Around the world, nations are confronted with the myriad of repercussions of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Suffice it to say, that the full breadth of its ramifications are indeterminate during these most unprecedented of times. Drastic measures have been implemented in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus. However, inevitably this crisis will come to an end, and gradually, society will return to normalcy.  For businesses in the automotive industry to truly flourish in the future, they must consider things like automotive website design and marketing services. In this article, we discuss 4 tips for automotive businesses to thrive in a post Coronavirus landscape.

Elevate Your Automotive Business Brand With An Exceptional Website

The automotive industry is a highly competitive space, which relies on brand awareness. In a post Coronavirus landscape, it will be essential for automotive businesses to elevate themselves above the competition with exceptional website design. A 2019 survey revealed that a staggering 63% of Canadians admitted they will not buy from a company that has a poorly designed website. This astonishing statistic is especially applicable to automotive businesses as well. To create brand awareness which is imperative in the industry, you must have an exceptional website. This will create an excellent first impression, convey professionalism and credibility, thereby creating brand awareness and loyalty which translates into sales.

When the COVID-19 pandemic blessedly ceases, it will never be more important for an automotive business to build its brand with a superbly designed mobile-responsive website.

Effective SEO Services Will Be Key For The Automotive Industry

The present crisis will inevitably end, and we will return to normal. To thrive in post Coronavirus landscape, automotive businesses will need to consider using effective professional SEO services. Utilizing effective and proven SEO strategies, an automotive businesses will drive organic traffic to its website, and maximize ROI.

Some of the effective and proven SEO tactics that automotive businesses should be using include optimizing your website for SEO, keyword research, and using and optimizing Google My Business. These are all key elements that will help businesses to grow and thrive in a post Coronavirus landscape.

Social Media Marketing Will Be Crucial To Thrive

When the pandemic finally ceases, those in the automotive industry should consider effective social media management and marketing to drive sales and truly thrive.

Owners of automotive businesses need to understand how crucial building your business’ brand is for growth and success. Effective social media management and marketing will increase your online presence, build brand awareness, engage your target audience, and increase your customer base – thus ensuring that your automotive business thrives in a post Coronavirus landscape.

How The COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Pertains To Automotive Businesses

The global COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation, which fluctuates daily. The government of Ontario declared a state of emergency and issued a mandate for the closure of all non-essential workplaces in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus. Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), which is the governing body and regulator for automotive dealers in the province, released a statement regarding the pandemic.

“COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis for our stakeholders– dealers, salespeople and consumers – and for Ontarians and the world. OMVIC is committed to the health and safety of its staff and its stakeholders. OMVIC will continue to operate from remote sites and work with its stakeholders in these challenging times. While some service levels have been impacted, OMVIC remains committed to maintaining a fair and informed marketplace by protecting the rights of consumers and ensuring fair, honest and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers during these challenging times.

The impact of COVID-19 will require all of us to adapt and have flexibility with what lies ahead. I have no doubt that we will be successful in facing these challenges.

In a matter of days, the world, our country and province, and on a smaller scale, the car-buying marketplace was turned on its head. As expected, this has generated fear, uncertainty and questions. Questions from both registrants and consumers,” stated John Carmichael, OMVIC CEO and Registrar.

OMVIC also provided an update as of April 7^th pertaining to the revised list of essential workplaces mandated by the provincial government.

“On April 4th motor vehicle dealers were removed from Ontario’s essential workplace list and ordered closed. Though showrooms must close, the government has stated, “Teleworking and online commerce are permitted at all times for all businesses”. As OMVIC explained in a March 19 Bulletin, it is possible for registered dealers to sell or lease vehicles online or to remote customers. Online and remote selling may require adoption of new processes and policies to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation. More information is available in the Bulletin. Note: while transactions that take place entirely online are permitted, remote test drives are not during this ordered closure.”

In order to supplement the inevitable income loss many Canadians are experiencing during this crisis, it is important to understand what relief measures have been implemented by the federal government in the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Amongst the measures providing economic support to Canadians affected by the pandemic is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB):

“The federal government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

• workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.”

Additionally, in the beginning of April the federal government announced the details of measures that will support Canadian businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. On April 1, the Department of Finance announced the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): 

“The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

To help Canadians and businesses get through these tough economic times, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Government is proposing to introduce a wage subsidy of 75 per cent for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

This measure, which is a part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, would support businesses that are hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and would help protect the jobs Canadians depend on during these difficult times.

• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75 per cent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to $847 per week. The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.
• Eligible employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy.
• Eligible employers would include employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy, with the exception of public sector entities.
• For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. The government is also considering additional support for non-profits and charities, particularly those involved in the front line response to COVID-19. Further details will be announced in the near term.
• An eligible employer’s entitlement to this wage subsidy will be based entirely on the salary or wages actually paid to employees. All employers would be expected to at least make best efforts to top up salaries to 100% of the maximum wages covered.”

Federal finance minister, Bill Morneau, explained the impetus for the introduction of the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).

“Businesses provide the jobs, the goods and the services that Canadians depend on to keep their communities going, in good times and bad. With the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, we are helping businesses keep their staff on payroll so that businesses will be better positioned to rebound when the current challenges have passed. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that workers and businesses are supported through the outbreak, and that our economy remains resilient during these difficult times,” Morneau explained in a press release.

The Coronavirus pandemic has ushered our world into truly unprecedented times. Undoubtedly, this will be regarded as the definitive moment of the modern age. However, the outbreak will end, and we will collectively prevail as a society. In the interim, In the interim, stay safe, stay well, stay connected to family, friends, and neighbours, and remember to be kind.

Sarah Bauder

Sarah Bauder is a senior content specialist at Little Dragon Media. Sarah has a degree in journalism and has a decade of experience writing content at numerous renowned publications. She enjoys writing about digital marketing, business, entrepreneurship and more.