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

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

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

2. What skills do the Ohio PR agencies offer?

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

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

Hire PR agencies in Ohio that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire an Ohio 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: Edward Howard, one of the most established and experienced Columbus, Ohio PR firms, specializes in consumer and retail, healthcare, civic and economic development, industrial and manufacturing, biotech and technology, and financial services industries. Akhia Public Relations provides an online listing of its business-to-business and consumer clients. Providing skillful public relations, Columbus, Ohio-based Triad, Inc. specializes in transportation industry clients.

Select PR agencies in Ohio with proven writing and pitching skills

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

I recommend: Landau Public Relations provides online case studies addressing brand management, corporate image, product promotion, public relations and event marketing. Badertscher Communications specializes in business-to-business marketing and offers a comprehensive range of related services. Wordsworth is a public relations agency Cincinnati boutique that offers video clips and podcasts of their clients' public relations results.

Hire PR agencies in Ohio that meet your budget

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

I recommend: One of the area's leading marketing firms, Columbus, Ohio-based Greencrest focuses on delivering a high return on investment through an integrated approach that impacts overall performance. One of the leading global PR companies, Ohio-based Isthmus, Ltd. bases its pricing on an innovative no-risk model in which the agency's income is derived from sales commission from suppliers for successful sales to customers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from Ohio 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 public relations firms Ohio account team.