Why It's a Great Idea to Hire a Public Relations Firm
If you're a business owner, the idea of hiring an outside PR firm may seem like a no brainer. It's a way for you to get the job done without having to go through the recruitment process, pay a salary (or multiple salaries if you have several employees on staff), deal with payroll taxes and other related issues. PR firms also offer a variety of services that would be nearly impossible for your company to manage on its own, such as managing social media campaigns and writing expert-level press releases and other marketing collateral.
When it comes to choosing a PR firm, it's important to do your homework. Start by doing a quick Google search for public relations firms in your city and review each agency's website. Look for agencies that have a clear presentation of their services, a strong list of client case studies and results, and third-party endorsements and awards. Another key consideration is the skill set of the firm's team. Ask to see a bio of the PR team members who will be handling your account, and make sure that they have strong writing skills. They should also be familiar with marketing, branding, messaging and public relations. Look for a PR firm that stays current on industry news and events, as well.
You'll also want to consider the cost of hiring a PR firm. Ask what their fee structure is and whether it's per project, hourly or on a retainer basis. Make sure you get a firm that can fit your budget and has the experience to deliver on their promises. A final point to keep in mind is that PR is an ongoing endeavor, and the most successful companies have a team of publicists constantly working on their behalf. A professional PR firm can help you to create a consistent stream of news about your business that will build awareness, support your brand and ultimately lead to more sales or customers for your company. In conclusion, while it's possible to run your company's PR efforts in-house, you'll need to have a very talented person on staff who can dedicate the time and attention that's needed. In addition, your in-house team will be dealing with other business functions that compete with the work of public relations, such as customer service and product development.
With the advent of modern PR technologies, it's possible for in-house teams to achieve similar results as large PR agencies with the right tools and talent on staff. However, for many small and middle market businesses, hiring a PR firm is still the best way to get the job done and achieve the desired results. Besides, it's the same reason that businesses of all sizes outsource any number of other services, such as cleaning their offices at night or hiring security in their buildings during the day: It makes more sense to hire a specialist than try to do everything yourself. If you are looking for a top PR firm in the Phoenix area, we recommend HMA Public Relations.
HMA Public Relations works across a variety of industries such as professional services, real estate & finance, healthcare, nonprofit, government, tribal affairs, restaurant, hospitality, and retail. They work side-by-side with business and community leaders that have been instrumental in the growth of their communities. As the public relations industry evolves, they do as well. As one of the top PR firms in Phoenix, they offer full-service capabilities, and their team understands how all aspects of communications blend together for a comprehensive media relations agency strategy that nets out results tied to measurable goals. Visit the HMA Public Relations website at https://hmapr.com/ to learn more today!