Every sector in the country is experiencing challenges and disruption to business. Professionals and consumers alike must adapt to remote and virtual environments. In lieu of face-to-face interaction with customers, crafting a focused communications strategy is crucial, allowing you to continue nurturing the relationships you have worked so hard to establish over the years. “Out of sight, out of mind” can become very real for your brand, so it is necessary to maintain regular and consistent communications with your audiences.

Now is a great – if not necessary – time to develop a proactive communications plan. If you already have one in place, revisit and pivot to navigate the current consumer landscape. Eventful PR is here to help craft a thoughtful strategy that will determine how to best connect with your customers during these unprecedented times. This is the perfect opportunity to be present for your customers and clients, and provide timely and appropriate information.

Get Social

Staying connected amidst the global pandemic is more complicated in many ways, but it many respects it’s also easier. As we socially distance and self-isolate to stop the spread of COVID-19, Facebook and Instagram have each experienced a 40-per-cent increase in usage. In one week alone, views on Instagram Live and Facebook Live doubled. While social distancing may have pushed social media further along, you can be sure that this trend was already well on its way.

Now more than ever, people are relying on social media to stay in touch, consume news, and be entertained – but it’s not business as usual. Here are some social media best practices, content ideas and tips to help you navigate social media through the pandemic.

Be the bearer of good news. Showcase good news stories. We all need to see some positive news and hear about the positive things friends and businesses are doing at this time. Reveal new projects and share “throwback” images of past projects. Look to the future, share what you have been working on and what you are looking forward to ahead within these projects.

Be there, from afar. While you may not be able to meet with your clients in person, you can still be there in spirit – and in virtual form. Use social media to inform your clients about changes to your business and services. Let them know you’re still here to answer questions, and how they can connect with you.

What’s new? Showcase new products and focus on new industry trends that consumers should keep an eye on. With people spending a lot more time at home, now is the time to plan projects and purchases ahead. Use this as an opportunity to share positive development within your company, and products that will be available later in the year.

K-I-S me beautiful. There’s a saying that rings true on social media, as it does otherwise in life: Keep It Simple. Ensure your social posts are well-written and concise. Acknowledge the crisis, be empathetic, and pro-actively provide ideas and inspiration. Many of your followers are looking for guidance and expert advice at this time. If you’ve been thinking about creating your own podcast, here’s your chance – you’ve got the time and a captive audience!

Build a business community. Much like your followers are seeking an online community, your peers likely are too. Engage with your business community to share challenges and success stories, serious thoughts or a few laughs – we could all use that. Host a regularly scheduled Zoom meeting or create a Facebook group to exchange ideas and create a support system. You’ll likely find that you contribute to it just as much as your lean on it.

And always, stay true to your brand. Most small business owners are challenged in defining and articulating their brand story. Eventful PR can provide the tools to build a successful and profitable brand, using storytelling to produce great marketing content, connect with more clients and grow your business. Contact us to find out how!