How to Share Relevant Content on Social Media During a Crisis
In these times of a crisis, as the one we are experiencing now and have never seen before, how does one manage their social media for a business?
I have 6 ideas for you as you are trying to keep your business going and remain positive throughout the crisis.
Recently, I read a great article about the impact on social media from the crisis. If you notice less engagement on posts on certain social media networks, it's across the board. It's not just you and/or your brand.
Don't panic or disappear from social media altogether. If you do that people may think you went out of business.
There are things you can do to help others by communicating on social media now. It's time for your business to share relevant content.
Stop Your Automation Tools NOW
Now is not the time to have your social media posts going out about special events or things that are irrelevant or not happening during this crisis. If you are unsure, it means it's not the time to publish those social media posts.
Social Media - Now may be the time to turn off scheduled posts that seem so irrelevant during these times. #socialmediatip pic.twitter.com/VmI2jxY50e
- Lisa Sicard 👩💻🧡🌞 (@Lisapatb) March 16, 2020
Check out the automation tools you may be using like the Buffer, Hootsuite, Agorapulse, Triberr, IFTTT etc. Be sure to check off the scheduled posts or date them for months ahead so you can use them when the crisis is over.
Of course, once you brainstorm on your social media strategy going forward you can most certainly use automation tools to schedule your social media out.
It will save you time and keep your posts rolling out at proper intervals. I've scaled down the amount of posts going out with the current crisis for my clients and myself.
Be Helpful on Social Media
If you can help others with your business, by all means do so. Offer a service or product for FREE to help others in need.
Here are some examples I've been seeing on Twitter from large and small businesses: Notice some are giving away products for a month or two and others are offering free services depending on the type of business.
Today we announced a comprehensive COVID-19 response to help keep Americans connected to the Internet: offering free unlimited data, opening @Xfinity WiFi network nationally for free, waiving late fees, and helping low-income families get connected. https://t.co/aAXLehj8Bu
- Comcast (@comcast) March 13, 2020
Free 30 minute consulting offer - This is a very challenging time. It is also a time for all of us to come together to do what we can to help one another get through the Coronavirus situation.
I am offering to donate 30 minutes of free thinking and consulting time, DM here!
- Jeffrey Deckman (@_Deckman_) March 16, 2020
Another way to be helpful is to share information to your audience or clients. You could share local information to help them through this uncertain time.
Become Informative as Related to Your Business or Niche
Share information that is relative to your niche that is informative. You may have to get creative and a little outside of the box.
#1 thing I've learned in 15+ years working from home for both corporate & as #entrepreneur - it's not just about tools.
Mindset is 100% key. Give yourself grace. Not feeling it? Take a rest day... or a rest week! #WorkSmart #selfcare #workfromhome #wfh #coronavirus #quarantine
- Pam Moore (@PamMktgNut) March 17, 2020
Be Sympathetic to Others Before You Share Relevant Content
Many people may be experiencing high stress through a crisis. You never know what situation they may be in or experiencing. They and their families may be hit hard during the crisis.
Imagine yourself looking through their glasses at the world around them.
So, do check your timing before sharing something on social media, no matter how relevant you think the social media posts are.
Listen on Social Media
Listen to what others are saying on social media about the crisis, about other businesses, etc. You can use a tool like Brand24 to set up listening for specific keywords. Yes, you can use monitor keywords with Brand24!
We're analyzing the buzz around #QuarantineLife and the most popular mentions drew our attention today.
Amazing, how a small account (around 70 followers) can generate so much engagement 📈 and how much the smile is needed nowadays. ☺️#TakeCare!🤗 pic.twitter.com/Y0J8GzciR5- Brand24 (@brand24) March 17, 2020
When you listen to others you can learn how they are feeling and how they are reacting to the crisis and events happening around them.
Share Heart Warming Stories
People want to feel better during a crisis. If you find any heart-warming stories, share them on your various social media channels. Your readers may be tired of hearing all the hard news all day and any heartwarming story can surely make their day.
These types of posts are a great way to share relevant content during a crisis on social media.
My youngest son was bored today and said, "can we put Christmas lights on our tree outside to cheer us up?" Great idea buddy. Lights are on tonight as a sign of hope and the sweet mind of my 10 year old. #Rhodeisland #hope #lovemysons #Christmas #Cumberland pic.twitter.com/qhVjeuLc02
- Mike Griffin (@rhodyknowsbest) March 16, 2020
Keep Up With the News to Share Relevant Content
Keeping up with the news during a crisis is critical for you to share relevant content across your social media tools. I love Twitter for following local Rhode Island news with my Twitter lists.
Now, I'm loving the Ground News Pro app to stay on top of world news. It so easy to download and set up. I get alerts on any major breaking news right on my mobile device.
Ground Pro News is offering a 30 day free subscription for their PRO account and the regular app is always free.
Your Turn on How to Share Relevant Content During a Crisis
Finally, I'd love to know if and how you have changed your social media posts during this recent crisis. Any additional tips for us here?
Please leave a comment below so we can discuss!
