Here’s something wild:
Over 70% of people in Bangladesh now get their news online—not from the paper, not from TV, but from blogs, Facebook, YouTube, and Google.
Still writing press releases and hoping someone will notice?
You’re not alone.
A friend of mine launched a startup in Dhaka. Sent a well-written press release to five newspapers. Waited. Crickets.
No calls, no leads, and no one even Googled the brand name.
That’s when she asked me—what’s missing?
The answer: digital PR.
If you’ve ever felt like your PR efforts just disappear into the air, this post is for you.
We’re going to break down the real difference between a traditional press release and digital PR—especially in the Bangladeshi market—so you can stop wasting time and start seeing actual results.
Let’s get into it.
What Is a Press Release?
A press release is basically a formal announcement.
It’s written in a fixed format and sent to news outlets, radio stations, or TV channels.
Think of it like this:
You’re telling the media, “Here’s our news—please publish it.”
It could be about launching a new business, announcing a partnership, or opening a new branch.
You usually send it to editors and hope they decide to cover your story.
How It Works in Bangladesh
Press releases are often sent to big outlets like Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Ittefaq, and TV stations.
But here’s the kicker:
Most of the time, you don’t even know if it worked unless a journalist tells you.
Also, many news outlets will only run your story if it’s really newsworthy—or if there’s a paid media deal involved.
Why Businesses Still Use It
- For credibility. Seeing your name in The Daily Star still impresses people.
- For formal record. It works well for corporate-level announcements.
- For events or local partnerships where newspaper coverage still matters.
But is that enough today?
Let’s flip the coin.
What Is Digital PR?
Digital PR is like PR with internet superpowers.
Instead of just sending press releases to journalists, you focus on getting your brand mentioned online.
That includes:
- Getting featured in blogs
- Partnering with influencers
- Publishing guest articles
- Earning backlinks
- Sparking conversations on social media
The goal?
Not just brand awareness—but Google visibility, website traffic, SEO ranking, and actual clicks.
A Local Example
Let’s say you run an online clothing store.
You reach out to 5 Bangladeshi fashion bloggers.
They write about your latest collection, tag you on Facebook, and link to your website.
Within a week, your sales go up, your SEO improves, and now your brand name shows up on page 1 of Google.
That’s digital PR working behind the scenes.
The Real Differences
Here’s the side-by-side you came for.
| Feature | Press Release | Digital PR |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Print, radio, TV | Blogs, social media, websites |
| Tone | Formal and newsy | Conversational and story-driven |
| Goal | Inform media | Engage audiences and boost SEO |
| Audience | Mass public via traditional media | Online users, niche communities |
| Tracking | Hard to measure | Easily trackable (clicks, traffic, backlinks) |
| Cost | Often paid slots | Flexible, depends on strategy |
| Lifespan | 1–2 days | Weeks to months (thanks to SEO) |
Why This Matters Right Now
Here’s why you should care, and fast.
Bangladesh has over 125 million internet users.
The majority are under 35 and glued to smartphones.
If your brand isn’t being talked about online, you’re practically invisible to them.
Still relying on newspapers?
You might reach their parents.
Want customers, partners, or investors who Google you?
Then you need digital PR.
Simple as that.
Using Both: The Smart Strategy
Why Not Both?
A lot of businesses in Bangladesh think it’s either press release or digital PR.
That’s wrong.
You can (and often should) use both.
For example:
- Announce a new product with a formal press release.
- At the same time, pitch that same story to blogs, influencers, and niche websites.
One gives you traditional credibility.
The other gives you modern visibility.
How to Do It Smartly
- Press Release: Keep it formal, structured, and concise.
- Digital PR Pitch: Make it personal, tell a story, and include media (images, links, etc.)
- Follow Up: Build relationships with local bloggers and online writers. Not just journalists.
What People Ask (FAQs)
1. Can I skip press releases altogether?
You can, but if you’re targeting government, NGOs, or older audiences, press releases still matter.
2. Is digital PR just influencer marketing?
Nope. It includes content outreach, SEO, blogs, news websites, and yes—sometimes influencers.
3. Which is cheaper in Bangladesh?
Depends on your strategy. A paid press slot might cost BDT 20,000–100,000+.
Digital PR can start small and scale gradually.
4. How fast can I see results from digital PR?
Sometimes within days. Sometimes weeks. Unlike a press release, the benefits of digital PR build up over time.
5. Is digital PR good for SEO?
Absolutely. Backlinks from high-authority sites boost your Google ranking like magic.
6. Do Bangladeshi bloggers even reply?
Some do. Some don’t. But the ones who care about local businesses usually respond if your pitch is solid and helpful.
7. How do I know my PR worked?
Press releases are tough to track.
But digital PR gives you clicks, visits, shares, and backlink reports—clear data.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth:
If you’re serious about growing your brand in Bangladesh, you can’t rely on press releases alone.
They’re useful—sure. But they don’t bring traffic. They don’t build backlinks. They don’t boost Google rankings.
Digital PR does all that—and more.
And when used together, they make your brand look credible and discoverable.
Now it’s your move.
Need help writing a pitch? Want to get your story on real websites? I can help.
Question for you:
Have you tried digital PR before, or are you still sending press releases and hoping for the best?
Related reads:
How to Submit a Press Release to Bangladeshi Newspapers
Why Press Releases Are Crucial for Startups in Bangladesh
