Do you want 2023 to be the year your business gets the attention it deserves? Top-rated public relations firms can make that happen. 

These are the cutting-edge agencies that enjoy the most valuable relationships with top-tier media outlets and employ the most talented publicists, writers, marketers, and strategists in the world. With any one of these companies on your side, you can raise your venture's profile, gain credibility in the public's eyes, and assert your dominance in your industry.

Here are this year's picks for the best PR companies in the US.

1. Otter PR

There's a simple reason behind Otter PR's meteoric rise since its founding only three short years ago - no other agency delivers as much while requiring so little. Unlike other public relations firms, Otter PR doesn't require clients to hand over expensive retainer fees and sign long-term contracts, yet every package at this upstart includes a guarantee of success. 

While other PR firms can go for months without producing results, OtterPR's clients start amassing positive press coverage from the beginning. Tellingly, the online networking platform for journalists Qwoted lists many of the agency's publicists among its top 100.

Otter PR's radical new business model has not only resulted in high rankings, industry awards, and scores of positive customer reviews, but also disrupted the entire public-relations industry.

2. Edelman 

The world's largest public relations agency, Edelman brings in the most revenue of any comparable firm - over $1 billion dollars in 2022 - and employs over 6,000 people. Founded in 1952, the company has more than 70 years of experience as well as more than 60 offices located in major cities throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

The company also has a well-known research division, Edelman DXI, that produces datasets and reports that help clients identify critical opportunities. If you want to go with a large, well-established traditional company, then consider Edelman.

3. Weber Shandwick

Founded in 2001, PR agency Weber Shandwick is headquartered in New York City and has 67 offices across six continents (sorry, Antarctica.) It boasts one of the largest client rosters in the industry, including major brands like Excedrin, and served as the official PR agency of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Like Edelman, it includes a research division that issues reports on trending topics like boycotts, employee activism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

4. Real Chemistry

Based in San Francisco, Real Chemistry focuses on the healthcare industry, biotechs, and pharmaceutical companies. The agency emphasizes its use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a differentiator from the competition. 

As the company's website explains, "We use advanced AI to power real-time dimensional insights that result in unprecedented relevance, targeting, and reach." Maybe this is the secret that has powered the firm's two-digit growth over the past 20 years.

Real Chemistry has also picked up awards along the way: Fast Company has rated them as the second most innovative PR company in data sciences, and Cannes Lions has rated the firm as the third most creative in the field of health.

5. APCO Worldwide

A majority women-owned company, APCO Worldwide provides a wide range of services, from corporate communication to government relations and public affairs. Apple, Bayer, Cigna, IKEA, and Microsoft figure among the agency's clientele. 

Founded in 1984, APCO has almost 1,000 employees and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Inclusivity is one of the business's main values, and benefiting society is part of its mission statement.

6. ICR Strategic Communications & Advisory

Want the contract same PR agency as Zoom and Warby Parker? Look no further than ICR Strategic Communications & Advisory. 

While this company has fewer than 400 employees, it brings in as much revenue - if not more - than PR agencies three times its size. Founded in 1998, and now with over 1,000 clients spanning 20 industries, the firm keeps offices in the US (Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Norwalk) and China. Its separate divisions for healthcare practices and capital market transactions are Westwicke and ICR Capital, LLC, respectively.

7. Fahlgren Mortine

Need a PR agency with a Midwestern sensibility? Consider Fahlgren Mortine, headquartered in Columbus, OH, with branches in Cleveland, Dayton, Boise, and Denver, as well as New York City. 

Founded in 1962, its 250 employees specialize in B2B, higher education, manufacturing, and logistics, among other industries. Travel and active-lifestyle PR agency Turner is also housed under its umbrella. Some top clients include the University at Buffalo, Travel Nevada, North Dakota Tourism, and Bob Evans Restaurants.

8. The Bliss Group

Everyone wants bliss, and maybe you should, too. The Bliss Group, which is based in New York City, keeps large clients for more than eight years on average. Data science and proprietary algorithms underpin this agency's approach, and their "Audience Architecture" proprietary model and "ABCD" strategic communications method are the secrets to their success.

Current accounts under The Bliss Group include E*Trade, the Ford Foundation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. 

9. Pierpont Communications

Deep in the heart of Texas, you can find Pierpont Communications, which has offices in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Given these locations, perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that energy and energy transition is one of this agency's top specialties. 

The firm handles online advertising and branding needs as well as standard public relations services like message development, reputation management, and media training. It has won "Best Place to Work" from Houston Business Journal 15 times.

10. Fiona Hutton & Associates

Attention all California politicians, trade associations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations: Fiona Hutton & Associates could be the PR firm you've been looking for. With offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento, this woman-owned firm represents the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California State Parks Foundation, and the California Department of Cannabis Control. PR Week has rated them the sixth-best US Public Affairs agency.

11. Mighty Real

Looking to reach the lucrative LGBTQ+ market? New York City's Mighty Real Agency specializes in marketing to this community for musicians, bands, music labels, and other entertainment companies. The firm offers a wide range of services, from traditional music and video services to experiential marketing efforts like pop-ups and premieres.

You know you want the same agency as Lady Gaga, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Toni Braxton. And with Mighty Real, you can have it.