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Steps to a Social Media Strategy During Covid-19
There is absolutely no denying that the past few months have been tough, and it’s apparent that when times are tough people just aren’t sure what to say. This applies to brands on their social media, but it is crucial to keep current and active otherwise how is anyone going to know your business when everything is back to normal? Throughout lockdown, staying connected has been more important than ever meaning social media is on the rise! If you stay quiet now, you’re going to miss out.
Questions may arise such as do you stick with your brand message and continue to post normally? Or do you simply commit to posting covid-9 related posts – I mean neither is probably the right answer! It is important when creating content for your brand that you’re authentic but also sensitive to the situation around you. We can’t tell you exactly what is right or wrong for your business, we can help with a guide to putting together a strategy which may help!
Why is Social Media Important during a Crisis Like Covid-19?
- According to eMarketer, Facebook saw a 70% increase in usage of all its app in the month of March. It’s apparent that people are using these apps to pass the time, keeping them entertained and connected whilst spending more time at home.
- Your followers are spending more time online than ever before, and you definitely want to stay connected with them! If you have been and still are unable to market or sell your products / services right now then focus on lighter content that aligns with what your brand is about.
- Your audience want to know you care, about them, about the crisis and your business! If you drop off the face of the earth during a difficult time then why would customers come back to you when things see a bit more normality? They won’t!
Know your Audience on Social Media
Knowing your audience is always critical in any sort of marketing, but it really is most critical during times like this. Marketing sometimes relies on empathy which in turn relies on an understanding of the audience you are trying to communicate with. Find out what your customer is thinking and feeling, take them answer and take a step back. Research that knowledge of your customers which will then set a tone on your socials during a time like this. This is something we pride ourselves on, why not have a chat with us if this is something you’re struggling with? https://www.elliesdigitalvision.co.uk/contact
Explore New Content Ideas
Now is the time to experiment with new things! If you have wanted to expand your social media strategy to a different platform then now is the time to do it. It is definitely the time to look for any new way to build relationships with your audience.
- Experiment with content such as video?
- Spend more time listening to what your audience is saying. Fish through comments, keep an eye on competitors, what do they want from you?
You may want to press pause on the scheduled content you had planned, it’s probably not that relevant anymore we are in a whole new situation!
Staying inactive on social media platforms comes with a price!
In Googles report on coronavirus, it says that sentiments have plummeted for brands that aren’t dealing with the changes and the new normal. Change is constant in the digital world, and yes no one saw this coming however followers still react to businesses that fail to adapt.
If you do go in to a social hibernation, don’t expect your engagement or following to get the usual reception once you are back to business. You may not show up on your followers feed when you do begin posting again, algorithms are made to make it difficult for us!
The bottom line is your company should be communicating MORE in these times, not less! If you hate having to deal with these issues drop us an email; elliesdigitalvision@gmail.com
10 Ways Social Media will Benefit your Business
The first recognisable social media site was created in 1997 called Six Degrees but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that social media exploded with sites such as Myspace and LinkedIn gaining popularity. For many of us, sites like Myspace contain some photos we would rather forget and some questionable hair style choices! However, this significant growth has only accelerated with sites such as Facebook. This is used by over half of the UK population.
Despite the unfaltering popularity of social media there is a consistent question as to the value it can produce. Some view it as an opportunity not fully explored by many businesses, full of potential while others view it as a burden.
Ultimately, how much value social media can add to your business depends on how you decide to use it! Here are 10 ways social media can benefit your business.
1. Build trust with customers
Shared values account for 64% of brand relationships. By building trust with your customers, your business will grow.
2. Build your brand!
Visual branding is essential. Having a signature colour can increase your brand recognition by a huge 80%!
3. Great customer service
Statistics show 73% of consumers are loyal to and buy from a brand because of their customer service! Customers can ask questions, make inquiries and complaints using social media and can be handled quickly, efficiently with very little cost.
4. First impressions matter!
It takes 10 seconds for a person to form an immediate impression of your brand. Social media allows you to judge responses and build a trusted, recognizable brand.
5. Cost effective split testing
Split testing is often time consuming and expensive, digital split testing can provide immediate results and keep your company moving in the best direction possible!
6. Generate business leads
Business to business relationships cannot be underestimated. Neither can generating leads through social media.
7. Increase sales
Consistent upkeep of your social media can improve your business, brand and customer relations which as a result absolutely assist with increasing sales.
8. Personalised Marketing!
When you are able to engage with your market on social media, it is possible to provide personalised marketing. Statistics tell us 56% of marketing professionals have found personalised content to promote better brand engagement.
9. Customers get to know your business
Half of all social media users follow 1-4 brands on average. It takes time and consistency to win over customers on social media but loyalty and consistent branding increases revenues by 23%!
Considering Twitter as one example, studies have found 77% of Twitter users feel more positive about a brand if a company replies to their tweets - something that seems simple could have a hugely valuable impact on your business.
10. Study your competition
It is easier to keep an eye on your competition and their progress. This allows you to remain competitive in your market and continue to stay in the know!
Social media shows no signs of slowing down! Last summer there was 14 times more engagement across platforms and an 18.5% increase in online sales. Social media may seem like a burden but consistency is key for building a trusted brand and a loyal customer base. Some prefer not to use social media, but when it is used correctly it is a marketing platform full of potential.
https://smallbiztrends.com/2013/05/the-complete-history-of-social-media-infographic.html
https://www.avocadosocial.com/latest-social-media-statistics-and-demographics-for-the-uk-in-2019/