How Has the Coronavirus Affected Freelancers and Digital Marketing Strategies

With the ongoing global pandemic, the impact on individuals, particularly freelancers, has been profound. For digital marketers, the coronavirus (Covid-19) has brought both challenges and opportunities. This article explores how this period has affected freelancers and the shifts in digital marketing strategies.

Positive Evolution in Digital Marketing

Covid-19 has accelerated the trend towards digital marketing as businesses realize the critical need to adapt to online platforms. Digital marketing has become not just a preferred method but a survival strategy for many businesses. As a digital marketer, I have experienced firsthand the positive shift, which aligns with the broader trend of businesses leveraging technology to stay afloat during these challenging times.

Adaptation and Resilience

The adaptation required isn't merely about adopting digital tools but a cultural shift towards understanding and engaging with digital markets. The pandemic has underscored the importance of digital presence for businesses. This realization is not just limited to my personal engagements but is a broader trend observed in the industry. As a digital marketer, I sense a growing understanding among businesses that their online visibility and presence are more critical than ever before.

Personal Experiences and Adjustments

The impact of the pandemic on my personal business as a freelancer has been significant. For instance, I made the decision to completely halt sales pitches to clients during the initial lockdown phases. My intention was to ensure that clients saw me as a caring and empathetic business partner who genuinely shared their concerns during these challenging times.

Instead of focusing on sales, I shifted my focus to building and improving my content arsenal. This strategic move allows me to be immediately ready when the market reopens. Going forward, my approach will evolve to include a deeper understanding of clients' new challenges post the pandemic. This necessitates a more flexible and adaptive approach in suggesting services based on their evolving needs.

Struggling Through Lockdown

The pandemic has also affected the broader freelancer community. Many clients have paused their ongoing projects and are hesitant to start new ones, leading to reduced work opportunities. For instance, as a freelancer who often works on large graphics for trade shows, the cancellation of most trade shows has significantly impacted my workload. However, despite the reduced demand, the social isolation has not been as challenging as the lack of work.

Learning and Planning for the Future

While the initial impact of the pandemic was undoubtedly challenging, it has also opened up opportunities for personal and professional growth. The lockdown period has provided the ideal setting to plan and think strategically about the future. This is a time to focus on learning and acquiring new skills that will be valuable in the coming months and years.

I would urge freelancers and businesses to use this time to plan, think, and learn. This period should not be seen as idle but as an opportunity to reinvent and strengthen your digital marketing strategies. Embrace the challenges and see them as opportunities to build more resilient and adaptable businesses.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate through these unprecedented times, it is essential to remember that adaptation is key. By leveraging the power of digital marketing and embracing change, we can not only survive but thrive in the post-pandemic world.