5 Common Misconceptions about Public Relations

Too many people have a warped idea of what public relations is. As a publicist, I’ve had people tell me I’m a “spin doctor,” party planner, or just the gal who attends cool events.

Here’s a hint: I’m none of the above.

Trendy reality shows and movies offer a small peek into what a publicist’s day-to-day looks like. While there are a few perks of being a publicist, I’ll be honest: PR ain’t easy.

Here are a few common myths about public relations:

Myth #1: PR and Advertising are the same thing.

A lot of people think I spend all day buying and placing ads on the TV screen. In reality, public relations is any form of unpaid media. Advertising typically involves paid media and thus, advertisers have better control of their message.

Myth #2: PR is easy.

On the outside, PR seems like a glitz and glam profession with exciting press trips, innovative clients, parties, and events. In truth, most publicists spend their days glued to their phones and laptops trying to land a placement for a client.

In public relations, the highs are high and the lows are low. There are times where you’re rocking it and landing placements left and right and then there are times where you’re sitting in the weekly press meeting with nothing to report on because your contact at a national publication won’t answer your email pitch or phone calls.

Myth #3: PR doesn’t work.

Too many professionals get frustrated when they start to receive press but don’t see a significant bump in traffic to their website. Or, business owners who land a TV spot but low and behold, they are not the talk of the town… yet.

Here’s the thing: unless a brand is mentioned by Oprah, it’s not likely that a press hit will lead to that brand becoming an overnight sensation. Consistency is key for brand awareness and brand awareness takes time. The most effective brands make effort to land press placements consistently. They work in tandem with their publicists until they no longer have to introduce themselves to the public.

Myth #4: PRs are always partying.

Wrong.

In fact, most days, I’m crawling back into my apartment dead tired from a day of pitching and media inquiries. I get back on my laptop and phone in the evening just to check in again and monitor news.

Networking is part of the job and I make time for that at least once a week, but most evenings?

Sleep, please.

Myth #5: PRs know everyone

Just kidding!

It’s not a myth.

We do know everyone 🙂

New to town? Want to get a connect to someone in your city? Need a brunch recommendation? Hit up your local PR gal or guy. They are bound to have your next in.