Public relations (PR) and marketing are two vital functions within a business, each playing a distinct role in driving success. However, friction can sometimes arise due to a need for more understanding between the two teams. Effective collaboration hinges on recognizing these differences and achieving shared goals.
PR: Shaping Public Image Through Earned Media
PR professionals manage a company’s public image. They achieve this by strategically inserting the company into the news cycle, securing publication placements, and establishing it as a thought leader within its industry.
This process involves pitching story ideas to journalists, highlighting the company’s expertise and potential value as a source of information. Earned media placements, such as articles, interviews, or features, are the cornerstone of a successful PR strategy.
A common point of contention arises when marketing teams expect PR efforts to promote the company directly. However, it’s crucial to remember that journalists prioritize newsworthy stories, not promotional content. PR professionals must navigate this constraint while still achieving their objectives.
Transparency Through Metrics
Demonstrating the value of PR efforts can be challenging. While securing placements in prestigious publications like the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch carries weight, executives often seek a more tangible connection to the bottom line. Traditional PR metrics often need to catch up in this regard.
Marketing teams can bridge this gap by introducing PR professionals to frameworks like Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Marketers possess the tools to measure website traffic, content downloads, and lead generation. Correlating these metrics with PR activities, particularly earned media placements, creates a clearer picture of the impact on the bottom line.
This collaborative approach empowers PR teams to provide actionable data that showcases their contribution to the company’s financial success.
The Content Alley-Oop: Owned and Earned Media Synergy
The media landscape is constantly evolving. Audiences increasingly turn to alternative sources like podcasts and blogs for news and information. These outlets prioritize engaging content that resonates with their audience instead of dry press releases or self-serving company announcements.
Content marketing and PR teams must work together to adapt to this changing landscape. Owned content, such as blog posts or LinkedIn articles, can be leveraged to fuel PR efforts. PR professionals can use this content to create thought-provoking bylined articles or pitches that resonate with media outlets.
The key lies in collaboration. By generating original, insightful, and out-of-the-box content, both teams increase the likelihood of securing placements and reaching target audiences.
Targeting the Right Audience: Customer Needs First
Effective PR goes beyond simply securing placements. Stories must hold newsworthy value and resonate with the target audience. While PR teams traditionally focus on journalist needs, understanding customer needs is equally important.
The ultimate goal is to be mentioned and reach the right eye. For instance, a placement in an industry trade publication might be more valuable than a quote in a general-interest newspaper if the trade publication caters directly to the company’s target audience.
Open communication is crucial. Marketers should convey their desired publications to PR teams, ensuring the right message reaches the right people and generates qualified leads. Providing a “wish list” of publications helps PR teams focus their efforts and align their understanding of success with the company’s goals.
Conclusion: Collaboration is Key to Success
Ultimately, the success of marketing and PR efforts translates into overall business success. By fostering collaboration, recognizing each other’s strengths, and working towards shared goals, both teams can harness the power of earned media and owned content to achieve a flourishing company. When marketing and PR function as a united front, they can effectively shape public perception, generate leads, and contribute significantly to the company’s bottom line.