I distinctly remember a case study I read about in a college marketing class. It was the story of Kellogg’s and Post and how their advertising strategy differed during the Great Depression.
In the early 1920s, breakfast cereal had been around a while but was still struggling to get market share with oatmeal and Cream of Wheat. So when the Great Depression hit, the two cereal companies weren’t sure how to respond. Post, the market leader at the time, took the conservative approach and cut back on their expenses, particularly advertising. Kellogg’s, on the other hand, moved aggressively into radio and started advertising Rice Krispies. By 1933, “Snap, Crackle and Pop” was successful and Kellogg’s profits had risen nearly 30 percent. This shift made them the leading cereal brand, which they still are today.
Sadly, I’ve already started seeing companies decrease their spending on advertising amidst the COVID 19 crisis. You’d think that during times like this, companies would pivot like Kellogg’s but instead many tighten belts like Post. Studies have shown that companies that strategically spend on advertising during an economic downturn fare better than those who cut advertising spending. So what does this mean for your small business and what do you need to be doing right now?
- Don’t overreact. Now is not the time to cut your advertising budget. Instead of cutting your budget, consider how you can shift your advertising to support the current crisis.
- Stay consistent. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your eye on the ball. Be sure you remain focused on your goal and continue conversations with your target audience. Freshen up your web design, stay active on social media and take this time to work on your SEO.
- Utilizing expert insights can also enhance your advertising efforts. GA and SEO consulting can provide invaluable guidance on optimizing your online presence and ensuring your content reaches the right audience. By focusing on analytics and search engine optimization, you can refine your marketing strategies to attract more visitors and engage potential customers effectively.
- Change up your message. You can change your message without changing your goal. The key is knowing this is only temporary. Focus on building trust.
- An ROI-focused SEO campaign is essential for ensuring that your advertising dollars are being spent wisely, especially in challenging times. By honing in on targeted keywords and optimizing your content for search engines, you can drive high-quality traffic to your site and increase conversions. Partnering with companies like Vineyard Links can help you create a tailored SEO strategy that maximizes return on investment. With their expertise, you can identify key areas for improvement, track performance metrics, and continuously refine your approach to ensure your content resonates with your target audience while improving your overall visibility.
- Rethink your product. Kellogg’s launched a new product that resonated with families they were marketing to. Think about what product or service you offer and how you can retool it during a down economy.
- To navigate a challenging market, leveraging data-driven strategies can make a significant difference. Collaborating with an influencer marketing agency can amplify your reach and enhance your brand’s credibility. By partnering with influencers who align with your values and target audience, you can create authentic content that resonates deeply with potential customers. This approach not only helps in expanding your brand’s visibility but also builds trust through genuine endorsements.
- An effective website marketing strategy is crucial for businesses aiming to maximize their online presence and drive conversions, particularly during challenging economic times. Collaborating with an experienced ecommerce agency in Los Angeles, California can provide valuable insights into market trends and customer behaviors, ensuring that your website is strategically positioned for success. Such partnerships enable businesses to craft tailored marketing campaigns that enhance visibility and engagement while optimizing the return on investment.
- Support your network. Now is not the time to burn bridges and tarnish your business relationships. Take care of your business partners and connect with them to see how you can help each other.
Hopefully, this is a short roller coaster ride. We all need to strap ourselves in and get ready for the ups and downs. With the right decisions, you’ll look back and be thankful for what your business learned from the COVID 19 crisis.