Promoting in a Crisis

Top Marketing Tips during Covid-19

How are you doing right now? I mean really how are you doing?
Let's face it, things are scary and a little worrying right now. One of the biggest problems I hear on daily basis is knowing whether you should market your business.

The simple answer: Yes! 
The long answer: Yes but be careful not to cause much damage.

Right now economies are all over the place, and as small business owners we can support the economy by continuing to sell and promote our business.
We can also help our customers by offering them solutions in the forms of our product or service.
However it is vital we do this in the right way.
Here are my top tips for promoting your business right now:

1. Don't cash in on the crisis.
Using phrases like 'Hot Covid-19 offers' and 'Coronavirus sale' will not benefit your business now or later on. So please do not be tempted to use this. Make sure in everything you do & say you don't add to the panic.

2. Keep customers informed.
Right now we have control over very few things, but by remaining open and honest with your customers they will have control over how they work with you. So please stay visible and convey the right information.

3. Tact is key.
Now is not the time to be bragging to everyone on social media how much you have earnt. Now is the time to be circumspect with what you say to who. Yes if you are speaking to a client share your success, but don't shout it out to everyone. I wouldn't want to follow someone who is telling my they are earning hundreds of thousands if I am on furlough and worried about feeding my family. 

4. Be careful with words and images.
We don't want to see lots of happy crowds of people or bustling festivals all of the time. It just makes us feel more alone. By all mean share some images like this if they are relevant to your copy, but be aware of your customers feelings. Similarly be careful with phrases like 'get in touch' and 'buy now'. We are constantly told to stay away from people, so don't tell your audience the opposite.

5. Focus on your benefits.
Make sure you focus on the benefits you bring to customers. Now is the time to be telling people exactly the amazing changes you bring to their lives. Don't forget to mention what you do virtually too. The key now is to support the situation your customers are in right now.

6. Behind the scenes is so important.
Share what you are doing at home, share the top tips on video conferences, or working remotely. Share what will help your customers survive this time.

7. Educate, entertain and inform.
If your customers at home being them inspiration, and provide them with entertainment. Write blogs, create videos, give them knowledge. They will remember the companies who make this time a lot easier.

8. Be you
We need human interaction now, so being human is vital. If you have a bad day, talk about it But remember point 9.

9. Optimism is key.
Even after this ends and life returns to normal we need to stay optimistic and positive as companies. Work out your next marketing strategies and how you will convey positive messages. The future looks a little bleak, make sure you are shining a light. No matter how small.

Please, remember to keep going and keep promoting. To survive we need to do this and we can all keep visible whilst this is going on. I would love to hear if you have any more hints or tips for marketing at the moment.

If you are looking for a clear guide on how to market your business, or want to put in a plan for the next few weeks, why not book a Virtual Focus Hour where we can get an action plan ready and started.

In the meantime I would love to hear how you are promoting right now?

Take care and stay safe
Carrie x