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Both advertising and public relations are ways for companies and organizations to disseminate information, but there are big differences in their objectives and methods.

**Advertising**

* **Objective:** The aim is to obtain direct benefits, such as promoting the sales of products and services and improving brand image.
* **Method:** Information is posted in the media, such as TV commercials, newspaper ads, magazine ads, web ads, and SNS ads, for a fee.
* **Characteristics:**
* Information can be controlled, and the message you want to convey can be expressed freely.
* It is clearly stated that it is an advertisement, and consumers are aware of this.
* It is effective immediately, and you can expect results in a short period of time.
* It costs money.

**Public Relations**

* **Objective:** The aim is to obtain indirect benefits, such as promoting understanding of companies and organizations, improving trust, and building good relationships.
* **Method:** Information is disseminated to the media and stakeholders through press releases, media relations, holding events, and SNS management.
* **Characteristics:**
* Being featured in the media allows you to obtain objective evaluation from third parties.
* It is more reliable than advertising and is more easily accepted by consumers.
* It may take some time to see results, but it can be expected to have a great effect in the long term.
* It can be less expensive than advertising.

**Summary**

| Classification | Advertising | Public relations |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Direct benefits | Indirect benefits |
| Method | Paid media | Information transmission to media and stakeholders |
| Characteristics | Controllable, immediate effect, costly | High reliability, long-term effect, cost-saving |

Advertising and public relations each have different purposes and characteristics. Neither is superior, so it is important to understand the characteristics of each and use them according to the purpose.

For example, when launching a new product, it is effective to intensively transmit information through advertising and increase awareness. On the other hand, to improve a company's image, it is important to transmit information about social contribution activities and CSR activities through public relations and increase trust.

Combining advertising and public relations makes it possible to transmit information more effectively.