BLOG | Search Engine Optimization How Has Content Marketing Changed During the COVID-19 Crisis?

Content marketing during COVID-19 has been focusing on “The New Normal.”

This is what media continues to bring during the coronavirus update ─ and with good reason. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge impact on the economy and everyone’s lifestyle. It has left casualties, made people lose their jobs, and even opened our eyes to the lapses on aspects in our healthcare system. Although some countries have opened up their borders and slowly improved in terms of recovery and limiting the spread of the virus, the circumstances have changed and the situation isn’t the same as it was before the pandemic.

Now, with the pandemic, consumer behavior has changed. Many consumers have shifted their priorities, and marketers, especially content marketers, have changed the way they communicate to their audience. They take into consideration the kinds of people who are experiencing the pandemic. Not everyone’s experiences are the same. But it’s always great to keep in mind what your consumer is experiencing and what could be their behavior from their experience, so you can craft a message that they can relate to.

So What Do You Think Your Consumer Is Experiencing During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

1. They could be working from home and coming up with ways to be more productive, trying to fight away distractions.
2. They may be having a hard time financially or in keeping their business afloat because of the economic changes that come with the pandemic.
3. These people may crave for more content since they are at home and have nothing to do.
4. They may be more health-conscious and thinking of ways to keep their body healthy and preventing the virus.
5. Perhaps they work in the healthcare field or essentials industry.
6. They may want connect more with their loved ones as they are away from them and cannot connect with them because of the virus.
7. They could also be directly affected by the virus as a family member or a person close to them is affected by it.

With all these in mind, marketers are thinking of a way to consider these without sounding tone-deaf or too depressing. When the message you try to put out into the media is tone-deaf, not only will it get backlash, but of course, consumers will see your brand as insensitive and uncaring for those who actually suffer from the situation. At the same time, when the message is too depressing, it won’t motivate the consumer to take any action. That’s why you need to think about your message before presenting it to the people you are targeting, regardless of what niche you are in.

How to Avoid Tone-Deaf Messages: Scrap It If They Sound Like This

What you need to do is run a content audit to determine if what you’ve produced for your marketing campaign is relevant to the brand and appropriate in today’s circumstances.

When creating a message for your marketing campaign, you might be wondering, what could be a tone-deaf message to the current situation we have today? We’ve created a list on what tone or messaging you should avoid, given our current climate:

1. Us vs Them Positioning

   As a marketer, you don’t know the circumstances of your consumer, regardless of what your niche is. With the pandemic bringing people in unexpected circumstances, comparing groups of people in your messaging can be perceived by the public in bad taste.

   When constructing your message, you should make sure to avoid implying that every consumer is of equal standing (for example, talking about race and gender during the COVID-19 crisis), talking about privilege (for example, making a message about how your consumer could be comfy in their homes right now and simply having their long rest as they wait for the pandemic to end), or compelling your audience to jump into reckless bandwagons that they don’t need during the given climate.

2. Making Light of the Issue

   There are thousands of people who have been affected by the virus. And this is not just health-wise but economically, too. That’s why making a snarky comment or anything comedic about the pandemic would rub your consumers off the wrong way.

   Even if you are trying to make your message a little less depressing and want to lighten up your consumer’s mood with your witty messaging, you should know how to present it in a way that’s relatable and conscious.

3. Inconsistent Messaging

   Brands that are consistent in what they stand for are the ones that stand the test of time. If you don’t act out what you’ve been preaching about, then you’re going to get called out on it. When you put out a strong message, it can create a movement, change the way people perceive the world, or positively polarize their beliefs. Make sure to always check the consistency of your content, from its visuals to the texts that you use.

4. Failing to Add the Human Touch

   Even before the pandemic started, marketers have stated the impact of content that always portrays humanity ─ or give a human element to the message. However, with many individuals feeling overwhelmed by the change, now more than ever, brands are called to create content that evokes an emotional response from their audience.

   There have been studies that show people rely on emotions rather than information to make brand decisions. Emotional responses to ads influence a person to take action in making a purchase rather than the actual content of an ad.

   With that, you need to create content that allows the consumer to feel something when they are exposed to your message. How can your service help motivate an individual to be productive? How can you allow a person to be in touch with their loved one while they continue to do social distancing? Messages that elicit emotion within a consumer can make a change. Know that you should also express this with authenticity.

5. Relating to Controversies

   Although taking a stand on controversial topics can be bold, unique, and brave in normal circumstances, there is too much risk in taking a side when talking about loosening lockdowns and going back to normal. Other than the fact that consumers will think your brand is opportunistic, consumers are sensitive to these kinds of debates.

   At the same time, if you’re thinking of making your messaging take a witty turn into using it to relate the virus’s origins or how it came to be, that could also come off as very insensitive and could be perceived by your audience as blatantly offensive.

   So as much as possible, even if you’re trying to be bold and new, think of a way that brings hope and solutions rather than playing into negative controversies that could stir up debates and backlash, ultimately harming many people who have lost their main source of income.

   You might see other people provide training on how others can do freelance work while they wait for the quarantine to end. Many users are now clicking to recruitment websites, like LinkedIn or Upwork, to find jobs and make ends meet. There are also website development companies, like Proweaver, that are helping businesses continue their operations online.

   In this video, you can see how LinkedIn is leveraging their platform during these challenging times, offering opportunities to employees who have been laid off from work. Their message is “We’re In It Together,” which is simple, yet powerful. They use testimonials from real people who are experiencing the crisis themselves, and through their testimonials, they mention how uneasy they feel about working at home while a pandemic is happening and all the uncertainties that come with.

   However, with LinkedIn, being the “hero” of this message, you have a platform of people who are looking for employees and are willing to help you get through your financial struggles by giving you work.

How Can the Consumers Stay Safe During the Outbreak?

This has been an ongoing trend amongst brands and perhaps even until today.

Many brands have presented many takes on their message of reminding the consumers about physical distancing.

One example would be Coca Cola’s smart take on the topic by kerning the characters of its iconic logotype.

Other than Coca Cola, a lot of brands are being socially aware of the circumstances we are facing during the health crisis and are showing how much they care for the consumer, rather than showing what they could gain from it.

A lot of brands are maximizing the volume on spreading awareness about physical distancing to its consumers, showing how they’re sticking to their values of making the consumer’s well-being their top priority rather than promoting the product itself. Because as much as possible, marketers are focusing on the idea of “How can we help the consumer?” rather than the idea of “Can you buy from our products?”

Sometimes, Such a Strategy Backfires

On the other hand, below, you can see the controversial logo change of an ad agency in Brazil made to the iconic McDonald’s arches.

Although their message was about physical distancing and its importance, a lot of people were unhappy. A lot of people thought it was opportunistic of McDonald’s. The message did not sit well. So this logo was never used in other McDonald’s outlets and even in their social media account.

We won’t know how our good intentions will be perceived by others, especially during this challenging time. That’s why one must always plan out their content marketing strategy carefully. At the same time, respond quickly when it takes a different turn.

How Can People Make the Most Out of Their Time While They Are in Self-Quarantine?

With lifestyles grinding to a halt, some have a hard time thinking of what to do at home. And a lot of brands are taking advantage of that.

You might have heard of TikTok, one of the most used social media applications today. This UK ad shows how people can spend their days making fun content at home. It’s a person’s little ray of sunshine despite all that is happening around us today. And it’s fun without being tone-deaf.

Another example of marketers showing their consumers what they can do is this Apple ad. In the video, you can see people doing their routines while practicing physical distancing. Some are taking online classes, others are teaching. This paints Apple products as helping people continue what they do.

There are so many ways you can engage people in your content in quarantine. Just upload unique and relevant content consistently to keep your consumer’s interest.

How Can We Connect with Others While We Self-Quarantine or Observe Social Distancing?

Due to the strict protocols mandated by the government, we can’t go out and meet other people personally. This could pose a problem for a lot of people who live alone or away from their families and friends. However, with technology, it is possible for everyone to communicate with others without having to meet them personally.

In this WhatsApp ad, a mother and daughter converse with each other. Instead of saying they are practicing physical distancing in their respective homes, the audience gets the gist of the message.

Another example of using your product or service as a solution is Facebook’s take on messenger video call rooms. Unlike most apps, Facebook offers a video conferencing feature in messenger that’s for personal use.

If you’re coming up with content that relates to your market, speak to their emotions.

How Can We Help Frontliners or People Who Are Affected by the Pandemic?

Some businesses have appealed to the masses by focusing on frontliners and people affected by the virus.

 

Postable is a website wherein you can give real designer greeting cards and invitations. And for their promotionals, they’re allowing users to send thank you cards to frontliners for their hard work. At the same time, users can donate money for masks or purchase a mask in the process, as well.

Giving Back Online with Content Marketing

Another great example of giving back using content marketing is Coca Cola promoting non-profit partners and experts. Check their Twitter feed and see how they uphold their values in promoting solidarity.

Of course, with everything that’s happening, consumers are more drawn to brands that are empathetic and willing to take action.

Is Your Content Marketing Strategy Heading Toward Any of This Direction?

Overall, creating content consistently can help you generate more leads and conversions.

You can ask professionals from Proweaver to help you create social media content, video marketing content, or even a website, so you can make an impact on your target audience with the message you want to present during these times of difficulty.

What Are the Opportunities Content Marketers Should Take Advantage Of?

Despite the economy suffering due to lockdowns, there is still a silver lining. If you’re struggling to come up with solutions in your content, try these:

1. Right now, paid ads are more affordable. Typically, ad networks, like Google Ads, get money through an auction system. However, with fewer advertisers and less demand, you see that ads are getting cheaper.
2. There’s increased online activity. Tons of people are trying to get more and more content online to keep them busy during quarantine. That provides an opportunity for your business to gain exposure from your target audience. Recently, people are relying on e-commerce sites to prevent any exposure to the virus. So move your business online so more people can gain access to your product or services.
3. Offer cost-effective payment plans for your product or service. Let’s face it, most of your consumers are on a tight budget right now. If they think your product or service is too pricey, they might switch to your competitor. This way, you get more clicks and conversions.

Wrap Up

If you compare 2019’s content marketing strategy to 2020’s, you’ll notice that marketers are amplifying authenticity. Content marketing moves toward being more socially conscious without dabbling in controversy.

Marketers are trying to make their brand the “hero” or solution to the consumers’ day-to-day problems. With online activity increasing as people continue to stay indoors, it’s time for businesses to meet them where they are.

How Can Proweaver Help You with Your Content Marketing

By partnering with Proweaver, you get a team of experts who are knowledgeable in today’s online marketing climate. We can boost your business’ online visibility through custom websites, social media marketing, search engine optimization, and video marketing.

Our designers, web developers, SEO and Social Media specialists, and content writers create effective online marketing strategies. Let us make impactful messages in response to today’s COVID-19 situation.

If you sell products online, our web developers can also create an e-commerce website with a user-friendly function, so your customer or clients can easily gain access to your products or services.

Allow us to help YOU help YOUR CUSTOMERS.