5 Thoughtful Strategies from Startup Fortune on Brand Building in the Wake of a Global Pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by surprise. Consumers and business owners alike have been forced to rethink “business as usual” in these unpredictable times. 

As a business owner you’re probably aware of the need for a shift in thinking when it comes to marketing and brand building during this crisis. 

These times call for a different approach that lets your customers know you understand what they are going through. 

You can see examples of it everywhere. Businesses are changing the way they interact with their customers and reaching out to support them in any way they can. The following 5 tips will help you better understand where your business fits in, so you can decide the best course of action to ensure your brand survives and thrives during this crisis. 

1. Listen to What the Market is Telling You 

In marketing, a general rule is to provide a message that matches your market. While you may have had successful messages in the past, the current situation calls for rethinking that message. 

Recognize the realities of economic downturn, travel restrictions and social distancing. Your marketing messages must reflect your awareness of these things so you do not get caught with your proverbial foot in your mouth. 

2. Lend a Helping Hand to Your Community 

Whether you’re a local business owner in a small town or you run an online membership site with thousands of members, it is important to let your customers know you are willing to help in a time of crisis. 

It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it would be wise to think of different ways in which you can lend your support. Perhaps you can offer some of your products and services for free, or run a promotion that donates a large portion of the profits to a charity that plays a major role in relief for those affected worse by the pandemic. 

3. The Customer Must Come First 

We are all suffering the consequences of this global pandemic. But the last thing you want to do is talk about your problems and how much your business is suffering. 

First of all, it makes you look needy and desperate, like you don’t care about your customers. And second, your customers have their own problems to worry about. You have no idea how much worse off someone may be than you. 

If you’re going on and on about your reduced revenue, how is that going to look to someone who just lost a family member to the virus? 

4. Become a Beacon of Truth and Honesty 

As we all know, a time of crisis brings an opportunity for fear mongering. The mainstream media, social media, your local conspiracy theorist… they all are jumping at the chance to speak their opinions. 

And while many of them may be basing their opinions on fact, the general public is left to fend for themselves when it comes to seeking the truth. 

You should always practice honest and ethical marketing and branding strategies. But it is even more important to provide your customers with clear messages during a time of crisis. You don’t want to be known as the business who takes advantage of its customers when they are most vulnerable. 

5. Spread a Message of Hope 

At the end of the day, we are all human beings with similar hopes and dreams. We are all affected in some way or another by this virus. And it is important for all of us to come together and let each other know that we have each other’s backs. 

This is especially important for our leaders in the business community. Take this opportunity to let your customers and the general public know that you are willing to do your part. 

We Will Survive!

Above all, people want to know that we will get through this. We all like the feeling of security that comes with being part of a community. 

And what do community members do? They support one another. As we march forward, one thing is for sure: The human race will survive this terrible pandemic. 

It’s up to you as a business owner to support and honor your customers. The survival of your brand and business depends on it. 

Startup Fortune, is platform built to help startups and entrepreneurs from around the world with their growth hacking and marketing strategies. More details about the platform can be found on their instagram https://instagram.com/startupfortune