10 Things to Prepare Before Hiring a PR Firm

Hiring a PR firm is an important asset for many different companies, however, it’s important to have a few things in mind before making the decision on choosing the company. Before everything else, it’s important that the company and the PR firm have the right relationship and that both representatives, ideas, and achievements align.

Set Goals

Think about what the goal of hiring the PR firm is, whether it’s to adjust the perception of the business that the target audience already has, or perhaps it’s to increase the awareness of the business and reach a wider audience. Public relations firms cater to a variety of needs, so it’s important to establish the main goal before talking about hiring a firm.

Set Budget

There are PR firms of all sizes which work with different clients, which is why it’s important to set a PR budget and assess how much the business will allow to be spent on plans and campaigns for the PR firm.

Make Sure the Business Is Ready

Make sure that the business in question, along with the services or products it offers, is different from the competition and has a clearly defined target audience. Other things that previously need to be established is whether the allotted resources will be enough to achieve the set goals, and whether the business has people that can effectively talk to the media.

Get Informed About Measurements 

This is one of the most important questions which needs to be asked when talking with a potential PR firm that could be working with the business in the future. This is what essentially sets up businesses for success, as it shows whether the goals are being achieved.

Decide on Agency Location

Although there are plenty of perks with going digital, as it’s easy to work with people and companies all over the world, there are some who still prefer working in person with others. This is all up to personal preference, unless the business in question focuses on a local target audience.

Talk About the Contract

There are plenty of PR firms that put clients on a retainer, and then require an upfront payment, while offering their services on an as-needed basis. However, if that doesn’t fit a particular business, it’s important to make this clear in the contract or set a schedule for reviewing the agreement.

Discuss Specific Services

Depending on the previously set budget, different PR firms offer a different set of services, and can then charge extra for any additional work which the business requests, so it’s important to have an understanding of what services are included in the contract and the different services the firm offers which may cost extra.

Ask About Communication

It’s important to know how often the PR firm is communicating with the business regarding updates on campaigns, or alternatively, set a schedule for this.

Build Trust by Being Transparent

This is no different than any other relationship throughout life. Being transparent, honest and respectful while communicating with the PR firm is essential to reaching the set goals – on both sides.

Branch Out

By itself, PR isn’t able to solely carry the business forward, so it’s important to integrate other essential tools, such as social and digital advertising, paid media and many others and align all of them towards the common goal.