PR is a powerful, yet often-misunderstood professional discipline. People sometimes think they know what public relations is or what it can accomplish, because they believe common stereotypes and misconceptions. In this post, we set the record straight and dispel the top five PR myths:
MYTH #1: PR is easy.
TRUTH: If anyone could do PR, everyone would do it. That’s because PR can yield impressive results, including increased awareness, improved credibility and greater consumer trust. Public relations professionals typically complete formal education to hone their skills. They tend to be creative, strategic thinkers; strong writers; highly organized; and detail-oriented. They understand the import of consistent messaging, and design communications tactics that shape public perception while supporting business goals.
MYTH #2: All publicity is good publicity.
TRUTH: Contrary to what you may have heard, there is such a thing as bad publicity. The theory behind this myth is that as long as people are talking about you, it doesn’t matter what they’re saying. But if everyone is bad-mouthing you or your brand, that can cause irreversible damage. When the only things people remember are negative, your reputation and business can take hits that could be difficult to overcome.
MYTH #3: PR people can control media coverage.
TRUTH: One of the greatest benefits of editorial coverage is its inherent ability to lend credibility to your brand, product, service, cause or event. That’s because journalists are trained to be objective, and they cannot be coerced into misrepresenting the facts. The good ones still follow these guiding principles, which means PR people can’t control the media or guarantee what reporters will say. We can, however, influence coverage by presenting well-documented stories encapsulated by concise, compelling messaging, being truthful and responsive, and by establishing ourselves and our clients as reliable sources.
MYTH #4: PR is just writing press releases.
TRUTH: Media relations is a foundational element of PR. So yes, we write press releases sometimes – namely, when there is actual news to share. That means a non-commercialized story that impacts a reporter’s readers or viewers. But PR is more than press releases. It’s strategic planning; data collection and analysis; content creation for a variety of platforms; crisis/reputation management; special event planning and execution; influencer relations; and a host of other activities all designed to effectively communicate with target audiences and keep clients in the limelight.
MYTH: #5 PR people “spin” the truth.
TRUTH: PR people worthy of the job do the exact opposite and are insulted if they’re called “spin doctors.” And rightly so. Professionals working in the field of PR follow a strict code of ethics. We’re honest; we conduct our business with integrity; we do not implement campaigns that lie or mislead; and we don’t represent unethical clients. Lying can burn bridges and undo every positive outcome you’ve ever enjoyed as a result of effective PR, and undermines the long-term viability of your brand.
Don’t fall into the trap these common PR myths set. Instead, partner with reputable PR experts like the publicists at GYC Vegas, an award-winning boutique public relations agency that specializes in strategic PR, marketing communications, special events, social media, branding, promotional partnerships and more. GYC is passionate about gaining the recognition businesses deserve. Contact us today to learn all the ways we can help you tell your story.