As has become very clear to anyone doing any kind of digital marketing, strategies and tactics need to change substantially in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. For a long time to come, we will not be able to rely on the same techniques and approaches we used before. In fact, we may never be able to go back at all to the way things were. The beauty of marketing, however, is that it is endlessly adaptable when we set our minds to it. Here are some ideas that will help you maintain your relationship with your audience during these difficult times.
Be willing to help others
If COVID-19 has proven anything, it’s that none of us is in this alone. Accordingly, we can’t just carry on doing business by looking out for ourselves alone. Be prepared to make some sacrifices and to give to your clients and associates. Giveaways are always a good tactic, even in a good economic climate but there’s a distinction here: don’t offer giveaways as sales tactic, but rather as a demonstration of your social conscience, as a way of giving back when times are tough. Customers are very likely to respond to this. You may not get increased sales right away, but you will boost your brand and you will draw more followers, friends and subscribers who will think very highly of you. That will pay dividends further down the line.
Invest in pay-per-click ads while prices are low
The demand for paid ads has dropped substantially since the crisis hit. This means that ads are cheaper than ever. At the same time, people are spending more time online and are thus a captive audience for you to reach with ads. So you can spend less on ads and have a greater impact. If you tended to avoid spending on PPC advertising before, now is a good time to start making the investment in bidding for those ads.
Adjust your payment options to boost conversions
Since the outbreak started, conversion rates have taken a massive dive in most industries. People have not stopped visiting pages – the hits are as high as ever – they just don’t move to close the deal. This is understandable, of course, as people are being especially careful about their spending at the moment. So why not, meet people halfway? Introduce payment plans or discounts to help people take advantage of your offers. The people who really want what you are offering will gratefully grab the opportunity. Those who are less sure may be swayed by your willingness to accommodate them.
Offer training courses
As unemployment and redundancies loom large for many people, they are starting to look for alternative career options. As their old industries become unviable, they seek to upskill themselves in professions that are likely to be more in demand. If you offer training, you can both help to lift people out of unemployment and expand your own HR capital, both of which are also great for your brand.
Diversify your audience geographically
The current crisis is affecting different countries in different ways. If your business depends on only one country, you are limiting yourself severely. Through international SEO, you can expand your reach and find new customers in territories where the economies are more open than in your home country.
WSI OMS can help you modify and perfect your digital marketing campaigns during the COVID-19 crisis. Contact us for more information.