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

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

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

2. What skills do the North Carolina PR agencies offer?

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

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

Hire PR companies in North Carolina that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire a North Carolina 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: PRStreet specializes in marketing and public relations and provides an extensive online client list. One of the area's leading PR firms, Raleigh NC-based CapStrat, Inc., offers services in broad practice areas, as well as six industry specializations. RBW, one of the largest independent PR agencies in North Carolina, provides an interactive online client list.

Select PR firms in North Carolina with proven writing and pitching skills

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

I recommend: Carolina Public Relations/Marketing, Inc. offers a menu of public relations services and related capabilities, including unique services like public education and trade show promotion. French West Vaughan provides detailed client case studies with key messages, program elements and results. In addition to public relations services, Rivers Agency offers advertising and graphic design as part of their comprehensive communications services.

Hire public relations firms in NC that meet your budget

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

I recommend: Request a quote for public relations services from McNeill Lehman, one of the leading public relations and marketing agencies in North Carolina. Evolve, Inc., a public relations firm in Greenville, NC, will provide project estimates once you submit their short online information form.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from NC 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 of your PR firm's NC account team.