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+$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.
$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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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Miami, FL
Services provided
Midsize Product Marketing company EcomFly, is located in Miami, Florida and Miami, Florida. Their services include Product Marketing and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Oak Brook, IL
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Advertising company Animaxia is located in Oak Brook, Illinois and Oak Brook, Illinois. Founded in 2014, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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Public relations agency Breakaway Communications is headquartered in New York, New York. They specialize in Public Relations and Content Marketing and were founded in 2002.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249New York, NY
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PR company JMG Public Relations is based in New York, New York. They focus on Public Relations and Social Media Marketing and were launched in 2015.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Kansas City, MO
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Zapseolinks is a public relations company. Their midsize team is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Their services include Public Relations and Content Marketing.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Seattle, WA
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Barnes Author Publication, an Advertising company, is based in Seattle, Washington. The team offers Advertising and Content Writing Services.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Pasadena, CA
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Payper Publishing is a Content Marketing company headquartered in Pasadena, California. The team specializes in Content Marketing 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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$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Services provided
Crestwood Publishings, an Advertising company, focus on Advertising and Direct Marketing. They were launched in 2026.
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Undisclosed$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
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American Publication House is an Advertising company. They offer Advertising and Public Relations and were established in 2026. The firm is located in New York, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249San Jose, CA
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Parking Lot Striping of San Jose is an Advertising company. Based in San Jose, California, the firm offers Advertising and Market Research.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Berman Group is a website development firm based in New York, New York and Palm Beach, Florida. They specialize in Web Development and E-Commerce Development.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Beverly Hills, CA
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Crier Communications is a social media marketing company established in 1998. The firm specializes in Social Media Marketing and Web Development, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Edwardsville, IL
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Advertising company Cork Tree Creative is based in Edwardsville, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Indianapolis, IN
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5MetaCom is a Content Marketing company. In Indianapolis, Indiana, the company offers Content Marketing and Branding.
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$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Pewaukee, WI
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Platypus Advertising + Design is a small graphic design agency launched in 1987. Their services include Graphic Design and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wilder, KY
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Trophy Awards, a small HR Consulting company, is headquartered in Wilder, Kentucky. The team focuses on HR Consulting and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Vancouver, WA
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Branding company LegalRev was established in 2011. The firm focuses on Branding and Public Relations, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Austin, TX
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DTC SEO Agency, a small SEO company, is located in Austin, Texas. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Public Relations.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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See all 10 projectsDon't Be A Little Pitch is a Public Relations firm specializing in media relations, brand reputation, and public communications. They consistently receive praise for their strategic media outreach and crisis management, with 100% of clients noting improved visibility and media coverage. Their commitment to timely delivery and responsiveness has been highlighted by clients, with an emphasis on their unique storytelling and creative PR approaches.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Tustin, CA
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De Castellane Creative is a Content Marketing company launched in 2019. The firm offers Content Marketing and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Tempe, AZ
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Zion & Zion is a Market Research company. Their team is based in Tempe, Arizona. The firm offers Market Research and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Omaha, NE
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Advertising company Bozell was founded in 1921. The midsize team provides Advertising and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Sun City West, AZ
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Doctoc Health is a branding agency. The Sun City West, Arizona-based agency was launched in 2014. Their services include Branding and Direct Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
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Cooney Waters is a branding company. Their team is headquartered in New York, New York and offers Branding and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Walnut, CA
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Headquartered in Walnut, California and Santa Monica, California, The Tanori Group is a video production company. They provide Video Production and Corporate Photography and were launched in 2004.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Edmond, OK
Services provided
Green Cloud Agency, a Content Marketing company, was launched in 2019. The company offers Content Marketing and Public Relations.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Design Lab 365 is a branding firm. They are located in Chicago, Illinois. Their team focuses on Branding and Public Relations.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Services provided
Lumus Inc is a New York, New York-based branding agency. Their services include Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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See all 2 projectsEllzTech is a leading provider of innovative Software solutions designed to streamline and automate business operations. Our powerful systems include School Management, Loan Management,
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Springfield, GA
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Launched in 2026, Nick's Tree Experts is a branding agency. The small team offers Branding and Other Marketing.
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$50,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
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See all 7 projectsFive by Five is a branding and digital marketing agency that specializes in developing brand identities, creative assets, and strategic marketing plans. The company has consistently received positive feedback from clients, with 100% of the reviews highlighting their professionalism, effective communication, and strategic approach. Clients specifically commend their ability to create innovative and tailored solutions, with no negative feedback provided.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Sacramento, CA
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Randle Communications is a Sacramento, California-based Marketing Strategy company. The team specializes in Marketing Strategy and Media Planning & Buying.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Minneapolis, MN
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MVP Marketing is a branding firm. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the firm offers Branding and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Orlando, FL
Services provided
Moxē is an Orlando, Florida-based Advertising company. They offer Advertising and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Bethany, CT
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Mason, Inc. Is an Advertising company. Established in 1951, the team provides Advertising and Digital Strategy. The company is in Bethany, Connecticut.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rockford, IL
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GrahamSpencer is a branding firm. They focus on Branding and Event Marketing and are headquartered in Rockford, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Atlanta, GA
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Launched in 2008, Smartegies, LLC is a Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Web Development.
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$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Washington, DC
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Advertising company CULTURE ONE WORLD was launched in 2011. The team offers Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
Services provided
APartnership is an Advertising company launched in 1998. Their team offers Advertising and Public Relations.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Based in Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York, Greentarget Global is a Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Founded in 2012, One North Interactive is a SEO agency. Their team offers Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Lexington, FL
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Established in 1984, Cornett is a SEO company. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Mount Pleasant, SC
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Trio Solutions Inc. Is an Event Marketing company. Based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, their small team specializes in Event Marketing and Marketing Strategy. The firm was founded in 2001.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Francisco, CA
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Activa PR is a Marketing Strategy company. Founded in 2001, the team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Branding. The agency is based in San Francisco, California.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Huntsville, AL
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Red Brick Strategies, Inc. Is a Huntsville, Alabama-based Advertising company. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Vero Beach, FL
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Adams Media Group is an Advertising company. The Vero Beach, Florida-based firm was established in 2013. Their team specializes in Advertising and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Pewaukee, WI
Services provided
Located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Leap Strategic Marketing, LLC is a Marketing Strategy company. They offer Marketing Strategy and Public Relations and were established in 2007.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Broomfield, CO
Services provided
Founded in 2005, Rocky Row Digital Marketing, PR & SEO is a Content Marketing company. The small team offers Content Marketing and Digital Strategy.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Services provided
HER Creative Media, an Advertising company, is located in Denver, Colorado. Launched in 2017, the team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Richmond, VA
Services provided
Based in Richmond, Virginia, Scribe is a Content Marketing company. They focus on Content Marketing and Public Relations and were founded in 2008.
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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.
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We evaluate service providers using a structured methodology that combines:
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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.