“Do I need a PR agency?” That’s the million-dollar question many entrepreneurs ask themselves. Public relations can feel like an unclear and pricey endeavor, and many other things might demand your time and money first.
Let’s explore the answer to, “Do I need a PR agency?”
Why You Might Need a PR Agency
Imagine this: your company launches a fantastic product poised to disrupt industries. But, there’s no buzz, media frenzy, or attention. This is where a good public relations agency steps in.
PR agencies are storytellers, connecting your brand to the world. A good PR team has strong media relations, including direct lines to journalists, influencers, and media outlets that you probably couldn’t access independently.
Still not sure if this applies to you? Let’s get specific.
You’re Launching Something Big
You’re ready to rock the market with a new product. A PR agency will write press releases, organize launch events, and use their media relations prowess to get journalists talking, generating buzz to get you noticed.
Crisis Management? A Must Have.
Are bad reviews spreading rapidly? Is negative press threatening your brand? This is one area where PR agencies and their media relations skills are worth their weight in gold.
Research by PwC shows that 69% of business leaders have faced at least one major crisis. The average? Three crises.
Seasoned PR agencies know how to take charge and manage the situation, protect your reputation, and guide you through these difficulties.
Media Coverage? Crickets
fine honedIf you’ve tried reaching out to journalists and posting on social media and been overlooked, don’t despair. Pitching media is a skillset fine honed over a PR pro’s career. PR firms have seasoned media contacts with established relationships and know the perfect way to present your story.
The same credibility can’t be obtained by buying media, and it’s not as simple as distributing a press release on the newswire. Coverage must be earned through compelling stories and strong pitches. A PR agency can also help with media training, social media management, social media strategy, and reputation management.
Thought Leadership
Maybe you’re considering working with a public relations agency to build thought leadership among your target audience. That’s wise. Thought leadership is how you demonstrate your expertise. The way you demonstrate that expertise and insights with the world is something that should be carefully choreographed.
A good PR strategy includes positioning your key executives as thought leaders. They can help you write articles, get interviewed on podcasts, and speak at events. They’ll also work to get your name and your business featured in the media. All of this helps to build your credibility and make you a trusted voice in your industry.
You’re Not Sure What You’re Doing
Public relations is a complex industry with constantly changing rules and trends. Having an expert craft the right messaging, identify the proper outlets, and manage the essential details is worth its weight in gold. This allows you to focus on running your business.
Maybe You Don’t Need That Agency After All…
Before you max out your credit card on an expensive agency, let’s be realistic. There are times when you don’t need a PR agency.
You’re a One-Person Show
If your business is just you, outsourcing PR might not be the best use of your budget or time. Plus, an agency won’t have much to work with if you don’t have a newsworthy angle, such as a launch, partnership, or event.
Focus on organically building your brand and directly engaging with your audience for now. As thought leaders in your industry, you might be able to get by without a PR firm.
You Have In-House PR Talent
If you have someone on your team with solid media relationships and who understands how to structure a press release and media pitching, you might be all set (at least for now) and not need a PR agency. Be realistic about their bandwidth and expertise.
Do I Need a PR Agency? Only You Know For Sure.
We’ve given you some food for thought. However, the question “
Do I need a PR agency
?” depends on your unique situation. Weigh the pros and cons, crunch the numbers, and consider your goals.
If in doubt, start small. A short-term project-based engagement can be a low-risk way to see if a PR agency is right for you.
FAQs About
Do I Need a PR Agency
Do I Need a PR Agency
for My Small Business?
Not necessarily. If your marketing budget is tight, prioritize organic content marketing or influencer marketing on platforms where your target audience spends their time.
However, a PR agency might be worthwhile if you’re launching a new product or service, hosting an industry event, or expanding into new markets.
What’s the Difference Between PR and Marketing?
Simply put: marketing gets people interested, while public relations gets people talking. The Public Relations Society of America defines public relations as “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”
It aims to build a favorable brand image through earned media rather than paid advertising. Earned media, or earned media coverage, is an important element of PR. Public relations services can also include event planning.
What Are The Different Types of PR Agencies?
You have many options, from niche specialists to global firms: boutique agencies, mid-size powerhouses, or larger, more well-known PR giants.
Conclusion
Determining whether you need a PR agency is a big decision. Remember, your business is unique. Evaluate if your current situation, brand awareness goals, or crisis management needs make this a worthy investment right now.
Take the time to do your homework. Conduct research, establish your budget, and take the plunge when the timing and finances are right. We hope this information helped you to answer that burning question of “Do I need a PR agency?”
Interested in working with an all-senior PR team with decades of collective PR pitching experience? Get in touch at hello@wearemgp.com
