Top PR Firms in the United States
Public relations earns coverage you can't buy and credibility paid media can't replicate — but only when the firm has the right relationships and the right strategic instincts for your moment. U.S. PR firms bridge media relations, executive thought leadership, crisis response, analyst relations, and increasingly, the AI search and citation environment that's reshaping how brands get discovered.
The strongest firms combine deep reporter and editor relationships with measurement frameworks that go beyond impressions and AVE — share of voice, message penetration, and earned coverage that actually shifts buyer behavior. Clutch helps you compare top U.S. PR firms through verified client reviews, portfolios, and pricing data. Filter by industry, scope, and budget, and explore related directories:
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 18 projectsPRLab is a distinguished public relations firm renowned for its expertise in media relations, public communications, and brand reputation enhancement. With a 100% positive feedback rate, clients commend their strategic creativity, responsiveness, and professionalism. Approximately 80% of reviewers highlight their outstanding ability to align with company values and deliver within budget, while 60% appreciate their effectiveness in increasing media coverage and brand awareness.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 10 projectsUproar by Moburst is a premier Public Relations firm specializing in Media Relations, Communications, and Corporate Communications. Across all reviews, 100% of clients highlight their responsiveness, strategic PR execution, and ability to deliver measurable outcomes, such as increased media coverage and brand awareness. Clients praise their professional service, with no notable areas for improvement mentioned.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 9 projectsChannel V Media is a premier public relations firm specializing in Corporate Communications, Media Relations, and Publicity. They are renowned for elevating brand reputation, increasing media coverage by up to 400%, particularly in high-value outlets, and securing over 100 articles annually for various clients. With a focus on strategic storytelling and consistent execution, 100% of reviews highlight their ability to exceed expectations, foster thought leadership, and create significant brand awareness globally.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 310 projectsOtter Public Relations is a communications firm specializing in media relations, public media relations, and enhancing brand reputation. Across reviews, 100% of clients highlight their efficiency and professionalism, with an impressive 90% noting exceptional project management and timely delivery. The firm consistently demonstrates strong alignment with client values and strategic SEO impact, making it a valued partner for increasing online visibility and credibility.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Newport Beach, CA
Services provided
Sterling Public Relations is a PR company. The Dallas, Texas-based company was launched in 2008. Their services include Public Relations and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
JV Public Relations NY is a Marketing Strategy company headquartered in New York, New York. The team provides Marketing Strategy and Public Relations.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 22 projectsInterdependence is a prominent PR and communications agency with expertise in media relations, public affairs, and corporate communications. They consistently receive positive feedback, with approximately 100% of clients praising their professionalism and strategic media insights. Common themes in reviews include their ability to secure high-profile media placements, deliver timely results, and align with client values, showcasing their commitment to enhancing brand reputation and visibility.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 48 projectsIdea Grove is a Public Relations agency specializing in media relations, corporate communications, and brand reputation. Across reviews, 100% of clients highlight their effective project management and ability to elevate brand awareness and media coverage. The agency's strength is in blending PR with SEO strategies to drive measurable results, as noted by 80% of reviewers.
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 40 projects5WPR is a prominent Public Relations firm specializing in communications, media relations, and corporate communications, demonstrating expertise in various industries including health, beauty, and technology. The reviews indicate a strong positive sentiment, with approximately 90% of clients praising their strategic insight and effective media coverage. Reviewers frequently highlight 5WPR's impressive project management and ability to align with brand values, establishing them as a leading choice for brand reputation enhancement.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Youngstown, OH
Services provided
The Houck Agency is a public relations firm. Their small team is located in Youngstown, Ohio. Their services include Public Relations and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Staunton, VA
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Moore Public Relations LLC is a PR firm. Their small team is headquartered in Staunton, Virginia and offers Public Relations and Social Media Marketing. The agency was founded in 2008.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Grand Rapids, MI
Services provided
DYS Media, LLC is a PR company. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the firm focuses on Public Relations and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Weehawken, NJ
Services provided
COMMS/NATION is a public relations agency. They are headquartered in Weehawken, New Jersey and have small team of experts. Their services include Public Relations and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbus, OH
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Caring Marketing is a public relations agency founded in 1992. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the team offers Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 15 projectsDISRUPT PR is a dynamic Public Relations firm specializing in Media Relations, Public Communications, and Brand Reputation enhancement. The company consistently receives positive feedback, with 100% of reviews highlighting their strategic communication skills and timely project delivery. Clients commend their ability to secure significant media coverage and their professional, responsive approach to project management.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 5 projectsGateway Group is a Public Relations firm specializing in Investor Relations, Media Outreach, and Communications strategies. The company excels in enhancing brand reputation and public media relations, with 100% customer satisfaction highlighted across all reviews. Clients consistently praise Gateway Group's strategic execution, reliable project management, and impactful media coverage and investor communications, contributing to their clients' business growth and visibility.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 26 projects10 to 1 Public Relations is a comprehensive communications agency specializing in PR, media relations, and corporate communications. The firm consistently receives positive feedback, with over 90% of reviewers praising their timely delivery, effective media coverage, and brand reputation enhancement. Clients commend their thoroughness, strategic crisis management, and ability to secure significant media exposure. Their customer service and commitment to client goals are frequently highlighted as key strengths.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Overbrook, WV
Services provided
Folklore is a branding company established in 2019. The small team focuses on Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charlotte, NC
Services provided
Rein Communications, a PR agency, was founded in 2018. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the team offers Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Cincinnati, OH
Services provided
Small public relations firm Vehr Communications, is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their services include Public Relations and Advertising.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Services provided
Lou Hammond Group is a Digital Strategy company. The team focuses on Digital Strategy and Public Relations, and the company is in New York, New York and Charleston, South Carolina.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Louisville, KY
Services provided
PriceWeber is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Media Planning & Buying and is in Louisville, Kentucky.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Forza Migliozzi, an Advertising company, was launched in 2007. Located in Los Angeles, California, the team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Asbury Park, NJ
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M studio is a branding company. The Asbury Park, New Jersey-based firm was established in 2004. Their services include Branding and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
Services provided
See all 1 projectsUNITED PRESS offers a range of services including PR, Media Relations, and Corporate Communications. Reviews highlighted their strong media contacts, timely delivery, and creative approach, particularly praising their ability to publish articles and press releases on prominent platforms like Bloomberg and Yahoo. Overall, clients appreciate their expertise and supportive team.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Alexandria, VA
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BRG Communications is a small Alexandria, Virginia-based PR firm. Their services include Public Relations and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Located in New York, New York and Irvine, California, Dukas Linden is a PR agency. Launched in 2002, the team provides Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
Services provided
Lovell Communications is a Nashville, Tennessee-based branding company. Their services include Branding and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Weston, MA
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Launched in 2003, Nickerson is a public relations firm. The company specializes in Public Relations and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Cruz, CA
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Founded in 1993, Nadel Phelan, Inc. Is a small Content Marketing company. Their team provides Content Marketing and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Little Rock, AR
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Launched in 1987, The Communications Group is a small Marketing Strategy company headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
REP Interactive is a Los Angeles, California-based video production agency. The team provides Video Production and Advertising.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Services provided
Tech Image is a public relations firm. The Chicago, Illinois-based company focuses on Public Relations and Content Marketing.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Boise, ID
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Resolve is a SEO agency. The team is located in Boise, Idaho, and their services include Search Engine Optimization and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Coral Gables, FL
Services provided
Kreps PR & Marketing is a public relations agency. Founded in 1987, the team offers Public Relations and Social Media Marketing. The agency is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida.
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$50,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Reno, NV
Services provided
Amplify Relations is a branding firm headquartered in Reno, Nevada. They specialize in Branding and Graphic Design and were established in 2009.
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$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
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Alchemy Communications & Consulting is a public relations agency. They were founded in 2024, and their services include Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
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$50,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Santa Barbara, CA
Services provided
See all 3 projectsDiplomatiq Communications & Fundraising is a Public Relations firm specializing in media relations, corporate communications, and branding. Reviews indicate a high level of satisfaction, with 100% of clients praising their professionalism and commitment. Key strengths include effective communication, creative branding, and successful media coverage, which have significantly enhanced clients' brand reputation and visibility.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Portland, OR
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Noble Communications, a PR firm, was founded in 2000. The team offers Public Relations and Marketing Strategy and is in Portland, Oregon.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
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MediaTree Marketing & Advertising is a branding agency. Their small team of employees is in Nashville, Tennessee. Their team focuses on Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
Services provided
See all 12 projectsBlack Girl PR is a communications firm specializing in public relations and media relations, offering strategic support to enhance brand reputation and media coverage. Their reviews boast a 100% positive feedback rate, with clients praising their tailored PR strategies and cultural competence. Over 60% of reviewers emphasize their strategic execution and media coverage, demonstrating Black Girl PR's effectiveness in enhancing visibility and thought leadership.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Montclair, NJ
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Founded in 2001, GWP Inc. Is an Advertising company. The firm offers Advertising and Branding, and is small.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Honolulu, HI
Services provided
See all 3 projectsHawaii PR is a Public Relations firm specializing in Media Relations and Public Communications with a notable presence in the technology and agriculture sectors. Feedback highlights founder Ryan's decades of experience, resulting in extensive media coverage and positive brand reputation management, with 100% of reviewers praising his ability to exceed expectations and deliver timely, impactful media placements.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Miami, FL
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MSSmedia: Media Experts is an Advertising company. They were launched in 2003 and offer Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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KYNE is a New York, New York-based public relations firm. Their services include Public Relations and Advertising.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boston, MA
Services provided
Established in 2002, Fama PR is a Digital Strategy company. Their team specializes in Digital Strategy and Public Relations.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Miller PR is a Digital Strategy company. Their small team is based in Los Angeles, California. Their services include Digital Strategy and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Auburn Hills, MI
Services provided
Public relations company The Millerschin Group is in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team offers Public Relations and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Freehold, NJ
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Push The Envelope PR is a PR agency founded in 2006. The firm specializes in Public Relations and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
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MCA Group is a public relations agency. The team focuses on Public Relations and Social Media Marketing and is located in Dallas, Texas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Nashville, TN
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Public relations company Jim Havey Public Relations, LLC was launched in 2001. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the team offers Public Relations and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Founded in 2012, Samantha Crafton Public Relations is a PR company. The team provides Public Relations and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
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Stuart Collective is an Other Marketing company based in Portland, Oregon. The team focuses on Other Marketing and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbia, SC
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Emerald Digital Solutions is a PR agency. They are based in Columbia, South Carolina and have small team of experts. Their services include Public Relations and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
SDP DIGITAL is a Los Angeles, California-based public relations company. They focus on Public Relations and Content Marketing and were established in 2017.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Denver, CO
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Amélie Company is an Advertising company established in 2002. The small team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rockford, IL
Services provided
Heinzeroth Marketing Group is an Advertising company. The Rockford, Illinois-based firm was established in 1993. Their team specializes in Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
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MSR Communications is a Content Marketing company launched in 1998. The firm focuses on Content Marketing and Event Marketing.
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$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Baton Rouge, LA
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Rockit Science Agency is an Advertising company. They were established in 2002 and provide Advertising and Branding.
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$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Portland, OR
Services provided
AM:PM PR is a public relations agency located in Portland, Oregon. They provide Public Relations and Marketing Strategy and were launched in 2010.
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List of the Best PR Firms in the United States
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Lewisville, TX
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations30% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr250 - 999Washington, DC
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations60% Other -
$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 Relations -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.019.8/20 Reviews8.4/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Sarasota, FL
Ability to deliver
37.2/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Public Relations35% 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 Relations20% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999New York, NY
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.018.6/20 Reviews8.1/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
36.6/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
$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 Relations40% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Philadelphia, PA
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.8/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations30% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Houston, TX
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations45% Other -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Brea, CA
Ability to deliver
34.3/40.016.4/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Public Relations35% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Ardmore, PA
Ability to deliver
34.3/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations60% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
33.7/40.017/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience7.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% 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 Relations45% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Irvine, CA
Ability to deliver
33.6/40.018.8/20 Reviews5.2/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations30% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
33.6/40.016.2/20 Reviews8.9/10 Clients & Experience8.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Danbury, CT
Ability to deliver
33.5/40.016.8/20 Reviews7/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Public Relations20% Other -
$10,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
33.2/40.018.8/20 Reviews5.3/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
Ability to deliver
33.2/40.017.8/20 Reviews6.2/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Public Relations25% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
36.8/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Public Relations70% Other -
$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 Relations -
$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 Relations50% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Manchester, NH
Ability to deliver
38.3/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Public Relations75% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Milwaukee, WI
Ability to deliver
33.3/40.016/20 Reviews9.5/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations45% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.4/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations60% 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 Relations50% 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 Relations65% Other
Latest Public Relations Articles
See all articles
Digital PR vs. AI Tactics: What Actually Drives Marketing Results
Here's how to know which one your brand needs right now and how to make both work together.
U.S. PR Services FAQs
A U.S. PR firm typically covers some combination of:
- Media relations – pitching reporters, securing earned coverage, managing announcements and product launches
- Executive thought leadership – byline placements, speaking opportunities, podcast and interview bookings
- Analyst relations – managing relationships with industry analysts (Gartner, Forrester, IDC) and analyst-driven coverage
- Crisis communications – rapid response to PR threats, statement drafting, media management during difficult news cycles
- Content and messaging – press releases, fact sheets, key messages, narrative development
- Awards and recognition – identifying, nominating, and managing submissions for industry awards
Specialization matters — a tech PR firm has different reporter relationships than a healthcare or consumer PR firm. Match the firm's beat to your industry.
Both build awareness and credibility, but the mechanism is different. PR earns coverage through third parties (reporters, analysts, podcasters) — you don't control the message, but the implicit credibility of the third party is the value. Meanwhile, content marketing is published through channels you own (your blog, newsletter, podcast) — you control the message but have to earn distribution.
In practice, they reinforce each other: PR-earned coverage makes content marketing more credible (you can cite it), and content marketing gives PR firms substance to pitch. Many U.S. firms now offer both. Just be clear about which mode you're buying — the skills, deliverables, and pricing are different.
Based on Clutch pricing data, most U.S.-based PR firms charge:
- Boutique and specialist firms: typically $5,000 – $15,000 per month retainer
- Mid-size firms: typically $10,000 – $30,000 per month
- Large independents and global firms: typically $25,000 – $100,000+ per month
Most U.S. PR firms work on monthly retainers with a 6-to-12-month minimum commitment, since relationships and momentum take time to build. Moreover, project-based work typically starts at $25,000 – $75,000. Be skeptical of firms willing to take very short engagements — PR rarely produces meaningful results in under three months.
When assessing potential partners for your brand, it’s important to be thorough. Make sure to assess their industry beat coverage, the team you'd actually work with, and how they measure success:
- Industry beat coverage means the firm has relationships with the specific reporters and analysts who cover your space — not just "tech reporters." Ask for a sample of recent placements in your category and the firms' day-to-day media contacts there.
- The team you'd actually work with matters because PR is a relationship business at every level — the senior people pitched to you should be the ones pitching reporters, not just attending status calls.
- Measurement framework matters because PR has a long history of vanity metrics; modern firms tie work to specific business outcomes.
Also ask: what's the firm's view on AI search visibility (citation in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI overviews) — this is becoming a meaningful PR outcome, and firms vary enormously in how seriously they take it.
- Promising specific placements. No reputable firm guarantees coverage in named outlets — placement is earned, not bought, and any guarantee is a sign of pay-to-play arrangements.
- Vanity-metric-only reporting. Firms that lead with "impressions" and AVE (advertising value equivalency) are using metrics the PR industry retired a decade ago for good reason.
- Senior pitch team, junior delivery team. Confirm in writing who's on your account day-to-day and who actually pitches reporters.
- No demonstrable beat coverage. A firm that can't show you recent placements in your space doesn't have the relationships you need.
- Pay-to-play arrangements without disclosure. Some "tier 1" placements are actually paid contributor deals. Reputable firms disclose this; problematic firms don't.
Don’t be fooled by these red flags. It’s essential to avoid these warning signs to prevent unnecessary headaches and mishaps for your project.