As a public relations professional, there’s nothing more frightening to me than a PR or communications fail on behalf of an organization. Want to make my hair stand on end? Make an inappropriate comment in a crisis or post something to social media without clearly thinking through the consequences. We see it all too often and thankfully as smart communications professionals we can learn from their mistakes. Take a read through some of this year’s 
scariest PR blunders, but only if you dare.
Pepto-Bismol tweet is gross, ungrammatical and quite popular
If anyone can talk about the delicate topic of stomach issues on Twitter and get away with it, it is Pepto-Bismol. However, one of the most important items when using social media is being grammatically correct. I guess Pepto never got the memo, but luckily for them, followers embraced the gaffe.
At Taco Bell, It’s Not Meat, It’s Protein
In an effort to convey nutrition, Taco Bell began calling its taco meat “Power Protein.” Let’s be honest, if Taco Bell was really interested in nutrition they’d actually replace its cocktail of meat-replacement material rather than rename it with some lame PR stunt. If you deliver a quality product or service in the first place there’s no need for PR “spin.”
Abercrombie & Fitch CEO’s ‘cool kids’ comment draws fire
Sure, Abercrombie & Fitch is no stranger to controversy. You may remember the days when it received a lot of publicity regarding its raunchy graphic tees. However, this time it went a bit over the line. While a business or brand can’t be all things to all people, weight is a sensitive subject for many. Businesses should consider how important exclusivity is before bashing the majority of the American population.
Amy’s Baking Company Freaks Out Online After Epic Meltdown On Gordon Ramsay’s ‘Kitchen Nightmares’
This blunder may have been the most terrifying social media mistake so far this year. It was quite an interesting debacle to watch unfold in real time as the news spread. I think this goes back to the words our mothers engrained in our heads, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Amy’s Baking Company should have thought of that before sounding off on its Facebook page.
Celeb chef Paula Deen admits using ‘N word
And last but most certainly not least, no PR blunders list can be complete without mentioning Paula Deen and her debacle from earlier this year. Her alleged comments were completely unacceptable, but we all make mistakes. But oops Paula did it again and it cost her the career she’s built with Food Network.
I’m sure by this point you’re trembling in your seat! Fear not! These organizations and celebrities have forged a path for us all to avoid. What other scary PR mistakes have you seen? Share your spookiest in the comments below.
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Emma Walter is a senior account executive for WordWrite Communications. You can find her on Twitter @emmasreallytall.
