Digital marketing is a core activity for any business trying to plod through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic - and we’re not just saying that because it’s what we do…
The general public are no longer allowed to visit their usual high street stores and go about their daily business as normal (the UK remains in lockdown as of writing this post on March 24). A lot of businesses, in all industries, of all sizes, are struggling. But that doesn't mean we shut up shop and remain ‘mute’. No, we should be doing what we can to ‘keep calm and carry on’, as is the British way.
We recommend all organisations wherever possible adjust their activities, and using their free time, focus on their digital, online presence, doing what they can to run their business from their homes, or online.
If you can’t actually operate your company during these times you should still remain active and present to your audience, using one of the many digital channels at your fingertips - most of which won’t cost you a pretty penny, and often, are completely free of charge for you to do yourself!
1. Get acquainted with social media
If you usually ask an external organisation to run your social media, there may no longer be the budget, but you could ask them for help getting up and running with Facebook and co., for a small charge. They may offer to do it for free to help you remain on your feet!
Post some simple updates about your company, share some positive messages and remain optimistic - the public are tired of negativity and fear (aren’t we all).
2. Trial video and multimedia
If you’re feeling brave, try going ‘live’ on Facebook or Instagram, or uploading product demos, videos of your products in action., etc.
Anything that’s interactive is often highly engaged with on social media. Start by just speaking one-on-one to your audience, if you’re nervous about showcasing your products and ‘acting’, so to speak. Your confidence will grow, as will your audience!
3. Reach out to loyal customers and contacts
It pays to pull together with the wider community so reach out to your loyal customers with social media, email marketing (Mailchimp is completely free if you have customer email addresses), or by phone!
Reaching out can go a long way to helping your business stay afloat, or at least front of mind for others whilst this pandemic rolls on.
Don’t just contact customers, keep up-to-date with your wider business networks - there may be offers of help and support, financial and otherwise, from your contacts. Don’t miss them by being ‘switched off’ at this time!
4. Update your website
Keep your website visitors up-to-date with your business’ handling of the COVID-19 outbreak and how visitors can still (or not) get products and updates from you. We recommend that businesses put a pop-up, blog post, or notice, of some kind on their homepage directing visitors to information about their latest protocols regarding the coronavirus spread.
Once you’ve done that - and keep updating your status as required - focus on optimising your website, if possible. Why not review your messaging and product listings? If you can edit your site for free and with ease - for instance if it’s a WordPress site, a lot of your content should be editable with a little practice - spend this ‘physical’ business downtime working on boosting your online business presence.
There are lots of ways you can - and should - use online marketing activities and tools to keep your business running, or at least digitally active. If you want any help or advice in doing so, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Thrive who’d be happy to offer some free, no-obligation advice during this time to any organisation.
