Why is it important to engage your customers during COVID-19?

Businesses and hardworking people far and wide have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic and the ensuing economic downturn.

Due to lock down in cities across the globe, more people are working from home to avoid catching the virus. People have embraced the self-isolation lifestyle and most are turning to the internet and their mobile devices as a consistent and reliable source of at-home entertainment.

Did you know that:

  • Australians are accessing the internet from home in record numbers, causing up to an 80% increase in demand.
  • Netflix gains almost 16 million new subscribers in Q1 2020

In a time of social distancing, It’s not easy to stay at the top of your customer's mind. This is especially challenging for businesses that rely on face-to-face interactions. You need a solution that will leverage today's technology and show your community that your business is adaptable to suit their lifestyle, no matter where they are.

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Why do brands need to stay connected to their audience during social distancing?

We need to fill in the gap in communication and interaction during the lock down. Although many businesses are slowing down, that doesn’t mean you should ignore your existing community. Your customers are as hungry as ever for online experiential content. Sending reassuring emails and ramping up social media posts are good strategies, but there are more effective ways to engage your audience online in the convenience of their own home.

In this time of uncertainty, connecting to your audience means you can:

  • Reach your audience on their favourite platform
  • Engage customers at a time and place that is convenient for them
  • Motivate their behaviour and encourage them to take action‍
  • Send a unique message and share your story

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How can we stay connected?

Pre-pandemic, experiential events, installations and games have proven to be the best way to connect brands with customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual experiential events can help communities stay connected as well as encourage positive brand interactions.

Entertainment is not the only reason why people are scouring the internet or downloading more apps. Go-getters are looking to replicate real-world experiences so they don't miss out on any opportunities, despite isolation, your community is still looking to interact and get involved.

With more people at home, virtual experiential campaigns offer genuine interactions and can ignite action at a time and place that best suits your community. Here are 7 great digital campaigns you can create to interact with your online communities:

AR Product Launch

Looking to attract curious customers to your new product? Design a virtual product launch within an AR experience. Augmented reality is now more accessible than ever through today's mobile devices. AR can add a level of sophistication to your launch and allow your customers to explore your product from new angles.

Virtual Open Days

University intake approaching? Virtual open days allow for interested candidates to learn more about your university through an interactive and fun platform. Potential students can explore your campus like an RPG (role-playing game) or using advanced video conferencing to simulate a real-time tour.

Gamified Online Training

There has been an increase in self-learning from individuals stuck at home. Take a look at how you distribute you content, analyse the data and rethink how you can improve online training for your students/employees stuck at home. Explore how you can amplify your online training procedures with gamification strategies.

Virtual Conferences

One immediate outcome of the COVID-19 lockdown is the rapid rise in interest in virtual conferences. Transform your conference into a virtual gathering and marketplace. Due to conferences being cancelled or postponed amidst the pandemic, people are still looking to businesses to offer alternative online platforms for their conference.

Social Campaign Game

Studies have shown that people are more receptive to messages presented to them in an interactive format. The best way to motivate your audience to take action or donate towards your campaign is to offer valuable content through game levels, social competition and achievements.

Virtual Online Store

Online shopping is at an all-time high. Recreate the emotions and experience of a physical store with a virtual online store. Virtual reality can elevate your customers shopping experience VR technology is now made more prevalent and easy to use through smartphones and tablets.

Branded Mobile or Web Game

Branded Games focus on a specific product, service or gamify the creative of a promotional campaign. Games are today's engagement engines, unlike advertisements brand games build brand trust and loyalty through meaningful and rewarding gameplay.

Want to find out if virtual experiential events are the right fit for your business objectives? Chat with Nico today on how we can help you reach your goals.