Question #12: Best Social Media PR Companies

Margaret asked:

Who are the PR companies that are the best for social media?

I'll throw this out to the community to answer.  Honestly, I haven't worked with a company that has it completely dialed in yet.  I saw a presentation at Software 2008 by Eastwick Communications in California.   They had some interesting things to say about what they're doing for clients in social media.

Comments

[Paul Roetzer]

This is a good question. Unfortunately there are a number of PR firms that have jumped into social media consulting and services without really educating and training their own employees. So, as with SEO and Website development, it's very important to ask the right questions when considering a firm. The most important criteria is that they are actively engaged in social media themselves . . . and doing it well. Specifically evaluate their blog, how active they are in social networking, their comprehension of SEO and what they are doing as an agency to advance their social media knowledge and capabilities. No specific agencies to reference, but I hope that helps.

[Steve Gershik]

Thanks, Paul.

I'd also be careful about being the first client of a traditional PR agency's Web 2.0 practice. If they're doing work for other marketers, ask for references, call the clients, and ask them specifically how they know they are being well served by the agency.