Digital vs. Traditional PR

By Adams Percy / 31 March 2023

Public relations (PR) is the practice of building relationships between an organization and its stakeholders, such as customers, employees, investors, and the media. PR can be done both digitally and traditionally.

Digital PR involves using the internet and online media to communicate with stakeholders and manage the online reputation of an organization. This can include activities such as managing the organization’s website and creating and distributing online content, and engaging with stakeholders through various online channels.

Traditional PR involves using more traditional means of communication, such as media relations, and events, to reach stakeholders and manage an organization’s reputation.

Both digital and traditional PR can be effective ways to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and manage an organization’s reputation. The most appropriate approach will depend on the goals of the organization and the preferences of its stakeholders.

The advantages of digital PR over traditional PR

There are several advantages to using digital PR over traditional PR:

  1. Greater reach: Digital PR can reach a wider audience than traditional PR, as it can be shared and distributed online through social media, email, and other digital channels.
  2. Greater speed: It allows organizations to communicate quickly and efficiently, as information can be shared instantly through social media and other digital channels.
  3. Greater engagement: It enables organizations to directly engage with their stakeholders through various media and other online channels, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and interaction.
  4. Greater analysis and measurement: It provides organizations with the ability to track the effectiveness of their campaigns through analytics and metrics, such as the number of website visits and social media followers.
  5. Cost-effectiveness: Digital PR can be more cost-effective than traditional PR, as it often requires fewer resources and can reach a wider audience.

However, it’s worth noting that traditional PR can still be an effective way to reach and engage with stakeholders, particularly in certain industries or for certain types of campaigns.