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Many people have a very similar concept of public relations and marketing. However, they are very different areas. Understanding the differences between the two, as well as their similarities, can help your business choose the right type of agency to deliver your strategy.
However, it is important to know that great results are achieved when both fields are integrated into the brand and work together. This way you will get the most out of your business.
Definition of marketing and public relations
Before we begin to discuss their similarities and differences, it is important to have a general idea of what marketing and public relations are.
A public relations agency seeks to create and maintain a brand’s reputation over time by using the media.
Marketing agencies, on the other hand, have the function of positioning and publicising a product in order to get the public to buy it.
What do they have in common?
Although their definitions are quite different, marketing and public relations are similar in several respects:
- A common ultimate goal: although both areas act differently, all their efforts are ultimately focused on persuading the public to increase the company’s sales.
- Work on brand image: both aim to convey the best possible brand image and their goals also include enhancing the brand’s reputation.
- Target analysis: before taking action, both marketing and public relations companies have to carry out a study of the brand’s target audience and the best way to reach them.
What are the differences?
Despite the great similarities, branding should not be confused with advertising and public relations. The latter two are communication tools and branding is focused on the creation and management of a brand. However, branding serves as an inspiration and a roadmap for your advertising strategy. Therefore, we remind again that, in order to achieve an optimal result, it is important to have both facets within a company. However, they should not be confused. These are their differences:
- Orientation: Public relations is not only concerned with external communication, but is also aimed at a company’s internal staff. Marketing, on the other hand, is completely oriented towards the public, towards the outside of the organisation.
- Strategy: In marketing, it is the brand that speaks for itself. In advertising, the strategy relies on others (be they experts, journalists or influencers) talking about the brand.
- The transaction: when carrying out a marketing strategy, there is always an economic exchange involved, for example, when placing an advertisement on a website. However, in the case of public relations, this is not so common.
- The message: as a consequence of the previous point, in marketing, the place or the person issuing the message cannot change the content, whereas in the case of the PR message it can.
- Content: by its very nature, marketing appeals more to the emotions and public relations to the rationality of the public.
Finzel is a global strategic communications agency specialising in corporate public relations management. We have a wide range of services related to media management, event management and digital content management. And we can also help you through our marketing support. We are the right company to manage your communication.
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