How a website blog can facilitate crisis management
October 24, 2023 | Category: Blog, Branding, Crisis PR, Media Relations, Public Relations
When a crisis occurs it’s important to get information out fast so the affected stakeholders can take appropriate action. But sharing information online can be tricky if you don’t have a plan in place or a venue in mind.
A website blog can be an effective choice for disseminating updates, sharing detailed information and even posting press releases if the blog is under your control so you can make regular updates. Blogs are not subject to the kind of content limits that some forms of social media are and can include links to longer documents, FAQ sheets, press kits and other relevant information.
A blog is best used in conjunction with other social media, which can be used to direct stakeholders to the company blog for longer detailed information. Posting pertinent information on a variety of platforms is a sure-fire way to make sure that emergency information is accessible to the parties that need to see it.
Establish your blog as a source for critical crisis communications and employees, customers, the media and the public will go there to check for new information, updates, special directives, photos and video. Having critical crisis recovery information available in one place is key to ensuring the right people see the information at the right time.
A company blog allows you to be the voice of authority, without the filter of the media.
If the media is seeking information, your company blog can become a one-stop shop for reporters by housing everything the media needs in one place. Links to press releases, company statements, police reports, employee directives and updates by company leaders can all live in the same space. Reporters can access the information they need for news stories with the simple click of a mouse. You can also include contact information for a media liaison in case a reporter needs to reach someone for a live interview.
A company blog can also be used to provide mop-up information after the crisis has been resolved. Employees, customers, the public and the media can check back to find out how the emergency was resolved and if there were any lasting effects. Consumers who browse the company’s website will also be able to find out how management handled the crisis and how any fallout was resolved.
A blog is an effective venue for posting emergency information because the information is easy to find, can be easily found and re-read and does not get lost in the fluidity of a social media feed. Posting emergency information in a company blog will also serve as an on-the-record report of what happened and what actions were taken to address the issue.
Red Banyan‘s social media and crisis PR experts have the skills and experience to help.
5 Reasons Why a Company Blog Can Help in an Emergency
- Accessibility: Relevant information can be placed directly on the company website where it is seen by employees, consumers, the media and the public.
- Authority: A company blog can include the voices of company leaders which lends authority to the content.
- Media: Information that is posted on a company blog is immediately accessible to the press, which can use it to update news stories.
- Photo repository: Companies can post relevant photos in a company blog that relate to crisis resolution.
- Emergency contacts: Blog content can provide the names and numbers of anyone in authority connected with crisis resolution.