When you live in Florida like me, you quickly realize how lucky you are to have such a beautiful back yard. I frequent the beautiful beaches and enjoy all and the outdoor activities provided at our National Parks. Like many in the Gulf Coast region I am angered, saddened to tears, and feel completely helpless in this oil spill situation. The pictures of struggling birds and dead wildlife make you cringe and the fact that there is no end in sight is beyond unsettling. Being an internet marketing professional, I looked to BP’s website to see how they were using their online marketing to inform their consumers during the oil spill.
If you visit their website, their header reads “Gulf of Mexico response”. To be honest on the surface they have done a good job in giving the impression they care. In addition to their usual navigation menu tabs, they added a special tab in an orange highlighted color named “Gulf of Mexico response”. They also have a call to action in orange connecting you to that special page. They are posting Latest News and updates and have posted links and important numbers for information on their current efforts.
In social media marketing efforts they have posted a section labeled “Keep Up To Date” where they have links to their Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and RSS Feed.
There are four websites that have been created by them for the four effected states.
Upon opening these pages, the BP logo is displayed on the top to remind visitors that these sites were set up by BP in effort to help.
As far as media and images, they have a flash-animated header with images that transition between volunteers, workers, and current operations. Below the fold, there are video updates from the CEO, response in detail, and reports from the Gulf. Perhaps the most important video is the ROV footage showing live streams of the damaged riser that shows the spilling oil.
Using web marketing, BP has made an effective effort on their site during this crucial time of crisis management and reputation management control.
In a final note – If you want to read on ways to help, visit www.iaminvolved.org. Keep in mind that if you do volunteer, you need to be trained and wear special clothing in order to prevent illness. Many volunteers not associated with BP have been treated for respiratory issues.
If you live in the state of Florida, please visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/response.htm for more information or http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/volunteer.htm to volunteer.
One Comment
I agree that they did a good job on overall with BPs Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill response page. However, I think they need a little more content in the forefront on how sorry they are for the incident they created and simply take more accountability for it. I think they are doing OK, but it just seems as if they are just doing it because they have to. Technically, they are doing all the right things, but it just not coming across as that sincere to me– just my opinion.