For professionals working in the corporate communications industry, there is a common question that we are all asked at some point in our careers: What’s the difference between public relations and marketing? 

While those on the inside might be flabbergasted by the question, it’s easy for people on the outside looking in to get confused by what differentiates the two. Our skilled team of PR experts at The Chi Group is here to clear things up. 

What’s the Difference Between PR and Marketing?

Whether you’ve recently graduated with a communications degree or are looking to switch industries, it’s important to understand the differences between PR and marketing before you can make a decision on which one is right for you. While there are similarities and some companies even combine the two jobs into one team, there are several distinct differences that separate PR from marketing.

Once upon a time, differentiating between public relations and marketing was pretty easy. In the age of social media where platforms like Instagram and Facebook are built on a combination of the two, it’s a little more challenging to decipher where one ends and the other begins.  

If you came for the short answer, we’ll give you a hand: Public relations focuses on promoting the reputation of a brand or company, while marketing focuses on promoting specific products and increasing sales. For the long answer, let’s dive right into it.

What is PR?

The Oxford Dictionary defines public relations as the professional maintenance of a favorable public image by a company, organization, or person. In layman’s terms, PR professionals are responsible for maintaining a positive reputation and building relationships for a brand. 

The target audience for a PR professional consists of shareholders, the media, and the general public. A day in the life of a PR professional may look like writing press releases, monitoring public opinion, creating social media content, and attending press conferences. Success is measured by positive media exposure and public perception. 

What is Marketing?

Marketing is all about making sales and increasing revenue. According to the Oxford Dictionary, marketing can be defined as the business of promoting and selling products or services. Professionals in this arena are responsible for conducting advertising and research initiatives that result in sales for the company or brand. 

For marketing professionals, the target audience consists of current and potential customers. A day in the life of a marketing professional could look like creating new advertising campaigns, creating social media content, conducting SEO research, and monitoring the latest market trends. Success is measured by short term results and revenue increases. 

Which Career Should I Choose?

While public relations is more about long term results and marketing looks more at short term results, both are intertwined in their overall goal of increasing profitability for a company or brand. PR professionals achieve this goal by focusing on perception, marketing professionals achieve it through a focus on sales. You can’t do one without doing a little of the other. 

The choice between public relations and marketing really all comes down to whether your interests align more with selling or influencing opinions. Regardless of which path you choose, it’s bound to lead to an incredibly rewarding career. 

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