15 ways to communicate the difference between PR and marketing
Introducing new advisory office hours
This is the longest edition to date, so I’ll get right to it.
The PR Value Tagline
I was at the dog park last night and a lawyer asked me about the difference between marketing and PR. It doesn’t matter who I speak to outside of our industry, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions I receive.
My go to tag line is, “Marketing is what gets people in the door and PR is what keeps them coming back.”
I highly recommend having a response on standby as your standard PR elevator pitch.
When you strip away the layers of technology, tactics, and tools, the essence of public relations remains steadfast — it's about connecting a brand with its target audience.
Whether it's through intimate one-on-one conversations, events, or expansive earned media campaigns, the endgame is to forge enduring relationships.
8 More Ways to Say the Same Thing:
"Marketing is the invitation; PR ensures it's delivered.”
"Marketing makes the introduction; PR creates relationship."
"Marketing lights the spark, and PR keeps the flame alive."
"Marketing sets the table, PR ensures guests enjoy the meal."
"Marketing is the storefront; PR is the in-store experience."
"Marketing offers the handshake; PR deepens the bond."
"Marketing grabs the attention, but PR secures the loyalty."
"Marketing is the appetizer, PR is the main course.”
BONUS: Here are 15 other ways you can explain the difference for various audiences (or create your own and let me know):
ROI Metrics: "If sales are the finish line, PR is the adrenaline boost that helps brands sprint faster."
Crisis Management: "PR is the firefighter of the corporate world; it prevents little sparks from becoming blazing fires."
Storytelling Power: "PR tells the tales that make customers set sail – on adventures with our brand."
Media Relations: "Having a great product but no PR is like throwing a party and forgetting to send the invites. No one will know it's happening."
Audience Understanding: "Marketing tells the world you're a rock star. PR listens to your fans' favorite songs."
Brand Reputation: "Marketing builds mansions. PR ensures they're not made of cards."
Event Spotlighting: "Think of PR as the stage crew: they might be behind the scenes, but they make the show go on."
Trend Utilization: "PR is like the brand's fashion stylist, ensuring it's always wearing the latest trends."
Thought Leadership: "In the orchestra of a company, PR ensures the executives are the maestros."
Digital Reach: "If the internet is a vast sea, PR is the lighthouse guiding ships (customers) to safe harbors (brands)."
Influencer Collaborations: "Marketing introduces you to the crowd. PR makes sure you're dancing with the right partner."
Real-world Feedback: "PR is a brand's mirror, reflecting both its beauty spots and blemishes."
Competitive Edge: "In the brand Olympics, PR is the coach ensuring you're always on the podium."
Employee Morale: "PR is the internal therapist: it listens, soothes, and uplifts the company spirit."
Measurement Tools: "Without PR metrics, it's like sailing without a compass. You might move, but in which direction?"
NEW! Advisory Office Hours
I now offer weekly advisory office hours. Email me to book a 30-minute session where you can AMA or have a set agenda to grow a specific area.
Flip the Chat GPT Script
TIP OF THE WEEK: If you’ve been prompting Chat GPT to think like a public relations professional or senior strategist it’s time to start thinking like a journalist.
This is a KEY best practice. Run the same prompt two times - first as a media strategist and secondarily as a journalist (and often mention to remove superfluous or marketing jargon) to find a better story and balance.
PR News NYC Meet Up?
I'll be in NYC October 4, speaking at PRNEWS's Measurement and Data Summit. Will you be at the event or in town? I’d love to schedule a meetup.
Sevans PR Announces Partnership with StartUpNV and Startup Vegas
I am so proud of our team! Today, Sevans PR shared a new partnership with StartupNV and Startup Vegas.
StartupNV is Nevada’s leading business accelerator, and Startup Vegas stands as its premier entrepreneurship community.
The new partnership is unique for the startup ecosystem and provides dedicated advisory, tailored consultations, and comprehensive training at no charge to the startups. We are also regularly securing or subsidizing free or discounted tools and resources.
For Journalists:
Direct Access to Insights: Our team can support quickly tapping into members for insights or sources from Nevada's tech scene.
News, Announcements: Updates, news and announcements from individual startups.
Have a tip or resource for the next edition? Let me know.
In service,
Sarah