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?
$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.
$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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Dallas, TX
Services provided
EWritingPro is an Advertising company. In Dallas, Texas, the firm provides Advertising and Public Relations.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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ANewswire is a small New York, New York-based public relations company. The team specializes in Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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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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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
Services provided
INGAGE is a branding firm launched in 2011. The team offers Branding and Public Relations and is headquartered in Miami, Florida and Tampa, Florida.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Melville, NY
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In Melville, New York, Didit is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Phoenix, AZ
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Felice Agency is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company specializes in Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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$100,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Boston, MA
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Connelly Partners is an Advertising company established in 1999. The midsize team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami, FL
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Small branding firm Digital Alien Agency, is in Miami, Florida. The team offers Branding and Public Relations.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Delafield, WI
Services provided
Advertising company BTS Consulting LLC is located in Delafield, Wisconsin. Launched in 2009, the team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
MADE PR is a PR firm. Their small team is in San Francisco, California. Their services include Public Relations and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Akron, OH
Services provided
Amp Strategy, a small branding agency, is located in Akron, Ohio. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Winter Park, FL
Services provided
Eleven 11 Communications, a small public relations firm, is headquartered in Winter Park, Florida. The team focuses on Public Relations and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Sarasota, FL
Services provided
Ignition Branding, a Marketing Strategy company, specialize in Marketing Strategy and Public Relations. They were established in 2011.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Nampa, ID
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Advertising company Peppershock Media was established in 2003. The company specializes in Advertising and Graphic Design, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Washington, DC
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Berman and Company is an Advertising company. They are located in Washington, District of Columbia and have small team. Their team specializes in Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Birmingham, MI
Services provided
Identity is a Birmingham, Michigan-based social media marketing firm. The team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Public Relations.
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$50,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Services provided
VSC is a PR firm. Launched in 2002, the company is located in San Francisco, California and Brooklyn, New York. Their services include Public Relations and Video Production.
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$50,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Indianapolis, IN
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JDA Worldwide is an Advertising company. Founded in 2003, the firm is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia. Their team offers Advertising and Public Relations.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Diego, CA
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PREM PR & Social is a social media marketing agency. They specialize in Social Media Marketing and Public Relations and are headquartered in San Diego, California and Fresno, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Philadelphia, PA
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See all 1 projectsFitler Square Strategies is a public communications firm specializing in strategic communications and public relations. Reviewers praise their effective project management, with 100% noting their communicative and timely approach. They are commended for their strong alignment with client values and fostering ongoing professional relationships.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999New York, NY
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Weber Shandwick, a social media marketing agency, focus on Social Media Marketing and Marketing Strategy. They were founded in 1921.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Brooklyn, NY
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Digital Strategy company Praytell was established in 2013. The company offers Digital Strategy and Public Relations, and is midsize.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Kansas City, MO
Services provided
MMGY Global is a branding company. They provide Branding and Public Relations and are located in Kansas City, Missouri.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boise, ID
Services provided
Atlas Strategic Communications, a public relations agency, was launched in 2017. They specializes in Public Relations and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Boca Raton, FL
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Graphic design company Camden Agency was launched in 2006. The small team provides Graphic Design and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Richmond, VA
Services provided
Established in 2008, WorkRocket is a small Advertising company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Their team offers Advertising and Public Relations.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Garland, TX
Services provided
ORM Service, a PR company, focuses on Public Relations and Digital Strategy. The company is headquartered in Garland, Texas.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Services provided
Fineman PR is a branding company. In San Francisco, California, the firm was founded in 1988. Their team specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boston, MA
Services provided
Digital Strategy company Solomon McCown is located in Boston, Massachusetts and New York, New York. Their services include Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Boston, MA
Services provided
Cercone Brown Company is a small Boston, Massachusetts-based social media marketing firm. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49St. Louis, MO
Services provided
Established in 2009, Elasticity is a branding company. The company focuses on Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
Services provided
Roar Media is a media planning & buying company. Their small team of employees is located in Miami, Florida and. Their team focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Public Relations.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tampa, FL
Services provided
Judge Public Relations is a branding agency launched in 2011. The agency provides Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Garner, NC
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Martin Communications is an Advertising company. They are in Garner, North Carolina and have small team. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$250,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Warrensville Heights, OH
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Established in 1937, Marcus Thomas LLC is a midsize Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Providence, RI
Services provided
RDW Group is an Advertising company. The Providence, Rhode Island-based team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Austin, TX
Services provided
See all 2 projectsTegan Gainan is a marketing agency noted for its expertise in digital advertising strategy and comprehensive marketing solutions. The company has received 100% positive feedback, with clients praising its timely delivery, helpful insights, and versatile marketing skills across multiple channels. Reviewers highlighted the agency's ability to enhance ad campaign efficiency and drive business growth.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Irvine, CA
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Ace Pacific is a public relations company. Their team is in Irvine, California and Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. The agency offers Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Grand Rapids, MI
Services provided
BetterReputation is a public relations agency. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, their team offers Public Relations and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Golden, CO
Services provided
Small social media marketing agency Go Social, is based in Golden, Colorado. The team focuses on Social Media Marketing and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Denver, CO
Services provided
Book Publishinhg Of USA is a public relations firm. The firm is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Their services include Public Relations and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Chicago, IL
Services provided
Located in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cramer-Krasselt is a midsize Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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$1,000+Undisclosed250 - 999Dallas, TX
Services provided
Based in Dallas, Texas and Austin, Texas, The Richards Group is an Advertising company. Established in 1976, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Estero, FL
Services provided
See all 3 projectsOlympia Marketing is a marketing firm specializing in SEO, website development, and brand marketing. The reviews highlight strong project management, with 100% of clients praising their responsiveness and alignment with company values. The firm is noted for exceeding expectations, with 100% satisfaction and demonstrable success in driving website traffic and generating qualified leads.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Miami Beach, FL
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Marketing Strategy company Pinkhyevents is headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida and Málaga, Spain. Founded in 2017, the team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Direct Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Bullfrog + Baum, a branding company, is in New York, New York and. The team provides Branding and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Denver, CO
Services provided
Screen Pilot is a small Digital Strategy company located in Denver, Colorado. Their services include Digital Strategy and Email Marketing.
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$5,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
Services provided
Established in 1992, Strother Communications Group is a small Minneapolis, Minnesota-based branding agency. Their team specializes in Branding and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Diego, CA
Services provided
Rosemont Media is an Advertising company. They are located in San Diego, California. Their team specializes in Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Columbia, MD
Services provided
Maroon PR is a graphic design company. Their small team is based in Columbia, Maryland. Their services include Graphic Design and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Federal Way, WA
Services provided
Launched in 1988, Brandner Communications is a small Federal Way, Washington-based Digital Strategy company. Their team provides Digital Strategy and Marketing Strategy.
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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.
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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.