Throughout modern life the extensive use of social media redefines social contact and communication. Communication plays a significant role in reducing or exacerbating the psychological and behavioral reactions to crucial disasters and incidents. As recent events have shown, during and after crisis people continue to turn on social media. Officials may then use this media and other analytical tools to obtain public knowledge, mainly to increase situational understanding, but also to enhance their contact with the public and public adherence to the instructions.
If followed a well-planned social media strategy then there are many ways to maintain a healthy crisis planning. For a brand, it is the right time to be the center of the eye. Brands shouldn’t ignore these conversations but participate and approach with care.
What role does Social Media play in Crisis Communication?
Have a direct and fast communication to your audience. Support them with apt information and knowledge about their needs from your brand. Social Media is not only to pretend that you’re helping, but it’s also a platform where you actually help your audience and, in many cases, implement it in reality.On social media, that means strengthening long-term trust and relationships with our public.
Social Media as a Crisis Communication Platform
Successful crisis communication will help to alleviate mutual anxiety and guide quick and centered rescue, recovery, and rehabilitation operations. It is becoming clear that social media acts as the ultimate platform for processes of crisis communication.
Here are few Healthy Networking Tips Via Social Media during a crisis:
- Update your Facebook business page to reflect changes with COVID-19
We’re spending more time on Facebook because most of us have to sit home. Share news important to your business, and consider using your company to help people on the front lines of local communities.
Boosting the local community would go a long way toward building strong customer awareness of the brand. - Using LinkedIn to add to the Debate
LinkedIn can still give your brand a voice during this time, as a social media platform built for the professional world. Sharing on LinkedIn has increased since the implementation of social distancing to prevent COVID-19 from the spread.
You can offer your experience and contribute to the discussion no matter which industry your company is located. Speak about remote working challenges and tribulations, video conferencing, and remaining linked to the staff and colleagues. - Leverage Contextual Hashtag and Content
The best way to reach your audience and attract maximum engagement is to use relevant hashtags and quality inforgraphics to leverage your social media content. Quick explanatory and reach out videos can also help in personal connect with the brand. - Connect in a Convenient way
When we have something people need, and they are searching for, then we want to make it as convenient as possible in a time of crisis for them. Closures, improvements, and any other general news relating to consumers and the local community are also worth sharing. - Leave room for feedback and queries
People may have any queries. Be transparent as to how they can best reach you. Even if you’re not facing a deluge of anxious customer service inquiries, take the time to connect with your customers, answer their questions, and reassure them. When strategizing, a break may be appropriate, but if the company is close to the crisis — radio silence
It is highly advocated by many social media agencies to establish a plan and procedures for crisis communications. Social Media is the best way to do emergency management communication.