Jaimie: Hey friends — welcome to Pitch Perfect, the podcast where we talk all things public speaking, public relations, and getting seriously visible.
I’m your host, Jaimie Abbott — public speaking coach, PR strategist, former journo, and someone who once did a speaking gig for a cheese platter (true story).
Today, we’re diving into one of the juiciest topics I get asked about all the time…
“What’s the difference between PR and marketing?”
And more importantly — why should YOU care?
If you’re a business owner, coach, course creator, speaker — or just a human who wants to be seen, heard and paid — understanding this difference is the key to unlocking influence and income.
So let’s clear the confusion once and for all.
PART 1: DEFINING THE TERMS (5 mins)
Alright, let’s break this down like I’m explaining it to my nan.
Marketing is about promoting products or services to get sales. It’s transactional. It's paid. It's very “look at me!” with jazz hands.
Think ads, email funnels, social media campaigns, SEO. You pay or plan to get your message seen — and it’s often you talking about yourself.
Now, Public Relations, or PR, is about building relationships and reputation.
It’s about getting other people to talk about you — ideally in glowing terms.
That could be a journalist writing a piece about your business, being interviewed on a podcast, or speaking on a stage.
You can’t buy good PR. You have to earn it.
That’s why we call it earned media.
So:
Marketing = “I’m awesome — buy my thing.”
PR = “Here’s why this person is awesome” — said by someone else.
PART 2: HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER (5 mins)
Now, this isn’t about PR vs marketing like they’re in a boxing ring.
It’s about PR and marketing — but knowing when to use each one.
Marketing is like Tinder. You’re putting yourself out there, hoping someone swipes right and buys your thing.
PR? PR is like someone else telling your dream date, “You have to meet Jaimie. She’s amazing.”
Much stronger, right?
Here’s how I use both:
I market my Paid to Speak course with Facebook ads, a waitlist funnel, and emails. That’s marketing.
I also pitch myself to podcasts, speak at events, get media coverage — that’s PR. It builds trust before people land on my sales page.
PR builds credibility. Marketing drives action.
Put them together? Magic.
PART 3: WHAT PR DOES THAT MARKETING CAN’T (5 mins)
Let’s get real — marketing is important.
But PR has that X-factor. The trust multiplier.
Here’s what PR does that marketing just can’t match:
Third-party credibility
When you’re featured in The Sydney Morning Herald or interviewed on a popular podcast, people automatically assume you're legit. Because someone ELSE validated you.
Longevity
A paid ad runs for a few days. A press article? It lives forever online.
(And yes, you should screenshot it and put it in your media kit.)
Organic reach
Media outlets, event organisers, and podcast hosts all have their own audiences. When they feature you, they’re sharing your brilliance with people you haven’t even met yet.
That’s the power of PR. You don’t have to shout. You just show up — and let the world talk.
PART 4: COMMON MISTAKES (5 mins)
Let’s talk about what NOT to do.
Mistake #1: Using a salesy pitch for PR
Don’t send a journalist a promo for your course. That’s an ad. Not a story.
Instead, offer something newsworthy. A trend you’re seeing. A controversial take. A human story that illustrates your mission.
Mistake #2: Ignoring local media
Everyone wants the Today Show. But your local paper? They’re way more accessible — and still incredibly powerful.
Mistake #3: Not having a speaker bio or press kit ready
If a podcast host or producer says, “Can you send me a few talking points?” and you freeze…
Well, guess who just lost a PR opportunity?
(PS — this is why in PR Club, I give you plug-and-play templates for all of this. Just saying.)
PART 5: REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES (5 mins)
Let me give you a few quick wins from my world.
When I lost 50 kilos and shared my story publicly — I was interviewed on multiple podcasts. That wasn’t accidental. That was PR — and I pitched it.
One of my clients landed a paid speaking gig because a decision maker heard her on a podcast she almost didn’t say yes to.
Another client got a $12K bump in sales after being featured in an online magazine — all because she offered a unique angle during Mental Health Month.
The point?
PR doesn’t just build your brand. It boosts your bottom line.
PART 6: ACTION STEPS (5 mins)
Alright, let’s land this plane with some homework. Don’t worry — no pop quiz.
Action Step 1:
Audit your current visibility.
Are you only marketing? Or are you also building your credibility with PR?
Action Step 2:
Write a list of 3 podcast shows or media outlets you’d LOVE to be featured in.
Action Step 3:
Craft one story idea that’s NOT about your product, but the why behind it.
Think transformation, not transaction.
And if you want help doing this?
Come hang out with me inside PR Club. We’ve got masterclasses, templates, and support to help you shine without burning out.
OUTRO (3 mins)
Alright, that’s it for today’s episode!
If this helped you finally “get” the difference between PR and marketing — share it with a friend who needs to hear it too.
And hey — if you’re ready to start building real visibility and you’re sick of dancing on Instagram just to be seen, then come check out PR Club. Doors are always open. Just head to jaimieabbott.com.au/prclub.
Until next time — remember:
You don’t have to chase the spotlight. When you master your message, the spotlight finds you.
🎵 [Outro music fades in]
