Guide to PR Agencies in Illinois

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

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

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

2. What skills do the Illinois PR agencies offer?

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

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

Hire PR agencies in Illinois that specialize in your industry

For best results, hire an Illinois 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: Ginny Richardson Public Relations, LLC. provides an online client list sorted by business, not-for-profit, healthcare, retail, hospitality, communities, entertainment and arts industries. GolinHarris, one of the leading Chicago PR agencies, delivers creative approaches to healthcare communications. Hodge Schindler Integrated Communications specializes in more than a dozen different industries, including architecture, higher education and investment services.

Select PR agencies in Illinois with proven writing and pitching skills

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

I recommend: Cramer-Krasselt, one of the top PR agencies in Chicago, offers a diverse menu of services and an impressive online portfolio. As the leading independent global public relations firm, Chicago's Edelman office provides full-service resources in more than 20 areas of specialization. In addition to providing public relations services, L.C. Williams & Associates is one of the most reputable event planning firms in Illinois.

Hire PR agencies in Illinois that meet your budget

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

I recommend: One of the few partner focused small Illinois PR firms, e-Rainmakers Public Relations works on retainer based on competitive pricing to meet each client's budget. Walker Sands Communications provides strategy-driven public relations programs that focus on increasing business revenue.

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

• Evaluate the relationships developed with employees from Illinois 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 the local PR firms' Illinois account team.

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