Social Media Marketing in Times of Covid-19

The unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak has held up a much of the global population in their homes. These are definitely tough times and in these tough times it’s really difficult for brands to tackle as to what to post, particularly on social media. Do you stick with your old messaging and pretend it’s still business as usual? (Obviously no). Do you commit your feed to only COVID-19 related posts from now on? (Probably not). What does this mean for the billions of economic engines scattered around the world? How are businesses to sustain themselves? If these questions are haunting you, you’re not the only one.

Fortunately, this problem has a solution: Social media marketing.

Why Is Social Media Marketing The Solution?

A Fine Rise in Demand for the Online Content

In the pursuit of killing time, getting information and relaxing, more and more people are turning to online content. In fact, data on India from market intelligence platform Kalagato shows that there has been a significant increase in the number of active members on social media from February 3, 2020.

Influencers Make for Budget-Friendly and Effective Partners

A Social Media Influencer is a user on social media who has established credibility in a specific industry. A good number of regular followers, expertise and some amazing resources to create great content – the influencers have it all. They might have it all even at their home. Additionally, they have a way with online marketing and know exactly what will work when.

Small Steps Get Big Results

If given a thought, social media marketing is like taking small steps to establish yourself in the digital world which will reap good benefits. You don’t need big bucks or a lot of resources. But all the efforts taken will show results.

All you need to do is understand the need of the hour, and create content that has a demand. Moreover, a little fun or wit and humor can give an edge!

In this blog, we are trying to put together a strategy that strikes the right tone for your brand and audience. We’ll take you through each step with tips, questions, and recommendations to help you come out of this with a custom social media strategy that fits your situation. 

How Can You Use Social Media Marketing To Your Advantage During COVID-19?

You want to increase your online marketing efforts. But, how?

Growing your Following should be Priority, Not Conversions for now

This is the time to build your online following. These days the consumer spending is limited, like to the very essentials. So, expecting your online marketing to boost sales would be unfair. It’s just time to put out content that’s needed.

For example, share tips on working from home or an essential list of work from home tools. Alternatively, share light-hearted content like memes or some fun facts or feel-good videos.

Online Meetings

As these days people are trying to avoid meeting in person, the potential of online meetings has grown. You can just have an online meeting with your client and explain the pros of social media marketing or even digital marketing, thus saving a good amount of travel time and have a point-to-point discussion.

Experiment with New Platforms

What better time to experiment could you have asked for. This is the time when you can explore, like if you have wanted to expand your strategy to Snapchat, go for it. If you’re unsure how to use Instagram stories, but you think it might resonate with your content or campaign, now is the time to try. If not new channels, but you’re inquisitive to see how your customers would react to different kinds of content, more frequent posting, or other creative engagement methods, go for it! Now is the time to look for all ways to build relationships with your customers.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas: 

• Experiment with new types of content like video – A video from an industry expert or influencer showing a hands-on demo of your product could help. 
• Try some of the engagement functionalities that platforms have like polls on Instagram or Facebook. You can use them to your advantage by promoting product feedback directly, or you can use them purely to entertain your audience. 
• Spend more time listening. Keep an eye on comments on your post, your competitors, and influencers in your industry. 

No matter what direction you choose, now is the time to explore, look for new opportunities, and set the stage for better, more engaged customer interactions now and in the future. While these efforts may not lead to a direct increase in purchases right away, they’ll help you stand out, stay in touch and be a source of inspiration, entertainment, and information for your customers. 

Partner with Influencers

These personas have established their credibility in a specific industry and can influence the buying decisions of their followers, who might be your consumers, even in these bleak times. Reach out to them, and step up your online marketing.

Expect Uncertainty

Things will be delayed until they settle down. Giving an accurate prediction of what the immediate future holds for brands and marketers is certainly not possible. We know that this crisis will end eventually, and we know that right now, at least, there’s a lot of ambiguity on a variety of fronts. As such, we can’t plan as far into the future as we would have before. We need to be adept and agile in our approaches and able to pivot to the next thing at any moment.

If your organization is already functioning this way, congratulations! You’re in a good position. If not, now is as good of a time as any to start.

This pandemic has forced businesses to look for alternate solutions. If you’re convinced that online marketing is the way to go, just go for it. Need help, reach out to us and our social media frontliners will get back to you in no time!