A central London postcode can carry a certain level of kudos for PR agencies. But does the location of a PR agency make a tangible difference to what they can help clients achieve?
Media Engagement
In my experience, if you can get the right story to media (expert opinion or product news that is relevant to specific readerships) at the right time (in advance of the journalist/ newsdesk deadline and to add context to a breaking news story), the location of the person at the other end of the phone or email is irrelevant.
Flexibility
A regional agency can often offer more bang for your buck! They tend to have smaller overheads so can often offer clients more flexibility. In the current climate when budgets are being squeezed, the ability to be flexible, reactive and nimble can be a big plus.
Creating Client Connections
When keeping in touch with clients, the remote option is often more effective. Even pre-covid, virtual meetings were frequently favoured as a time efficient way to keep in touch. Let’s face it, even if you’re only down the road from a client or contact, often you’ll pick up the phone, send an email or ping over a Zoom, rather than suggest meeting in person.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have occasional in person meet ups to further build rapport and put a 3D face to a name! (Oh how we all miss the days when that could happen without a second thought!).
For me the key to a successful agency/ client relationship is less about location, location, location and more about effectively keeping lines of communication open, working collaboratively and creatively towards clearly defined KPI’s and operating with integrity and empathy to help clients achieve quality results and company goals.
