When you hear the word crisis, the first thing that comes to mind is probably something large and catastrophic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Crises come in all shapes in sizes from a cybersecurity threat, a data leak or something outside the company.
Crises can make or break a company as they push them to the limit, create tension and sometimes put them in scenarios they might not have planned for.
Here are some key ways marketers can work during a crisis to ensure an organisation stays afloat and resilient.
Act with ethical behaviour
Do not use a crisis to hawk your product or services. Katie Martell says the COVID-19 pandemic gives marketers a good chance to act with competence and ethics. Don't tell your clients or customers that you care, show them.
Context matters
Whatever the brand does, it must do it in the correct context. Every post, comment or share must be scrutinised and marketers should decide whether this is relevant or not.
Focus on CX
During a crisis, customer experience needs to be at the forefront. Martech Advisor notes being empathetic and prioritising customer experience will help your brand stand out and help you build a loyal customer base.
Sensible social
Your social media will have to be monitored closely to make sure the brand does not post anything insensitive or untimely. Commentators are more susceptible to spotting the "BS" and inappropriate posts, so post wisely.
Today's actions will be tomorrow's mainstays
Whatever the brand does during the crisis, it will become the new normal afterwards. Make sure whatever you do, will help the brand and not hinder it.
Be creative
Now is the time to get your creative juices flowing. Think up new ways to engage with customers, new ways to market your products or solutions. Justify a new approach with a solid business case, connect business objectives to marketing outcomes, align with sales, and create the right benchmarks.
Align with your sales team
Your sales team will have insight into how your customers are behaving during the crisis. Sit down with the team and discuss the best course of action for the foreseeable future.
It's "business unusual"
It is not business as usual during a crisis so every day will not be the same and will most probably not look like anything you are used to. Sharon Hurley Hall says during this "business unusual" time companies should do four things, be human, be helpful, be mindful and look for opportunities.
To find out more about how to market in a crisis, contact us at AZK Media today.
This article was featured on a Trinity P3 Global Marketing blog.
Athina Mallis is a Senior Content and Communications Specialist at AZK Media.