Guide to PR Agencies in California

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

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

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

2. What skills do the California PR agencies offer?

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

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

Hire PR companies in California that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire a California 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: Airfoil Public Relations specializes in Silicon Valley technology companies. Antenna Group, Inc., a San Francisco-based public relations firm focusing on technology companies, provides a list of current clients on its website. Solters & Digney Public Relations Online Marketing boasts more than 50 years experience in entertainment marketing and public relations.

Select PR firms in California with proven writing and pitching skills

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

I recommend: A&R Edelman provides online case studies showcasing public relations programs that helped its clients reach their business goals. Adler Public Affairs offers samples of its collateral materials online, including newsletters, brochures and advertising. Bailey Gardiner, Inc., one of many successful PR firms in southern California, offers an online public relations portfolio. Fisher & Associates, Inc. offers a comprehensive online menu of the firm’s public relations services.

Hire public relations agencies in California that meet your budget

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

I recommend: Get a quote for public relations services from ARTEMIA Communications, Inc. by using the agency’s online inquiry form. Through its market research, business development strategies and implementation, Broderick & Company focuses on the bottom line for each client--generating revenue. If your business is a non-profit organization, ask about pro bono work; Cerrell Associates, Inc. is a California PR agency that provides bono PR services for select non-profit organizations.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from California 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 California PR firm account team.

The official source of PR Agencies in California is
the PR Agencies in California page at Business.com