With the bitter cold weather that Iowa has experienced over the last week or so and the increased use of anything and everything to keep warm, utilities have had to make pleas with their customers to conserve energy whenever possible.
Many have used their Facebook Page to get the word out. This is an excellent way to let customers know quickly when you need them to act quickly. Those with Facebook account read and share the information with their friends and family on their own pages, which is great for utilities in case those friends and family don’t follow your utility and live in your service area.
But what about customers who aren’t on social media or who don’t check their accounts frequently? How do you reach them? Sure, they may hear about important information through word of mouth from those who do have social media AND actually saw your post, but you can’t assume that. In addition to posting an important message that has to get out quickly to the masses, be sure to take a little time to communicate using various outlets.
There are likely other outlets in your area to make sure everyone sees important messages. Give yourself a little time to brainstorm places. Write them down and be ready for next time you have to communicate with your customers quickly.
Many have used their Facebook Page to get the word out. This is an excellent way to let customers know quickly when you need them to act quickly. Those with Facebook account read and share the information with their friends and family on their own pages, which is great for utilities in case those friends and family don’t follow your utility and live in your service area.
But what about customers who aren’t on social media or who don’t check their accounts frequently? How do you reach them? Sure, they may hear about important information through word of mouth from those who do have social media AND actually saw your post, but you can’t assume that. In addition to posting an important message that has to get out quickly to the masses, be sure to take a little time to communicate using various outlets.
- Radio: If you have a local radio station that many locals listen to, make a quick call or send a PSA to the station. Many stations are happy to pass along the information to their listeners.
- Community bulletin boards: Many grocery stores and convenient stores have community bulletin boards. Find some bright paper that will get people’s attention and put your message on it. Take a half hour or so and head out to those places where they would post the flyer for you.
- Schools: If schools are in session, consider asking if they could send home a note with students. Or, maybe the schools could send an email for you. Especially since last year, many schools and parents have gotten in the routine of using and checking emails from the schools frequently.
There are likely other outlets in your area to make sure everyone sees important messages. Give yourself a little time to brainstorm places. Write them down and be ready for next time you have to communicate with your customers quickly.
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