PR and Online Reputation Management: What’s the Difference?

Though they are related, public relations and online reputation management are two separate undertakings. Keep reading to learn more about these different marketing aspects.

What comes to mind when you think of PR? If you are like many people, you may think of media interviews, press releases, and promotions. Now ask yourself what comes to mind when you think of online reputation management. If the same things pop up in your head, you aren’t totally wrong, but you may be missing the bigger picture.

What is The Goal of Public Relations?

A public relations team seeks to improve a company’s standing in the eyes of the public. Often, this includes openly responding to crisis situations or working proactively to create a positive public image. The tasks of a public relations team are often outwardly observable with an eye towards the future. These functions may include:
Public statements;
Promotional campaigns;
Event management; and
General communication with the public.

What is The Goal of Online Reputation Management (ORM)?

Similarly to public relations, the goal of an online reputation manager is to boost a brand’s status. While some tasks may overlap, online reputation managers work largely behind the scenes. These functions may include:
Development of online platforms, including webpages and social media accounts;
Implementation of fresh and meaningful web content;
Constant management of current reputation status, including online reviews and media reports; and
Removing damaging online content through search engine optimization and/or legal means.

The PR and ORM Link

Often times, aspects of these two undertakings will overlap. For example, both teams will immediately respond to reputation crises. The difference comes in the type of responsive action. While a PR team might address the public, an online reputation manager will work to ensure that no portion of the bad press lingers on the web. Both of these actions are helpful to a company’s image, and both are necessary to prevent crises, maintain a positive image, and respond with damage control measures.

If you are looking for a comprehensive online reputation management team, please feel free to contact us today. Your standing on the internet and in the eyes of the public is more important than ever!