How can we do business now when all is closed because of this COVID-19 outbreak? What if your business is not in the food or medicine industry, will you be able to survive this lockdown? Only the food, medicine, and basic essentials industries are still earning well at this time. What if your business is not one of these three?
Everyone has shifted online and have done their work and businesses remotely. It is the new normal that we are now working from home and meeting people through Zoom or other video call applications. We have to adapt and adjust right now because we cannot go out and meet in public. It would be a risky thing to do since there is no cure for COVID-19 at the moment.
So, going back to the idea of online. How do we do business at this time? What type of effective marketing strategies can we employ to at least have a good run in our business right now?
The word is “connection.” It is not a new word in marketing, but right now, we need to connect more than ever not just to our clients, but also with our suppliers, traders, and most especially to our workers or employees. We are all affected by this problem, and so to ease that anxiety, we have to reach out and talk.
What do we talk about? We talk a bit about how our business is taking this hit and that we can move forward, get through this. Of course, we also need to tell one another that we are alive and well. We are not sick, and that in itself is something that we should be very thankful for with the Almighty. And since we are healthy enough to work, and maybe hustle a bit, let’s get going!
We can still market even at this pandemic time by applying connection techniques.
- You must be willing to help out your clients or customers. Find out what they need at this time, and fulfill it for them. You are here to earn, yes, but to connect fully with your client, especially now that we are in this crisis, is the primary focus. Assist them to the best of your abilities.
- Since you cannot do public events, then do an online one! Some small businesses do watch parties, e-workshops, and other online activities to promote engagement. It is fun and exciting too!
- Now is the time to plan for future growth. It is not for implementation at this time, but you should make a design on how and where you want your business to be in the next five years. Map that out and, if possible, do a bit of teaser online, so that your clients and customers will get the idea that you are “in” for the long haul, so to speak.
- Employee empowerment is the key. Take care of them because they are the ones talking to your clients online on your behalf. Be there for them and maybe offer an employee package or something similar, to help them out a bit. They will be productive if you show them compassion.
Four Marketing Strategies To Consider
- If you have your own brand, Digital Campaigns is the bomb. Use platforms like Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and Instagram for Business, and LinkedIn Ads. Of course, it should be linked with blogs that have great content and videos. People also love free shipping, and also online services like consultation, lessons and such. Extend the validity of gift cards or membership cards and similar tools.
- Do not forget to update your business listing. Your clients and customers want information about your business at the moment. How can they reach you? What number? Have your business hours changed? Is there a new pick up place, or do you deliver? Things like that.
- Social media is your friend. Always post something positive like quotes and messages in between your business posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Be very careful about what you share online. Do not ever advertise that your product can help “ward off” COVID-19. Also, if you post, be sure to let your clients see that social distancing and safety measures are well-practiced in your place of business.
Hopefully, these ideas can help you. Good luck!