Marketer and Press/Public Relations
A guide to the job roles in the fashion industry
what is a marketer and pr?
Being a PR (public relations) is about managing reputation. A career in PR involves gaining understanding and support for clients, as well as trying to influence an opinion and behaviour. PR's use all forms of media and communication to maintain the reputation of a client. Their role also includes controlling what goes into the press, by organising meetings/interviews with journalists, depending on their stage of publicity.
Being a marketer is more to do with the promotional side of the job. For example, if working for a large, well-known brand they would need to promote their brand via TV adverts, radio adverts, billboards, magazine ad's. etc. This is so they get brand recognition. You often tend to see the online brands without a physical store who tend to promote the most and use a marketer to their advantage as they do not need to pay out for any other expenses.
What are the roles an responsibilities of a marketer and PR?
The role is very varied and will depend on the organisation and sector. Tasks often involve:
- planning, developing and implementing PR strategies;
- liaising with colleagues and key spokespeople;
- liaising with and answering enquiries from media, individuals and other organisations, often via telephone and email;
- researching, writing and distributing press releases to targeted media;
- collating and analysing media coverage;
- writing and editing in-house magazines, case studies, speeches, articles and annual reports;
- preparing and supervising the production of publicity brochures, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, photographs, films and multimedia programmes;
- devising and coordinating photo opportunities;
- organising events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours;
Skills needed to become a marketer and PR:
- excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills;
- drive, competence, flexibility and a willingness to learn;
- excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to multitask;
- ability to cope with pressure;
- creativity, imagination and initiative;
- good teamwork, analytical and problem-solving skills;
- business awareness and a good knowledge of current affairs.
Experience needed to be a Marketer and PR:
There are few specific PR degree courses available, and entry to the profession is generally open to all graduates. However, as PR is one of the most popular career choices for graduates in the UK, the following degree/HND subjects may be particularly helpful:
- communication and media studies;
- English and creative writing;
- business/management;
- marketing;
- social sciences;
- politics.
Salary of a marketer and PR:
Salaries in PR vary depending on the setting and the region. For example, pay is typically higher in the private sector. Apart from the public sector, there are generally no set salary scales, and initial starting salaries can be modest.
Salaries are usually higher in London and the South East.
progression after being a marketer and pr:
After being a marketer and PR, you can lead on to multiple careers. Many people have gone on to leading jobs such as;
- Business Development Manager
- Business Development Director
- A Principle At A Retail Company
- CEO
- Head Of Digital At A Retail Company
- A Director
- A Communications Professional
- A Digital Director