There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Coronavirus outbreak has hugely impacted almost every business and every industry. This goes for the Public Relation (PR) industry, too, as the growth and success of the sector is directly proportional to the growth and success of other sectors, and with budgets being cut left, right, and center, where the effect of the catastrophe on many of us has, of course, been consequential.
As we are coming out from a series of lockdowns and begin the recovery process, it’s crucial to look beyond the economic impact of Coronavirus, significantly how the crisis will change the PR sector in the coming years.
Role and Responsibilities of PR
We all know that communication is the backbone of any institution as it guarantees a seamless and concrete exchange of ideas between the stakeholders. And, the Coronavirus outbreak has gradually changed the conventional functioning of businesses and brands in this pandemic situation.
PR professionals are working 24×7 to maintain stability and strategize over creative ideas and planning strategies to bring the client to the limelight to overcome this difficult situation. In addition, they are coping with the current market scenario to keep their clients active in the market.
Strategies during Covid-19
The best possible way to get going with creative PR strategies is by taking a comprehensive shift of brands and businesses to digital space and ensuring their Online Reputation Management, which is not interrupted by the current scenario. There’s no doubt that it’s a unique opportunity for firms to aid their customers, leading to a long-lasting impression on their audience.
Why is transparency in PR crucial?
Well, there’s no doubt that transparency in PR is taking the industry’s center stage due to social media as it’s easier for users to hold brands responsible for their actions. So whether it’s a bad review on a blog, or a petition circulating on Facebook or Twitter, the people are becoming influential in shaping any firm reputation. That’s why companies are clamoring to give their consumers more insight into their processes and help them stay informed.
Another important reason is that lack of transparency reflects extremely poorly on a person or organization. For example, take former British prime minister David Cameron’s involvement in the Panama Papers scandal. When asked if Cameron was holding money offshore, the spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said, “It’s a private matter”, which, of course, lead to widespread suspicion about the British PM’s financial dealings.
However, Cameron later disclosed details about his finances, but 10 Downing Street’s press office could have saved themselves from a lot of hassle had they been transparent and released Cameron’s tax records at the earliest, rather than avoiding the question. Because Honesty is the best policy, even if it’s not necessarily the easiest.
Role of Social Media
The 21st century is the Godfather for the rise of social media as it has become an important aspect to shape the lives of modern society. It has overruled all the sources of gathering information by bringing in the technological aspects. Nowadays, most of us depend on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to seek more information because it is the fastest and most cost-effective means. Thus, it has changed the dynamics of communicating and sharing information.
Further, it has given a platform to the brands by successfully engaging with its users. For PR, using social media is an integral practice that offers better services. All the popular social media platforms help PR professionals to convey their stories to the audiences effectively.
The Road Ahead
In today’s world, a brand can’t turn a blind eye to build a significant digital presence but having specialization in developing relevant digital content to engage target audiences is the need of the hour. To boost a client’s credibility and digital presence, the PR team guides clients to contribute to many business-relevant platforms backed by maverick digital content created by the firm; clients are positioned as business leaders.
