The Public Relations Blog

Hourly billing models are outdated and underserve modern client relationships. Here’s why.

As a prospective client exploring public relations solutions, you may default to paying agencies via Reginald Heber Smith's long-prevailing hourly billing approach. Charging for time and materials once sufficed in purely labor-driven relationships, but this model is now antiquated. We must reconsider hourly billing, given modern clients' needs and partnership dynamics.

Consider cost, design, support, and analytics when selecting the best content management system for your company.

One of the best ways to provide consumers information about your company is through a content management system (CMS) or website. This allows companies to build, write, or modify web pages without having the skill or knowledge to code. 

The celebrity, industry legend, and prominent local all reveal the importance of branding.

Fame has many forms, from globally-known industry legends to niche, local celebrities. Some figures gain recognition through individual achievement, while others achieve prominence through association with existing icons. Throughout the spectrums of prominence and fame, the megastar and the prominent local both have influence on different audiences. 

While the pinnacle of superstardom may elude most, meticulous messaging and reputation management can help any individual or brand stand out and gain prominence. With the right strategy, even a locally prominent figure can command some influence. A strategic approach in branding and public relations is often the key to amplify visibility and progress from the obscure to the newsworthy. 

Follow these best practices to ensure your company has a plan before a crisis strikes.

The biggest challenge when creating an action plan for a media crisis is not knowing where it will come from. Crisis communications planning always seems to fall to the bottom of the to-do list until it’s suddenly urgent. If your company waits until the moment of disaster, you’re already 10 steps behind. 

Buyers, beware! Another lesson on why hourly billing might be unethical.

Common pricing tactics other public relations firms employ are highly concerning. And based on what some of our newer clients are telling us, it seems to be a more common occurrence. 

Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israel demonstrate organizations’ difficulty responding to even heinous terrorist attacks. Most people agree opposing terrorism is the logical and right thing to do. Taking a stand against any sort of violence publicly or internally with employees would then seem to be the next step, right? 

Some companies, organizations, and individuals are finding out that quick response is fraught with danger. 

Avoid beginner PR mistakes by understanding important industry terms and how to properly use them.

Though the difference between “communication” and “communications” is only one letter, these two terms have distinct meanings in strategic public relations. Understanding when to use each term is critical for PR professionals, as misusing these words can undermine carefully crafted messaging strategies.

Using an agency with value-based pricing may be more advantageous to you. 

While many public relations agencies still rely on billing by the hour, this approach likely doesn’t serve your best interests. As this model becomes more adverse, agencies and clients find themselves at odds, and you have to face numerous disadvantages.

Strategically optimize for autocomplete to boost your website traffic and convert more leads online.

Google's autocomplete search predictions operate like free advertising space on the world's most popular search engine. When relevant keyword phrases pop up in the user’s search, companies receive prime visibility to countless people. For any organization, a high ranking in autocomplete results can be transformational, funneling customers straight to your website. 

Automation in PR can improve your company’s lead generation process.

PR helps businesses clearly communicate company messages to target audiences, but only effective strategies can ensure businesses cut through competition and establish consumer relationships with increased engagement and sales. With the business-to-consumer relationship as a priority, PR pros can become more efficient with new technology.