Whether you are a budding writer looking to be published, or an aspiring professional seeking to offer your services on a wider scale, this is a question you are most likely to ask. While hiring a publicist may cost a pretty penny, it does have its benefits. Some independent artists/professionals can still get some face time on TV or land an interview spot on the radio by their own efforts alone, but a publicist can definitely get you the attention and the buzz that could be worth every dime you shell out. Here are some pointers to consider that may help you answer your question on whether or not you may need a publicist.

Exposure While the integrity you build by word of mouth on how great your product or service may be could be encouraging, the exposure that a publicist can get you is incomparable. It’s feasible to pay for a page off of your preferred publication in order to advertise, but it is even better to tap into the more aggressive and impressive media like television and radio. If you want to get the word out on what you have to offer or would like the world to know, a publicist can get you the attention you need. A good publicist can also increase your exposure to a regional, national or international level.

Reliability Let’s say you do put an advert out on publication. People don’t usually buy into the idea because they know that the ad has been paid for. By using quality public relations, a publicist can reach the public for a fraction of the cost of an advertisement. When it comes to cost and credibility, you will find that public relations is much more cost-effective. It may also be possible that you don’t know exactly who the appropriate media are that you need to approach. A publicist who has a good professional history more or less knows who’s-who in the business and will know exactly who to go to in order to generate a good buzz about you.

Time Constraint It takes a lot of time to put together a good PR campaign—precious time that you could be spending polishing and/or revolutionizing more of your ideas that are part and parcel of the service/product that you are trying to get out there. Getting a publicist can take that burden off your shoulders and allow you to focus on the more important things that are central to your cause.

Press Kit You may or may not know how to put together a press kit or what it entails. And even if you could compose your own press release, a publicist already knows the ins and outs of the industry and can put together a veritable press kit that has everything the media will need to know more about your product or service. They are well-versed with the rules—whether unspoken or otherwise, when it comes to media kits and have experience with working from the right angles.

Credibility While it is quite noble and precious to see a hardworking individual tirelessly and devotedly market him/herself, a publicist gives a credibility boost that self-marketing cannot give. It is simply more professional and impressive to have public representation. The saying “have your people call my people” is more than just a favorite Hollywood line. It gives the impression that you are serious about your product or service and that you truly believe in it—enough to hire professional public relation services to get the word out there as expansively as possible. Lastly, it also serves to give you a shot of confidence that you will need to succeed.