Plan Your Digital Marketing Strategy for the Long Term During COVID-19

It’s safe to say that the adjustment to our new COVID-19 reality has not been easy for anyone — individuals and collectives alike. With so many fearing for both their physical and financial health, why would a business even to promote itself in the current climate? And with most of society in a virtual lockdown, how?

As a business, especially a small business, you should continue to market — with a heightened awareness and sensitivity — because it’s what people expect. Going out, doing things, interacting and engaging with the world around us — these are all normal facets of a free society that will resume once the threat has passed. Despite all the workplaces closed and individuals quarantined , relationships must continue to be fostered for the . You cannot do that while remaining silent.

Right now, the Internet is your single most important communication channel and your audience’s single most important learning resource. That being the case, fine-tuning your digital marketing strategy is more of a

“Everybody is going to be at home, on their phones or online. Now really is the time to double down on digital marketing efforts.” — Epic Web Studios CEO David Hunter

Adopting the right digital marketing mentality

Reports on COVID-19’s economic repercussions are dynamic and ever-changing, disproportionately harming some industries more than others. For instance, the travel industry is projected to suffer a loss of about $820 . Meanwhile, the media, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries have seen an uptick in financial support as people prepare themselves with information and supplies. Recent organic traffic and conversion statistics (compiled by search guru Neil Patel) bear out the industry-by-industry impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, and it’s clear where consumers’ interests and priorities lie. During a global state of emergency, what is vital or essential is always going to take precedent.

But even if your business has been dubbed “non-essential” by your local government, you cannot rest on your laurels and wait this one out. Brand awareness and relationship marketing will position you for a more rapid recovery when society resumes full operations. Be transparent, share in your audience’s concerns (they’re of our concerns), update frequently, and communicate ! Respond to all of your messages and comments on social media. Prepare the best deal you can reasonably offer and push it hard — the economy, especially the local economy, must continue to be stimulated. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on Google or Facebook to increase your visibility and profile (and respond to these too!) — trust is invaluable during trying times.

Global recession = digital marketing introspection

Cumulatively, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is expected to hemorrhage $2.7 trillion from the global economy . Few businesses, if any, will be unaffected. Some have already dissolved. Others may not survive. Nonetheless, this is a rare opportunity to look inward, comprehensively assess your digital marketing strategy, and improve. During the forthcoming recession, competition will inevitably thin. Hold strong in the following departments, and you’ll stand a little taller among those left standing.

• Off-page SEO: Claim your GMB listing (if you haven’t already) and utilize it to its full potential! If you’ve been overlooking GMB as a powerful tool in your digital marketing tool belt , now is the time to open your eyes.
• Promo offers: Creatively incentivize support now for reward in the future.

We’re in this together

At Epic Web Studios, we continue to stand by our clients (at a responsible distance, of course!) as we navigate these uncharted waters. With a thoughtfully devised digital marketing strategy, your customer relationships will be better equipped to weather the storm.

Originally published at https://www.epicwebstudios.com.