COVID-19: What Brands Can and Should Be Doing Right Now

Dan Tygard

April 15, 2020

As the world and nation turn the page on the month of March and start to look at the current COVID-19 crisis as perhaps the new norm, it has many of us as marketers thinking about what we can do.

If you’re thinking it might be time for your brand to shelter in place, think again. Below are a few ideas of how your brand can be part of the solution and not just another distraction.

Support Public Health

We all need to do our part to slow the spread of the virus. Ensure that your business is following and supporting self-quarantine guidelines issued by government agencies and health officials where applicable.

Use your brand’s platforms to show your support for these types of measures. We’ve recently seen Disney release movies ahead of schedule on their streaming service as a way to encourage social distancing and staying home. Communicate with your audience on how your brand and business is adjusting and taking measures to ensure public health and safety.

Adjust Promotions

The current health crisis is fueling an economic emergency. Be conscious to the fact that many people have seen reduced hours or are now without work. Avoid being aggressive or opportunistic with direct sales. Look for creative ways to promote goods and services that your audience needs or, when possible, offer free goods and services to your audience and community.

Be Part of the Solution in Your Sphere

Think of creative ways your brand can help. First, think about your audience and what they need right now. Look for ways to create and provide real value for them during these challenging times. Domino’s Pizza just launched a “we’re hiring” campaign focused on letting their target audience know they’re here for them.

 Next, look beyond your sphere. Charities and organizations that are involved with fighting the virus directly or indirectly are in need of help. Consider donating goods, services, or time where you can. DaleBoot, a custom ski boot manufacture based in our very own Salt Lake City, recently paused their operations and is now making face shields to help protect first responders and medical professionals.

It goes without saying, but it’s a challenging time for everyone. As marketers, we have an opportunity to help and to use our brand platforms as vehicles for doing good in uncertain times. As a creative agency with a knack for solving problems, we want to help! If you have a need and you’re looking for a partner who can approach problems from a different angle, we’re here for you. Let us know what you’re working on and we’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work together, remotely of course.