Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Public Relations Services
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Public Relations Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Operators facilitate communication between an organization and the public to promote favorable relationships and portray a desired image or message. Common buyers of public relations services include manufacturers, retailers, and healthcare providers.
This Report Includes:
- Media Outreach
- Content Creation
- Press Release Distribution
- Crisis Communication
Not in this Report:
- Investor Relations
- Marketing Services
- Coaching Services
- Advertising Services
Global Public Relations Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Public Relations Services market.
Warning Trends
United States announces additional tariffs on China
- In February 2025, the United States announced 10.0% tariffs on imports from China. The tariffs took effect on February 4, 2025.
- The tariff plan applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties and fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- In response, China announced a 15.0% tariff on products such as coal and natural gas, as well as a 10.0% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large cars. The tariff executive orders indicate retaliatory tariffs could lead to further escalation in rates.
- Providers in this market rely on inputs often sourced from China. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
United States postpones plans for sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
- Though initially set to take effect on February 4, 2025, the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico has been postponed 30 days to allow for further negotiation.
- The tariff plan initially proposed by the US applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- Providers in this market rely on input costs often sourced from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
Neutral
Labor markets tighten slightly following interest rate cuts
- In recent months, the unemployment rate has remained stable at 4.1%, a still relatively low mark, though higher than it was in prior years. This trend indicates sustained competitiveness in the overall labor market, though certain industries have experienced waning labor demand.
- The latest jobs report indicates that major industries, such as construction, retail, leisure & hospitality, and transportation & warehousing, no longer face hiring shortfalls.
- However, worker shortages persist in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, as 29.9% and 50.0% of job openings in each sector remained unfilled in August, respectively.
- In blue-collar fields, 33.9%, 70.1%, and 49.9% of job openings for information, finance, and professional service roles remained unfilled in September, though unfilled positions in these occupations can also be partially attributed to the longer average hiring times in these industries.
Global Public Relations Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1Europe | 37,125 |
| #2South America | 15,640 |
| #3China | 12,240 |
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Geography Drilldown - US, Canada & Europe
Average Cost of Public Relations Services
United States
2025 Market Pricing$25.00 to $XXX.XX
per hourCanada
Europe
Average Price
Prices in the Public Relations Services market range from $25.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Service Scope, Agency Location, Staff Experience and Contract Duration. For example, lower prices are associated with One service offered ($25.00 to $225 per hour) and Single consultant ($100 to $250 per hour), whereas higher prices are associated with Broad array of offered services ($225 to $565 per hour), Team of consultants ($250 to $565 per hour) and Event planning ($225 to $565 per hour).
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Public Relations Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Public Relations Services market, prices in the US have grown 2.6% from 2022 to 2025. and +0.5% in Europe.
United States (2022-2025)
2.6%
Compound Annual Growth RateCanada (2016-2019)
1.6%
Compound Annual Growth RateEurope (2022-2025)
0.5%
Compound Annual Growth RateWondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Public Relations Services
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Public Relations Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Delays may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Implementation
Pre-evaluation
Billed During
Support
Labor
Unforeseen
Delays
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2025, buyer power amounts to -1.0 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. It is most negatively impacted by Availability of Substitutes. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Canada
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Low, which has a positive impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Newspaper Publishers
- Commercial Real Estate Lessors
- Furniture Stores
- Wired Telecommunications Carriers
- New Car Dealers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Internet Service Providers
- Real Estate Sales & Brokers
- Office Furniture Manufacturers
- Telecommunication Networking Equipment Manufacturers
- Gasoline & Petroleum Wholesalers
Biggest Public Relations Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Public Relations Services vendors by revenue in the US are Interpublic Group Of Companies, Inc., Omnicom Group Inc. and Publicis Groupe SA. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wpp Plc | Global | London, UK | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Publicis Groupe SA | Global | Paris, FR | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Omnicom Group Inc. | Global | NEW YORK, NY | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Interpublic Group Of Companies, Inc. | Global | NEW YORK | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Inc. | Global | Bellevue, WA | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Ruder Finn Inc. | Global | New York, NY | 101-250 | < 5 | ||||
| Brunswick Group LLP | Global | Washington, US | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| APCO Worldwide LLC | Global | Washington, US | 501-1,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Edelman Public Relations Worldwide | Global | Chicago, IL | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Public Relations Services market is 14% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2024 and 2025. To understand cost forecasts for 2026 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Low barriers to entry encourage new firms to enter the market because they can form without making expensive purchases; the only equipment suppliers need to purchase is a computer. The large number of suppliers reduces the influence of larger firms, reflecting an overall low market share concentration.
Public relations service providers earn moderate profit margins due to widespread demand for public relations services. Low vendor financial risk limits the likelihood that buyers will source from a financially compromised provider, thereby minimizing the potential for service disruptions.
The supply chain risk for public relations service providers is low, with the majority of costs being allocated to overhead items such as internet access, office space leasing, office supplies, and transportation expenses.
The United States is a net importer of computers, meaning it imports more computers than it exports. While lower manufacturing costs abroad drive down prices for imported computers, relying on imports can lead to potential shortages or price increases if there are supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or global crises.
Supplier Information
MWW Group
MWW Group is a private company operating internationally in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The company's offerings include public relations services. Founded in 1986, the company is currently headquartered in New York, New York, United States of America with an estimated 190 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The company's offerings include public relations services, government relations services and investor relations services. Founded in 1952, the company is currently headquartered... Subscribe to learn more
APCO Worldwide LLC
APCO Worldwide LLC is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The company's offerings include public relations services, government relations services and investor relations services. Founded in 1984, the company is currently headquartered in Washington,... Subscribe to learn more
Brunswick Group LLP
Brunswick Group LLP is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The company's offerings include public relations services. Founded in 1987, the company is currently headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States of America with an estimated 1100... Subscribe to learn more
Ruder Finn Inc.
Ruder Finn Inc. is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. The company's offerings include public relations services and government relations services. Founded in 1948, the company is currently headquartered in New York, New York, United States of... Subscribe to learn more
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Inc.
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Inc. is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include public relations services, media training & coaching services and government relations services. Founded in 1983,... Subscribe to learn more
Interpublic Group Of Companies, Inc.
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. is a global marketing, communications, and business transformation services provider under various brands. It specializes in insights, data, media, creative and production, digital commerce, healthcare marketing, and communications. It serves digital commerce, retail... Subscribe to learn more
Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include marketing consulting services, search engine marketing services, promotional products, social media management services, social... Subscribe to learn more
Publicis Groupe SA
Publicis Groupe SA is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include marketing consulting services, search engine marketing services, direct mail advertising services, social media management services,... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Public Relations Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Resolution Time and Customer Acquisition Cost. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Qualifications and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Resolution Time | Total resolution time Time to query response | The average resolution time is primarily used to measure how responsive a vendor is. Fast resolution times suggest vendors are attentive to customer's needs and questions, and have better communication compared to vendors with high average response times. | |
| Customer Acquisition Cost | Total marketing costs Total sales costs Number of customers acquired | The customer acquisition cost represents the cost of acquiring a new customer. The customer acquisition cost can be used to determine the efficiency of the customer acquisition process. | |
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Experience Qualifications
Do you have experience working with companies or industries that are similar to mine?
Have you successfully executed comparable campaigns, strategies and tactics for past clients? Can you provide examples?
Service Performance
What are your greatest achievements as an agency?
Have you met or exceeded campaign goals for past clients? Can you provide examples?
Experience and Expertise
How well do you know the audience targeted with this campaign?
From your experience, what is the most effective way of communicating with this audience?
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Public Relations Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe their organization, including the industry in which they operate.
Buyers should state the purpose of procuring public relations services.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should describe the scope of work that they require and specify any work that will be handled by the buyer.
Buyers should specify the types of media and specific distribution platforms that they require their campaign to be disseminated over, including any target audiences they wish to reach.
Project Budget
Buyers should state their total budget for the project.
Buyers should request a detailed breakdown of prices for each service that will be conducted during a public relations campaign.
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We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
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