At family gatherings and social occasions, I am frequently asked, "What do you do for a living?" as well as, "What is public relations?" "It's like advertising without the money," I explain. There are clear contrasts between public relations and advertising. #ThinkWithNiche
To put it another way, advertising is bought media, whereas public relations is earned media.
Isn't that what it all boils down to? While both advertising and public relations help businesses establish themselves and connect with customers, public relations are working with journalists and reporters to help tell your story, as opposed to paying for a message to be sponsored by a company or brand.
Which is best for you and your company? It depends on what you're discussing. A lot of variables must be examined to make that decision. The following are three questions to consider while deciding between the two choices I've presented.
1. Is your Priority Selling One Product or Building Brand Awareness
The majority of the time, the objective of a commercial is to promote a certain product or service. If you want a more formal term, call it a return on investment (ROI).
Public relations are frequently used as a form of promotion as well as a way of establishing a brand. Despite what many business owners would want, the primary goal of a public relations program isn't usually to generate sales. A company's reputation is maintained and strengthened as a result of public relations activities, as is interaction with its audience and consumers.
2. How much Control do you want over your Message
Advertising provides a tremendous lot of flexibility and freedom in terms of determining what message is delivered throughout the world. Because you are paying to have your message conveyed to potential consumers, you are free to be as promotional as you like.
Even if your idea is accepted by the media, the substance and narrative of your story remain your responsibility as a public relations expert. When a story is portrayed accurately, it may be viewed as a negative aspect of public relations, but it may also be viewed positively. Your public relations firm may assist you by ensuring that you are media-ready and that your pitch/interview is consistent with your company's messaging.
3. How Quickly do you need to See Results
The solution to this question is pretty simple. If you need results quickly, know what message you want to convey to clients, and have the funds to do it, advertising is your best option. You might have an ad up and running in less than a day, but it usually takes a week or more.
Public relations need hours, if not weeks, of work to receive media attention. Developing relationships with reporters, honing your messaging, and establishing your company's brand are all part of the public relations process.
Public Relations Vs. Advertising: Weigh Your Options
With the answers to these questions, you will be able to make a more informed choice about what is best for your company. As a result, each company is unique and must design its distinct marketing strategy to grow.
Continue your study and contact various advertising and public relations firms to get a better feel of what they can do for your company.