Branding is essential in today’s business world. It can make or break your company. Many companies such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s have built their businesses on solid branding. But a singular brand disaster can bring your company to ruins.
One of the biggest brand disasters is Burger King’s tweet in March 2021, stating that “women belong in the kitchen.“ The tweet was meant to promote International Women’s Day but backfired horribly. The company had to apologize and delete the tweet. However, Burger King recovered from this tragedy, but your company might not. Here are some ways you can save yourself from such a disaster.
Hire a PR Company
Personal relations (PR) mean everything to a business. In the event of a brand disaster, it is essential to have a PR company on your side. Experienced public affairs services can help you control the situation and minimize the damage. They can also find ways for your company to get ahead of the problem and mitigate damage.
PR companies work with the media to ensure your brand gets the best coverage. They will also help you create a crisis management plan to prepare you for future disasters.
They can help you by:
- Creating and executing a plan to control the situation
- Minimizing negative media coverage
- Helping you regain control of your brand’s reputation
While it is possible to try to manage a brand disaster on your own, it is often best to leave it to the professionals. Hiring a PR company will help you save your brand from further damage and keep your company afloat.
Monitor Social Media
Social media plays a significant role in branding. Remember that 82% of Americans have access to social media. So if a controversy happens in your company, most of the population will hear about it. In a brand disaster, it is essential to monitor social media closely. You need to know what people say about your company and brand. You also need to respond quickly to negative comments or posts.
If you don’t have the time to monitor social media, you can hire someone to do it for you. Many social media monitoring tools can help you track what people are saying about your brand. These tools will also help you respond quickly to negative comments.
Some of these tools include:
Hootsuite Insights
- Sprout Social
- Brandwatch
- Netbase
- Awario
- Mention
- Talkwalker Alerts
By monitoring social media, you can take control of the conversation and protect your brand’s reputation.
Engage With Your Customers
Your customers are the lifeblood of your business. In a brand disaster, engaging with them and ensuring they stick with you is essential. You need to let them know that you are aware of the problem and are working to fix it. You should also apologize for any inconvenience or pain your company may have caused.
It is essential to be transparent with your customers. Let them know what happened and what you are doing to fix the problem. Customers appreciate honesty, and you can win their trust by being open with them.
You should also engage with your customers on social media. Show them that you are listening to their concerns and addressing them. You can build a strong relationship with your customers and save your brand from disaster by engaging with them.
Focus on Your Employees
Your employees are one of your most valuable assets. In a brand disaster, they can be your best advocates. Show your employees that you are committed to solving the problem. Let them know that you value their input and feedback.
Encourage your employees to speak up if they have any concerns. You should also create a safe environment for them to voice their opinions. Showing your employees that you are invested in their well-being will help win their trust and loyalty.
You can also use your employees to build a positive image of your brand. Encourage them to share positive experiences they have had with your company. You can also ask them to post about your brand on social media. You can offset any negative publicity by promoting a positive image of your brand.
Protect Your Brand’s Reputation
Your brand’s reputation is essential. In a brand disaster, losing control of your brand’s reputation can be easy. You need to take steps to protect your brand’s good name. It can be an uphill battle the moment it happens, but you can help your brand recover by mitigating the damage. Take action before it’s too late, and you can save your brand from disaster.
