All Publicity is Not Good Publicity

The idea that all publicity is good publicity is a myth that I am determined to dismantle. It can lead to significant reputational damage and it irritates me that so many people are still so convinced that any publicity is good just because it leads to attention. While any exposure can momentarily boost visibility, not all attention is beneficial in the long run. Negative publicity, particularly when it involves a significant crisis, scandals, ethical breaches, or controversial and offensive statements, can erode public trust and damage a brand's credibility. This is also relevant for people unless of course they simply want to be famous for the sake of being famous and have no interest in the long term harm that negative actions cause. Once trust is lost, it can be incredibly challenging to rebuild, often requiring extensive time, effort, and resources and of course investing in quality PR and Comms to do the work to repair the damage.

Negative publicity can have a direct impact on the bottom line. Consumers today are more socially conscious and hold brands to higher ethical standards. Negative stories can lead to boycotts, loss of loyal customers, and difficulty attracting new ones - the digital landscape means that nothing truly goes away - everything can be stored online and people have long memories. Employees may also feel demoralized, leading to decreased productivity and higher turnover rates. The ripple effect of bad publicity can disrupt operations, damage partnerships, and ultimately, jeopardize the long-term sustainability of a business.

In essence, the quality of publicity matters far more than the quantity - something I always remind clients of. Strategic, positive publicity that aligns with a brand's values and mission is what truly fosters growth and loyalty. Businesses and public figures must be proactive in managing their public image, addressing issues transparently, and engaging authentically with their audience. By focusing on building a solid, positive reputation, organisations and public figures can ensure that their publicity serves to enhance their brand rather than undermine it.