When it comes to building and maintaining your public image, you’ve likely come across the terms Traditional PR and Digital PR. But what do these really mean-and more importantly, which approach delivers the best results in today’s fast-changing media landscape? Here’s a straightforward look at both, tailored especially for public figures, celebrities, and politicians.
What is Traditional PR?
Traditional PR refers to the conventional methods of sharing your story with the public. This includes working closely with newspapers, TV channels, radio stations, and organizing offline events. For example, a politician giving a televised interview, or a celebrity issuing a press release to major newspapers.
Traditional PR is highly effective in building trust, as many people continue to rely on established media outlets for credible information. In Bangladesh, outlets like The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, or TV stations like Jamuna TV and DBC News play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
What is Digital PR?
Digital PR uses the power of the internet and social media to promote you or your brand. This could be publishing articles on popular websites, collaborating with social media influencers, appearing on podcasts, or gaining mentions on trending online platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
For celebrities and politicians aiming to reach younger or global audiences, digital PR offers faster results at often a lower cost. Additionally, it helps boost your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, increasing your digital footprint.
How Is AI Changing PR?
Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are transforming how PR professionals work. From AI-driven media monitoring that tracks your brand mentions instantly, to personalized content creation and data analytics that help tailor campaigns to specific audiences, AI is making PR smarter and more efficient. In fact, about 75% of PR experts now use AI tools to enhance their strategies, ensuring timely and impactful communication.
What Does the Data Say?
- 68% of journalists prefer pitches that include original research and trend data, highlighting the growing importance of data-driven storytelling in PR. (Source:
Axios – Cision Report) - The global public relations tools market was valued at $6.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $13.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.9%. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of digital PR tools. (Source: Grand View Research)
- 88% of PR professionals have used multimedia to enhance their press releases, reflecting the industry’s shift towards more engaging and visually appealing content. (Source: PR Newswire)
- Press releases that include multimedia elements such as images or videos receive up to 9.7 times more views than traditional text-only releases, demonstrating the effectiveness of multimedia in capturing audience attention. (Source: 5WPR)
Which PR Strategy Should You Choose?
- If your goal is to connect with older or local audiences, traditional PR remains highly effective through TV interviews, newspaper coverage, and local events.
- For reaching youth and global followers, digital PR is indispensable, offering quick results and detailed performance tracking.
- Combining both strategies ensures you gain the trust of established media while enjoying the wide, rapid reach of online channels.
Why Should Celebrities and Politicians Use Both?
Successful public figures understand that a mixed approach works best. For instance, a politician might host a press conference covered by national TV (traditional PR), while simultaneously running a social media campaign with influencers to engage younger voters (digital PR).
Both Traditional PR and Digital PR play vital roles in today’s world. Digital PR is growing rapidly and offers exciting opportunities to engage audiences online, but traditional PR continues to provide credibility and authority. By blending both approaches and leveraging modern AI tools, celebrities and politicians can build a powerful and lasting public image.
If you’re looking to craft a winning PR strategy or manage your reputation effectively, consulting a seasoned PR professional can make all the difference.
