Covid-19 has had a dramatic impact on our daily lives, behaviours and media consumption. Overall media consumption is on the rise with live TV, Social Media and Video Streaming all seeing the largest increases. For example studies show that 78% of all 18-24 year olds are spending more time on Social Media, and this trend continues all the way through to older audiences, with 44% of over 55’s spending more time on Social platforms.

Facebook, and its group of companies which include Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp have seen the biggest gains stealing almost 50% of users daily Social Media time. The rest is shared between Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, Twitch and LinkedIn. If you are wondering where your children have got their funny dances from - its TikTok.

The cost of advertising across Social platforms has also fallen by 30% during the Covid-19 meaning that it is now cheaper to reach your customers, drive site clicks and conversions, helping drive higher ROI.

Whilst being confined to their homes research shows that users are taking up new hobbies, with cooking and home and garden products seeing big increases in interest and with this clicks to site. Users are also keen to explore their local market offerings, and keen to learn more about what local businesses offer.

Some businesses are also, temporarily at least, adapting their business models. My favourite is actually Patty & Bun burger restaurant in partnership with their provider HG Walter. The famous burger chain and butcher are selling ‘Patty & Bun lockdown kits’ - a box with all the exact ingredients used at the restaurants to allow keen customers to bring the Patty & Bun experience into their own homes. On top of this Patty & Bun hosted a cook off live on their Instagram showing you exactly how to perfectly cook the burgers at home. In these tough times this has allowed HG Walter to continue trading, and Patty & Bun to offer its consumers something exciting during these strange times.

For ideas on how we can help plan, manage or just audit your paid social approach please do get in touch. No question is too small, and we are excited to have the opportunity to help local business during this crisis. Just drop us a note on the HIRE US section of the website.

Photo by alex bracken on Unsplash