The Role of Social Media During COVID-19

30 Apr The Role of Social Media During COVID-19

During challenging situations, the way we respond and react to everyday things changes from the way we usually do. With a global situation such as the coronavirus pandemic, the whole world has changed the way it uses social media.

Before, we needed social media as a means to distract ourselves and while away a few hours of our day. But, it has now become one of the only means through which we can stay connected to our loved ones and carry on our businesses while remaining within the confines of our homes.

As the dynamic changes, here are some aspects of social media you should keep in mind.

Staying Visible Using Social Media

Social media marketing isn’t new. We’ve been investing in new strategies to market our products and services on social media for years. However, now that you can no longer use strategies that involve people visiting your stores or seeing an ad on a billboard, social media is the primary way to stay visible to your audience. 

Knowing that your potential customers may not be shopping online due to financial constraints and the uncertainty of the pandemic, you have to find alternative ways to use your online platform. Your marketing strategies have to be about more than selling a product or service—they have to be about staying connected with your audience.

One reason why staying visible is so important is because of the long-term benefits. If your audience remembers you as a business that stayed connected with them through the pandemic, they’re more likely to come to you when the pandemic ends.

Social media for entrepreneurs is all about building a customer base. During this pandemic, you can start by having a platform that provides entertainment and lighthearted content that gives your potential audience a break from the news they’re constantly hearing. This could come in the form of free resources, such as books, online workshops, or tutorials. 

Ways to Use Social Media to Educate People

Another reason why social media is so important in the current environment is to spread awareness and educate people about the real narrative behind the virus. Many social media users are victims to misinformation and panic-mongering by pages that thrive off of the drama. In order to counter this, other pages have been using verified sites to get new information and pass it on to their readers.

You can talk about the importance of remaining inside or the misconception that stocking up large amounts of food supplies is a good idea. Many readers follow what their peers are engaging in, which is why they need to be informed about the harmful behavior they may be exhibiting. This includes buying too many toiletries or consuming unnecessary information about the virus, which only leads to anxiety and helplessness.

Whenever you post about the pandemic, make sure you refer to a verified site like the WHO or the CDC. Giving out unchecked information can get you blacklisted by your customers and will take away from the supportive and educational platform you are trying to create.Need help effectively using social media during COVID-19? Let’s chat! Schedule a FREE consultation with me at Behind Your Curtain.