Public relations or PR is often mixed up with advertising. The two are linked. They are not the same. Advertising usually uses paid promotion. PR on the hand focuses on how a company, a person or an organization is viewed by the public. PR can include media coverage, reputation management, crisis communication, social media, public affairs and other ways of communicating.

For a business having a good PR plan can make a difference. A well‑planned PR campaign can help a company explain its work, respond to a crisis or put its story in front of the audience. That is why PR agencies matter.

The USA has some of the most established PR agencies in the world. Many of these agencies work with companies in technology, health care, finance, consumer products, entertainment and other industries.

In this article we look at ten well‑known PR agencies in the USA. The list looks at each PR agency’s reputation, the services they offer, their history and how they’re present in the market. The list is not a ranking because the best PR agency depends on what a client really needs.

Overview Table

Agency	Founded	Headquarters	Main Focus
Edelman	1952	Chicago, Illinois	Corporate and brand communications
Weber Shandwick	2001	New York City	PR and strategic communications
FleishmanHillard	1946	St. Louis, Missouri	Corporate and public relations
Burson	2024	New York City	Reputation and strategic communications
Ketchum	1923	New York City	PR and communications consulting
Golin	1956	Chicago, Illinois	PR, marketing and communications
Zeno Group	1998	Chicago, Illinois	Integrated communications
FINN Partners	2011	New York City	Marketing and communications
APCO Worldwide	1984	Washington, D.C.	Public affairs and communications
Allison Worldwide	2001	New York City	PR and integrated communications

Edelman

 Image Courtesy: Edelman Official Website

Edelman is one of the famous names in the public relations field. Daniel J. Edelman created the company in Chicago in 1952 starting with a public relations firm. Over the years it became a communications company.

Its work includes communications, brand reputation, media relations, digital communication and other areas. Edelman also has businesses that focus on financial communications, research, entertainment and sports.

One reason companies consider it is because of its size and experience. The company says it has 6,000 people working in more than 60 offices. It has also won awards from PRWeek, PRovoke and Cannes Lions for its work.

The agency continues to be owned and family-run which is rare for a company of its size.

Weber Shandwick

 Image Courtesy: Weber Shandwick Official Website

Weber Shandwick has a history in public relations and communications. The agency was created when Weber Group and Shandwick International joined around the start of the 2000s and its main office is in New York City.

Its services include reputation, crisis communication, public affairs, financial communications, creative work and integrated media. This allows it to help companies that need more than traditional media relations.

The agency is part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, which combines communications and consulting businesses. Its global network also allows clients to work with teams in markets.

For companies dealing with reputation, issues or big communication campaigns its wide range of services can be helpful.

FleishmanHillard

 Image Courtesy: FleishmanHillard Official Website

FleishmanHillard started in St. Louis in 1946 created by Alfred Fleishman and Bob Hillard. It grew from a PR firm into an international agency and joined Omnicom in 1997.

Today the agency works in communications, public affairs, consumer brands, healthcare, technology and financial services. It also has data capabilities.

Its history in business communications is still a key part of its identity. At the time the agency has expanded into areas where companies need help with public issues, brand communication and reputation.

FleishmanHillard has offices in US markets and a large international network. Its long history and wide services make it a name worth considering for communication projects.

Burson

 Image Courtesy: Burson Official Website

Burson is one of the names on this list although its history goes back much further. The current Burson brand started in 2024 after WPP combined BCW and Hill & Knowlton. Its global launch happened in New York.

The agency focuses a lot on reputation, strategic communications and helping organisations speak during situations. Its work can include reputation, crisis communication, public affairs and financial communications.

The creation of this company brought together companies with histories in the PR industry. That gives the agency a mix of long experience and a new structure.

For companies dealing with reputation problems, major announcements or complex public situations Burson is one of the main names to know.

Ketchum

 Image Courtesy: Ketchum Official Website

Ketchum has been around since 1923 making it one of the names in the PR business. Over time it has changed with the industry. Expanded beyond traditional public relations into broader communications consulting.

Its services include relations, media communication, social media, public affairs, technology, healthcare, retail, travel and more. The agency also helps brands with campaigns.

Many companies choose a PR agency because they need help talking to groups at the same time. Ketchum’s wide range of services allows it to work on types of campaigns.

It is part of the Omnicom PR Group. Has a long history of working with brands and organisations in different markets.

Golin

 Image Courtesy: Golin Official Website

Golin started in Chicago, where Al Golin entered the public relations business in the 1950s. The agency was created in 1956. Later became known as Golin.

Its work now includes relations, marketing, advertising, digital communication and other services. Although PR remains at the heart of its history the agency has expanded its work to meet the changing needs of brands.

One interesting part of Golin’s history is its relationship with McDonalds. Al Golin contacted McDonalds founder Ray Kroc in the 1950s starting a relationship that became one of the known long-term client-agency relationships in PR.

Today Golin operates globally. Is part of the Interpublic Group.

Zeno Group

 Image Courtesy: Zeno Group Official Website

Zeno Group started in 1998 under the name PR21 before becoming Zeno. It was created as a PR firm. Gradually grew into a bigger communications agency. Chicago remains a place for the company.

The agency describes itself as an integrated communications firm rather than just a PR company. Its services can include brand communication, corporate reputation, digital work, content and other forms of communication.

This wider approach is helpful for businesses that want their PR, creative and digital activities to work together or be separate.

Zeno also has offices outside the USA giving it a presence. Its Chicago office works with clients across industries and remains one of its main locations.

FINN Partners

 Image Courtesy: FINN Partners Official Website

FINN Partners is younger than agencies on this list. It was created in 2011 by Peter Finn after he left Ruder Finn with the goal of building a kind of communications business. It is based in New York.

The agency works in relations, marketing, digital and social media. Its special areas include healthcare, technology, consumer brands, travel, education, arts and corporate affairs.

One thing that helped this company grow is its mix of expansion and buying other companies. The agency has added teams and specialist businesses over the years.

For clients that means they can find expertise in an industry while still having access to wider communications services. FINN has offices across the USA as well as an international network.

APCO Worldwide

 Image Courtesy: APCO Worldwide Official Website

APCO Worldwide was created in 1984 by Margery Kraus as an office in Washington, D.C. It has grown into a communications and advisory firm working across many markets. Its main office is still in Washington, D.C.

APCO is especially known for affairs, advocacy, corporate communication, stakeholder engagement and reputation work. This makes it different from agencies that mainly focus on consumer publicity.

Its clients can include companies, trade associations, governments, nonprofits and other organisations that need help with issues.

The agency says it works in more than 80 markets and has more than 1,200 employees. It is also majority women-owned, which has been part of its identity since its management buyout.

Allison Worldwide

 Image Courtesy: Allison Worldwide fficial Website

Allison Worldwide is another agency with a focus on integrated communications. Its work includes affairs, consumer brands, technology, health and wellness, content, media, influence and stakeholder engagement. The agency has offices in major US cities, including New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta and Los Angeles. It also works internationally.

Then focusing on one type of PR Allison brings together different communication services. This can be helpful for businesses that want media relations, content, digital communication and reputation work all in one place.

Its current name was used starting in 2021, when the company was created under the Allison Worldwide name. The agency’s wider service mix makes it a good choice for brands looking for an integrated communications approach.

FAQs

What does a PR agency do?

A PR agency helps a company organisation or public figure handle communication with the public. Its work can include media relations, press releases, reputation management, crisis communication, social media and public affairs. The exact services depend on the client’s goals and the agency’s focus.

Which is one of the PR agencies in the USA?

Ketchum is among the agencies in the list having started in 1923. Edelman was created in 1952 while FleishmanHillard started in 1946. Their long histories show how the PR industry has changed from media relations to broader communications services.

What is the difference between PR and advertising?

Advertising usually means paying for space or content to promote something. PR is about reputation, relationships and earned communication like media coverage and public statements. Many modern agencies work across both areas. The line between PR, marketing and communications can be less clear.

Which PR agency is based in Chicago?

Edelman and Golin are two PR agencies with Chicago origins. Edelman was started there in 1952 while Golin began in Chicago in 1956. Zeno Group also has a Chicago office making the city an important center for the US communications industry.

Is Burson a PR agency?

The Burson name is new in its form. It officially started in 2024 after WPP combined BCW and Hill & Knowlton. However both businesses had histories before the merger so the agency brings together decades of experience in communications and public relations.

What services do PR agencies offer?

Services vary from one agency to another. Common areas include media relations, crisis communication, corporate reputation, public affairs, social media, content, influencer communication and strategic advice. Larger firms often have specialist teams for industries such as healthcare, technology, finance and consumer brands.

Is a PR agency always better?

Not always. A large agency can offer services and teams in different places while a smaller firm may give more focused attention. The better choice depends on the clients budget, industry, campaign goals and the type of communication support needed.

How should a business choose a PR agency?

Start by looking at the agency’s experience in your industry and the type of work you need. Check its campaigns, services, team and locations. It’s also useful to compare proposals from an agency before making a final decision.

Conclusion

There are influencer marketing agencies in the US and every agency works in a slightly different way. Some agencies focus mostly on creator campaigns. Other agencies mix influencers with paid media, content production or general digital marketing.

The best choice for a brand depends on the audience, the budget and the campaign goal. You should look at the work of the creator network, the services and the reporting process before you pick an agency. Finding a fit is more important than just picking the biggest name.