While social media has been an extremely important part of small (and big) businesses’ marketing strategies for some time now, it’s now more critical than ever as people stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traditional marketing methods, such as billboards or posters in your shop window, are now obsolete. People are staying home and spending a lot more time on their phones – and consequently, with the huge increase in social media usage over the past month, social media should be the no.1 way in which your business is marketing at the moment (whether you’re still able to operate at this time, or whether you’ve had to close for the time being).
Here is why keeping up your social media marketing during the time of COVID-19 is still very important:
- Consistent social media activity helps keep your brand ‘top of mind’ in front of your customers
- It keeps your brand connected with your customers. You can let them know updates and what’s going on behind the scenes in your business right now. Let them know you’re still here!
- It’s an opportunity to create relevant, timely content. For example, you may have noticed an increase in recipe-related content from several brands – this is smart, as everyone is stuck at home right now, needing new ideas for dinners!!
- Posting relevant, timely content is also an opportunity to show empathy and that you care. (When I say to keep posting consistently on Facebook, I don’t mean being insensitive and asking people to buy your product in every post!)
- Last but not least, it’s detrimental to the Facebook and Instagram algorithms to leave your page stagnant with no new posts for an extended period of time. You may end up with a smaller reach when you start activity back up again.
How are you currently navigating the tricky waters of social media marketing and COVID-19?