All businesses were required to pivot quickly in March 2020 to implement new marketing ideas during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Now here we are at the start of 2021 and lockdown 3 has started in the UK. So it’s time to get your thinking cap on again and make sure your marketing will still work for you over the next couple of months.
Here are 10 marketing ideas to inspire and sustain you through the first and possibly most challenging quarter of 2021:
1. Share the ways your business has adapted.
Shout about everything you’ve done to remain competitive and any measures you’re taking to combat the spread of coronavirus.
2. Use your social media channels to show the human side of your business.
We really are all in this together and this is a great way to build trust with your audience. People buy from people so why not talk to them through Instagram stories or share a behind-the-scenes selfie on LinkedIn.
3. Schedule your posts.
Set aside a block of time to create and schedule the content you’re going to share on your digital channels a week in advance. This way, you’ll find it easier to share content consistently while freeing up time to focus on other parts of your business during the rest of the week.
4. Use free resources to help you improve your marketing activity.
There are lots of resources available from places like the Digital Marketing Institute, Sprout Social and Smart Insights.
5. Give back to your community.
Offer something for free or with a discount to show you care. Offering something high quality now at a more affordable price will help you gain trust and build your audience ready for when things are looking a bit brighter.
6. Host a digital event.
It’s true that there is some webinar fatigue, but a digital event is still a great way to connect with your customers at the moment. There are lots of free platforms available such as Zoom, Facebook and Google Hangouts.
7. Audit your marketing strategy and update your marketing objectives.
It’s a really good idea to reflect on the activity you did during the last year to see what worked best and what wasn’t so good. Focus on doing more of the things that worked and get rid of anything that didn’t.
8. Do market research.
Find out exactly what your customers are concerned about at the moment and make sure you’re addressing these concerns. You can demonstrate how well you understand your audience by tailoring your content on your website, social media and advertising.
9. Stick to the plan.
Don’t be distracted from your marketing plan by daily changes. While you will need to react to some announcements and changes, try to keep your tone and schedule consistent. Your audience will appreciate some stability anywhere they can find it during the coronavirus lockdown.
10. Aim to entertain.
The situation is, of course, very serious so you should show that you’re taking it seriously. But you can still create content and advertising that entertains by telling a story or using humour to lighten the mood. We all need a laugh right now!
What are your top marketing ideas during the coronavirus lockdown?
