With higher levels of uncertainty, small businesses around the world have had to adapt their marketing strategies and become more flexible in their approach to marketing.
The pandemic has brought an array of challenges for small business owners. However, in a global survey, only 8% of consumers said that brands should stop their advertising efforts.
With this in mind, here are 4 tips to help marketers become more resilient to these difficulties and strive in the current conditions:
1. Focus more on social media marketing
Because consumers are stuck at home more, they are spending more time on social media. A huge number of people are relying on these platforms to stay in touch with loved ones and to feel more connected.
This is a massive opportunity for brands. As a business owner, you can make the most of this increase in screen time by boosting your social media presence.
When using social media marketing during this time, it’s particularly important to engage with your customers and add value to their everyday lives.
Rather than just selling products, ensure your posts are entertaining or informative to your target audience. Additionally, you can build rapport with your followers by replying to their comments, answering their questions, or even sending them a message offering further support.
2. Work on your branding
Building a strong brand image is more important than ever. With so much financial turbulence, it’s essential to portray your brand identity and values to continue building your customer base.
Having remarkable branding conveys quality and shows that your business is trustworthy, credible, and an authority in your niche and industry.
Even with limited funds, you can use online tools to create logos, images, videos, a branded website, and everything else you need. For example, you can create an eye-catching web page using a tool like Wix or a business logo using Looka.
Every aspect of your brand, including your tone, products, and packaging, should be consistent with your brand image. This also applies to any offline marketing material you use, like flyers, letters, or business cards, which you can make using a tool like BusinessCards.co.
3. Cater to your customers’ needs
During the pandemic, your customers’ needs might have changed. If you want to keep up, you need to show them how your product or service is still relevant and why they need it at the moment. This information should be reflected in all your marketing efforts.
If you’re not sure what it is that your audience wants, you can find out by starting conversations on social media, setting up polls, sending surveys, or asking your customers for feedback. Try asking for suggestions, and make sure you pay attention and respond accordingly.
Be extra thoughtful and try and provide as much value as you can. Even the smallest gestures can go a long way and can build trust and strengthen loyalty.
4. Be honest about any operational changes
Last but not least, if there have been any changes in your business operations, you need to be honest and up-front about it. This includes any reductions in the number of staff, factory closures, delivery delays, or changes to any other services you use.
Failing to do this can lead to disappointed customers. So, make sure you don’t make promises you can’t keep and be realistic and transparent at all times.
It’s also a good idea to set up automated responses on social media and your website or online store. This will ensure your customers are fully updated and know what the service will be and that their expectations are realistic. .
