New terms and phrases have entered our everyday conversations as a result of the year 2020: coronavirus, COVID-19, social distancing, and shelter-in-place.
COVID-19 cases have exploded from a small number of cases in China to a global pandemic, transforming every industry and part of our lives at an unprecedented rate. There is a pressing issue for many businesses: It’s difficult to formulate marketing and public relations strategies and implement them while the coronavirus is dominating the news. During these turbulent times, however, there are always things that smart businesses can do- hiring a PR agency in Pune can help work smartly with media.
- Consider how you’ll tell your story critically
With financial markets in freefall, travel at a standstill, an overburdened healthcare system, and grocery stores struggling to cope with shoppers racing to stock up on home products, there’s been plenty of news for reporters to cover.
It’s important to be selective about how you share your story during this period, and to consider whether now the best time to tell it at all is. Consulting with the best PR agency is most important thing to consider.
Some public relations professionals have sent some extremely cringe-worthy pitches to reporters (for the record, any email that begins with the phrase “coronavirus is helpful” would leave many recipients scratching their heads). Consider if you might be accused of profiting from a disaster before sending any marketing emails or media pitches that mention COVID-19- consult with best PR agency in Pune for the professional approach.
- Be aware of the news cycle
That isn’t to suggest that all reports from this period are false. As people’s lives are uprooted, the media’s focus has shifted from the epidemic itself to what it means for nearly every aspect of life.
The news cycle appears to follow a trend of reporting the breaking news on the first day, and delving further into the topic and its repercussions on subsequent days. There have been follow-up reports about the effects of Facebook unintentionally blocking essential coronavirus information, the rise of online shopping/delivery, and the possible mental health consequences of people staying at home in the case of coronavirus.
- Recognize that resources are limited
Many newspapers around the world have been unable to cover COVID-19 due to a lack of funding. As a result, reporter beats have changed in some situations. Since no major sporting competitions or tournaments are being organized, sports journalists are being transferred to general news desks to cover COVID-19.
Consider if the story has a commercial angle. The pandemic angle is still a priority for industry outlets, but they continue to cover their beats rather than general news sites and dailies- PR agency in Pune can help decide the story that works for media publication during this time.
- Concentrate on the basics.
You don’t have to be completely dormant only because you’re resisting launching or unveiling a new campaign or initiative. Is your messaging still relevant in today’s environment? If not, a messaging refresh could be necessary, as well as gaining consensus from key stakeholders on brand positioning and designing materials that tie back to this base. Hire the best PR agency– Pune that can help with a professional touch to the campaigns.
- Keep a long-term perspective.
Finally, keep in mind that businesses, including yours, are built for the long haul. It takes commitment and perseverance to increase a brand’s exposure, thought leadership, market success, and credibility.
Many VC companies maintain that they are open for business in the short term, but startup valuations may fall, fundraising will decrease (both in terms of quantity and amount raised), and burn rates will be scrutinized more closely. Many companies will undoubtedly be impacted, and many are already.
However, some of the most well-known brands, such as Airbnb, Dropbox, and Square, were established and thrived during difficult times. If history is any indication, more technologies will emerge this year in areas such as automation/AI, cybersecurity, digital health (including telemedicine), fintech, and HR technology, to name a few.
Now might be as good a time as any to develop and refine your brand’s narrative.