As we do our best to adjust to the “new normal” brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must closely examine and reconsider any existing internal and external communications programs to stay ahead of the business impacts of the virus. This includes referencing (and re-evaluating as needed) crisis communications plans, reworking event plans and making adjustments to social media content.
The Convince & Convert team recently hosted a webinar to continue the discussion on immediate changes organizations need to make – specifically to social media strategy – during these unprecedented times. (The full webinar is available on demand here!)
Here are our top takeaways:
1. Only post with a purpose
During a crisis, it’s more important than ever before to think before you post. A once thoughtful editorial calendar prepped weeks or months in advance is likely no longer relevant.
This really resonates with our team, as we’ve been helping many clients figure out what is and isn’t appropriate to share on their social channels right now. We’ve helped our client automotiveMastermind quickly pivot its social content to only highlight the company’s COVID-19 resource for dealerships content.
Jay Baer of Convince & Convert added during the webinar that while brands must be more mindful of the content they share, it is okay to stay authentic. If humor is a natural part of your brand, it’s acceptable to keep things light, but be considerate of your audience and the global context of your content.
2. Elongate your sales funnel
When consumers are faced with uncertainty, they aren’t in the same position to purchase things that may have been on their radar a few weeks ago. However, this doesn’t mean there is no longer a want or desire to purchase those items.
Jay posed a few helpful questions for consideration, “How can you be the Pinterest of your category? How can you provide your prospects and customers information and inspiration that will pay off later?”
Take a look at Detroit-based Bloomscape, a company that delivers plants directly to your door. Recently on social, they have focused on sharing helpful plant-care tips and isolation inspiration. Check out these lush backgrounds for your next Zoom call, too!
Got a @zoom_us meeting coming up soon and want to spruce up your screen a bit? We’ve got a few images that you can use as backgrounds for your next call! ?✨ pic.twitter.com/AdYsjC0sMK
— bloomscape (@bloomscape) April 3, 2020
3. Reevaluate your visuals
According to Pattern89, there has been a 30% drop in social media ad images that feature human contact since March 12. Take the time to review any scheduled posts, and consider all future content, to ensure there are no conflicts with our current social distancing norms.
The Convince & Convert team shared this example of how Schwinn Bikes has shifted its Instagram imagery in the last few weeks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9nIacmgroj/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9950rqpYv2/
4. Test, test and test again
Our lives have been disrupted. Your audience is likely operating a bit differently on a day-to-day basis, as well. Use this time to test everything – publishing times, days of the week and mediums used. Are videos still performing well for your brand? What about podcasts? If you’re seeing a specific type of content performing better now than in the past, are you adjusting your strategy to incorporate more of that content?
This will differ for every business, but it’s important to understand your audiences’ new normal so you can best connect and cater to their needs.
5. Focus on helping, not hard selling
“What you and your organization do in the next five weeks will set the table for the next five years,” Jay emphasized to conclude the webinar. We can’t agree more. Ultimately, the health and well-being of the individuals who make up and support an organization are top priority.
Starbucks is just one example of a brand that has shifted from sales-focused content in favor of spreading positivity and showing support for the surrounding community players.
Inspired by the generosity of our partners (employees), we are offering all front-line responders a free tall brewed coffee at participating stores in the US. pic.twitter.com/e7Z8aRCtMt
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) March 26, 2020
Still navigating what is and isn’t appropriate for your communications strategy during COVID-19? We designed this COVID-19 Communications Playbook to help business leaders with all aspects of internal and external comms.
Please reach out if you have any questions related to communicating with your employees and clients/customers now and once we emerge from this crisis.
Nikki Little is vice president of strategy at Franco. You can reach her at [email protected].
