PR agencies in Indiana 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 Indiana public relations firm if your company relies on consistent media exposure and lacks the resources of a professional PR firm. Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana PR firms.

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

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

2. What skills do PR agencies in Indiana offer?

3. How much will my business pay for public relations agencies in Indiana?

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

Hire Indiana communications firms that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire an Indiana 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: One of the area's leading PR agencies, Indiana-based Villing & Company, Inc., specializes in the education, healthcare, social services, transportation, arts and tourism industries. Dgs Marketing Engineers is an Indy PR firm that provides an extensive online client list. Kyle Communications provides a listing of their clients and associated public relations services.

Select PR firms in Indiana with proven writing and pitching skills

Examine the writing and pitching skills of Indiana 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 PR firm in Indiana offers skills like market research, event planning, in-house design capabilities and crisis management services.

I recommend: DiedrichHARMON offers an online portfolio showcasing strategic and brand planning, integrated campaigns, print and multimedia client work. Shank Public Relations Counselors, Inc. provides media relations, community relations, special event and consumer product launch client galleries. Hetrick Communications, Inc. provides a portfolio of recent work for its health and life sciences clients.

Hire public relations agencies in Indiana that meet your budget

Most marketing and PR firms in Indiana 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 Indiana public relations agencies also offer a project fee for a one-time project or a retainer fee for consulting services.

I recommend: Executive Media Communication Consultants, Inc. is one of the few Indianapolis PR firms focusing on public affairs and negotiates hourly, project or retainer contracts depending on client services needed. Synergy Marketing Group, Inc., a PR agency specializing in high-tech, industrial and scientific business-to-business industries, offers a complementary communications consultation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from Indiana PR firms 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.