We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.
best-pr-agencies-calgary-banner

The 5 Best PR Agencies in Calgary to Handle Your Marketing Crisis

Results: We believe that a strong portfolio is one of the best ways to separate an excellent PR agency from the average ones. So we looked for agencies that have provided real results to their clients, as shown in their case studies and testimonials.

Industry Expertise: PR is a highly technical job that requires deep industry expertise and connections. This is why we shortlisted only those agencies with a proven track record of successful campaigns and strategies.

Value for Money: Costs may vary for different PR agencies depending on the scope of the campaign, the types of tasks, and the size of the business. We chose agencies that offer the most reasonable rates to clients.

When you started your business, you were so convinced that you could do it all on your own. How hard is it to promote a business anyway? Just throw in a few posts, host an event, and hope for the best.

But now that you’re in the thick of it, you realise that working with a PR agency in Calgary is actually non-negotiable. However, finding the right fit is proving to be a tedious task.

But don’t worry, because we’re taking the guesswork out of choosing the best PR agency for you by rounding up the best options that we can find around Calgary.

How much can you expect to pay for the services of a PR agency in Calgary?

The average monthly retainer for a PR agency in Calgary ranges between $2,000 and $10,000 CAD. You can also expect to pay an additional $100 CAD per hour for special tasks.

1. CIPR Communications

cipr-communications-logo

Address: 8339 33 Ave NW

Contact Details: +1 855 702 1357

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Closed on Sunday

Website

CIPR Communications came up a lot when we did our research about the best PR agency in Calgary, and for good reason.

For starters, this PR agency has been around for 15 years, one of the longest in Calgary, so you can expect them to have extensive experience when it comes to building brands and promoting businesses around the country.

We also love the fact that this agency was built and run by the husband-and-wife duo of Peter and Christina. They brought their corporate backgrounds to help clients deal with their PR nightmares.

But what really stands out the most from this PR agency is that clients have always loved how they value relationships. In fact, one client called them “the real deal” for not only delivering on their campaigns but also maintaining excellent communication. 

While CIPR Communications charges more for its services, clients shared that the experience does feel more premium, which makes their rates worthwhile.

Pros

  • Excellent communication
  • Results-driven approach
  • Technical expertise

Cons

  • Higher rates

I can say with 100% confidence that they are the real deal.

“Having worked with Christina and the team at CIPR across multiple campaigns, I can say with 100% confidence that they are the real deal.If you’re looking to work with an agency that demonstrates masterful communication, follow-up, client focus, and is outcome driven, this is the agency! We’ll continue working with CIPR long into the future!”

– Devin Halliday, Google Review

I have only great things to say about CIPR Communications

“I have only great things to say about CIPR Communications. I worked closely with Courtenay and Christina on my latest project, and I could not believe how beautifully my vision was translated into a finished project. This team is professional, efficient, and incredibly creative. I highly recommend them!”

– Alexe Bernier, Google Review

2. Parker PR

parker-pr-logo

Address: 1122a Kensington Rd NW

Contact Details: +1 403 919 9452

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Website

We love a good niche PR agency in Calgary, and Parker PR is touted the best for lifestyle brands, oil and gas and tech companies and even non-profit organisations.

In fact, they’re so good at what they do that they’ve been trusted by many businesses in Calgary since 2015. Their owner Ellen Parker was also part of the Calgary Top 40 Under 40 since she’s one of the pioneers of PR agencies in the city.

Parker PR focuses on building communities through social media campaigns, media relations and different events. They’re known for generating a huge “buzz” for their events, campaigns and launches, attracting a huge turnout every time.

But more than their expertise, the clients we talked to value how genuinely the PR team cares for their business. 

This is why it’s no surprise that there’s a long waiting time if you want to work with Parker PR since their clients love to stick with them.

Pros

  • Niche PR agency
  • Experts in events and campaigns
  • Results-driven strategies

Cons

  • Long waiting time for appointments

We could not have asked for a better team to work with than the Parker PR team.

“For a brewery opening, we could not have asked for a better team to work with than the Parker PR team. They created a lot of attention and buzz ahead of our opening which made our events amazing and sought after. The professionalism, work ethic and deeply rooted media and community network that Parker PR provided were pivotal to our opening’s success. As a result of Parker PR’s involvement, we are busy and have made a name for ourselves in the community.”

– Mike & Cael of Tailgunner Brewing, Testimonials

We saw many hurdles and obstacles and together we found solutions.

“We had to change our business model overnight when the pandemic was declared and we felt truly supported by Ellen Parker and her team. We saw many hurdles and obstacles and together we found solutions. Their media and PR expertise was immeasurable in value.”

– Stephene Deere of Modern Steak, Testimonials

3. MODERNSPEAK

modernspeak-logo

Address: 409B 13 St NW

Contact Details: +1 403 991 4988

Business hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Website

We’ve heard a lot about MODERNSPEAK even before we started looking for PR agencies in Calgary. So we got curious and discovered that this agency is the best when it comes to social media and influencer marketing.

They cater to clients in the travel, lifestyle and tech niches, helping both brands and creators get their names out there. So if you’re a creator looking to get a good headstart on social media, they’re definitely the one to call.

What MODERNSPEAK does best is to open opportunities for brand partnerships, build networks and make sure that people know about you and what you do, whether you’re a social media star or brand.

They also understand that building a brand can be expensive for some, which is why they always make sure to give fair rates to clients, especially those who are working on a tight budget. 

Pros

  • Experts in social media and influencer marketing
  • Caters to both brands and creators
  • Reasonable rates

Cons

  • Some clients reported strict rules for engagement

The entire MS team was professional and easy to work with.

“We recently worked with MODERNSPEAK in a hyperlocal event, the entire MS team was professional and easy to work with. Their offered services elevated our event and garnered great delivery of our needs in creating further brand awareness and visibility of the event and success.”

Brittany Philpott, Google Review

I have known Kristyn for a long time. She is a true leader and lead her team by example.

“I have known Kristyn for a long time. She is a true leader and lead her team by example.MODERNSPEAK’s team is extremely competent in what they do. They are passionate about serving their clients. I would recommend them any day!”

– Gary Manocha, Google Review

4. Worthington PR & Story Ltd.

worthington-pr-story-ltd-logo

Address: 720 11 Ave SW Suite 210

Contact Details: +1 403 585 2429

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Website

Worthington PR & Story is everything its name suggests – they are masters at brand storytelling. This is why we had to include them as one of the best PR agencies in Calgary.

The agency has been around since 2018 and most of their clients are local brands, non-profit organisations and even influencers who need a boost in their exposure and branding.

While Worthington PR is a multi-faceted agency covering different strategies, they’re most known for being excellent storytellers that help make brands more relatable to consumers.

In fact, they host a lot of hotel openings and VIP events around Calgary that attract a lot of attention because of the excellent PR team working behind the scenes. 

Clients love their attention to detail and the creativity that comes with putting together product launches, openings and other PR events. 

Aside from events, they also specialise in copywriting and photography and videography, which is an added plus for us since you have everything in one place.

Pros

  • Experts in branding and storytelling
  • Event production
  • Imagery and copywriting

Cons

  • More expensive than other agencies

We cannot wait to work with them on another project!

“Our recent hotel opening was a huge success thanks to Paula and her stellar team at Worthington PR. Their knowledge of the media and community landscape were key in curating the perfect guest list for the event. She and her team understood perfectly the impact we wanted to have and they delivered. We cannot wait to work with them on another project!”

– France-pro Savard, Google Review

No one does it better than Worthington PR.

“If you are looking to build your company brand through story telling, no one does it better than Worthington PR. Paula and her team can help you with building your social media campaigns and telling your unique story. A talented group of people who always go above and beyond.”

– Ro Imbrogno, Google Review

5. WILD PR Agency

wild-pr-agency-logo

Phone: +1 403 835 0597

Business hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Website

Rounding up this list of the best PR agencies in Calgary is WILD PR that specialises in media and influencer marketing targeted at Canadian audiences.

What they do is help brands get featured in famous publications like Reader’s Digest, Canadian Geographic, National Post and even Huffpost. 

This is why a lot of businesses in Canada that have been struggling with exposure work with WILD PR where they say they saw a real impact on their branding.

What’s great about this woman-led agency is that they’re experts at building and nurturing media relationships. They know exactly how to put a brand in the spotlight and make sure that they get the exposure they need on the right platforms.

The agency works with a lot of local and international brands that need a break in the Canadian market, and they’ve been consistent in delivering results to their clients over the years. 

Pros

  • PR exposure to news and publication outlets
  • Focuses on targeting Canadian audiences
  • Experts in PR and media 

Cons

  • Higher rates

Their campaigns are strategic and the ideas are always so creative.

“I love working with Erica and Kristen at Wild PR. Their campaigns are strategic and the ideas are always so creative. They care deeply about their clients and it shows in the work they do and the results they get. As a contractor, they are great to work with because they are organised and provide prompt feedback, making my job easy. Highly recommend them for all your PR and influencer marketing needs!”

– Tori English, Google Review

I truly cannot recommend WILD enough.

“I truly cannot recommend WILD enough. The team is incredibly professional, organised, efficient, and they have amazing connections that can only be established through consistently providing top-tier service to each and every client. If you want to see results, partner with WILD.”

– Sarah McNaughton, Google Review

Leave a Comment