The rapid rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) has left many businesses facing a great deal of uncertainty. Don’t let the unknown hold you back in 2020. We put together a few ideas to help keep your enterprising wheels turning and keep your business at the forefront of the hospitality industry. Our comprehensive guide below will help you weather the current situation and be in prime position when travelers are ready to hit the road again. Together, we will navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Should You Continue Marketing During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
We know this is a sensitive time for your business. We also understand that you need to stay top-of-mind with your customers, but doing so requires the right approach. Yes, you should continue digital marketing during the COVID-19 crisis, but there has to be a balance. You don’t want to appear insensitive nor should you disappear.
Let’s look at a few steps you can take that will not only help you persevere but also emerge ready to bounce back stronger than ever. Below, we offer several DIY solutions and a few Q4Launch services and products we’d love to help you put to use.
3 Ways to Persevere Through COVID-19
Define Your Level of Impact
As we know, different regions of the world have been hit harder than others. What has this meant for your business? Have you continued with business as usual while monitoring the situation? Have you scaled back in guest services or have you decided to close your doors temporarily? Depending on your answer, it will drive your marketing efforts throughout this critical period. Let’s dive further into tips for marketing during a crisis.
Tips for Continuing With Business as Usual
There are ways to continue with business as usual, even during a sensitive period.
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Promote Gift Certificates Using Q4Flash
Nothing makes guests more anxious for a getaway quite like being stuck inside their home. Get visitors excited about staying with you, even if they can’t do it right away. The idea of a luxurious or adventurous trip is a beautiful distraction, and gift certificates are the perfect way to boost morale for family members, friends, and employees.
Utilize our newest service, Q4Flash, to inspire customers to plan their next vacation. Q4Flash promotes urgency (limited-time offers) paired with custom content shared across multiple platforms for an experience your visitors won’t be able to resist.
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Communicate Fluidly
It is important, now more than ever, to keep the lines of communication open. We may be social distancing, but we are also congregating social media like never before. Meet with your trusted marketing team about how and what to post during this time. Here are a few ideas of what to post on social media during a crisis.
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- Short videos and live feed. Thank your customers for their concern and update them on any happenings around the property.
- Promote secluded vacation rentals as a retreat from profoundly impacted areas.
- Post beautiful property photos.
- Use proper hashtags. (I.e. #coronavirus, #COVID19, #Staycation, #StayHome)
- Update guests on any changes and improvements happening on-site.
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Utilize Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to drive e-commerce conversions during a time of crisis. Offer exclusive deals, keep guests up-to-date on any happenings, and send out stunning new photos of what you’ve been up to during the pause. Get them excited to travel when the coast is clear!
Tip for Scaling Back Slightly
If the situation in your area requires you to scale back, here are a few things you can do to make the most of this unscheduled break.
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Renovate
Be smart with your extra time. Complete the elusive projects on your to-do list. Freshen up the paint. Rearrange the furniture. Replant your gardens. Just be sure to keep your customers updated on social media as you accomplish each task!
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Spend Time Promoting Reviews
Dedicate social media and email campaigns to promoting reviews. Go through your OTAs and social media reviews and respond to them. Thank your guests for taking the time to review your business and respond to any concerns. This is an effective way to build brand loyalty and awareness.
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Rally Around Other Small Businesses
Promoting other local businesses will subsequently increase travel to your area. In addition, it will encourage other local business owners to support you and your business. Join forces and spread the small business love during a time of national crisis!
Tips for Closing Temporarily
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Temporarily Close on Google My Business
Keeping your customers as up-to-date as possible during times of uncertainty is extremely important. Google is the first place most of your customers will go to find out the standing of your company. Learn how to temporarily close your business on Google My Business.
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Promote Advanced Bookings
This, too, shall pass. Keep your guests excited about visiting your property. Promote packages and specials for future bookings. Use Q4Flash to promote gift certificates to use on future stays. Encourage guests to reschedule their vacations rather than cancel them. Push the idea of “looking ahead” or “dreaming of the future” while we must stay indoors for the time being.
Overcome Adversity With Q4Launch
If you can’t figure out which way to go, Q4Launch is here to help. We will get through this together and come out the other end stronger and more united. By pulling together and getting creative, the hospitality industry will rise again. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you!