PR, Marketing, and Sales: What’s the Difference—and How Do They Work Together?
As a new entrepreneur, understanding the difference between public relations (PR), marketing, and sales is key to building both trust and revenue. While these three functions may overlap at times, each plays a unique role in turning strangers into loyal customers.
What Is PR?
Public relations (PR) is the practice of shaping your brand’s reputation and gaining visibility through earned media—not ads. PR is about credibility and trust.
- When your product is featured in an article, reviewed by an influencer, or discussed on a podcast—that’s PR.
- PR doesn’t guarantee immediate sales, but it builds awareness and legitimacy.
PR is how people hear about you from others they trust.
What Is Marketing?
Marketing is the broader strategy of getting the right message to the right people at the right time to drive action. It includes both paid and owned channels—social media, email, advertising, SEO, content, and more.
- Marketing helps people understand your product and see its value.
- It often includes retargeting, lead nurturing, and brand positioning.
Marketing is how people understand what you offer—and why it matters to them.
What Is Sales?
Sales is the human-to-human interaction that happens once a prospect is warm enough to make a decision. This is where reps or founders personally guide the prospect through objections, demos, proposals, and deals.
- Sales is conversion-focused—turning interest into revenue.
- It’s about relationships, follow-up, and closing.
Sales is how people decide to become customers.
How They Work Together in the Funnel
| Funnel Stage | Who Leads | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness | PR & Marketing | Let people know you exist |
| Interest | Marketing | Educate and build trust |
| Consideration | Marketing + Sales | Help people evaluate and qualify leads |
| Intent | Sales | Convert warm prospects |
| Conversion | Sales | Close the deal |
| Loyalty | Marketing | Encourage repeat business and referrals |
Together, these functions create a cohesive journey—from awareness to conversion to loyalty—that drives predictable revenue and long-term business growth.
5 Books to Help You Master PR, Marketing, and Sales
Here are five highly recommended reads to deepen your understanding of these roles and how to integrate them effectively:
Final Thoughts
PR earns attention, marketing nurtures it, and sales converts it. Mastering the interplay between the three is how you build a business that grows reliably—with loyal customers and consistent revenue.