Public relations agencies in Washington 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 Washington PR agency if your company relies on consistent media exposure and lacks the resources of a professional public relations firm. PR agencies in Washington provide the experience and resources to propel your company’s public image, ultimately making your business more profitable.

Before you begin the search for reputable Washington PR agencies, 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 Washington public relations agencies.

When selecting a public relations agency in Washington, evaluate the following:

1. Do the PR agencies in WA have experience in your industry?

2. What skills do the WA PR companies offer?

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

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

Hire PR agencies in Washington that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire a PR agency in Washington 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: Text 100 Public Relations Consultancy, a global public relations firm with an office in Seattle, specializes in technology clients. Vander Houwen Public Relations, Inc. is a strategic communications and public relations firm that provides a list of their current clients. Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, Inc. has extensive experiences with healthcare, consumer electronics, e-commerce, enterprise software, financial services, gaming software, semiconductor, technology and wireless communications clients.

Select public relations agencies in Washington with proven writing and pitching skills

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

I recommend: Baron & Company is a Washington PR firm that offers value-added graphic design, marketing, public relations, web and video services. MWW Group, Inc., one of the nation’s top 10 PR agencies, provides online client case studies. The Fearey Group features news releases issued for their clients.

Hire Washington PR firms that meet your budget

Most PR agencies in Washington 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 Washington PR firms also offer a project fee for a one-time project or a retainer fee for consulting services.

I recommend: Firmani + Associates, Inc. provides detailed budgeting and invoicing that gives clients a comprehensive picture of their work; clients have the ability to monitor budgets on a weekly basis. Randall Public Relations, Inc. offers an ongoing monthly retainer based on the scope of work or single project fees based on hourly rates.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from Washington PR agencies 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 Washington PR firm's account team.