Now that you want to get your story heard, it’s time to decide whether you should hire a public relations agency to help you do that. Putting your story in the hands of an experienced agency can be a great way to get noticed. But first it’s important to make sure that it’s the best method for you.
Establish your goals. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you launching a product or hosting an event that needs attention? Are you trying to boost sales by getting the word out about your company? Are you trying to rebrand or build your reputation? All of these are good reasons to hire a PR agency.
Set a budget. We recommend earmarking 20% of your overall budget for promotional purposes, that is marketing and public relations.
Understand the scope of your project. If you are attempting a national campaign or starting out in an industry in which you have few connections, you’ll want to hire an agency. What you’ll be paying for in this case is industry connections and expertise. An established agency will understand the landscape and what angles and stories will work for your brand. In addition, a larger campaign will take more time, more work and more contacts.
Conversely, a smaller project, such as a modest crowdfunding campaign, could be managed without the help of an agency. These projects can be promoted through effective social media tactics and the help of some supportive bloggers. With enough effort, you could accomplish this project on your own. For some tips on effective social media use, click here to take a look at our free Ebook.
Overall, a PR agency helps your campaign run more smoothly with the help of industry expertise and established connections.
Next, and most importantly, consider the top five things to look for in a PR agency.
