Author: Anna Agoncillo

 

Lately, my graduate school has been making headlines, and not the flattering kind. From administrative mishaps to student complaints going viral, the institution has found itself under the harsh glare of public scrutiny. As someone who’s finishing her program, I can’t help but wonder: what does this mean for the school’s reputation? And more broadly, can negative publicity ever truly be good for business?

We’ve all heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” But how true is that in an age where Google is your storefront and public opinion forms in real time?

HOW NEGATIVE NEWS SPREADS

In today’s hyper-connected world, perception often begins with a simple Google search. Unfortunately, bad news has a longer shelf life and stronger visibility than most positive press.

Why? Negative headlines drive more clicks, comments, and shares. This user engagement signals to search engine algorithms that the content is relevant, even if it’s outdated or misleading. As a result, a single bad article can show up prominently when someone looks up your business or brand, potentially turning away would-be customers or investors.

Google’s algorithm is designed to give users the best answers to their queries. But best often translates to most engaging, not necessarily most accurate. So that two-year-old article on your company’s past HR scandal might appear higher in search results than last week’s community outreach initiative.

THE REAL COST OF BAD PUBLICITY

The impact of negative press isn’t just theoretical. A 2019 study found that the effect of negative news on reputation is three times stronger than that of positive news.

It doesn’t take much to start losing ground. One unfavorable article can reduce the number of prospective customers by 22%. If there are four or more, that loss can jump to 70%. In a competitive market, that’s the kind of damage not every business survives.

Even worse, headlines don’t have to be true or even fair to cause harm. A clickbait title or misquoted soundbite can do serious reputational damage before a company even has the chance to respond.

WHEN THE STRATEGY BACKFIRES

Public relations, when done right, is strategic and thoughtful. But not all PR is created equal.

Some companies mistakenly believe that even bad press is better than none. This is particularly common among startups or businesses trying to break into a crowded market. However, the idea that negative PR is better than silence is misguided.

Sloppy press releases, exaggerated claims, or defensive public apologies erode consumer trust. And once trust is broken, it is incredibly hard to rebuild. Negative PR does not just hurt in the short term; it can create long-term incoherence in your brand’s identity, making it harder for the public to understand who you are and what you stand for.

WHEN NEGATIVE PUBLICITY CAN BE AN OPPORTUNITY

That said, all is not lost. Bad news does not have to mean bad outcomes if you respond well.

Handled properly, negative feedback can actually serve as a catalyst for growth. Acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and showing a clear plan for improvement can help your business appear more transparent, trustworthy, and resilient.

Consider these tips when responding:

a. Be proactive. Do not wait for the story to snowball. Get ahead of it with a clear, honest message.

b. Own it! If your business made a mistake, admit it. People respect accountability.

c. Offer solutions. Lay out specific actions you are taking to correct the issue.

d. Follow through. False promises can further damage credibility. Real change rebuilds trust and improves your reputation over time.

SO IS BAD PUBLICITY EVER GOOD?

Sometimes, controversy does put a brand on the map, but that attention is rarely sustainable. A viral scandal might spike interest, but what happens when the buzz fades and all that remains is a tarnished name?

True, not all bad press spells doom. Some brands have successfully leveraged backlash into branding gold. But these are the exceptions, not the rule. For most businesses, bad publicity is just that: bad.

The smarter strategy is to aim for meaningful visibility. That means consistent, authentic engagement with your audience and a willingness to respond thoughtfully when things go wrong.

In business, as in life, reputation is earned slowly but can be lost in a flash. The better question is not “Can bad publicity help me?” but “How do I make sure my next headline is one I’d be proud to read?”

Sources: 1 & 2

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