Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the United States, Facebook and Instagram have seen a 40% increase in active users. That’s a huge jump and it tells us that businesses need to be utilizing social media now more than ever. People are spending more time at home and online, which means they’re spending more time on social media. We all know that in order to effectively market to consumers, we need to be where they are. Right now, they are on social media. Businesses can’t afford to stop marketing, and that includes social media. Social media is a valuable tool because of how many users are regularly there and it’s free. 

Jenna Kutcher (Instagram expert) recently said, “This is not the season to be quiet, this is the season to communicate.” If you find that business has slowed down for you because of the COVID-19 scare, a great way to spend your time would be to focus on social media communication:

Host Live Videos

Just in the last week, the amount of viewers on Facebook and Instagram live videos have doubled. Knowing that consumers are tuning in to watch live videos hosted by the businesses they follow, why not engage with your followers this way? Live videos are fun and exciting, and they’re easy to do. Live videos allow your viewers to ask questions in real-time so you can respond right away. They are more flowy and conversational than regular video posts, because the viewers are right there with you. The increase in interest that consumers have for these live social media videos is further proof that business owners need to be highly involved in and communicating through social media.  

Post Inviting Content

Inviting content means that your followers want to engage with what you’re talking about online. Asking a question that promotes a response from them is a great way to get the conversation going on your social pages. Some examples of inviting content could include:

• Empathetic posts about the current pandemic. Remind customers that you’re people behind the business, and you’re in this with them. 
• Questions that invite them to leave their opinion. Ask your customers what color you should paint your office, what service(s) should go on promotion next or how they’re holding up through the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Tips and tricks related to your industry. If you’re in the home services industry, now is the perfect time to give your followers tips for all the home projects they might be working on during this time. 

Interact and Respond

What good is a response from your consumers if you don’t engage back with them? Be sure that you are responding to all comments and messages from your social media followers. 80% of consumers say they consider social media to be a place where they can learn from and about the businesses they are considering before choosing to work with them. Interacting with, and responding to, customers on social media shows them that your business is reliable, knowledgeable and personable. 

The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things for businesses, and one of those things is that social media marketing is increasingly more valuable. More consumers are online and engaging with businesses, so it’s a perfect opportunity to build up your loyal customers, even if you’re not able to see them in person. 

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!