Top 50+ PR agencies

A public relations agency, or PR agency, is different from an advertising agency because it focuses purely on editorial coverage. This is sometimes known as earned or free media.

A PR agency tends to have a marketing strategy that focuses more on building relationships for their client. Typically a strategy can be a mix of digital marketing, event marketing, content marketing, reputation management, and crisis management.

There are many large public relations firms that focus on delivering high-quality digital strategies to their clients. Some of the ones that are known worldwide are Havas, APCO Worldwide, Inkhouse, Finn Partners, Edelman, and Fleishmanhillard.

Many of them tend to be headquartered in large cities like New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, but many can be found across the nation and internationally. Some smaller firms may even focus on increasing brand awareness for certain industries like automotive, healthcare, real estate, financial services, or non-profits.

A PR agency typically engages in activities such as writing press releases, speech writing, engaging with journalists, creating events designed for media relations, and conducting market research.

They will also focus on helping their clients expand their business content via personal networking or attendance, and sponsoring events. They may also engage in blog writing, and crisis public relations strategies.

Some will even incorporate social media marketing into their communications strategy and engage in influencer marketing.

How much a marketing firm charges depends on what they will be working on. If you’re looking for a short-term approach you can set a project-based fee. What they may charge will depend on their expertise and specialties, but tend to rest at around $1,000.

However, if you need a more in-depth communications strategy, and you’re looking for an award-winning strategy, then you’ll likely need to pay a retainer fee to the PR agency you want to handle your account.

The current average retainer fee is between $2,000 and $25,000 per month, with some large corporations spending six-figures a month.

The benefits of having a PR agency handle your communications strategy can be exponential.

While any good PR campaign will depend on your goals and how you communicate with your agent, you can expect increased brand awareness, stronger SEO, and better relationships with your target audience.

PR service providers may also be skilled in graphic design, web design, and SEO which can help your business increase its reach.

A good PR firm typically has agents who are experienced in journalism, public relations, marketing strategy, or a related field.

Often they’ll hold a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Depending on the experience they may have experience handling a press conference, influencer marketing, and consumer marketing.

They should be skilled in strategic thinking, social media, and corporate communications as well.