Looking for the top PR firms in North Carolina to elevate your brand’s visibility? The state’s thriving PR landscape features agencies that excel in media relations, crisis management, digital strategy, and storytelling.
Whether you’re a startup scaling quickly, an established corporation, or a mission-driven nonprofit, partnering with the right PR agency in NC can transform your outreach—driving engagement, building reputation, and securing high-impact media placements.
Below we'll highlight the leading public relations firms in North Carolina, assessing their expertise, industry recognition, and proven results.
PR Firms and Agencies in North Carolina
1. French/West/Vaughan (FWV)
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1997
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Public relations, advertising, digital media
Industries Served: Consumer brands, lifestyle, sports, entertainment, and more
French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is a nationally recognized public relations, advertising, and digital media agency headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 1997, FWV has grown to become one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the country, offering a comprehensive range of services to a diverse clientele. The agency specializes in consumer brands, lifestyle, sports, and entertainment sectors, providing strategic communications that enhance brand visibility and engagement.
2. E&V Strategic Communications
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 2008
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Crisis communications, media relations, branding
Industries Served: Various
E&V Strategic Communications is a full-service strategic communications agency located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since its inception in 2008, the firm has been dedicated to helping clients navigate complex communication challenges through services such as public relations, public affairs, and marketing. E&V Strategic Communications specializes in crisis communications, media relations, and branding, serving industries like energy, education, and government.
3. RLF Communications
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Year Founded: 2007
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Corporate communications, media relations, content creation, marketing and branding
Industries Served: Financial services, education, non-profits, and more
RLF Communications is a full-service strategic PR and marketing firm headquartered in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Raleigh and Phoenix. Since 1994, they’ve delivered integrated communications solutions—including media relations, crisis management, digital marketing, and branding—for industries like healthcare, higher education, finance, and nonprofits. Known for data-driven campaigns, RLF has worked with clients such as Wake Forest Baptist Health and Truist. Their expertise blends creativity with measurable results, making them a top choice for regional and national brands.
4. Largemouth Communications
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Year Founded: 2005
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Media relations, crisis communications, and content strategy
Industries Served: Technology, healthcare, B2B, and more
Largemouth Communications is a Durham-based strategic PR and digital marketing agency specializing in tech, healthcare, and B2B sectors. Known for its creative storytelling and measurable campaigns, Largemouth offers media relations, crisis communications, and content strategy. The firm has partnered with brands like Lenovo, Bandwidth, and the North Carolina Technology Association. Recognized for its nimble, results-driven approach, Largemouth helps innovative companies amplify their voice from Research Triangle to global markets.
5. G&S Business Communications
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1971
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Corporate communications, crisis management, and digital strategy
Industries Served: B2B, manufacturing, technology, and professional services
G&S Business Communications is a Raleigh-based PR and marketing firm with a global reach, specializing in B2B, manufacturing, technology, and professional services. Recognized for data-driven campaigns, G&S has worked with multinational brands like BASF, John Deere, and DuPont (per public case studies). Services include corporate communications, crisis management, and digital strategy. The agency is known for its research-backed approach, helping complex industries build trust and visibility.
6. The Brandon Agency
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1959
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Brand strategy, digital marketing, public relations, and creative development
Industries Served: Retail, finance, healthcare, and outdoor lifestyle
The Brandon Agency, founded in 1959, is a fully integrated marketing firm headquartered in Charleston, SC, with offices in Charlotte, NC, and beyond. Specializing in brand strategy, digital marketing, public relations, and creative development, they serve industries like retail, finance, healthcare, and outdoor lifestyle. Clients include Wastequip and Fish Hippie. The agency leverages data-driven insights to craft strategic campaigns that drive measurable business growth.
7. Clairemont Communications
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 2010
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Communications strategy, public relations, marketing communications, message development, media relations, social media, event planning, media training
Industries Served: Various industries
Clairemont Communications was a full-service public relations agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 2010, the agency took a tactics-agnostic approach to devising PR and marketing strategies using both traditional communications and social media. Clairemont specialized in communications strategy, public relations, marketing communications, message development, media relations, social media, event planning, and media training. In December 2023, Clairemont Communications was acquired by RLF Communications, and its founder and CEO, Dana Phelps, became chair of RLF.
8. Fish 919 (919 Marketing)
Location: Holly Springs, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1996
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Public relations, social media, digital marketing, video production
Industries Served: Healthcare, fast food, fashion, and various other sectors
Fish 919 (919 Marketing) is a national content marketing agency based in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Established in 1996, the agency specializes in building brand awareness and accelerating sales growth through data-driven strategies. Their services include public relations, social media, digital marketing, and video production, catering to a diverse range of industries. Known for their responsive and creative approach, Fish 919 has a proven track record of delivering measurable results for both emerging and established brands.
9. Yellow Duck Marketing
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Year Founded: 2011
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Branding, graphic design, web design, social media management, public relations
Industries Served: Real estate, nonprofits, municipal, hospitality, legal
Yellow Duck Marketing is a full-service marketing agency located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 2011, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including branding, graphic design, web design, social media management, public relations, and community outreach. They specialize in real estate and nonprofit sectors, providing strategic marketing solutions that drive engagement and growth. Yellow Duck Marketing is recognized for its creative excellence and has received multiple awards for its work in graphic and web design.
10. S&A Communications
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1982
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Public relations, marketing, creative design, social media management
Industries Served: Healthcare, technology, real estate
S&A Communications, based in Cary, North Carolina, is a full-service PR and marketing agency specializing in public relations, branding, digital marketing, and event planning. With a strategic and creative approach, they help businesses build strong reputations through media relations, content creation, and social media management. Their expertise spans industries like healthcare, technology, and real estate. Known for their client-focused solutions, S&A Communications delivers impactful campaigns that drive engagement and brand visibility across multiple platforms.
11. Ketchum
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1923
No. of Employees: 1001-5000
Specialties: Corporate communications, media relations, digital strategy, crisis management
Industries Served: Various
Ketchum is a global public relations firm with a presence in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 1923, Ketchum offers a comprehensive range of services, including corporate communications, media relations, digital strategy, and crisis management. The firm serves a diverse array of industries, providing innovative and strategic solutions to enhance brand reputation and engagement. Ketchum's team of professionals is committed to delivering impactful results for clients worldwide.
12. McKeeman Communications
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1995
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Reputation management, crisis communications, marketing
Industries Served: Food and beverage
McKeeman Communications is an independent PR agency with offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. Specializing in reputation management, crisis communications, and marketing, the firm helps brands navigate challenges and build lasting relationships. Their team focuses on delivering tailored communication strategies that enhance visibility and engagement. McKeeman Communications primarily serves food and beverage brands, offering creative solutions that drive business growth.
13. FleishmanHillard
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1946
No. of Employees: 1001-5000
Specialties: Public relations, brand strategy, digital marketing, reputation management, thought leadership, social media
Industries Served: Various
FleishmanHillard is a globally recognized PR agency with a Raleigh office that focuses on integrated communications and brand strategy. The firm specializes in public relations, digital marketing, and reputation management, working with clients in technology, healthcare, food, and consumer industries. With a strong storytelling approach, FleishmanHillard helps brands shape narratives that engage audiences and build trust. Their data-driven solutions ensure measurable impact across various media platforms.
14. luquire
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1984
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Advertising, marketing, public relations, social media
Industries Served: Various industries
luquire is a full-service marketing agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering integrated public relations, advertising, and marketing solutions. Known for its creative campaigns, the firm works across digital, social media, print, and other platforms to help clients achieve their business goals. With a focus on strategic communication and innovative branding, luquire delivers tailored solutions to clients across industries, driving awareness, engagement, and long-term success.
15. Wray Ward
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Year Founded: 1977
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Branding, digital strategy and content creation
Industries Served: Home, lifestyle, luxury
Wray Ward is a Charlotte-based full-service creative agency specializing in the home, luxury, and lifestyle sectors, with expertise in interior design, architecture and building products. Per their website, the agency offers integrated marketing services including branding, digital strategy and content creation for clients like onos, GE Lighting, Echota, VELUX, and TOTO. In 2022, Chief Creative Officer John Roberts received the Charlotte American Advertising Federation's Silver Medal.
How Did We Pick These PR Firms?
When compiling our list of top PR firms in North Carolina, we focused on several key criteria to ensure we highlighted the most reputable and effective agencies.
Industry Reputation
We began by considering the reputation of each firm within the industry. This included looking at their track record of successful campaigns, client testimonials, and industry recognition. Agencies that have garnered awards or recognition from professional organizations were prioritized.
Range of Services
The diversity of services offered by the PR firms also played a crucial role in the selection process. Firms that offer a comprehensive suite of services, such as digital marketing, media relations, content creation, and crisis communication, were given preference. A well-rounded service offering is vital for meeting the varying needs of businesses in different industries.
Client Portfolio
We assessed the client portfolios of each PR firm to ensure they have experience working with a wide array of industries. This diversity indicates that the firm can adapt its strategies to fit various business models, ensuring that they can handle different marketing challenges effectively.
Expertise and Experience
The level of experience within the firm, particularly the expertise of their leadership and team members, was also a key factor. Firms with seasoned professionals and proven experience in specific PR niches were prioritized, as this demonstrates their ability to handle complex communication needs.
How to Choose the Right PR Firm for Your Business
Choosing the right PR firm is a critical decision for any business looking to enhance its public image and grow its brand. Here's how you can make the best choice:
Define Your Goals
Before beginning your search, it’s essential to clearly define your business objectives. Are you looking to enhance your reputation, manage a crisis, improve media relations, or expand your digital presence? Knowing your goals will help you identify a PR firm that specializes in the areas most relevant to your needs.
Consider Their Expertise
Look for firms that have proven experience in your industry or niche. They should understand the specific challenges and opportunities your business faces. A firm with relevant expertise will be better equipped to craft targeted strategies that resonate with your audience and drive measurable results.
Review Their Approach to Strategy
Each PR firm has its own approach to developing communication strategies. It’s important to choose a firm whose strategy aligns with your company’s vision and goals. Ask about their process for creating campaigns, how they measure success, and their approach to handling media relations and public perception.
Assess Communication and Compatibility
Strong communication is crucial for a successful partnership. Choose a firm that listens to your needs and communicates openly about their strategies, results, and timelines. Ensure that the agency’s values and working style align with your company’s culture for a smooth collaboration.
Check Client References and Testimonials
Finally, always ask for client references and read testimonials. Speaking with current or past clients will give you insight into how the firm performs, its work ethic, and the results they deliver.
