CAF started this topic @ 01:02 on 27/08/2004
I'm planning on franchising out an idea based around music and dance for children. The original concept has proved itself and is doing very nicely, but ...
I can't afford advertising and was wondering whether PR was the way to go for launch of the franchises locally etc. I'm pretty sure I can do much of it myself, but wondered whether any of you guys had any experience of PR agencies.
How much are the likey to cost?
Do they even cater for small businesses or are they only interested in the big buck?
Do you really get anything tangible out of them - do you really need their expertise - it can't be rocket science!?
Any recommendations - I'm based in Kent, but I guess the PR agency doesn't need to be based locally?
I don't want to waste time and money, so any practical advice or shared experiences would be really useful.
Many thanks for any help
CAF
RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
bunny | 27/08/2004 09:42 AM
Hi
In my experience PR agencies are very expensive, but they do have the expertise in-house to get everything done. I know it isn't rocket science, but dealing with the media, writing press releases and getting coverage is a skill and this is what you pay for. Often they can also find unusual or unique angles to promote you, but it will cost.
However, there are some smaller 'one man' bands who can provide the same service at a fraction of the cost and probably get the same results. Have a look on the start-up offers forum.
I have previous work experience in PR and used to work in a press office and did lots of internal/external communication work and media planning. Although I am in the process of setting up my business (nothing to do with PR!!), I may be able to help you. At the very least, I'd be happy to have a chat with you.
Anyway hope this helps and good luck!!
RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
anthonyr | 27/08/2004 10:43 AM
Hi,
I have a little experience of doing some PR myself (self taught and not very well) and also using a PR company.
The difference was very marked.
PR companies have the experience to get in to the editors, write in the correct manner and really help you bring to fruition a well thought out campaign.
There are all manner of PR firms out there and some can charge the earth and others will offer a much more personal touch for not very much money.
One thing to bear in mind with PR is that the results aren't instant, it does take time for the word to spread, articles to be released and for the campaign to gather speed.
Having interviewed, met, spoken with and used a number of companies I would strongly recommend you have a chat with:
Sally Davis at the PR Department on 023 9266 1600. You can also visit her company website at http://www.theprdepartment.co.uk/
She won't charge you for talking and will be able to discuss some of your ideas and give you an honest indication of whether PR is the right route and what you could expect for your budget.
Good luck with your business
Anthony Ryb
www.depositit.com
Secure Online Data Backup
RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
M-add | 27/08/2004 10:58 AM
Hi, in my experience of doing PR for myself and using agencies, agencies will save money in the long run. I have wasted so much time trying to write articles, get in front of the editors etc that I would have been better off paying for it. Which is what I did.
When looking for a PR agency find one that has experience of getting publicity within your market and within the publications that you have highlighted as the ones you want to be seen in.
With PR agencies you are paying for their contacts, relationships with editors and publications as well as their creative and writing skills, as you say writing isn't rocket science but getting the stories published is what takes the time.
They can be expensive especially if you go for the big London firms which say they can get you into the national press and tv etc. If you are looking at getting into the trade press and find a smaller player you should be paying no more than 300-500 per day. Most like to work on a set retainer but they will provide certain levels of work for the amount you pay. That's where your negotiating skills come in.
I have worked with some very good ones in the manufacturing, engineering, legal and general areas. Pure PR and Megan Dunmore PR are 2 that I would recommend. If you want their contact details let me know.
Hope this helps
Phil
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RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
rachael | 27/08/2004 01:53 PM
i'd really reccomend wahida from juice pr she's excellent and will do you a deal!!
contact me for her email address
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RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
CAF | 27/08/2004 11:28 PM
To all who've responded to this thread, very many thanks. The PRs are clearly doing a good job on themselves around here! 
Rachael does juice have a website so I could browse around. If you could let me have wahida's email that would be great. I'll drop you an email.
The thing that worries me about PR still, however, is that you can't be guaranteed coverage - unlike advertising where at least you know something will appear in the paper. On the recommendations here though, I'm certainly going to consider it as an option.
For the smaller agencies or one woman bands what would one expect to pay on a day rate? £200? And is that just a fee for their services, would you have to pay extra for expenses etc?
Sorry for asking so many questions, but I guess like all of you guys, when your running your own show every penny counts!
Many thanks for all your help so far
CAF
RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
rachael | 28/08/2004 01:24 PM
her website isnt finished at the moment but heres the link http://www.juicepr.com/ please let her know i pointed you her way.
She's very reasonble with cost and will look at your budget and talk you through where to go!! 
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RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
bunny | 28/08/2004 02:57 PM
In my experience the smaller agencies and 'one person' set ups will usually talk to you about what you want and will negotiate a fee with you.
You are right advertising will guarantee coverage, but it still doesn't necessarily get you customers. I'm not quite sure what you will be doing, but is it something like 'music with mummy' or 'tumbletots'? If this is the case, you can get adverts and coverage into very local parenting mags at a fraction of the cost of other advertising and directly reach your target audience. My friend has just set up tumbletots and she has had some great coverage (much of it for free) in local papers and parenting magazines without spending too much money. She too looked into agencies, but on balance felt that they were not worth the expenditure and didn't really understand her target market.
I am setting up my own business (as mentioned in a previous thread) and know how important keeping an eye on the pennies is, so being creative is the key!
Before you make your mind up, why don't you contact someone doing something similar outside your region and ask them for advice. If you are not a competitor I am sure they will help you.
Also, it may be worth posting on other forums for advice. Not sure if I can mention any, but why not try UK Parent or baby-greenhouse - these have a section where work at home mums post. I know there's loads of expertise there and there are one or two PR people who post on there. In the past I have found lots of help and advice and the person who is building my website is doing a fantastic job for a fraction of the cost I would pay elsewhere. All of the people have been in your situation and are very supportive of new start-ups.
Hope this helps and good luck!!
RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
CAF | 29/08/2004 01:03 AM
Rachael, thank for Juice's web address, I'll certainly contact them should I choose to go down a PR agency route.
bunny - thanks for this. Some interesting ideas, some of which I'm already looking into, others I hadn't thought about. Initially I think small scale local advertising and leaflet drops might be the way forward.
Just one further thought, having looked at some of the PR links/companies who've responded to this thread. £200 for a press release issued to journalists? Sounds good value doesn't it? But then it can't be much more than a two or three hours work max - since these cheap rates don't appear to offer much by way of selling in to journalists. Presumably after a chat on the phone about what you want, the PR bashes out a couple of pages - I know press releases have to be carefully structured and worded, but for a pro it shouldn't take very long. Then they press send on the email, having selected appropriate journalists from a database. Sounds like money for old rope unless you're getting something by way of follow-up with journalists - which most of these cheaper rates don't appear to offer.
Anyway minor rant over.
CAF
RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
rachael | 29/08/2004 02:21 PM
its very strange they add commission on usually its policy to use a company that gives 10% commission!
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RE: RE: PR Agencies a waste of time?
Ian J | 29/08/2004 04:57 PM
Any small PR company that regularly outsources graphic design or any other work should be able to negotiate a better price than for one off work which would keep the cost the same anyway. Not many people would have the time or expertise to split a job into it's components and contract each part out to seperate companies just to save a few quid and I am not too sure that would be a good thing anyway as if anything goes wrong everyone blames everyone else.
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