Crisis Management: How to Handle Negative Press
No business or public figure is immune to negative press. Whether it’s a bad review, a lawsuit, or a misinterpreted statement, how you respond can make or break your reputation. That’s why having a solid crisis management strategy in place is crucial.
At Otter PR, we specialize in protecting reputations and handling media crises before they spiral out of control. Here’s what you need to know about managing negative press effectively.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The worst thing you can do in a crisis is panic. Take a step back and evaluate the situation objectively. Is this a minor issue that will fade quickly, or is it a serious threat to your brand?
Before responding publicly, gather all the facts. Understand exactly what happened, who is involved, and how it is being portrayed in the media. This will help you craft a well-thought-out response instead of making emotional or reactive statements.
2. Respond Quickly, But Thoughtfully
In today’s 24/7 news cycle, speed matters. If negative press starts circulating, don’t ignore it—a lack of response can make it seem like you’re guilty or have something to hide.
However, a rushed response can make things worse. Work with a PR expert to develop a calm, professional, and strategic statement that addresses the issue without escalating the situation.
3. Control the Narrative
If you don’t shape the story, someone else will do it for you. Instead of just reacting to negative press, find ways to shift the conversation in a more positive direction.
- Issue a clear, concise public statement. Acknowledge the issue without adding fuel to the fire.
- Provide solutions. If the criticism is valid, outline steps you are taking to fix the problem.
- Highlight positive news. Push out good PR—such as success stories, community involvement, or expert insights—to counterbalance negativity.
4. Engage With Media and the Public Wisely
If journalists are reaching out, don’t go silent—but don’t over-explain either. Stick to key messages and avoid saying anything that could be taken out of context.
For social media backlash:
- Acknowledge concerns professionally.
- Avoid online arguments.
- Take serious complaints offline to resolve them privately.
5. Monitor and Manage Your Online Reputation
Once a crisis dies down, your work isn’t over. Negative stories can linger online, affecting your SEO and long-term brand perception. This is where proactive reputation management comes in:
- Use SEO strategies to push down negative content in search results.
- Encourage positive press by securing media features and testimonials.
- Stay prepared. Regularly monitor media and social platforms for potential issues.
Protect Your Reputation With Professional Crisis Management
Handling negative press alone can be overwhelming. At Otter PR, we help businesses and professionals navigate crises, rebuild trust, and stay ahead of potential PR disasters.
Book a strategy call today and let us help you take control of your reputation!
This post was written by a professional at Otter Public Relations. Otter Public Relations is the fastest-growing Miami public relations firm and its growing team of 35+ publicists and media partners focus on getting your story told in the local and national media. Let Otter PR support your business in; Media relations, Crisis Communications, and Reputation Management.
