The world is experiencing its biggest crisis yet- the COVID-19 Pandemic. With millions of people affected all over the world and nearly one million dead, the pandemic has caused widespread humanitarian destruction.
The massive lockdowns and social distancing norms meant that countries are also going through an economic contraction. In such a scenario running a business can become a significant challenge. You not only need to ensure that your business survives, but that your conduct in such times is responsible and empathetic.
In such a scenario, digital PR can emerge as an effective channel of communicating the brand’s message and synchronize marketing efforts. In this article, we are going to help businesses with digital PR and marketing suggestions during the Coronavirus pandemic.
5 Suggestions for Digital PR and Marketing during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Utilizing Social Media Effectively
Many brands fail to realize that social media guarantees a 360-degree marketing and PR platform. This means that right from branding to exposure to sales, brands can use social media to fulfill all their KPIs during the pandemic.
In addition to publicizing the brand’s products and services, social media can also serve as a tool for disseminating information and educating audiences. This will show that your brand is empathetic towards the sufferings brought upon by the pandemic.
2. Develop a Strong Inbound Marketing Strategy
One of the major things, which most brands overlook is their website blogs. During the pandemic, advertisements are just going to show the brands in a negative light. This is why it is best to let customers come to you and find your business.
In most instances, customers would be researching an issue or a problem. As a responsible brand, you should give the requisite amount of information through your website blog. This will raise your credibility and trust among the target audiences.
3. Adapt Your Messaging And Communication To The Changing Times
It is true that people are looking for positivity and hope in the midst of the pandemic. However, many brands can go too overboard with this feeling and end up doing something insensitive. This can backfire and be counterproductive to your digital PR and marketing efforts.
It is a good idea to pay close attention to all the communication going out from the brand- blogs, newsletters, press releases, social media posts and so on. A brand should not come across as insensitive or be seen as actively promote themselves at the costs of others.
4. Send Communication From The CEO To Customers And Vendors
Everyone wants reassurance and support during these times. As a brand, you need to remind people that you stand with others. This will show that as a brand you care about others who are suffering because of the pandemic.
Sending monthly letters from the CEO to customers, vendors and internal employees will show a brand’s compassion towards all stakeholders. At the end of the day, you need to establish your brand as humanistic and kind towards the suffering over others.
5. Engaging In Charitable PR
Donations, community work, and public assistance can go a long way towards establishing your business as thoughtful and caring. You can use the same on social media platforms. The need of the hour is to set yourself up as a thought leader in the industry.
If you are spearheading a donation drive or a food distribution program, you will earn the goodwill of the community. This can be perhaps the greatest PR and marketing activity for your brand ever. Once the pandemic ends, people are going to remember you for these memories.
The Final Word
The pandemic is not going to last forever. As a brand, you need to evolve and adapt yourself to the changing new business and economic order. It is a good idea that you evaluate your KPIs and business objectives going forward. Digital PR and redesigned marketing strategies are a great way to help you adapt to the changing scenario.