Many non-essential businesses have had to get creative and think of new ways to market during the global pandemic. With closed doors, the world turns online.
Even though the San Diego Zoo cannot open to visitors right now, they have made sure their audience stays engaged in multiple ways. By using interactive features on social media, creating online events, and providing consistent entertainment digitally, they have been able to keep brand awareness alive during this difficult time.
Get inspired by how the San Diego Zoo has created the ultimate virtual experience for their online audience:
Animal Trivia
Other than posting adorable photos of their animals, the zoo’s Instagram page has become a fun, interactive place to test your wildlife knowledge. Their Instagram Stories are loaded with fun animal trivia questions for #TriviaTuesday. By using the poll feature within Instagram Stories, followers can vote and view the results. Each trivia question is then followed by a link to learn more about the featured animal on their blog.
Rendezvous In The Zoo
San Diego Zoo’s annual gala fundraiser, Rendezvous In The Zoo, has switched gears this year and turned completely virtual. Their roaring 20s themed gala will benefit the San Diego Zoo Global’s critical needs campaign. The zoo states on their Facebook event page: “We may not be able to gather like we used to, but we’re not letting that stop the party! Don your newsboy caps and strings of pearls (or your fanciest pajama set) for this one-night-only event.“
Live Cams
The zoo is bringing the animals into the comfort of their fans’ homes by providing a virtual visit of a few of their favorite animals. Already one of the most popular features on the website, live cams are up and available for anyone interested in checking in on the zoo’s baboons, pandas, penguins, polar bears, apes, koalas, giraffes, platypuses, elephants, tigers, owls, and condors. They consistently promote their live cams all over social media, and sometimes feature funny moments to encourage the audience to watch.
ZOONOOZ
Want to keep up with the latest news on wildlife? Check out ZOONOOZ. The zoo has taken their award-winning magazine for San Diego Zoo Global and brought it into a digital format. They have created in-depth articles about animals and plants, complete with photography, wild facts, first-person accounts from our animal keepers and conservation researchers, recent news and zoo updates. New content is published weekly.
While we don’t know when the San Diego Zoo will be able to open its doors again for guests, they have taken advantage of this time by forming innovative marketing to ensure their presence remains strong.
Are you operating a business in San Diego and need to pivot your marketing during the coronavirus pandemic?
Let the KWSM Team brainstorm with you! We’re happy to give you some ideas and best practices to keep your marketing, and your business, on track.
CONTACT US to learn more about developing a digital marketing campaign.
