Marketing Involving Covid-19 Can “Harm the Brand,” States Adweek Story

Real Talk Insights conducted a study looking at how people are responding to ads that include Covid-19-related messaging, reports Adweek, and more than 60% of those responding “felt it was still great to see this type of response from brands, while more than half (55%) felt brands were pandering and 44% felt that all the ads blurred together and looked the same. And while many are largely indifferent about these types of ads, almost three-quarters (70%) couldn’t recall any brand’s specific response to Covid-19.”

“Marketing around Covid-19 is a double-edged sword. Done right, it can improve brand loyalty and purchase intent. However, if it’s seen as perfunctory or disingenuous (and over half of it is), it can actually harm the brand,” said Brian Dunbar, head of U.S. at Real Talk Insights.

“Ultimately, as with most areas of marketing, if it isn’t an authentic effort, consumers will know from the get-go and will be turned off by it,” added Adweek.

More here.