Across the nation, many businesses are continuing to reopen during this “new normal.” But COVID-19 has pushed more people to stay at home and seek connection through the social media world. What does this mean for businesses trying to get back on their feet? This means meeting your customers where they are spending most of their time — on social media.
How can Insurance use social to help their reopening strategy?
Reopening plans may vary by state and industry, but when it’s time to reopen your Insurance business to the public after COVID-19, social media is a great way to help reinforce new protocols and available services. Here are a few ways Insurance companies can utilize social media to help their reopening strategy:
Make sure your messaging is consistent across all owned channels.
Before you reopen — whatever that looks like for your business — take the time to make sure your channels are aligned. Make sure your social media bios and information match the times on your Google business page and website. This is a great way to avoid any confusion. Update your cover photos on Facebook and LinkedIn to include your new services so it is the first thing customers see when they come to your page.
Record a welcome back video.
This is a great way to utilize videos to inform customers about the services you are offering during this time, the safety measures your team is taking to keep everyone safe, and much more. Not only is it nice to see the face of the business but it’s a great piece of content that can be shared on all platforms.
How can restaurants use social to help their reopening strategy?
Social media is the quickest way to get the word out that your restaurant, coffee shop, or pizza place is reopening for business. In order to reinstate the trust of your customers, it’s crucial to be extra vocal in communicating your reopening strategy. Here are a few pointers:
Make your offering + business hours clear.
Keep your bio updated with when you’re open, for what, and how best to order or make a reservation. If your hours and offerings change on a weekly basis, you could create a highlight (like this one from Little Goat Diner) that shares menu changes, hour changes, and any other relevant updates.
MASK UP.
People need to see that your staff are talking the talk and walking the walk. Whether it’s a socially-distanced staff photo or selfie, throw that up on your feed every now and then to remind guests that the safety of staff & guests is not compromised.
Let your guests know what to expect.
You can do this by sharing a post about all of the precautionary measures you’re taking. How often are you sanitizing high-touch knobs & surfaces? Do you have a contactless menu & payment set-up? The more you communicate what you’re doing, the more you will instill a sense of confidence in your guests that will make them feel comfortable dining out again.
How can the residential industry use social media to help their reopening strategy?
Throughout all of COVID-19, residential properties have been open. However, daily life + finding your dream apartment had vastly changed. Communal amenities on properties like gyms, workspaces, and lounges were all shut down. Properties stopped offering in-person tours and made the entire rental process virtual. Now that restrictions are slowly being lifted, social media is the perfect tool for each property to communicate with current, and prospective residents, about the following:
Post protocols by each specific amenity.
Which ones are open? What safety precautions are being put in place? Post on your feeds about each specific amenity, how often it is cleaned, and the rules and regulations for using the space. You want those who call your building home to be able to enjoy these little luxuries while also feeling comfortable and safe.
Share all safety protocols that are in place.
What are the requirements and safety precautions of in-person tours? Provide your prospective residents with information on how the tour will be conducted in a safe and socially distant manner. Highlight all of the precautions you have taken during this time, and the extra ways you are keeping your building clean and tenants safe.
How can the luxury home and design industry use social to help with reopening efforts?
Let your customers know they are safe.
With the news constantly changing on a daily basis, people turn to social media for live updates. Your reopening plan should be highlighted across your social channels. You’ll want to pin the latest update to the top of your Facebook/LinkedIn page, update your cover photos, and create an Instagram highlight outlining your new plan. Don’t just post only once about updates! You can keep posting regularly about it to stay top-of-mind to your customers.
Share personal/authentic messages from the owner.
Now more than ever, people are craving authenticity. They want to hear from business owners about how the business is handling the pandemic. They want shared experiences and honest stories told through videos and captions. Using video gives a personal connection to your followers and makes your message more authentic. Consider having the owner of your business give a sincere video message during this time.
Host virtual events.
Host a Facebook Live or Instagram Live event where you curate a panel to discuss an industry topic. You can have your employees do live takeovers on Instagram to show how they are adjusting to the new normal or discuss the reopening plan for your business. Answer questions on-air as they come in live from the audience and encourage your team to engage with viewers via the live comments.
