
I’ve worked both in-house and in a PR agency so I have a pretty good idea of how to build a successful partnership and what can make a relationship combust under pressure. Here are my tips.
So, firstly you need to take the big step of deciding if you need an agency or not. To keep costs down, many small businesses rely on word of mouth do their own communications in the beginning, and it can be really difficult to know exactly when to stump up the cash for someone else to do it. Only you can make that decision, but here are some things to consider: Do you need to expand your customer base? Do you struggle to make time to create marketing materials, update your website, etc.? Do you want to educate potential customers about your products and services? If you answered yes to these questions, then the only thing holding you back is cost. Larger PR agencies in London will have a minimum monthly retainer, often of around £3,000. Only take this route if you can really see it adding value, and can spare that amount of cash. A better option might be to work with a smaller regional agency, a startup or even an individual. They’ll have fewer overheads to pass on to you and your business and they’ll be used to working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. A trial period can help you see how much value they can add to your company, especially if you put clear deliverables in place at the beginning. For example: increased web traffic, increased footfall, sales or referrals direct from online or print promotions, Twitter followers.- What do you want them to do?
- How do you want them to work – retained, ad hoc projects, one-off?
- How much money can you spend with them?
- Who from your company will liaise with them?
- Timescales?
- It’s a two way relationship, so prioritise giving them the time they need from you to do their job well. The more information you give them, the better their work will be.
- Find the right balance between taking on board their expertise, and also remaining true to your organisation’s values. Don’t go down a road you feel uncomfortable with.
- Make time for weekly and monthly catch-ups (by telephone or face to face). If you let them slide the relationship will suffer.
- Don’t keep quiet. If you love or hate something, say so. The more feedback they get, the better they’ll perform.
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