Fatrank Podcast

Kasra Dash: If I want to hire a PR agency for more brand exposure I start by asking about contracts. I check if they want a one month, three month, six month or twelve month commitment. If they push a long contract it signals insecurity because good agencies rely on results, not lock-ins. A rolling contract lets you test the first piece of PR work and judge value before spending more.

James Dooley: You also need KPIs. ROI from PR could be mailing list subscribers, leads generated or pure brand impressions. You need tracking set up from day one. If your goal is five million views you ask the agency exactly how they plan to deliver them. You need clarity on whether they use digital PR, billboards, TV, radio or print so you know where the money goes.

Kasra Dash: A strong PR agency often pushes blended campaigns. People usually need to see a brand five times before taking action so bus stop ads, train ads and billboards can all help. But you still need a clear cost plan. If they quote forty thousand and your budget is fifteen then it will fail. A good agency tells you upfront when the budget is too small.

James Dooley: Case studies matter. You want to see previous results in your industry. If you are a fashion brand and want London billboards you ask for similar work. If they do not have that you check the closest thing they have. You check real numbers such as spend, impressions, signups and leads.

Kasra Dash: The strategy itself matters. PR covers digital PR, SEO, PPC, Facebook ads and traditional media. If they claim to do everything you risk hiring a jack of all trades who cannot execute properly. You want proof they understand your niche and the right channels for it.

James Dooley: Testimonials confirm trust. Video testimonials are better because they are harder to fake. You also want to know how long they have been operating, whether they are reputable and whether they understand the long term plan for your brand.

Kasra Dash: Communication is another key point. I want a dedicated account manager. When ideas need testing you need someone to call. Big agencies often bounce you between staff members who are on holiday or out of the loop. A steady contact keeps campaigns consistent.

James Dooley: Reporting comes next. You want transparent data. For digital PR you track impressions, clicks, enquiries, emails and calls. For offline channels it is harder but online you should have retargeting pixels and remarketing set up. Good reporting proves whether the PR is working.

Kasra Dash: Before hiring a PR agency some businesses actually need a fractional CMO instead because PR might not be the right channel. A CMO can tell you whether you should shift budget to Facebook ads, Instagram ads, SEO or a hybrid model. If you want that guidance you can hire either of us through FatRank by filling in the contact form.