Essential workers walk out; Engaging with empathy; Tips for going freelance; Tricks for face coverings; and more

DAILY SCOOP

Amazon, Instacart and other essential workers strike, Disney offers branded face masks, and Deloitte shares crisis recovery tips

Also: Communicators shine in an ROI musical, Reddit puts the brakes on group chat feature, join our Twitter #RaganChat with special guest from OKCupid, and more.

COVID-19

How to engage employees with empathy around COVID-19

Every organization must be ready to demonstrate how it is taking care of its workers during this crisis. Here are some ways to ensure your reputation remains untarnished.

PR INDUSTRY

9 tips for starting your freelance practice

As many reconsider their career options during the current job market, hanging out your own shingle might be a worthwhile risk. Here are some important considerations.

INFOGRAPHICS

Infographic: Tips for mask creation and use during COVID-19

Many organizations are facing a return to work scenario where masks will be essential. Here are some guidelines to consider sharing with your stakeholders.

PR DAILY AWARDS

Late deadline: Nonprofit PR Awards

Share your influential nonprofit communications work by this Thursday, April 30, at 11:59 p.m. Central time. Don’t miss your chance to earn recognition.

MARKETING

How Moe’s Southwest Grill is engaging audiences during COVID-19

The restaurant chain had to tailor its messages as stores closed up during the pandemic. Consider its adaptive tactics for engaging franchisees, employees, customers and more.

DAILY SCOOP

Starbucks’ plan for ‘new normal,’ Layoffs at Boeing, Lyft and Norwegian Cruise Line, and SEO tips during COVID-19

Also: Costco and JetBlue require masks, Salesforce cancels in-person Dreamforce, how you can lean on nostalgia during the pandemic, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Crisis communication takeaways from Andrew Cuomo

New York’s governor has earned plaudits for his leadership amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Mine these lessons for your own public speaking forays.

VISUAL & VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS

4 tips to elevate videos for social media marketing

More than eight in 10 businesses are using video to engage consumers, so yours has to stand out. Consider these techniques to grab viewers’ attention and keep them coming back for more.

PR DAILY AWARDS

Don’t miss next Friday’s Media Relations Awards entry deadline

Showcase your communications campaigns, events, strategies and pitches! The entry deadline is next Friday, May 8.

BRANDING

Why brand managers must embrace nostalgia during this crisis

When you can’t make new content, it’s time to revisit the creations of yesteryear. Here are some ways to make what was old new again.

COVID-19

How Oscar Mayer is fostering community during COVID-19

The company has created a campaign to encourage “front yard cookouts,” tying in social media to bring people together amid social distancing and isolation—and to feed families in need.

DAILY SCOOP

YouTube rolls out ‘fact check’ feature, Twitter users want brand content, and TripAdvisor lays off 25% of workforce

Also: Apple Maps shows COVID-19 testing sites, AMC Theaters bans Universal films, Google entertains with past Doodles, and more.

COVID-19

The KISS formula for COVID-19 videos: Keep it simple and safe

Video has become a handy medium for organizations during this crisis, but would-be videographers would do well to not overreach.