With the continual COVID19 cases that seem to always be on the news headlines, COVID19 has impacted our lives so greatly that it’s not easy to say whether SMEs will truly recover from this situation.
The digital world has now become such an integral part of our lives. From the way we communicate, the way we buy things, and the way we work, everything has now been digitized- and if businesses want to continue running, they will need to rely on Digital Marketing more than ever. Here’s what SMEs need to do to prepare for the future.
The digital world has now become such an integral part of our lives. From the way we communicate, the way we buy things and the way we work, everything has now been digitised- and if businesses want to continue running, they will need to rely on Digital Marketing more than ever. Here’s what SMEs need to do to prepare for the future.
Building trust online through a positive brand
The situation has forced many of us to stay home and because of this, SMEs need to find ways to reach out to potential and existing customers online. Leading brands such as Mcdonald’s are already leveraging this current situation.
By encouraging social distancing through a change of logo and posting it on their social channels, they are supporting the practice whilst still using social media to remind their customers of their delivery and drive-in services.
It is these brands that create such campaigns that will be able to endure whatever is thrown at them. With that being said, customers now more than ever want to see what companies are doing and where their money is going.
Whether that is through spreading positive messages, raising for charity or how you’re treating staff and customers during this pandemic, businesses may need to be more transparent about their plans and how they want to present themselves online.
Creating personalised messages to reach out to Customers
Just imagine how many people are using social media now. Internet usage has dramatically gone up so much that now, a range of digital marketing methods will need to be utilised to help connect SMEs with their audience in the long term. In addition, the words that businesses use towards customers need to be more targeted and personal than before.
There’s not only the need to remind customers that you exist but also to keep them as part of the process. Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing and Videos are few ways of maintaining the relationship you have with your audience.
By developing individualistic, authentic messages to customers, you will build an image that supports people during this crisis. They don’t have to be as professional as you think as long as there’s a desire to experiment and build a connection with the audience, So what’s the takeaway?
See if you can still promote your products or service and better yet, aim to bring value outside of what you offer. SMEs that think of the long term game and nurture relationships can surely hope for repeat sales and a stronger reputation.
Making SEO a priority during COVID19
We could make a whole page covering this. But here’s one of the few reasons any SME should make SEO a priority.
With the restrictions placed on SMEs and people being unable or willing to travel as far, people will instead seek to find businesses that are nearby them. Being able to optimize your local search to notify that you’re ‘open’ or ‘near’ can help attract local customers to your store through these tough times.
Even if you’re not open, being able to optimize your business will still help you, direct potential customers, to your online presence. Whether that is your social media page or website you will be able to provide existing online services you may have or keep customers up-to-date with important information such as what you plan to reopen.
It’s good to hear that things are becoming normal again. But in the meantime, while there’s still uncertainty, it’s crucial that SMEs are able to seek digital marketing as an opportunity to build a positive brand, connect with their audience and keep their relevance on the web by optimizing their business for SEO. If you’re looking to bring more customers to your website, we’ve collected 10 ways to increase your website traffic.
To find out more about using digital marketing to promote your business or Youtube Channel, go to the Online Creator Institute to learn the necessary marketing knowledge to stay relevant amidst this global pandemic