Carly Martinetti’s Post

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Transforming complex ideas into compelling narratives that drive growth ✨ | Co-Founder at Notably

5 BIGGEST misconceptions about PR: //1. PR is “Just Publicity” Misconception: 99% of people think PR is only about generating publicity or media coverage. Reality: Sure, that’s a part of PR. A big one. But not the only one. PR is also: - Brand storytelling - Crisis communication - Reputation management //2. PR is All About Spin Misconception: PR pros are spin doctors who diabolically twist stories to make enough $$$ for themselves and their clients to sail into crimson sunsets on mega yachts. Reality: *Effective, long-term PR* is all about being authentic and truthful, especially in this day and age where folks are fed up with AI- and BS-fueled fakeness. //3. You Don’t Need PR if Your Marketing is Good Misconception: Good marketing is enough to help a company get acquired, go public, or become hugely profitable. Reality: The two work together. Marketing gets customers in the door. PR *helps* marketing do that through earned media. But PR also positions brands as superior through 3rd-party validation—especially in top-tier publications. And its effects compound over time. //4. Anyone Can Do PR Misconception: PR is easy. All you need is ChatGPT and HARO. And maybe a splash of witch hazel. Reality: PR sits at the intersection of a set of immensely difficult skills to master. Things like communication, psychology, branding, relationship-building, technical-subject matter expertise, and research—plus years of experience. Not easy at all. //5. PR’s Results Are Immediate Misconception: You hire a PR firm, get featured in the Wall Street Journal, and buy one of those mega yachts you were imagining. Reality: We’re weaving a compelling narrative about your brand, getting the press to present it, and then maintaining and guarding your reputation. All that takes time. Sure, that first placement can increase ROAS on ads, attract investors, and help you hold your head a bit higher. But PR is a long-term effort that requires strategic planning and the ability to adapt to fast-changing tech and public opinions. Anything you’d add? Let me know in the comments ⤵︎

Aliza Friedlander

Publicist | Mom | TedX Speaker | Media Expert | Communications Strategist | Former Morning Show Producer

8mo

Another one I would add is that PR is unaffordable and/or only for big brands. The truth is you can have a really successful campaign and not have to pay $15,000 per month. Its not $2,000 a month but you can see success without paying out your mortgage. It’s also something all brands should invest in — big, small, medium. And it’s something you should invest in off the bat. The biggest mistake Isee is brands trying to do PR and comms themselves and then going to an agency. Half the time is spent undoing mistakes.

Ngozi Onele

Copywriter|| Founder Copy Oracle's Guide|| Copywriting Coach|| Sales funnel strategist|| I help businesses and organizations ignite their brands, Amplify Emotions, and Fuel a 10x Conversions 🔥

8mo

I once worked for a PR agency and the experience was awesome....sure, there's more to being a PR than publicity and media coverage. Nice piece you have here, Carly🌹

Nadya Ulyanova

Head of Communications & PR | Marketing | Storytelling | PhD

8mo

PR is a long game. It's like a marathon, not a sprint. You can't get a fabulous result in a couple of months and rest the next five years. 

Bridgette Borst Ombres

Senior global/national PR consultant I Former journo I B2B thought leadership marketer I Mother

8mo

Relationships > good story ideas. Yes, relationships are important; but also yes, you have to know what’s news (and not) so that you aren’t bringing those hard-earned relationships non-news or irrelevant ideas. Relationships alone do not translate to routine media attention.

Andrew Edwards

Research/survey expert for Marketing, PR & Brand campaigns - internal and external | Results appear in top tier media (WSJ, Forbes) & prominent trade shows (CES, AWS re:INVENT)

8mo

When I was a VP at Ruder Finn - we did many surveys - I switched careers to market research so I could do surveys all the time. Your 5th point Carly Martinetti is completely correct. I saw media coverage 3 years after we shared the content for my final PR project. Not immediately. I wasn’t even doing PR anymore but it felt great!

Audrey Somero, CDMP

Content Marketing Specialist

7mo

Misconception: "PR isn't worth investing in." You can't measure the success and value of PR efforts purely in terms of dollars and cents, and for the purse holders and decision makers, that can often paint too nebulous an argument to justify paying for it.

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Abey Pulicken ⭐

Local Marketing Strategist for Houston & Neighboring Cities | Building Community-Driven Growth & Boosting Brand Visibility | Create Impactful Local Engagement

8mo

Great insights into PR misconceptions! Really important to understand the depth and breadth of PR beyond just generating media coverage. 📣

Heather Lawrence

Mortgage & Real Estate Expert | 25+ Years of Experience

8mo

PR is way more than just Publicity. Couldn’t agree more! Keep it up we all need your services!!

Vivek Prakash Mishra

Snowflake |Top Customer Success Professional | Data Architect & Evangelist | Apple & Snowflake Veteran | Performance Tuning Expert | Engineering Leadership | Business Strategist & Entrepreneur| Community Leader -Speaker

8mo

Spot on! PR is definitely a multifaceted field that goes beyond just generating publicity. 🌟

Yaroslav Sobko

Hit 10K newsletter subs with a free challenge #growmonetize

8mo

Spot on insights about PR! It's much more than just getting media coverage. Carly Martinetti

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