In the intricate landscape of public relations (PR), the choice of a PR agency can significantly impact a brand’s trajectory. Amidst the towering structures of larger organisations, a unique contender emerges – the small, specialised agency focused exclusively on the sector at hand. In our case, for HBPR, that is the automotive sector. In this blog, we delve into the profound advantages that come with partnering with a nimble, dedicated agency for your communication needs – automotive or otherwise.
Small PR agencies stand out for their tailored expertise. Unlike their larger counterparts juggling diverse industries, these agencies specialise in their sector, and it’s this specialisation that fosters an intimate understanding of the industry, allowing them to anticipate the unique challenges and trends specific to their clients. In an industry where relationships are as critical as headlines, the hallmark of small agencies further lies in personalised attention. Clients benefit from immediate access to senior-level professionals, often dealing with the agency owner directly, ensuring that their brand receives bespoke strategies aligned with their distinctive goals and challenges from the top down.
Managing a small team further allows the agency owners and managers to be flexible and responsive, allowing for quick replies to client questions and timelines. Dealing directly with senior-level team members also gives clients peace of mind that only the best work is being produced, and that the agency has their best interests at heart, without the stress of a huge cash-flow requirement. Although adaptability is paramount in any industry – a trait we see daily within the automotive community – small agencies, by nature, can be nimbler and more adept at swiftly adjusting strategies to accommodate industry shifts, emerging trends, or unforeseen crises. This flexibility ensures that your brand remains agile and responsive to the dynamic nature of the market, regardless of any external influences.
While larger agencies often come with substantial price tags, small agencies offer cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Operating with lower overhead expenses, these agencies present competitive pricing structures, making them an attractive option for brands seeking to optimise their PR budget.
We – HBPR – take it one step further, and opt for a different approach to the traditional sense of pricing within a PR agency, as we shy away from the conventional retainer approach and offer companies the opportunity to work on a project basis, should that be a better path to their PR goals. This opens up new streams of prospective clients that would otherwise be looked over by larger agencies, broadening the scope of potential opportunities and expanding the reach of our business. We’ve also found, at HBPR, that this ensures our work is always to the best of our abilities as we rely on clients being happy with what we provide for them to keep returning to us for our services.
Beyond being service providers, small agencies who specialise in their specific sectors are, generally speaking, enthusiasts who share a profound passion for their chosen industry. For us, it’s cars and the continually evolving automotive landscape, and it’s this shared enthusiasm that infuses authenticity into campaigns, establishing a robust emotional connection between the brand and its audience.
Beyond the larger, generic landscapes of their chosen industries, many small PR agencies have deep-rooted connections within their local communities. They recognise the value of grassroots, appreciate the profound connections they foster within them, and understand that local knowledge provides valuable insights that can be harnessed for strategic advantage. In the automotive industry, where regional markets often have unique characteristics, a PR partner with local insights can unlock doors and uncover opportunities that larger agencies might overlook, for example.
In the dynamic realm of automotive PR, the allure of smaller agencies lies in their unique ability to offer tailored expertise, personalised attention, and a nimble approach. As brands navigate the twists and turns of communication, the path less travelled with a small PR agency emerges as a promising route – a journey where your brand is not just a client but a fellow traveller towards success. If our content has resonated with you, and you’d like to have a conversation about the automotive landscape, anything related to PR or a small agency perspective on the industry, do get in touch at hannah@hannahburgesspr.com. Our door is always open.