As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, millions are currently quarantined and living in a continual state of unknown. During this chaotic time, what exactly is the posting protocol on social media?

As a small business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself this question recently – especially now that the masses are spending most of their waking hours online. As the world practices social distancing, social media provides a platform for digital connection.

Here are 6 social media content suggestions for your brand, for right now.

1. Share your story

If you’re open to getting personal – share a post detailing how you and your business have been affected by COVID-19. Within the copy, be sure to tell your audience how they can best support you – whether it’s signing up for your virtual class or shopping your online store. Here’s some inspiration from UK-based small biz @chocolateeha, who authentically shared their current business experience and offerings:

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**COVID – 19 Care packages** . . As a small business we’re trying to do as much as we can to protect us from losing our unit, business and hard work we’ve put in for the past 2.5 years. . . We just moved into a new unit in January and spent a lot doing it up. We knew we’d make the money back doing events and we things were looking good. However as events have been cancelled, trade orders stopped and online orders dropped, I am feeling really anxious. I’ve gotta do something – I have to at least try! . . So I’ve offered care packages on the website with postage included so you can send your loved ones (or yourself) a box of chocolates at a discounted rate. You help me save my business and I help you by saving you some money. I know not everyone can support because we’re all being careful with money so don’t worry if you can’t, but please do spread the word and share this post on stories. . . I appreciate all the love and support! You guys are the best! Stay safe! . . 📷 @halal_travelgrams

A post shared by CHOCOLATEEHA (@chocolateeha) on Mar 17, 2020 at 7:20am PDT

Pro tip: For the CTA (call to action) at the end of your post, ask your followers to comment below with how they’ve been impacted as well. This will enable you to create a personal connection with your audience, as well as build a sense of community.

2. Social-conscious content

From inspiring your audience to wash their hands regularly to sharing tips on how to make the most of your time at home – now is a great time to create thoughtful social-conscious content. Here’s some inspiration from @Boosted_Social:

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ℍ𝕆𝕎 𝕋𝕆 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕂 𝔽ℝ𝕆𝕄 ℍ𝕆𝕄𝔼 𝕃𝕀𝕂𝔼 𝔸 𝔹𝕆𝕊𝕊 ☕️ ⁣ ⁣ Are you a #workingfromhome vet or is #remotework a brand new setup for you? 💼 Coronavirus is sending millions of employees across the 🌎 from their offices → to their living rooms 🛋 Here are 8 tips to #workfromhome productively: ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝚂𝚎𝚝 𝚞𝚙 𝚊 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎 – Ideally, this space will consist of: a desk and a window, in a room with a door 🚪If this setup isn't feasible, try & create a designated workspace in the main area of your home (avoid your bedroom!) ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝙶𝚎𝚝 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍! While it may be tempting to stay in your PJs, putting on some professional clothes will set a productive tone for your whole day 💪⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝙴𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝 – Whether it’s simple 🍊or elaborate 🥞…just be sure to do it. Same goes for lunch! ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝙼𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚝𝚘-𝚍𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 – Crossing off accomplished tasks throughout the day is super rewarding ✔️#ProTip: Be realistic with your goals – divide tasks into what needs to get done today vs what can wait 'til tom if time runs out ⏳ ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚜 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 – Reward yourself with a 10 min break for every hour of work, or find a balance that works best for you. For bonus points, take a break outside ☀️ ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝙳𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛! Stay hydrated to stay focused 💦 (We're assuming that you're already drinking lots of ☕️). ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝚂𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚖𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 – To mitigate frustration, try your best to be fully present with the task you’re currently tackling. If you’re working, focus on that. If you’re spending time with your fam, put away your phone & try not to think about that deadline. ⁣ ⁣ 💻 𝙱𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 & reward yourself at the end of a long day (hint: 🍫). ⁣ ⁣ Share your #WFH #productivity tips below ↓ Sending good vibes and good health your way ❤️ •⁠ •⁠ •⁠ •⁠ ⁠ #futureofwork #homeworker #entrepreneurlife #homeworking #mindsetmatters #selfemployment #freelance #successmindset #workfromhometips #workfromhomemom #solopreneur #smallbusinesslife #smallbusinesstips #creativepreneur #womeninbusiness #homeworkerlife #shemeansbusiness

A post shared by Boosted (@boosted_social) on Mar 15, 2020 at 11:14am PDT

3. Continue with your niche

Your audience is following you for a reason! Keep posting about your area of expertise and product or service, while still being mindful of the current global situation. Tweak your content accordingly – for example, if you’re a fitness instructor, share some at-home workout tips, even if you would normally write about the benefits of outdoor running.

Here’s a great post from graphic designer @jindesigns – she connects her expertise (marketing) with current events:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B99Q-EeniLJ/

4. Motivational content

Share an inspiring #qotd or saying to uplift your audience during this tough time. ⁠Monday generally works best for sharing motivational content, as it provides an opportunity to fuel your followers with inspiring words to kickstart their workweek. Strive to be original – try to avoid quotes that are overused or saturated (think: ‘Dream big!). Lastly, strive to create a tie-in between the content and your brand.

Instagram Marketer @elisedarma recently shared some timely motivational content (swipe to see the quote):

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Swipe to see the quote that’s oddly giving me comfort these days. ➡️ The power of words, man. One quote is giving me strength. But that’s what it is… ✨ The words come from Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and Holocaust survivor who wrote the book ‘Man’s Search For Meaning.’ ✨ I’m finding solace in the words from others who’ve lost everything but their mental strength 💪🏼 ✨ Feel free to share or save this post if you think it’d be helpful for you too. ✨ What’s helping you feel comfort or strength at this time?

A post shared by Instagram Marketing + Business (@elisedarma) on Mar 24, 2020 at 3:35pm PDT

5. Humorous Content

With such a heavy news cycle, many people want to consume light, funny content when they scroll their social feeds. Share on-brand and relevant memes, jokes or amusing video clips for your brand. Pro tip: When sharing humorous content, be sure that it’s tasteful and lighthearted instead of potentially making light of a serious situation.

Here’s a relatable and current graphic created by Illustrator @kaydenhines:

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It’s like the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Except much less fun. 🥇

A post shared by Kayden Hines (@kaydenhines) on Mar 23, 2020 at 1:11pm PDT

6. Ask your audience

Go straight to the source – your following! Share a story using the question sticker, asking your audience what type of content they’d like to see from you next. You can also create a feed post with a CTA prompting your audience to respond with their content/topic requests in the comments.

Sift through the responses and implement the best suggestions to your updated content strategy.

Note: If you’re looking for ways to support small businesses right now, read 5 Ways to Support Small Businesses Through Tough Times. If you’re a small business owner, check out our guide: 3 Ways Small Businesses Can Use Social Media to Survive Difficult Times.