Layoff Stunt Backfires

Wacky PR gimmick backfires

In their quest for a boost in media mileage and market reach, businesses engage in publicity stunts at the expense of basic morals and proper decorum. 

Beauty tech platform YesMadam faced backlash after a controversial social media post claiming they had fired 100 employees for being stressed. Thankfully, the news was fake, and no one was actually fired. However, the marketing stunt, intended to raise awareness about workplace stress, has instead drawn criticism for its insensitive and tone-deaf approach to workplace well-being.

In an era where the number of clicks and views defines success, firms are pressured to try radical stunts to stand out. Social media, which has greatly lowered costs and barriers to entry, has created an ultra-competitive environment with a handful of players jockeying for position. 

It seems that every week, a business ends up in the headlines for a controversial campaign. Companies from different industries continue to launch thoughtless and insensitive campaigns to promote a product or service.

The adage “Bad publicity is still publicity” is an insult to people’s capacity to decipher right from wrong, good from bad, and beautiful from ugly. Some experts claim such antics will help less-known companies to be more visible. This may have been true before the social media age when information was scarce. Nowadays, whatever you post online remains in the archives forever.

Focus on the fundamentals

More and more firms see these stunts as an instant way to boost their visibility. The business landscape has become so competitive that corporations have leapfrogged over the most fundamental aspect of business: the creation and development of a good product or service.

A great product or service is the foundation of a successful business. No amount of marketing, wacky gimmicks, or PR stunts can compensate for a poor product or service. Instead of investing time and money in outrageous spiels, firms must first ensure their product is of superior quality. 

A strong product is the core. Marketing helps promote its benefits to potential customers. If they get the value, quality, and functionality they expect, they’ll likely return and spread positive word of mouth. Continuous product innovation and sound marketing often lead to long-term success.

The greatest businesses also embrace customer feedback, which they use to make necessary changes in their product portfolios. This allows them to stay in touch with market trends and ensure long-term growth. 

There are no shortcuts to success. PR stunts and other outlandish marketing shticks do more harm than good to a business. To get ahead of the competition, nothing beats consistency and a relentless attitude to improve the product or service.

The question for your business

How are you focusing on your product?

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