WHAT MAKES ZAPWATER ONE OF THE BEST CHICAGO PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCIES
Picture it: You have an innovative, focused consumer brand that is ready to take North America by storm. But if no one knows about it, you could be setting yourself up for failure. That’s where a Chicago public relations agency can help. The right Chicago PR firm will effectively communicate your brand’s message to help you reach new audiences while solidifying the connection to your existing customers. In short: they can help you establish the largest consumer base possible for your product and increase awareness about your brand.
Best Chicago Public Relations Agencies Criteria
When looking for the right public relations firms in Chicago, there are a few things to consider throughout your search. Keep in mind, public relations services are an investment. Moreover, to do it correctly, you also need to commit to a long-term strategy.
Do they know your industry?
There’s no point in hiring a Chicago public relations agency that specializes in tech if you run a boutique hotel. Make sure a PR firm understands the ins and outs of your specific industry — as well as the local, regional and national media landscape as a whole.
Do their values align with your own brand values?
If you’ve created your own brand, you know what you stand for and what’s important to you. Make sure your Chicago PR agency is similarly aligned. With this value alignment in place, you’ll be confident the PR firm understands your mission, your story and your goals. (Bonus: it will also help streamline communication if you’re instantly on the same page.)
Are they innovative?
Anyone can buy a Facebook ad or send a media pitch. Your Chicago public relations firm should think outside the box and create an integrated, multi-layered PR approach that is expertly tailored to your brand’s story and your company’s goals. This will help your company reach the largest consumer audience possible. Creativity must be at the core of your plan.
How do they measure success?
Whether it’s through sales, website referral traffic, affiliate sales, or other metrics, consider how your Chicago communication agency measures your brand’s success — as well as their own. Make sure you’re on board with the way they evaluate the outcomes of their work, and ensure it aligns with your own professional goals and desired growth. Zapwater specifically employs both a quantitative and qualitative approach to campaign measurement to ensure we’re exceeding your brand goals.
Do they have a proven track record of success?
Look at a Chicago PR agency’s roster of past and current clients. If you’re familiar with the brands, impressed by the campaigns, and reading positive testimonials and reviews, that could signal a potential PR match. Even if an agency doesn’t have the exact experience in your industry, remember that the best Chicago public relations agencies show their worth through their strategies, implementation and measurement. Additionally, take note of industry awards. It’s one way to help determine which Chicago PR firms think creatively, are respected in their field, garner attention and — most importantly — impact the bottom line.
When possible, see if a Chicago PR agency posts any case studies on their website. This quick breakdown is packed with information, giving you an inside look at the client’s wants and needs, the agency’s ideation process, the campaign execution, and its effectiveness.
Chicago Public Relations Agencies
At Zapwater Communications, we not only know the best boutique PR agency in Chicago — we have the experience and background to prove it. Working in five different divisions — consumer, travel, fashion/beauty/lifestyle, real estate/design, and hospitality— Zapwater takes a creative, productive, collaborative and metrics-focused approach to our clients. With more than 250 awards to date and hundreds of satisfied clients past and present, we’re one of the top public relations firms in Chicago.
Public Relations Awards
Awards for Zapwater’s client campaigns include:
31 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Chicago Awards - Honoring the best public relations firms in Chicago
20 Bulldog Media Relations Awards - Chosen by reporters from the New York Times, CNN, the Wall Street Journal and other outlets
27 PRovoke Media Sabre Awards - Honoring PR firms across North America
7 PRSA Los Angeles Prism Awards - Acknowledging the best work created in and for the LA area
63 Publicity Club of Chicago Golden Trumpet Awards - The most prestigious award in the Midwest
39 HSMAI Adrian Awards - Honoring in sales and marketing for the travel and hospitality industries
Perhaps the biggest honor Zapwater has received is being named Best Agency to Work For by PRovoke Media (formerly The Holmes Report). We create a space where our team can professionally grow, give back to the community, and care for themselves and their families. This all contributes to a workplace where ideas can freely flow, creating the best and most innovative campaigns for our clients.
Media Relations Skills
Whether you’re a hotel, a consumer brand, a global lifestyle brand, a real estate development, a beauty product line or any brand in between, we personalize strategies for our clients and media pitching. With a holistic, integrated plan, our team of experts can curate a local, regional, national, or international approach for you — or seamlessly combine all four markets to give clients the largest consumer reach. Our Chicago communications agency is also nimble and adaptable, reacting to ever-changing trends in the market and pivoting in the way that’s necessary for your brand.
PR Agency Activities
Zapwater’s services include media relations — think print, online, broadcast and podcasts — as well as crafting and sending media materials, planning and executing virtual and in-person events, strategic partnerships, influencer opportunities, social media, and much more. We expertly tailor your brand messaging to the wide range of outlets, achieving results through the earned, owned and paid channels that are best suited to your company.
Media Training
The right Chicago PR firm would never send you out into the world to promote your brand without some support. Zapwater offers our clients media training, ensuring you and your entire team are well-prepared for print or online media interviews, podcasts, TV broadcast segments, and any other PR opportunities.
Crisis Communications
Even if you’re doing everything right, a public relations disaster could still strike. That’s when the top public relations firm in Chicago will be an essential asset. Zapwater excels in crisis communications, expertly deescalating any public relations crisis situation and using a variety of paths to change the message and put your brand back on track.
With the right Chicago PR firm, your brand could go from a small, innovative product or company to one that grabs the attention of the city — or the world.
Best Chicago PR Firms
Interested in learning more about our services? Please email us for more information and to schedule an initial call to learn more. We look forward to connecting with you!