News
Why marketing is more important than ever during the shutdown
When business is going well, bookings are up and loyal customers keep returning, marketing your business automatically becomes an afterthought. As we enter a time of uncertainty for so many businesses, it is clear that marketing is more important than ever during this Covid-19 shutdown.
Why should I be marketing if my business is closed?
At first, it may sound strange to be marketing whilst your business is closed but it actually makes perfect sense. Most of your customers will be in the same situation – at home wondering when this shutdown will come to an end.
Regardless of the services you provide, once the shutdown ends, your services will be needed again. If you are not advising your loyal customers that you value their business and look forward to servicing them again, you can be assured that your competitors will be.
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Keep your existing clients informed
Unfortunately, many businesses like yours have had to shut their doors to help control the spread of Covid-19. Clients you have created a relationship with will care about your business – let them know your plans before they start to see your competitor’s plans on their timelines.
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Keep your existing clients engaged with your brand
If you are in the beauty industry, use social media to share some engaging tutorials or tips that your clients can use during the lockdown. Do you sell wine? share a selection of meals for two recipes with a fabulous wine recommendation. Regardless of what service you provide, you can share tips and advice with the help of a good graphic designer.
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Keep your existing clients entertained
With the vast majority of the British public on lockdown, scrolling is going to become the number one activity for a bored nation. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and, TikTok are going to be the default destinations for many and if you are not promoting your business, how are you going to maintain your relevance? Think about creating an interesting video.
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Keep your existing clients!
Existing clients you have created a relationship with will care about your business for as long as you stay relevant. By continuing or improving your marketing strategy throughout the shutdown, you increase the chances of keeping your existing clients and gaining potential new ones.
What type of marketing should I be focused on?
Good marketing costs money. There is no denying this simple fact but as you will probably have more time on your hands, you will be able to do some of the work yourself.
Focus on social media and digital marketing that enable you to capture data. The ability to capture leads and opportunities for the future is the most important goal.
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Social Media
Using social media platforms for marketing is not new to you. You may have outsourced it or dabbled with it when you had some spare time. After reading this, you should be aiming to become a social media expert in the next 30 days. Experiment and get a good understanding of each platform’s pros and cons.
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Email
Most people hate email marketing because they do not have the time to read it. Guess what most people have now? If you didn’t have a newsletter before, now is the time to start one. Here is the perfect opportunity to share your past and current successes with client testimonials and images of your work. You have a wealth of knowledge and experience so share it with existing and new potential clients.
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Offer discounts vouchers
When the shutdown comes to an end, how are you going to entice your clients back? How are you going to stop competitors from stealing your clients? Offering your clients discount vouchers they can use when the shutdown is lifted is one way to entice your clients back once you open your doors.
Young people aged 14 to 19 are invited to audition to be part of the MKT Academy Young Company, offering them the opportunity to gain valuable experience in staging a professional production, from the audition to the final curtain.
Participants will work with director Kitty Benford between January and April 2022 to create their own version of the play Like There’s No Tomorrow for NT Connections. The play was originally devised by the Belgrade Young Company with Justine Themen, Claire Procter and Liz Mytton. The Young Company will perform their new production at Milton Keynes Theatre and the Royal & Derngate in Northampton, with the potential to perform at the Connections showcase at the National Theatre in London.
Alexandra Snell, Senior Creative Learning Manager said: “We are really excited to have been selected to take part in NT Connections 2022 and can’t wait to work with a brand-new group of local young people. This topical play feels extremely relevant to our current generation and I am sure the company will make something truly innovative.”
Like There’s No Tomorrow will be a fast paced and vibrant show that focuses on young people and how they feel about climate change and the inaction of the adults around them. This production by MKT Academy Young Company will highlight the unique relationship that Milton Keynes has with the topics of climate change and capitalism, as well as exploring the links our citizens have to other parts of the world that are impacted by climate change. The show will be high energy, feature ensemble storytelling, movement and music and hopes to gather all the resources required in an eco-friendly manner.
Auditions are taking place on Saturday 8th January between 11am and 2pm. To book your place in the audition workshop, email miltonkeynescreativelearning@theambassadors.com
As well as performers, Milton Keynes Theatre would like to hear from young people with an interest in directing and stage managing.
Milton Keynes Theatre is also looking for local sponsors to support this exciting project, which would offer young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to take part. If you would like to help, please contact the theatre’s Sales and Development Manager, Linda Davies on: lindadavies@theambassadors.com
The true identity of a very festive intruder, spotted on CCTV arriving at The Galleria, has now been confirmed as none other than Santa’s most esteemed helper… the scout Elf! As per Christmas tradition, the scout Elf has been tasked with keeping an eye on guests…he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice! And this year, it seems that Elf has decided to take residence at The Galleria for the month of December – watching guests, appearing here and there around the centre and of course already getting up to his world-renowned mischief!
To celebrate the Elf’s arrival, The Galleria has launched an official Elf Hunt and is encouraging Elf hunters to take s-Elfies and share them on social media with the hashtag #GalleriaElf.
Chief Officer of Christmas at The Galleria, commented: “When we arrived at the outlet on 1st December, we were stunned to find one of Santa’s infamous scout elves had moved in overnight. We’re incredibly excited at his arrival and have launched The Galleria Elf Hunt, inviting guests to seek out his hiding spots. So far the elf has stayed true to his reputation of causing a bit of havoc so we’ll make sure we keep an eye on him during his stay.”
As well as the Elf Hunt, guests to The Galleria can enjoy seasonal entertainment from local community groups on selected dates along with supporting East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity and Lister Hospital’s Children’s Ward by donating a Christmas gift at The Giving Tree.
For more information about the Elf Hunt and Christmas events at The Galleria, visit https://thegalleria.co.uk/articles/elf-hunt
