4 Must-Do Digital Marketing Ideas During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

There’s no denying that we are in the midst of a very real challenge worldwide, as the spread of the coronavirus continues to grow. Businesses of all shapes and sizes have been greatly impacted with supermarket shelves left empty, restaurants being forced to adapt to a take-away style service or risk closure, to working from home on a computer with video conference calls (likely in your pyjamas). But even with all of this social distancing, it’s more important than ever that our communities and support networks stick together as much as possible, albeit just in different ways. As business owners, you’re likely looking for ways to survive the wave that has Australians shifting their budgets and behaviours, but fear not – because every Australian still needs to carry on. This means that toilets still need fixing, e-commerce sites still need to sell, and professional development courses and still needs to be taken. With the world still turning, it has become really important that we stay in touch with our customers and prospects so that they can continue to trust and do business with us, even though these difficult times. Often during these difficult times, businesses have to make the choice of where to invest their budget, but it is vital that businesses remain on top of their original business goals and objectives, because COVID-19 won’t be forcing lockdowns around the country forever. So, while remaining cautious, businesses need to remember that when things do start to return to normal, you don’t want to be left behind your competitors in a race to regain any potential lost revenue.

History Shows If You Cut Less During Down Times You’ll Gain More in Better Times

1. Make sure your business can be found online

With everybody at home on their computers, laptops and mobiles, there has been an enormous surge in online search traffic. This isn’t surprising as we all look for ways to pass the time (most commonly through online shopping) or helping our local communities (such as ordering take-away from your favourite local café). With all of this online activity, now is not the time for customers to waste time searching for your business – because they won’t. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategies should remain at the forefront on your marketing campaign so that your website can be easily found in Google and maximise every chance you can have increased traffic and leads.

2. Be social online and via social media

No matter what your business is, it’s likely that you have a social presence online. From a simple Facebook Page, an Instagram account of even your website, there’s definitely a way for you to be interacting online. Use these online portals to stick together and inform you customers of the ways in which your business is open and adapting to the changes being enforced at present. It’s a great way to give local confidence and even increase revenue and positivity during these times.

3. Prepare your business for the bounce-back surge

Even though the coronavirus outbreak feels as though it has bound us for months now, it will now bound us forever. That’s why, it’s important to act now and be prepared for when the ‘bounce-back’ happens. For instance, now is an ideal time to implement an SEO strategy. Why? Because SEO is a long-term strategy. so if you get the ball rolling today, you’re likely to start seeing results in about 2 months from now – around about the time when things should be slowing resuming back to normal. If you have an existing SEO strategy and you choose to ‘pause’, it may just have a detrimental impact on your revenue potential two months from now when the coronavirus starts to become a distant memory.

4. Don't Panic

Last but not least – don’t panic! This is clearly easier said than done, and the proof of that is evident by the empty toilet paper shelves in your local supermarket. Don’t let your digital marketing strategy turn into an empty toilet paper shelf. You should always use data to make your decisions and avoid knee-jerk reactions. While the economy might appear to be in hibernation, it has not stopped. Australians still need car servicing; people still need to eat and growing children still need to fit into new clothes. So, don’t stop and don’t panic. Keep calm and carry on. Covid-19 will not last forever. We might be a little different afterwards, but our wheels will still need turning. Support your local communities and businesses now and protect yourself and your customers and we will all get through this together. If you’re looking on some advice on how to best market your business during these times, or would like to start your online marketing journey, simply get in touch.