Encourage the Creation of Content by Your Customers
Creating content may be more difficult during the pandemic. But you need to continue to be present on social media. You need to find original ways to communicate with your target audience. With the advent of influencers and platforms like Instagram or TikTok, more and more people are creating content that can be shared by companies. In addition to showing that you care about your customers, it shows a new facet of your company or your products. Therefore, encourage your customers to create content for you by offering a dedicated hashtag! Of course, make sure it's positive content.
Three Words: Trust, Authenticity and Nostalgia
For many, the past year has been a source of a lot of stress. So, what can companies do to help their customers feel better? Our first word of 2021 is trust. Know how to reassure people and show them that you are there for them. This can be shown in different ways, such as displaying your values or being transparent about your manufacturing methods.
Our second word of 2021 is authenticity. The phenomenon of fake news does not seem to be fading. So, it's important to show that you are authentic and true. Pay attention to the information you share and have integrity.
Finally, the last word to remember is nostalgia. This is a strong trend in recent months because people want to forget about the pandemic for a time when everything was calmer. It is true that this craze for the past is not new. For example, we only have to think about the success of the series Stranger Things. In short, for 2021, inspire confidence, show your authenticity, and know how to use nostalgia when communicating with your customers.
Adapting to the pandemic and post-pandemic
It was one thing to adapt to the pandemic, but do you have a plan for when the pandemic is over? It is very likely that things will not return as before when this whole saga is over. Therefore, do you have any idea what you will do when everything becomes more normal? Our advice is know how to be resilient and be on the lookout for good ideas no matter what this new year has in store for us. For example, if you have a restaurant, it may be worth having a takeout menu for anytime or offering free delivery. As the famous Darwin said, "The species that survive are not the strongest, nor the most intelligent, but the species that adapt best to change."
The Importance of Being Online
There are still several companies that have no online presence. It is now 2021, there are no more excuses. If you offer a service, then you want to be easily found by the thousands who search Google every day. Your business probably deserves more than just a Facebook page. Gain credibility by creating a website. If you already have a site, have you ever thought about selling your products or services on it? It's easier than you might think, and it can allow you to diversify what you offer. If necessary, take a look at our article on 9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Launching Your Online Store.
Focus on Video Games and Podcasts
There are two industries that have been particularly hot in recent months: video games and podcasts. First, it is not surprising to find out that people have been playing video games a lot during the pandemic. What we want to emphasize here is that this medium is increasingly being used as a marketing tool. An example of this is Fortnite. They do special events to promote films. Another example is Animal Crossing who has worked with companies like Marc Jacobs and KFC. It is expensive to do marketing campaigns on these platforms, but have you ever thought about sponsoring players on Twitch? This is a great business opportunity if you are working in a field that may be of interest to digital and video game enthusiasts.
And what about podcasts? There are numerous and the popularity continues to grow. Have you thought about creating your own? You could show the other side of your business or do interviews with people in your community. If not, don't hesitate to research and sponsor podcasts that might be of interest to your target audience.
Targeted Content and Advertising
As you know, there has been a general decline in organic reach for several years now. As a result, many people have turned to paid content to stand out. One of the mistakes we often see is not taking the time to create targeted content for different groups of your customers or depending on your products. Be specific and target the right people. For example, don't talk about your delivery service to customers who live outside the service area. As well, don't talk to single people about your family plan. Identify groups that might be interested in your products or services. Then, create custom content specifically for them. If you don't know where to start, learn how to create personas.
In conclusion, we hope we have given you some prosperous paths to follow so that you can start 2021 on the right foot. It's not clear what the next few months will bring but stay calm and find ways to stay useful to your customers no matter what the situation. If you've managed to get through the past year, you'll be able to cope with everything the future holds.
Our entire team wishes you a wonderful year filled with success!