Two more brands stepped into the gun control debate. Walmart, which sells arms, said it would halt sales of handguns, though it will continue offering hunting rifles and ammunition. Grocery chain Kroger, which, as far as we know, doesn’t sell guns, joined Walmart in asking customers not to carry arms in its stores. Did these brands make the right call?
Corporate Social Responsibility
Hurricane Season Brings Out the Best, and Worst, Disaster Communications
September 3rd, 2019 by Justin JoffePR pros can learn much from the messaging of businesses, organizations and government agencies during hurricane season, from communicating in a calm, measured tone to what language should be avoided. While some may lose reception in the thick of a storm, a sound social strategy during prep and recovery can help many withstand, and, if necessary, rebuild.
How Brands on a Budget Can Make a Difference With Philanthropy
August 28th, 2019 by Judith Rowland, FleishmanHillardIt can be difficult for brands, large and small, to ensure their CSR efforts truly make a difference. For brands on a budget, it’s even more difficult to gain a foothold in philanthropy. FleishmanHillard’s Judith Rowland proposes several ways brands with modest CSR funds can make an impact. For example, she urges them to look to fill unmet needs. And there are plenty of them, she argues.
Why Brands Should Not Take a Political Stand in the Internet Age
August 23rd, 2019 by Ronn TorossianEvery day, it seems that someone is reiterating the same point: the world is more divided than ever before. This constant talk of division also brings up the idea that there is a need to take sides, and many brands are doing just that. Taking a firm stance on one side of a political issue and disavowing the other has become a popular marketing tool recently, but is it the right move for your brand?
5 Ways to Make Your Social Good Great
August 6th, 2019 by Anthony PaonitaCorporate commitments to the big picture confer a halo that transcends commerce. So how do you get that halo? One of the most common—and effective—ways is via a CSR campaign. Here are some tips that can help you use these to connect with your audience and not just inspire loyalty, but inspire change.
Pinterest’s ‘Compassionate Search’ Reminds Us What Customer Care Really Means
July 23rd, 2019 by Justin JoffeDigital platforms are constantly rolling out new products and services to improve the user experience, but seldom do those new features consider the user’s experience off the platform. That’s where Pinterest, a social platform that organizes images on a digital corkboard, has broken new ground. Yesterday, its product team announced “an entirely new experience centered around emotional wellbeing,” reports Wired. “When you type in an anxiety-related query—something like ‘work anxiety,’ or ‘dealing with stress’—Pinterest will now display a box above the stream of pins.”
Why The Rise of Femvertising is Good PR
July 19th, 2019 by Meredith KlenkelMany marketers continue to operate with the idea that American family ideals of the past are relevant in targeting female demographics. But this tactic falls flat for many—if not most—modern women. Worse, it lacks the… Continued
Why Facebook’s Libra Cryptocurrency Can’t Cure Its Transparency Blues
July 3rd, 2019 by Justin JoffeFor the past few years, future-focused communicators have seen cryptocurrency as a potential tool for promoting brand transparency and accountability. That’s because blockchain, the digital technology that logs cryptocurrency transactions, acts as an unalterable ledger.… Continued
How to Activate Customers to Become Part of a Social Movement
July 1st, 2019 by Nicole SchumanThe modern consumer holds a world of information at their fingertips. They can research companies to the finest minute detail—including working conditions and the CEO’s latest political contributions. Younger generations hold companies accountable, and want to make purchases with those who uphold an authentically purposeful agenda surrounding their products and promotion.
Why Brands Should Focus Their CSR Efforts on Millennials
June 28th, 2019 by Meredith KlenkelThere’s been a generational and cultural shift toward activism over the last few decades, as consumers call for more organic and open conversations about CSR from businesses. With this, the spirit of reversing capitalism-induced environmental and social damage has also become a trend in marketing. And millennials are largely the ones driving the shift.