It was around 100 years ago that a public relations agency came into existence. Since then, they have evolved a lot, and only for the better. PR, or public relations, often uses channels like radio, television, and newspapers to reshape the narrative of a business. Today, PR experts also use channels like digital communications and the internet to promote a business. Public relations is a broad term, and it includes services like booking press conferences, managing special events, media relations, introducing a brand, and more. It can also include crisis management, brand management, content development, and reputation management. Unfortunately, PR is surrounded by many myths, which can make it challenging for businesses to harness its power fully. Thus, here we are debunking a few myths about PR to ensure you use its power completely.
Myth 1: Public relations is not relevant anymore.
This is one of the biggest myths because public relations is always relevant. The strategies and platforms of PR keep changing, and if businesses fall behind, they will lose all the reputations they have built. If a company does not know how, when, and where to use PR, it can become problematic. PR companies have enough strategies, and for businesses, it is best to work with a local PR company as they have benefits. A Dubai-based company will benefit from a PR company in Dubai as they have knowledge of the rules and regulations. The myth is becoming prevalent because most companies are using PR strategies from years ago. If the strategies are not relevant, PR will not work. Public relations will change according to technology, communication, and trends to ensure they resonate with the audience and what you are trying to accomplish.
Myth 2: PR is only advertising.
Public relations and advertising are two different things. PR is undoubtedly advertising. On the other hand, advertising is an arrangement of marketing communications, but it is not PR. In PR, a company or an individual pays money to place a relevant message on a platform selected by the company. The platform can be cable, radio, TV, or in print and online publications. The goal of this is to promote their specified service or product. Thus, the end goal is to disseminate a message that serves the goals of the individual or company.
Myth 3: PR is all about shielding the bad behavior of a business.
No, that is not true! PR, or public relations, is not about spinning or misleading the public or journalists. PR is about authenticity and transparency. PR gets its power from the freedom of the press. A PR expert does not have the power to take down negative news. Journalists have the right to report any news they want. However, they work on controlling the narrative to ensure the reputation of a business does not become negative through press conferences and more.
Myth 4: PR is all about press conferences and releases.
Do you think that PR is all about press conferences and releases? Then, it is simply a myth that is prevalent. But that is just the beginning. Public relations also includes more content development, like writing blogs, white papers, books, presentations, website content, and other media.
Myth 5: PR is the only solution you need.
If you think using PR strategies like writing an article or creating a viral post for social media is enough, you are wrong. Sure, these strategies will help you boost your business’s visibility. However, this does not last. Also, if the problem is big, it will mean that you will have to use bigger PR initiatives to ensure the result is positive. For PR to work, long-term strategies are required to build credibility while fostering trust.
Takeaway
Public relations, or PR, is about ensuring your business earns positive engagement and attention. To do this, you have to capitalize on the ideal channel, and that too at the right time, using the right messaging techniques. That is why marketers and PR professionals work together to come up with stories that inspire people to foster, create, and act on meaningful relationships. Hopefully, bunking these PR myths will help you use their power correctly.
