Marketing Ideas for COVID-19 – Plant those Comeback Seeds!

In these most challenging of times, many businesses are closed and wondering how they can stay afloat, keep their customers engaged, or even grow their businesses. The Government of Canada has created this page and the United States created this this page.

The hardest part is to recover emotionally and to flip your brain to think differently. Being positive in such negative times can be almost impossible with the deluge of social media and TV news.

Don’t plan on the tough day you have to make a decision to (temporarily) close or (temporarily) lay people off. Plan the next day or the day after when you have had time to reflect and are in a better place.

Just Start

Here are some easy ideas:

1. Start an email newsletter marketing list (we can help with that)
2. Create a website (wordpress.com is a great resource, prices start at $5/month)
3. Update your existing website with any changes (we can help with that too)
4. Open a Facebook Page for your business (we work with a professional who can help with this)
5. Start an Instagram account (the same professional)
6. Open a Twitter account
7. Create a LinkedIn Page for your business
8. Update your Google My Business listing with changes

Keep in Touch

Don’t disappear, let your fans or followers know that you are still around but maybe closed, on limited hours, have a new takeout service, or moving. Use your email marketing tools regularly, especially if you are on a monthly plan.

• Create videos, upload to YouTube, then share
• Use Zoom or FaceTime for live streaming tutorials or 1-to-1s
• Be available by phone if you can
• Check email regularly, even at weekends

You will need them engaged when you return.

And you will return (being positive).

Use your Social Media

#OpenWeStand is for anyone who is keeping the economic health of small business top of mind in this challenging time. It’s for shop owners minding their customers’ and employees’ safety — and for everyone who stands with small business. See the post about this hashtag.

• Reactivate a dormant account
• Let fans or followers know about changes
• Join the #OpenWeStand community
• Join the Mindful Marketing Facebook group
• Share ideas…
• …and ask for feedback
• Create online competitions
• Keep people informed of open hours or staff updates
• Be positive

Use your Friends’ Social Media

If you don’t have — or don’t know how to — use social media, ask a fellow business or friend if you can be a guest author on their website or have a slot in their email marketing.

Often, if the businesses complement each other, this can be a seed for change, maybe a new opportunity for when you return.

And you will return (being positive again).

Work Together

Pick up the phone and talk to fellow businesses in your community or town for support, feedback, or general advice. Lean on your local Chamber or business organization. We are all human and need social interaction.

Working together is much better than trying to figure it all out yourself.

Keep Exercising

It’s important to keep the body fresh and energized while maintaining social distancing.

• Go for a daily walk at the same time, listen to music or a podcast
• Do some yoga in your home
• Go for a bike ride

Help Other People

Everyone is suffering so help others if you can.

• Donate to a local food bank
• Donate to a charity like nokidhungry.org
• Look out for neighbours, especially seniors, collect groceries for those who may be self-isolating after a trip (like us)

Plan for the Comeback!

When news from above starts changing for the better, start to make arrangements to be open. You may need to let staff know or suppliers of food (restaurants) what to expect so you can hit the ground running.

And don’t forget your cusotmers – let THEM know that you are back!

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Want to Plant those Seeds?

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