Why a flexible, in-house PR strategy works best for mid-sized brands
For mid-sized brands, the choice between hiring a PR agency or keeping PR in-house is often seen as a balancing act: expertise versus control, efficiency versus flexibility, and cost versus reward. But what if the answer isn’t to balance but to redefine the equation altogether? A flexible, in-house PR strategy delivers better results, especially for mid-sized brands. Here’s why.
Control that drives clarity
When PR is in-house, your brand’s voice remains just that: your voice. Outsourcing to a PR agency often means handing over the reins to a team juggling multiple clients, each with competing priorities. The result? Diluted messaging, slower response times, and a disconnect from your brand’s core mission.
In contrast, an in-house team is immersed in your brand every single day. They understand the nuances of your story, products, and audience better than any external agency ever could. This clarity allows for PR that’s not only consistent but also deeply resonant. For mid-sized brands, where every piece of press can have an outsized impact, this level of control is crucial.
Cost without compromise
PR agencies often come with hefty retainers, charging thousands each month. For many brands, that’s a significant investment with no guaranteed ROI. Worse still, many agencies prioritize quick wins over long-term value, leaving you with press clippings that don’t translate into meaningful growth.
By contrast, an in-house PR strategy can be scaled to your needs and budget. Using tools like PR Dispatch, brands can access the same press opportunities as agencies without the sky-high fees. Our platform provides resources and guidance needed to pitch effectively—putting PR power back into your hands.
Take PR Dispatch member Davy J, for example. Known for their high-performance swimwear, the brand had previously worked with a PR agency but struggled with inconsistent results and a lack of transparency. When they brought PR in-house using PR Dispatch, everything changed. Leveraging their understanding of their brand and our resources, they secured features in The Times, Vogue, and The Independent—press that truly moved the needle.
Agility in action
The PR landscape moves fast. Trends change, journalists move publications, and news cycles are unpredictable. Agencies, bogged down by internal processes and layers of approval, often can’t move quickly enough to capitalize on opportunities.
In-house PR teams, however, can. When you own your PR strategy, you’re free to act—immediately. Whether it’s reacting to breaking news, jumping on a viral trend, or pitching a seasonal story, being nimble gives you a competitive edge.
Expertise made accessible
One of the biggest misconceptions about PR is that it requires an agency to succeed. This myth has been perpetuated by the PR industry itself, creating a perception that agencies hold the keys to the kingdom. But the truth? Most brands don’t need an agency.
With the right tools and guidance, brands can develop their own PR expertise. Platforms like PR Dispatch provide step-by-step support, from crafting the perfect pitch to building media lists. We empower brands to take control of their PR without feeling overwhelmed.
For Davy J, the transition to in-house PR wasn’t just a cost-saving move; it was transformative. They learned how to connect directly with journalists, build relationships, and secure coverage on their own terms. The confidence and knowledge they gained now fuel their PR efforts, ensuring sustained success.
Your PR, your way
For many brands, the idea of PR has long been shaped by what agencies want you to believe: that it’s too complex, too time-consuming, and too specialized to do yourself. But brands like Davy J prove otherwise. With the right strategy and support, in-house PR can deliver better results at a fraction of the cost—all while keeping your brand’s story firmly in your hands.
At PR Dispatch, we believe in putting PR power back where it belongs: with the brands. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to break free from agency retainers, we’re here to help you succeed. Because when it comes to telling your story, no agency could ever come close to what your team can achieve.
At PR Dispatch, we empower you to take PR in-house—streamlining your efforts, reducing costs, and giving you full control over your messaging. See how it works in our 3-minute demo here.
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