--- title: "Staying Connected and Building Community: Engaging Customers During the Shutdown" description: Learn how to engage and build a strong online community during the shutdown. Discover strategies like interactive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and fostering a virtual community to stay connected with your audience. --- [E-commerce Trends](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/e-commerce-trends) [Social Media Management](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/social-media-management) [Marketing Techniques](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/marketing-techniques) Categories - [Retail Strategies](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/retail-strategies) - [Small Business Insights](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/small-business-insights) - [E-Commerce Trends](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/e-commerce-trends) - [Customer Loyalty](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/customer-loyalty) - [Customer Engagement](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/customer-engagement) - [Marketing Techniques](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/marketing-techniques) - [Shopify](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/shopify) - [Retail Technology](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/retail-technology) - [Visual Merchandising](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/visual-merchandising) - [Efficiency](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/efficiency) - [Accounting](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/accounting) - [Shopify Apps](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/shopify-apps) - [Inventory Management](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/inventory-management) - [SEO](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/seo) - [Sustainability Practices](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/sustainability-practices) - [Common Shopify Questions](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/common-shopify-questions) - [Social Media Management](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/social-media-management) - [AI tools](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/ai-tools) - [Throwback Thursday Series](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/throwback-thursday-series) # Staying Connected and Building Community: Engaging Customers During the Shutdown ![Sarah K](https://datazen.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sarah%20Head%20Shot.jpeg?width=50&height=50&name=Sarah%20Head%20Shot.jpeg) by [Sarah K](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/author/sarah-k) May-2020 **Tags:** [Customer Loyalty,](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/customer-loyalty) [E-Commerce Trends,](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/e-commerce-trends) [Retail Strategies](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/retail-strategies) The world feels very different these days from what we’re used to. With most businesses closed and social distancing measures in place, the traditional ways we connect with our customers have been turned upside down. However, even though our doors may be closed, our commitment to our community remains stronger than ever. Now is the time to lean into new ways of engagement, creating a sense of togetherness while we wait for the world to reopen. One of the most powerful tools at our disposal right now is social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become essential for staying in touch with our customers and keeping our businesses top of mind. But beyond just posting updates, we have a unique opportunity to create a vibrant, engaged online community—one that will not only support us through this challenging time but also thrive once we’re able to reopen. Here are some strategies we’ve been focusing on at Perplexed, and how you can apply them to your own business: ### 1. **Interactive Content** With everyone spending more time online, it’s the perfect moment to create content that invites interaction. Whether it’s polls, quizzes, or fun challenges, getting your audience involved helps keep them engaged and connected to your brand. For us, asking our followers to vote on future escape room themes or share their favorite board game memories has sparked conversations and kept our community engaged. ### 2. **Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses** While your physical space may be closed, that doesn’t mean you can’t share what’s happening behind the scenes. Give your followers a peek into your business’s day-to-day activities, whether it’s a look at how you’re preparing for reopening, or how you’re innovating during the downtime. At Perplexed, we’ve been sharing updates on the new puzzles we’re working on and how our family is coming together to get ready for the future. ### 3. **Creating Value with Free Content** People are craving connection and entertainment right now. Consider offering free resources or content that aligns with your business. For example, we’ve been sharing puzzle challenges and DIY escape room ideas that our followers can enjoy at home. This not only keeps our audience engaged but also reinforces our brand’s value. ### 4. **Building a Virtual Community** One of the most impactful things you can do during this time is to foster a sense of community. Create spaces where your customers can interact with each other, whether it’s through a Facebook group, live video sessions, or regular Q&A events. We’ve started a community group where people can share their experiences with escape rooms and board games, ask for recommendations, and just connect with like-minded individuals. ### 5. **Leverage User-Generated Content** Encourage your customers to share their own content related to your brand. User-generated content not only boosts engagement but also helps create a sense of belonging within your community. We’ve been asking our followers to share photos of their board game nights at home or their favorite escape room experiences, and it’s been heartwarming to see how many people are eager to participate. ### 6. **Stay Positive and Forward-Looking** It’s important to acknowledge the challenges we’re all facing, but also to maintain a positive and hopeful tone. Use this time to share your vision for the future and remind your customers that better days are ahead. At Perplexed, we’re keeping our audience excited for what’s to come, with sneak peeks of upcoming events and a focus on the joy we’ll all experience when we can gather again. ### 7. **Stay Connected with Your Audience** Don’t underestimate the power of simply staying in touch. Regular updates, even if it’s just a quick check-in, can make a big difference in maintaining a connection with your customers. We’ve made it a point to consistently update our followers on our plans, answer their questions, and let them know how much we appreciate their support. --- At Perplexed, we believe that building a strong community now will only make our reopening that much more successful. While we all wait for the world to get back to normal, we’re committed to keeping our community connected, engaged, and ready to return when the time comes. Together, we’ll get through this and emerge stronger than ever. Stay safe, stay connected, and remember—we’re all in this together. ![Sarah K](https://datazen.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sarah%20Head%20Shot.jpeg?width=50&height=50&name=Sarah%20Head%20Shot.jpeg) Post by [Sarah K](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/author/sarah-k) May-2020 Sarah K. is the founder of DataZen, a specialized business focused on e-commerce optimization. With a background in local retail, government, Shopify, and many other industries, Sarah brings extensive expertise in streamlining business processes and leveraging technology for growth. Passionate about helping businesses thrive, she offers valuable insights into efficient operations and strategic planning. [Follow me on my website](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/datazen.org) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-konschuh/) ### Related Articles ##### [![✍️ Final Blog Post for ZenBiz Insights](https://datazen.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20cozy%20modern%20workspace%20with%20a%20laptop%20open%20on%20a%20wooden%20desk%20displaying%20the%20Basecamp%20interface%20filled%20with%20neatly%20organized%20articles%20and%20guides%20A%20steaming%20mug%20of%20coffee%20sits%20beside%20the%20laptop%20accompanied%20by%20a%20small%20potted%20succulent%20a.jpeg?width=520&height=294&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20cozy%20modern%20workspace%20with%20a%20laptop%20open%20on%20a%20wooden%20desk%20displaying%20the%20Basecamp%20interface%20filled%20with%20neatly%20organized%20articles%20and%20guides%20A%20steaming%20mug%20of%20coffee%20sits%20beside%20the%20laptop%20accompanied%20by%20a%20small%20potted%20succulent%20a.jpeg) Customer Engagement • Jun-2025 ✍️ Final Blog Post for ZenBiz Insights 1 min read](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/️-final-blog-post-for-zenbiz-insights) ##### [Customer Loyalty • Sep-2024 Creating Your Preferred Tech Stack for E-Commerce 4 min read](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/creating-your-preferred-tech-stack-for-e-commerce) ##### [Customer Engagement • Aug-2024 Small Business Marketing: Social Media Success Stories with DataZen 4 min read](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/small-business-marketing-social-media-success-stories-with-datazen) ### Comments ![temp](https://datazen.org/hubfs/temp.png) ### Stay ahead with DataZen Sign up for our newsletter to get expert insights, tips, and updates that help you optimize your business and stay ahead of the competition. ###### Categories - [Retail Strategies](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/retail-strategies) - [Small Business Insights](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/small-business-insights) - [E-Commerce Trends](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/e-commerce-trends) - [Customer Loyalty](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/customer-loyalty) - [Customer Engagement](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/tag/customer-engagement) ###### Recent Posts - [✍️ Final Blog Post for ZenBiz Insights](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/️-final-blog-post-for-zenbiz-insights) - [Throwback Thursday: Revisiting "Survival of the Fittest: Adapting to New Retail Realities" (2014)](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/throwback-thursday-revisiting-survival-of-the-fittest-adapting-to-new-retail-realities-2014) - [Creating Your Preferred Tech Stack for E-Commerce](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/creating-your-preferred-tech-stack-for-e-commerce) - [Small Business Marketing: Social Media Success Stories with DataZen](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/small-business-marketing-social-media-success-stories-with-datazen) - [Navigating Gig Economy Challenges for Small Businesses](https://datazen.org/zenbiz-insights/navigating-gig-economy-challenges-for-small-businesses)