Part 2:
As promised, we are back with part 2 of our blog post “10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a PR Firm”. We left half of the very important questions unanswered, and thankfully, they’re answered here. It is important that all of these questions and answers are read so businesses understand how a PR firm operates and how to make sure that they understand the services being offered. After all, as you’ll find out below, PR isn’t necessarily cheap and it is essential to make sure your hard earned dollars go towards an effective cause.
It is great if you can create some of your own questions as well so that you can tailor them to your PR needs. But if you need some ideas for questions to ask a PR firm before you hire them, take a look at part 2 below.
Q6: Do you provide media coaching?
A: Yes. When a member of the media is scheduled to do an interview with a client, we can prepare them with talking points which outline important facts about the company and map out a plan that will help build their brand for the specific media market. We offer suggestions on what to wear and more important what not to wear.
Q7: What is your social media expertise?
A: We stay current with the evolving world of social media. Suzi, founder of Garden Media Group, likes to call it the Wild, Wild West. We are experienced in regards to the “traditional” forms of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn yet regularly tap newer mediums such as Instagram and Vine to alert our clients of new ways to market their products and build their brand. We can manage your social media reputation for you or just help you stay ahead of the curve.
Q8: How are you going to communicate with me?
A: Communication is the lifeblood to establishing a successful partnership with all of our clients. In fact, we got into the business because we LOVE to talk. We talk to our clients every day, whether it be through scheduled phone calls, non-scheduled calls, emails or face-to-face meetings. It’s important to keep our clients up to date on our progress of meeting their goals and needs.
Q9: What will you need from me to make the relationship work?
A: Regular and honest communication between the two groups allows both sides to meet their pre-established goals and objectives and provides the best opportunity for the relationship to flourish.
Q10: How much does a PR agency cost?
A: Finally, the answer to the question on everyone’s mind. All public relations companies differ in the pricing department but our costs at Garden Media range from $4,000-$15,000 per month. The price varies based on the needs and desired services of each client.
Hopefully these questions and answers give you a better idea of what a PR firm can offer your business. If you still don’t think you need a PR firm, then read these 6 Reasons not to hire a PR firm? If you ARE interested in hiring a PR firm for your lawn and garden industry business please give us a call!
*Photo credit for http://www.featureworld.co.uk/
