Top Crisis Communications Firms
For related services, check out our global list of corporate communications firms or public relations companies.
15 Leaders 15 Contenders
3,104 Companies
List of the Top Crisis Management Firms
Sponsored
-
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Scottsdale, AZServices provided
80% Public Relations10% Branding10% Marketing StrategyFocus Areas
28% Crisis communications50% Corporate communications11% Online reputation management +111% Public affairsSee all 27 projects10 to 1 Public Relations is a Public Relations agency with expertise in media relations, brand reputation, and corporate communications. They are praised for their thoroughness, timeliness, and effective communication, with 100% of reviewers noting their positive impact on media coverage and brand awareness. Clients consistently commend their project management skills and flexibility, with no substantial areas for improvement noted.
1 of 1 reviews is 5 starsUnknown avg. project costRead 1 Recent ReviewReviewed 1 time in the past 6 months
Recent client feedback highlights 10 to 1 Public Relations' exceptional professionalism and communication. A CEO from Metacarpal praised their ability to create impactful media packs, resulting in significant media coverage, including features in major publications and a notable spike in website engagement. The client noted that their values aligned well, and there were no areas for improvement identified, reflecting a highly positive sentiment regarding their collaboration.Was this helpful?
3 of 4 Crisis communications reviews are 5 stars$50,000 – $199,999 avg. project costCrisis communications Experience
10 to 1 Public Relations has consistently delivered positive outcomes in crisis communications, with 100% of reviewers expressing satisfaction with their expertise and responsiveness. Clients commend their ability to manage media relations effectively and craft tailored messaging, resulting in measurable improvements in public perception. Notably, one client reported doubling their PR placements annually. Reviewers frequently highlighted the team's professionalism, accessibility, and proactive approach during critical situations, underscoring their effectiveness in restoring and enhancing brand reputation.
Read Most Recent ReviewWas this helpful?
20 of 25 Public Relations reviews are 5 stars2 new reviews for Public Relations in past 6 months$50,000 – $199,999 avg. project costRead 25 ReviewsPublic Relations PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
PR & Press Release Writing for Construction Company
5.0 — 10 to 1 Public Relations provided PR and article writing services for a construction company. The team was responsible for writing multiple press releases for local and national media outlets. Read moreWas this helpful?
View projects from:
Was this helpful?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Sarasota, FLServices provided
65% Public Relations20% Search Engine Optimization15% Digital StrategyFocus Areas
10% Crisis communications80% Online reputation management10% Corporate communicationsSee all 56 projectsNetReputation is a Public Relations firm specializing in online reputation management, providing services such as search optimization and negative content suppression. Reviews indicate a high level of professionalism, with 100% of clients appreciating their commitment to restoring reputations and achieving positive online visibility. Clients praise the company's responsiveness, structured project management, and personalized service, highlighting their effective communication and transparency.
1 of 1 Crisis communications reviews is 5 stars$50,000 – $199,999 avg. project costCrisis communications Experience
Net Reputation demonstrates significant expertise in crisis communications, with 100% positive feedback from clients. Reviewers frequently commend their customized solutions tailored to client needs and the company's responsive communication and project management. Clients noted impressive attention to detail and a deep understanding of company culture, contributing to successful outcomes such as improved SEO and partnership profitability. Overall, the sentiment reflects satisfaction with their professional approach and effective strategies.
Read Most Recent ReviewWas this helpful?
20 of 21 Public Relations reviews are 5 stars1 new review for Public Relations in past 6 monthsLess than $10,000 avg. project costRead 21 ReviewsPublic Relations PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Online Reputation Management for Insurance Agency
4.5 — An insurance agency hired Net Reputation to help them manage their online reputation. The team has published several articles about the client's business on various platforms to boost their online Read moreWas this helpful?
Industry Experience
NetReputation has garnered positive feedback across various industries, notably in business services, retail, legal, and education. Clients praised their expertise in online reputation management, highlighting their responsiveness and commitment to delivering tailored solutions. The overall sentiment reflects strong satisfaction, particularly in improving online visibility and suppressing negative content. Businesses seeking reputation enhancement in these sectors can expect dedicated support and effective results from NetReputation.
Read All ReviewsSelect Industry to see insights
Business services Design Environmental Services Consulting Education IT Services Other Industry Healthcare Arts, entertainment & music Telecommunications Gaming Other industries Retail Financial services Legal Advertising & marketing eCommerceWas this helpful?
View projects from:
Was this helpful?
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Sewickley, PAServices provided
25% Public Relations25% Marketing Strategy20% Digital Strategy +220% Social Media Marketing10% Web DesignFocus Areas
75% Crisis communications25% Online reputation managementSee all 22 projectsAtlas Marketing is a communications firm specializing in PR, crisis management, and media relations. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their strategic focus and responsiveness, particularly in crisis communications and media training. Approximately 75% of reviewers highlight their ability to align with client values and address complex public affairs needs.
Reviews mention Exceptional performance
Atlas Marketing has received exceptional feedback for its professional and effective project management. Clients praise Chris for his hands-on approach and ability to maintain project momentum, with one client noting, "They’ve lived up to every promise in the scope of work." The team is recognized for their clear communication and strategic insights, leading to a successful partnership. Overall, clients express satisfaction with the outcomes and recommend leveraging Chris's expertise for optimal results.-
Marketing Strategy for Metal Fabricator
5.0 Aug 2, 2019Chris is hands-on and has a very good grasp on how to handle the project. They’ve lived up to every promise in the scope of work. The communication is businesslike but with a personal touch. They make sure things stay on track, and I’m very happy with them.
Read Full Review
Was this helpful?
2 of 3 Crisis communications reviews are 5 starsLess than $10,000 avg. project costCrisis communications Experience
Atlas Marketing has received predominantly positive feedback for its Crisis Communications service, with clients highlighting a 100% satisfaction rate regarding project outcomes. The team’s expertise is emphasized in developing comprehensive crisis management plans tailored to client needs, with 80% of reviewers noting their effective collaboration and responsiveness. Clients noted successful retention of critical relationships and praised the team's calming and strategic approach during crises. Overall, Atlas Marketing's strength lies in its proactive communication and in-depth industry knowledge.
Read Most Recent ReviewWas this helpful?
3 of 4 Public Relations reviews are 5 starsLess than $10,000 avg. project costRead 4 ReviewsPublic Relations PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Crisis Management Plan for Construction Management Company
4.5 — Atlas Marketing developed a crisis management plan for a construction management company. The plan included a response matrix, incident categories, a roadmap for escalation, and existing procedures. Read moreWas this helpful?
View projects from:
Was this helpful?
-
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dublin, Ireland
Services provided
10% Public Relations20% Branding20% Business Consulting +420% Talent Representation10% Commercial Development10% Media & Entertainment Law10% Media Planning & BuyingFocus Areas
10% Crisis communications30% Public affairs20% Corporate communications +220% Investor relations20% Online reputation managementReliance Sports Management is a branding company located in Dublin, Ireland. The team specializes in Branding and Business Consulting.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9
Services provided
10% Public Relations20% Corporate Training & Coaching20% Talent Representation +510% Branding10% Business Consulting10% Financial Advising & Planning10% Media Planning & Buying10% Sports MarketingFocus Areas
10% Crisis communications30% Public affairs20% Corporate communications +220% Investor relations20% Online reputation managementAvenue Sports Management, a Corporate Training & Coaching company, was launched in 2019. The firm specializes in Corporate Training & Coaching and Talent Representation, and is small.
Read more -
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CAServices provided
60% Public Relations10% Content Marketing10% Content Moderation Services +210% Corporate Law10% Digital StrategyFocus Areas
10% Crisis communications70% Online reputation management10% Corporate communications +110% Investor relationsSee all 8 projectsReputation Defense Network is a specialized Public Relations firm focusing on brand reputation management and suppression of negative content across various industries. With consistently positive feedback from clients, they are commended for their swift action, effective strategies, and seamless communication. Approximately 100% of reviews highlight their expertise in managing online presence and reputation, particularly in media relations and public communications.
Reviews mention Experienced
Clients express a highly positive sentiment towards Reputation Defense Network, highlighting their expertise and attention to detail. One client, the president of a cybersecurity firm, noted their impressive understanding of the reputation industry and effective strategies in managing online presence. Successful outcomes included the removal of defamatory content and improved Google rankings. Regular communication and workflow efficiency were also praised, though some clients mentioned higher costs compared to competitors as a consideration.-
Defamatory information Removal for Cybersecurity Firm
5.0 Nov 5, 2020After interviewing many other companies I found this company simply made more sense and they have a very high level of understanding of the reputation industry. They know all pros and cons of each strategy, and each step is carefully taken. I would say the attention to detail and experience of the team was most impressive to me.
Read Full Review
Was this helpful?
7 of 7 Public Relations reviews are 5 stars$10,000 – $49,000 avg. project costRead 7 ReviewsPublic Relations PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Reputation Management for Medical Practice Firm
5.0 — A medical practice firm hired Reputation Defense Network to employ PR strategies for their brand. The team's main goal is to remove negative information and reviews about the company. Read moreWas this helpful?
Industry Experience
Reputation Defense Network has demonstrated expertise across various industries, including automotive, healthcare, cybersecurity, real estate, and advertising. Feedback highlights their strengths in effectively suppressing negative content, managing online reputations, and employing strategic PR approaches. Clients commend their responsiveness, detailed strategies, and results-driven mindset. Overall, sentiment is positive, suggesting they are well-suited for industries facing reputational challenges, particularly in sectors where online presence significantly impacts business success.
Read All ReviewsSelect Industry to see insights
Automotive Other industries Advertising & marketing Real estateWas this helpful?
View projects from:
Was this helpful?
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Tel Aviv-Yafo, IsraelServices provided
35% Public Relations30% Content Marketing20% Search Engine Optimization +115% BrandingFocus Areas
16% Crisis communications68% Online reputation management16% Investor relationsSee all 18 projectsPercepto is a Public Relations agency specializing in reputation management, media relations, and corporate communications. The company receives high praise for its adaptive problem-solving and professional project management, with 100% of reviews highlighting their timely delivery and effective communication. Clients appreciate Percepto's personalized approach, with 80% noting their strategic and innovative solutions tailored to individual business needs.
4 of 5 Public Relations reviews are 5 stars$10,000 – $49,000 avg. project costRead 5 ReviewsPublic Relations PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Online Reputation Management for Consulting Company
5.0 — Percepto helps a consulting company manage their online presence and reputation by performing audits, improving their branding, creating content, social media, and engagement strategies, and Read moreWas this helpful?
Average Project Cost Breakdown
Read All ReviewsWhat Clients Have Said
Clients have consistently highlighted Percepto's overall value for money, often noting that their pricing aligns well with budget constraints while delivering high-quality results. For instance, one client praised Percepto's 'good value for cost,' while another stressed that their offerings fit their budget perfectly. Overall sentiment reflects satisfaction with the cost-effectiveness of Percepto's services, with many stating that the quality of work justifies the investment.Was this helpful?
More responsive than most other service providers
Get in TouchPercepto is very responsive
They are a great candidate to start a conversation with. Send them a short message or project inquiry.Was this helpful?
View projects from:
Was this helpful?
-
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9
Services provided
10% Public Relations15% Talent Representation10% Branding +710% Business Consulting10% Financial Advising & Planning10% Market Research10% Media Planning & Buying10% Social Media Marketing10% Sports Marketing5% Marketing StrategyFocus Areas
10% Crisis communications30% Public affairs20% Corporate communications +220% Investor relations20% Online reputation managementFounded in 2015, ATG Sports Management is a Talent Representation company. The firm specializes in Talent Representation and Branding, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9London, England
Services provided
10% Public Relations20% Conversion Optimization20% Search Engine Optimization +415% Content Marketing15% Social Media Marketing10% Application Testing10% UX/UI DesignFocus Areas
10% Crisis communications30% Corporate communications30% Online reputation management +130% Public affairsGood Signals is a Conversion Optimization company established in 2018. Their services include Conversion Optimization and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more
Share your project goals, and we’ll connect you with verified partners who fit your budget and timeline.
Get My MatchesTell us what you need — we’ll match you with top agencies in minutes.
Get My MatchesLook for Verified Providers
Clutch conducts a rigorous verification process, confirming a provider’s business registration, legal history, credit background, and client feedback to be legitimate, so you can trust their ability to deliver. Learn more
Hire with confidence
Clutch Certification badges show the service areas a provider specializes in, backed by 3+ verified, high-rated reviews in the last 24 months. Learn more
Why Trust Clutch
At Clutch, we believe trust is the foundation of every business relationship. Our mission is to help buyers make confident, data-backed decisions informed by real client experiences.
Every review on Clutch undergoes a rigorous, human-led verification process to make sure it’s valid. Our team of specialists confirms the identity of each reviewer, ensures the project is legitimate, and only publishes reviews that meet our strict criteria.
Verification doesn’t stop at the point of publication. Our Trust & Safety team routinely audits older reviews against our guidelines. When reviews fall short of our standards, we remove them.
We evaluate service providers using a structured methodology that combines:
- In-depth client interviews and ratings
- Comprehensive project details
- Market presence
- Portfolio examples and industry recognition
This data powers tools like the Leaders Matrix, which helps you compare agencies directly. Our research team curates rankings by weighing verified reviews most heavily, so the most trusted and experienced providers rise to the top.
Using this unique combination of verified client feedback and provider-supplied insights, Clutch distills the most important details into clear, digestible summaries so you have everything you need to make confident, informed decisions quickly.
We take fraud seriously. Providers who violate our guidelines may face lower rankings, restricted visibility, or removal from the platform altogether.
Clutch’s commitment to transparency is ongoing. We’re constantly refining our systems to protect the integrity of reviews and support you in finding the right agency.
Rollover to see company insights or click a company below for more details.
A Clutch Leaders Matrix provides a broad view of the top-performing companies in a particular service or location. Each company featured in a Leaders Matrix is evaluated based on Focus and Ability to Deliver. The size of each circle indicates that company’s size.
By using verified reviews, focused service details, and real project data, the Leaders Matrix highlights companies that consistently deliver and stand out from the rest. Each company’s position is based on how well they focus on a service area and how consistently they deliver results, helping you make informed, confident decisions. Learn More
Focus (x-axis)
Focus accounts for a company’s specialization within a certain service.
Ability to Deliver (y-axis)
Ability to Deliver considers three criteria:
- Client feedback and reviews
- Work experience and previous projects
- Market presence and reputation in the industry
List of the Top 15 Crisis Management Firms
-
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49St. Petersburg, FL
Ability to deliver
39.2/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations25% Crisis communications -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37/40.019/20 Reviews8.1/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations25% Crisis communications40% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
38/40.020/20 Reviews8.4/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations20% Crisis communications -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.4/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations40% Crisis communications30% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Lewisville, TX
Ability to deliver
38.7/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations10% Crisis communications30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Sarasota, FL
Ability to deliver
38.4/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Public Relations10% Crisis communications35% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Scottsdale, AZ
Ability to deliver
36.9/40.017.8/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Public Relations28% Crisis communications20% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Leeds, England
Ability to deliver
36/40.016.4/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations45% Crisis communications60% Other -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Sewickley, PA
Ability to deliver
36/40.017/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Public Relations75% Crisis communications75% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Burlington, Canada
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Public Relations43% Crisis communications70% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations10% Crisis communications -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations11% Crisis communications40% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
34.3/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations50% Crisis communications45% Other -
$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
45% Public Relations20% Crisis communications55% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations33% Crisis communications60% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Houston, TX
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations19% Crisis communications45% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Las Vegas, NV
Ability to deliver
35.1/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Public Relations33% Crisis communications50% Other -
$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249
Ability to deliver
33.8/40.019.8/20 Reviews5.3/10 Clients & Experience8.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
90% Public Relations20% Crisis communications10% Other -
Undisclosed$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Spring Hill, Australia
Ability to deliver
33.2/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Public Relations30% Crisis communications35% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
34.4/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations20% Crisis communications45% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Reading , England
Ability to deliver
34.2/40.018.2/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience6.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Public Relations15% Crisis communications50% Other -
$50,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Boston, MA
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.015.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Public Relations27% Crisis communications75% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9London, England
Ability to deliver
32.7/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations50% Crisis communications40% Other -
$50,000+Undisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
32/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience6.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations50% Crisis communications -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Boston, MA
Ability to deliver
32.7/40.016.2/20 Reviews8.8/10 Clients & Experience7.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations33% Crisis communications -
$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.5/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Public Relations20% Crisis communications50% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Atlanta, GA
Ability to deliver
35/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.5/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Public Relations29% Crisis communications75% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Redondo Beach, CA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
35% Public Relations13% Crisis communications65% Other -
$1,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Agios Athanasios, Cyprus
Ability to deliver
33.9/40.019.2/20 Reviews9.3/10 Clients & Experience5.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Public Relations17% Crisis communications20% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Darlinghurst, Australia
Ability to deliver
33.8/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience7.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations15% Crisis communications
Latest Crisis Communications Articles
See all articles
Why Familiar Brands Win the Campaigns That Stick: Why Brand Affinity Is the Goal
New Clutch data shows star power grabs attention. But brand affinity is the multiplier you can't buy inside a single event.
Product Branding: How to Get It Right Before You Go to Market
Better features and pricing aren't enough to stand out. Here's a three-step process to position your offering and create memorable product branding.
Crisis Communications Firm FAQs
Looking for a crisis communications firm but not sure where to start? We've put together answers to the most common questions businesses ask when searching for a trusted partner. This FAQ covers what you need to know before hiring a crisis communications firm, from pricing and services to results and red flags.
A crisis communications firm helps organizations plan for, respond to, and recover from events that could harm brand reputation or stakeholder trust. When an incident occurs, such as a data breach, product recall, executive misconduct, or social media backlash, the agency acts as your rapid-response team. They assess the situation, craft key messages, coordinate with internal leaders and legal counsel, handle media inquiries, and monitor public sentiment in real time. After the initial response, they guide long-term reputation repair through stakeholder outreach, transparent reporting, and strategic storytelling.
Based on a robust evaluation of reputation management and rapid response, Clutch identifies leading firms. The top crisis communications agencies for 2026 include:
A crisis communication agency typically offers:
- Risk audits and crisis-readiness playbooks
- 24/7 on-call media relations and spokesperson training
- Message development and press statement drafting
- Social listening and sentiment analysis
- Stakeholder and influencer outreach
- Internal comms coordination (employees, partners, investors)
- Post-crisis reputation rebuilding and thought-leadership campaigns
- Simulation workshops to test plans before an incident arises
Budgets vary widely based on risk profile and response time. On Clutch, small companies typically spend $5,000–$15,000 per month for monitoring and light support. High-stakes, round-the-clock retainers for enterprises can run $20,000–$50,000+ per month. One-off crisis projects often start around $15,000 for a two-to-four-week engagement. Location, seniority of consultants, and the need for multilingual or industry-specific expertise will also influence pricing.
Start by confirming the agency has handled situations similar to yours, data privacy, healthcare compliance, financial fraud, etc. Review case studies and ask for measurable outcomes (e.g., time to neutral coverage, share-of-voice regained). Ensure the firm offers senior-level counsel 24/7 and can integrate with your legal, HR, and marketing teams. Finally, evaluate chemistry and transparency: you’ll be collaborating under intense pressure, so clear communication and mutual trust are critical.
These are some red flags you should watch for when hiring a crisis communications company:
- Guaranteed media “fixes” or promises to erase online content
- Vague pricing or undisclosed subcontractors
- Lack of a written crisis plan or refusal to run simulations
- Limited access to senior strategists once the contract is signed
- No verifiable case studies or client references in your sector
Utilize these sample questions to help your hiring process:
- Have you managed crises similar to ours? What were the outcomes?
- Who will be on our account, and what is their availability?
- How do you coordinate with legal counsel to balance transparency and liability?
- What monitoring tools and metrics do you use to track sentiment and ROI?
- How will you train our executives and staff for media interactions?
- What is your fee structure for retainers versus emergency engagements?
Most full-service PR agencies handle brand building and media relations during normal operations. Crisis communications firms specialize in high-pressure, high-stakes situations that require rapid response, legal sensitivity, and 24/7 monitoring. While some large PR networks have crisis divisions, a dedicated crisis specialist often brings deeper experience with litigation support, regulatory bodies, and reputation recovery metrics.
These are some of the examples of how a crisis communications firm measures ROI:
- Reduction in negative media coverage over time
- Improvements in sentiment score across social platforms
- Stabilization of stock price or donor contributions
- Surveyed stakeholder trust post-incident
- Speed of returning to normal share-of-voice levels compared with competitors
Choosing KPIs upfront ensures both you and the agency stay aligned on outcomes beyond simple press hits.
Get matched with the 5 best-fit agencies for your project—in 4 minutes or less.