Finding Opportunity in Crisis: Marketing Solutions for Businesses Affected by COVID-19

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, businesses all over the globe are faced with massive uncertainty. Unprecedented unemployment has changed the way consumers are spending almost overnight. Certain sectors, such as the travel and hospitality industries, have all but shuttered. Closure of physical locations for non-essential businesses will remain in place indefinitely. These challenges may seem insurmountable, but there is still hope. Businesses must reimagine their marketing strategies in the face of these obstacles, and fortunately, there are several tools available to do just that. Here are a few effective ways your business can retain relevancy and ensure it’s prepared for re-opening.

Paid Searches Are More Beneficial Than Ever

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising involves the creation of targeted ads aimed at your desired audience. Every time a person clicks on your ad, you’re charged a fee. PPC advertising is a great way to boost visitors to your website while waiting for organic searches to increase. It’s also proving to be a worthwhile strategy for businesses struggling to maintain a foothold with consumers.  

While other online marketing solutions may appear tenuous, even if just for the time being, PPC ads are stronger than ever. Along with proper placement, the content of PPC ads can make a huge impact on consumers. Consider those that are sheltering in place, who can’t go out and shop for essential supplies. A well-timed and thoughtfully designed PPC ad provide these consumers access to the important supplies they need when they need them.

Communication & Transparency Is Key for Your Consumers

In the face of constantly evolving situations, consumers require up to the minute information on everything from hours of operation to available merchandise. Tensions are high, and businesses that provide unsatisfactory answers to these questions are bound to suffer the consequences of consumer ire. Now is the time to use your online presence, including website and social media, to keep your customers informed. The more information they have about your business, the more secure they’ll feel. And these days, most people are in dire need of sense of security.

Transparency is also crucial. Take the example of e-commerce sites, who might be subject to more orders and business, since brick and mortar stores are not accessible. Increased business also means increased wait times for products, and you must be upfront about any delays or issues you’re experiencing. While customers will likely be unhappy with delays, they will become even more frustrated if you fail to offer a reasonable explanation.

Consider Evolving Your Business’s Online Presence

Of course, many businesses provide services to customers instead of providing goods. These enterprises can also make use of online tools to satisfy the needs of their customers during this trying time. Along with online marketing approaches to keep your business on the mind of consumers, you can also look for innovative ways to serve your customers, even when you can’t meet face to face.

Many businesses that offer professional services, such as law and accounting firms, are moving client meetings online. It’s possible to hold a consultation using common online platforms that allow two or more people to confer. Telehealth solutions are also highly beneficial for health clinics and doctor’s offices. Patients with minor ailments or questions about medical care can undergo a “virtual” exam, which not only ensures good health, it also provides peace of mind.

Here at SonicSEO.com, we’re ready to help you develop and implement online marketing and e-commerce solutions. We can also take the proper steps to increase your visibility now, so you remain relevant to your customers, whether that involves PPC marketing, social media marketing, or setting up an online storefront.