Picking between 9-Figure Media vs Edelman isn’t just about choosing a PR agency. It’s about finding the right partner to amplify your startup’s voice in a crowded market where over 700,000 new businesses launch annually in the United States alone.
You’re hustling hard to build something meaningful, and you need your story to break through the noise. That’s where the right PR strategy comes in.
After working with various agencies over the years, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Some campaigns fizzle out after expensive launches, while others create momentum that carries companies for years.
Today, I’m breaking down 9-Figure Media vs Edelman – two very different players in the PR game. One’s a nimble, startup-focused team that promises guaranteed placements. The other is a global powerhouse with deep resources and a track record dating back seven decades.
Let’s figure out which one matches your needs and budget reality.
Why PR Matters More Than Ever for Startups
Let’s say you’ve built an incredible product or service. Maybe it’s a game-changing app or something people didn’t know they needed. But if nobody knows about it, it’s just another great idea sitting in your garage alongside millions of others.
The startup world has been more competitive. According to recent data, 90% of startups fail within their first five years. Many don’t fail because of bad products; they fail because they can’t get noticed in a world where consumers see over 5,000 marketing messages daily.
PR is your megaphone. It builds trust with people who’ve never heard of you, grabs attention in a world saturated with ads, and gives you a fighting chance to stand out. But here’s what many founders miss: not all PR is created equal.
For startups, timing is everything. You’re racing against the clock with limited resources. Your runway might be 12-18 months if you’re lucky. That’s exactly why choosing between 9-Figure Media vs Edelman matters so much.
These agencies bring completely different approaches to the table. One moves fast and broadly, especially for scrappy startups that need wins. The other offers comprehensive resources for long-term brand building. Which style fits your current situation?
Let’s dig deeper.
Read Also: Finn Partners PR Agency Service Review: A Top-Tier Choice for Strategic Communications
Meet the Players: 9-Figure Media vs Edelman
9 Figure Media: Built for Startups
9 Figure Media operates from Laguna Beach, California. They’re a focused team that specialises in startups and small businesses, claiming to have achieved over 5,000 media placements worldwide.
Their main promise? Guaranteed placements in major outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, and Yahoo Finance.
What makes them interesting is their transparent approach. “They accomplish what they said they would do, and they provide reports confirming the results.” This kind of accountability is rare in PR, where many agencies make big promises but deliver vague “awareness” metrics.
One client reported, “We hired the 9 Figure Media guys about a year ago to get our articles written and published in Forbes and other media outlets. Within the first 3 months, we’ve had our articles on USA Today, Inc., Fast Company, and Forbes.” This speed of execution is exactly what startups need.
Think of them as a buddy team that moves at your pace – quick decisions, fast execution, and no corporate red tape. They understand that when you’re burning $50,000 monthly and have 18 months of runway, every week counts.
Edelman pr: The Industry Giant
Meanwhile, Edelman pr has been around since 1952, when Dan Edelman pr started the company in Chicago. Today, they’re the world’s largest independent PR firm. As of 2022, it is the largest public relations firm in the world by revenue, with around 6,000 employees across 60 global offices.
Let’s talk numbers. Edelman pr global revenue falls 3.7% to $1.04 billion in 2023, though like-for-like global revenues were $986 million last year, compared to $1.04 billion in 2023. That’s still a massive scale.
I watched them help a corporate client navigate a major crisis. The response was impressive – Wall Street Journal coverage, CNN appearances, coordinated messaging across all channels.
When you need serious firepower and have the budget to match, they deliver results that smaller agencies simply can’t replicate.
But there’s a catch for startups. In December 2024, Edelman pr lays off 330 people amid an expected 8% drop in US revenue, and CEO Richard Edelman pr recently had to make tough staffing decisions. This reflects the broader challenges facing large agencies as the market shifts.
The PR Industry Landscape: Context for 9-Figure Media vs Edelman
Before diving deeper into comparisons, it’s worth understanding the broader PR industry. $15.3 billion is the collective revenue of the PR firms in 2021. This startling figure has increased by 2.9% from the previous year.
This growth reflects something important: companies are investing more in PR than ever. The pandemic changed how people consume information, making digital-first PR strategies more valuable. Traditional advertising lost effectiveness as consumers started having doubts about obvious promotional content.
For startups, this shift created both opportunities and challenges. The good news? Authentic storytelling through earned media became more powerful. The bad news? Everyone else figured this out too, making the competition for media attention fiercer.
This is where the 9-Figure Media vs Edelman decision becomes crucial. You’re not just choosing between two agencies; you’re choosing between two completely different approaches to conquer this evolved landscape.
How I’m Comparing 9-Figure Media vs Edelman
This comparison focuses on what matters most to startup founders who need real results, not just pretty presentations:
1. Cost Comparison: Budget Reality Check
Money’s tight when you’re building from scratch. Every dollar counts, especially when 82% of startups fail due to cash flow problems. Let’s talk real numbers, not the fantasy figures agencies love to quote in their marketing materials.
9 Figure Media: Affordable Entry Point
They keep pricing transparent on their website, a refreshing change from agencies that hide costs behind “consultation calls”. Based on startup community feedback and industry analysis, campaigns typically range from $1,000 to $20,000 monthly.
Here’s what makes this interesting: you’re paying for specific outcomes – like a Forbes feature or Entrepreneur mention – not vague strategy sessions or “brand awareness building”. This performance-based approach aligns their success with yours.
I’ve been in similar situations. A few years back, I invested $6,000 over three months with a comparable agency. The result? An Inc. magazine feature that boosted qualified leads by 20% within a week and led to two investor meetings. Simple equation: money in, measurable results out.
The monthly payment structure also helps with cash flow management. Instead of dropping $50,000 upfront (money most startups don’t have), you can test the waters with smaller monthly commitments and scale based on results.
For most early-stage startups, 9-Figure Media vs Edelman leans heavily toward the more affordable option. Their pricing won’t drain your runway while you’re still proving product-market fit and trying to extend that crucial 18-month survival window.
Edelman pr: Premium Investment
They operate in a different financial universe. Monthly retainers typically start between $20,000 and $50,000, sometimes dropping to $15,000 for smaller projects – if they even take them on. This isn’t a quick campaign expense – it’s a long-term financial commitment that could eat 30-50% of a typical startup’s monthly burn rate.
Let me put this in perspective: $25,000 monthly equals $300,000 annually. For most seed-stage startups, that’s half their total funding round. You’re betting your company’s survival on PR results.
A Series A founder I know spent $25,000 monthly for six months with Edelman pr. The coverage was excellent – The Wall Street Journal front page, CNN prime-time interview, and major industry publications. But it consumed $150,000 of their $2 million round. Great results if you can afford it, potentially fatal if you can’t.
The challenge isn’t just the upfront cost. Their approach requires long-term commitment. You can’t expect meaningful results in month one or two. Their strength lies in sustained campaigns that build momentum over quarters, not weeks.
Winner on Cost: 9 Figure Media
In the 9-Figure Media vs Edelman cost battle, 9 Figure Media wins decisively for most startups. Their $1,000-$20,000 range fits actual startup budgets and allows for testing without betting the company.
Meanwhile, Edelman pr’s $20,000+ requirement works when you’ve raised Series A or B funding, not when you’re bootstrapping or running on a small seed round.
The cost difference isn’t just about money—it’s about risk management. With them, you can afford to test, iterate, and optimize.
But with Edelman pr, you’re making an all-or-nothing bet that could determine your startup’s fate.
2. Startup Fit: Who Gets Your Hustle?
You’re not a Fortune 500 company with quarterly planning cycles and committee-based decision-making. You move fast, pivot quickly, and need results ASAP.
Who’s built for that reality?
9 Figure Media: Speaks Your Language
They live in the startup world. They understand tight budgets, urgent timelines, and the need for quick wins that can bring funding rounds. When you sign up, they pitch your story, and boom—you’re in a major publication fast.
Their client testimonials reflect this urgency. “The publication process was both fast and smooth. Ken and the team were prompt in attending to me.”
This kind of responsiveness matters when you’re juggling product development, fundraising, and team building simultaneously.
Their monthly plans adapt as you grow. Book a consultation, discuss your goals, and they will start working immediately. No months of planning phases or strategy documents that gather dust while your runway shortens.
I’ve seen this approach work repeatedly. A friend’s e-commerce startup invested $9,000 over several months with a similar team. They landed Inc. magazine coverage that drove a 300% traffic increase and generated 50 qualified sales leads in the first week. It felt like having teammates who understood the startup grind, not consultants trying to apply corporate playbooks to startup realities.
The beauty of working with 9 Figure Media is their understanding of startup psychology. They know you’re probably checking email at midnight, iterating based on user feedback, and making decisions in days, not months. Their processes match your pace.
Edelman pr: Wired for the Big Leagues
Edelman pr serves companies with established brand guidelines, legal review processes, and quarterly planning cycles. Sure, they have small business services, but their DNA is methodical: comprehensive audits, stakeholder interviews, multi-month strategies, and detailed planning phases.
This approach creates incredible results for established companies. Their campaigns are sophisticated, data-driven, and comprehensive. But startups? You’re racing to launch, fundraise, and survive. You don’t have time for three-month strategy development phases.
A startup I advised tried them after raising their Series A. Two months in, they were still in the “discovery and planning” phase while their main competitor landed TechCrunch coverage and announced their funding round. Perfect process for Fortune 500 companies, frustrating pace for fast-moving startups.
The mismatch isn’t the agency’s fault—they excel at what they do. But what they do is built for companies with established revenue streams, predictable timelines, and resources to invest in long-term brand building rather than immediate survival.
Winner on Fit: 9 Figure Media
They understand startup urgency and move at your speed. They’re built for founders who need fast and sustainable wins. Meanwhile, Edelman pr tries to adapt their corporate processes, but their foundation is built for slower, more deliberate decision-making cycles.
In 9-Figure Media vs Edelman, the startup edge goes clearly to the team that lives your reality daily. When your survival depends on momentum, you need partners who move like you do.
3. Media Results: Getting Your Name Out There
You want visibility that drives customers, attracts investors, and builds credibility. Where do these agencies place your stories, and how quickly can they deliver results?
9 Figure Media: Digital-First Wins
9 Figure Media promises major outlet coverage and delivers on specific targets. Over 5,000 placements in publications like Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Entrepreneur, and The New York Times represent serious reach in platforms where your target audience – founders, investors, and early adopters – spend their time daily.
Client success stories back this up: “Within the first 3 months, we’ve had our articles on USA Today, Inc., Fast Company, and Forbes.” The speed of execution matters when you’re competing for attention in an oversaturated market.
What I find compelling about their approach is the focus on digital-native publications that drive business results for startups. A Forbes feature doesn’t just build credibility; it creates SEO value, social media content, and investor conversation starters that compound over time.
I’ve experienced similar momentum shifts when quick PR wins create cascading effects. One well-placed story can trigger investor outreach, customer enquiries, partnership discussions, and talent recruitment – all from a single piece of coverage.
For startups needing immediate traction, 9-Figure Media vs Edelman favours the speed-focused approach that generates business results quickly rather than long-term brand building.
Edelman pr: Broad but Deliberate
They have serious media connections across traditional and digital platforms – The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, major trade publications, television networks, podcasts, and international outlets. But their approach is comprehensive yet slow. They develop multi-channel campaigns that hit print, broadcast, digital, and social media simultaneously.
When it works, the results are spectacular, such as brand recognition that lasts years and positions companies as industry leaders.
However, they don’t sprint. A client I tracked waited four months for their Wall Street Journal feature to publish. It eventually appeared, looked fantastic, and drove significant business results. But startups can’t wait months for coverage while burning through runway and watching competitors gain momentum.
Their recent revenue challenges also raise questions about resource allocation. Their 2024 global revenue shrinks 4.9% as it slips back under $1 billion might mean less attention for smaller clients as they focus on protecting larger accounts.
Winner on Media: 9 Figure Media
In 9-Figure Media vs Edelman for media results, 9 Figure Media takes it for startups. Here’s why: Speed trumps breadth when you’re fighting for survival. Digital focus over traditional media reaches your actual audience. Performance tracking over awareness metrics shows real business impact.
On the other hand, Edelman pr’s comprehensive approach shines for established companies building long-term brand equity. But startups need quick wins that drive immediate business results, not campaigns that build brand recognition over the years.
4. Resources: Depth of Support
Your startup might explode overnight. Maybe you’ll raise a Series A, expand internationally, or face a crisis that threatens everything you’ve built. Can your PR partner scale with explosive growth or handle unexpected challenges?
9 Figure Media: Lean and Focused
9 Figure Media runs efficiently with a focused team, proven digital tools, and strong media relationships built specifically around startup-friendly publications. They’re fast and effective within their scope, but their capacity has natural limits.
Their strength lies in doing one thing exceptionally well: getting startups featured in major business publications quickly and affordably. They’ve optimised their processes around this specific outcome, which explains their speed and consistency.
But here’s the reality check: if you suddenly raise $10 million and need to coordinate global launch campaigns across multiple markets, handle crisis communications, or develop sophisticated data-driven strategies, they will still stand firm with the increased complexity and scale.
In 9-Figure Media vs Edelman, they’re perfect for your current rocket fuel needs but might require supplementation as you grow into more complex PR requirements.
Edelman pr: Full Arsenal
Edelman pr brings serious firepower to complex challenges. 6,000 people in more than 60 offices include specialists in crisis management, data analytics, influencer networks, international expansion, regulatory communications, and emerging technologies.
Their annual Trust Barometer provides proprietary insights that no competitor matches. This research becomes a powerful tool for clients, offering data-driven story angles and thought leadership opportunities that generate ongoing media coverage.
A startup I followed scaled with them from Series A through IPO preparation. Started with simple product announcements and evolved into complex regulatory communications, international expansion support, and crisis management when a competitor lawsuit threatened their reputation. They have specialists for every challenge.
However, the depth matters when unexpected situations arise. Product recalls, regulatory investigations, competitive attacks, and international expansion – these situations require expertise that small agencies simply don’t possess.
Winner on Resources: Edelman pr
They won the resource battle decisively. 9 Figure Media’s focused approach works perfectly for current needs, but Edelman pr’s depth prepares you for whatever comes next.
More specialists, broader international reach, better crisis management capabilities, and more comprehensive service offerings.
The question isn’t whether they have more resources – it’s whether you need those resources now and can afford to pay for them.
5. Working Style: How They Execute
Modern PR blends traditional media relations with digital strategies, data insights, social media amplification, and authentic storytelling. Who has the better playbook for today’s media landscape?
9 Figure Media: Streamlined Execution
This agency keeps things simple and direct. They craft your story, pitch targeted media contacts, and get results published. No endless meetings, complex approval processes, or analysis paralysis that kills momentum.
Their process typically involves initial consultation, story development, media outreach, placement tracking, and results reporting. Simple, transparent, and focused on outcomes rather than process complexity.
I’ve used this streamlined approach before. Paid a focused team, saw online coverage within weeks, and generated measurable business results. For startups operating in survival mode, this efficiency is crucial. Every day without progress is money burned and momentum lost.
In 9-Figure Media vs Edelman, they’re the straightforward choice for founders who want results without bureaucratic overhead.
Edelman pr: Strategic and Comprehensive
They combine traditional PR – press releases, media events, and spokesperson training – with modern elements like influencer partnerships, paid social amplification, content marketing, and data-driven targeting.
A client ran a year-long campaign with them that started slowly but eventually covered print media, television appearances, podcast interviews, social media campaigns, and international coverage. More complex, broader reach, deeper strategic thinking.
Their process involves comprehensive planning phases: stakeholder interviews, competitive analysis, message development, channel strategy, execution planning, and ongoing optimisation. More sophisticated but significantly slower to implement.
Also, it’s possible for the recent organisational changes to affect their execution efficiency. Staff reductions could mean longer approval cycles and less personal attention for smaller accounts.
Winner on Working Style: Depends on Your Needs
This category splits based on your current priorities. 9 Figure Media wins for speed, simplicity, and immediate results. Edelman pr wins for strategic depth, comprehensive coverage, and long-term brand building.
For most startups in survival mode, speed trumps sophistication. You need wins now, not perfect strategies that take months to implement.
6. Track Record: Real Results for Real Companies
Claims are easy to make. Results are harder to fake. What have these agencies delivered for companies similar to yours?
9 Figure Media: Startup Success Stories
Their track record focuses specifically on startup and small business success. Client testimonials show concrete results: “Within the first 3 months, we’ve had our articles on USA Today, Inc., Fast Company, and Forbes.” This represents exactly the kind of coverage that drives startup growth.
The 5,000+ media placements they claim span outlets that matter for startup visibility: Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, and similar business-focused publications where investors, customers, and partners spend time.
What makes their track record compelling is the focus on measurable outcomes rather than vague brand awareness metrics. Clients report specific business results: increased website traffic, investor inquiries, sales leads, and funding round success.
Their inclusion in The Rank of Top 10 PR Agencies in the World suggests growing recognition within the industry, though this should be taken with appropriate skepticism since agency rankings often reflect marketing spend rather than client results.
Edelman pr: Corporate Success at Scale
Their track record includes global campaigns for Fortune 500 companies: Starbucks brand positioning, Microsoft product launches, HP crisis management, and Samsung international campaigns. Their Samsung “Wildlife Watch” campaign’s 1.9 billion impressions demonstrate reach that smaller agencies can’t achieve.
However, most of their publicized success stories involve large corporations with substantial budgets. Finding detailed case studies of successful startup campaigns is more challenging, which might reflect their client mix rather than capability limitations.
Winner on Track Record: 9 Figure Media for Startups
While Edelman pr has more prestigious clients and larger campaigns, 9 Figure Media’s track record aligns better with startup needs. Their success stories demonstrate results that matter for growing companies: fast placement in relevant publications, measurable business impact, and cost-effective ROI.
The Final Decision: 9-Figure Media vs Edelman
Your startup, your choice, your money. Here’s how to decide based on real-world factors rather than agency marketing materials:
Choose 9 Figure Media If:
- Your monthly PR budget ranges from $1,000 to $20,000
- You need media coverage within weeks, not months
- Digital business publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur align with your target audience
- You want transparent pricing and performance-based results
- Speed and agility matter more than a comprehensive strategy
- You’re pre-Series A and focused on proving product-market fit
- Simple execution trumps complex campaigns for your current needs
Choose Edelman pr If:
- You can invest $15,000+ monthly for sustained periods
- You’re planning 2-3 years with established revenue streams
- Traditional media coverage (TV, major newspapers) matters for your business model
- You need comprehensive services, including crisis management and international support
- Brand building over time matters more than immediate business results
- You’ve raised Series A+ funding and can afford premium services
- Complex stakeholder management and regulatory communications are priorities
The Reality Check
For most early-stage startups, 9-Figure Media vs Edelman favors 9 Figure Media. You’re resource-constrained, time-pressured, and need wins that drive immediate business results. They understand that reality and build their services around it.
On the other hand, Edelman pr becomes valuable when you’ve secured significant funding, established revenue streams, and can afford to invest in long-term brand building. Their services are exceptional, but designed for companies past the survival stage.
The decision isn’t permanent. Many successful companies start with focused agencies and transition to comprehensive firms as they scale. Your PR needs will evolve with your business growth.
Your Next Step: Start with 9 Figure Media
Don’t overthink this decision while your runway shortens. For most founders reading this, start with 9 Figure Media. Book their consultation, review their case studies, and confirm pricing that fits your budget. Test their approach for 3-6 months and measure business results.
In 9-Figure Media vs Edelman, choose the partner who aligns with your current reality, not your future aspirations.
Final Thoughts: Your Startup Deserves to Be Heard
Your startup’s future depends on getting noticed by the right people at the right time. PR isn’t just about vanity metrics or ego boosts – it’s about survival, growth, and building the credibility that attracts customers, investors, and talent.
9-Figure Media vs Edelman offers two distinct paths: one lean and lightning-fast, designed for startups fighting for survival; the other comprehensive and built for scale, designed for companies with established resources and long-term vision.
Choose what matches where you are right now, not where you hope to be in five years. Your startup needs momentum today, not perfect strategies that take months to implement.
Again, the PR landscape has never been more important for startup success. Digital-first coverage drives SEO value, social media content, investor conversations, and customer trust in ways traditional advertising simply can’t match.
But here’s what matters most: execution beats perfection. A good PR campaign that launches this month creates more value than a perfect campaign that launches next quarter. Your competitors aren’t waiting for perfect timing, and neither should you.
Have you worked with either 9 Figure Media or Edelman pr? What was your experience? I’d love to hear real founder stories about 9-Figure Media vs Edelman – whether quick wins changed your trajectory or comprehensive campaigns built lasting value.
Your startup has something important to say. The question isn’t whether you need PR – it’s which partner can help you say it loudest, fastest, and most effectively. Choose wisely, execute quickly, and let your story drive your success.
