Communication and payments platform, Podium, has launched a Covid-19 relief package to help alleviate some of the costs for small businesses.
Podium is offering free access to solutions including Text-to-Pay, Campaigns, Videochat and Teamchat as part of the package that is available to all single-location customers, both new and existing, until 30 November 2021.
Text-to-Pay allows businesses to send payment requests via text message rather than asking customers to come in or take credit card information over the phone.
With Campaigns, businesses can send targeted SMS promotions to up to 100 customers per month with promotional messages to help drive repeat business.
Videochat means businesses can speak with customers face to face and answer questions instantly to continue doing what they’d normally do in person.
Teamchat is designed to keep teams connected in the same platform where businesses communicate with customers on a daily basis so that everyone has the context they need for their next conversation.
“Small businesses are a vital part of the Australian economy and these recent lockdowns have significantly impacted their operations and ability to continue servicing customers,” Podium country manager, Dave Schiene said.
“Covid has altered consumer expectations however, it has also created new opportunities to win customers online. Our services enable businesses to create or advance online strategies that have proved business-critical in the face of unpredictable lockdowns.
“We hope this package provides relief and assistance to those impacted in order for them to stay in touch with their customers without having the additional burden of mounting costs, for the next few months.”
Through its SMS-based platform, Podium helps local businesses receive more reviews, collect payments, send SMS campaigns, and centralise their communications. Podium’s centralised platform aggregates communications from channels such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram.