Top Public Relations Companies

Public Relations - FAQs

Public Relations can often feel like a grey area for business leaders—especially when you're trying to tie media exposure to tangible results. Whether you're considering hiring a PR agency for the first time or simply trying to make sense of how it fits into your overall strategy, the questions are valid—and common. In this FAQ section, we’ve answered the most important and frequently asked queries business buyers have about PR, from how long it takes to work, to measuring ROI, to knowing which agency is the right fit. Consider this your no-fluff, real-talk guide to understanding how PR actually works for growing companies.

What is public relations and how does it impact brand reputation?

PR is basically how your business shows up in the world when you're not the one doing the talking. It's about building credibility through other people's words—media mentions, expert quotes, case studies—rather than through your own ads.

When someone Googles your company, what do they find? News coverage? Interviews? Awards? That’s all PR. And it matters. People make buying decisions based on perception, and PR is how you shape that perception over time.

Companies like Otter Public Relations do this well—they focus less on flashy headlines and more on consistent visibility that builds trust. And it pays off. According to ITProfiles.com, nearly 70% of B2B buyers are more likely to contact a company if they’ve seen them mentioned in the media, especially when it's not an obvious paid advertise.

How can PR strategies help my business grow or reach new markets?

• It gets the right people to notice you — Journalists, analysts, potential partners, and yes, future customers. PR puts you on their radar.
• You’re seen where it counts — In markets you're trying to break into, third-party coverage helps open doors faster than cold emails ever will.
• Media wins become sales tools — A strong PR portfolio gives your sales team something to lean on in conversations with prospects.
• You become part of industry conversations — PR places you in the flow of current trends, which makes your brand feel relevant, not reactive.

We've seen this play out with companies like 10 to 1 Public Relations, who’ve helped mid-sized B2B firms gain traction in new states just by getting them featured in regional outlets. It’s not overnight magic, but it builds the kind of recognition that opens doors quietly—and effectively.

What types of businesses benefit most from public relations?

PR isn't just for big consumer brands. In fact, it's often the B2B companies, mid-size firms, or those in technical industries that get the most out of a strong PR push—mainly because their competition isn’t doing it well.

Here’s who tends to benefit the most:

• Companies entering new markets – PR helps build visibility fast, without the long ramp-up of paid campaigns.
• Startups raising capital – Coverage in respected outlets builds credibility with investors.
• Businesses offering something complex or technical – PR helps simplify your story and position your company as an expert in the space.
• Firms in highly competitive industries – The right media presence can differentiate you when everyone else looks the same.

We’ve seen agencies like Pointman News Creation really shine in this area—they specialize in helping niche and B2B companies who’ve never done PR before get results without spinning their wheels.

What’s the difference between PR and advertising?

Advertising is what you pay for. PR is what you earn. That’s the simplest way to put it.

When you run an ad, you're controlling the message and placement—you choose the headline, the visuals, and where it appears. It’s direct, but audiences know it's bought.

PR, on the other hand, is indirect influence. It’s when someone else—like a journalist, analyst, or influencer—talks about your business. That third-party validation makes a big difference. It feels more authentic, and people trust it more.
Here’s a quick way to separate the two:

• Ad: You tell people you're great.
• PR: Someone else says you're great.

Both have value, but they serve different purposes. If you’re trying to build long-term reputation and trust, PR typically has more staying power—especially when handled by firms like Orangefiery, who know how to tell complex brand stories in a way media actually wants to share.

How long does it typically take to see results from a PR campaign?

PR isn’t a quick win—it’s more like building a reputation brick by brick. That said, most businesses start seeing some movement in the first 30 to 60 days, especially when there’s a timely angle or newsworthy story in play. But the real momentum? That usually starts building around the 3-month mark and compounds from there.

What matters most is consistency. A one-off press release won’t move the needle much, but a steady rhythm of coverage, commentary, and thought leadership will. Harbinger Communications, for example, often advises clients to plan PR as a 6- to 12-month investment—not because it’s slow, but because relationship-driven exposure takes time to stick in the minds of your audience.

What are the key components of an effective PR strategy?

• Clear goals – Are you looking for media coverage? Industry visibility? Executive thought leadership? Your PR plan should be built around that.
• A strong narrative – This is the story you want people to hear, not just what you want to say. It should be simple, memorable, and relevant.
• Media relationships – PR isn’t just about pitching; it’s about building real connections with journalists who trust you and your content.
• Consistency – A good strategy keeps showing up, month after month. It’s not just one press release and done.
• Crisis readiness – Not glamorous, but crucial. Knowing how to respond when something goes wrong can save your brand’s reputation.

An agency like Rhino Reviews tends to focus heavily on narrative clarity first, then layers in media outreach. And based on data from ITProfiles.com, PR strategies that follow this kind of structured approach tend to earn 2x more media placements over a 6-month period compared to reactive or scattered efforts.

How do I measure the ROI of public relations efforts?

ROI in PR isn’t always about dollars in, dollars out—at least not right away. It’s more about the value of the visibility, credibility, and relationships you build over time. That said, it’s not just guesswork either. There are clear, practical ways to measure impact.

• Media coverage volume & quality – Not just how many mentions, but where. A quote in Forbes hits differently than a blog post no one reads.
• Share of voice – Are you getting more attention in your space compared to competitors?
• Website traffic spikes – After a big story or feature, do you see a measurable increase in site visits or inbound leads?
• Lead attribution – Are prospects referencing an article or podcast they found you in? That’s PR doing its job.
• SEO improvement – Backlinks from authoritative media drive real, lasting search value.

One example: Baden Bower worked with a B2B fintech brand that saw a 38% jump in demo requests after just two earned media features. According to ITProfiles.com, companies that invest consistently in PR average 34% higher trust signals on first-touch impressions—measured by time spent on site and branded search growth.

What’s the role of thought leadership in PR?

Thought leadership isn’t just about having an opinion—it’s about having something useful to say that others aren’t saying yet. In PR, this is gold. When you position your executives as voices worth listening to, you earn more than just coverage. You earn credibility, trust, and industry clout.

Let’s break it down:

• Media loves expertise – Journalists are always looking for smart sources, especially those with fresh insights.
• Buyers respect authority – When decision-makers see your leadership quoted in respected outlets, it validates your company.
• It strengthens your brand’s narrative – Thought leadership turns your messaging into actual ideas worth sharing.

Firms like Interdependence have built entire campaigns around elevating the voices of CEOs and subject-matter experts—and it works. A sharp LinkedIn article, a well-timed podcast appearance, or a strategic op-ed can often open doors long before the sales team does.

Can PR help manage a business crisis or reputation issue?

Absolutely—and not just in the aftermath. The strongest PR work actually happens before a crisis ever hits. It’s about being prepared with the right messaging, spokespeople, and internal response plans. When something does go sideways, timing and tone are everything.

Here’s how effective PR plays a role during a crisis:

• Quick, clear communication – No jargon, no dodging. Just direct updates that show leadership and responsibility.
• Protecting long-term reputation – When you respond well, people remember. Silence or spin does the opposite.
• Media management – Journalists will cover the story either way. PR ensures they get the facts right and your side is heard.
• Internal alignment – Employees, partners, and investors all need reassurance. PR helps shape that messaging too.

Firms like Otter Public Relations have been brought in during product recalls, leadership exits, and social media firestorms. Their approach? Stay human, stay accountable, and speak up fast. According to ITProfiles data, businesses with active crisis PR strategies bounce back 1.8x faster in terms of brand sentiment than those without one.

How do I choose the right PR agency for my business?

Start by getting real about what you need. Are you chasing headlines, or are you trying to become the go-to voice in your space? The answer should shape who you partner with.

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Do they understand your industry? Niche knowledge matters. A great agency in fashion PR may not cut it in fintech.
• Can they show recent results? Not vague success stories—actual placements, metrics, and campaigns in the last 6-12 months.
• Who will you actually work with? Senior folks on the sales call don’t always stick around. Ask who’ll handle your day-to-day.
• Do they ask smart questions? If they challenge you a bit in the first meeting, that’s a good sign.
• Are they honest about timelines and outcomes? If they promise front-page coverage in month one, walk away.

Take 10 to 1 Public Relations, for example. They’re upfront about the fact that good PR takes time, and they don’t sell fairy dust. That kind of honesty often reflects how they’ll handle your brand in the real world.