Marketing Your Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of people. If you run a business, you understand that more than anyone. With staff shortages, less foot traffic, and inconsistent global conditions, running a business has been more complex than ever.

Trying to compete against larger companies amidst a global pandemic is difficult. As the world changes with COVID-19, it is important to keep up with the latest trends. This will ensure that your business can remain successful.

In an era of social distancing and masking, it may be time to reevaluate your marketing strategy. Your audience wants your products, but you need to figure out how to reach them safely and effectively. Here is everything you need to know about marketing your business during a global pandemic.

 

How Has COVID-19 Changed Business Marketing?

The world is changing, and businesses need to adapt to it. People are not interested in old marketing strategies, especially when they feel unsafe buying products traditionally. When planning ahead for changes, additional marketing strategies must be considered.

 

Small Businesses Want to Save Money

Among the obstacles businesses must overcome, marketing can be one of the first to get ignored. If you struggle to keep your business going, it can feel unrealistic to pay for extra advertising.

Letting go of marketing strategies can be one of the first things to falter if money is tight. It may not feel like it, but due to less resources and marketing from competitors, now is the time to increase this effort.

 

Audiences Are Adapting to the Pandemic

Since dealing with a global pandemic, people’s lives are changing. Instead of going to restaurants in person, customers are ordering takeout. Businesses are adapting, adding online functionality, and utilizing third-party delivery services in order to supplement and earn full income.

In general, delivery and e-commerce have increased due to social distancing. With that in mind, smart businesses anticipate audiences are not going to want to attend large gatherings for a new product and are ahead of the curve to ensure a successful launch and visibility online.

 

Businesses Have to Keep up With a “New Normal”

Instead of promoting their products at an event, resources like Zoom are being used for more audience interaction. It is not realistic to assume customers will want their products in traditional ways. With that in mind, businesses must adapt to the New Normal so that they can succeed.

As of now, interacting with customers is looking very different. Instead of speaking with previous or new customers in person, business owners have to be willing to interact virtually. This can even mean allowing completely contact-free options for certain customers.

 

Why Should I Change My Marketing Strategy?

To keep up with competitors and survive during challenging times, you must update your marketing strategy. Despite what it may look like, there are frugal and efficient ways to market to audiences. If you want to keep your customers and bring new ones in, you must reevaluate your marketing strategy.

But how can you do that in an ever-changing world? With COVID affecting every part of businesses, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends. If you have been having a hard time utilizing marketing strategies, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

 

Keep Up With Social Media

Since many people are home for long periods of time, social media is essential for marketing. With an increased need for connection comes the opportunity to reach out to more people. Social media is an excellent tool for this, particularly trendy sites like Tik Tok or Instagram.

While it may seem unprofessional, there are plenty of ways to interact with customers effectively. Keeping up with social media improves your brand, constructs a community, and engages with your customers. You can also update regular customers on your newest products, events, or services.

If you haven’t been using social media already, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You should seriously consider the latest sites, especially if you want to get in touch with influencers. Delaware Digital Media can help you with a strategy that is right for you!

 

Reach out to Previous Customers

Statistically, it is much harder to get new customers than it is to lose old ones. With that in mind, be courteous to the people who have been loyal to your brand. Reach out to previous customers and let them know what’s happening, especially with changing environments.

If you run a restaurant or another business that needs in-person activity, you may have to rely on previous customers. These individuals will support your business, spread the word, and help you gain more customers.

If you are already on social media, let people know what is happening with your business. From there, reach out to your previous customers using email and account dashboards. The more that they are involved with your business, the more they will want to help you stay afloat.

 

Review Your Website

Aside from social media, your business’s website is one of the most visited reference points for new customers. Everything about your brand is defined by your website and its information. Thus, having a presentable place for all your business’s details is essential.

Like social media, website designs are constantly evolving. If you haven’t updated your website since 2012, it is time to make a change. Keep up with the trendiest designs, make it accessible, and include essential information for customers.

If you haven’t already, take a glance at your website to see if you are up-to-date on everything. Set up an e-commerce store, make sure it works well on mobile devices, and emphasize search engine optimization (SOE). Finally, if it is accessible, consider installing a chatbox for potential customers.

 

Utilize Email Marketing

It can be difficult to keep customers in the loop during a global pandemic. Even if you are interacting with a previous customer, they may not know what’s happening. This is where email marketing can be helpful.

By keeping in touch with new or existing customers, you are showing that you care about their contributions. With email marketing, you can send customers helpful links, exclusive offers, and follow up with hesitant buyers.

Email marketing is a helpful way to establish a relationship with your customers. Even if you can’t afford the hardware required to send automated emails, you can always find ways to create your own or invest in a business loan.

 

Start Using Analytics Tools

Analytics tools tell you who visits your website and/or buys your products. They can also track who interacts with your ads so that you can make upgrades to your marketing strategy.

As simple as it may sound, analytics tools can tell you how effective your marketing strategy is. By tracking social media traffic, website problems, or your most popular products, you can be the first to know if something isn’t working.

Some analytics tools can even tell you which blog posts are opened the most. They can also tell you which comments or questions are searched most often. There are basic analytics tools that can help you, even if you haven’t used them in the past.

 

Start a Blog

Like social media, a blog is a professional but casual place to interact with customers. Blogs can also bring out your human side, particularly if you like to write about your business. Customers may like to see a passionate side out of the people they’re buying from.

A blog is also a great place to answer questions. Since there is less pressure, taking time to answer any questions could earn you another customer. By expressing your thoughts on business, you can appeal to your audience.

 

Create Search Engine Ads

Search engine ads are another great way to market your business. By having your products appear in general search engines, you get the word out faster. Since more people will be able to see your services, you’ll reach out to more customers.

 

Host Online Events

While this can depend on the business, hosting online events can widen your audience. It is important to keep your employees and customers safe, so you should always be aware of COVID-19. But, this is where utilizing virtual resources can be helpful.

By inviting new or current customers to online workshops, you give people an accessible way to interact with your business. This can also allow you to collaborate with your customers in a creative environment. By hosting workshops and online events, you can keep in touch with your audience.

Familiarize Yourself With Augmented Reality

Augmented reality can also depend on your business type, but it can be a great marketing tool. For example, if you sell furniture, your customers can place a virtual product in their “room.”

By giving your audience an idea of your product’s appearance, you provide a safe alternative to coming to the store in person. Augmented reality is a helpful and accessible way for your customers to engage with your products during a global pandemic.

 

Engage With Reviews

Your business needs to be trustworthy, so it is essential to have positive reviews. When potential customers compare your business to a competitor, they may look at reviews from previous buyers.

A new customer may appreciate a responsive business owner. By interacting with reviews, you prove to consumers you care. This can even mean responding to 1-3 star reviews. By taking accountability for poor reviews, you show that you are willing to improve your performance.

 

Understand Other Marketing Strategies

Many other marketing strategies go beyond a call to action. These can significantly help you sell your services during the global pandemic. Here are a few more marketing strategies that could help your business grow.

 

Location-Based Marketing

Familiarize yourself with Google Maps to update your business. Your location shouldn’t be difficult to track down, especially if you want new customers. By providing a name, location, and picture of your business, you make it easier for people to contact you.

With COVID-19, being able to visit your location in person isn’t always realistic. Always update your Google search information. If you have changed your hours since the global pandemic began, you need to make note of that. Let customers know if you are offering virtual services or how they can reach you.

 

Co-Marketing

Consider working with other businesses that have similar audiences. This doesn’t mean working with direct competitors, but with other customers who may be interested in your services. By collaborating with other people, you can expand one another’s business.

During a difficult time, this may be an option that helps everyone. Their customers may want what you have to offer, and vice versa. Above all, this shows that you are an active community member and want to help others.

 

How Can Delaware Digital Media Marketing Help?

At Delaware Digital Media, we want to help you market your business during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that business marketing can be frustrating, but we are available to help you through the entire process.

Whether you are in need of web design, SEO services, or digital marketing, we offer a multitude of services to help you expand your business. To inquire about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (320)278-8080.