Many companies have been so proactive in repairing their tarnished images by acknowledging what people have been saying about them. Taco Bell and Dominoes have both been paying attention to customer feedback and repairing their negative image through television ads and ad campaigns. This is a great step in bouncing back.
It is not easy for a brand to admit they weren't doing things right. Taco Bell is now making it known that they use real beef. Unless someone told you they didn't, you may wonder why they would say such a thing, but people have been talking about this which is probably the reason why they are even bringing it up now. Imagine if someone said you were cheating on your spouse. You would want to clear it up if it wasn't true, right? Of course, especially if you cared what people thought, and companies should care.
Internet is all about creating a buzz about this or that. People are always talking about something and if it is something negative about your ducts, you would want to know that. This is why it is so important to be engaged with your customers. This is the only way you can influence consumer behavior. If you don't know what they are saying about you, you are losing to your competition. People will find the next best thing if they are not happy with something. You don't want to be the next best thing as a business. Consistency is key and you never want to be out of sight.
Don't worry too much if you do mess up. You can humble your brand by owning up to it. This is exactly what Dominoes did. They came out and said that they were going to make their pizzas better because people weren't satisfied. This shows the consumer that the company cares what they think and are willing to go the extra mile to make them happy by giving them exactly what they want. At the end of the day all consumers want is to know that they are appreciated, and so although influencing consumer behavior or is not all that simple.. it can be.