Stories by Molly Jones

Social media use has increased significantly during the pandemic. Analyzing social posts during the early part of the lockdowns, three basic user groups emerge. It is likely their emotional states will change as the pandemic continues. Here’s how brands can spot these groups and prepare content for when they begin to change their behavior.

With all 50 states reopening in some fashion today, many people are wondering when it will be safe to eat out again. In this first of a series about reopening various industries, we examine the role communications will play. In the case of reopening restaurants and other eateries, communication will be key.

The pandemic shows it’s impossible to predict a crisis. On the other hand, assessing likely risks, preparing a response plan in advance, understanding processes and practicing regularly will ensure success during most crises.

As the pandemic has unfolded, the way people and brands talk about COVID-19 on social has shifted. Social conversations have expanded beyond details about the virus to other topics, such as entertainment for the homebound. Brands that monitor social conversations can build connections to their audiences that will last beyond the pandemic.

The PRNEWS staff comes across many examples of brand advertising and communications every day. We have compiled a weekly assessment, published Fridays, with staff members providing their choices of the most notable, good or bad. We hope these brief examples will provide a learning experience about what works and things to avoid during this difficult moment.

The novel coronavirus has resulted in drastic changes throughout the world. Communicators, though, can take solace in that many of the tactics they know from crisis management will apply to communicating during the pandemic.

As the pandemic continues, PR agencies are rethinking how they structure their business, looking at their staffing models and contract templates. Three trends have emerged that can keep agencies above water.

Even though health and safety are top priorities during the coronavirus, it is not time to abandon diversity and inclusion (D&I). Unfortunately, many companies are failing to communicate D&I messages to employees at this moment. Yet protecting employee health and well-being while promoting D&I are, in fact, mutually supportive.

The PRNEWS staff comes across many examples of brand advertising and communications every day. We have compiled a weekly assessment, published Fridays, with staff members providing their choices of the most notable, good or bad. We hope these brief examples will provide a learning experience about what works and things to avoid during this difficult moment.

It never hurts to revisit crisis operating procedures, particularly as they relate to social media. (In fact, with so many projects on pause, now may be the ideal time to rethink your crisis response.) These tips should prove useful as you audit your internal social media processes to stay resilient amid a communications crisis.