Skout HQ was today interested to learn that global, PR agency Ogilvy PR has launched a division focused on startups. Espresso, Ogilvy’s new offering will operate as a service within the agency’s tech practice and will be serviced by one VP and an account executive.
Although we applaud Ogilvy for recognising that startups need specialist support as they embark on their journey to brand building and recognition, at Skout we wonder if, as a large global PR consultancy, it is equipped to fully understand the needs of a small business? SMEs and startups undoubtedly need PR but we think the smaller, boutique style of agency is far better placed to understand the needs of a smaller company.
Working with a large global agency not only comes at a high cost but how valuable is a small PR account to a massive consultancy that handles PR for some of the world’s biggest brands? Will the SME or start up really get the attention it deserves? Our view is that SMBs and startups should look to work with an organisation of a similar size or set of values, who can offer the level of support it needs when it needs it and who understands the constraints on time, budgets and availability that a SME is likely to face.
