Six actionable content strategy ideas during challenging times – by Rohit Arora

Challenging times are opportunity disguised as problems – and brands must act fast. Brands need to be as useful as possible by combining purpose + practicality + creativity.

But should one even spend on marketing communication?

Many marketeers put a complete freeze on their marketing communication budgets. Not the most prudent strategy.

This is the time to show you care and be more useful. Depending on your category and brand stature, there could be little forgiveness for inaction and underreacting.

If your competitors aren’t spending – it’s a bonus!
You spend lesser on media buying and get a greater share of voice – hence share of mind, and eventually share of wallet.

 What you really need is recalibration of your marketing content messages.

This doesn’t mean that you go on a spending spree either.
Limit your marketing spends to a reasonable level. Importantly, make it count!

Here are some insights and ideas that can help:

1. All brands are likely to be put on test on if they’re living up to their purpose.

   We need to ask ourselves: How we can bring to life our brand purpose / promise / essence. Be an ally to your consumers, “prove” that you care, “demonstrate” empathy. Reinforcing an emotional connection is vital.

   Example: Remember the Pepsi Refresh campaign? Instead of spending on Super Bowl ads, they awarded $20 million in grants to individuals, businesses and non-profits that promote a new idea that has a positive impact. This led to months of user generated content, on top of their own. And, of course loads of earned PR.
   

2. Most people are likely to get extremely careful of their spending.

   While the obvious answer is to focus on rational attributes and demonstrate better value, be extremely careful of your brand voice. Be genuine. “We’re-in-this-together” and that’s the approach and tonality you must have.

   Examples:
   • If you’re an automobile brand, do talk about better mileage, practical and hard-working features. But, do it with empathy. In the past, brands in this category have also spoken about buy-backs, extend warranty and services.
   • If you’re in the service industry like a bank, you could focus on your contactless feature, cash-back cards and other savings schemes. But, do it with the sense of help. Pepper it with practical tips. Remember, purpose before profit.
   Also, this isn’t the time for one-upmanship against your competitors. Help them instead and people will remember you for that.
   •If you run a loyalty program, remind people to benefit from them. Open your hearts and wallet a bit. Share notifications of your offers, but also connect emotionally. For instance, food brands can communicate that families who eat together, stay together.

3. More people are likely to DIY, wherever they can.
   We know that people tend to YouTube / Google for this type of content all the time. Support them with practical advice in the formats they prefer – videos and infographics.
   • If you’re a fitness center, you can give tips on home exercises or perhaps do it virtually. Today there so many video and virtual tools at our disposal.
   • If you are a food brand, you could give easy, practical recipes for different type of consumer segments, from new-to-cooking to an expert.
   • Similarly, how to assemble furniture or fix things in your category or troubleshoot any issue.

4. People are generally appreciative of feel good and/or entertaining content during these times.
   Now more than ever, brands need to harness the mindset of a publisher and create cultural value by either entertaining them or inspiring them. Even minor light-hearted and entertainment can also go a long way provided you are thoughtful with tonality and are true to your brand.
   Example:
   •Inspiring content in the form of thematic Hero content – insight-driven or evocative, relevant to your category and mindsets.
   • Web-series or daily/weekly episodes (Hub content in YouTube terminology) can also be effective, e.g. like the fitness center or recipe examples discussed earlier. Make it lighthearted, conversational and entertaining.

5. Even those that are digitally savvy may need help to adapt to your digital platform.
   Today, many organizations are digitally transformed, and they’ve made huge investments in it. But, what’s the point if only limited people use the new features? Both YouTube and Google advocate help content in the form of How-To videos.
   Examples:
   • How to pay your utility bills online using the app / computer
   •How to do various banking services, if you’re a bank
   •How to make the best use of the electrical appliance / your online freelance platform
   How to install, troubleshoot, participate in a competition, claim a price, etc.
   
6. Internal communication – your employees look to you to provide clear and consistent messaging regarding not only the day-to-day, but also what’s coming next.
   Company leadership and internal communications officers have a great responsibility. Your employees can be your biggest source of advocacy and influencers. Treat them right and provide them with guidance, and they will share the love with friends and family, and on social media and beyond, strengthening brand reputation organically.
   Examples of the content you can generate:
   • Regular words of assurance and periodic updates from the top management – with authority, humanity and clarity
   •Tips, advice and regular encouragement 

Of course, one size doesn’t fit all, so you need to brainstorm on what is right for your brand, your category and most importantly, your customers.

And remember, as Henry Ford said: “A man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops the clock to save time”.