Why More Companies Opt for Boutique PR

I was recently contacted by a prospective client – head of marketing for a business-to-business company planning a new product launch.  We spoke by phone about the company’s plans, objectives and anticipated challenges, as well as our firm’s capabilities and related experience.  As we were wrapping up this first exchange, I ask the prospect how found us.

“I did a search for boutique PR firms,” he said.  “Yours was among those that came up, and I saw on your web site that you’ve worked with companies similar to ours, so here we are.”

“Why the interest in boutiques?”  I prodded.  He replied that he had worked with large, international PR firms in the past and that it “wasn’t the best experience.”   He was looking for “a high level of experience without all the layers, a real partnership and focus on results.”

Now, there are plenty of very large, very successful PR firms in our industry; however, this was the latest of many times a potential client has expressed preference for working with smaller PR firms.   I am thankful for that and in our 20+ years in business have emphasized our boutique status as one of our greatest selling points.   We gain a lot of new clients from companies that used to be represented by “the big guys.”

So, why a boutique PR firm? 

• The owner of a successful PR boutique is a highly experienced, senior consultant.  We will quickly understand your business and most likely have helped several other companies with goals and challenges similar to your own.

• We have no sales teams that win your business then promptly relegate you to someone else.  I am here to be part of your account team, develop your strategy and direct the program effort. 

• The other members of your team also have years of experience.   The smaller PR firm business model has no room for herds of inexperienced staffers dedicated to logging as much billable time as possible on your account.

• We’re flexible.   Sure, we have procedures for reporting, invoicing and other administrative functions, but we will happily change them to meet your company’s needs.   What works best for you?

• We understand that we are in a service business.  We know that if we don’t take extremely good care of our clients, someone else will be happy to do so.

• We might not be the cheapest game in town, but we are certainly not the most expensive.  Our overhead is low and our rates are reasonable.  Our clients consistently describe us as providing exceptional value.

• We understand that results are what matter.   We have the ability and the desire to adapt and adjust in whatever way allows us to make that happen.

• We are genuinely interested in business – your business – and enthusiastic about helping you succeed.    I started this firm because this is what I enjoy doing.

These are just a few of the advantages that many companies realize working with boutique PR firms.   They hold true for the public relations needs of ambitious start-ups, major corporations and many other types of companies and organizations.  

If you are currently seeking public relations support, I am happy to talk with you about these and other advantages.   

Oh, and we are now working with the prospect I mentioned earlier.