| There are many types of PR firms out there, from | | | | also getting someone handling your account who |
| large operations, such as Edelmen Public Relations or | | | | knows your business well, perhaps was even part of it |
| Ketchum PR, to one person home-based businesses. | | | | for a time, and so can truly empathize with your needs. |
| Most of the big firms handle PR as if "a product is a | | | | There is no ramp-up time, as the pipeline for your |
| product" - selling your widget is the same as selling | | | | specific niche is already open, and you may even get |
| someone's service, in that they both require news to | | | | some insight into your competition, or a referral to a |
| be made and distributed. In today's market, it's vital that | | | | business that is complementary, based on the boutique |
| you find the right company to suit both your needs and | | | | public relations firm's existing roster. |
| your budget, and that is where boutique public relations | | | | Monthly retainers will likely be lower with a boutique |
| comes in. | | | | firm, and they may be more flexible. For example, you |
| "Boutique" means simply that it is a smaller, more | | | | may be able to have them run a single campaign for |
| specialized company, and usually the idea behind this | | | | you, knowing that your primary intention is to build a |
| type of firm is that it will offer specialized expertise in | | | | relationship, but also giving you the chance to try them |
| only one or two industries. Whereas a large firm might | | | | out before engaging them fully. |
| have a few tech clients, some clothing product lines, a | | | | You may also save money because this type of PR |
| manufacturer of toys, and service providers across | | | | firm will have had clients similar to you, and may have |
| multiple industries, a boutique PR firm would only take | | | | already thought of some out-of-the-box ways to help |
| on clients in their field. | | | | and implemented it successfully with a previous |
| For example, they might specialize in the travel and | | | | boutique public relations campaign. Don't hesitate to ask |
| hotel industries, which are two overlapping arenas. | | | | for their ideas and input - if they've run campaigns for |
| Their PR list would then boast all of the updated travel | | | | three B & B chains in Hawaii, they'll likely already be |
| and hospitality press, and a boutique public relations | | | | able to give you some great suggestions for your B & |
| company would seek out and maintain strong | | | | B in Indiana. |
| relationships with the journalists in their area of | | | | A boutique PR firm can often be a great solution for |
| expertise. | | | | you to have cost-effective expertise available to you |
| What this means for you as a client is that you are | | | | easily and with a legacy of information that can help |
| probably enjoying more hands-on service, and you are | | | | you to stand out in your field. |