Jake Eisenberg — April 10, 2020 The recent COVID-19 outbreak has turned the world upside down and has disrupted the way we do business. Business owners are scrambling to keep up with the rapidly changing economy. It’s clear that this pandemic will continue to leave lasting impacts across the digital marketing world. Even though the world is in quarantine and almost everybody is at home, it’s important to keep in touch with your customers or otherwise, you’ll lose them.
If you want to keep your business going post-pandemic, here are six tips to retain your customer base amid the outbreak.
1. Automate Your Marketing Efforts
If you think automating your marketing efforts mean email spamming or cold calling, think again. Marketing automation is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of keeping in touch with your customers. Automating your marketing efforts ensures that you get the job done. Additionally, you don’t have to pay someone to implement your campaigns, adding more to your ROI.
2. Content is King (Now, More than Ever)
Content has always been king, but since most of your customers are quarantined at home, they are demanding quality content from content creators. Content creation is a crucial part of your marketing campaigns as it keeps you in touch with your customers. You can stay connected by publishing regular updates, sharing recent innovations, and promoting good news and client wins.
3. Engage Through Social Media
As of 2018, a whopping 2.65 billion people are on social media, and this number is expected to increase to 3.1 billion by 2021. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have changed the way brands communicate with their customers. These social media platforms are where your customers are most comfortable. They leave reviews, discuss buying decisions, and express their opinion on your business.
Create a social media marketing strategy for reaching your customers on every platform. You can use this tool to learn more about your customers, know their preferences, and respond to their reviews. Keep in mind that engaging with your customers through social media is not about advertising. The last thing they want is for you to shove your ads down their throats. Your goal is to create valuable contributions and establish a lasting relationship with your customers.
4. Digitize Your Business Operations
Nowadays, many companies have taken their entire business operations online – it’s time you follow suit. Going digital allows you to continue serving your customers even though they’re staying in their homes. Fitness instructors, therapists, and teachers conduct their lessons online using free tools like Skype, Zoom, and even Facebook Messenger.
If you can’t offer your services through live video, you can opt for prerecorded ones. You can create a Vimeo channel where your customers can access your videos for a fee. For example, coffee shop owners can upload a few recipes on how to make a certain type of coffee or tea. You may not be able to charge as much as you used to, but at least there’ll be cash that goes into your business.
5. Online Deals Are In
If you already have an e-commerce component, send out reminders to your customers that they can still purchase your products on their website. Better yet, you can offer a discount code or a coupon to encourage your customers to shop online.
For service-based businesses, you might want to consider offering gift certificates. Inform your customers that they’re able to purchase certificates that they can redeem once the community quarantine is over. Not only does this keep your sales up, but it also gives your customers something exciting to look forward to once the worst is over.
6. Update Your Customers on How COVID-19 Has Affected Your Business
The COVID-19 outbreak has been hard on everyone – young and old, rich and poor. In the business world, the pandemic is affecting different types of businesses from various industries. Whatever is happening in your industry, make sure to share it with your customers. After all, transparency is the key to building trust.
You can send email blasts, post on social media platforms, or upload a video. Inform your customers if there are any changes to your services, store hours, etc. Even if there’s not much change that been going on in your industry, it’s a good idea to recognize the crisis and show your support for the front-liners.
Invest in Digital Marketing Today
30% to 40% of an average marketing budget is allocated for travel, expenses, trade show sponsorships, and more. With the recent outbreak, digital marketers are redistributing that budget as quickly as possible. Investing in digital marketing can help keep your business afloat during this trying time. Focus on strengthening your online presence and once this pandemic is over, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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