Finding the right PR agency hits different when you actually vibe with them. You need someone who gets your vision, moves fast, and won’t disappear when things get messy. Whether you’re launching something fresh or trying to cut through all the noise, a solid PR partner can completely change the game.
This guide breaks down some standout agencies worth checking out. Each one brings something unique to the table, so you can find the right fit for your brand goals.
Factory PR: Full-Service Power For Fashion & Lifestyle Brands
Factory PR handles everything from fashion and beauty to hospitality and consumer goods. They’ve been in the game long enough to know what actually works, and their client roster proves it. What sets them apart? Their focus on cultural relevance. They’re not just chasing press hits. They want brands to become part of the conversation.
Why They Stand Out:
- Full-service setup covering media relations, influencer collabs, digital campaigns, and event production. All under one roof.
- Deep experience launching brands from zero and scaling them into sustained growth.
- Big-name clients like IKEA, ASOS, and On Running show they can flex across industries.
Best For: Brands wanting an agency that handles multiple channels while staying locked into cultural trends and timing.
RLM PR: Speed-First Strategy From The Chrysler Building
Based in NYC (yes, the Chrysler Building), RLM PR blends traditional PR with unconventional tactics. Their client list ranges from Amazon to ESPN to Sesame Street. Wild range. Founder Richard Laermer keeps it simple: if you don’t know what your PR firm is doing, they’re probably not doing much.
Why They Stand Out:
- Speed is their whole thing. They call it “acceleration,” getting clients in front of media fast without sitting around waiting.
- Covers tech, healthcare, fintech, cannabis, podcasting, and consumer products. Niche industry? They’ve probably seen it.
- Straight-up honest communication. They’ll tell you what’s working and what’s not, even if it stings.
Bonus: They also offer digital marketing, social media audits, and media training. Low-maintenance partnership energy.
Hunter PR: A Legacy Agency With Staying Power
Hunter PR has been around since 1989, starting with food and nutrition before expanding into other consumer categories. Offices in NYC, LA, Chicago, and London. Here’s the flex: their first client, TABASCO, is still with them after 30+ years. That kind of loyalty says everything about how they operate.
Why They Stand Out:
- Deep expertise in food, beverage, health, wellness, beauty, and home lifestyle brands.
- Full integration across social media, influencer work, experiential marketing, multicultural outreach, and content creation.
- Named Consumer Agency of the Year multiple times. Consistently appears on “Best Places to Work” lists.
Best For: Consumer brands wanting an agency with serious experience and a reputation for building long-term partnerships.
10 To 1 Public Relations: Strategic Comms With A No-Jerks Policy
Arizona-based 10 to 1 Public Relations has spent over a decade helping organizations tell their stories effectively. They work across finance, healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, tech, and transportation. The vibe? Their “No Jerks Policy. ” They actually care about maintaining good relationships internally and with clients.
Why They Stand Out:
- Strategic communications plans built to hit specific goals month by month. Methodical, not chaotic.
- Crisis management expertise, including deepfake crisis management. Forward-thinking for the AI era.
- Part of IPREX, a global network giving them resources and connections beyond their immediate team.
Also Offers: Media training, social media management, public affairs support, and award submission help.
Werth PR: Midwest Muscle With Public Affairs Expertise
Werth PR has been running since 1963, making them one of the most established agencies on this list. Based in Columbus, Ohio, they cover public relations, public affairs, and integrated marketing. Their edge? Stakeholder challenges. They help organizations build visibility, mobilize advocates, and protect reputations when it counts.
Why They Stand Out:
- Run a public policy poll of the Ohio state legislature. That insider knowledge is clutch for advocacy work.
- Team typically has 10+ years of experience. Senior-level expertise across the board.
- Decades of issues and crisis management experience when things go sideways.
Best For: Organizations needing public affairs firepower alongside traditional PR, especially in the Midwest or dealing with policy communications.
Jaffe PR: The Legal Industry Specialists
Here’s something different. Jaffe focuses exclusively on the legal industry, including law firms, legal associations, and legal tech companies. They’ve been doing this since 1978. If you’re in legal, finding an agency that actually understands attorney advertising rules and legal rankings saves so much time explaining basics.
Why They Stand Out:
- Deep legal industry knowledge. They know the rules, the rankings, and how law firm marketing differs from everything else.
- Business development coaching beyond PR to help lawyers build their practices.
- Team includes former attorneys and CMOs who understand internal firm dynamics.
Also Offers: Website development, social media, creative design, and content marketing, all built specifically for legal professionals.
Rosica Communications: Mission-Driven PR For Purpose-Led Organizations
Rosica Communications carved out a niche serving mission-driven organizations like nonprofits and the education, healthcare, and animal health sectors. Forbes named them one of America’s best PR agencies. They call themselves “thinking partners” rather than just service providers. If you’re working for a cause you believe in, they get that perspective.
Why They Stand Out:
- Exclusive focus on nonprofits, education, healthcare, and animal health clients. They know the media and understand sector-specific challenges.
- Proprietary measurement tools, including a Thought Leadership Index. Helps demonstrate PR value in concrete terms.
- Senior staff averages 15+ years with the agency. Institutional knowledge stays in-house.
Best For: Mission-driven organizations wanting an agency that genuinely understands purpose-led work and nonprofit stakeholders.
How To Pick The Right PR Agency
Choosing a PR agency is one of those decisions worth taking your time on. The right partner helps you reach people you couldn’t reach alone. The wrong fit leaves you frustrated, wondering where your budget went.
Think about what you actually need. Sector-specific expertise or a generalist approach? Crisis support or purely proactive storytelling? These questions help narrow down who to contact.
Don’t sleep on chemistry either. You’ll work closely with these people, so it matters whether you actually enjoy the conversations. Most agencies offer intro calls. Use that time to see how they communicate and whether they actually listen.
FAQ: PR Agency Questions Answered
What should I expect to pay for PR agency services?
Costs vary depending on agency size, your needs, and scope of work. Monthly retainers can start at a few thousand dollars, while larger campaigns with major firms run significantly higher. Ask about pricing early. Most agencies will discuss it during initial conversations.
How long before I see results from PR work?
Depends on your goals. Media coverage might happen within weeks if there’s a timely story angle. Building genuine thought leadership or shifting brand perception typically takes several months of consistent effort. Be skeptical of anyone promising instant results. Good PR requires patience.
Can I work with an agency outside my country?
Absolutely. Many agencies work with international clients, and some belong to global networks, extending their reach. Need coverage in specific markets? Ask about their experience and connections in those regions during your initial discussions.
What’s the difference between PR and marketing?
Related but different. PR focuses on earned media coverage, reputation management, and third-party credibility. Marketing typically involves paid advertising, direct promotion, and sales support. Many modern agencies offer both. The lines keep blurring as communications become more integrated.
Should I choose a specialist agency or a generalist one?
Depends on your industry and needs. Specialist agencies bring deep knowledge of your sector and the media covering it. Generalist agencies offer a broader perspective and may bring fresh ideas from other industries. No universal right answer. It comes down to what matters most for your situation.
How do I know if an agency is the right fit?
Look at their client work and case studies. Ask for references from current or past clients in similar situations. Pay attention to how they communicate during initial conversations. Do they ask good questions about your business or jump straight to selling? The best partnerships start with genuine curiosity on both sides.
