More and more businesses are recognizing the value of public relations to put them — and keep them — on the map of today's highly competitive, highly saturated marketplace.

The marketing strategies that businesses used to rely on before the digital age — like prominent Yellow Page listings, newspaper ads and distributed flyers announcing store openings — are no longer effective and cutting-edge promotional tools. Such priorities as social media presence, brand buzz and cross-platform messaging have replaced these traditional approaches.

Experts in financial consulting, fashion merchandising or home health services aren't expected to be experts in these newer means and modes of company publicity. That's what PR and branding pros are for. And that's why businesses of all sizes are increasingly realizing that they can benefit immensely from forming B2B partnerships with specialists in these new spaces and places.

Related: 4 Reasons Your PR Campaign Isn't Driving Sales — and How to Fix Them

Here are some of the top reasons businesses contract with a PR specialist as part of their overall business plan:

If you're at a place in your business's evolution where you recognize it's time to bring in PR expertise, should you go the boutique route … or not?

Related: Why You Need A........

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