Hi there, and welcome to this blog post that is unlike any blog post I’ve ever written before. In times like these, that are uncertain, unpredictable and downright scary – it can be incredibly hard to focus on your own business. With so many distractions and the health of yourself, your family and your friends a priority you’re allowed to say – ‘I don’t know what to do’.

The fact is, I’ve been saying this to myself for the best part of a week and a half. I came to the conclusion that it’s ok to not be ok. And that’s why I wanted to write this blog post.

To let you know that it’s understandable. That it’s emotional. That it’s ok to be angry and frustrated. 

We hear you. I hear you. 

It took me a week to write this blog post. To get through the haze of unknown and uncertainty. Full transparency, I’ve spent many a morning staring at this exact blank screen this blog post is on (or curled in a ball under the desk thinking about it) and I’m glad that I can finally publish it in full for you to consume. Because I think you will get some value out of it.

I’ve broken this blog post into sections that you can click below and navigate straight to:

• FREE online Workshops I’m hosting
• Marketing Resources and offers from around the web

Facebook Marketing Online Workshop Series

I’ve been trying to think how I could possibly provide any sort of value during this period given that people are doing it much more tough than me and no one, let alone little old me, has any experience with dealing with such an environment.

I created the below Facebook Marketing Series to help people with specific challenges they might be facing in their business right now. It won’t help solve everything, but it might just give you some value that you can implement to make things a little easier during this period.

The sessions are structure to deliver 100% value, and:

• DO NOT contain sales pitches or promos for guru programs
• Give you actionable steps
• Contain free downloads and worksheets
• To be watched live or via replay

Online Workshop #1: Targeting the right audience with Facebook Ads

#2: How to take online orders via Facebook Messenger

#3: Creating engaging videos for Social Media

#4: The right Facebook Ads Funnel for your business

#5: Creating effective once-off Facebook Ad campaigns

#6: How to use Facebook Messenger to stay connected with customers during a crisis – and beyond

Marketing offers from around the web

I’ve gathered the below offers from programs and businesses that are offering free or discounted offers during this pandemic. Most of them are applicable to anyone around the world, but make sure to check and discover if they’re right for your business.

Digital Mentoring with a Facebook Expert for $25

You can get 2 hours 1-on-1 mentoring with a Facebook Ads Expert as part of the Government’s ASBAS Digital Mentoring Solutions program. The session is delivered online via Zoom from the comfort of your own home. You get a recording of the session as well as a detailed action plan on what to do next. This is only valid for businesses with an ABN in Victoria and not applicable for not-for-profits. 

Facebook Advertising Grants

Facebook is giving away free advertising credits to eligible businesses in the coming weeks. The exact details are still to be confirmed, but sign up for updates at this link here to be notified once they’re available.

Google Advertising Credits

Google has announced they will be giving away $340 Million worth of ad credits over the coming weeks. You must have an active account with them before and the credit can be used across all properties like search, Youtube and display advertising. More info and when to expect your credit here.

Two Months Free Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe are crediting existing customers with two months free of their packages. To be eligible, you need to be an existing paying customer and you need to go through the process of attempting to cancel (but don’t) to be offered the free 60 days. This blog post breaks the process down really well.

Three Months Free Mailchimp

Mailchimp are giving customers 90-days free paid Mailchimp to eligible sectors that have under 25 employees. You need to apply for the package – you can do that here.

Loom upgrades for free

Loom is a great screen recording and video sharing program that can be accessed directly from your browser. They have removed any limits on recording and cut the price of their pro packages as well. Find out more on their response here.

Free Dropbox upgrades to Non-profits

Dropbox have opened up their easy file sharing service with a free offer to all non-profits that are focusing on fighting the Covid epidemic. Apply for the free account here.

Free Hootsuite to manage Social Media

Hootsuite makes it easy to schedule, publish and monitor social media while amplifying your content marketing efforts. They’re offering their Professional plan for free until July 1st. Get started and sign up for free here.