SAN DIEGO: A survey of Southern California software firms shows that PR budgets are holding steady despite the battering the industry has taken recently.
Commissioned by San Diego-based ContentOne PR, the survey of 103 local companies found that only 9% expect their PR budgets to decline next year.
However, PR budgets were found to represent only 20% or less of overall marketing allowances, and 42% of respondents said their annual PR budget was less than $100,000.
The survey also found that almost half (45%) of companies use outside PR help. Those overseeing the programs said that PR was most effective at enhancing a company's visibility, and less so at generating sales leads or managing a crisis.
And when it comes to keeping clients happy, being featured in major publications or broadcast media was cited most often as the best PR experience.
