McDonalds Intro

                                    

PR + McDonald’s? I’m loving it.

We all know how fast food can be cheap, but at the same time incredibly delicious. However, it can also be extremely unhealthy. Some people though are "addicted" to fast food because of the taste, variety and amazing prices. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who simply cannot live without fast food, eg. McDonald's. 

The question here however, is how can companies like McDonald's present something SO unhealthy but at the same time irresistible? This is where PR steps into the picture and turns everything around.

Everyday, 68 million people visit McDonald's. They present new menus with more salads and fruits, which is a positive thing. However whenever I decide to go to McDonald's to order a salad, I end up ordering a big mac!

One of the most important factors McDonald’s invests on, is the brand’s image. This is what basically makes the whole company stand out. Going back in 1995, Ronald McDonald had become the spokesperson and Chrildren goodwill ambassador. This way, the public sees McDonald’s as a helpful company, that has amazing food and is also helping children in need through different events, etc. Is this the real case however? Or, is it just a smart way of PR to attract more and more customers?

‘’In today's tough economic environment, you can use PR principles to further your business without spending a lot of money.’’- Roy Bergold (QSR)

                                     

Nowadays, thanks to the social media, it is easier to create a public communication between company and customs. On the McDonald’s website, you can find information and even children’s games. This can have both positive and negative outcomes for the public. 

Sometimes PR can be tricky in my opinion. In the UK at least, the PR team is very strong. Although it's not for my own benefit as McDonald's can be extremely fattening, they achieve their goal which is to attract even more people. 

The company announced the creation of 2,500 new British jobs and positions. (even though they pay them ridiculously low wages)

I noticed how PR attracts the public when I paid for my bus ticket and got a McDonald's deal for £1.99. I find it suspicious how something so "healthy" as they present it, is also so cheap! Usually healthy foods cost a bit more than junk food. Their actions can be seen manipulative, however I know deep down that I will be using that ticket deal soon enough..

                      

McDonald's is open 24/7, which means anyone can eat there anytime they want. This automatically makes it the popular place to eat after a late night out.

Adverts and PRs present McDonald's burgers as 100% beef. However my homemade 100% beef burgers don't taste like that at all! (they're quite delicious as well though.)

Therefore obviously McDonald's burgers are not 100% beef...

People also noticed the difference in the McDonald's salad, and how their lettuce tastes like ‘fig leaves.’ They basically present healthy-looking food and salads in order to sell more burgers.

In Cyprus they recently announced the McDonald’s delivery service, where food will be brought right outside your door.The easier you make things for customers, the more they will be requiring your services. This only confirms their successful PR strategies though. It is noticeable that a big tasty with bacon, large fries and a chocolate milkshake contain 1,780 calories. which is a HUGE amount to consume in just one meal.

PRs influence onto the public around fast food restaurants like McDonald's can be seen as successful and tricky at the same time. However their main goal is achieved, and they now have restaurants all around the globe.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gmOwkxKeMo

By Panagiota Charalambous.