Why Companies Should Rely On Social Media Now

The coronavirus not only poses a threat to the health and life of many people, but it also threatens numerous livelihoods in other ways. This explains why companies, service providers and freelancers should now rely on social media.

Artists and the self-employed no longer receive orders or customers; restaurants have to close, and, above all, small businesses are struggling with liquidity bottlenecks. Talking about social media in light of this grave situation might sound weird. But right now, it is more important than ever because Facebook and Co. are currently a real opportunity for companies, service providers and freelancers. You can now score points with social media for the following reasons:

More People Around The World Are Using Social Media

Whether curfew or (voluntary) quarantine: Due to the coronavirus, our lives are shifting to our own four walls. When school, sports, meeting friends and dining out are gone, there is a lot of free time left over. Many people spend this online, preferably on the social web.

In the last few weeks, the usage of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube has increased immensely. More and more people are using social networks to exchange ideas with family, friends or colleagues, maintain social contacts, find out about current developments, or keep themselves busy.

This is a massive opportunity for companies, service providers and freelancers: Right now, you have the chance to reach more people than ever with posts and advertisements and to develop new target groups.

Inform Customers And Counteract Fake News On Social Media

Good communication is more critical now than ever. Many people use social networks to get information. But the rumour mill is simmering. Shops, restaurants and bars, in particular, have unfortunately recently had to deal with false reports in which it is said that they have closed.

Now is the time to take the initiative and regain control of communication! You should continue to provide your customers with regular information via your social media channels and thus counteract false reports.

Digital Events And Creativity Are In Demand

Extraordinary situations require extraordinary measures. What otherwise took place in public now has to be digitized (where possible).

Getting creative for our customers. For example, we are currently implementing instructions for Easter decorations for a customer, which children can easily make themselves. It is ideal if the parents work in the home office and want to keep their offspring busy for a while! We produce an animated product clip for another customer’s LinkedIn channel – this is how video production works without any personal contact!

There are also various options for other professional groups. Fitness trainers, for example, can create digital workout plans and sell them online. Speakers and coaches who usually speak at events can create online training courses or webinars and make them available for a fee. Artists can record their work in videos, possibly on YouTube.

Build a channel and earn money from it. Musicians can stream concerts live, and small retailers can sell products through online marketplaces. Even entire trade fairs can now be held virtually.

Benefit now from the advantages and possibilities of social media platforms with creative content. Have the courage to break new ground!

Purchasing Behaviour And The Corona Crisis

The Corona crisis also had a significant impact on our purchasing behaviour. Not only are groceries and emergency supplies being bought heavily at the moment, but the entertainment industry also benefits greatly. People also queue up in hardware stores and drugstores to stock up on essentials or get materials for planned home improvement projects. In addition, delivery services, streaming providers and providers of e-learning tools could be among the winners of the Corona crisis.

Are your products or services still in demand? Then you should step on the gas now! Right now, with good marketing, primarily via social media (see also point 1), you have the chance to continue to reach your target group and to survive the crisis well or even more than well.

Show Common Sense, Show Solidarity And Help Others

As bad as it may be, a crisis often produces a bit of good.

One example is hashtags like #stopthespread, #stayathome or #flatten the curve, under which social media users, celebrities, politicians and companies call on users to stay at home, thus slowing down the spread of the virus.

Aid networks and neighbourhood initiatives, in which people mobilize their energies to provide the elderly and other risk groups with food or hygiene items, are also excellent. These initiatives are organized through Facebook pages or groups, for example.

Social institutions also use the possibilities of the social web to get in touch with those in need. In other groups, for example, freelancers exchange ideas, the members support each other by shopping in their colleagues’ shops.

Companies, service providers and freelancers can and should position themselves here on the one hand and take their position. Second, you can use your reach and opportunities to help others. The social networks can now live up to their name and show how social they are!

Fake News, Rumours, Fear on Social Media: There Are Also Downsides

Of course, I don’t want to claim that social media only has positive effects in times of crisis. Everyone can express their opinion and share information with the whole world via Facebook, Instagram and Co. This is, of course, a double-edged sword. The downsides of social networks are also evident again in the context of the Corona crisis. Many false reports, unfounded rumours or conspiracy theories are circulating on the platforms. In addition, images of overcrowded hospitals and empty supermarket shelves stir up people’s fear.

Finding a solution to this problem is not that easy. However, the providers are already very active against fake news and use their reach to make their users look serious.

Refer to sources such as the Ministry of Health. What helps is media and communication skills: Everyone should be aware that news on social media platforms does not always come from reliable sources. Therefore, one should remain vigilant, do not believe everything you read, and, above all, do a quick fact check before spreading the news and possibly stirring up panic. 

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