Allow me to preface this with an recognition of how difficult COVID-19 is. Personally, professionally, mentally, emotionally, every bit of our private and work lives has been impacted. Please don’t believe all the nonsense on social media about how productive, healthy and happy people are - the fact is, this is difficult, and the quicker we all acknowledge that, the faster you will be able to think practically. The honest truth is that there is no click button strategy to making money in a crisis - if there was, there wouldn’t be such things as crises in the first place. This blog is our advice on how to market and grow your business during a crisis.
You can also watch our webinar on how to market you business in a crisis here:
Our advice on how you can market your business in a crisis
Be positive but not tone-deaf
Like this blog, it is important to shine some light for your customers and community, but make sure you demonstrate awareness in any messaging and communication of what is going on. Suggesting things will be fine without any awareness of the impact this is having on people’s lives will irritate your database, and irritate them fast. Instead, leading by example and inspiring your community with well-meaning messages and a promise to do your best will go a long way; never underestimate the human touch.
Have a clear brand purpose
People don’t mind you being busy but they do mind shameless opportunism. Be as selfless as possible and do what you can to help and be clear that everything you are doing has a purpose behind it. You need to think long term as well as short term; people will remember how your brand behaved and will base their buying behaviours accordingly.
If you can - invest in paid advertising
It may seem counterintuitive to spend money when you should be saving but now is the time to reach out to new customers. There is money out there and for most paid options, bids will be cheaper as your competitors are forced to drop out. To buck the sales trend, you need to buck the spend trend as well. Try and be clever; do your research on search activity and keyword choices. Now, more than ever, it will pay to have an edge.
Data capture now, upsell later
You can still grow your database - the more data you have, the more likely you are to upsell and gain word of mouth referrals. Try offering free resources, like whitepapers, digital training or online events. Once you have captured your prospects’ attention with useful information, keep them engaged, and you may see the fruits of your labours in the ensuing weeks and months.
Review your content strategy
Look at topics, release dates and positioning - there is no point operating in a vacuum, so write content that connects the pandemic with your services. Think about changing release dates, writing new content, adapting your imagery to home-based photos and prioritising popular products. Do the work for your customers, don’t make them work out how you can help all on their own.
Download our free social media content calendar template here.
Dust off your customer profiles
It’s time to dig deep - you know these audiences well, so it might be time to reevaluate and consider what challenges are they facing right now? Changing priorities means a change in messaging and approach, so think carefully and consider doing some research. Forewarned is forearmed.
Pay attention
Now is the time, as a marketeer, to check in with sales and service departments to find out what your prospects are saying. What new questions are being asked, what help is being required? Again, the more information you have, the more appropriate your marketing becomes.
Adapt, adapt and adapt
Events can go virtual, content can be redesigned. It’s time to show how resilient you really can be - because this isn’t going anywhere fast. We aren’t saying throw the rulebook out the window, but you can’t be stubborn in an environment that is changing daily. Think outside the box and don’t turn down any ideas. Something that may feel weird now might be the new normal in a few months time.
Do’s and don’ts when marketing during a crisis
Do's
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Dont's
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