Online Press Release (PR)

How to counter bad buzz with a good online press release

Posted in Online Press Release (PR) by Susie Hood on 24th of March, 2009

For many organisations, an online press release is used when you have some good news that you are just dying to share with the world. A new product launch or an exciting change in management, perhaps.

In contrast to this, many companies avoid online press releases at less positive times. They think it better to sit on the problem and hope no one in the online community will hear of it. When in fact, this is precisely the time when a company should be actively creating and distributing press releases. Because a good press release can actually be highly beneficial in turning turn bad news into positive buzz.

If a company is brave enough to acknowledge an issue, it positions them as open and honest. Plus, it gives that company the opportunity to put their side of the story forward and clearly explain what they aim to do to resolve the issue at hand. Whereas the alternative is let the online community find out for themselves – and believe us, they will. Then rumours will start to fly and you will have more problems regaining trust.

In addition, online press releases can be used to counter negative perceptions about your brands before they become mainstream. With careful tracking of online conversations, a company can see what people are saying about them at any time. And if the online conversations are leaning towards the negative, it is the perfect opportunity to launch a pre-emptive strike with a well-crafted and targeted online press release. If you want some help with how to approach a press release, a professional internet marketing company can help you to write a PR that has the right tone and says exactly what needs to be said.

If a brand is open and honest, no matter what the problem they are facing, they should be able to regain their integrity. However if you try and bury bad news, you'll soon be found out. And no amount of marketing or PR can undo this.