The Truth About PR: What Most Artists and Entrepreneurs Get Wrong

by Gigi Nevarez PR

Let’s set the record straight.

PR isn’t a magic wand, and no — we’re not fairy godmothers who can wave a press release and land you on the cover of Forbes overnight. Yet, somehow, that myth still lives rent-free in too many minds. Whether you’re a new artist, an emerging brand, or a small business hustling for recognition, public relations is often misunderstood, undervalued, and — let’s be honest — underestimated.

So let’s bust some myths and talk real talk. Because at Gigi Nevarez PR, we don’t just do PR — we live it, we breathe it, and most importantly, we teach it.

🎤 Myth #1: “PR Is Just Getting Press”

This one’s a classic. So many people believe that PR = press. That’s it.

Truth bomb? Press is just one slice of the PR pie. Real public relations is the strategy behind the scenes: it’s about reputation, relationships, and relevance.

Yes, a feature in Billboard or The Shade Room feels great,but good PR is about crafting a long-term public image. It’s what makes people talk about you — even when you’re not posting, pitching, or promoting. PR is the art of being unforgettable.

🎯 Myth #2: “I Can Handle PR Myself — It’s Just Posting Online”

This is like saying anyone with a kitchen is a chef.

Sure, you can write your own press release or pitch your single to blogs. But will it land? Will it resonate? Will it convert? That's where the pros come in.

Great PR is part psychology, part storytelling, and a whole lot of strategy. When we pitch at Gigi Nevarez PR, we tailor every word for maximum impact — and we know how to match your message to the right platform. Because let's face it, not every story belongs on every outlet. That’s what separates the rookies from the rainmakers.

💸 Myth #3: “If I Pay for PR, I Should See Sales Immediately”

This one’s a biggie.

Public relations is not advertising — it’s influence. And influence takes time. Think of PR as planting seeds that grow into opportunities: a DJ who remembers your name six months later, a journalist who circles back for a quote, a brand that decides to collaborate because of a press hit they bookmarked last year.

The ROI of PR is long game energy. While you might not see an instant spike in sales, you will see brand growth, deeper trust, and more doors opening. And in business, relationships build revenue.

🤝 Myth #4: “PR Only Works If You’re Already Famous”

False. Backwards. Nope.

PR is what helps you get known in the first place. We've worked with indie artists who had no following and helped them get media placements, industry attention, and new fans. Why? Because their story was strong, their brand was clear, and their message matched the moment.

Media loves an underdog. A fresh face. A come-up story. You just need someone who knows how to package it — and that's exactly what we do.

📈 Myth #5: “PR Is a One-and-Done Thing”

Doing PR once and walking away is like going to the gym one time and expecting abs.Real PR is a consistent, evolving process. You can (and should) build momentum. A single campaign is like a first impression — and you never want it to be your last.

What works this season might shift by next quarter. Journalists change beats. Audiences grow up. Social media trends mutate by the hour. So you need a PR team that keeps your brand agile and authentic, every step of the way.

🧠 What Smart Artists and Entrepreneurs Know

The ones who win with PR — the ones who really pop off — know it’s more than buzz. It’s about building a foundation. They invest in their image like they invest in their music, products, or services. They trust experts to tell their story the right way. And they understand that in today’s world, visibility is currency.

At Gigi Nevarez PR, we’re not chasing clout — we’re building legacy. And our clients know that when we’re on your team, we go hard for you.

So the next time someone tells you “PR doesn’t work,” ask them this:

“Or did you just not work it right?”

✨ What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re serious about growing your brand or career with real, effective PR, here are three power moves you can make today:

1. Audit Your Online Presence:Google yourself. What do you see? What do you want to see? That’s where your PR strategy starts.

2. Craft Your Core Message:What makes you different? What are you offering that no one else is? Write it down. Say it out loud. Own it.

3. Book a Consultation with Gigi Nevarez PR:Whether you’re launching a single, promoting an event, or just ready to show the world who you are — we’ve got the blueprint.

   
   

Final Word

PR isn’t smoke and mirrors. It’s not hype without substance. It’s your story, told in a way that commands attention and earns respect. When done right, it’s the difference between being seen — and being remembered.

So let’s stop getting it wrong. Let’s start getting it right.

📚 References

Cutlip, S. M., Center, A. H., & Broom, G. M. (2006). Effective Public Relations (9th ed.). Pearson.

Grunig, J. E., & Hunt, T. (1984). Managing Public Relations. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Scott, D. M. (2022). The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Content Marketing, Podcasting, Social Media, AI, Live Video, and Newsjacking to Reach Buyers Directly (8th ed.). Wiley.

Solis, B. (2011). Engage! The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web. Wiley.