Re-evaluating Your Technology Marketing Strategy Amid the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
April 10, 2020The Importance of Communication in Design
April 29, 2020Amid the global pandemic of the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus, asking yourself what’s next for your technology company can be challenging. Where should your company focus efforts to position your organization for a quick recovery? What adjustments do you need to make to your technology marketing plan to thrive in a new environment?
Developing your tech company’s marketing strategy can be difficult during uncertain times. However, as we set our sights on COVID-19 recovery, here is how you can begin planning:
Where the Recovery Will Start
There is no doubt that the coronavirus has impacted the economy. However, the severity and length of its impact will vary from state to state and by region. It is expected that the recovery will be very geo-targeted in nature. This means that rural areas with low rates of infection will recover more quickly than densely-populated cities where infections occurred at a higher rate. Therefore, one-size-fits-all marketing campaigns and activities will not be effective for the next 2 to 3 months.
TIP #1 — Marketers would be wise to segment their tech companies’ databases for outbound campaigns into different geographical regions and create appropriate messaging for each state or region. By carefully planning and curating this message, enterprises will avoid being too insensitive in aggressively marketing to areas that are not ready.
Your Marketing Campaigns Are Only As Good As the Data Used
There is no doubt that a number of technology companies will go out of business, merge, be acquired, go into bankruptcy. Businesses may even emerge from the pandemic looking much different than they did before. Additionally, the downturn in the economy will cause a large number of layoffs and furloughs to the American workforce.
TIP #2 — Marketers will need to be diligent in updating and maintaining customer and prospect databases. This will allow for outbound campaigns like email, direct mail, and telemarketing to be effective.
Life and Decline of Some Industries
As the impact of COVID-19 unfolds, marketers will find that some industries will be more affected than others. There is no doubt that the pandemic has significantly impacted industries like retail and hospitality. Other sectors, such as healthcare, are seeing an increased demand for technology, services, and support.
TIP #3 — Take the time to evaluate the industry focus of your marketing plan and if possible. Make adjustments based on the health and needs of the different industries you currently sell into.
How Marketing ROI Will Be Affected
As your technology company continues to execute your marketing plan, it’s essential to recognize that marketing efforts may not render your typical results with specific industries or business types being shut down. Across our base of technology clients, we have noticed a decrease in search volume, resulting in a slight decline in website traffic and lead generation numbers.
TIP #4 — While we expect this to be a short-term issue, it’s important to reset expectations and establish new benchmarks.
Less Competition Means More Opportunity
When the economy is going through a downturn, the natural instinct for companies is to cut back on marketing. As a result, there is often less competition, making it easier and faster for marketers to achieve results and gain a decisive advantage over competitors that have gone dormant with their marketing efforts.
TIP #5 — When others look to cut back, strategically invest in marketing tactics that will help your company gain market share, new customers, and deeper relationships.
An Industry-Proven Partner
Looking to reevaluate your marketing efforts? Contact the SkyRocket Group to learn how our digital marketing programs can help your company increase web traffic and generate more leads.