It’s been more than 1.5 years, ever since we saw the
first case of Covid-19 in India, and our lives turned upside-down within weeks.
Now our old lives seem like a dream. Confined with masks, sanitizers, health
supplements, our lives have changed drastically from what it was like before.
A big challenge that the pandemic and the lockdown
brought with them, was the loss of finances that many businesses suffered. Not
just financially, businesses suffered in many ways, whether it was low offline
purchases, problems with delivery, and many more such problems. In times like
these, PR is a tool that brands and business should try to use to its fullest,
as it might help them out in some way. Here’s why and how..
·
Rise in Online Engagement
There is no doubt about the fact that there is a
major decline in offline engagement. More and more people are trying to stay
inside now and prefer to place online orders. Brand loyalty has been on a
decline, as convenience and safety have stepped into the frame. These things
point out the very obvious- brands need to have an active online presence, now.
Ideally they should have an up and running website and a well- maintained
social media presence. And since PR provides a more subconscious engagement, as
opposed to advertising; brands should really use this tool to its fullest. This
means using SEO, content creation, digital PR platforms to their fullest
potential as well.
·
Crisis Communications
PR professionals specialize in crisis
communications. As all of us have been living this new and bizarre normal for some
time now, it is better to prepare and plan for any crisis that might take
place, beforehand. This could save the
business from any more damage that might be already facing because of Covid-19.
Being the best PR agency in Delhi, we understand the importance of this
function and always prepare beforehand.
·
Keeping the employees engaged
The lockdowns have lead to many people losing their
jobs, and many have reported facing mental health issues because of everything
that is going on. Businesses should hence, try to do their best to keep their
employees as satisfied and involved as possible. Internal communication is an
important function that PR performs that will come into play here. Businesses
should provide a clear view of how they are performing, to their employees, and
PR professionals should try to come up with solutions that might make the
situation better for all the employees.
·
The cost-effective factor
Another reason that PR should not be neglected in
these times, is the cost-effective factor of the tool. The economic depression
that the pandemic presented to the world, forced brands and businesses to take
another look at their marketing budget, with many even cutting
it short.
In such cases, PR should be the tool that brands and
businesses should invest more in, as it is much more cost-effective. PR, when
done right can help them reap many benefits and can even better the financial
problem in the long run.
·
PR can strengthen trust
PR is all about making relationship with the media,
the consumers, the shareholders, and the other stakeholders and overtime,
trying to better the relationship. In times like these, PR when done right, can
help the stakeholders in seeing the brand name as a more trustworthy name in
the market. If a brand is handling such a crisis well, they will start to see
them as someone that they can trust and buy from. Brands also hence, have a
role in such times. Remember a few weeks back how many brands were trying to
help out in their own way, when the second wave was at its peak?
Hence, a tool like PR should not be neglected in
such trying times. The characteristics and function of this tool are perfect to
be used in these times and brands need to give it more attention, if they
haven’t done so already.
Source:- https://twenty7inc.in/the-relevance-of-public-relations-in-todays-world/
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