company when entering the marketplace such as; it could be the logo and employee uniform.

For example, KFC Indonesia offers not only fried chicken but also rice for the package. Rice is a part of Indonesian culture; eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner, must with rice. In Malaysia, in a special event, McDonald's has a menu called Nasi Lemak McD. Maybe you are wondering since when McDonald's and KFC offers rice on their menu. That's how they did to engaging with the customers. If both of them doesn't aware and ignore the culture where the products will be sold as a result in just a short time they will fall through. 

In 2018, I wrote a paper, a study case on this particular strategy marketing. Maybe I will post it on my blog later. For me, glocalization is a unique way of how the marketer approaches potential customers. I think businesses that want to expand their market should learn and take this as a prime issue because culture can impact marketing strategy.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission 

2 Things That Influence Marketing Strategy When Determining Target Consumers

Before making a decision what your next marketing strategy, it is crucial that you have to know the consumers. Sometimes as a business owner or at least people who I know, they only think of making huge profits even before analyzing their customers and their products in the market. I completely understand every business needs to gain profit, but profit itself will be coming with a good marketing strategy. How to determine target customers and how they influence marketing strategy? There is 2 thing, first who is target customers, second is where we could reach them.

1. Who

When talking about marketing strategy, it is important for a business owner to know the customers. Who are your customers? This is the first thing that influencing marketing strategy. Analyzing consumers will lead you and give a view of what marketing strategy should apply and also finding the best strategy. Questioning yourself about it, "who are they?", "are they adults or kids, and how old they are?" It surmises target consumers are kids. If your products are dessert it could be a cake then the next step is deciding which dessert is healthy for the kids. Why would think about a healthy cake? We agree that this product is saturated in the market. It means that the cake you make must unique from others. Starting from kid's preference, they love something vibrant so this product has a golden opportunity. For example, making a colorful cake with characters such as rainbow cake, sunflower cake, car cake, etc. All the ingredients in it must healthy choices. You could imagine that you are having a kid before buying a cake for your kids you must concern about what is the ingredient too, right? Positioning yourself as a parent to understanding what customers want and what they expect. It sounds challenging but we have to embrace, learn, and trying until the product will surpass. As a result, customers will back to you and become loyal buyers. Moreover, it has gained huge profits.

The next step is talking about how to promote the product. Thinking about when kids often come by, when they play, what time they are watching TV, what they watch. Why we need to know all about these? Simply put, we need to advertising the cake, right? If you are willing to promote it by television advertising then a good choice to put your work on kid's program. Hopefully, they will watch and ask their parent to buy your products. But we can use other tools such as media social or any platform that suits a cake business as a marketing strategy. Thinking about it,  I've been thinking for such a long time about this. The marketing strategy is that by entering the parent community we can meet customers. Look around you, if we are a part of this parent community that will make your marketing strategy easier to adapt. The reason is first, we can promote the product mouth to mouth; second, showcase the cakes on the parent group by posting pictures of the cake on social media. This is how to engage potential customers.

2. Where

How this can affect marketing strategy? When we are dealing with customers we need to know where to find potential customers based on the product. Because some products are unique or have a special purpose and we can not expect general customers would buy it. Where the place that reaching these buyers we need to analyze and find a marketing strategy to meet them.

Let's say your product is swimwear. In order to get potential attention, we could do advertising this swimwear at a swimming pool nearby or beach by leaflet to people who come to these places. Moreover, because today we are in a digital world there is a wise choice to use digital marketing strategy by using social media, creating web and an online shop, joining a platform. Writing down on the flyer about your swimwear website, business e-mail, Instagram account, etc. That's the good news about digital marketing.

In my opinion, with digital marketing, a business will thrive even further. The gap between customers and the products will meet in the digital world because customers especially youngsters often shopping online. No matter where they are, it is virtually possible to do shopping. When it happens, a digital marketer needs to know about customer behavior especially when talking about culture. To get through the market, a business must understand this culture. In this case, swimwear material; in some countries, the customer prefers good material and price is no problem for them. But another country, they prefer cheap price and doesn't bother with material as long as cheaper.

To sum up, there 2 things that could affect marketing strategy when determining target customers, first; who are target customers; second, where are they based on the product. And in my perspective, the space between consumers and the product could meet in the digital world by online shopping. Especially today that businesses are preparing and getting ready for a "new normal" due to the Covid-19 crisis. 

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission

 

 

4 Steps to Digitalize Your Business in an Easy Way

Nowadays, everyone is talking about digital marketing. After Covid-19 struck the world with uncertainty and anxiety, many people seek for changing, including their business how to survive in this crisis. Indeed, we read and hear that some or many businesses collapsed during the pandemic, especially small businesses. The only way to get through the coronavirus year is to digitalize your business. And in this article,  I am talking about small businesses.

Whether you like it or not, your business strategies must change and adapt. In order to adapt, you are dealing with "maybe" a new knowledge at least for some of you, it is called digital marketing. I know there are many questions, "what is digital marketing?", " what the strategies?", "How it works?", "Are you sure it will working?" and other questions. There are 4 steps to digitalize your business.

1. Identify market

Whatever your business before when Covid-19 become crisis suddenly the market slowdown. Am I, right? Why? First, now gathering is prohibited; second, customers can not go shopping freely; third, businesses must close due to the situation for example lockdown or semi-lockdown. 

Identifying the market is the first thing we have to do before making a decision for the next marketing strategies: what people seek, what people want, what people need, what is changing in the market. By analyzing all of these things will give you some sort of view of what you move next. Do not lay back and wait for luck that the Covid-19 will be gone by the time and you can open your business again. Instead of complaining and sit back, you can make a move and change the business strategies.

A simply put I give an example, before this unprecedented crisis you sell books, then business run slow and nearly goes bankrupt. If you could identify what is going on in the market, the first thing you know is that people are looking for a face mask. It is your chance to grab the opportunity by selling masks. 

2. Learning 

What does it mean? It means we have to learn whether to learn new things or expanding skills. You have to remember that learning is something we must-do if you want to survive. Otherwise, the world will leave you behind. I am seriously talking about this. I can see people who I know that many of them stubborn, they do not have the spirit to challenge their limit or even just look for a few seconds to learn.

For example, now you want to sell masks but you can not sew. What would you do? Yes, learning how to sew is the correct answer. Or might be you see the door to sell foods or snacks, you are not able to learn before the Covid-19 crisis because busy with works or something else but now have time to upskilling that talent. What I am trying to say is that choosing the right courses or self-thought you are interested in will give you a chance to survive. At least, you still get some money to provide food at home. Do not feel hopeless until trying hard and learn.

3. Finding Tools

"Tools" means anything that you can use to sell your products. You can use social media, or applications such as Whatsapp. How it works? Look at people around you, it could be your family, friends, family friends, colleague, your community; what kind of tool they use in everyday life, is that Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp? By analyzing this short view we can see the quick result. Put your works on it, I can say free advertising. Let them see what you are capable of by showing the products. That's how you engage with potential customers. You can give them sample products and see how they react.

Let's say you are making snacks. By using the tool, WhatsApp for example, we do not need to meet customers. They can leave messages by WhatsApp to order. And take a picture of your works then post them on Instagram. It sounds simple, right? It is an easy way how to transform the business to digital. You need to find the right tools and applying them. Because what I have believed is that technology is a survival skill. 

4.  Services

At this point, services are one thing that we have to do. There is communication between us and customers and also deliver the products. 

Even if we are a small business, do not forget that our customers are important. Gaining their trust will lead you to get loyal customers. If you can build this connection, they will become your brand ambassador. Have you have ever heard about a mouth to mouth marketing, right? This is what happens when customers are satisfied and happy with your brand. They will talk to their friends, family about how good the products. Build two ways of communication between you and consumers; asking them, "are they satisfied with the product?" With this communication, you will know what consumers expect about the brand. Do not be agitated when they criticize your products. Put your effort to make better products and surpass them. Or when consumers ask something we have to respond as quickly as possible. Do not let them wait for too long. How does it work? You can create a business e-mail, quick chat by WhatsApp.

The second service is how to deliver products including packaging. For example, I am selling fried noodles now. Due to the Coronavirus situation, it is impossible to open a stall maybe because of the rent that we could not pay. So, I cook my fried noodles at home, customers order by WhatsApp before the shop opens online. After opening, we are ready to cook then direct delivery to the customer's home or they could take their own order. If there is a possibility to join Grab Food then you can try it. The question is that our product packaging good enough; "is it proper material to wrap fried-noodle?", "is it easy for customers to carry?" Besides thinking about communication and delivery you need concern about packaging too.

There are 4 steps to digitalize your business in an easy way. Why I am writing this topic? Because there are or some small businesses owner who does not know how to transform their businesses amid pandemic. Are you kidding me? No, I am not. It is a reality that we have to face that not everyone has a source to learn, some people live in the city or big modern country, some others stay on the island or remote village, or some other being stubborn and doesn't want to change at all because of afraid with uncertain life ahead. So, this is why I write an easy way to apply digital marketing strategies.  

To sum up, in order to transform a business into digital there are 4 steps; identify the market, learning something new or advanced skills, finding the right tools, and good services in communication, and deliver a product to gain customer trust and loyalty.

Note:

• Written by Acik Mardhiyanti
• Do not copy this article without permission