Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#1

Post by charleyrock » Wed, Jan 20, 2010, 6:51 PM UTC

Startup based in NYC. Is hiring a PR firm to get the word out a good investment? Any ideas about what/how they charge?

Re: Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#2

Post by dnsworks » Wed, Jan 20, 2010, 10:09 PM UTC

Maybe if you've already burned bridges and ruined your brand.

Re: Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#3

Post by Travis » Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 1:35 AM UTC

No, I wouldn't recommend this. It'll cost you anywhere from a few thousand to 10k+ per month. There are much better ways for you to "get the word out".

Re: Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#4

Post by rmason » Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 3:51 AM UTC

Noticed that Mint hired a PR person very, very early and it worked out pretty well for them.

It also depends on the type of business that you're building.

Re: Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#5

Post by krav » Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 5:35 AM UTC

PR agencies are what corporate managers hire to justify their marketing budgets. You're a startup. Be scrappy. Be creative. Think outside the box. You'll come up with ideas and ways to market far far more effective for your market than most PR agencies.

Re: Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#6

Post by medianama » Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 8:00 AM UTC

No. You can do a much better job yourself

Re: Ask HN: Is hiring a PR company a good investment for a startup?

#7

Post by charleyrock » Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 2:07 PM UTC

Thanks for the input...very much.