{"id":224385,"date":"2020-03-28T22:18:02","date_gmt":"2020-03-28T16:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qcsglobal.com\/?p=224385"},"modified":"2020-04-18T17:10:20","modified_gmt":"2020-04-18T11:40:20","slug":"how-to-navigate-your-brand-voice-in-a-time-of-social-distancing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/how-to-navigate-your-brand-voice-in-a-time-of-social-distancing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Navigate Your Brand Voice in a Time of Social Distancing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div>\n<p>The term \u2018business as usual\u2019 doesn\u2019t quite cut it these days. Being in the middle of a health and economic crisis makes it rather tough to continue trucking along in life, let alone business.<\/p>\n<p>It can be difficult to navigate the uncharted waters in a deeply sensitive conversation, <strong>both offline and online<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>However, we are now starting to see brands <em>peek<\/em> from underneath the cloth, attempting to find a creative way to spread the message of social distancing through the power of social media and online conversation.<br \/>\nBrands the last few weeks have been jumping into the trending topic online that is <strong>COVID-19.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Risky?<\/strong> Sure. But <em>wait<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The majority of consumers these days actually want brands to take a stand on what happens in our world today, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edelman.com\/news-awards\/two-thirds-consumers-worldwide-now-buy-beliefs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">where 64% worldwide will make a purchase based on a brand<\/a>\u2019<a href=\"https:\/\/www.edelman.com\/news-awards\/two-thirds-consumers-worldwide-now-buy-beliefs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">s social or political stance<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Consumers like brands that are genuine, authentic and that have a good story. They like to connect with a brand and not just have a transactional relationship.<\/p>\n<p>The more authentic your content, the more people will read it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34485 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-starts.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-starts\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-starts.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-starts\" class=\"wp-image-34485\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>What\u2019s more, consumers actually believe that the platforms brands stand on, combined with their social following, gives them the power to <strong><em>help<\/em><\/strong> address and <strong><em>solve<\/em><\/strong> social issues.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no better time like the now, for businesses to look to their consumers as the source of marketing inspiration. Your audience is indeed the one who knows exactly what they want from your business.<\/p>\n<p>Shocking, I know.<\/p>\n<p>So why not start listening to what they have to say?<\/p>\n<p><!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6\" class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\"><span id=\"hs-cta-b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6\" class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6\"><!-- [if lte IE 8]>\n\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/1896803\/b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"hs-cta-img-b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6\" class=\"hs-cta-img lazyload\" style=\"border-width: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/1896803\/b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6.png\" alt=\"Instagram Engagement Report 2020\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/1896803\/b2dd580e-767c-4a68-b224-cc4ea07f0cf6.png\" alt=\"Instagram Engagement Report 2020\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/span><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/p>\n<h2>Your social channels are an extension of your brand values<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What exactly are Social Brand Values?<\/strong> What does this even have to do with my relationship with my audience on social media in times of crisis?<\/p>\n<p>Firstly, glad you asked.<\/p>\n<p>Hang tight, we\u2019ll get to that second question. Let\u2019s tackle the direct correlation your brand values has on your social channels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Social Brand Value is defined as the perceived value derived by exchange and interactions with other users of the brand within a community <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/232627598_Social_Brand_Value_and_the_Value_Enhancing_Role_of_Social_Media_Relationships_for_Brands_PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(<em>Social Brand Value and the Value Enhancing Role of Social Media Relationships for Brands<\/em>).\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In a nutshell, engagement on social media with your audience is what sustains your community and propels your content into new ones \u2014 generating even more brand awareness.<\/p>\n<p>However, don\u2019t be fooled. Branding is an <em>ongoing<\/em> process, and very much relies on a feedback loop from audiences. Kind of sounds like most relationships \u2014 a bit of a give and take. Or rather a <strong>listen<\/strong>, speak and repeat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe social character of brands and the significance of engagement in co-creating brand value reinforce the role of social media platforms as a brand awareness channel. The participatory potential of social media enables users to affect brands in multiple ways.\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/232627598_Social_Brand_Value_and_the_Value_Enhancing_Role_of_Social_Media_Relationships_for_Brands_PDF\">Fueller, Schroll, Dennhardt, &amp; Hutter, 2012;<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>In sum, audiences play a massive role in brand reputation and perception. It\u2019s safe to say that a <a href=\"https:\/\/mention.com\/en\/blog\/social-listening\/\">brand strategy must also involve social listening<\/a>, to equip marketers with the latest and most relevant insights \u2014 directly from your target group.<\/p>\n<p>Just sayin\u2019.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34479 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-go-on.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-go-on\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-go-on.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-go-on\" class=\"wp-image-34479\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Brands that are mastering cause-based marketing<\/h2>\n<p>We already know that consumers today are much smarter and informed than ever before.<\/p>\n<p>This is the internet age where everyone is using one or more smart devices to stay updated on things that interest them.<\/p>\n<p>This is the time of information overload and <a href=\"https:\/\/mention.com\/en\/blog\/social-media-marketing-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">it is difficult for brands to create content that stands out.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>But it doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s impossible or that your brand doesn\u2019t have an authentic voice in worldly issues. It just means <strong>you must be listening to conversations on social media about your brand, industry and your competitors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34482 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-listen.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-listen\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-listen.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-listen\" class=\"wp-image-34482\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Let\u2019s have a look at who\u2019s been on board with social distancing and ever so cleverly balancing the right branding with a strong message, and likely listened to their industry and audience to sharpen their strategy.<\/p>\n<p><!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391\" class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\"><span id=\"hs-cta-9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391\" class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391\"><!-- [if lte IE 8]>\n\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/1896803\/9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"hs-cta-img-9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391\" class=\"hs-cta-img lazyload\" style=\"border-width: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/1896803\/9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391.png\" alt=\"Instagram Engagement Report 2020\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/1896803\/9bb05076-f2a8-4d5d-943b-d4b7da676391.png\" alt=\"Instagram Engagement Report 2020\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/span><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/p>\n<h2>Time to stay in<\/h2>\n<p>Now, due to government advised closure of restaurants and bards in major cities. Not only are they suffering the effects of social distancing, but so are companies that thrive within the Media, SaaS and Tech space.<br \/>\nTime Out Magazine has rebranded itself as Time In.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34491 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out.png 695w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out-300x189.png 300w\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out.png\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out\" class=\"wp-image-34491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out.png 695w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-time-out-300x189.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>Due to most restaurants and bars in big cities temporarily closing suffering from the effects of social distancing, Time Out magazine has rebranded itself as Time <em>In<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, they started creating content that revolved around staying in your home. Putting the focus on cozy activities and the perfect takeaway dinner pairing to match. In doing so, they are encouraging their audience to stay inside, and still read Time Out.<\/p>\n<h2>Miss Chiquita is \u201calready home\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>Chiquita, the infamous banana and fresh produce company posted the iconic logo on Instagram without its mascot, Miss Chiquita. The caption explained that Miss Chiquita was removed, as she\u2019s \u201calready home\u201d. It urged followers to \u201cdo the same and protect yourself\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34473 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita.png 695w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita-300x190.png 300w\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita.png\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita\" class=\"wp-image-34473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita.png 695w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-chiquita-300x190.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>You can even see in the comments, users using the hashtag <a href=\"https:\/\/paper.dropbox.com\/?q=%23stayhome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#stayhome<\/a>, used by Instagram itself as a story tag for users to connect with.<\/p>\n<h2>Circus Bakery is now on tour<\/h2>\n<p>Not all businesses rebranding to adapt to consumer behavioral changes are huge international companies. Local businesses have a role to play as well.<\/p>\n<p>They have an even stronger chance at encouraging <a href=\"https:\/\/mention.com\/en\/blog\/user-generated-content-guide\/\">user-generated content<\/a>, to help spread the word of their shift in social-distance friendly services.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34476 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery-576x1024.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery-576x1024.png 576w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery.png 750w\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery-576x1024.png\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery\" class=\"wp-image-34476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery-576x1024.png 576w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-delivery.png 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Local bakery and cafe based in Paris, France (where we\u2019re based too). In an effort to abide by self-quarantine regulations, circus bakery is joyfully bike-delivering to Parisians in desperate need of cinnamon buns. This service caught wind (<em>no pun intended<\/em>) through user-generated content shared on Instagram.<\/p>\n<p>Instagram users have been recording their delivery from their windows and using Instagram\u2019s \u00a0\u201cStay Home\u201d story tag in their posts.<\/p>\n<h2>How to discover creative brand reputation tactics<\/h2>\n<p>Brands today cannot afford to not have a presence on social, nor can they afford to not have a voice in timely topics. So why not take a proactive approach to brand reputation \u2014 this means not staying silent, especially when everyone is already talking.<\/p>\n<p>The way that your brand can navigate reputation management is to let your consumers help shape your content, your messaging and your service, to an extent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34488 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-tell-me.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-tell-me\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zdtqg3h0l2yrz5yd19tb2tnm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-voice-social-distancing-tell-me.gif\" alt=\"brand-voice-social-distancing-tell-me\" class=\"wp-image-34488\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>How your brand communications on social media in times of crises will depend on three things:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>How strong your consumer-feedback loop is<\/strong>. Are you listening to what your audience is talking about? What are they saying? Have their needs changed?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mapping out your strategic plan.<\/strong> What are your competitors saying on social media? What is the general reaction? What can this be built off of?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Your ability to humanize your brand. <\/strong>Now is not the time to lose sight of your brand\u2019s tone and personality, ensure it\u2019s intact and allow your message to walk in your consumers\u2019 shoes. What does your audience need to hear?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The most digestible and thoughtful marketing campaigns this month<strong> will be the ones that are able to offer the right message, at the right time and on the right channel.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mention.com\/en\/blog\/brand-voice-social-distancing\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The term \u2018business as usual\u2019 doesn\u2019t quite cut it these days. Being in the middle of a health and economic crisis makes it rather tough to continue trucking along in life, let alone business. It can be difficult to navigate the uncharted waters in a deeply sensitive conversation, both offline and online. However, we are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":224386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224385"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=224385"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224385\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":224391,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224385\/revisions\/224391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/224386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=224385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=224385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qcsglobal.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=224385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}