It’s been more than 1.5 years, ever since we saw the first case of Covid-19 in India, and our lives turned upside-down within weeks. Now our old lives seem like a dream. Confined with masks, sanitizers, health supplements, our lives have changed drastically from what it was like before.
A big challenge that the pandemic and the lockdown brought with them, was the loss of finances that many businesses suffered. Not just financially, businesses suffered in many ways, whether it was low offline purchases, problems with delivery, and many more such problems. In times like these, PR is a tool that brands and business should try to use to its fullest, as it might help them out in some way. Here’s why and how..
• Rise in Online Engagement
There is no doubt about the fact that there is a major decline in offline engagement. More and more people are trying to stay inside now and prefer to place online orders. Brand loyalty has been on a decline, as convenience and safety have stepped into the frame. These things point out the very obvious- brands need to have an active online presence, now. Ideally they should have an up and running website and a well- maintained social media presence. And since PR provides a more subconscious engagement, as opposed to advertising; brands should really use this tool to its fullest. This means using SEO, content creation, digital PR platforms to their fullest potential as well.
• Crisis Communications
PR professionals specialize in crisis communications. As all of us have been living this new and bizarre normal for some time now, it is better to prepare and plan for any crisis that might take place, beforehand. This could save the business from any more damage that might be already facing because of Covid-19. Being the best PR agency in Delhi, we understand the importance of this function and always prepare beforehand.
• Keeping the employees engaged
The lockdowns have lead to many people losing their jobs, and many have reported facing mental health issues because of everything that is going on. Businesses should hence, try to do their best to keep their employees as satisfied and involved as possible. Internal communication is an important function that PR performs that will come into play here. Businesses should provide a clear view of how they are performing, to their employees, and PR professionals should try to come up with solutions that might make the situation better for all the employees.

• The cost-effective factor
Another reason that PR should not be neglected in these times, is the cost-effective factor of the tool. The economic depression that the pandemic presented to the world, forced brands and businesses to take another look at their marketing budget, with many even cutting it short.
In such cases, PR should be the tool that brands and businesses should invest more in, as it is much more cost-effective. PR, when done right can help them reap many benefits and can even better the financial problem in the long run.
• PR can strengthen trust
PR is all about making relationship with the media, the consumers, the shareholders, and the other stakeholders and overtime, trying to better the relationship. In times like these, PR when done right, can help the stakeholders in seeing the brand name as a more trustworthy name in the market. If a brand is handling such a crisis well, they will start to see them as someone that they can trust and buy from. Brands also hence, have a role in such times. Remember a few weeks back how many brands were trying to help out in their own way, when the second wave was at its peak?

Hence, a tool like PR should not be neglected in such trying times. The characteristics and function of this tool are perfect to be used in these times and brands need to give it more attention, if they haven’t done so already.

Source:- https://twenty7inc.in/the-relevance-of-public-relations-in-todays-w...