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

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

1. Does the public relations agency PA have experience in your industry?
2. What skills does each public relations firm PA offer?
3. How much will my business pay for a PR agency PA?

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

Hire PA public relations firms that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire a Pennsylvania 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: Anne Klein Communications Group, LLC., a PR agency in Philadelphia, provides an online list of past and present clients. Gregory FCA has experience across many industries, including real estate, life sciences, retail and technology. Reynolds Ink provides a list of recent clients with samples of the agency's work.

Select PR agencies in Pennsylvania with proven writing and pitching skills

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

I recommend: The Barry Group features an online portfolio of web, video, print, radio and promotional materials. Brownstein Group offers public relations, advertising, design, interactive, direct and brand strategy services. Review client case studies at Jampole Communications, Inc.

Hire a PA PR firm that meets your budget

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

I recommend: Get an estimate on your next marketing or public relations project at Fitzgerald Esplin Advertising, a PR and ad agency in New Hope, PA, or Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc., one of the leading public relations firms in Pittsburgh, PA.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from Pennsylvania PR firms during the selection process. Find out who will be working on your public relations agency Pennsylvania 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 PA account team.