Best PR Firms in Chicago, IL
In a city known for corporate leadership and creative excellence, Chicago businesses count on PR firms to shape perception and influence key audiences. G2’s Research team has verified and ranked 20+ top-rated firms in Chicago, backed by authentic user reviews. These agencies offer services such as media outreach, crisis management, reputation management, and content creation, helping businesses in Chicago, from corporate headquarters in The Loop to creative agencies in River North and startups in Fulton Market, tell their story and drive brand engagement. Compare firms based on real customer experiences, pricing, and service offerings to make an informed decision and find the right partner to grow your presence in one of the country’s most dynamic media and business cities.
G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on client satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.
Allison+Partners is a fast-growing global communications firm, where daring creativity leads the way.
- 75% Small-Business
- 25% Mid-Market
Ogilvy Public Relations is a commnication agency that specializes in public relations and marketing for the healthcare and technology industries and public affairs.
- 47% Small-Business
- 27% Mid-Market
- 27% Enterprise
Walker Sands is an outcome-based B2B marketing agency with capabilities spanning insights, strategy, branding, creative and media, including public relations, demand generation and social. The firm’s
- Computer Software
- Information Technology and Services
- 69% Mid-Market
- 16% Enterprise
- 16% Small-Business
Hill+Knowlton Strategies is an international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients.
- 57% Small-Business
- 29% Enterprise
- 14% Mid-Market
Public relations services with a focus on both traditional & digital media.
- 67% Small-Business
- 17% Mid-Market
- 17% Enterprise
Kivvit exists to provide innovative and immersive public affairs and communications strategies to our clients. Founded as a Chicago-based public affairs firm by Eric Sedler and David Axelrod in 2002,
- 50% Small-Business
- 50% Enterprise
FleishmanHillard is a communications firm that provides services including public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content.
- 50% Small-Business
- 25% Mid-Market
- 25% Enterprise
Burson-Marsteller is a public relations and communications firm that provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, reputation
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
Ketchum is a global public relations firm that offer marketing, branding, and corporate communications services in the corporate, healthcare, food and beverage and technology industries.
- 100% Mid-Market
Motion is a Chicago-based marketing agency specializing in developing integrated brand programs for products and services. The agency is passionately committed to an ever-evolving industry, working cl
- 100% Small-Business
APCO Worldwide is an independent global public affairs and strategic communications consultancy thatprovide services including Corporate, investor and internal communication, Crisis management, Govern
Cohn & Wolfe is a communications & public relations firm that provide creativity, brand marketing and digital & social media campaigns.
- 100% Small-Business
DKC is a public relations, marketing and government affairs firm that provides provides communications services including strategic counsel and planning, media relations, digital and social media, int
Golin is a communications firm that provide a variety of communications, strategy, and marketing services to clients.
At Jacobson Rost we exist to tell true stories. All this means is that we do the hard work of discovering a brand‰Ûªs most compelling truth and we tell that story in an engaging, human way that will l
Learn More About PR Firms
Public relations (PR) firms help companies craft, control, and communicate their brand narratives across media, stakeholders, and the public. In Chicago, home to global brands, influential media outlets, and a thriving business ecosystem, demand for strategic PR is strong across sectors like finance, healthcare, real estate, and technology.
Many Chicago-based businesses turn to PR firms to gain earned media coverage, manage reputation, or navigate crisis communications. Whether it’s a River North startup announcing a funding round or a legacy brand in the Loop managing community relations, PR agencies play a critical role in connecting companies to audiences that matter.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a PR Firm in Chicago?
Hiring a public relations firm offers companies access to expertise, relationships, and execution frameworks they may not have in-house. Key advantages include:
- Media Access and Relationships: PR agencies have established connections with journalists, editors, and media outlets in Chicago and nationwide—helping businesses secure placements that build trust and visibility.
- Strategic Messaging Support: Firms help define brand voice, develop messaging pillars, and ensure consistency across communications.
- Crisis Management: In times of reputational risk, experienced PR professionals can mitigate damage, guide public response, and maintain stakeholder confidence.
- Thought Leadership Development: Agencies often help executives land speaking engagements, author bylined articles, or secure interview opportunities in tier-one outlets.
- Campaign Amplification: PR firms support product launches, rebrands, or milestones with press kits, media outreach, and influencer coordination.
- Third-Party Credibility: Earned media offers more credibility than ads—media placements are perceived as impartial validation.
Why Chicago, IL Businesses Need Industry-Specific PR Help
Chicago's economy spans diverse industries, each with distinct messaging and media considerations. Choosing a PR firm with relevant industry experience ensures campaigns land with the right tone and authority.
- Healthcare providers in the Illinois Medical District may need HIPAA-aware communications strategies and access to trade media.
- Construction and real estate firms working along the Chicago River or West Loop benefit from firms experienced in local permitting, community engagement, and investor communications.
- Consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands headquartered in the Chicagoland area often require product placement strategies tied to regional lifestyle publications or influencer engagement.
Working with PR professionals who understand your vertical’s regulatory standards, industry media, and customer expectations ensures a faster path to meaningful exposure.
Why Hiring a Chicago-Based PR Provider Makes a Difference
Chicago-based PR firms offer several unique advantages beyond industry expertise:
- Local Media Familiarity: These agencies maintain relationships with key editors and producers at local outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, WGN, and ABC 7—critical for regional coverage.
- Community Connection: Firms based in Chicago understand regional dynamics, civic initiatives, and local sentiment, making it easier to align campaigns with community interests.
- Proximity for Collaboration: For events, media training, or crisis response, working with a nearby firm allows for face-to-face engagement and faster execution.
- Regional Influence: Chicago’s central location and influence in the Midwest mean firms here often manage campaigns that span across multiple states or serve as national headquarters’ PR arms.
What PR Services Do Chicago Agencies Offer?
PR firms in Chicago typically offer both foundational communications services and specialized campaigns. Common services include:
Core PR Services
- Media Relations & Press Outreach
- Press Release Writing & Distribution
- Messaging & Brand Positioning
- Thought Leadership (Bylines, Panels, Keynotes)
- Crisis & Reputation Management
- Executive Visibility & Media Training
Advanced or Chicago-Specific Services
- Local Event Support & Community Relations
- Public Affairs & Policy Communications
- Integrated Campaigns with Digital/SEO Tie-ins
- Influencer & Blogger Outreach for Midwestern audiences
- Multicultural Communications (e.g., Hispanic, Polish, and African-American audiences)
- Stakeholder and Investor Communication Strategy
Several top-rated PR firms on G2 highlight their ability to blend traditional media outreach with digital content, analytics, and social amplification.
How to Choose the Right PR Firm in Chicago, IL
Choosing the right agency requires alignment on vision, experience, and execution style. Consider the following:
Local Knowledge
A firm familiar with Chicago’s business climate, media scene, and political landscape is better equipped to deliver timely and relevant coverage. Ask about local case studies or Chicago-based clients.
Strategic Thinking
Strong PR firms don’t just pitch stories, they develop holistic communications strategies tied to business goals. Look for firms that offer planning workshops, key message development, and long-term visibility roadmaps.
Communication and Transparency
Frequent updates, media monitoring reports, and collaborative check-ins are essential. Ask about performance tracking tools, such as media coverage reports or sentiment analysis dashboards.
Flexibility and Fit
Your PR partner should be able to pivot—from planned campaigns to reactive crisis response. Evaluate whether they can work closely with in-house marketing, legal, or HR teams. Also confirm whether work is handled internally or through freelancers.
How Much Do PR Services Cost in Chicago, IL?
PR pricing depends on firm size, campaign complexity, and deliverables. Based on market benchmarks and G2 agency listings:
- $3,000–$7,000/month for small businesses
- Covers basic media outreach, press release drafting, and occasional strategy sessions.
- $7,000–$15,000/month for mid-sized companies
- Includes monthly retainer support with executive comms, digital integration, and national media outreach.
- $15,000+/month for enterprise-level services
- Encompasses full-service PR strategy, crisis readiness, investor relations, and media training for multiple spokespeople.
Pricing estimates are based on typical Chicago market rates. Exact costs vary depending on campaign duration, service depth, and client industry.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Chicago PR Firm
To make an informed choice, ask potential agencies:
- What experience do you have with clients in Chicago or the Midwest?
- Can you share examples of coverage you’ve secured in my industry?
- How do you measure PR effectiveness beyond media impressions?
- Who will lead our account, and what’s their media or journalism background?
- How do you approach crisis management or rapid response scenarios?
- What tools or dashboards do you provide for tracking coverage and sentiment?
- Do you handle influencer relations and digital PR in-house or externally?
- How do you ensure messaging consistency across channels and audiences?
G2 Insight: G2 lists over 50 PR firms serving the Chicago area, with customer reviews highlighting strengths like responsiveness, local media access, and results-driven storytelling. Use verified reviews to compare firms by specialization, size, and service quality.