You’re pouring your heart into growing your business, but picking between a PR agency and a marketing agency feels like a coin toss in the dark. A PR agency is all about how people see you — your customers, the media, maybe investors.

A marketing agency? They’re laser-focused on making sales happen — think ads, emails, or social media campaigns that get people to click “buy.” The tricky part? They overlap sometimes, and that can leave you second-guessing.

Why does this matter? Pick the wrong one, and you’re throwing money at a problem it won’t solve. It’s like buying a wrench when you need a hammer. Want honest reviews on PR agencies like Hill+Knowlton Strategies, W2O Group, or Golin PR Agency?

Check out the PR agency review website, it’s a go-to for small businesses and startups seeking genuine feedback on the best partners to work with. Let’s break it down so you can make the right call.

What a PR Agency Brings to the Table

PR agencies are your hype squad. They shape your reputation, land you media coverage, and help you out of sticky situations. Here’s what they do:

• Pitch media like pros: They’ve got connections with journalists and can get your story in places like Forbes or local blogs. Hill+Knowlton Strategies might pitch your eco-friendly startup to a green living magazine.
• Tell your story: They make your brand feel human. Imagine your bakery getting featured for donating to a local charity.
• Handle crises: If your business gets dragged online — say, a bad review blows up — Golin PR Agency can craft a response that doesn’t sound like you’re dodging blame.
• Open doors: They’ve got contacts with influencers, editors, or industry folks you’d never reach on your own.

A friend of mine hired a PR agency for her tiny coffee shop. They got her a spot on a morning show, and the place was packed for weeks. But it took forever — three months — and the segment barely mentioned her signature lattes. She was thrilled but frustrated. That’s PR: awesome for exposure, but it’s slow, and you don’t always get the exact story you want.

When to hire a PR agency:

• You’re launching something new and need buzz.
• You’re in a crisis, like a social media pile-on.
• You want long-term trust, not just quick cash.

What a Marketing Agency Does

Marketing agencies are about results — clicks, sign-ups, sales. They use data to find your audience and tweak campaigns to get the most out of every dollar. Here’s their deal:

• Run targeted ads: They create campaigns on Google, Instagram, or TikTok. W2O Group might target fitness buffs for your protein shake brand.
• Fix your online presence: They optimize your website or social media to drive traffic. Got a checkout page that’s losing customers? They’ll catch it.
• Track everything: They measure clicks, sales, and ROI, pivoting if something’s not working.

I know a guy who hired a marketing agency for his online T-shirt shop. They revamped his Instagram ads, and sales jumped 50% in two months. But he admitted he blew $1,200 on a campaign that tanked because it was too vague. Marketing’s fast, but you’ve got to know what you’re aiming for.

When to hire a marketing agency:

• You need sales or leads ASAP.
• You’ve got some brand recognition but no conversions.
• You’re pushing a time-sensitive deal, like a holiday sale.

Where They Cross Paths

Here’s where it gets messy: PR agencies and marketing agencies both dip into social media or influencer work. Golin PR Agency might run a Twitter campaign to make your brand look legit, while a marketing agency uses the same platform to drive traffic to your store. PR’s about trust; marketing’s about action.

This overlap can trip you up. Do you need people to know your name or to buy your product? If you’re starting from scratch, PR might come first. If you’ve got fans but no sales, marketing’s your move.

Questions to Chew On

Before you sign anything, ask yourself:

• What’s your biggest hurdle? If no one’s heard of you, PR’s the play. If people know you but aren’t buying, go marketing.
• What’s your budget? PR agencies like Hill+Knowlton Strategies can run $5,000-$15,000 a month. Marketing agencies? $3,000-$10,000. Can you swing it, or do you need to start small?
• How fast do you need results? Marketing can deliver in weeks; PR might take months.
• Can you deal with less control? PR means trusting journalists to tell your story. Marketing gives you more say, but you need to steer the ship.

Can You Pull Off Both?

Big brands like Nike nail this. A PR agency builds hype with media coverage, while a marketing agency runs ads to cash in. If you’ve got the budget, it’s a winning combo. But for small businesses or startups, that’s often a pipe dream. You’ll likely need to pick one.

Not sure which PR agency to trust? PRovoke Media has real reviews on firms like W2O Group or Hill+Knowlton Strategies — perfect for startups or small businesses looking for a good fit.

How to Pick the Right One

Choosing an agency feels like a leap, but here’s how to keep your feet on the ground: