Even as businesses reopen and sun-worshippers swarm the beaches, the fact remains that the COVID-19 crisis is far from over. If history is any indicator, the threat of COVID-19 is likely to extend a good bit further than many of us want to admit. As marketers, it’s important to understand what the canvass of our markets looks like today.
Today, we see people still in quarantine, and we see people struggling to make home more comfortable, interesting, and entertaining. This is where good content marketing comes in. We have the unique opportunity to meet people in some of the most precarious places they’ve ever found themselves and remind them that quarantine can be a bit more comfortable.
Now, I always stress knowing your target audience well. It is important to keep in mind the probable economic place in which your readers find themselves as you decide what you want to market and how you want to do it through your blog. The five suggestions below are intended to be springboards from which you can launch some great content, but not all will be well-received by everyone in quarantine.
Home Improvement
Right now, plenty of people are sitting at home looking around at the things they don’t like about their houses and finally resolving to make some changes. “As soon as the weather is better, I’m going to take care of that.” Well, the better weather is here. This is prime time to blog about home improvement — it’s the perfect foundation for quarantine content.
Some projects are simple, like painting, laying carpet, or gardening. Some are more involved, like building additions, installing hardscaping accents, and roofing. In all cases, people are in DIY mode right now, so your blog should build on that concept.
The exception to this would be if you run a home improvement business and are looking to communicate some good reasons for hiring a professional. If that is your angle, be certain that your audience is part of a demo with extra money to spend right now. Not everyone is facing economic ruin, but most are looking to save money where they can, so push concepts like affordability, warranties, and discounts.
Family Entertainment
Let’s face it, tensions at home can run high when you’re together 24/7. People need things to do. They also need some good ideas that will appeal to the entire family. Try marketing some of the following in your blog:
Crafts — Depending on the project, crafts can fill an afternoon, or they can fill weeks and offer a sense of satisfaction and teamwork when the project is done.
Video Games — We all know that gaming isn’t just for kids, but your blog can run the gamut between games for kids and online multiplayer games for the adults after bedtime.
Backyard Games and Sports — Staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean staying indoors. This is a great opportunity to market outdoor games and equipment in a family-themed blog. Use immersive language that lets the reader see the hours of fun in the sun that can be had without leaving home.
Gaming Apps — Since everyone is already endlessly staring at their phones, you can blog about gaming apps that the entire family can enjoy. Friendly competition can be both bonding and entertaining. Just try not to gloat when you win! A blog about multiplayer gaming apps can have an appeal to every member of the family.
Food
Food is comforting. Finding a new favorite food or dish can be very exciting. Consider blogging about ways to break up the monotony of familiar routines. Here are a few ideas:
Cooking — If my social media feeds are any indication, lots of people are learning how to cook (or at least how to cook new things). Start a blog that encourages families to cook together and experience new foods and cooking techniques.
Food Delivery Services — Blogging about food delivery can educate readers about options they don’t even know they have. It might be a short-term blogging project or a side-blog that focuses on this one area. People are ordering a lot of takeout right now. Showing them how to save money and bring a little excitement into mealtime can make you look like a hero. HINT: People share content that they find particularly helpful.
Mystery Boxes
I always thought these were a little silly, but in a world succumbing to boredom, a little surprise could be just what people need. Start marketing mystery box services through your blog. Many offer affiliate programs that will help you make even more money on your blogging efforts.
Mystery boxes can revolve around all kinds of things, many of which are very family-friendly. Do some research on what’s out there, and you will find that there are more than enough affiliate programs to keep a mystery box or unboxing blog populated for quite a while.
Streaming Services
It might surprise you to learn that a majority of the leading streaming platforms have affiliate programs. This is why you see so much content on “what’s coming to and leaving” service X this month. However, that is far from the only blogging option when it comes to streaming services.
Your streaming services blog can tackle subjects like:
Compare/Contrast Articles — Which services offer the most family-friendly content, which ones keep the content around longest, how may logins they offer per subscription, etc.
Specific Shows — Do be careful about copyright issues with this one. If you are an affiliate, you can always check with the provider on the limitations that exist in marketing specific franchises, brands, or specific pieces of streaming content.
Viral Content — Let people know what others are watching and what they are saying about the content. Again, check into copyright limitations before monetizing a blog around a specific show or movie.
As a final note, make sure your blog is informative and entertaining. As always, be sure to include calls to action that ensure that people respond to your content in whatever way you intend. Remember that money could be tight in lockdown and gear your marketing toward people who have money to spend on your product or service. Need help? Contact us. Our team of talented writers is gaining more experience by the day in lockdown copywriting.
