Helping Businesses Create an Online Presence During COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

To help businesses make this transition using existing tools and resources in new ways, we’ve picked out four tips to help small businesses create an internet presence and stay engaged with customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses can establish a digital presence and proactively share important information with customers by creating a free Facebook Page and Instagram Business Account. These tools enable businesses to tell customers who they are and what they’re able to offer during this unprecedented time. They give businesses the chance to show up for new or returning customers online just like how they might in a physical store—an opportunity that becomes especially valuable when store hours are reduced or changing and when businesses need to be able to share information with customers quickly and easily.

Learn how to create a Facebook Page or learn how to set up an Instagram Business account.

Businesses have the opportunity to include information about safety measures, the handling of customer inquiries, any expected shipping delays and more on existing channels like a company website or customer emails. During a time when businesses might be getting many of the same questions about what hours they’re open and what services are available, drafting templated responses will come in handy to help respond to high volumes of inquiries in a streamlined way that saves time. Additional features are also available through a Facebook Page, where businesses can turn on instant-reply messages, which are sent automatically when a Page receives a new message. Businesses can use other free tools like Instagram Direct Messages or Messenger to help connect with customers in real time.

Learn how to turn on instant-reply messages or learn how to use Instagram Direct.

At a time where businesses have had to postpone or cancel events they've invested time and money preparing for, Facebook Live and Instagram Live have emerged as key tools to help businesses transition events from in-person to digital. Since a growing number of countries have issued shelter-in-place orders and lockdowns, people are spending longer periods of time on their devices as they work from home and try to stay connected to their communities. Musicians and orchestras are streaming free concerts to audiences affected by COVID-19 worldwide, fitness studios are scheduling classes on live channels so people can work out without leaving home and educators are hosting lessons online for students who have experienced school closures. Businesses can use Facebook Live and Instagram Live to help creatively engage, entertain or inspire their communities.

Learn how to use Facebook Live or learn how to use Instagram Live.

Adjusting business hours and service methods to accommodate changes caused by coronavirus safety measures may put existing content out of date. This could be anything from Page information to old posts to ad content. To avoid customer confusion, small businesses could consider reviewing content to make sure it reflects their most recent changes. For example, while some restaurants are no longer able to accommodate a dine-in experience, they can update their Page or create a new post to let customers know about takeout or delivery options that are still available or newly available.

To learn more about managing your Facebook or Instagram Business account, visit our Guide to Facebook Business Manager. To manage ads for your small business, visit our Business Help Center.

We continue to explore how we can support local businesses through this challenging time. Learn about our Small Business Grants program and access our Business Resource Hub to see additional opportunities we’re offering and steps we’re recommending. Get the latest updates on how Facebook is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.