Public relations agencies in Maine provide creative, cost-effective solutions for businesses seeking to increase visibility and profitability. PR agencies in Maine utilize the media to generate awareness about industry businesses, providing credible, third-party media endorsements.

In most industries, reputation is a company’s biggest asset. PR agencies in Maine will provide the experience, skills and resources to increase awareness of your company’s public image, ultimately increasing your business revenue.

Before beginning the selection process, it is important for your business to determine the objectives the Maine PR agency will be helping to achieve. Set actionable and measurable objectives to best direct and evaluate your public relations agency.

When selecting PR agencies in ME, research each agency and evaluate the following:

1. What experience does the Maine PR firm offer relevant to your industry?
2. What skills will the Maine public relations agency provide your business?
3. What is a competitive price for a public relations agency in Maine?

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

Select Maine PR firms that specialize in your industry

Select public relations firms in Maine who understand your industry and have relationships with local and national media contacts relevant to your specific industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Arsenault Artist Management specializes in web promotion for the arts industry. Front Burner PR, LLC., a PR firm based in Portland, provides a list of clients online. KG Partners offers a list of clients linked to project samples and descriptions.

Hire PR agencies in Maine with proven writing, pitching and event planning skills

Review the writing and pitching skills of public relations firms in Maine. Ask for writing samples, including press releases and bylined articles in national magazines. Evaluate the Maine PR agencies' ability to organize creative events and special promotions to engage the media.

I recommend: Backbeat Advertising provides an online portfolio featuring collateral, radio, web, tv and print samples. Garrand highlights its most recent client work on the Portland PR agency's website. Burgess Advertising & Marketing showcases print ads, annual reports, collateral, logos, public relations, radio, television, website, exhibits and packaging client projects.

Hire Maine PR agencies that meet your budget

The majority of Maine PR firms operate on a monthly retainer with a minimum time commitment, which is usually three months. Your business cost depends on the project scope and manpower required. When evaluating Maine public relations agencies' fees, factor in the return on investment for your business.

I recommend: McCabe, Duval + Associates uses a communications process focused on maximizing client profitability. gBritt PR in Portland provides a free brand impact consultation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do not invite more than eight ME PR companies to participate in your agency selection process. The more Maine PR agencies participating, the more challenging it is to compare firms in a meaningful, valuable and productive manner. Limit finalists to two or three agencies.
• •  Examine the current client list to see if your Maine PR company clients might cause a conflict of interest. Make sure that it is written into your contract that the PR agency in Maine will not provide services to any competing business during the course of your professional relationship.