Introduction
In a city like Los Angeles—where perception drives power and image equals influence—public relations isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s a business imperative. But not all PR partnerships deliver results. If your current firm is underperforming, you may be losing opportunities, reputation, and ultimately, revenue.
This article outlines the top five red flags indicating it’s time to seek a better fit for your brand’s voice, vision, and goals. Whether you’re a rising startup, established enterprise, or creative professional, recognizing the warning signs early can protect your brand and position you for long-term success.
The PR Landscape in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is unlike any other market. With its blend of entertainment, tech, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial energy, brands here must compete not only on quality but also on relevance. The right PR firm doesn’t just secure press—it shapes perception, manages crises, aligns messaging with market trends, and amplifies your voice across digital and traditional platforms.
Unfortunately, many businesses stay locked into ineffective partnerships far too long. Let’s explore the key signals that suggest you’ve outgrown your current agency or that they were never the right match to begin with.
Sign 1: You’re Getting Visibility, But Not Results
It’s one thing to see your brand mentioned in the media. It’s another for those mentions to drive actual business results. If your current PR firm is more concerned with quantity than quality—chasing small-time media hits or irrelevant mentions—you may be paying for vanity metrics.
How to Fix It:
- Reevaluate your PR goals: Do you want brand awareness, lead generation, thought leadership, or crisis management?
- Ask for data-driven reporting that includes engagement, traffic, and conversion tracking—not just media clippings.
- Focus on outcome-based PR, not output-based. Every campaign should be tied to measurable business objectives.
Sign 2: Communication Is Inconsistent or One-Sided
Strong PR relationships rely on trust, transparency, and ongoing communication. If your PR team is slow to respond, evasive when asked about results, or unclear about strategy, it’s a major red flag.
Signs of Poor Communication:
- You have to chase them for updates.
- Monthly reports are vague or generic.
- They avoid difficult conversations when results fall short.
How to Fix It:
- Demand regular status meetings and transparent timelines.
- Ensure there is a dedicated account manager who understands your business intimately.
- Define KPIs up front and hold them accountable for meeting them.
If a PR firm can’t communicate clearly, how can they craft messaging for your audience?
Sign 3: They Don’t Understand the Los Angeles Market
The LA market is nuanced, with shifting cultural tides and fast-evolving industries. If your PR firm isn’t plugged into local media, industry influencers, and the broader cultural narrative, your message risks falling flat—or worse, being ignored.
Common Mistakes:
- Pitching to irrelevant media outlets.
- Failing to capitalize on local events, trends, or public conversations.
- Using outdated strategies that don’t resonate with LA audiences.
How to Fix It:
- Vet firms for local experience and market intelligence.
- Look for a team that’s embedded in the LA scene and understands what drives local engagement.
- Ask for case studies with other LA-based clients and request strategy outlines tailored to your niche.
Relevance is everything in LA. A cookie-cutter approach won’t cut it here.
Sign 4: There’s No Clear Strategy or Long-Term Plan
Tactics without strategy are a waste of time. If your PR firm is operating reactively—chasing stories without a broader brand narrative—they may be doing more harm than good.
Symptoms of a Strategy Gap:
- No quarterly or annual plan.
- Inconsistent messaging across campaigns.
- No alignment between PR efforts and your company’s business goals.
How to Fix It:
- Demand a comprehensive PR roadmap that includes campaign timelines, key messages, media targets, and measurable milestones.
- Ensure the strategy is regularly reviewed and adapted based on performance and changing business needs.
- Insist on brand alignment, making sure all messaging supports your broader marketing and communications efforts.
PR should be intentional, not improvised.
Sign 5: You’re Doing Most of the Work
One of the biggest signs you need a new PR partner? You feel like you’re doing all the heavy lifting. If your firm relies on you to initiate ideas, chase them for deliverables, or provide every bit of content, they’re not acting like a strategic partner.
Warning Signs:
- You’re writing your own press releases.
- You’re suggesting pitch angles they should be crafting.
- You’re managing media relations yourself after introductions.
How to Fix It:
- Reassess the scope of work and hold the agency to their deliverables.
- If the firm lacks proactivity or creative input, it’s time to move on.
- Find a team that anticipates your needs, pitches fresh ideas, and takes initiative to build your media presence.
You’re hiring a PR firm to reduce your workload, not increase it.
What to Look for in a Better PR Partner
If you’ve experienced one or more of the signs above, it’s time to consider a new agency. But how do you choose the right one?
Key Traits of a Strong PR Firm:
- Deep Local Knowledge: They know the Los Angeles market and have media connections that matter.
- Strategic Thinking: They provide a roadmap, not just random outreach.
- Proactive Engagement: They anticipate opportunities and pitch creative ideas.
- Measurable Results: They back up their efforts with real data and business impact.
- Reputation Management: They know how to safeguard your image, especially in a fast-moving city like LA.
When the right PR firm steps in, the difference is night and day. You’re no longer chasing relevance—you’re shaping the narrative.
Conclusion
Choosing the right public relations partner can make or break your brand in a city as competitive as Los Angeles. If your current agency is falling short in communication, creativity, local insight, or strategic execution, it may be time for a change.
Recognizing the signs early ensures your brand doesn’t stagnate or lose credibility in one of the most media-savvy cities in the world. With the right support, your story can reach the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
If you’re ready to elevate your brand’s voice and visibility, consider partnering with a trusted PR Firm in Los Angeles that understands your market, vision, and values. At Shapiro PR, we specialize in building and protecting reputations that thrive in the spotlight—and beyond.
