Social Media, Confusion, and Small Business During the COVID 19 Crisis

Abstract

In March 2020, the U.S. economy began a systematic shutdown in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Schools, churches, retail, and service business all closed as states implemented stay at home orders in the name of public safety. Business fell into either essential or non-essential classifications in response to state and local government mandates. Loosely worded guideline created confusion among small business owners and their customers as to what services were available. This study examines the confused state of small business in response to their classification and the methods used by business owners to communicate their status to customers.