With storefronts and homes alike shutting their doors in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, advertising your business can be a challenge. However, all is not lost because there are many effective ways to reach your consumer base right at home. From harnessing the power of social media to focusing on delivery and pickup services, here are four ways to market your business and attract new customers in the age of COVID-19.
Utilize Social Media
Word of mouth has always been the best form of advertising, and that happens on social media these days. With customers stuck at home, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are more important than ever. The good news is that social media advertising is low-cost or even free but producing content for these channels can consume a lot of time. Consider hiring a dedicated social media manager to handle your accounts.
Target Your Online Audience
Online advertising can be highly effective. However, the key to a successful internet ad campaign is targeting your audience. Without careful targeting, your message can disappear into the ether and waste your advertising budget. IP targeting, from a service such as NYI – New York Interconnect, is one of the most effective ways to get your ads in front of your customer base by using IP addresses to identify and deliver your ads directly to them.
Offer Delivery and Pickup Specials
Customers are understandably hesitant to visit shops with the threat of COVID-19 always present, so reach out by offering delivery and pickup services if you don’t already. Better yet, give your customers discounts and specials for using these services. Many customers will choose your business over competitors to reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
Give Back
With so many people losing their jobs and the race the to find treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, there are many opportunities to get your business’s name out there by hosting a charity event. Consider holding a food drive, blood drive, pet adoption day or a fundraiser for medical research. Making an appearance for charity is a win-win because it advertises your business while also helping a worthy cause.
Remember, just advertising your business isn’t enough in the age of COVID-19. You need to let customers know that you care about their well-being and that you are practicing recommended safety measures. Make it clear in all your advertising that you are limiting the number of customers in your retail space, requiring masks, making hand sanitizer available and offering contactless shopping options.
