When I started looking into FleishmanHillard, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. A PR agency that’s been in existence for a long time with offices scattered all over the world and clients like PepsiCo and AT&T? That’s a big deal!
I wanted to figure out what makes FleishmanHillard PR so special, how they compare to other agencies, and if they’re worth the cost for businesses, big or small.
Meanwhile, as I dug into their campaigns, tools, and track record, I saw why they’re a top name in the PR industry. But honestly, no one’s perfect, and I wondered if their size might be too much for smaller companies.
They have won major awards, which is impressive. They do everything from handling crises to running social media campaigns.
But are they the right choice for everyone? I also wanted to see how they stack up against competitors like Edelman and Ketchum. This review breaks down FleishmanHillard PR’s services, costs, successes, and challenges in plain language.
Whether you’re a huge corporation or a growing business, let’s see what they offer and where they might not fit. I’ve kept this straightforward—like a chat with a friend—because I want you to get the real scoop on FleishmanHillard PR without all the jargon.
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Introduction to FleishmanHillard
FleishmanHillard started as a small PR firm in St. Louis, Missouri, back in 1946. Founded by Alfred Fleishman and Robert Hillard. Fast forward to 2025, and they’re a global giant under Omnicom Group, with nearly 80 offices in over 30 countries and connections in 45 more.
Their goal? Create smart PR that boosts a company’s reputation and gets results. I was amazed at how they have grown, working with big names like Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, and Hallmark.
They’ve won major awards—Campaign Global PR Agency of the Year from 2020 to 2022, and PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year in 2022 and 2023. That’s a lot of recognition! But I wondered if their huge size makes them less flexible for smaller businesses.
FleishmanHillard handles everything from media outreach to digital campaigns, and they’ve adapted to changes in how people communicate today. Still, I wanted to know more about whether their services are worth the hype.
How does FleishmanHillard PR compare to other PR agencies? And can they deliver for a small company as well as they do for global brands? Like I mentioned earlier, I took out time to review their services, costs, and real-world results to help you decide if FleishmanHillard is right for you.
Let’s get started with a look at what FleishmanHillard PR offers.
FleishmanHillard Services: What They Do
FleishmanHillard PR is like a toolbox for communication needs. They cover traditional PR, digital campaigns, and more, all focused on getting results.
Let’s take a closer look at what FleishmanHillard brings to the table.
FleishmanHillard on Public Relations and Reputation Management
FleishmanHillard PR is great at making brands look good. They handle media relations, promote executives, and build trust with audiences. Their “It’s Bigger Than Me” campaign for Novo Nordisk was a standout—it wasn’t just about selling but raising awareness for health issues.
They collect and use data to understand what people care about so their campaigns hit home. They’ve helped both small and big brands gain credibility. I like how FleishmanHillard PR mixes creativity with smart planning, but smaller companies might not need such a big approach.
FleishmanHillard on Crisis Management
When things go wrong, FleishmanHillard PR steps in. Their “Assessment, Resolve and Control” method helps prepare for and handle crises like product recalls or data breaches.
For example, they helped Nestlé U.S. during the 2022 baby formula shortage with clear, honest communication. This PR agency doesn’t just react—they plan to avoid trouble.
That’s super valuable for industries like healthcare, but I wondered if smaller businesses might find it too much. FleishmanHillard PR’s crisis skills are top-notch for high-pressure situations.
The FleishmanHillard Digital and Social Media Strategy
In 2025, digital is where it’s at, and FleishmanHillard PR is on it. They create social media campaigns and content that grabs attention. Their Neutrogena content studio made skincare tips fun and engaging, while their AT&T 5G campaign mixed online and offline PR for big results.
FleishmanHillard uses tools like Connectivity Diagnostic to understand audiences and Risk Radar to watch online chatter. Their tech is cool, but simpler needs might not require all that firepower. They are a strong pick for brands wanting a big digital push.
FleishmanHillard on Public Affairs and Corporate Communications
FleishmanHillard PR helps companies deal with regulations and stakeholders. They’ve worked with Cisco on tech policies and Allianz on global messaging. They’re great at creating messages that influence decision-makers or keep teams aligned during big changes like mergers.
Furthermore, FleishmanHillard tailors strategies to complex needs, which is perfect for big companies. Smaller businesses, though, might feel it’s more than they need. FleishmanHillard PR shines in policy-driven PR.
FleishmanHillard on Brand Marketing and Consumer Engagement
They know how to connect with customers. They’ve helped expand Lipton globally and boosted March of Dimes’ awareness.
For Tillamook, FleishmanHillard created a farm-to-table campaign that felt real. They focus on what makes people buy and stay loyal.
It is safe to say that their campaigns are polished, but they can be expensive, which might not work for every budget. FleishmanHillard PR’s storytelling is a big win for consumer brands.
The FleishmanHillard Specialized Sectors
FleishmanHillard dives deep into industries like healthcare, finance, food, and tech. They’ve done biotech work for Gilead and agrotech for agriculture. Their Global Executive Advisory helps leaders tackle tough issues like regulations.
This makes them great for specialised needs; smaller companies might need all their expertise, but can they afford to pay?
Also, their ability to handle niche challenges is what sets them apart from other agencies and is also a draw for big brands.
FleishmanHillard Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
Let’s talk money, because that’s one of the biggest factors. FleishmanHillard PR is expensive—think high-end, not cheap. In the UK, PR firms charge £1,000–£5,000 a month, and FleishmanHillard is at the top of that range. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Retainers: $10,000–$50,000+ per month for ongoing work like media outreach.
- Projects: $5,000–$100,000+ for things like product launches or crisis fixes.
- Special services: AI tools or C-suite advisory cost extra.
- No public pricing: You’ll need to ask FleishmanHillard for a quote.
- What affects costs: campaign size, team involved, and whether it’s local or global.
Compared to other big agencies like Edelman, FleishmanHillard PR’s prices are similar. But for small businesses, the cost can feel steep. I’d recommend getting a clear quote upfront to avoid surprises. FleishmanHillard delivers quality, but you need the budget to match.
Pros of Partnering with FleishmanHillard
Why choose FleishmanHillard PR? They’re a top player for a reason, and their strengths are easy to see. Here’s why they’re a big deal:
- Amazing skills: They’ve won Campaign’s Global PR Agency of the Year (2020-2022) and PRWeek’s U.S. Agency of the Year (2022, 2023). Big names like AT&T and Cisco trust them.
- Worldwide reach: With 80 offices and connections in 45 countries, FleishmanHillard handles global campaigns like a breeze.
- Fast tech tools: Connectivity Diagnostic and Risk Radar make their campaigns super smart and targeted.
- Big on diversity: FleishmanHillard PR has a diverse team (60% women and some of them were leaders in 2021) and a Diversity Fellowship with 41% full-time hires.
- Real results: Clients like Hallmark (15+ years) love their work, and the same goes for PepsiCo’s Lipton growth.
I was impressed by their $158 million in new business wins in 2022. That shows they know how to deliver. Their mix of global reach, tech, and client wins makes them a strong pick.
My fear is always with the smaller companies that they might find their big setup hard to handle. For big corporations, though, FleishmanHillard feels like a perfect match.
Cons of Partnering with FleishmanHillard
No agency is perfect, and FleishmanHillard PR has some downsides. Here’s what to watch out for:
- High prices: Retainers ($10,000–$50,000/month) and projects ($5,000–$100,000+) can be tough for small businesses.
- No clear pricing: They don’t share costs upfront, so budgeting can be tricky.
- Too big for some: Their global focus might overwhelm smaller or local companies.
- Slower in small markets: Some clients say FleishmanHillard PR can be slow in less important regions.
- Tough competition: Rivals like Edelman and Weber Shandwick are just as strong in many areas.
I kept thinking about whether FleishmanHillard PR’s size makes them less flexible for smaller projects. Their fancy tools and global setup are great, but a local business might not need all that.
Plus, competitors like Edelman sometimes offer clearer pricing, which could sway smaller clients. FleishmanHillard is a powerhouse, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all.
FleishmanHillard Client Success Stories
They have a knack for big wins, as seen in multiple examples shared previously. Their campaign is a mix of both digital and traditional media to reach tons of people.
Meanwhile, for Neutrogena, they built a content studio that made skincare fun and boosted engagement.
Also, they helped PepsiCo grow Lipton globally with PR that fit each market; that is to say, they also shine during tough times.
For instance, they guided Nestle U.S. through the 2022 baby formula shortage with honest messaging that calmed stakeholders. Additionally, long-term clients like Emerson (15+ years) love their smart strategies and measurable results. However, smaller projects in less key markets can sometimes hit delays, which is something to keep in mind.
Still, FleishmanHillard’s track record is strong, and their ability to deliver big results makes them a go-to for major brands.
What Makes FleishmanHillard PR Unique
So, what sets FleishmanHillard PR apart from other agencies? I dug into this because every agency claims to be special, but surprisingly, this agency has some standout features.
For starters, their Two Truths framework is unique—it blends audience insights with cultural trends to create campaigns that feel personal.
As pointed out earlier, their Tillamook campaign used this to highlight farm-to-table authenticity, connecting with consumers in a real way.
Also, FleishmanHillard balances global and local expertise like few others. With 80 offices, they handle worldwide campaigns but tailor them to local markets.
For instance, their Lipton work differed in Asia versus Europe, showing versatility.
Meanwhile, their diversity focus is a big deal—60% women and 33% people of color leaders in 2021, plus a Diversity Fellowship with 41% full-time hires. This shapes campaigns that resonate widely.
Additionally, their tech tools, like Connectivity Diagnostic and Risk Radar, give them an edge over other agencies by predicting trends and spotting risks early. Unlike some agencies, they mix this tech with human creativity, which I found cool.
Finally, their Global Executive Advisory helps CEOs tackle big issues like regulations, setting them apart for high-stakes clients. These traits make them a leader in the world of public relations.
FleishmanHillard Compared to Other PR Agencies
How does FleishmanHillard PR stack up against others? Well, from my research, I found out that they have three big rivals: Edelman, Weber Shandwick, and Ketchum. Here’s how they compare:
- Edelman: They’re digital pros, with $1.07 billion in 2022 revenue, topping FleishmanHillard’s $745 million. But FleishmanHillard PR’s mix of digital and traditional PR is more versatile. Edelman’s Trust Barometer gives them a thought leadership edge.
- Weber Shandwick: Great at crisis management, with $860 million in 2022 revenue. FleishmanHillard’s 80 offices (vs. Weber’s 70) help with global campaigns. Weber’s creative work, like Burger King’s “Whopper Detour”, is bold, but FleishmanHillard PR’s tools add precision.
- Ketchum: This agency is strong in consumer PR, with $550 million in 2022 revenue. FleishmanHillard PR’s expertise in healthcare and tech makes them more flexible. Ketchum’s smaller size can mean faster service for niche clients.
For example, FleishmanHillard’s diversity and 17% revenue growth in 2022 stand out. However, Edelman’s clearer pricing might win smaller clients. So, FleishmanHillard PR is great for global PR, but smaller firms could suit local needs.
FleishmanHillard’s Future Outlook
FleishmanHillard PR is planning big moves. I hear they’re opening more offices across the globe. Also, they’re investing in AI and analytics to make campaigns smarter—their existing tools, like Connectivity Diagnostics, could get even better.
Meanwhile, FleishmanHillard’s Global Executive Advisory is growing to help leaders tackle regulatory issues when they arise. Additionally, their focus on sustainability and ESG PR (public relations strategies and communication efforts focused on environmental, social, and governance issues) initiatives fits 2025’s trends.
However, the Omnicom-Publicis merger could shake things up, and I’m curious how they will adapt. Still, with rivals like Edelman pushing hard, they’ll need to keep innovating.
So, for brands looking to the future, FleishmanHillard’s tech and global growth make them a strong partner.
Who should partner with them
Thinking about hiring FleishmanHillard PR?
Hire them if you are a big company or brand facing tough challenges like crises or global launches. For example, their awards and clients like Cisco show they deliver. But their costs—$10,000–$50,000/month for retainers, $5,000–$100,000+ for projects—need a big budget. Here’s how to make it work:
- Get a clear quote: Ask FleishmanHillard for a detailed cost breakdown.
- Use their strengths: Tap tools like Risk Radar or their global offices.
- Be specific: Tell them exactly what you need to avoid extra costs.
- Check alternatives: Smaller firms might be better for local or cheap projects.
For instance, their diversity focus can help create campaigns that connect with everyone. However, smaller businesses should be careful—FleishmanHillard PR’s size might slow things down for local needs. So, contact FleishmanHillard to talk about your goals and see if they fit your budget.
Wrapping Up FleishmanHillard’s PR Expertise
So, what’s the final word on FleishmanHillard PR? They’re a global leader with a great track record—think AT&T’s 5G campaign or Nestle’s crisis response.
Also, their many offices, tech tools, and awards (PRWeek’s Agency of the Year 2022, 2023) make them a top pick for big brands. For example, their $745 million revenue in 2022 and 17% growth show they deliver.
However, their high costs and global focus aren’t for everyone. Smaller companies might find the price too tough or the process too complex. I was impressed by their ability to handle big challenges, but I wondered if local businesses might want a smaller agency.
So, if you’re a corporation with big goals, FleishmanHillard is a great choice. For smaller needs, shop around. Contact FleishmanHillard PR for a custom plan, or check out boutique firms for simpler projects.
About the Reviewer
I’m a freelance writer passionate about breaking down complex topics like PR into simple, everyday language.
For example, I’ve spent years researching industries like marketing and communications, looking at how agencies like FleishmanHillard operate.
I enjoy digging into what makes businesses tick, and for this review, I pored over FleishmanHillard PR’s campaigns, pros and cons, client feedback, and how they stack up against other agencies to give you a clear picture.
Also, I’ve followed the PR world closely, keeping up with trends and how agencies compare. However, I’m not perfect, and my take is based on public info and industry insights up to June 2025. I haven’t worked directly with FleishmanHillard, so this is an outside perspective.
Still, I aimed to be fair and thorough. This review is my independent opinion, and I wasn’t paid by any agency to write it—just my honest thoughts and research to help you decide.
