Paid versus earned media can make for a tricky choice. Many get confused and think that they are the same thing. But it’s important to understand the differences between paid and earned media which could mean a successful business and reaching one’s respective audience, or not.
Let’s first look at the differences between these two useful business tactics.
Paid Media
Have you ever been scrolling on Facebook and seen an ad pop up? I know some of us even get creeped out by ads because we were just looking at that product 10 minutes ago on Amazon!
Paid media refers to external marketing efforts that involve branded content, display ads, and pay-per-click advertising. That being said, paid media is also YOU writing about YOURSELF. There is no sense of authority here because you are talking about yourself; it’s not coming from an outside source.
It’s all about effective paid advertising. If you are successful at targeting your ideal audience, ads can be very useful. For instance, at Victorious PR, we even geo-tag when at events so that we are hitting our ideal clients WHILE at the same event.
But all this is not effective without earned media. Let’s learn more about this second business tactic below.
Earned Media
Many people have dubbed forms of media as “publicity.” You haven’t “paid” for this media, such as an advertisement, and therefore, that is where it gets its name from. There are many forms of earned media including, publications, news articles, T.V. segments, and customer reviews, among many others.
Earned media is important because today’s customers are greatly influenced by everything around them. They aren’t just going to share the good and the bad with their friends, but they are going to share with everyone on the internet.
This means you must have a good reputation. This can be built through earned media, or rather, a stellar public relations campaign.
Why You Need Both
Now the real question is, “Why do we need both?” This is the top question we get as a public relations agency.
Just think about it. If you are running an ad, yes, it may promote your product or service, but does that tell anyone about the credibility? People must trust you to buy. And we create trust by backing the earned media.
How many times have you seen something you wanted but googled it first? You do a little research to make sure it’s a good purchase. That’s exactly what we are talking about here!
Without both paid and earned media, you are at a loss.
Now, if you are ready to get started on adding earned media into your business, learn what Victorious PR can do for you, and book a call with us today!
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