Well, there’s no getting around it. COVID-19 has flipped our world upside down. And some are saying there’s no going back. So how does this affect your content marketing strategy? Should you blog about COVID-19 or just ignore it and give your readers a sense of normalcy?
For the most part, my suggestion to you is to talk about it as long as you’re responsible with the information you share. There is so much misinformation spreading about COVID-19 that you should definitely not add yourself to that mix!
That said, this is the perfect opportunity to bring hope to someone. After all, the coronavirus has impacted practically every single person in the United States. (And if you live outside the U.S., chances are, it’s impacted every person in your country, too!)
Granted, there are some bloggers who probably shouldn’t blog about it because it’s simply not helpful to their readers in any way.
People who shouldn’t blog or podcast about COVID-19 include people whose followers are seeking an escape from the bad news of everyday life. Their readers follow them to be entertained or to learn more about a feel-good hobby.
But even that doesn’t mean all entertainers or hobby instructors should shy away from talking about COVID-19. The best way for you to know if you should stay quiet about the virus is to simply ask your audience.
If you’re still not sure which camp you should be in, email me at jennyrosespaudo@gmail.com or send me a Facebook message. I’d love to help you figure this out!
After all, it’s more than likely that you shouldn’t shy away from this ugly topic.
Why You Really Should Blog About COVID-19
I’m of the opinion that those who shouldn’t blog about COVID-19 are the exception, not the rule.
Why?
Because the virus has changed the way many of us live our daily lives. Our habits have changed. Many of us are starting to work from home full-time. Some are learning how to homeschool their public-schooled kids. Others are trying to figure out how to do things digitally that they’ve done in-person for decades. Raise your hand if you had to figure out Zoom in the last month.
It’s a weird time to be alive. And if one thing is certain, it’s that we’re all learning new things and trying to figure stuff out.
That’s why now, more than ever, your followers need to hear from you that everything is going to be OK.
If you’re a homeschool influencer, your followers need to know it’s going to be OK—they can protect their families, keep them healthy and still get their homeschool duties done.
In fact, now is a great time for homeschool influencers to expand their market and reach out to parents of public-schooled kids who desperately need advice for how to teach their children at home.
If you’re a nutritionist or fitness expert, your followers need to know it’s going to be OK—they can still eat healthy and work out faithfully even during quarantine. Look, those extra quarantine pounds are REAL, friend.
If you’re in ministry, your followers need to know it’s going to be OK—God is still with them. And He’s still the same yesterday, today and forever. He will get them through this crisis.
If you’re a financial expert, your followers REALLY need to know it’s going to be OK! With everyone freaking out about recession, now is the time to reinforce basic financial wisdom and remind people they don’t have to panic if they manage their money wisely.
It’s Time to Get Innovative
A crisis isn’t a time to shy back in fear. A crisis is a perfect opportunity to get creative.
Don’t think of it as taking advantage of the horrible situation. If that’s your motive, stop and get that right first.
What I’m talking about is an honest desire to help people with their newfound needs.
Look around you and think about it. How have people’s lives changed since the coronavirus hit? How have those changes created new needs, new concerns and new challenges?
Speak to those pain points. If you have a solution to their problem, offer it and don’t hold back.
I have to tip my hat to a lot of churches around the U.S. who have gotten creative in the midst of quarantines and stay-at-home orders.
Many churches have either live streamed their services (some for the first time!) or are even doing drive-in services. A drive-in service is pretty much what it sounds like. Congregants park in the church parking lot and listen while the pastor preaches, often from the church roof or a scissor lift. Sometimes they’ll honk their horns in place of a hearty “Amen!”
That’s a great example of getting creative to solve a problem and meet a need.
Now it’s your turn.
What need are you seeing that you can offer a creative solution to? That’s your next blog topic! And maybe your next product.
Need some help coming up with ideas for how to help your followers during the COVID-19 crisis? Connect with me and let’s talk about it!
Jenny Rose is a freelance copywriter and content marketer specializing in B2B marketing, real estate, and accounting. She's written for clients like AAA, Edward Jones, Flyhomes, Guild Education, and more. Her writing has also appeared in publications like Business Insider and GOBankingRates.
