PR vs Advertising: Why You Need Both
- Audrey Ridder
- Nov 2
- 2 min read
By: Audrey Ridder
When people hear the words PR and Advertising, they often assume it is the same thing. Both involve getting people’s attention and shaping their perceptions. While they both serve similar goals, the way they achieve these goals is very different.
So what’s the difference?
Advertising is paid. Think of it in terms of billboards, commercials, or even social media ads. A brand pays for a space to deliver a message directly to you. The positive to this is that companies can control exactly what they want to say and what mediums they want to say it through. However, the downside to this is that consumers are aware that it is paid media so it runs the risk of feeling less authentic.
PR, on the other hand, is mostly earned. It is focused more on building relationships and credibility through stories, media coverage, and community engagement. If you have ever seen a news article about a company doing good work or a business being spotlighted in the radio then you have seen or heard of PR. The upside to this is that people are more likely to trust PR because it is not directly paid for by the brand.
Why do you need both?
Advertising gets people's attention and PR builds trust. When used together, they create a powerful duo. For example, imagine you need to launch a new product. An ad campaign can help spread the word quickly, but it is the PR coverage that convinces people that the brand is legitimate.
Practical Tips
Use advertising to increase visibility and reach a large audience.
Utilize PR to establish trust and credibility between the brand and audience.
Create campaigns that allow for paid and earned efforts to complement one another.
Key Takeaway
Using only one of these strategies leaves your campaign weak. Advertisements without PR can come off as controlling and PR without advertising might not reach enough people. By using both techniques together, you ensure that your message is seen and remembered.
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