If you’re a tech startup looking for a tech PR firm in Austin, you’ve got a lot of company. The Lone Star capital is teeming with tech firms, from scrappy startups to corporate behemoths, on the lookout for an edge in public relations.
As a result, there are a number of agencies in Austin that specialize in working with tech clients and the tech press. Here are a few tips to connect with one that aligns with your budget and your goals.
The right Google search terms
This is pretty straightforward: start by looking on Google. Search for terms such as, “Tech PR firm in Austin,” “Austin Tech PR Agency” and “Top tech PR firm in Austin.” At the very least, this will give you a glimpse of several tech PR firms in Austin that have clients such as yourself in mind.
Something to keep in mind when relying on Google search to find a PR firm is the legitimacy of a company. Many companies are skilled at using keywords to strategically place themselves at the top of a search, say for ‘Top PR Agency in Austin.’ But they don’t always have the portfolio and strong tech PR skills to back it up. Conduct your own research to make sure you are dealing with a reputable PR firm with a solid track record and strong ties to Austin’s tech community.
One way to do this is to thoroughly review the Austin PR firm’s website. Start by looking at what kind of startups they have supported in the past. Are they true startups with Austin roots or ties to other reputable startup hubs? Did their startup customers go through rounds of capital fundraises and product launches? Also, find out if the PR firm has relevant case studies to your industry or at least ones with reputable startups in adjacent industries. Finally, take a look at their blog. How often do they post articles? How insightful are the articles to the needs of your particular startup? Do they have fresh ideas, creative insights and helpful tips for how you should approach PR at your startup?
Answers to these questions will help you separate the pretenders from the real players in the Austin PR scene.
A Clutch play
Clutch is a much more informative version of Yelp or faux business review sites like Expertise that say they do thorough vetting of all PR firms in a community. Clutch, on the other hand, allows clients to fill out a detailed survey describing their experience with a firm. Through Clutch you can find a list of PR firms in any city, along with the scores and reviews they’ve received from past customers. The reviews we’ve gotten from our customers earned Swyft a spot on a list of top PR agencies in Texas!
Hit up your network
If you talk to enough Austin colleagues working in marketing and communications, you’ll get plenty of advice about which PR firms are worth looking into and which ones you should steer clear of. It’s important to remember, however, that not every company seeks the same thing from a PR firm. Some may just want reliable assistance driving more inbound leads, while others are looking for an overhaul of their brand image. What is it that you’re looking for? Make sure that that question guides you on your hunt for the perfect tech PR firm in Austin.
Look to the board
If your investors or board members have prior experience with tech companies, they may have a useful opinion or two about finding a top tech PR firm in Austin. Through other companies they’ve been involved with, they’ve likely seen PR that has worked and PR that hasn’t worked. They may even know some PR firms with deep experience pitching news media in industries like healthcare tech, SaaS or cloud security.
Local tech news
Hopefully you’re already following local business and tech news via the Austin American-Statesman, BuiltinAustin, Silicon Hills News and the Austin Business Journal. As you follow the news, keep in mind that many of the positive articles you see about a company are the result of a PR campaign. If you notice any companies that appear particularly successful at promoting themselves through the press, it won’t be hard to figure out which Austin tech PR firm is representing them. Track down one of their press releases and see who is listed as the PR contact. If that doesn’t work, ask around … you’ll find out eventually.