Many people believe that the terms “public relations” and “marketing” are interchangeable. While there can be some overlap, there are clear differences. Defining the difference between public relations and marketing can create a better and more focused campaign. With this, comes better objectives, goals, and expected outcomes.
Wait! Public Relations and Marketing Aren’t the Same? Let’s Compare.
Although they are two separate terms, every business that strives to be successful must focus on the importance of public relations and marketing together. Before we get into the difference and similarities between public relations and marketing, here’s a quick breakdown of each:
- Public Relations (PR): Public Relations is traditionally referred to media that has been earned, not paid for. This is found in media sources such as blog posts, TV newscasts, print articles, by way of interviews and featured stories. It can be more commonly defined as the practice of managing communication between the public and an organization. The future of a business depends on the degree of success of a PR campaign. PR strives to communicate the best story possible.
- Marketing: Imagine marketing as an umbrella of communication. There are plenty of definitions available, but the term marketing is generally used to describe all communication activities targeted to motivate a transaction or specific behavior. The marketing umbrella communicated the five P’s of the marketing mix (people, place, product, price, and promotion). This also includes sub-disciplines of packaging, positioning, sales and more.
Marketing Goals
Marketing goals are measurable. The objective for a marketing team is to extend the reach to consumers and to make them believe, think, or do some form of sales-focused action. In other words, it’s about actually selling a product or service. These goals are usually quantitative translations that coincide with a company’s financial objectives. Most of these objectives are to increase:
- Sales conversion rates
- Share of customer’s business
- Number of accounts or new relationships
- ROI on advertising
- Market share
- Units sold
- Sales dollars
PR Goals
Public relations is about selling a brand through positively managing communication channels. This means a generally positive rapport with the media industry and communities in which you do business. Having a secure connection will help drive consumers to your business and build towards long-term and loyal relationships.
Public relations campaigns also strive to raise brand awareness. This is an important step, especially for new companies that have yet to establish strong brand recognition in the marketplace.
PR efforts can be targeted to reshaping or improving customer attitudes towards your brand. Companies that have a negative perception to the public often use PR to promote a message of community engagement, charitable events, or products that go towards the common good.
What are the Similarities?
The relationship between public relations and marketing is that both of these tactics are designed to increase brand awareness, communication, brand identity, brand story, sales, and web traffic for a company. In both cases, a company will target its message towards a strategically chosen audience. Each are mutually beneficial in regards to creating better relationships between a company and the public.
Whether It’s PR or Marketing, We’ve Got You Covered
PR Plus specializes in both marketing and PR services. Our team of professionals will connect your company with the world through public and media outlets to help you meet your company objectives. Contact us at (702) 696-1999 for more information.
