You’ve probably heard that old saying: “Advertising is what you pay for; PR is what you pray for.” Cheesy, sure—but there’s actually a lot of truth to it.

Both public relations and advertising are essential for getting your brand out there, but they work in completely different ways. One is about earning attention. The other is about buying it. And if you’re trying to grow your business, understanding how—and when—to use each is a huge advantage.

Let’s be honest: we live in a world where trust is everything. According to research, people trust recommendations from third parties way more than direct ads. Still, companies spend big on advertising—and for good reason. Ads offer quick visibility. PR, on the other hand, takes longer to build traction—but it lasts.

So the real question isn’t “Which one is better?”

It’s “How can they work together to help you reach the right people, at the right time, with the right message?”

What Is PR, Really?

Public relations is all about managing how people see your brand. It’s about getting others—like journalists, influencers, or thought leaders—to tell your story for you.

Think of it like this: If you land a story in a respected magazine or get featured on a popular podcast, that coverage carries weight. Why? Because someone else thought you were interesting or valuable enough to talk about.

That’s the power of PR. It’s not bought—it’s earned. And because of that, it often feels more trustworthy and authentic to your audience.

PR involves a mix of things: media outreach, press releases, expert commentary, events, and partnerships. Done right, it helps shape how people think and feel about your brand over time. It’s the slow burn that keeps your reputation strong and your name top of mind.

So What’s Advertising Then?

Advertising is straightforward: you pay to get your message in front of people. Whether it's a billboard, a Google ad, a promoted post on Instagram, or a commercial on TV—if you’re paying for space and control, that’s advertising.

The biggest advantage? You decide exactly what to say, where to say it, and who sees it. You can turn the volume up as loud as your budget allows.

That control is great for brand consistency and quick wins. But because everyone knows it’s a paid message, it can come across as less authentic. People are used to being sold to, so their guard tends to go up when they see ads.

That doesn’t mean advertising is bad—it just means it serves a different purpose than PR. While PR earns trust, advertising buys attention. Both are valuable, but in different ways.

Why Both Matter in Your Brand Strategy

PR and advertising aren’t rivals—they’re partners. They each have unique strengths, and when used together strategically, they support each other beautifully.

PR builds long-term credibility
When your brand is featured organically in trusted outlets, it sends a strong message: “We’re worth talking about.” That kind of endorsement is priceless when it comes to building trust.
Advertising provides immediate reach
Need to launch a product fast? Announce a sale? Drive traffic to your site right now? Paid ads are the way to go.
Together, they reinforce your message
Imagine getting a glowing feature in a top publication (PR win) and then promoting that article through paid ads (advertising push). You’re amplifying your credibility and reaching a wider audience. It’s a win-win.

In short, PR helps people believe in your brand. Advertising helps people remember it.

So, What Really Sets PR and Advertising Apart?

Now that we’ve got a feel for what PR and advertising actually are, let’s dig into how they really differ—and why it matters.

1. Control Over the Message

This is probably the clearest difference. With advertising, you’re in the driver’s seat. You choose the headline, the visuals, the tone, and where it appears. You’re basically renting space to say, “Hey! Look at us!”

PR? Not so much. You pitch a story, but it’s up to a journalist, editor, or influencer to decide how to tell it (or if they’ll tell it at all). It’s less predictable—and sometimes, less flattering. But it’s also more believable because it’s not coming straight from your mouth.

That trade-off—control versus credibility—is at the heart of why many brands use both.

2. Budget and Cost Efficiency

PR tends to be more cost-effective over time. You’re not paying for media space—you’re earning it. A well-placed article or podcast interview can keep working for your brand long after it’s published. It may take time and effort, but you’re building something with staying power.

Advertising, on the other hand, needs a steady stream of cash. Your ad shows up as long as your budget is turned on. Stop paying? It disappears. The upside? Instant visibility, especially for launches, sales, or events that need quick action.

In short:

PR = lower cost, longer-lasting
Advertising = higher cost, fast impact

Both have their place depending on your goals and timeline.

3. Trust and Credibility

Let’s be honest: most people can tell when they’re being advertised to—and they tune out. PR messages, when done right, don’t feel like a pitch. They feel like insight, news, or a third-party endorsement.

For example, a company featured in a popular tech blog comes across as more credible than a banner ad on that same site. Even if they’re saying the same thing.

That’s not to say advertising can’t build trust—but it works best when backed by earned credibility. A great combo is using PR to earn the spotlight, then running ads that amplify it.

4. Different Goals, Different Language

PR is relationship-driven. It’s about meaningful stories, thoughtful commentary, and creating value for the audience. PR pros work to connect brands with journalists, influencers, and communities in ways that feel helpful—not salesy.

Advertising is all about action. “Buy this.” “Sign up here.” “Click now.” It uses bold visuals, direct calls to action, and repetition to get results.

Neither approach is wrong—it just depends on what you're trying to accomplish:

Need to build trust? Start with PR.
Need quick conversions or clicks? Run some ads.
Want both? Use PR for credibility and ads to turn that credibility into action.

5. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Impact

Advertising is great for now. New product launch? Holiday sale? You want people to act fast. That’s where paid media shines.

But the impact fades quickly once the campaign ends. PR, on the other hand, plays the long game. It may take more time to see results, but it builds reputation and brand equity that lasts.

Ideally, your strategy includes both:

PR keeps your brand relevant, credible, and top of mind.
Advertising helps you capitalize on that with timely pushes.

PR vs. Advertising: What’s the Difference—and Why Should You Care? (Part 1 of 2)