Changing times call for changing communication strategies. Marketers and brand owners are inhibited by the way the global pandemic is impacting their businesses. And yet, it is more important than ever to generate appropriate, relevant, and original ideas to stay connected to your audience and drive the right message.
Brand communication in the times of Covid-19 needs to be more creative, ingenious, and strategic to ensure that you are heard as is your audience. Unless you are running a business that only caters to high-priority needs, it’s time to rethink your communication strategy and make it more effective.
Expand your social outreach
If you were using social media to connect with your audience, then this is the perfect time to go all guns blazing on such platforms to stay connected with your customers/clients. Make the most of interactive content, instant updates, trending news, while you throw in a little bit of entertaining content. Be in the know while you make your audience feel included in your business at all times, whether or not you are operating in full capacity. This helps with brand awareness for new customers and makes existing ones stay connected to your brand.
Boost your customer service remotely
Most businesses have shifted their services and support online. The switch, from face-to-face interaction to going remote and digital, calls for a big change in operations and servicing strategies. Invest more in apps, email marketing, chat support, or WhatsApp marketing, to communicate, so your audience never loses out on updates. Prepare your service teams to connect with customers online and make sure they always have a good experience with the right communication style and channel.
Be informative
These times call for generating awareness and educating your audience on what they can or cannot do. Informing them about preventive measures, best practices, and how they can manage their work and life will build customer loyalty, trust, and make them feel cared for, which will go a long way in establishing a solid communication system even in the future.
Be creative but relevant
In uncertain circumstances like these, brands need to be more understanding of their audience. Be creative but careful of what message you deliver and how. It is important to be empathetic yet relevant to people’s needs without instilling or indulging in their fears. In a crisis, all people seek is support. Even if you need to drive sales, the messaging needs to be tactful, and yet, it cannot come across as insensitive or opportunistic, or it could appear to be a hardcore sales strategy without the humane factor in it.
Invest in paid ads
With businesses mostly online, this is the best time to get the attention of your “always online” audience. Invest in paid advertising and other paid digital campaigns to attract more traffic and generate conversions. With CPC (cost per click) rates being lower, it gives marketers more opportunities to invest in paid ads and make the most of the gap created by those leaving the competition.
Summing Up…
When times are tough, everything you do can either make or break your brand. You can neither walk on eggshells nor make it business as usual. It’s a fine line to draw and walk so you can sustain your business while boosting (or at least maintaining) the brand image. Being focused on your audience’s needs, being realistic yet compassionate, can remarkably boost your brand communication and keep you connected to your audience or reach the right people.