Finding the right PR agency is crucial to building your public presence and achieving your professional goals. For doctors and wellness experts, the agency you choose should not only align with your needs but also have the expertise to navigate the unique challenges of the healthcare and wellness industries. To help you make the best choice, here are key tips when considering prospective PR agencies to make the best choice.
- Make Sure They Have Experience Working with Doctors and Wellness Experts
Experience matters. Partner with an agency that understands the healthcare and wellness landscape, including industry trends, key issues, and the journalists who cover them. Ask the agency to share examples of their work with other medical or wellness professionals, including specific results they’ve achieved. A good agency should readily provide case studies, client success stories, or media coverage examples to demonstrate their expertise and credibility in your field.
- Learn about their Process for Generating Publicity
A well-organized and efficient PR process is essential. Ask the agency how they handle publicity efforts, from securing media opportunities to sharing coverage. Will they notify you of interview requests via email, text, phone, or a combination? Find out how they manage communication and ensure it aligns with your preferences. Also, inquire about their journalist relationships—do they have established connections with reporters who cover health, fitness, beauty, and mental health? An agency that is well-connected with your target media is key to getting your message out.
- Probe About Results
Set clear expectations about the level of activity you can anticipate. Ask how many media interview requests or opportunities you might receive weekly or monthly. A reputable agency should be able to provide realistic projections based on their work with similar clients. Having this information upfront will help ensure alignment on deliverables and outcomes.
- Ask What Will Be Required of You as the Client?
Understand how working with the agency will fit into your schedule. As a busy professional, you need clarity on what will be expected from you to maximize results. Ask how much time you’ll need to dedicate to responding to media requests and the typical turnaround times. This is also an opportunity to gauge the agency’s flexibility—are they rigid in their processes, or can they tailor their approach to meet your specific needs and goals?
- Find Out About How Often for Meetings and Reporting
Learn about the agency’s approach to communication and tracking progress. Ask how often they meet with clients and what types of reports they provide. Defining metrics for success and a reporting structure is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of your PR campaign.
- Don’t be Shy. Definitely Ask for References
Don’t hesitate to request references from previous clients. Speaking with others who have worked with the agency can offer valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses, style, and work ethic. Ask about the results the agency achieved, the duration of their partnership, and the overall experience of working with them. A brief conversation can reveal a lot about whether the agency is the right fit for you.
By asking these questions and doing your due diligence, you can confidently choose a PR agency that understands your needs, shares your vision, and has the expertise to elevate your professional brand.