How to Hire a PR Firm | 5 Tips to Finding the Right Match
You need PR agency services?
I have hired a few, and I can help you.
While the process might seem simple, in truth it is hard to do well. By "well" I mean hiring the right firm, for the right reasons, with goals set to deliver a positive impact.
I will give you few advice how to choose right agency for your needs.
Look for specialists!There are thousands of PR agencies in the US and all are different, with different ways of working and different specialist areas. Look for an agency that complements the aims of your own organization. Find one that has a proven track record in the issues you work on, and look for those who specialize in the sector. Agencies will be happy to talk to you about their experience and their principles.
Find marketing consultant that you'll enjoy working with!A professional agency will be as interested in you as you are in them and should be flexible enough to really get to know your business. You are likely to spend a good deal of time working together, so try to find someone you feel you could build an honest relationship with and who will work with you to put your business interests at the heart of everything they do.
When you hire a PR agency, decide on your PR goals before you do anything else!As with all PR programs, you need to define goals before getting too far into making decisions about retaining an agency. You must recognize that strategy is the first step to success and leads to tactical execution. In my opinion good strategy starts with goals. As you look to hire a PR firm, decide what you are trying to achieve. A few great examples are: thought leadership, brand awareness, attention for a specific product or program, etc.
Before you hire a PR agency determine your PR budget.Seems like a simple tip, right? In some ways it is, but it is important to make a firm decision on maximum budget that you are willing to spend on this cause. Agencies are expensive and you’ll need to make sure you clearly articulate your maximum budget, including base retainer, overages, expenses and incidentals. Make sure you have a clear path that requires written approval for any month expense that exceeds your budget.
When you hire a PR agency, make sure they have at least one idea you’re excited about!In the pitch meetings, if the PR agency have done their homework and prepared properly, they will present a few different PR strategies based on your briefing requirements. I usually take these ideas with a grain of salt, after all these PR agencies are not fully on-boarded and have limited knowledge of your brand. That said, at least one of the ideas should be innovative enough to get you excited!
I have been lucky enough to find True Blue Communications – agency that fulfilled all of my requirements and I believe that they can do the same for you. This PR agency is located in Clearwater, Florida, but you can get all the marketing services you need online.