PR agencies in Vermont provide creative, cost-effective solutions for businesses seeking to increase visibility and profitability. Vermont PR firms 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 Vermont 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 Vermont PR agency will be helping to achieve. Set actionable and measurable objectives to best direct and evaluate your public relations agency.

When selecting a public relations firm in Vermont, research each agency and evaluate the following:

1. What experience does the Vermont PR firm offer relevant to your industry?

2. What skills will the Vermont public relations agency provide your business?

3. What is a competitive price for a Vermont public relations firm?

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

Select PR firms in Vermont that specialize in your industry

Select public relations firms in Vermont 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: Rachel Carter PR, an independent Vermont PR agency, provides a list of its clients and affiliated organizations. Fuse specializes in youth marketing and connects business services and products with youth through sports, music, fashion and other relevant youth interests. Burch & Company, Inc. specializes in a diverse selection of industries like home accessories, state agencies and intangibles.

Hire public relations firms in Vermont with proven writing, pitching and event planning skills

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

I recommend: Communicators Group offers an online portfolio showcasing brand development, logo design, print, radio, television, web and display work. Shark Communications provides case histories in print, broadcast, branding and new media. Hayes Group, Inc. offers a range of strategic communication services, including branding, advertising, public relations, design, new media marketing and media planning.

Hire Vermont public relations firms that meet your budget

The majority of Vermont 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 Vermont public relations agencies' fees, factor in the return on investment for your business.

I recommend: Wolpin & Associates, a Vermont agency focused on website design and Internet presence, provides an online website cost estimator. Request a quote online for printing and design work from Murphy & Associates, Ltd., a Stowe, VT-based full service advertising, design and promotion agency.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

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