Top 10 PR Agencies in the USA (And Why They Should Matter to You)

Yeah, I know, sounds like ketchup, right? But trust me, they’re serving way more than condiments.

Ketchum is all about bold ideas and storytelling that hits you in the feels. Remember when Puerto Rico turned the narrative around disaster tourism into something powerful and inspiring? That was their magic at work.

Specialty: Food, culture, corporate purpose
Why they rock: They know how to tap into what people are feeling right now—and make a brand part of that moment.

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

📍 New York | Est. 1927

Let’s talk about one of the names that has been here for a while in the PR world.

Hill+Knowlton has been around for nearly a century, which already tells you they know how to evolve.

While their roots run deep, their strategies are anything but outdated. Today, H+K is one of the most forward-thinking agencies when it comes to blending classic communications with modern innovation.

They specialize in high-stakes industries like energy, finance, and tech, in these industries, a single misstep can cost millions, and clarity is everything.

When companies like Google, Shell, or Ford need to manage a product launch, navigate a regulatory crisis, or communicate big changes to the world, they call H+K.

This isn’t just about spinning a good story; it’s about managing reputations at the highest level, sometimes across dozens of countries and languages.

What makes them different?

Their global network. They have offices in 40+ countries, which means they’re not just thinking locally; they’re creating messages that resonate across borders.

Add to that their deep bench of experts in public affairs, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), data analytics, and digital strategy, and you’ve got a firm that can handle almost anything you throw at them.

Why they rock: H+K is who you call when things get serious. Whether it’s launching a new clean energy initiative or going through a reputational crisis in the financial sector, they bring calm, clarity, and confidence.

They don’t just protect brands; they help them lead.

If you’ve ever wished you had a PR partner who could see the story before it breaks, you need to look at Golin.

They don’t just jump on trends; they anticipate them. That’s part of their “Go All In” philosophy, and it’s not just a catchy slogan. It’s how they’ve been winning big for brands for decades.

Think about this: most agencies will wait for something to happen, then craft a reaction.

Golin works differently.

They combine data, cultural listening, and creative instincts to find opportunities before the competition even realizes they’re there.

That’s how they’ve pulled off campaigns like Crayola’s “Colors of the World, which went beyond a product launch to spark a global conversation about representation.

It didn’t just get press; it made people feel seen, and it delivered over 2.1 billion media impressions without losing authenticity.

Their client list tells you they can handle any scale; McDonald’s, Walmart, Lexus, Adobe. These aren’t brands that can afford missteps.

They trust Golin because the agency blends earned media, influencer marketing, and purpose-driven storytelling into one seamless machine.

Nothing gets lost between strategy and execution.

And when it comes to global reach, they’ve got the muscle. Golin runs more than 50 offices worldwide, which means they can tell your story in a way that lands just as well in Chicago as it does in Shanghai.

According to PRWeek, the ability to go global while keeping local nuance is a big reason they named Golin U.S. Agency of the Year 2024.

The awards shelf is impressive, sure; Fast Company even ranked them among the Most Innovative Companies in Brand PR in 2025 (source); but what gets me is the consistency. Year after year, they keep creating work that feels fresh, relevant, and results-driven.

Why they made my Top 10?

I put Golin on my Top 10 because they act like a partner, not a vendor. They lead with the “Go All In” mindset, brave ideas, fast execution, and zero silo thinking.

Golin isn’t just another big name on a list.

They’re a results-focused creative powerhouse that will protect your brand, push your message into culture, and make sure your story doesn’t just get told; it gets remembered.

When you are looking for PR that works everywhere your audience lives, you owe it to yourself to check them out.

Whenever I think about agencies that can blend timeless brand building with the speed of today’s digital world, Ogilvy is the first that comes to mind.

They’ve been shaping how brands communicate with the world since David Ogilvy founded the company in 1948, and the fact that they continue to lead today says everything about their ability to adapt without losing their edge.

What I love about Ogilvy is how they bring every communication discipline under one roof, namely PR, advertising, influencer marketing, social, and brand strategy.

That means you’re not bouncing between vendors; your story flows through one integrated team.

It’s how they’ve been able to launch massive, culture-shaping work like Dove’s “Real Beauty,” which continues to redefine what authentic brand messaging looks like.

Their influence isn’t just in the U.S; it’s everywhere. Ogilvy has offices in more than 80 countries, which enables it to launch campaigns that feel local, regardless of where they are launched.

And they don’t just copy-paste campaigns from one market to another, I love them for this, they fine-tune every detail, so the message connects with people in their own context.

That’s what they call borderless creativity, and it’s why they’ve won Network of the Year at Cannes Lions multiple times

If you want proof they understand today’s creator-driven economy, look at their track record; they’ve been named Best Large Influencer Marketing Agency for six years running, and they’re one of the few global agencies to earn TikTok’s Marketing Partner badge.

That means direct access to platform insights and tools most competitors simply don’t have.

Why they made my Top 10: Ogilvy is the rare agency that can do it all:

• create ideas that make headlines,
• create moments people share for years, and
• And they know how to keep ideas relevant whether you’re in New York, Nairobi, or New Delhi.

Check them our if you’re thinking about building a brand that lasts and moves with culture, Ogilvy is worth a closer look.

Welcome Aboard!

Think of this as your quick start guide to discovering why I slid Porter Novelli into my Top 10 PR agency powerhouses.

By the time you finish this, you’ll see how they blend meaningful storytelling, global footprint, and purpose-driven creativity; all in one powerful package.

Origin Story & Purpose DNA

Let me start with the origin story: Porter Novelli started in 1972, when two Peace Corps alums, Bill Novelli and Jack Porter, set out with one goal: harnessing marketing to drive social good.

Their first big breakthrough was helping the NIH educate Americans on high blood pressure, communicating public health with creativity and empathy. That purpose-first mindset? It’s still woven into everything they do.

Global Reach You Can Tap Into

Imagine you had a network ready wherever your audience lives. Porter Novelli gives you just that. They operate around 90 offices in nearly 60 countries, backing clients through cultural context and local insight, not just translations. That’s full-funnel PR, done right. If you want to see for yourself, then take a look at their Case Studies.

Your Go-To for Transformative Campaigns

Here’s what sets them apart: they create campaigns that don’t just inform; you actually feel them:

• Truth anti-smoking campaign? They rallied youth away from cigarettes, dropping teen smoking rates like never before.
• ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? They helped turn a viral campaign into philanthropic, raising awareness and donations in one shared moment.
• OmniPod video game for type-1 diabetes awareness? They launched it with Twitch livestreams and real representation, turning visibility into empowerment.

Each one isn’t just a tactic; they combine insight, empathy, and culture so audiences become advocates.

Why Their Approach Works

Porter Novelli calls their creative philosophy “create as much value for your audience as possible.” They don’t make customers, they inspire advocates.

Whatever they do, be it tackling public health or tech, they lead with emotional resonance that unlocks behavior change.

Why They Earned a Spot in the Top 10

1. Rooted in Purpose—50+ years of socially driven PR gives them depth you can trust.
2. Global with Local Soul—They scale your story overseas without losing authenticity.
3. Emotion Meets Strategy – Campaigns that move people and markets.
4. Empowerment > Advertising – They don’t just sell products—they shift conversations and perceptions.

I know you want PR that stands for something and spans the globe, if so, Porter Novelli is exactly who you want on your team.

Choosing the right PR partner for your brand is an overwhelming task these days. You need someone who understands the nuances of diverse markets while staying rooted in creativity and purpose.

After all, you don’t want to lose your authenticity as a brand. Let’s explore how MSL rises to this challenge.

Start by getting to know MSL.

MSL stands out in the PR arena as the strategic communications powerhouse of Publicis Groupe. This agency emerged from the merger of Manning Selvage & Lee and Publicis Consultants.

With over 100 offices spanning more than 40 countries and a talented team of over 2,000 professionals, MSL has the infrastructure to scale your campaigns while preserving the local flair that makes your messages resonate.

Now, let’s shift our focus to Growth

When evaluating a PR agency, consistent growth speaks volumes.

Last year, MSL proudly reported a 6% growth in the Americas, an impressive 11% surge in India, and double-digit wins in China.

Add to that a remarkable 30% increase in fee income over the past three years. Their client roster reads like a luxury lineup, featuring names like Jaguar, Volkswagen, and Cathay Pacific.

Want to know about their Culture? You have it:

Numbers are important, but a healthy culture is essential for success. MSL invests 2.5% of its net revenue into HR, leadership training, and DEI initiatives.

Their values-driven approach, centered around leading, loving, and learning, stands out in their impressive retention rates and team performance.

What about creative imagination? I love this part:

Because you crave innovation, MSL’s Fluency platform is a game-changer. This proprietary influencer marketing system does something unique.

It combines deep data with strategic insights, ensuring brands connect with the right voices and that diverse influencers receive fair compensation.

MSL has been behind major cultural moments, like Ben Affleck’s Dunkin’ Super Bowl spot.

But you must validate their credibility before you go all in, and I got you on this, too.

Recognition is a major in this industry. MSL’s EMEA teams consistently top SABRE nominations, showcasing how effectively their work translates across cultures and markets. Their success isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of sharp strategy and unwavering execution.

Why MSL Makes My Top 10

I’ve included MSL in my top ten because they check all the boxes:

• global reach,
• measurable growth,
• innovative creativity, and
• a culture that values people as much as performance.

This is for brands looking for a PR partner that can keep pace with their ambitions, MSL deserves your serious consideration.