A Public Relations (PR) Services Agreement lays out the responsibilities of the public relations contractor and the person or organization hiring them. It covers the scope and timeline of the work for the contractor and the payment that the hiring group owes for this work.
For a public relations contractor, assignments include several tasks to improve the person or company’s public image. They may be paid by job or hourly and perform work like press releases, speaking engagements, community outreach, etc.
Why Use
- Hold a PR consultant accountable for planned work in a specific timeline.
- Clarify what needs to be done since a PR consultant’s work is often varied.
- Limit legal issues when it comes to payment and taxation.
- If you are a PR consultant, prove your work and income as a contractor.
What Is a Public Relations Consultant?
A public relations consultant can help you or your company receive positive press online, in person, and through news outlets. A PR consultant’s priority is to get the word out about the positive things happening at your company through press releases or interviews. They also create opportunities for connecting with other organizations and businesses, charitable organizations, community groups, and more.
Services Provided
A PR consultant’s exact assignments will depend on how your company is organized and the gaps you need to fill. They may include:
- Writing and distributing press releases
- Creating and maintaining relationships with local journalists and news outlets
- Scheduling and speaking at interviews or press conferences
- Planning and executing public events and community outreach
Salary and Hourly Rate
Independent public relations consultants’ regular salary and hourly rate depend heavily on location, years of experience, and the scope of work. According to national research from Payscale, the pay for PR consultants in 2023:
- Averages at $47.50 per hour, with total pay middling at $105.5k
- At the lowest end is $20.21 per hour or $41k total
- At the highest end is $127.05 per hour or $252k total
PR Versus Marketing and Advertising
PR consultants perform tasks separate from marketing and advertising professionals but often share similar goals. Both intend to show your company in a positive light publicly.
Marketers and advertisers focus more on bringing in new potential customers and re-engaging past customers to convert directly into sales. Public relations consultants, on the other hand, center their work on making your leadership and company look good in your community and beyond.
Marketers and advertisers will create physical and digital materials like
- Blogs and web pages that bring new visitors onto your site
- Email campaigns with clear action items for viewers
- Regular social media posts
- Paid advertisements on websites, social media, and print media
- Printed marketing collateral like mailers, pamphlets, flyers, and brochures
Public relations professionals often create news items like press releases, participate in interviews, and plan events.
Sample Public Relations (PR) Services Agreement
Download our PR services agreement template in PDF or Word format:
