PR agencies in Alabama offer creative solutions for businesses seeking to increase their visibility or credibility. The value of public relations is 10 times higher than paid advertising because messages come through a credible source—the media.

Many businesses employ in-house public relations practitioners, while others hire PR agencies. Your business should hire an Alabama public relations firm if your company relies on consistent media exposure and lacks the resources of a professional PR firm. Alabama PR agencies provide the experience and resources to propel your company’s public image, ultimately making your business more profitable.

Before your business begins the search for reputable Alabama PR agencies, you must prioritize your business goals. Develop a company background packet that briefly outlines the history, mission, stakeholders, market research, special issues and past public relations activities. This information will clarify the scope of your public relations programs, and identify the qualities your business should seek in Alabama PR firms.

When selecting a public relations firm in Alabama, evaluate the following:

1. Do the PR companies in Alabama have experience in your industry?

2. What skills do the Alabama PR agencies offer?

3. How much will my business pay for PR agency Alabama services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire Alabama PR companies that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire an Alabama PR firm who understands your industry and has established relationships with local and national media contacts relevant to your field. Ask to see a client list, complete with references from past and present clients.

I recommend: AkinsCrisp Public Strategies provides an extensive online list of past and present clients. Barbara Nash & Associates specializes in space, defense and technology industries. LWT Communications has experience in the fields of automotive, consumer goods, financial, higher education, manufacturing, medical, real estate, retail, recreation and travel.

Select PR firms in Alabama with proven writing and pitching skills

Examine the writing and pitching skills of Alabama public relations firms. Ask for writing samples, including press releases and bylined articles, and request a sample media pitch on a topic relevant to your industry. Find out if the Alabama public relations agency offers skills like market research, event planning, in-house design capabilities and crisis management services.

I recommend: Ellis-Harper Advertising features an online portfolio with broadcast, environment, interactive and print projects. In addition to public relations, Carleton PR, Inc., offers television and video production, media training, government relations, crisis management and event planning. Winters and Associates provides online public relations and integrated marketing case studies.

Find public relations agencies in Alabama that meet your budget

Most PR agencies in Alabama operate on a monthly retainer with a minimum time commitment. The price depends on the scope of the project and the number of people assigned to your account. Some Alabama public relations agencies also offer a project fee for a one-time project or a retainer fee for consulting services.

I recommend: Get a quote for public relations services at A. Tomlinson/Sims Advertising. Cooper Gyan, Inc., a full service, minority-owned public relations agency in Mobile, offers a free consultation meeting.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from public relations agencies in AL during the selection process. Find out who will be working on your account, and ask to speak with each person prior to signing a contract. You should feel comfortable collaborating with every member of your public relations firm Alabama account