How digital marketing can carry your business through the COVID-19 crisis

The phrase 'business as usual' is now a distortion for many as daily activity has now shifted in purpose. A mere few weeks ago, many of us were analysing promising months ahead, forecasting successes over the next quarter. Now, many companies are turning their energy towards ensuring survival (literal survival) over the next few days, weeks and months. 

The scale of this crisis is global, and no one is subject to its effect. Many industries are slowly becoming paralysed, and a considerable strain is placed on business owners to ensure that the fear, spread and power of this virus are not as infectious on business(es) as it is on humans. 

However, there is much we can do as businesses to get through the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever. Ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you of the importance of digital marketing. 

On a typical day, the importance of marketing is questioned, let alone during a crisis. But I tell you, the time to go digital is now. Here's why: 

New ban(s) = new plan(s) 

For the first time in Australia, we have seen restrictions which have affected the efficiencies of many markets. These new bans have alluded to us as businessmen and businesswomen that we must attract customers using a different tactic - basically a 'plot twist' moment for many of us. 

This could mean many things, but the most obvious is to be sure that wherever you are working from, you are working and you are communicating as often as possible. No invisibility cloak will subject you from the repercussions of this pandemic. Business will be affected. The quicker you accept this, the quicker you can create a plan of attack. 

The punch line is simple; find the silver lining. 

The (semi) lockdown means many of us will be staying indoors. This means an increase in Netflix and chilling, online shopping, social media activity, and much more. It also means an increase in a digital presence is more prevalent than ever. 

Australians are spending a colossal amount of time looking for information online. It is with this that I stress the importance of increasing your digital presence and creating an online strategy that coordinates your businesses efforts with the spare time people have at home. Streaming your businesses activity and action regarding COVID-19 during this time means business exposure and adds to your long-term survival strategy.

There is a shift in consumer behaviour 

Apart from the panic-induced toilet paper buying frenzy, there will be a stage where consumers will stop shopping in real-time and start buying online. There is even the question as to whether people will revert to traditional shopping once we resume our normal lives. 

Considering the current circumstance, there is no question as to why retailers are now fighting for marketplace dominance. Many e-commerce sites are promoting sporadic sales at an attempt to innovate their marketing strategy as best as possible and retain customer traction. 

Selling online is advantageous now more than ever. 

I cannot stress the importance of a digital presence when it comes to online shopping. You can, without a doubt, convince your customers that you are one of the best in the industry by having: 

• a well-thought-out Social Media plan
• an optimised Website 
• a marketing strategy that attacks your consumer

Today is not about today; it's about tomorrow

?The outbreak of COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works of Australia's functioning economy. Despite PM Morrison's fantastic initiatives towards sustaining Australian businesses, there is still uncertainty amongst business owners across the country. 

The advice here is to be proactive as opposed to reactive. We are now over the shock of the virus (in terms of learning about the pandemic) and you, as a business, can utilise this global outbreak to your advantage. 

Although businesses are often looking ahead in terms of strategy and success, we must now change our perspective to what we can do today. Ask yourselves: 

• What can we do to ensure that we will emerge from this pandemic?
• How can we remain resilient from this pandemic over the next few weeks/months?
• How can we continue to build confidence in our staff and consumers? And; 
• How can we repurpose the effects of COVID-19 on the consumer? 

In short - we are living in a digital world. What are you doing about it? Get in touch with us at Adcreators to see how we can help you figure out your plan over the next few months.