Are you a business owner or CEO who knows that public relations is important, but are just not sure how to tackle it? Maybe you see the value in increasing visibility and credibility through PR but don’t know the best way to allocate your resources.
If this sounds familiar, or you find yourself in any of the following scenarios, then it might be the right time to hire a PR agency. Here are five signs you’re ready:
1. If the owner is managing PR
As a business owner or CEO, it’s your job to build the business. But, how can your business flourish if you’re too busy sending press releases to the media, managing the company blog or sending out e-newsletters? The simple answer is: it can’t. If you find yourself stuck handling these tasks, it’s a sign you’re ready to bring in a PR professional. Hiring a PR agency will take these tasks off your plate and put it in the hands of experts – and let you get back to growing your business.
2. If you want to make PR activities a priority
In our experience, many executives who recognize the need for a PR program assign it to existing sales or marketing staff. While this may seem like a logical move, this person or team may not have the expertise or skillset to effectively handle PR, or the time available to focus on it, given their other responsibilities. If you’re ready to make PR a priority, invest in hiring professionals with the right skills and experience to carry it out successfully.
3. If you’re looking for a multi-faceted PR program
If you’re looking to expand your PR program to include several different strategies – for example, media relations, content marketing, speaking engagements, social media or blogging – then it’s the right time to consider a PR agency. You might contemplate hiring one in-house PR professional, but the likelihood of finding someone who excels in all required areas is slim. With a PR agency, you get a team of people with different areas of expertise, often for a comparable price to hiring one full-time person.
4. If you have the time and patience to build credibility
The most important thing to remember about PR is that results don’t happen overnight. If you can dedicate the time to building momentum over the course of months or years, then you’re ready to make a long-term commitment to increasing your company’s visibility and credibility through PR.
5. If you have the budget for a long-term investment
In order to hire a PR agency, you must have a budget set aside to cover the costs. Fees can vary depending on what services you need and the PR agency you hire. Public relations is an investment, not an expense. When you can see PR in that way, you’ll be ready to make a long-term investment in your company.
If you’re ready to hire a PR agency, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
