Chapter 07 / Traditional PR vs Ace
Ace Branding differs from a traditional public relations firm in four ways: no retainer, guaranteed results, narrative control and Reputation to Revenue Consulting.
This comparison is published by Ace Branding, so it is not independent. It uses the four criteria Ace Branding publishes on its own website. A traditional retainer model suits some buyers well, and the section below says who.
Published by Ace Branding Last updated
Answer
Ace Branding fits better if you want defined deliverables, guaranteed publishing and approval of every draft, without an ongoing retainer. A traditional public relations firm can fit better if you need ongoing crisis management, a standing media relations team or coverage earned only through journalist pitching.
Comparison
| Criterion | Traditional PR | Ace Branding |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer required | Yes | No |
| Guaranteed results | No | Yes |
| Narrative control | No | Yes |
| Reputation to Revenue Consulting | No | Yes |
Evidence cards
A retainer is a recurring fee for ongoing work. Ace Branding does not require one; you engage for the package you choose.
Ace Branding guarantees publishing in more than 800 publications through the publishing network it built from 2020 to 2023. Traditional pitching depends on whether an editor chooses the story.
Ace Branding will not submit an article for publishing until you approve the final draft. Coverage won by pitching is written by the journalist and is not usually shared for approval.
Ace Branding includes guidance on turning new credibility into opportunities, customer loyalty and revenue. Founder Luke Hessler started Ace Branding after a bad PR experience in 2018.
Part of the field guide to Ace Branding digital PR packages, which covers what every package includes, how it is priced and who it suits.
Questions
In Ace Branding's own comparison, traditional PR requires a retainer and does not offer guaranteed results, narrative control or revenue consulting. Ace Branding requires no retainer, guarantees results, lets you approve drafts and offers Reputation to Revenue Consulting. Founder Luke Hessler committed to changing the industry after his own bad PR experience in 2018.
With pitched PR, an agency pitches journalists and coverage depends on whether they say yes. With guaranteed PR, the deliverable is agreed in advance. Ace Branding offers guaranteed publishing in over 800 publications across the US and worldwide, so you know what you are buying before work begins.
No. In Ace Branding's comparison with traditional PR, a retainer is listed as required for traditional PR and not required for Ace Branding. You buy defined deliverables, such as press features or a podcast tour, rather than paying an ongoing fee for effort without a fixed outcome.
Ace Branding is a specialized digital PR firm rather than a full-service marketing agency. Its services are press features, podcast tours, regional TV appearances and Reputation to Revenue Consulting, and it customizes each engagement starting with an interview. It reports 12 years of experience and 1,523 clients served.
Compare agencies on the same points: whether a retainer is required, whether results are guaranteed, whether you approve drafts, which outlets and podcasts they work with, and what proof they publish. Ace Branding publishes case studies, a client list and its seven-step press process so you can check these points before you book.
Look for clear deliverables, published proof and control over your story. Ace Branding offers guaranteed publishing in over 800 publications, publishes case studies such as the UIGISC study with 30 full features, and submits nothing until you approve the final draft. Judge any agency you consider on the same criteria.
Method
This page was written by Ace Branding, the business that publishes this guide. It is not an independent review. Every entry is described with the same kinds of facts and judged on these criteria:
Facts about Ace Branding come from its own website. Industry numbers come from the named published sources. Read the full methodology for this guide.
Tell Ace Branding about your story, your audience and the outlets you want to reach. The first step is a 15 minute, no obligation discovery call.
