The Difference Between Public Relations and Advertising

The Difference Between Advertising and Public Relations

Ina RossBusiness Consultant/Coach
What is the difference between PR and advertising... a question that is often asked by business owners. I found an interesting explanation from Ina Ross, a Business Consultant and Coach.

Ross explains, "PR and advertising are cousins. They serve the same master... but with different approaches."

Ross continues, "I have always found that advertising is great for getting instant results. It is where you put your coupons to attract new shoppers...to introduce to your products. The accounting is built into the campaign and is very reliable. Advertising gives you "instant" results."

"PR on the other hand is more of a long term investment," Ina says. "It can entail "free" advertising if you use press releases judiciously. The newer arena of social networking is a terrific platform for PR efforts."

Ross then explains that Public Relations fosters relationships... relationships that eventually become clients or customers down the road. And there must be a mix of both for a successful business.

So how's your PR and advertising working for you?

A Great Quiz To Take Before Release Distribution

All of PR pros would do well to review the following quiz. I found this on another PR related site.

Dear PR people, please take this quiz before you send out another press release or email pitch. (The correct answers are below)

1. Has the print, online or broadcast reporter you are pitching ever covered this topic?

2. Why would this pitch or release elicit a response from people who read it?

3. Is this pitch or is it just a bunch of fluff?

4. Would anyone pass along a story on this topic to a friend or colleague?

5. Have you Googled the reporters and bloggers on your list so you know if they've covered your competitor?

6. Have you read your competitors' press releases?

7. Have you checked to see if any blogs specifically cover this topic?

8. Can you make the copy shorter?

Your answers should be: 1. Yes; 2. Yes; 3. No; 4. Yes; 5. Yes; 6. Yes; 7. Yes 8. Yes.