In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms have made new resources and features available to businesses.

According to Forbes.com, Main Street America surveyed that within the next five months, if the pandemic continues, 7.5 million businesses are expected to close their doors for good. In efforts to prevent this from becoming a reality, top social media platforms have implemented new resources and features to help businesses during this unprecedented time. Here’s a list of the top social media resources available for businesses during COVID-19.

Instagram COVID-19 Business Resources

Instagram gift card, food delivery and fundraiser feature

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Instagram launched 3 new features: gift cards, food delivery and fundraisers. The gift card feature is displayed on the main page of the business’s profile making it easily accessible to users. The food delivery feature can be used in the form of a sticker placed on an Instagram story.

The fundraiser feature lets nonprofits to link donation buttons to their profile and Instagram stories. Similar to the gift card feature, it makes it easy for consumers to purchase via social media. 

How to sign up for Instagram gift cards or food delivery

Instagram for Business COVID-19 Playbook

Instagram has created a downloadable playbook to help small businesses create valuable content during the virus. Topics include Instagram live, Instagram shopping, and IGTV to expand your business digitally. The playbook walks businesses through new marketing techniques, and has dozens of suggestions on how businesses can pivot their social media to stay connected with customers and the community. Download the “Instagram for Business COVID-19 Playbook” here.

Facebook COVID-19 Business Resources

Facebook gift card and fundraising feature

New gift card and fundraising features allow businesses to offer digital gift cards as well as generate support income during COVID-19. These features aim to make it easier for customers to support their favourite local businesses during the pandemic. You can  access these resources when clicking on ‘COVID-19’ at the top of your Facebook page. 

$100 Million Dollar Grant

According to Forbes.com Facebook has dedicated $100 million dollars to a grant program designed to help small businesses worldwide who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. According to Facebook.com, the grant provides cash grants and ad credits to up to 30,000 small businesses in over 30 countries worldwide. To apply for the grant, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Between 2 and 50 employees
• Been in business for over a year
• Experienced challenges from COVID-19
• Be in or near a location where Facebook operates

Twitter COVID-19 Business Resources

Crisis Communication Resources

Twitter has released the ‘Crisis Communication for Brands on Twitter’ resource centre. The resource centre has content such as “best tweeting practices, Twitter tools, and content ideas and solutions.” Twitter has also created ‘Small Business Resources’ which provides insight and advice on how businesses can properly utilize Twitter during the pandemic. This includes suggested tweet topics as well as ways to pivot your messaging during the pandemic. 

LinkedIn COVID-19 Business Resources

#StandforSmall Partnership

LinkedIn has partnered with AMEX to provide ongoing support and resources for small businesses during COVID-19. According to LinkedIn.com, “The #StandForSmall coalition brings together relevant benefits & resources from leading brands into one centralized digital platform.” It is a resource hub that provides small business owners with valuable resources for free. In addition to job and volunteer opportunities the hub includes essential job recruitment tools.

Pinterest COVID-19 Business Resources

Creative Partnership with Adobe Spark, Over, PickMonkey & Canva

Pinterest has launched their partnership with creative services and programs Adobe Spark, Over, PickMonkey and Canva. According to Pinterest.com, “These are trusted services for tools like creating, designing, editing and publishing Pins from business accounts.” Their goal is to help small businesses grow on Pinterest by providing content creation tools that help businesses consistently post unique content. 

With many storefronts closed, social media has become a primary sales tool for businesses. These social media resources are essential to helping businesses impacted by COVID-19 find news ways to generate revenue. For more ways to amplify your social media, check out these blog posts below.