Crisis 101: 1, 2, 3, Proactive Steps
October 12, 20181, 2, 3, Proactive Steps During a Crisis
All companies will face a crisis at some point. The way you handle the crisis itself is important, but that alone is not enough. The way you interact with your audience before a crisis occurs is just as important. When you think of your favorite brand, it is not always the product itself that draws you in. Often times, it is what they stand for, what they have done for others and how they treat their consumers.
Tell Your Story When Times are Good
If you tell your story before a crisis occurs, you can establish a relationship with your audience beforehand. Build goodwill with the public and earn their trust before a crisis happens, and you will have a much better chance at a successful recovery. Make connections with your audience and show them that you care. You will find it much easier to maintain a strong relationship even after a crisis occurs.
What Kind of Stories Should You Tell?
Your company is unique, and the stories you tell should be too. When deciding what stories to tell, think along the lines of product efficacy, research and development, manufacturing, new officer spotlights or your corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Be unique and show that you are more than just a business. Show the heart of your company, and let your audience see you in action.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
After a crisis, it is common for stories published about the crisis to pop up first. The more positive stories you tell when times are good, the more positive things come up when your audience Googles your name. Let the good outweigh the bad, and make an effort to actively improve your SEO. This can be done through blog posts or press releases that can boost your SEO significantly.