Public Relations Practice Exam 2025 - Free Public Relations Practice Questions and Study Guide

Prior to the advent of social media, companies did tend to operate more in isolated silos when it came to advertising, marketing, and public relations. Each of these functions often had distinct strategies, goals, and audiences, which led to a disconnection in how they communicated both internally and externally. The rise of social media has encouraged a more integrated approach, as organizations began to recognize the value of consistent messaging and collaboration across these areas.

Before social media, public relations primarily focused on managing an organization's reputation through traditional media outlets, while advertising concentrated on pushing messages through paid channels. Marketing often included a combination of direct sales efforts and branding strategies that did not necessarily align with PR efforts. The fragmentation of communication channels meant that companies operated without the immediate feedback loops and interactions available through social platforms, leading to a less cohesive strategy.

Thus, it is accurate to state that companies generally worked in isolation regarding these functions before the integration facilitated by social media.