Our top 12 Digital Marketing Tips for Businesses During the COVID:19 Outbreak

Author:

smashmarketingnorwich

Date:

June 23, 2020

Introduction to Email Marketing

There are many elements of digital marketing that are often overlooked when planning campaigns, email marketing is one of them. But what exactly is email marketing in the context of digital marketing? In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about email marketing.

Defining Email Marketing

At its core, email marketing involves sending emails to prospects and customers. Effective email campaigns can convert prospects into buyers and turn one-time buyers into loyal, returning customers. Email marketing allows you to craft visually stunning newsletters, company updates and announcements by utilising advanced design tools and templates. You can include eye-catching graphics, vibrant colours, and engaging layouts that reflect your brand's personality. These visual elements make your emails more aesthetically pleasing and help communicate your message more effectively.

Why Email Marketing is a Must-Have

Despite the rise of social media and other messaging platforms, email remains one of the most effective ways to nurture leads and boost customer loyalty. Here's how email marketing serves small businesses in digital marketing:

- Direct Communication Channel - Email is a direct line to your customer’s personal space—their inbox. Unlike social media, where you compete with countless distractions, email allows a one-on-one conversation with your audience.

- Cost-Effective Tool - For small businesses, budget is often tight. Email marketing offers a high return on investment, allowing you to reach a large audience at a minimal cost compared to many other marketing channels.

- Highly Customisable - Segment your audience based on their behaviours, preferences, and previous interactions with your business. This allows for personalized communication, making your customers feel understood and valued.

Your Email Marketing Strategy

Crafting your unique email marketing strategy requires a tailored approach. Consider your brand's strengths and the distinct products or services you offer. Reflect on your company’s core selling points and upcoming events. Identifying these elements allows you to curate content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your business goals. Effective strategy hinges on leveraging these insights to map out emails that engage, inform, and inspire action, ensuring your message isn’t merely heard but leaves a lasting mark.

1. Build Your List Organically - Gather email subscribers through sign-ups on your website, social media channels, or in-person events. Remember, quality over quantity reigns supreme.

2. Engage with Purpose - Every email should add value, either through insightful content, an irresistible offer, or simply making your subscribers feel special.

3. Opt for Mobile Optimisation - The majority of emails are now read on mobile devices, so ensure your emails look good on small screens.

4. Analyse and Adapt - Use analytics to track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Test different elements (like subject lines and email content) to see what works best with your audience.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Respect for privacy and compliance with laws such as GDPR and the CAN-SPAM Act are crucial. Always give recipients the right to opt out and ensure your email practices are transparent.

Conclusion

For small businesses, mastering email marketing can unlock new potential in reaching and engaging customers. It serves as a promotional and relationship-building tool in your digital marketing strategy.

Contact Smash Marketing

Feeling overwhelmed or curious to learn more about how Smash Marketing can improve or start your email marketing strategy? Our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Reach out to us at 01603 343640 or drop us an email at

hello@smashmarketing.co.uk.

During these difficult times, many businesses are struggling to do business in the same way - even digital marketing has changed. This is the time to become creative and find different ways to communicate and ultimately sell to your customers.

Here are our top tips for marketing during the COVID-19 outbreak:

1. Don't stop all marketing!

This has to be the most important thing. There's a temptation to cut all costs, but please think long-term. Marketing strategies such as SEO take time to implement and produce results. Stopping these activities now will slow your recovery when the initial COVID-19 lockdown is over. There may also be other ways to promote your organisation and even generate new business using digital marketing.

2. Take stock

This is an opportunity to look at your business in a new light. Take stock of where you are, where you want to be and how your business can. or in some cases, needs to adapt to the current situation.

3. Communicate, communicate, communicate

Keep your customers and suppliers informed of what's happening. Are you working reduced hours, closing premises, working remotely? If your delivery times are affected, or you're running on a skeleton staff, keep customers informed as accurately as possible. Give them alternative ways to contact you if necessary. The most important thing is to keep them 'in the loop' - it will make both yours and their experiences far more enjoyable.

4. How else can you provide a service to your clients?

If you can't provide physical products or services currently, can you provide other information? How about advice on products, 'how to' guides or FAQs that you regularly receive by phone or email. Interesting quality content on your website not only helps clients, but can also help your SEO strategy by updating your website.

5. Plan ahead, but stay relevant

By all means, write content in advance, but check that it is still relevant before publishing. The coronavirus situation and related government advice is constantly changing, so make sure that your messages are still correct when you press 'go live'.

6. Are you making use of technology?

Think about how you can deliver the same service but virtually. Bring your products to the customer if they can't get to you. Webinars and video can be utilised to demonstrate products and services, or deliver information and advice 'in person' via video conference.

7. Can you diversify your business?

Are there other services that you can provide during this time? Can you provide help to community groups or key workers at this time? These activities may not produce a profit, but is great for PR, will boost public opinion of your organisation and goes towards your CSR (corporate social responsibility).

8. Delay press releases and product launches

Unfortunately, any news about your business will just get lost in the monumental amount of media that we're all being subjected to at the moment. Unless you have news that simply cannot wait or is relevant to the coronavirus outbreak, delay it until the situation has changed.

9. Work on those marketing projects you've been delaying

Dig out those projects you've been putting on the back burner. Have you been meaning to update your brand, change the website or develop a new digital marketing strategy? Now is the time to do it. It may even be that the recent outbreak has made you realise that something in your marketing strategy doesn't work and needs to be changed. Take this time to reflect on your business and how it can better serve your customers in future.

10. Utilise social media

With people out of their usual routine, you may be noticing a drop in website traffic. There is however, a great deal of social media usage at this time. Is your business utilising these channels? Become creative with your message, consider video use or live streaming if you have something that you think is important, useful, or might just brighten people's day. It doesn't all have to be about business either; perhaps your staff are finding interesting ways to cope with social isolation, or you've been doing something different. Encourage engagement too, so ask questions of your followers, or set a challenge for people to get involved with.

11. Consider other forms of marketing

If your advertising relies on passing traffic or public interaction, have you considered other forms of advertising? Pay per click (PPC) prices have dropped recently, with advertising prices for some industries at 50% of the usual cost, and most companies that have a Google Ads account have been given a voucher. Also, more people are online at the moment, so consider promoting your business on social media. Make the most of your budget by clearly defining customer demographics

12. Plan for growth after the pandemic

Look ahead to when things get back to normal. Can your business ramp up quickly? Have marketing plans ready to implement, plan ahead by writing social posts, content and emails in advance.

If you need any advice or help during this period, Smash Marketing are more than happy to help! We can provide advice via phone, email or Zoom call, or support your business with all aspects of digital marketing; SEO, PPC, social media, and website content. Please get in touch today!

Talk to us today - call 01603 343640