What to do Before Starting with a PR Agency

Just hired a PR agency? Then you might be wondering where to start.

While it’s true that your PR agency will take care of much of the onboarding process, there are a few things to do or consider before your official start date.

Update your resume

Chances are your new PR agency will create a media-worthy press kit, including a well-written bio on your founder(s). But, they’ll need an updated resume in order to best write out your accomplishments and showcase all that you’ve done.

Get updated headshots

Taking updated headshots is especially a good thing to do if you are the spokesperson for the brand. IF you’re going to be doing TV segments, podcast interviews, or live Q+As on Instagram or TikTok, then you’ll need updated photos of yourself. You should ask the PR agency you’re about to sign with if they have any recommendations for local photographers. It’s very likely they do, and that would save you the trouble!

Consider media training

Unless your PR agency offers media training as a service, you might want to consider getting some media training. A formal media trainer will teach you how to present yourself, stay in control during interviews, whether for a TV segment or a print newspaper, and to express your ideas in clear, concise, and energetic ways. 

Compile your brand assets

Once the first day with your PR agency rolls around, you’re going to want to use your time wisely. That said, do your homework ahead of time and compile all of your brand assets before you start with a new PR firm. The things you should look for include current brand photos (both lifestyle and product), logos in the correct file form, a brand bible, and any previous press releases or brand write-ups. This will help inform the PR agency you’re about to start with of your brand’s look, feel, and voice.

Take a look at your calendar

If your PR agency does a good job, you will likely have busy periods where you’re sending in quotes for various articles or stories, taking interviews, preparing to go on air for a live TV segment, and the like. With that, it’s imperative that you carve out time for PR on your end as a founder or spokesperson of a brand. Think: Do you have the time to act quickly in order to support your PR team’s efforts? Consider scheduling at least one hour each week where you will work on moving PR initiatives forward from your end.

Now once you start with a PR agency, you will likely take part in a unique onboarding process. The key to success when working with an agency is how you continue to foster the relationship between you and your PR team even after you’re onboarded. Stay engaged in the process, be ready to provide additional assets, and continue innovating as a founder and forward thinker. Remember, media outlets want to write about and feature brands and people who are doing newsworthy things. Your PR agency will position you as a brand and use their existing relationships as best they can to secure meaningful press placements for you, but continue to innovate in your space so that you stay top of mind with media long after a pitch.