It can be challenging for many small businesses to master social media under any circumstances, let alone during a time of international crisis. However, it’s imperative to stay in touch with clients and prospects at this time and continue to be a source of information.

So what types of information should you be sharing on social media, how often, and what kind of information is off limits? The tips below are here to help guide your social media strategy over the next few weeks and months, so you can make sure you’re posting the exact type of content that will carry your business through these challenging times.

Don’t share health information you read.

As you’re probably aware, social media is full of false information, especially during times like these. It can be easy to read something and feel compelled to share it—thinking you’re helping people. However, now is not the time to share news articles based around the coronavirus, or even personal experiences about it. Your clients’ news feeds will already be bombarded with this information, and you don’t want to be someone they associate with negative or false reports.

Do share uplifting or positive news.

We can all use a break from the doom and gloom, so if you do come across a particularly positive article, or have a pleasant experience of your own to share, do it. This gives your connections a reminder to be hopeful and it can also spark a more upbeat conversation, with you at the center.

Don’t stop posting completely.

Going radio silent on social media is not the strategy you ever want to use, even if it feels easier than finding the right content to post. There is no such thing as “overcommunication” right now, that is unless you’re constantly sharing the latest news around the virus. As a business owner and member of your community, you want to make sure your posts reflect the care and compassion you have for others, and you should still be posting on a regular basis—whether that be daily or a few times each week. Reach out to other businesses in your area and ask if you can help. If a local restaurant is running a takeout special, you can promote that on your page too. Gear your posts toward supporting those who need it most right now.

Do post relevant content that people need right now.

If you’ve spent any time at all on social media in the last few weeks, you’ve probably seen a handful of posts from people trying new recipes, home workout routines, crafts, and other activities they may otherwise not have considered doing before. Our Social Media Shares Premium product is a great way to share this exact type of content, only it’s personally branded with your information. The platform is free for customers until May 31, and even offers a Staying Home category, making it easier than ever for you to make sure you’re sharing the content your clients and prospects will care about.

Keep in mind that this is not the time to maintain a “business as usual” marketing strategy on social media. Maintaining communication with your social media posts is still marketing for your business, just not the traditional kind of marketing you may be used to. However, the effort you put toward showing compassion for your community and connections now will put you in a position to move forward when the crisis comes to an end.

Want some free social media images to post on your pages? This COVID-19 Social Media Post Bundle has over 20 ready-to-post images for your Facebook and Instagram!