4 questions to ask before hiring a PR agency

Small businesses can greatly benefit from a public relations team, but entrepreneurs first need to make sure their companies are ready for one.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

With that excitement however, comes the realization of the task that still lies ahead: How do we get people to notice us? Then the light bulb goes on: We need PR.

Generally when most non-public relations professionals think of PR, they lean solely toward media relations and news coverage. But media relations is only a small part of the PR puzzle—and an even smaller part of the overall integrated marketing strategy that’s necessary to take your business to new heights.

How do you know if you’re really ready for an integrated marketing strategy that includes the media coverage you crave?

Here are four things to ask yourself:

Related: 6 Reasons Your PR Is Failing

1. Do you have something to say?

Gaining visibility comes down to being seen and heard. A product launch, funding announcement or high profile personnel hire is a great place to start, but should not be solely relied upon to build a company profile.

You are an expert in your field—use this to your advantage by getting involved in various industry discussions. One of the easiest ways to gain media coverage is by discussing current trends and news within your specific vertical, with a perspective has broad industry appeal.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.