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

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

1. Do the MO public relations firms have experience in your industry?

2. What skills do the public relations Missouri agencies offer?

3. How much will your business pay for PR firms' Missouri services?

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

Hire public relations firms in Missouri that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire a Missouri 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: Jane Mobley Associates works with public sector and not-for-profit clients in areas of health, special populations, emergency preparedness, water and transportation. Hughes, a St. Louis PR agency, provides an online list of its past and present clients. COMMUNIQUE, Inc. specializes in agriculture, public affairs, banking and business, and offers an online list of clients in each industry.

Select Missouri public relations companies with proven writing and pitching skills

Examine the writing and pitching skills of Missouri 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 what additional PR services Missouri-based firms offer, like market research, event planning, in-house design capabilities and crisis management services.

I recommend: The Vandiver Group, Inc. features an online portfolio highlighting work for corporate, mid-tier corporations, health care, government and non-profit clients. KolbeCo Marketing Firm offers a gallery of current client work and successfully completed projects. Visionworks Marketing & Communications showcases an online design portfolio of brochures, newsletters, identity, web and collateral material for clients.

Hire public relations agencies Missouri that meet your budget

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

I recommend: E-savvy Communications, a web-based publicity firm, utilizes quarterly or monthly retainer fees; but the firm also provides hourly rates for clients without ongoing needs. Get a quote for public relations services from O'Connor & Partners, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from Missouri 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. You should feel comfortable collaborating with every member on your team at your PR agency in MO.