It still baffles me that today, companies are capitalizing on the tragic 9/11 attacks that took thousands of lives, injured thousands of victims and subjected innocent people to an endless grieving process for content branding. Today – the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States – victims are being remembered, and those who fought for their lives are being commemorated. I speak for many when I say that it truly does feel like it happened just yesterday.
As content marketers, our job is to create and share original, insightful and relevant content to draw in readers and keep them engaged; however, as painful as it is to hear, brands are using tragedies like 9/11 to unveil new marketing efforts. While the majority of brands know that the only messages that should be sent out regarding this day should be those of commemoration and remembrance, some brands haven’t understood this fact.
It should go without saying that on a solemn, historical day like today, content marketing initiatives need to take a back seat.
Today, one simple tweet will get your brand’s message across. Send out your love to those affected by this international tragedy – your followers need nothing else. For example, “Our thoughts go out to all of the victims of 9/11” or “#NeverForget.”
While those around the world pause to remember the victims of September 11 on its 12th anniversary, your company should be, too.