Communicating during the COVID-19 pandemic

03 . 17 . 20

Due to the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, companies, candidates, and public affairs campaigns should prepare to shift their messaging as more people change their daily routines and work from home.

Consider these facts:

– Since Feb. 20, interactions on stories on social media have increased 7x and Google searches have increased 8x. (Source)

– Peak internet usage times in nations where work has shifted from the office to home due to COVID-19 have also shifted — from about dinner time to about 11 a.m. (Source)

In the coming weeks and months, social media will be one of the most effective ways to deliver your message to your audience.

Here are a few tips on communicating with your customers and followers:

– Keep talking! People want to hear from you.
– Send updates from official government sources.
– Avoid spreading fake news.
– Double check ad campaigns and scheduled posts for “off-message” content (for example, posts about upcoming events that are cancelled).
– As we begin a period of social distancing, be sure to engage your audiences through multiple platforms and formats.
– Consider hosting telephone or Facebook Live town halls to answer questions.

Contact FTS for a complete list of ideas on ads, platforms, and messaging.

Wishing you health and productivity,
Team FTS