How Rewarding Is Proactive Crisis-ready Startup Marketing Planning?

Luke Lazarus
3 min readMar 16, 2020

Having a bulletproof crisis communication strategy is an essential component of effective startup marketing in the face of chaos. Take, for example, what’s happening now with the Covid 19, an unforeseen, unpredictable threat, disrupting supply chains and economic systems. It requires extraordinary measures to bring some semblance of order to industries. Cost management and communications strategy planning should be two core areas of consideration when implementing a crisis reporting model.

Effective Communication In A Crisis

Startups must keep all their teams in the know about critical events and decisions. Also, it is crucial to keep the details about the remedial course succinct to avoid miscommunication. To maintain effective communication, companies must strive for transparency and honesty when reporting a crisis. While complete transparency could have a positive impact on startup marketing, companies should exercise some restraint when divulging information.

Uncertainties only increase anxiety and jeopardize relationships as employees lose trust in the company. In every situation, businesses must communicate realistic outcomes and brief the staff on what is currently on the ground. Also, startups should empower their workforce with the tools and resources necessary to drive resolute results.

Similarly, startups must be explicit and honest when communicating the developments in the face of a crisis to consumers. Consequently, it often involves providing regular updates about the progress the company is making. It is a critical step to maintain effective communication with customers and diffuse controversy.

Diffusing Market-wide Crisis In Startup Marketing

In today’s business arena, where social media is on watch 24 hours, nothing goes unnoticed. With round-the-clock news cycles, businesses must never delay the window of opportunity to report company events that may shape public opinion. In the past, templates were instrumental in ensuring the deployment of efficient crisis communications planning to counter any negative fallout.

Now, startups looking to mitigate crises must take the time to establish a well-thought-out framework. In a race against time, startups must be vigilant in planning effective crisis communication. The first step is to outline a communication strategy, prioritizing daily meetings, calls, and so forth. Then, determine a remedial course based on the goals set. Another smart step is to identify the chief of communications in the respective constituents, including investors, customers, employees, and the market.

Also, it is prudent to use the correct communication channels to convey the message effectively to each audience. Having a FAQ template is also helpful to address general concerns about the crisis and potential resolution actions. Although these are hypotheticals, it is a preparation tactic to demonstrate readiness and propensity for effective crisis management. Startups also need an inspiring message to create an atmosphere of tolerance when responding to a crisis. Lastly, it’s essential to employ systems to measure outcomes and progress as conditions improve.

Why Crisis Cost Management Matters In Startup Marketing

With sustainability being a given in any successful business model, cost management remains a principal concern when responding to a crisis. The company must strive to mitigate any negative impact on investors, consumers, the market, and the labor force. Therefore, minimizing economic fallout that often results in price inflation and volatility should be the prime focus.

Efficient cost management in a crisis is only possible if a startup institutes the three core pillars of sustainability. The first is to ensure complete cooperation of the workforce, technology, and systems. Secondly, it is wise to learn the benefits of scaling back on technology commitments, human capital, and resources when necessary. Lastly, businesses must be introspective when making these decisions and ensure it will not have future implications.

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