Public relations and marketing/advertising?

Question

My new company will be up and running shortly (3 to 5 weeks). We are leasing slightly smaller space than we need, cutting back on computer needs, saving saving saving where we can...in hopes that by spending that money on PR and marketing that we can start off with a bang.
Who has good recommendations for PR firms for small biz? What about marketing and advertising? I don't want to end up with too big a firm because I think I will not be considered a serious account....and I worry that a small firm might not have the expertise I need. Any thoughts???

Answer 1

I agree with other posters -- look into handling this yourself. You can always look into hiring a company if the need arises.

I listed a few handy sites & articles relating to marketing, promotion & advertising. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 301 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas: From America's Most Innovative Small Companies by Sam Decker
* Off The Wall Marketing Ideas: Jumpstart Your Sales without Busting Your Budget by Nancy Michaels, Debbi J. Karpowicz
* Guerrilla Marketing for Free: Dozens of No-Cost Tactics to Promote Your Business and Energize Your Profits by Jay Conrad Levinson
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

I wouldn't assume you need a PR firm. From a PR perspective you might be better off doing that yourself (read a book). If you need an ad agency for creative development, that's another story. There are so many small agencies out there that you might just contact a local trade association for whatever you do to find out who specializes in your business.

Answer 3

I strongly recommend you become the chief marketer for your firm; nobody will care or know more than you. You can assign tactical work to contractors, but the vision, the message, the metrics, should all be under your control.

You didn't say what kind of business you're in, if you get in touch I'll be happy to share some ideas.

Best,
Scott

Answer 4

You could always hire a freelancer and pay them on commission for new customers they develop ... it's not a great idea but...