• A shift towards instant messaging
• Lockdown 2020 and looking ahead to 2021
• Message effectiveness
• SME and consumer preferences
• The changes – new ways of interacting with customers

Some of the most popular communication measures SMEs have only just started to use for the first time to reach their consumers during the pandemic are detailed in the table below:

This shows that, while some more traditional communication methods like email and phone calls saw an increase, the majority of new measures introduced by SMEs were based around more modern messaging apps, social networks and online video calls. In light of the loss of natural footfall or face-to-face communication, businesses have been able to reach out to their customers and showcase their products and services through the use of digital apps and online tools.

Increased use of existing methods

Other communication styles had been in use before the pandemic measures, but saw an increase as face-to-face contact became more difficult. Over a fifth of SMEs surveyed reported their use of the following services increased during this time:

• Facebook page – 22% increase in use
• Text messaging – 21% increase in use
• WhatsApp – 21% increase in use

In summary

While many businesses may have already been employing these methods, the events of 2020 has meant more companies have embraced digital communication options such as instant messaging, social media and more flexible ways of speaking directly for the first time.

Survey methodology

1,006 SME owners and 2,009 consumers surveyed in September 2020 by Censuswide on behalf of Yell Business.

Download SME survey data

Download Consumer survey data

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