Secret COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Marketing Tricks

We wrote this in spring 2020, during Louisiana’s stay-at-home order. We have left it largely as written. The advice holds for any stretch when customers cannot walk through your door, including hurricane and flood recoveries.

Even if your health has been unaffected by COVID-19, the economic impacts of the pandemic are growing. 

If you’re a business owner you probably have (or will be) affected by the whole shelter in place order.  Or worse, you could be one of the industries whose website’s performance has been impacted.

We realize that this is uncharted territory for most small business owners. 

We could have never imagined this economic nightmare, let alone prepared for it. 

But there are some things that you can do to help mitigate the effects of this crisis and prepare your business for success after it all ends, and it will end.

When it does, make sure to follow these Marketing Strategies To Reopen Your Louisiana Bar Or Restaurant After COVID-19

Now more than ever, you need to make the right choices with your digital marketing plan and external communication resources. marketing and communication resources.

Digital Marketing While Social Distancing 

While we’ve been fortunate thus far, we understand that many small businesses may be struggling financially.

What if we told you that you can utilize marketing channels that you probably already have to help not only your company but your entire community?

Due to everyone being stuck at home, some traditional marketing methods might not be the best choice. 

So, what are good digital marketing strategies for 2021?

Most online marketing methods are based on keywords that people are searching for online.

There are certain services and industries that people just may not be searching for as much right now.  Look back at the above image for some examples.

But, that doesn’t mean that they’re not searching….

Because you only pay for ads that people actually click on, you might want to consider a search engine marketing campaign.

Even though search volumes may be down, the traffic that you manage to get from search engines will be from those farther along in the customer path. (or as we content marketers say, further down the sales funnel.)

In other words, they’re ready to buy.

If you can, resist the urge to reduce your digital marketing activity during this time.

We realize that, as a small business owner, your first reaction may be to pump the brakes on your digital marketing efforts.

What if we told you that now was a perfect time to put the pedal to the metal and hit your online marketing wide open.

Because search engine optimization (SEO) is a marathon (and not a sprint) why not continue your SEO campaigns, focus on creating great content, and building your company’s link profile.

The good news is that you already have most of the digital channels already, and those that you don’t have, you can get for cheap (or free).

Read some of our recent articles to learn more about Coronavirus and Your Small Business and 10 Free Marketing Tools that you can use while you’re stuck at home.

Email Marketing During A Pandemic

Let your community know that you care by communicating with them – for free!

Because everyone’s stuck at home, we’re all on our mobile devices way more than ever.

And depending on what services or products your business provides, email marketing could be a great way for you to stay in touch with your customers.

COVID-19 Digital Marketing doesn’t have to cost a thing.

It doesn’t have to be all about sales either.  Send some encouraging words and company updates can go a long way in maintaining business/customer relationships. 

Keep your customers posted on how you’re doing and what options they have to engage with you. 

Especially if you have products or services that can be helpful during these confusing times. 

Check out this example from one of our clients The Afya Foundation – a Global nonprofit in NYC.

Stay In Touch Over Social Media

Utilize existing social media and other digital platforms to stay in touch with your customers who are unable to visit your business in person.

The good news is that posting on your social networks won’t cost a dime (unless you’re using Social Media Marketing.)  Posting organically is a great way to keep your community informed. 

Because people are stuck at home during this time, they will be scrolling Facebook, reading tweets, watching videos on TikTok (We’re tired of that “ratchet, bourgeois song already…), and looking at pictures on Instagram.

So why not put your company right there in front of their eyes?

it doesn’t have to be just about sales either!

Be creative and come up with engaging content or an activity to help them pass the time, such as:

• Questions
• Trivia
• Games

Grab your phone and create some awesome digital media.  Videos and photos are easy to take and post and engage customers.  Just look at the popularity of TikTok

Here’s a suggestion:  Be mindful of your tone. During challenging times like these, make sure your communication is sensitive to the struggles many are facing. But, you’re probably already doing that as part of your marketing strategy.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

While we could give you a laundry list of “dos” and “don’ts,” we’ll just give you a few other things to consider during this time:

• We realize that you may have been creating an awesome new product or service and can’t wait to reveal it.  Don’t do it just yet.
  
  By waiting until everything goes back to normal, your big announcement will receive the attention that it deserves.  Plus, once people are able to get out of the house, they’ll be more prone to share your excitement.
  
• If you can afford to invest in your business (and do it safely), now is as good as a time as any to do this.
  
  Get that new equipment, revise your marketing plan, or learn a new skill.   

You can even take our Super Easy SEO for Small Business Owners class for free.) 

Support fellow local business owners such as photographers, printers, graphic designers, videographers, as well as website designers and developers.

• Rest assured, even though things might be slow now, once these social distancing guidelines are removed, your business will probably experience a surge.
  
  That’s why now is as good a time as any for you to prepare for that the best that you can. We were ready to hit the ground running the minute the state and city lifted the restrictions, and we did.