The Coronavirus – Changes in Consumer behaviour and why you should adapt.

The Coronavirus crisis means brands need to be flexible and adapt to change. As the Coronavirus crisis continues to gain traction, more companies and businesses around the world are thinking about innovative ways to adapt to safeguard some of their income for the coming days. Of course, one needs to keep in mind that most countries are on a partial-lockdown, if not a full lockdown, and thus we need to adapt to this situation.

This situation has led to much more people working from home, using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), conference call applications, eCommerce, amongst others, making the world a more virtually-connected world. As more people are stuck in their own households, the overall audience on the internet has skyrocketed during the past days and will continue to do so in the days and weeks to come. This means more active people on socials and the internet in general.

This change in lifestyle brings about change in consumer behaviour, not just for this period – but for the weeks and years to come – and it is why businesses need to think ahead and adapt fast for the current situation while developing a strategy for the following period.

During this crisis period, more and more people are now getting used to digital services and eCommerce and will continue to keep using such services even after this time of crisis.

Established and large businesses in the market may be already well-geared up with eCommerce services, but smaller and mid-sized players may be less so, forcing them to re-evaluate their main marketing channels and efforts. The small-to-medium business may have a more limited eCommerce presence (i.e. take orders, receive payments, automation, etc.) and thus, will certainly be considering new eCommerce strategies. Such strategies will help them reach and acquire new and potential clients who are afraid to go to stores physically or are on self-quarantine.

Now is the time to keep as much contact as possible to clients and customers and develop your online presence, channels, and experience. This will help you survive the current crisis while making you more robust for the period to come.

After the current crisis, a transition to digital alternatives is expected. In fact, China has recorded an increase in online car sales during the first weeks of the crisis. Museums around the world have started to create online experience strategies by creating virtual rooms.

This change will be the new normal.