Top PR Firms in the United States
Public relations earns coverage you can't buy and credibility paid advertising can't replicate — but only when the firm has the right relationships and the right instincts for your moment. The American PR industry spans major media markets from New York and Los Angeles to Chicago and Austin, with firms specializing across B2B tech, consumer brands, healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, and crisis communications.
U.S.-based PR firms typically handle media relations, executive thought leadership, analyst relations, social and content amplification, and increasingly the AI-search and citation environment reshaping how brands get discovered. Clutch verifies client reviews and surfaces pricing data so you can compare firms by industry focus, team size, and measurable results. Explore the global top PR firms directory, browse PR firms in New York City for access to the nation's deepest media relationships, or see how PR strategy connects to content marketing agencies for integrated earned-and-owned programs.
-
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 48 projectsIdea Grove is a public relations and communications firm specializing in enhancing brand reputation through strategic media relations, corporate communications, and public media coverage. Across reviews, clients consistently highlight Idea Grove's excellent project management, with 100% praising their timely delivery and dedication to client success. Additionally, around 70% of reviewers commend their unique content development and PR strategies for elevating brand awareness and thought leadership.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 11 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 Public Relations and Corporate Communications agency recognized for its expertise in media relations and brand reputation enhancement. Client feedback consistently highlights their strategic approach and deep understanding of diverse industries, achieving notable results such as a 400% increase in media coverage for one client. Approximately 90% of reviews emphasize their creativity, strategy, and ability to meet objectives, making them a highly recommended partner for PR and communications needs.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 311 projectsOtter Public Relations is a renowned publicity firm specializing in media relations and brand reputation enhancement. Reviewers consistently praise the company for its effective project management, timely delivery, and quality communications. With 100% positive feedback, clients commend Otter PR's ability to enhance media coverage and improve online visibility, with 30% specifically highlighting their strategic approach and professionalism in public communications.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
RED PR is a branding company headquartered in New York, New York. They offer Branding and Event Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
Fog & Apple is an Advertising company. The agency is based in New York, New York. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 28 projectsInterdependence is a Public Relations and Communications firm specializing in media relations, corporate communications, and brand reputation. The company is praised for its responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to secure significant media placements and increase brand awareness, with 100% of reviewers highlighting their alignment with client values and project management excellence. Notable strengths include media coverage and strategic adaptability.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 48 projectsIdea Grove is a public relations and communications firm specializing in enhancing brand reputation through strategic media relations, corporate communications, and public media coverage. Across reviews, clients consistently highlight Idea Grove's excellent project management, with 100% praising their timely delivery and dedication to client success. Additionally, around 70% of reviewers commend their unique content development and PR strategies for elevating brand awareness and thought leadership.
$10,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 15 projectsDISRUPT PR is a Public Relations firm specializing in media relations, brand reputation, and corporate communications. The company is consistently praised for its strategic communication skills, with 100% of reviews highlighting their timely delivery and responsiveness. Clients commend their ability to enhance brand awareness and secure media placements, with significant increases in brand mentions and media coverage reported across projects.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
The 10 company , a social media marketing company, focus on Social Media Marketing and Digital Strategy. They were launched in 2012.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
Services provided
PERITUS Public Relations is a branding agency. Founded in 2014, the company is in Birmingham, Alabama. Their team provides Branding and Event Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Trussville, AL
Services provided
BGrace Media LLC, an Event Marketing company, is in Trussville, Alabama. Launched in 2012, the team specializes in Event Marketing and Market Research.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Auburn, AL
Services provided
Headquartered in Auburn, Alabama, McNutt & Company, LLC is an Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Marketing Strategy and were launched in 2001.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Huntsville, AL
Services provided
CRISP Communications, LLC is a Huntsville, Alabama-based branding company. The team provides Branding and Digital Strategy.
Read more -
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 6 projectsGateway Group is a Public Relations and Investor Relations firm known for its strong expertise in media relations, corporate communications, and brand reputation. The firm consistently receives positive feedback, with over 90% of reviews highlighting their strategic communication capabilities and responsiveness. Clients praise Gateway Group for enhancing investor engagement and brand visibility while demonstrating exceptional project management and a deep understanding of client needs.
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 27 projects10 to 1 Public Relations is a Public Relations agency with expertise in media relations, brand reputation, and corporate communications. They are praised for their thoroughness, timeliness, and effective communication, with 100% of reviewers noting their positive impact on media coverage and brand awareness. Clients consistently commend their project management skills and flexibility, with no substantial areas for improvement noted.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbus, GA
Services provided
Email Marketing company Yalla Public Relations focuses on Email Marketing and Event Marketing. They are headquartered in Columbus, Georgia.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Birmingham, AL
Services provided
Agency54 is an Advertising company established in 1954. The team focuses on Advertising and Graphic Design and is located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mobile, AL
Services provided
Advertising company VMR Agency provides Advertising and Branding. They are in Mobile, Alabama.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mobile, AL
Services provided
Wellborn // Strategies is a branding firm. The small Mobile, Alabama-based team offers Branding and Business Consulting. The company was launched in 2014.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Huntsville, AL
Services provided
Ad4! Group, LLC is a branding firm. Founded in 2004, the company is located in Huntsville, Alabama. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Indianapolis, IN
Services provided
Woolridge Impact Marketing Group is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based branding agency. The team specializes in Branding and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Indianapolis, IN
Services provided
Herd Strategies is a branding company. Launched in 2011, the agency is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their team offers Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Miami, FL
Services provided
Ghost Frog Media, a graphic design agency, was launched in 2012. The small team specializes in Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Advertising company adCREASIANs is in Los Angeles, California. The team offers Advertising and Market Research.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Woodland Park, CO
Services provided
Perini & Associates is a Woodland Park, Colorado-based Business Consulting company. Established in 2009, the team specializes in Business Consulting and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
Launched in 1992, The Hall Agency is an Advertising company. Based in Dallas, Texas, the team specializes in Advertising and Event Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Pelham, AL
Services provided
Brownstone Marketing Solutions is a Pelham, Alabama-based Event Marketing company. Their services include Event Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Services provided
American Mass Media, an Advertising company, was launched in 2004. The team provides Advertising and Media Planning & Buying and is located in Chicago, Illinois.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Services provided
Bellandi Group is a small Marketing Strategy company established in 2002. Their team offers Marketing Strategy and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mishawaka, IN
Services provided
Big Idea Company, LLC is a PR agency. The team specializes in Public Relations and Video Production, and the agency is located in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
The Buzzell Company is a branding agency. Their team is based in Dallas, Texas and offers Branding and Digital Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fishers, IN
Services provided
Founded in 2001, Propeller Marketing is a small Fishers, Indiana-based graphic design company. Their services include Graphic Design and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
VOLK PR, a Digital Strategy company, specialize in Digital Strategy and Marketing Strategy. They were established in 2013.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
Burns360 is a branding firm established in 1989. The team specializes in Branding and Content Marketing and is based in Dallas, Texas.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
Advertising company APC Collective is based in Dallas, Texas. They offer Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Grand Junction, CO
Services provided
Small Marketing Strategy company Ryan/Sawyer Marketing, is in Grand Junction, Colorado. The team provides Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
Baker Consulting Associates, LLC is a branding firm. In Dallas, Texas, the team focuses on Branding and Business Consulting.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Dallas, TX
Services provided
SparkFarm is a branding firm established in 2009. The small team specializes in Branding and Digital Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Addison, TX
Services provided
Thrive PR is an Addison, Texas-based branding company. They provide Branding and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Collins, CO
Services provided
Mantooth Marketing Company, an Advertising company, is in Fort Collins, Colorado. They specialize in Advertising and Branding and were established in 1995.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Services provided
Marketing Strategy company 104 West Partners was launched in 2003. The firm specializes in Marketing Strategy and Content Marketing, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Dodge, IA
Services provided
Founded in 2013, CornerPost Marketing Communications is a media planning & buying agency. In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the team provides Media Planning & Buying and Event Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denton, TX
Services provided
The Crouch Group is a graphic design company launched in 1996. The company provides Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Waco, TX
Services provided
E.H. Anderson PR is a Marketing Strategy company. Their team is based in Waco, Texas. The company provides Marketing Strategy and Media Planning & Buying.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Austin, TX
Services provided
Sommers Marketing + PR is a small Austin, Texas-based branding firm. The team provides Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Midland, TX
Services provided
Hancock Advertising Group, an Advertising company, was launched in 1986. The small team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Louisville, KY
Services provided
Pro Communications is a PR agency. They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and their services include Public Relations and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Antonio, TX
Services provided
1797 Creative is a branding firm. They were launched in 2009 and specialize in Branding and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Des Moines, IA
Services provided
Innovize Group is a small Marketing Strategy company located in Des Moines, Iowa. The team provides Marketing Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Services provided
Pite Creative is a small Denver, Colorado-based Marketing Strategy company. The team offers Marketing Strategy and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Stayton, OR
Services provided
Word's Out PR is a branding firm. Headquartered in Stayton, Oregon, their small team specializes in Branding and Email Marketing. The firm was founded in 2005.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Portland, OR
Services provided
Established in 1999, Brenner Associates PR is a small Advertising company located in Portland, Oregon. Their team provides Advertising and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Eugene, OR
Services provided
Advertising company Verb Marketing + PR was launched in 2003. The team provides Advertising and Branding and is based in Eugene, Oregon.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Bend, OR
Services provided
Launched in 2014, Sublime Creative Agency is an Advertising company. Their team provides Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Aurora, IL
Services provided
Founded in 2004, Pete Wiltjer Marketing Group (PWMG) is a Marketing Strategy company. The firm provides Marketing Strategy and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Redding, CT
Services provided
Fresh Tracks Marketing is a branding company. The team is based in Redding, Connecticut, and their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Glastonbury, CT
Services provided
First Experience Communication is a Business Consulting company launched in 1983. Their services include Business Consulting and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Westport, CT
Services provided
Headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, On Course Strategies LLC is a small Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Branding.
Read more
Share your project goals, and we’ll connect you with verified partners who fit your budget and timeline.
Get My Matches
Tell us what you need — we’ll match you with top agencies in minutes.
Get My MatchesWhy Trust Clutch
At Clutch, we believe trust is the foundation of every business relationship. Our mission is to help buyers make confident, data-backed decisions informed by real client experiences.
Every review on Clutch undergoes a rigorous, human-led verification process to make sure it’s valid. Our team of specialists confirms the identity of each reviewer, ensures the project is legitimate, and only publishes reviews that meet our strict criteria.
Verification doesn’t stop at the point of publication. Our Trust & Safety team routinely audits older reviews against our guidelines. When reviews fall short of our standards, we remove them.
We evaluate service providers using a structured methodology that combines:
- In-depth client interviews and ratings
- Comprehensive project details
- Market presence
- Portfolio examples and industry recognition
This data powers tools like the Leaders Matrix, which helps you compare agencies directly. Our research team curates rankings by weighing verified reviews most heavily, so the most trusted and experienced providers rise to the top.
Using this unique combination of verified client feedback and provider-supplied insights, Clutch distills the most important details into clear, digestible summaries so you have everything you need to make confident, informed decisions quickly.
We take fraud seriously. Providers who violate our guidelines may face lower rankings, restricted visibility, or removal from the platform altogether.
Clutch’s commitment to transparency is ongoing. We’re constantly refining our systems to protect the integrity of reviews and support you in finding the right agency.
List of the Best PR Firms in the United States
-
$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 -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr250 - 999Washington, DC
Ability to deliver
39.1/40.019.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations60% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Lewisville, TX
Ability to deliver
38.7/40.018.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Sarasota, FL
Ability to deliver
38/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Public Relations35% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
38/40.020/20 Reviews8.4/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Scottsdale, AZ
Ability to deliver
37.3/40.018.2/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Public Relations20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Philadelphia, PA
Ability to deliver
36.9/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 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 -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Public Relations30% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999New York, NY
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.018.2/20 Reviews8.1/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Danbury, CT
Ability to deliver
34.9/40.018.2/20 Reviews7/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Public Relations20% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Ardmore, PA
Ability to deliver
34.8/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Public Relations40% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Houston, TX
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public 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 / 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 -
$10,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
32.8/40.018.4/20 Reviews5.3/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Nashville, TN
Ability to deliver
32.8/40.017.4/20 Reviews6.2/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Public Relations25% 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 - 49Milwaukee, WI
Ability to deliver
33.3/40.016/20 Reviews9.5/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations45% 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 -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
34.3/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Public Relations45% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.4/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.8/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Public Relations60% Other -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
33.6/40.017.8/20 Reviews6.1/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Public Relations50% Other -
$50,000+Undisclosed2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
32/40.016.2/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience6.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Public Relations
Latest Public Relations Articles
See all articles
Moment Marketing: How Brands Can Advertise During a Big Cultural Event
A cultural tentpole gives brands a massive but distracted audience. See how moment marketing earns attention during major cultural moments — and where it...
U.S. PR Services FAQs
A U.S.-based PR firm manages the relationship between your organization and its key audiences — journalists, analysts, investors, policymakers, and the public. Most of these dedicated agencies offer services such as:
- Media relations (pitching stories and securing earned coverage)
- Executive thought leadership (placing bylines and speaking opportunities)
- Crisis communications (preparing for and responding to reputational threats)
- Analyst relations
Many American PR firms now extend into digital PR — earning backlinks through news coverage — and AI-search optimization, helping brands appear in AI-generated answers on tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
American PR firms offer direct relationships with U.S. reporters, editors, podcast hosts, and broadcast producers — relationships that take years to build and can't be replicated by an overseas agency. Beyond access, U.S.-based firms understand the nuances of domestic news cycles, regulatory sensitivities, and cultural tone. They know which publications your B2B buyers actually read versus which ones just look impressive on a coverage report.
According to Clutch pricing data, most U.S. PR firms charge a monthly retainer. Smaller boutique firms typically start in the $3,000 – $5,000 per month range. Mid-size firms with sector specialization generally run $6,000 – $15,000 per month.
On the other hand, larger or nationally recognized agencies often start at $15,000 – $25,000 per month and up, and project-based engagements are typically scoped at $10,000 – $50,000. While several factors affect costs, the average hourly rates for senior PR professionals range from $150 – $350 per hour.
Define what success looks like — trade press or consumer press, national or regional, earned media or analyst influence. After that, filter by industry specialization and review verified client feedback on Clutch to help streamline your search.
Then, request a media map showing which reporters the firm has active relationships with in your space, and ask how they measure impact beyond impressions — i.e., share of voice, message pull-through, and coverage that drives traffic or pipeline.
Be cautious of firms that guarantee specific placements — earned media is inherently unpredictable, and guarantees usually signal pay-to-play advertorial. Watch out for logo-heavy rosters in unrelated industries; media relationships are vertical-specific. If a firm defaults to AVE (advertising value equivalency) as its primary measurement, that's a sign its reporting culture lags. Also avoid firms with high account team turnover — ask who manages your account day to day and how long they've been with the firm.