Written by: Marlene Piche, SVP Head of Branch Banking, Union Savings Bank
Your small business relocation was a success, and you’re thrilled to be in your new location. The space is set up, employees are all moved in and your business is back up and running at full speed. And if you followed our small business relocation checklist, you were sure to get the word out about your move.
But, have you communicated that you are once again open for business? Do your customers know where you moved to, and, more importantly, that you haven’t just closed up shop? Do your investors, business partners, bank representatives and vendors have your new address for mail and in-person meetings?
Depending on your business type and those whom your business considers the most vital – whether they be customers, lawyers, your financial team, employees, etc. – you’ll need to have a plan to make sure you’ve properly communicated your relocation to all partners.
There are many ways to communicate the relocation of your business, but not all will be the best for your business type so it’s important to choose the channels that work best for you, your customers and your business partners and vendors.
Here are some ways you can communicate your move:
Postcards to Customers
Direct mail can be an effective way to inform customers of your business’ new address. Postcards can also be used to introduce any new products, services or upcoming deals. Combining the change business address announcement with a little incentive to visit your new location can go a long with customers.
Business Signage
Posting a sign, either in the lawn or courtyard and on the door to your business’ old office will inform your customers that you have relocated and not closed down. These signs should include your business’ new address on them, as well a picture or two of your new building so customers can easily identify it.
Emails and Business Email Signature
A simple and non-costly way to communicate your new address is by simply adding it to your business email signature. If your business relies on email for appointment confirmations or reminders, a friendly postscript announcing your move as well as a call-out in the signature itself can help send the message home. The business email signature and postscript should be uniform across your organization (as well as for any vendors working on your behalf), but if your employees have close relationships with their specific customers, they’ll know if certain customers need extra assistance with directions.
On top of adding the new address to your business email signature, most business types will benefit from an email blast to customers. This email should again include your new address, photos of the new space along with general directions to help customers find it upon their first visit and any new designs of logos or signage that changed from previous locations. If you have grown your workforce, let customers know that they can expect to see a few new faces on their next visit. And if you’ve added any new products or services, take this opportunity to highlight them in your email, along with an exclusive offer encouraging customers to come check out the new space sooner rather than later.
Online Map Updating
Online maps and GPS are essential tools for most people, your customers included. Make sure that when your customers pull up directions to your business they find the correct address by updating your online listings.
This will also help new prospects discover your business when they search online for the products and services you offer. Remember, there will be plenty of people in your new area who did not receive your direct mail or e-blast, so making your business easier to find online will help you grow your customer base.
Update Social Media
Communicating your small business relocation through social media is one of the most important steps of getting the word out. Be sure to update all social media platforms with new photos and videos, and of course change business address and other business information that is important for customers to know.
Social media doesn’t just mean Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. If your company has a blog, it’s a great idea to also write a blog post about your new space, including photos and videos, any new information about your space and business to keep your loyal customers excited and informed. Blogs are also another great way to reach new customers in the area. This is done through sharing the post across all social media platforms, where customers are then likely to reshare and interact with your post – reaching those new customers.
Host a Grand Opening Event
Using all of the communication channels above, consider hosting a grand opening event for your customers and prospects to celebrate your new space.
Depending on your business, a grand opening party can be a great idea to host when your business is fully settled into its new location. As the owner, a grand opening allows you to personally meet and mingle with the customers in your new community, as well as give employees the opportunity to form connections with customers they will be interacting with on a frequent basis.
If all goes well, those in attendance will go back to their neighbors, families and friends and tell them how great your business is and speak about their experience with you as the owner personally interacting with your customers.
Word of mouth and referrals from trusted friends and family will always be the best form of communication, but ensuring your small business relocation is communicated in multiple ways, through multiple channels to reach all parts of your audience is vital to the continuing success of your business.
Find more small business management tips on our Business Blog.
