Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Selecting a PR Firm: Does Size Really Matter?


A great article in PR Daily came out making the statement that in regard to hiring a PR firm, bigger isn't always better. This is music to our ears as Ant Hill Communications is a full functioning boutique PR firm. We are small and compact because we choose to be. We in turn, cater to companies that have a "start-up" mentality and recognize the importance of reaching the bottom line. This being said, we may be small but we pack a mighty punch and offer a plethora of services. Small size doesn't mean limited scope of services.

In reality, it's not about the size of an agency or firm, it's about its capabilities. In order to find a compatible match, Dorothy Crenshaw, author of this article suggests asking these questions:

1. What's the program's scope?
- This is a great question to ask. Essentially it's a "what can you do for me" question. Honestly, any business bidding for more business will tell the potential client what he or she wants to hear. That's why case studies and references are crucial when selecting a PR firm to represent your brand.

2. Is a range of services needed?
- Many times a potential client will give a firm a laundry list of to-do's to accomplish. Other times, only a few objectives need to be executed in terms of a project or a short campaign. It may not be necessary to search for a firm that operates on a large spectrum if only A, B and C objectives need to be met.

3. Are multiple offices required?
- This is pretty self-explanatory. When a service is needed on a local level, why pay a firm in a big city that will charge a big city retainer and big city hard costs?

Dorothy asks several more thought provoking questions which are sure to be advantageous when making the decision to sign on with a PR firm.

Read the article here.