While PR and branding often work hand-in-hand, they serve different functions. Branding is how you want to be perceived. It’s your visuals, voice, and message. PR, on the other hand, is how others perceive and talk about you based on your visibility.
Think of branding as your outfit and style, and PR as the conversations people are having about you at the party. You control your look, but PR influences the buzz. When done right, PR amplifies your brand’s personality and message by getting third parties—like journalists, bloggers, influencers—to echo what you stand for.
It’s important not to confuse the two. Investing in PR before you have a strong brand message is like throwing a party without music—you’ll get attention, but not the kind you want. So before diving into outreach, take time to refine how your brand looks and sounds.
Branding vs. Public Relations – Know the Difference: Why PR Need Not Be Pricey
When it comes to building a business or personal brand, two terms often get thrown around—branding and public relations (PR). They’re used interchangeably by many, but in reality, they play very different roles. Understanding this distinction is crucial, especially when you’re working on PR without the price tag or trying to grow your presence on a limited budget. Getting clear on what each function does can help you prioritize wisely and avoid wasting time or money.
What Is Branding?
Branding is all about how you want to be seen. It’s the intentional side of your identity—the look, feel, tone, and message that you present to the world. Think logos, taglines, color palettes, fonts, and the language you use in your communications. But it also runs deeper than aesthetics. Your brand is your personality, your values, and your promise to your audience.
If you’re a startup, your brand might be bold, disruptive, and youthful. If you’re a professional services provider, maybe it’s more trustworthy, elegant, and knowledgeable. Your brand voice should reflect who you are and connect authentically with your audience. And while branding may require an upfront investment in visuals or a website, it doesn’t have to be expensive. With tools like Canva and Squarespace, you can create a consistent brand image for a fraction of the cost.
What Is PR (Public Relations)?
PR is how others see you. More specifically, it’s the practice of getting other people—journalists, bloggers, influencers, podcasters, or even happy customers—to talk positively about you. When done right, PR increases your visibility, builds credibility, and earns public trust. It’s not paid advertising; it’s earned attention.
If branding is the outfit you wear to a party, PR is the conversation people are having about you while you’re there. Are they saying you’re interesting? Innovative? Trustworthy? A PR strategy is designed to spark and guide those conversations in a way that boosts your reputation and increases awareness.
And here’s the best part: PR need not be pricey. With a compelling story, a bit of hustle, and a strong understanding of your brand, you can do your own PR and see real results—without hiring an expensive agency.
Why You Need Branding Before PR
Many people make the mistake of diving into PR without first solidifying their brand. That’s like throwing a party without any music—it draws attention, sure, but no one really sticks around. Before you pitch a journalist, go on a podcast, or send out a press release, you need to know what you’re going to say—and more importantly, how you’re going to say it.
Imagine getting a featured article in a major publication. That attention might drive thousands of people to your website or social media page. But if your branding is unclear or inconsistent, those visitors won’t convert into followers, customers, or fans. Solid branding ensures that when PR brings eyes your way, those people instantly “get” who you are and why they should care.
Branding + PR: The Power Duo
Think of branding as building your house. PR is inviting people over to see it. If your house is messy, no one will be impressed—no matter how many guests you attract. But if it’s well-designed and full of personality, people will stay, talk about it, and maybe even tell their friends.
When branding and PR work together, magic happens. A cohesive brand message makes your PR more effective, and successful PR amplifies your brand’s reach. You don’t need deep pockets to make this work. You just need clarity, consistency, and the willingness to engage.
PR Without the Price Tag Starts with Branding
In a world flooded with noise and content, what gets you noticed isn’t just visibility—it’s meaningful visibility. That only happens when your branding and PR are aligned. The good news? You don’t need a big budget or an elite agency to make it happen.
With a clear brand voice and a DIY PR strategy, you can tell your story, gain exposure, and grow your business—without the price tag. Focus on building a brand that people want to talk about, and PR will naturally follow.