What is Public Relations?

Public Relation is the deliberate, planned, and sustained effort to establish and maintain mutual understanding between an organisation and its public. It is a continuous activity and it aims to create and manage relations with the public successfully.

• Relationship Building: PR focuses on establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between the organisation and its stakeholders. This involves understanding stakeholder needs and concerns, engaging in two-way communication, and building trust and rapport over time.
• Reputation Management: PR plays a crucial role in managing and enhancing the reputation and image of the organisation. PR professionals monitor public sentiment, address issues and crises proactively, and work to promote positive narratives about the organisation’s values, achievements, and contributions.
• Media Relations: PR involves building relationships with journalists, editors, and other media professionals to secure favorable media coverage and manage the organisation’s public image. PR professionals pitch stories, arrange interviews, respond to media inquiries, and provide press releases and other materials to generate positive media exposure.

Advertising and Public Relations are essential components of a comprehensive marketing strategy, but they differ in terms of nature, control, cost, credibility, objectives, timing, audience reach, and measurement.