Skip to main content

DOS and DON'TS DURING CORONA CRISIS for MARKETERS


DOS and DON'TS DURING CORONA CRISIS for MARKETERS


"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis'. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger–but recognize the opportunity", said John F. Kennedy.

In the present day crisis scenario, a sharp-witted marketer can take this challenge and turn it into an opportunity. All it takes is moving in the right direction while dodging the dangers in the path. 

Coronavirus is an unprecedented global pandemic that has pushed the world economy in a recession. It has changed every aspect of consumer behavior. Hence it’s the time for all the businesses, be it startups or big brands, to adapt to this change.

Customers are in an uncertain mindset. Being in isolation during this lockdown has made them apprehensive about the future. They have grown anxious, skeptic, fearful and panic.  In this time of unpredictability, they're just trying to fulfill basic needs and are not interested in any shopping message or persuasive advertising.

So, it is of utmost importance to understand the Dos and Don’ts during this Crisis.
As coronavirus is named as COVID we will use it to unfold each point.

  C- Connect not Contact

This is the time to connect and not contact. Restrain from contacting customers through promotional messages rather try to connect with them through meaningful and relevant communication. If your brand operates in the category where you can directly connect with coronavirus crisis by communicating about precautionary measures, like personal hygiene, it's well and good. But even if your brand does not operate in these categories you can use creative ways to narrate precautions. You can do so by weaving a suitable message. An amazing example of it is the Fevicol’s ad on social distancing. 
Secondly, you can provide good content that can educate, entertain or involve them in any productive work to build up a connection. Marketers should have empathetic approach to connect with customers.


  O-Opportunity to Build not to Sell

Don't try to capitalize on this opportunity as a profit seeker rather come out as a problem solver. Even if you are dealing in products and/or services that are in demand during this time like grocery, delivery, personal hygiene, edutech or online entertaining services, don't try to leverage it with profit motives. Work on the human approach. It is time to serve humanity through your business and build your brand for long run.

V- Value not Volume

It’s time to emerge out as a value-driven organization. Customers trust the brands which stand for kindness and care. So in this critical time don't believe in volume game. Merely thinking to save money and work on volume may not work, rather support your employees. Instead of cutting their salaries stand for them and follow value based approach. This would reinforce their sense of belonging.

I-Innovate not Indulge in traditional methods

Startups are apprehensive whether this is the right time to innovate. Undoubtedly, it is. If you are still operating through only offline mode, shift to online as soon as possible. Also, find a way in which you can contribute towards the current situation by working on apps, medical equipment, or testing kits to fight with this deadly disease. Marketers need to contemplate on innovative approach

D-Digital not Direct

Another thing to keep in mind is  'go digital'. It is the need of the hour. Digital has become the way of life, and this crisis has just intensified the need for switching to digital. Irrespective of the category you deal in start working on technical approach.

So a well thought strategy which should be the perfect blend of empathetic, human, value based, innovative and technical approach can propel you from sea of crisis.

watch more on YouTube channel Marketing Pulp

Comments