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 - 49Springfield, MO
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Engage5w is a Content Marketing and PR agency. Launched in 2011, the team specializes in Content Marketing and Public Relations. The company is located in Springfield, Missouri.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Torrance, CA
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Pacific Communications Group is a public relations company. Their small team is in Torrance, California. Their services include Public Relations and Print Design.
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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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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Evesham, NJ
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Randex Communications is an Evesham, New Jersey-based Marketing Strategy and PR agency. Founded in 1997, the team offers Marketing Strategy and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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Alison Brod Marketing + Communications is a branding company. They are headquartered in New York, New York and have small team of experts. Their services include Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Mocksville, NC
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Snyder Group Inc is an Advertising company. They were established in 1981, and their services include Advertising and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Diego, CA
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COOK & SCHMID LLC, a small public relations firm, is in San Diego, California. The team focuses on Public Relations and Other Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49El Paso, TX
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In El Paso, Texas and The Woodlands, Texas, Lopez PR & Marketing Group is a small branding agency. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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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 - 49Rockville, MD
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PR firm and Business Consulting company Links Global USA is located in Rockville, Maryland. Their services include Public Relations and Business Consulting.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Springfield, MO
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Established in 2016, Epic Strategies is a small Springfield, Missouri-based Advertising company. Their team specializes in Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Trenton, NJ
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Advertising company EFK was launched in 1996. Headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey and Washington, District of Columbia, the team focuses on Advertising and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Livonia, MI
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Full Circle Strategic Marketing is a small Advertising company based in Livonia, Michigan. The team specializes in Advertising and Video Production.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49San Jose, CA
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Located in San Jose, California, LMGPR is a SEO services firm. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Sonoma, CA
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Balzac Communications & Marketing is a PR company. Their team is headquartered in Sonoma, California. The agency specializes in Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49New York, NY
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N6 powered by KRMA is a public relations firm. Launched in 2010, the team offers Public Relations and Digital Strategy. The agency is based in New York, New York.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Provo, UT
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Relic Advertising is a small Provo, Utah-based branding firm. The team offers Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Santa Barbara, CA
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Brightly Creative, a branding agency, was founded in 2017. The agency focuses on Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Rolling Meadows, IL
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GREEN LINE AUTOMOTIVE is a social media marketing company. Their small team is based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Alamo, CA
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Grey Matter Marketing, Inc. Is a branding company. Headquartered in Alamo, California, their small team provides Branding and Public Relations. The agency was established in 2006.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
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Modern Currency PR is a Los Angeles, California-based social media marketing company. Founded in 2017, the team offers Social Media Marketing and Content Marketing.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
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Coup de Com' PR is a PR agency. They are in Los Angeles, California and have small team. They focus on Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Dallas, TX
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Bagwell Marketing, an Advertising company, offers Advertising and Media Planning & Buying. The firm is in Dallas, Texas.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Charlottesville, VA
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Advertising company Logical SEO was established in 2016. The firm specializes in Advertising and Market Research, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Asheville, NC
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Market Connections is an Advertising company. Their small team is in Asheville, North Carolina. Their team provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Atlanta, GA
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Branding agency ThinkZilla Consulting Group is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Their services include Branding and Event Marketing.
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$1,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Little Rock, AR
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Mashman Consulting Group is a branding agency. They provide Branding and Public Relations and are in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Launched in 1986, Creative Grafix is a small Advertising company. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Spartanburg, SC
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Evolve SEO Services, a small public relations company, is in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Their services include Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Gilbert, AZ
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Branding firm Julep Publicity was founded in 2021. The small team offers Branding and Public Relations.
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$1,000+UndisclosedFreelancerMesick, MI
Services provided
Content Marketing company Hyperwriting SEO was launched in 2020. The team offers Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization and is based in Mesick, Michigan.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerEtlan, VA
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DuCard Vineyards is a Product Marketing company. Headquartered in Etlan, Virginia, their small team offers Product Marketing and Event Management. The firm was launched in 2010.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Portland, OR
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Azunga Marketing is a SEO company. Founded in 2010, the agency is based in Portland, Oregon. Their team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Scottsdale, AZ
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Crosby-Wright is an Advertising company. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sheboygan, WI
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Advertising company DuFour Advertising was founded in 1980. The team provides Advertising and Media Planning & Buying and is in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Lancaster, PA
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Lucid America, LLC is a PR agency in Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The team focuses on Public Relations and Graphic Design.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Services provided
LuxuryJourney, a Digital Strategy company, was launched in 2017. They provides Digital Strategy and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Franklin, WI
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Advertising company Debra Lopez Public Relations was established in 2012. The team offers Advertising and Content Marketing.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Diego, CA
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BrainShine is an Advertising company. The San Diego, California-based firm was launched in 1990. Their team provides Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Windsor Heights, IA
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Digital Strategy company Akili Design & Marketing Services was launched in 2007. The team focuses on Digital Strategy and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Waxhaw, NC
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See all 1 projectsInnovative Marketing and Public Relations offers services in improving e-commerce platforms and enhancing online sales strategies. The overall feedback is positive, highlighting their commitment and ability to deliver value for cost, although there were minor issues with version control causing some delays.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kansas City, MO
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Sturges Word Communications is a branding firm. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, their small team focuses on Branding and Public Relations. The agency was established in 1994.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Danvers, MA
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Single Source Marketing, an Event Marketing company, was established in 1998. Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, the team focuses on Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Leesburg, VA
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Launched in 2005, Splash Communications is a small Leesburg, Virginia-based graphic design agency. Their team offers Graphic Design and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Nashville, TN
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In Nashville, Tennessee, Targoz Market Research is a small branding agency. The team specializes in Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Stevensville, MD
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Small Advertising company Prescott Public Relations, is headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland. Their services include Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Boca Raton, FL
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Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Green Arrow Marketing & Media is a Content Marketing company. They provide Content Marketing and Media Planning & Buying.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Auburn, CA
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Bear River Web Design is a graphic design agency. Their small team of employees is based in Auburn, California. Their team focuses on Graphic Design and Public Relations.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Naperville, IL
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Located in Naperville, Illinois, Fig Factor Media, LLC is a small public relations company. The team focuses on Public Relations and Graphic Design.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
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Launched in 1996, DiMassimo Goldstein, a midsize branding company, is located in New York, New York and. Their team focuses on Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Conshohocken, PA
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Brian Communications is a public relations agency. They are located in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and have midsize team. Their services include Public Relations and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerBoulder, CO
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Keener Communications LLC is a public relations agency. They are located in Boulder, Colorado and have small team. Their team specializes in Public Relations and Social Media Marketing.
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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 -
$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+$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 -
$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
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Human Signals: The Branding Choices Consumers Make in an AI-Saturated World
Clutch surveyed 408 consumers on AI vs. human branding. See why real people, unscripted moments, and human craft now drive trust, loyalty, and favorability.
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.