WATCH: CO— Blueprint: Re-Engaging Your Customers

Businesses in reopening mode would be wise to first take note of one key truism: Marketing to consumers who have lived through a pandemic calls for a nuanced grasp of their changed — and changing — wants, needs, and newly formed habits.

It also calls for the business community to nimbly pivot their operating models to generate new revenue streams, experts told Jeanette Mulvey, content director for CO—, during the second episode of CO— Blueprint, a new video series dedicated to providing small businesses with the ideas and strategies they need to reopen their businesses successfully.

Here are five takeaways:

1. Adapt and innovate your business models and processes to create new revenue-generating opportunities.
2. Spread authentic, safety-first reopening messages. Businesses must reassure and embrace cautious consumers.
3. Leverage brand ambassadors. Use them to spread the good word about your business and generate interest.
4. Study your market to understand customer wants and needs. Dig into customer research and take part in industry conferences.
5. Tap low-to-no-cost marketing tools. Boost exposure for your brand by offering free giveaways and developing a social media plan.

Watch the CO— Blueprint event for more ideas and tips from business experts.