PR vs Advertising: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

Businesses are no longer just competing on products or price, they’re competing on perception. That’s where PR and advertising come into play. While they may appear similar on the surface both aim to build brand visibility their methods, objectives, and impact are quite different.

If you’re wondering whether to hire a PR agency or invest in an advertising agency in Mumbai, this article will walk you through the key differences, real-world relevance, and how to choose what’s right for your brand.

Understanding PR and Advertising

What is PR?

Public Relations (PR) is the strategic practice of managing how information about a company is communicated to the public, especially the media. It involves crafting compelling stories, building credibility, managing reputation, and handling crisis communication.

PR is often referred to as “earned media.” You can’t pay for a front-page news story; it’s something you earn through trust, relevance, and timing. PR services typically include media relations, thought leadership, influencer engagement, crisis management, and internal communications.

📊 According to a 2024 PR report, 92% of consumers trust earned media more than any form of advertising​.

What is Advertising?

Advertising, on the other hand, is paid communication. It gives you control over the message, placement, and timing. Whether it’s a Google ad, a billboard, or a promoted Instagram reel, advertising ensures visibility, but it comes at a cost.

Modern advertising is highly data-driven and performance-focused. Brands today rely on advertising agencies in Mumbai to craft persuasive campaigns that generate clicks, sales, and brand recall across digital and offline platforms.

In 2025, businesses made an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 spent on Google Ads​.

Key Differences: PR vs Advertising

When Should You Use PR?

A PR agency is your go-to partner when:

• You’re launching a new product or service and want credible media coverage.
• Your brand is navigating a reputation crisis.
• You want to position your CEO as a thought leader.
• You aim to build long-term trust with your audience.
• You’re expanding into new markets and need local media relationships.

The global PR market is expected to reach $144 billion by 2028, underscoring its growing importance​.

Moreover, a good PR agency can secure you coverage in top-tier media outlets, organize press events, or even manage influencer collaborations that align with your brand values without the explicit “sales” push.

When Should You Use Advertising?

An advertising agency in Mumbai will be your best ally when:

• You want instant visibility for a campaign or product.
• You have specific KPIs like clicks, conversions, or app installs.
• You need to reach a wide or hyper-targeted audience quickly.
• You want complete creative control over messaging and timing.
• You’re launching seasonal promotions or time-sensitive offers.

📊 Omnichannel advertising strategies can increase store visits by 80%, especially for local businesses​.

Modern advertising is more than just ads on TV or in newspapers. It’s digital-first, mobile-centric, and often powered by AI. A professional advertising agency will help you tap into PPC, video, influencer ads, and more.

Which One Delivers Better ROI?

Both PR and advertising offer unique value, and in many cases, the best results come from using them together. But if you’re weighing them strictly on returns:

• Advertising delivers measurable and immediate ROI, especially for performance marketing. With platforms like Google Ads offering real-time tracking, you know what’s working and what’s not.
• PR delivers indirect ROI. While you may not always see clicks, a strategic media feature can drastically improve brand reputation, investor trust, and customer loyalty.

📊 42% of PR professionals say the greatest revenue growth in 2024 will come from earned media, not paid​.

Real-World Example: Launching a Product

Let’s say a tech startup in Mumbai is launching a new AI-powered fitness app.

• A PR agency would help:
  • Craft a press release
  • Secure media features in publications like Economic Times or TechCrunch India
  • Coordinate influencer reviews
  • Pitch your founder for interviews
• An advertising agency in Mumbai would:
  • Run Facebook and Instagram ads targeting fitness enthusiasts
  • Launch YouTube pre-roll video ads
  • Use Google Search ads for “best fitness apps in India”
  • Track installs, clicks, and conversion rates

Each approach contributes to the launch but in different ways.

How to Choose Between PR and Advertising

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Go for PR Services if:

• You want credibility and trust
• Your goal is to build reputation over time
• You’re targeting media coverage or investor awareness
• You’re working with a limited advertising budget

Choose an Advertising Agency in Mumbai if:

• You need fast results
• Your focus is on sales, app installs, or web traffic
• You have a well-defined target audience
• You’re launching a time-bound campaign

Can You Afford to Ignore Either?

In today’s attention economy: no.

While advertising helps you get noticed, PR ensures people believe in you once they do.

The smartest brands are those that blend both disciplines. For instance, you might use a PR campaign to launch a story and follow it up with digital ads that retarget readers who clicked on the news piece.

96% of journalists use social media in their work, making it a critical touchpoint for both PR and advertising efforts​.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not PR vs Advertising. It’s PR + Advertising.

Instead of thinking of PR and advertising as rivals, think of them as two wings of the same bird. One builds trust, the other amplifies reach. Together, they fuel sustainable brand growth.

Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, working with a seasoned PR agency or a results-driven advertising agency in Mumbai can help you navigate this complex landscape. But your first step? Know your objective—do you want attention, trust, or both?

And remember, while advertising makes the noise, PR ensures you’re heard.

Looking for tailored PR services or an advertising strategy that delivers results in Mumbai and beyond? 

Get in touch with experts who understand the power of both.

Sources: https://flair.hr/en/blog/public-relations-statistics/#:~:text=The%20global%20PR%20market%20grew,exceed%20%24133%20billion%20by%202027.&text=In%20the%20next%20five%20years,%2C%20data%20analytics%2C%20and%20multimedia.&text=70%25%20of%20PR%20specialists%20face%20challenges%20in%20creating%20compelling%20content.,-3

https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2018/07/19/advertising-statistics