COVID-19 and Communication

How has the recent COVID-19 crisis affected the marketing and communication industries?

COVID-19 has had a serious impact on how brands reach their customers

We're seeing a lot of changes in how companies and brands market and communicate to their customers through the COVID-19 crisis and also the affects felt throughout the industry. We're seeing masks appear in advertisements in an effort to normalize their presence and encourage people to wear them, a surge in online communication and stories on various platforms in an effort to keep clients engaged and also react to the growing time these customers are spending online or watching TV. The events industry has been turned upside-down as well with in-person events cancelled and online events and distance experiences becoming more common. In this session we'll look at some of these changes, what has worked, and what still needs to be done by brands to keep that important connection with their clientele.

Video: This is not a mask - Vistaprint

Vistaprint encourages people to wear masks so they can continue doing the things they love while expressing some individuality through custom masks.

Video: No mask, no ride - Uber

Uber's promotion for mask wearing is based on solidarity, to protect and respect eachother, including your Uber drivers.

Video: Mask PSAs - Various actors and local governments

The COVID-19 crisis has led celebrities and local goverments to create PSAs (public service announcements are short advertisements for the public good) in an effort to encourage people to wear masks.

Reading: Best ad slogans to get Americans to wear masks

These advertisers shared their catchiest ideas to convince America to cover up. Read more here.

Reading: Face masks shows up in the latest ads

Facemasks aren't just for medical professionals anymore... Read more here.

Reading: Face masks in ads viewed favorably by consumers

Face masks have been a political debate, and dividing point. But a new study shows that consumers view them favorably in new ads. Read more here.

Reading: One World: Together at Home concert raises $127 million for coronavirus relief

An online event with concerts and interviews organized by Lady Gaga raised over $120 million dollars. Read more here.

Reading: People spending a record amount of time online during lockdown

A new report reveals just how much time people are spending online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

Vocabulary: Important terms to know

Listen to vocabulary pronunciation here.

  • Symptoms
  • Pandemic
  • Epidemic
  • Impact
  • Immunity
  • Quarantine
  • Stimulus
  • Social distancing
  • Layoff
  • Proximity
  • Contagious
  • Infectious
  • Super spreader
  • Curfew
  • Isolation

Reflection: Questions and opinions

Here are some important questions to reflect upon in having to do with this session's subject:

  • What effects have you seen on the marketing and communication industries since COVID crisis?
  • Have you noticed any difference in advertising over since the beginning of the year?
  • What do you think about masks being part of advertising today? What is the purpose of this? To help remind people to wear masks? To normalize them?
  • Have you seen any online concerts/events? Are these interesting enough for fans?
  • Are online events, virtual visits, experiences by distance a way to attract customers?
  • What can companies do to engage their customers when they are closed or when customers aren’t moving as much? Have you seen good examples of using social media to engage people during the COVID crisis?
  • Did you notice a rise in the time you spent online during confinement? Do you feel this will go back down after things go back to normal or will people stay online more?