There is good news for Southwest Florida retailers and restaurants.
As a result of the pandemic, one-third of consumers indicate they will pay a premium for local brands and products, according to a recent study by Ernst & Young
However, before consumers will buy from a local business in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, or any town in-between, they must know they can do so without risking their health.
Advertising is the only practical way to let local shoppers and diners know about the precautions and practices your small business has taken to reduce potential health threats.
Of paramount concern to many shoppers is how they can buy local without having to come face-to-face with your employees and other customers.
Elaine Pofeldt, a senior contributor to Forbes, cited a study this week that found 48% of consumers will not shop at a business that requires physical contact with a cashier or shared credit card device. Shoppers and diners now prefer to use contactless payment methods. It is essential, then, that your advertising highlights alternative payment options.
It is also important for Fort Myers-Naples small business owners to highlight alternative pick-up, ordering, and delivery options in all as well.
According to the study quoted in Forbes, shoppers and diners want to buy local without having to go inside the business. Since the start of the pandemic, 34% of consumers have been using curbside pick-up. Also, 25% of shoppers have been making purchases online and then picking-up at an area store.
Another study conducted by Elevate | SmithGeiger echos the finding of the study quoted in Forbes.
According to Elevate, as the pandemic winds down, consumers no longer want to hear that "we are all in this together" or "living in uncertain times". They want, instead, local businesses to educate them about:
- Special deals
- Buyer safety
- Online buying options
- Financing opportunities
More Advertising Advice For Fort Myers Small Business Owners
- Advertising In Ft. Myers: Radio Listening Little Changed From Year Ago
- Advertising On Fort Myers Radio Reaches Cable TV's Cord Cutters
- SWFL Retailers Prepare For $127 Million Back-To-School Season
- Drivers Hit The Road Taking Fort Myers Radio Along For The Ride
- Advertising In Fort Myers: Consumers Pay More For Sustainable
- Southwest Florida Furniture Retailers Expect A Post-Pandemic Rebound
- Political Advertising On Fort Myers Radio Sways Voters
- Facebook Advertising: Why SWFL Small Business Owners May Be Pausing
- Why Southwest Florida Banks & Credit Unions Need To Advertise Now
