How to Market During the Pandemic

 

A storm or flashes of inspiration?

How to Market During the Pandemic

From connecting in our relationships to running our small businesses, COVID-19 has transformed the way we live, work and socialize. I am hearing from many small business owners who are wondering whether or not to stop marketing during COVID-19. Instead, here's how to market during the pandemic:

• Create a crisis marketing strategy
• Help customers rather than simply selling to them
• Focus on online events and offerings
• Plan for future growth
• Empower employees

As we continue self-isolating to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, I want to follow up with some other effective ways to keep your business running smoothly and successfully. Here are 2 marketing strategies to consider:

1. Focus on Digital Campaigns

With the shutdown or slowdown of most brick-and-mortar businesses, entrepreneurs are relying more than ever on digital strategies. A big part of brand marketing during this pandemic and into the future is going to be shifting most (if not all) of your small business online.

In fact, Larry Kim from Mobile Monkey just wrote, "One new customer closed their brick and mortar locations nationwide and found web traffic is up +150%."

According to Klaviyo, an email marketing platform that taps into a network of 30,000 businesses for insights, 22% of brands said they're spending more on ads. And 66% of brands that are spending more on ads are also seeing increased efficiency, with a reduced cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM) and cost per click (CPC).

If you're wondering how to market during the pandemic, consider using Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Instagram for Business or LinkedIn Ads to direct traffic to:

• Well-researched and useful blogs and videos
• Online products with free shipping
• Virtual services you can offer, whether that's financial therapy or online music lessons
• Gift cards that can be used now or in the future

That said, don't be afraid to pause campaigns that aren't relevant right now, or that you think may turn your customers off.

Part of brand marketing during this pandemic is knowing when to re-strategize and pivot, rather than continuing with an ad campaign that's not going to resonate with-or even offends-your target audience.

2. Update Your Google My Business Listing

Your customers and potential customers are counting on you for the latest information about your small business. If you're closing your company temporarily, whether you're changing the hours you're open, or offering curbside pickup right now, you need to let people know.

Using Google Posts can be a great way to update people on everything from reduced hours to gift card purchases. Here's some guidance from Google on how to best change your profile.

And don't worry about SEO implications when you're editing your profile. For example, marking your business as temporarily closed will not affect your search ranking, and Google will still display you in the search results.

If you don't immediately see the changes that you make to your Google My Business profile, don't panic. Google has said they may review updates for quality before publishing.

Susan Friesen, founder of the award-winning web development and digital marketing firm eVision Media, is a Web Specialist, Business & Marketing Consultant, and Social Media Advisor. She works with entrepreneurs who struggle with having the lack of knowledge, skill and support needed to create their online business presence. As a result of working with Susan and her team, clients feel confident and relieved knowing their online marketing is in trustworthy and caring hands so they can focus on building their business with peace of mind at having a perfect support system in place to guide them every step of the way. Visit http://www.ultimatewebsiteguide.ca and download your FREE "Ultimate Guide to Improving Your Website's Profitability - 10 Critical Questions You Must Ask to Get Maximum Results". Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susan_Friesen/260293