How to adapt social media to increase growth?

Have you guys noticed? How social media is being used by people and brands since the lockdown? The COVID - 19 outbreak has affected the World badly it's like everything in life has been upside down. The outbreak of coronavirus has affected everything, especially Social Media marketing of brands, whether it's a food, clothing, lifestyle, appliances or institutes. They all are brutally hit by the global economical crisis. Currently, we all are practising the social distancing and getting used to life without the outdoors to continually washing our hands and wearing masks. According to experts, this practice might continue for about 18 to 24 months. Let's hope that the World gets back to normal. However, because of the economical crisis majority of the companies are laying off or cutting off the salaries of their employees. Regrettably, these are horrifying decisions in the frightening pandemic situation. Did you guys know? In Pakistan, the poverty rate has increased because of the lockdown. But there's always a light of HOPE in all crucial times. Stay together by helping each other, by keeping apart from each other. Let's move back to the point that what's happening in the marketing world? Majority bigger brands have continued to create content that is most likely incorporating the pandemic situation and/or creating messages about precautionary measures. Even creative activities like sharing recipes, art tricks and much more! Meanwhile, some of the brands have completely shut down their operations whether it's their advertisement or just content, in short -- 'Marketing'. According to the researches (mentioned on LinkedIn), only 8% of people think that brands should stop advertising or any sort of marketing on social media because of the coronavirus outbreak. However, 78% of people believe brands should help them in their daily lives, and 75% feel brands should inform people of what they’re doing to help. 74% think companies should not exploit the situation. 45% want to see companies putting in place plans to protect the supply of products or services. Over 40% want to see companies making donations of products, such as face masks or hand sanitizer. During this crucial time, rather than running businesses, as usual, brands should at least be looking to turn and adjust their content strategies to maintain their engagement rate. In my opinion, brands need to cheer up people that this hardship will pass soon by fighting together but living separately for a while. They also need to create some productive activities for their customers to keep them engaged with their brands. Well, in Pakistan many brands and even our Entertainment industry is trying to stay connected via educational messages or creative activities. Let's have a look:

Airline Industries:

Air Blue Airline: Is trying to educate their customers that they have to maintain social distancing because it's our responsibility to control the spread of coronavirus.

Etihad Airways: Is engaging their audience amazingly by teaching basic Arabic language that they use when they welcome their guests on the flight. It's a really cool and informative campaign for their social media platforms.

Telecommunication Networks:

Jazz Mobile Network: They are educating their consumers about precautionary actions against coronavirus.

+

Laundry & Cleaning Brands:

Surf Excel Pakistan: The brand who always used to say 'Daagh toe achay hoty hain' have changed their message that staying at home is better during the COVID 19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, they are also running a creative campaign of Art and Craft videos via their social media platform, basically promoting indoor activities and 'Daagh'.

Food Industry :

OREO: Oreo is also running a crafting and creative campaign based on #GetArtsyWithOreo .

Zeera Plus: Is encouraging customers that spend more family time and enjoy Zeera plus moments.

Tuc Pk: Is encouraging people to create delicious snacks for their carvings because it's clean and hygienic these days.

Online Magazines:

The Orange Wall: They are reviving the best dramas of our industry and giving a fun, entertaining activity to their audience, as people are spending more time on social media platforms than ever before. It's an A to Z Drama Industry campaign. Loving their concept and idea!

Pharmaceutical Industry:

GavisonPk: They are integrating home cooking activities with their medicine very interestingly. Just give it a look.

Unfortunately, many brands and institutes are just waiting for things to get back to normal to run their marketing strategies as before. So, they should keep in their mind that they may be left somewhere behind in their customers' shopping list or on the customers' to-do list. Currently, it doesn't matter that, whether you are a clothing, lifestyles, electronic appliances or food industries, all you have to do is maintain your relationship with your customers. Try to come up with logical and attractive campaigns for your social media.