With so many countries in and out of lockdown, you might have found yourself forced to adapt the way you offer your services. From taking your business online to joining local delivery box schemes, we’ve all had to switch things up over the last year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends people maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance from others at all times – and some governments require 2. That’s no easy task in a crowded restaurant or shop. But don’t despair. As usual, technology can lend a helping hand.
From virtual queuing apps to proximity alerts, technology has an answer to the new problems we face. In this guest blog article by Jodie Manners, we’ll highlight the best of them so you can thrive in these unusual times.
#1 Mind The Gap
Mind The Gap helps staff members maintain social distancing. This mobile app is easy to use and, once installed, will alert individuals when they come within a certain distance of one another.
You can customize the alert distance to suit your government’s guidelines. So you can keep up to date with the latest advice with a few clicks of a button.
Businesses in a huge range of industries from manufacturing, construction, finance, emergency services and retail could benefit from the Mind The Gap app. Even those with no reliable internet signal in their workplace, since the app works without a connecting, relying instead on Bluetooth to judge proximity.
#2 Qminder
Qminder lets people see your peak hours and visitor capacity so they can plan their visit ahead. Customers will make decisions on when to visit, based on concrete service data.
Qminder lets customers practice social distancing, by giving them the means to self check in remotely. Customers can sign in by a call, online or by scanning a QR code and then wait from the safety of their homes or cars.
#3 TableDrop
TableDrop is a table service and collections app that allows businesses to offer socially distanced services in cafes, bars and restaurants.
Customers can download the TableDrop app for free or scan a QR code to access your menu and profile. You can easily upload your existing menu and adjust the number of covers you can handle in line with changing government guidance.
Because customers don’t have to queue for service, you can be sure that, once seated, they won’t break social distancing guidance.
Virtual ordering is an effective way of maintaining a COVID safe environment while offering a quick and convenient service.
#4 Waitwhile
Waitwhile makes the process of managing guests and customers easy during COVID-19 and beyond. Customers can use their phones to join a queue and wait remotely for their turn, with notifications about their position sent via SMS, email, and Slack.
Businesses will find Waitwhile simple to use, allowing them to control waitlists from any device. Waitwhile’s capacity management feature means businesses can track occupancy and set maximum capacity limits to ensure they provide a socially distanced service. During these difficult times Waitwhile is commonly also used for curbside pickup letting customers stay in their car until their order is ready or more importantly, for vaccine distribution with its appointment scheduling and walk-in waitlist features.
Waitwhile is ideal for shops, stores, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and practically every industry that deals with lines or appointments , offering essential features to ensure businesses can stay COVID-safe.
#5 Attractions.io
Attractions.io allows businesses to offer socially distanced services whilst leveraging smart technology to offer a better guest experience. Guests can use the app to manage attraction tickets and plan their day with the itinerary management function so as to avoid busy periods.
The app syncs with Google Maps and Apple Maps to offer guests directions to and around attractions. Plus, it offers a virtual queuing system once they’re there.
Operators can manage queues and guest expectations in real-time through the simple dashboard and save money on extra staff that might have been required to manage capacity and queues.
Conclusion
There’s absolutely no doubt that 2020 has been a tough year. Businesses have had to close their doors and lives have been turned upside down.
However, we are starting to see a turning point in the Coronavirus pandemic, where shops, restaurants, and attractions are opening and providing services in a socially distanced way.
And while experts don’t expect social distancing to be abandoned any time soon, you can prepare for the future with these innovative apps.
Author bio: “Jodie is a Conversion Copywriter and Content Strategist working with bold B2B SaaS and tech brands. Before founding This Copy Sticks, she spent a decade selling the toughest value proposition around and raised £2 million for charities before her 25th birthday. After 10 years in fundraising, Jodie now helps tech-mad trailblazers grow their businesses”
www.webhostingprof.com | Author: Jodie Manners | Email: jodie@thiscopysticks.com
