Countries around the world have been contending with the myriad of effects resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, this crisis with be seen as the defining moment of our modern era. Governments all over the globe have been implementing drastic measures in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus. In Ontario, the provincial government declared a state of emergency and mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces. Among those small businesses affected by the COVID-19 state of emergency, are Montessori and daycares. Yet, it must not be forgotten that this crisis will eventually come to an end and things will gradually return to normal. To truly flourish, owners and operators must be proactive and utilize exceptional Montessori and daycare web design and marketing services. In this article, we will discuss 5 tips for Montessori and daycares to thrive in a post Coronavirus landscape.

Make A Fantastic First Impression With An Outstanding Website

More people than ever, are turning to the internet for assistance with purchasing decisions. 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 astounding statistic is especially applicable to Montessori and daycare professionals, given that they must convey the highest degree of professionalism and trustworthiness. When it comes to the care, safety, and well being of their child or children, parents who are potential clients are unlikely to even entertain the thought of an institution that does not emanate credibility and absolute professionalism.

Trustworthiness is an integral component of building brand credibility, which in turn, will instill customer confidence in your business. Having great web design, powerful web development, coupled with effective marketing strategies is crucial for Montessori and daycares to thrive in a post Coronavirus landscape.

The Benefits Of Strategic Consultation For Daycares And Montessori

An effective and powerful marketing strategy like strategic consultation will be key for daycares and Montessori to flourish when we return to normalcy. By utilizing strategic consultation services for your business, you will better understand what makes your business tick and have the ability to plan for scenarios (such as the current Coronavirus crisis, for instance) in the future.

Through an in-depth analysis of your Montessori or daycare business, you will fully understand what areas are functioning well, and what areas require more focus to truly grow and flourish. Strategic consultation services should be an integral component of any business’s online marketing strategy, including daycares and Montessori.

Social Media Marketing Will Be Vital For Montessori And Daycares

Inevitably, the COVID-19 crisis will subside, and we will gradually return to a semblance of normalcy. In a post Coronavirus landscape, Montessori or daycare businesses must use effective social media management and marketing to thrive and grow. For instance, daycare and Montessori operators should focus on things like positive online reviews. Given the paramount importance of the well-being and safety of children, potential clients will be far more inclined to choose a Montessori or daycare with positive online reviews.

Montessori and daycares should understand how vital building your business’ brand is for future success. Effective social media management and marketing will increase your social media presence, build brand awareness online, engage your target audience, and attract new clients, thus, enabling your business to thrive in a post Coronavirus landscape.

Montessori And Daycares Must Consider Proven And Effective SEO Strategies

The current global pandemic will inevitably come to an end. The Montessori and daycare space is a highly competitive industry. Therefore, Montessori and daycare operators should consider using proven and effective professional SEO services. Businesses will want to use effective SEO strategies, which in turn, will drive organic traffic to your website and maximize your ROI.

In the post Coronavirus landscape, effective SEO will be key to the success of small businesses. Proven SEO tactics such as keyword research, optimizing your business website for SEO, in addition to using and optimizing Google My Business are all essential elements for success for Montessori and daycares.

How The COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Pertains To Montessori And Daycares

In an attempt to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, the government of Ontario mandated the closure of all “non-essential workplaces”. Among those businesses affected by the closures are Montessori and daycares, which do not provide childcare for essential workers. On March 31, the Association of Day care Operators of Ontario (ADCO) issued a statement regarding the mandated closures:

“As Ontario’s licensed child care centres face at least another two weeks of being closed due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, some owner/operators and boards are questioning whether their centres will re-open at all.

‘The centres that have been hardest hit are small, owner-managed businesses and stand-alone not-for-profits,’ says Andrea Hannen, Executive Director of the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario (ADCO). “Some have rent or mortgage payments due tomorrow and simply can’t pay. Even if they’re able to defer payments, they question their ability to carry this additional debt without raising parent fees to a point where their services are unaffordable. It’s heartbreaking that all of their hard work, the hard work of their staff teams and their dedication to the families they serve may suddenly just end.’

‘At this point, their only hope is that the Province will recognize that keeping licensed child care centres afloat is an important part of facilitating Ontario’s economic recovery once the pandemic has subsided,’ says Hannen. ‘So far, we’ve seen no indication that a Provincial plan is in the works, but recognize that they’re juggling multiple urgent priorities. We just hope they’ll come through in time to save these centres.’

‘We hope that the provincial government will recognize that every licensed child care centre is a vital part of dozens of families’ lives and will do everything it can to make sure these centres are able to re-open once the current health crisis has passed,” says Hannen. “Families need this kind of certainty right now’.”

Given the inevitable loss of income that will result from closures, it is imperative for Montessori and daycare professionals to be aware of the support being provided. The federal government has implemented the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. The economic relief measures being provided to Canadians is via 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.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number. This benefit replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit.”

“We know that people are worried about their health, their jobs and their financial situations. Our government is doing whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of Canadians, and to support workers, families and businesses. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit would make sure that money gets in the hands of workers as quickly as possible to support them in their time of need, and would help businesses keep their employees during this difficult period. Canadians can rest assured that the government stands ready to take any and all necessary actions as we continue to confront these challenging times together,” Morneau stated in a press release.

We are living in truly unprecedented times. The breadth of the ramifications from the COVID-19 pandemic is indeterminate. Yet, this challenging period in our collective history will inevitably end – we will prevail together. 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.