As the world grapples with the economic impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown it has caused, many companies have witnessed a contraction in their operations. Marketing is no longer the priority of many businesses.
If you’re considering short-term solutions, reducing marketing activities and costs might seem smart. After all, why would you invest in something if it gives you no immediate return?
However, the key here is to think long-term instead. Remember, the pandemic isn’t here to stay. We are bound to get control of it, sometime down the road. And when we do, the demand for non-essential items and the eCommerce sector will witness a spike. Being ready for that hike is a much smarter decision than focusing on the current lack of demand.
As many businesses divert their time and investment from SEO, now is the best time to invest in it. Because it means you will get a better ranking, with much less effort and cost. And by ensuring a respectable ranking today, you can guarantee you will be one of the first businesses at the top of search engine lists when target consumers are ready to shop.
Leveraging eCommerce
Small to medium-sized businesses may need to re-think their go-to-market channels due to the coronavirus. Ecommerce businesses, in many sectors, are experiencing considerable increases in demand. Online food delivery is booming as fear sets in and people order-in instead of eat-out or risk going to the supermarket and becoming infected. With restaurants being forced to offer take-out only, adaptation is crucial for survival. Smaller players who don't already have an ecommerce set-up might be thinking about launching an ecommerce branch to reach customers who are afraid to go in-store.
But where there is fear and uncertainty, there is always opportunity. Life does still go on. But there is undoubtedly an opportunity to use digital technologies to allow staff to keep working, selling and interacting with customers online. Remote working was already on the rise, and I believe after COVID-19 has blown over working remotely will become even more the norm.
Digital Marketing is the Only Effective Tool Right Now
The masses are stuck at home. No one is out there to see your marketing communications on billboards. No one can be part of your below-the-line activities. Considering the high cost of print ads, those too are no longer feasible.
How can you reach your consumers?
You can do so via digital mediums. Even companies that haven’t previously used digital channels are now gauging the effectiveness of them. Your consumers are stuck indoors with unlimited internet connectivity and smartphones and so your target market is browsing online now more than ever before.
By investing in eCommerce SEO, you can ensure your brand is remembered by customers.
Make sure never to use the pandemic as a promotional tool. Don’t be insensitive or exploitative. Instead, serve to help and you could witness a surge on your website, which might transform into sales once we return to normalcy.
To wrap it up
No matter your industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented your business with a slew of challenges and difficult decisions, especially when it comes to how you’ll market your company.
Compared to other marketing options, SEO offers far more stability and security. It’s a great option for businesses focusing on long-term growth during tenuous times.
If you’d like to explore how SEO can help generate long-term results for your company, feel free to contact us online or give us a ring at +91 8447121833.
