The last six months have shown us how flexibility and a willingness to adapt are pivotal components for keeping your business alive in the midst of the quarantine and an unprecedented economic downturn few ever anticipated. If true marketing is based on a reflection of the customer’s perceived needs, than first and foremost, your business marketing tools must adapt to the climate at hand. And in this case, to survive this pandemic you have to remain elastic, not unlike my favorite super hero “Elastigirl.”
It’s a season where we all need to get real stretchy. And get CREATIVE!
I met a lady last last week who’s catering business grinded to a screeching halt as ALL her clients canceled their events one after another. But instead of folding up her shop like so many, she brainstormed, innovated and ingeniously used what she had on hand and began creating pre-packaged meals that people could pick up or have delivered. Her business is currently booming and possibly moving in an entirely new direction. Her elastic bandwidth and willingness to think outside the box not only saved her business but gave her a new stream of income if life ever returns to pre-Covid norms and events resume.
So what does this mean for your business?
Well, you probably aren’t doing any more live marketing events. And calling on the phone isn’t such a hot idea now because so many people are currently out of the office and working from home. The bad news is you may need to drastically rethink your entire business model(YOU GOT THIS!!!). The good news is, from a marketing perspective you can still make an impact.
Here are a few marketing tips:
1. Digital Marketing is key! Use social media to leverage creative videos, blogs, photo’s and graphics to catch your customer’s eyes. Be funny. Be bold. And get your unique branded message out on a daily basis!
2. Grab the Stamps! Send your customer’s personalized cards and small gifts. Send your prospect’s something personal. Check out their social media page, find out their college or favorite hobby and be thoughtful.
3. Send out a newsletter! If you’ve never had enough time, now’s the time! Offer deal, tips, tricks and fun articles. Add photo’s. Be engaging!
4. E-mail drip campaigns. Set these up in a email platform like Mailchimp or Constant Contact and automate them. Then follow up on those leads!
5. Offer fun webinars (not boring ones!) Give away gift-cards, do a wine tasting, find a mixologist. But whatever you do, make it worth people’s time with excellent content and a fun vibe.
Good luck!
–the Crossroads Team
Do you have any marketing tips that are working well right now?
Crossroads 