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

When selecting a PR agency in WV, research each agency and evaluate the following:

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

2. What skills will the public relations agency in West Virginia provide your business?

3. What is a competitive price for a West Virginia PR agency?

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

Select public relations agencies in West Virginia that specialize in your industry

Select West Virginia public relations agencies 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: Charles Ryan Associates, with offices in Charleston and Morgantown, offers 11 areas of expertise with a description of the agency's work in each industry. J. Barnes & Associates is a full-service advertising and public relations firm that specializes in the healthcare industry. The Phillips Group focuses on marketing campaigns for government, healthcare, economic development and travel industries.

Hire PR agencies in WV with proven writing, pitching and event planning skills

Review the writing and pitching skills of WV PR companies. Ask for writing samples, including press releases and bylined articles in national magazines. Evaluate each West Virginia PR company's ability to organize creative events and special promotions to engage the media.

I recommend: Ann Green Communications, a strategic communications and community relations agency, provides public relations services like crisis communications, employee communications support, feature story development and placement, issues management, media relations and special events. Mountainside Media, Inc. offers an online portfolio showcasing print, identity, website and video projects. Dream Catcher, LLC, a new media marketing firm, offers web development, web hosting, multimedia, graphic design and IT services--along with an impressive portfolio.

Hire public relations agencies in West Virginia that meet your budget

The majority of West Virginia PR firms operate on a monthly retainer with a minimum time commitment, which is usually 3 months. Your business cost depends on the project scope and manpower required. When evaluating West Virginia PR agencies' fees, factor in the return on investment for your business.

I recommend: Capitol City Communications, LLC, an online marketing and PR firm providing internet solutions, offers several competitively priced service plans including full website packages, monthly maintenance packages and email marketing plans. The Manahan Group provides a free assessment of branding and marketing materials for your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Examine the current client list to see if your West Virginia PR firm's clients might cause a conflict of interest. Make sure that it is written into your contract that the West Virginia public relations agency will not provide services to any competing business during the course of your professional relationship.
• •  Do not invite more than 8 West Virginia public relations agencies to participate in your PR firm selection process. The more West Virginia PR agencies participating, the more challenging it is to compare firms in a meaningful, valuable and productive manner. Limit finalists to 2 or 3 agencies.