Marketing Your Propane/Oil Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic

It's been roughly a month since the Coronavirus flipped our lives upside down and unfortunately, small businesses are struggling now more than ever.

With everybody practicing social distancing, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat in the middle of a pandemic that nobody was prepared for.

The good news is that over the past few weeks, we've seen helpful examples of how to keep your business thriving using good marketing practices.

Between the pandemic and the warmer than usual winter in many areas, your propane/oil business has likely had to rethink it's marketing strategy.

Here are some ways you can get (and stay) seen by your customers and prospects:

Opportunity # 1: Help Others Selflessly

• Find ways to support other small business in your area such as purchasing gift cards and sharing them with your customers.
• Either individually or as a company, volunteer your time (or donate money/services) to local communities that support your business.

Opportunity #2: Create and Distribute Relevant Content

• Share relevant offers to your customers that is sensitive to the current situation.
• For example, now is the time to send budgeting information or offers that help customers save on their propane and oil expenses.

Opportunity #3: Use Technology and Your Sales Team to Your Advantage

• Companies are starting to make virtual sales calls with customers via Zoom or FaceTime. This is a safer alternative than sending a rep to a customer's home in person unless it is absolutely necessary. 
• If your customer service reps have extra time on their hands, have them start making outbound calls. These calls may include switching people from will call to autopay, enrolling them in budget plans, establishing price protection, autopay, paperless billing, etc.

Opportunity #4: Don’t Forget About Basic Upkeep

• Take the time to do some website and search engine maintenance. Pay attention to your website’s search engine rankings so prospects can still find you easily online.

• This situation will come to an end. And come next fall, you will want to be in a strong search position and ready for business. The maintenance and improvements you do on your site now will help enhance your search results over the next few months. 
• Your next best customers are the ones you already have. Consider doing some target remarketing for your current customers and previous visitors to your website. You can use email campaigns and/or strategic digital advertising to remind them that you’re ready to help when they need it.

Opportunity #5: Don't Arbitrarily Cut Your Marketing Budget

• Other businesses may be cutting their marketing budget but that only means there will be less competition for your business.
• Use this time to increase awareness of your brand.
• Marketing is your friend right now not your enemy. Cutting your marketing budget may stifle your lead generating potential.  

Hopefully this list can help give your company a head start on planning your marketing response during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By implementing these marketing strategies you are being proactive and putting the pieces in place for future sales. 

Stay well.