What are the best public relations agencies for startups and small businesses?

Boutique PR firms are ideal for startups and small businesses due to their personalized approach and direct access to experienced professionals. Unlike larger agencies, where you may deal with assistants, boutique firms ensure you work closely with senior experts, offering a hands-on experience and genuine care for your story.

In the world of startups and small businesses, PR essentials matter most. Look for agencies that understand your unique needs, offer tailored solutions, and have a track record of turning startups into success stories. It's not just about the buzz; it's about crafting narratives that resonate and drive growth. Find partners who make your story their mission and watch your brand soar!

I concur with Amanda's recommendation to partner with a boutique PR agency that aligns closely with your goals and shares a vested interest in mutual success. Such agencies may be keen to leverage your expertise to break into new markets. This collaboration can be mutually beneficial: you gain cost-effective PR support, while the agency acquires valuable insights and experience in your industry. This strategic alignment can drive significant advantages for both parties.

All I can tell you is where NOT to look - and that's all those agencies that spend all their time focused on how to win awards in places like Cannes (rather than driving actual business results)... If you're a start-up or a small business, spend your limited resources finding a solution that will actually drive your business forward...

Work with agencies that have proven case studies in your vertical. Work with agencies that focus on bottom-line KPIs and not fluff metrics. Work with agencies that can demonstrate their own thought leadership and innovation, ensuring your brand stays at the bleeding edge of what's working in marketing in a rapidly evolving landscape. Work with agencies that deploy strategies that can achieve cross-channel KPIs, instead of investing in strategies that are too niche or singular in their approach. Don't fall for the lure of massive PR firms that will pass you off to junior associates with 1-2 years of experience. Partner with firms that guarantee your strategies will be developed and overseen by industry experts.

Budget is a critical consideration, especially for small businesses and startups. For instance, at Layer PR, we understand that budget constraints are a reality for many small businesses and startups. That's why we've developed our Startup Program, designed to offer tailored and transparent PR support that maximizes results within limited budgets. Whether launching a targeted campaign, securing media coverage, or building long-term brand awareness, your PR partner should adapt to evolving needs, enabling companies to manage costs effectively while benefiting from our expertise.

If you're a start-up or a small business, my advice (albeit, biased) is to hire a freelancer / contractor to assist you with PR. You won't have to pay expensive agency fees; and chances are, you don't need the full suite of services that most agencies provide. You'll have a much easier time finding a solution that works within your budget if you go the contractor route.

This is crucial because: 1. It is a new and small business with budget limitations 2. Probably the owners or managers don′t have the experience working with a firm, so it is going to be a learning process involved 3. Maybe it is a completely new product, service or brand that has to be proficient introduced and explained to the general public. This takes time and time means money 4. Maye we will be dealing with production or distribution or even design hiccups to resolve Because all this, as other colleagues have said, a boutique or small agency is a must. The agency will almost become a partner in this voyage and as we said, as budget is limited, the results in a defined period of time should me measured and hopefully be positive.

Alternatively - this may be advice that harms my own business, but depending on the size of your business and where you are in the business evolution, try doing it yourself! If it makes sense and you can do it, reach out to influencers, journalists, etc. You may be surprised by how well your efforts perform.

The best agency is committed and creative one - ready to take a detailed look into your business needs and stakeholder relations, ready to work with you to create a realistic and feasiblr strategy, and ready to offer unique and tailored solutions. Hence, partnership rather than typical agency-client relationship.