How to Market Your Business During COVID-19

Make sure your content is not tone deaf to the times

During these times it is extremely important to be aware of what is going on in the world. Be sure to plan to address the issues that are going on while making sure whatever you are putting online is not out of touch or will offend your audience.

Have appropriate graphics for your social media posts

You want to make sure your graphics reflect what is going on today. For example, if you want to post something about coming together during this time it may not be wise to post a photo of people holding hands. Be aware of what the rules are during this pandemic and make sure you are not posting something that may look like people are not social distancing or following the stay at home order. 

Showcase how your brand can help

In a time of crisis, it is important to offer support to your clients. If you are a small business or a large corporation it is a good idea to express how your brand is giving back or helping the community in any way possible. People want to help other people during this pandemic, giving them an option to either donate or raise money for another charity is a great way to let your audience know you are supporting the community.

Remind people that this will not last forever 

Offer some hope to your clients. Be positive, but not indifferent to what is going on. This can be a very negative time. Many people have lost their jobs, been placed on furlough, or unable to get unemployment right away. Be that shining light for them. Whether it be a positive photo or a hopeful message that one social media post may make a huge impact on somebody feeling down during this time. Don’t be afraid to share that positive vibe out on behalf of your brand. It could really brighten someone's day and make them have a positive view on your brand. 

Do not go radio silent

It is important to acknowledge what is going on during this pandemic. Some people may think that going silent is better than saying anything at all. During this time, whether your business is a small clothing shop, or a large corporate company, it is important to acknowledge the states of things. Some people may think if they do not have a business that pertains to the current virus it is not important for them to acknowledge this pandemic. On the other hand, people are looking for what other businesses are saying on social media. If your social media is not mentioning COVID-19 at all, people will think your social media is inactive or apathetic and may possibly unfollow your account. Stay up to date with real life news and let your followers know you are aware of current situations. 

By Alexa Ferragine, Red Root Marketing, Social Media Operations Manager

Why Community-Driven Social Media Marketing is Crucial for Your Small Business or Nonprofit

If you understand the importance of a healthy, vibrant community, then you’ll have the mindset to harness the power of social media marketing. Social media marketing is not only about getting your content online in a branded and consistent manner, it is also about connecting your messaging with the potential partners and affiliates around you who have their own audiences who need to know about YOU. Instead of thinking first about what content to create, we turn the paradigm on its head and think about our community, our audience and who needs to know about each post. Once we think about our audience, we develop a tagging strategy; only then do we begin to create great content.

Community is important for small business owners and nonprofits because it’s the backbone that supports us. Community helps these entities to amplify their messages. Innately, communities want their downtowns to thrive and they want the people who build businesses in these places to succeed. Being an entrepreneur or running a nonprofit can be like working in a vacuum. You wear all the hats and there’s never enough time in the day to think about your marketing and social media and get feedback and perspective on what your messaging needs to be. This is when you know it’s time to harness your community and connections and let them amplify your messaging and help you get in front of your prime audiences.

When you use social media as a vehicle to connect with other businesses, community groups and influencers, your social media marketing becomes very powerful. This is what hyperlocal really means. It means learning how to connect with people in your community, real life relationships being created and nourished and ultimately magnifying your message through reciprocal local support.