SEO BLOG

Social distancing, hand washing and self-quarantine are ways in which we, as a community, can be responsible and help slow the spread of COVID-19.  As a company, it’s even more important that you demonstrate grace with smart and responsible marketing.

Check Your Campaigns – Analyze all of your current marketing campaigns.  Are they appropriate for the times?  You may need to pause some campaigns all together in favor of a more responsible approach.  For instance, you may be a swim school that teaches children of all ages and usually promote your services or the amazing skills one can learn.  With social distancing in place and many businesses closed for the quarantine, a better campaign would be to promote supplies on your online store, such as swimwear or books, or share information such as how to stretch before swimming, pool safety, etc.  Simply pause or alter your campaigns to reflect the times but don’t stop them completely or you’ll lose your momentum and valuable brand building opportunities.

Watch Yourself – Avoid using imagery or language that is out of place at this time.  Crowds of people cheerfully laughing and having fun is akin to a slap in the face these days.  Be sensitive to how your consumer is feeling.  You want to bond with them, not make them resent you or feel that you have no clue about what’s going on.  Pictures of people smiling or telling customers to get in touch with you isn’t offensive but pretending the quarantine doesn’t exist and “flaunting” the life that is on pause can aggravate or cause stress.

Help Don’t Exploit – Shift your focus on how your brand can help consumers.  Offer information, fun ways to use your product in quarantine or just make them laugh.  Always keep in mind that people may not remember what you said but they will definitely remember how you made them feel.

Under NO circumstance should you be using this time to capitalize on the pandemic.  Offering up “insane COVID-19 sales”, fueling fear and inciting panic or bragging are tasteless, horrid acts that should never be done.  People are already worried enough – about the pandemic, about their jobs, about where money might come from next – and you need to realize that now is a time for your company to offer compassion and guidance instead of take cheap shots to make a buck.

Trust me, using ignorant and harmful tactics will get your company remembered alright – as someone they should NEVER use again.  Think before you speak, be genuine in your caring approach and be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of your customers right now in order to continue successfully building your brand.  When the pandemic lifts, you’ll find that hard work forged a better image for your company, boosts your reputation and builds better relationships with customers.

Be safe out there and remember to always practice responsible marketing!