Eager to know more right away? Head straight to https://www.marketersmedia.com/grant for more information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. Schools, restaurants, and businesses have all closed down in hopes of limiting the spread of the coronavirus. 

The pandemic has also changed or more appropriately thrown our business processes into chaos. We know a lot of you, our readers, are small business owners or digital marketers and SEOs in their own right, might be feeling the same sentiment. 

Honestly, the impact of this pandemic can be awfully scary, especially when it looks like there is still no end in sight. However today we’re not here to focus on how scary this pandemic can be, but how we can strive to keep our business afloat in this tragic time. 

As a small business owner, you might be seeing fewer customers with people spending more money on necessities, rather than for products and services. 

Unless you sell face masks or hand sanitizer, you may be thinking of conserving your funds and putting your marketing efforts on hold. Think again. 

Except for businesses that are physically unable to operate right now, cutting your marketing budget means no resulting sales, and will cause your business to come to a halt. That’s why, now more than ever, we need to invest smart – not more – into marketing. 

We understand. In this age of coronavirus, you might think it’s superficially commercial to discuss marketing or brands and pricing, but the practical reality sees that we must continue marketing to help those in need and also for the good of the business. 

Because though we might not know what is going to happen in the upcoming months, what we do know is that one day the coronavirus outbreak will end and businesses who can rebound the fastest are those who haven’t stopped their engagement with customers. That can be YOU. 

Digital Marketing Is More Essential Now 

If anything, digital marketing has become more important amidst this crisis when everyone is being on lockdown. Consumers are anxious, paranoid but they are mostly active online. 

This also means it is time for us as marketers to rethink our marketing strategy to be more cost-effective and digitally proficient in reaching our target audiences.

But above all, as a business owner, we should first and foremost post our response to the COVID-19 situation, for our users and customers. 

Guess what, there’s a super-effective way at zero cost. 

Oh, wait, it’s already in the headline. 

We found out that MarketersMEDIA, a press release distribution company has recently set up a marketing aid of $1.5 million in press release credits to help all ventures and businesses that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Specifically, the marketing aid will provide businesses with a First Tier press release, which is their best plan for free. You can send your news to over 500 authoritative media outlets like AP News, USA Today, MarketWatch, Comtex, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and VNN, and it’s all at zero cost. How amazing is that?

In fact, we have actually already submitted our application and now we are sharing this out so you wouldn’t miss it. 

Cause just imagine, using this MarketersMEDIA press release, you can get your business message heard by both journalists and the general public. 

This can be a great opportunity whether it is to let your audience know regarding the immediate steps you’re going to take to deal with this crisis or even as a channel to reach out to more potential consumers. 

Virtually everybody is online during this crisis, but they are not only online. Many of us are on our mobile devices checking the news, looking for the daily updates on coronavirus and actively seeking out news regarding it. 

At a time when everyone is checking in on news, it’s only obvious that issuing press releases and press statements should be an important part of your marketing strategy. 

That’s why now is the time for business owners to issue press releases and press statements in relation to the coronavirus news. 

Caution: Read This Before You Send Your PR

However, it’s also important to note that any marketing strategies which incorporate messaging around the coronavirus should be executed with caution. 

If you get this wrong and look as though you are trying to profit from the pandemic, you will get a negative response from target audiences and it will be incredibly damaging for your reputation as a brand both in the short and long-term.

However, when done right, it can bring good results, especially with the many benefits of press releases for SEO and online marketing.  

So before you head to claim the free First Tier press release, remember to read our blog post on how to wire SEO-friendly press releases.

Also, here are are some tips on the message and positioning your press release should take. 

How to Position Your Brand and Value During the Pandemic. 

1. Be Transparent & Share How Your Business is Navigating COVID-19

Transparency has always been the key to build trust with the customers. Like this press release from Yum! Brands, if you are working in the food and beverage industry, share with your customers the procedures you have in place to ensure that the safety of both your customers and employees are taken care of. 

2. Stay Proactive and Make Sure Your Customer Service is Still Flawless

Customer service is more important than ever, and especially now in this time of crisis, your customers will need reassurance from your business whether you are in affected industries or not. 

That’s why you should take the extra mile and let your customers know that your operations and team are always ready for them. 

3. Be Supportive and Provide Assistance and Aid During The Crisis

It’s important to let consumers know that your company is here to help. Offer them long term free trials or loyalty programs that you know will come in handy for them and bring financial reassurance during this crisis. 

But don’t just provide the resources in silence, market it out and let everyone know about your marketing aid and support. 

With that said, the key here is to take this opportunity to tell your customers that your company is taking ownership of the situation, as much as possible, and reassure your valued customers. 

The next quarter will undoubtedly be challenging for businesses worldwide, but pulling back for the short term will only hurt your business in the long term.

Most importantly, you should always show customers your business care and offer assurance that you are thinking long-term and prepare for the ongoing crisis. 

SEOPressor has already claimed their First Tier press release, so what about you?

For more information on MarketersMEDIA’s $1.5M grant for SMBs, visit https://www.marketersmedia.com/grant.

Lastly, we hope you share this message with other business owners who are struggling in the pandemic and always, remember to stay safe. 

Updated: 24 April 2024

About Vivian

Vivian is an anthropologist lost in the world of digital marketing. She has an interest in learning about the science of marketing and the creativity that businesses use to transform themselves into purple cows.