We’re living through unprecedented times. And because of that, knowing exactly what marketing actions you should take right now can be a challenge. 

Many of the tried and true methods of marketing just don’t seem to apply to our current situation. Businesses that have focused their marketing on getting clients and customers through their doors ASAP might not be allowed to right now. 

So how do you tailor your marketing to deal with a pandemic? 

There are many steps you can take without making radical changes to your current marketing plan. Consider some of these ideas to ensure your business continues to be relevant even in the midst of this coronavirus chaos. 

Go to Your Customers – And Listen

One of the biggest effects of lockdown is the number of people who are stuck at home without much else to do than binge TV, usually while scrolling through their social media accounts. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are always a hotbed of activity, but now more than ever there are millions of people glued to their feeds trying to find out what’s going on. 

Because of that, it only makes sense to use social media marketing to stay connected. While social media is always a good way to reach out to your clients and customers, it’s more effective now than ever. Just keep in mind to use the right voice and send messages that resonate with your audience. 

Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags–they matter in terms of extending your reach. However, hashtags also add a personal touch to your content marketing that puts you on the same page as your audience. Examples include #StopTheSpread and #FlattenTheCurve encouraging social distancing; #SafeHands encouraging proper hygiene; and even fun trends like the #FirstPicChallenge.

Know Your (Business’s) Role

One of the most difficult things for many business owners and many marketing professionals is figuring out what role they play during this crisis. If you’re in the face mask and hand sanitizer industry, you’re in luck. But for others, things can be a bit more challenging. 

A big part of this process is simply taking a step back and looking at what your business has to offer as it relates to the COVID-19 situation. 

Formerly dine-in restaurants can now offer delivery and assurance of top-tier hygiene practices. Insurance companies can help financially burdened customers find more affordable rates, and plumbers can offer customers the confidence they’ll be using proper social distancing practices when they come out to perform maintenance. While you’re at it, it’s always a good time to think about the online services you offer and the benefits they offer customers, especially with so many people attached to their smartphones, tablets and laptops right now.

This can all be done through the use of good content marketing that thoroughly communicates these ideas. Working with content writers to create blogs or email campaigns to get your message across allows you to not only identify your role but to show clients and customers the action you are taking and the effort you are making to help your community.

Stay on Top of Your Leads

For many businesses, going into quarantine has meant the wheels of progress have slowed WAY down, which is understandably frustrating. However, it’s still a good idea to continue nurturing your leads. Not only that, be sure you’re capitalizing on those customers who are ready to make a purchase right now. 

It’s important people know you’re ready to provide your products and services if you’re still open for business (even if it’s from home), so find ways to communicate that effectively. Perhaps now might be a good time to work with a web designer so that message is clearly communicated in your web design from the instant someone visits your site. 

Otherwise, work with a content writing service to develop an email campaign or a blog strategy sending out a clear and effective message that you have something to offer. Help your customers realize there’s a good reason they should take notice. 

While you’re at it, you may consider taking the time to revamp your online advertising campaigns to make sure you have the reach you really need. This will ensure you’re being seen by the right clients and customers. It may be a little nerve-wracking to think about investing in advertising right now. But it can definitely be worth it, especially if you’re able to come out on top of the competition that didn’t use this time to promote their companies.

If you have any questions about the steps we’ve covered here today, or you’d like to work with a winning team of content writers to help you with your digital marketing strategy, contact us today!