#CallRailChat AMA: Strategic Marketing in a Recession

by

Kate McGaughey
May 21, 2020

Marketing experts Elise Connors of Anvil Analytics and Ryan Steinolfson of Accelerate Marketing joined #CallRailChat to discuss strategic pivoting during a recession.

Q1. How do I create a marketing strategy that remains sensitive to global events?

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/GirlNamedElise/status/1260994301221314562

When soliciting feedback on social media, listen first. Then find meaningful conversations in which you can participate. From there, try to weave your ask into the conversation, if it makes sense. People are on social media to socialize, so keep that in mind. - Elise Conners (@GirlNamedElise) May 14,2020

Q2. How do I create an effective campaign with a reduced budget?

Embedded content: https://https://twitter.com/RyanSteinolfson/status/1260996281813606407

Q3. What steps can be taken to secure business in the near term?

Embedded content: https://https://twitter.com/GirlNamedElise/status/1260997379286802435

Q4. How do I measure campaign success during this time?

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/RyanSteinolfson/status/1260999970385207297

Q5. Should I address global events on social media?

1. First things first, don't shy away from the situation at hand. It's fine to talk about COVID-19 and how it's impacting the world. It's especially awesome if your company is doing something to help people who've been affected by COVID. 2. Do something that aligns with your brand. At @anvilinsights, we know that there is a large education gap around analytics, so we're offering free training to help people upskill during this crisis. 3. @B2Community put together a list of examples of brands that are maximizing social media while remaining balanced with current events. - Elise Conners (@GirlNamedElise) May 14,2020

Q6. How do I target appropriate audiences during a recession?

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/RyanSteinolfson/status/1261004220758704128

Q7. How do I set goals with a reduced budget?

A7. It's all about prioritization. Under ordinary circumstances, I would recommend clients run campaigns along every stage of the funnel. Right now, that's not the reality for most businesses.

Start by allocating budget to reach people who are already aware of you. Your branded search. If someone is searching for you by name, chances are, they're your people. Unless you're a huge company, you don't have to spend a lot to be effective here.

If you still have budget left over, look at retargeting campaigns that are action-oriented (i.e., takes someone directly into purchasing or becoming a lead). Put a bit of money there.

If you still have budget left over (lucky you!), put dollars into bottom of the funnel paid search campaigns. Only bid on terms where it's crystal clear that the person is looking for your company. - Elise Conners (@GirlNamedElise) May 14,2020

Q8. Is it appropriate to run paid marketing campaigns during a crisis?

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/RyanSteinolfson/status/1261006346721386497

Q9. How can I craft competitive product/service offers that remain sensitive to customer needs right now?

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/GirlNamedElise/status/1261008219603902466

Q10. What are some creative ways you’ve seen small businesses overcome economic hurdles to drive revenue the last couple of months?

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/GirlNamedElise/status/1261010179891609600

Embedded content: https://twitter.com/RyanSteinolfson/status/1261011110049845251