Top Crisis Communications Agencies

Crisis communication agencies will focus on mitigating the effects of crisis and preserve or restore a company’s reputation, they will do that by leveraging sector expertise, established industry relationships, and using enhanced tools & tailored metrics.

Share

What is Crisis Communications?

Crisis Communications is a marketing strategy through which companies look to proactively and reactively mitigate the impact of a crisis such as a public relations scandal, cybersecurity attack, or a product recall.

The ultimate goal is to preserve or restore a company’s reputation, credibility, and reliability. It will do that by developing strategies to take control of narratives, like rapid response protocols, reputation repair campaigns, media relations, stakeholder communication, social media monitoring, unified message control across channels, proactive risk assessment, and more.

Key Components of Crisis Communications

Monitoring & Early Warning Systems

It encompasses the activity of monitoring diverse channels to capture possible threats beforehand. Agencies will use social listening tools and media monitoring to track conflicts before they escalate.

Stakeholder Alignment

This component covers coordinating with teams inside and outside the organization. Agencies will communicate with legal counsel, frontline teams, deal with government relations and external collaborators to make sure the messaging is consistent.

Scenario Planning & Training

The Scenario Planning & Training step is responsible for developing the guidelines for crisis situations that are common. Agencies will write playbooks on adequate actions to take given a specific situation (e.g. data leakage, product recall, general controversies).

Unique Aspects & Challenges in Crisis Communications

1. Multiple Stakeholder Groups & Complex Channels

There is the messaging that must be developed for stakeholders who will transmit it and the messaging for stakeholders who will receive it as end recipients. Thus, communication must be tailored to employees, media, clients, investors, and regulatory bodies all at the same time. In addition, agencies must be able to tailor communication meticulously in diverse channels such as press releases, social media statements, or internal briefings.

2. Legal & Regulatory Constraints

Different crisis situations will generate different legal and regulatory needs. For example, disclosures for crises like data breaches and product recalls may have strict and specific legal requirements. Besides the situation-specific legal needs, there is also the challenge of dealing with multinational clients that demand that agencies effectively navigate through foreign regulation.

3. High-Stakes Reputation Management

A small communication detail can cause severe damage to brand reputation in a crisis. Agencies then must be extremely careful while making swift messaging decisions focusing on minimizing negative brand impact, like loss of customer trust and stock value. In addition, the emotional & public pressure that naturally arises in a crisis demands that agencies are empathetic and sensitive when communicating in order to mitigate public concerns.

4. Accelerated Timelines & Rapid Evolving Technology

The rapid speed in which misinformation spreads requires specialized agencies to develop accurate strategies in a fast-paced manner, catering to the social media cycle. On another note, there is the challenge of the evolving digital landscape, which demands that agencies have access to specialized tools to control and monitor messaging across social media platforms.

Why hire a crisis-focused agency over a general one?

Crisis Communications Expertise

Hiring a crisis-communications agency provides the benefit of accessing a deep sector-specific knowledge that will provide more accurate insights, more rapid solutions, and better effectiveness. Specialized agencies are experienced in crafting real-time accurate responses (e.g. holding statements, media briefings) in high-pressure scenarios and are proficient in tailoring messaging that demonstrates empathy, transparency and accountability.

Established Industry Relationships & Media Networks

Agencies in this sector have established relationships with media and regulatory networks. This makes them more capable of controlling narratives and knowing the best way of dealing with government inquiries and regulatory investigations. The ties with journalists and influencers allow specialists to swiftly fix misinformation and guarantee messaging coverage while the proximity with legal advisors provides adequacy to legal and reputation standards.

Enhanced Tools & Tailored Metrics

Crisis communication agencies are capable of analyzing and monitoring data in real time, with enhanced tools and tailored metrics that identify engagement peaks and misinformation trends. They also have “War Rooms”, which serve as command-centers to create real-time strategies for high-stakes scenarios. Teams are prepared to swiftly plan scenarios, develop media training, and cross-function align during a crisis escalation process.

Best 10 Crisis Communications Agencies

Intrepid Agency

1. Intrepid Agency

Intrepid Agency

Headquarters

Salt Lake City, Utah

Founded

1995

Company Size

30

About Intrepid Agency

We Connect You to Your Audiences. Intrepid is an integrated communication firm focused on helping companies tell their stories and connecting them with their target audiences. We develop and execute smart, impactful, creative communication platforms and programs that help our clients build relationships with their audiences.With more than 20 years experience in the public relations industry, we’ve worked with companies big and small to create change. We're not scared of complexity and we see “challenges” as opportunities. We thrive working within complex industries, communicating complex ideas.Our capabilities and areas of expertise include: media relations, strategic planning, crisis communications, creative and design execution, content development, digital and social media planning/execution, traditional media planning and public involvement services.

Services
Branding
Content Marketing
Corporate Communications
Creative
Crisis Communications
Marketing Communications
Marketing Strategy
Media Buying & Planning
Public Relations
Video Production
Sectors
Education
Financial Services
Healthcare
Hospitality
Legal
Non-Profit
Real Estate
Sports
Tech
Transportation
Notable Clients
  • Mountain Heights Academy
  • Utah Credit Union Association
  • Zimmerman Booher Law Firm
  • Utah Department of Transportation
  • Utah Jazz Legacy Trust
  • Denterlein

    2. Denterlein

    Denterlein

    Headquarters

    Boston, MA

    Founded

    2000

    Company Size

    30

    About Denterlein

    We are an independent public relations agency that inspires and influences the people you care about most. Our campaigns help boost integrity and loyalty, edge out the competition, manage your risk and build support for your vision.We craft tailored strategies to amplify your reach and engage the right audiences at the right time. From traditional press to powerful content and digital campaigns, we make your voice heard.Your company is only as strong as its reputation. We also help organizations prepare for and weather crisis events that can damage even the most stalwart brands. From cyber breaches to leadership transitions and litigation, we help executives communicate in even the most complex of circumstances.Denterlein is a partner firm in PR World Alliance, with representation in major cities throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. Working with our partner members of the Alliance, we provide a complete range of PR and press relations services worldwide, giving your communications, messages, and brand an international presence.

    Services
    Branding
    Content Marketing
    Corporate Communications
    Crisis Communications
    Digital Marketing
    Marketing Strategy
    Media Relations
    Public Relations
    Reputation Management
    Thought Leadership
    Sectors
    Education
    Energy
    Healthcare
    Life Sciences
    Lifestyle
    Non-Profit
    Professional Services
    Public Affairs
    Real Estate
    Transportation
    Sound Counsel Crisis Communications

    3. Sound Counsel Crisis Communications

    Sound Counsel Crisis Communications

    Headquarters

    Seattle, Wa

    Founded

    2008

    Company Size

    4

    About Sound Counsel Crisis Communications

    A guiding light when your organization is in crisis. Sound Counsel helps organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis by advising what to say and how to say it. Our team brings over seven decades of experience helping Fortune 500s, small businesses, non-profits, universities, trade associations, and many others with crisis preparedness, response and recovery.

    Services
    Sectors
    Food
    Healthcare
    Hospitality
    Notable Clients
  • Fortune 500 companies
  • Life Care Centers
  • Princess Cruises
  • Piller's Sausage
  • Strategic Vision PR Group

    4. Strategic Vision PR Group

    Strategic Vision PR Group

    Headquarters

    Atlanta , GA

    Founded

    2001

    Company Size

    12

    About Strategic Vision PR Group

    Strategic Vision PR Group is an award winning full-service public relations agency. We develop and implement branding strategies, media relations campaigns, social media campaigns, government relations programs, crisis communications plans, and creative strategies to build reputations and influence audiences for our clients that position our clients for today and tomorrow.We were founded in the aftermath of 9/11 with nothing but a vision and a computer. Today, we serve a diverse clientele with four distinct divisions – corporate communications; book and author publicity; entertainment and sports publicity; and public affairs. Regardless of your PR need, the outcome in working with Strategic Vision PR Group is an enhanced reputation and brand – and public voice that inspires and motivates your targeted audiences.Strategic Vision PR Group understands the value of emerging media as well as traditional print & broadcast coverage and ensures our clients have a strong and ongoing social media presence. It is this innovative approach that allows Strategic Vision PR Group to help brands, authors, corporations, associations, and individuals from relatively unknown to already established, break through the clutter and into the global media arena, as well as consistently deliver the far-reaching and long lasting results that ultimately affect the clients’ bottom line. Our clients look to us for results, and we deliver.We take pride in our work and are committed to the success of our clients. Our belief is if our clients PR needs are met and they succeed, we succeed. We bring a creative and innovative approach to the table and go the extra mile to ensure that our clients obtain the coverage and impact that they deserve.

    Services
    Branding
    Content Marketing
    Crisis Communications
    Event Marketing
    Graphic Design
    Influencer Marketing
    Market Research
    Media Relations
    Public Relations
    Social Media
    Sectors
    Corporate PR
    Education
    Entertainment
    Finance
    Healthcare
    Legal
    Non-Profit
    Public Affairs
    Sports
    Tech
    Notable Clients
  • Aryella Jupiter
  • Richard Geller
  • Paul Yarbourgh
  • David Konits
  • Amanda Brown
  • Hennes Communications

    5. Hennes Communications

    Hennes Communications

    Headquarters

    Cleveland, Ohio

    Founded

    1989

    Company Size

    9

    About Hennes Communications

    Founded in 1989, Hennes Communications is one of the few firms in the U.S. focused exclusively on crisis communications. Hennes Communications offers a wide range of crisis-oriented services, including media training, media relations, litigation communication support, pre-crisis preparation, crisis drills and presentation training.Our firm handles a diverse set of clients from corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, trade associations and professional service firms to hospitals, school systems, colleges and universities that are “on trial” in the Court of Public Opinion. Among the types of crises we have handled: industrial accidents, plant closings and staff reductions, white collar crime, product recalls, food contamination, activist protests and attacks, work stoppages and labor disputes, sudden changes in leadership, medical malpractice, environmental clean-ups… and many others.Hennes Communications counts among its current and former clients such companies as Avery Dennison, Bellefaire, BASF, ThyssenKrupp, Case Western Reserve University, Forest City Enterprises, The Greater Cleveland Partnership, The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, John Carroll University, KeyBank, National City Bank, NASA, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Riverside Company, Westfield Insurance (Ohio Farmer’s Insurance) as well as many of the leading law firms in Cleveland.The Cleveland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored the agency with the "Best of Show" award at its 2013 PRSA Cleveland Rocks Awards competition. The entry, "Doing the Right Thing: How a Company's Forthright Crisis Response Preserved its Reputation and Maintained Customer Confidence" for client SeaStreak also won a Cleveland Rocks "Gold" award in the category of Crisis Communications.

    Services
    Sectors
    Education
    Healthcare
    Legal
    Kessler PR

    6. Kessler PR

    Kessler PR

    Headquarters

    Ocean Township, New Jersey

    Founded

    1993

    Company Size

    14

    About Kessler PR

    Founded in 1993 as Evergreen Partners, Kessler PR Group is the region’s leading public relations firm specializing in crisis communications, reputation management, litigation support and media relations.Discreet, professional and dedicated to your public relations and communications goals, we are really, really good at what we do.

    Services
    Crisis Communications
    Litigation Support
    Media Relations
    Public Relations
    Reputation Management
    Sectors
    Education
    Entertainment
    Finance
    Gambling
    Healthcare
    Hospitality
    Legal
    Non-Profit
    Real Estate
    Sports
    Sitrick And Company

    7. Sitrick And Company

    Sitrick And Company

    Headquarters

    Los Angeles, California

    Founded

    1989

    Company Size

    39

    About Sitrick And Company

    Sitrick And Company has consistently been ranked among the nation’s top strategic communications firms. Founded in 1989 by Michael S. Sitrick, Chairman and CEO, the firm has clients from the public and private sector as well as high-profile individuals. The New York Times called us, “The City’s Most Prominent Crisis Management Firm.”We have offices in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Denver.Sitrick And Company focuses on corporate, financial, transactional, reputational and crisis communications. While the firm has a substantial practice in each of these areas, it is best known for its work in sensitive, make-or-break situations. The firm is a leader in crisis management of all types, including litigation support of all types, data breaches, product recalls, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and in-and-out of court restructurings. (The firm has done approximately 400 Chapter 11s over the past 27 years.) Clients include public and private companies – from those in the Fortune 100 to start-ups — as well as government agencies and high-profile individuals in business, sports, entertainment and politics. While the firm is known for its placement and shaping of some of the nation’s most important news stories, giving it access to the media that few firms can rival, perhaps even more telling are those that never show up in the media – traditional or digital – the result of Sitrick And Company having achieved the much more difficult task of keeping clients out of the news.

    Services
    Corporate Communications
    Crisis Communications
    Public Relations
    Reputation Management
    Social Media
    Sectors
    Crisis Management
    Entertainment
    Financial Services
    Legal
    Sports
    Fitler Square Strategies

    8. Fitler Square Strategies

    Fitler Square Strategies
    About Fitler Square Strategies

    We offer communications and advocacy services to corporate, nonprofit, political, and government clients. We specialize in crisis preparedness and crisis communications for organizations of all sizes that face challenges to their reputations.Strategic CommunicationsEvery organization, initiative, or campaign needs a communications plan with clear goals and deliverables. Working with your organization's leadership, we will develop a comprehensive communications plan that includes goals, messages, audiences, targets, tactics, deliverables, and calendars. We'll base our planning on comprehensive research and audits of your organization's communications needs.Crisis Communications, Risk Management, and Rapid ResponseWhether you need immediate help in a crisis or long-term crisis preparedness planning, we can use our experience responding to the most challenging crises and situations to help your organization. We can work with your organization to assess your preparedness, mitigate vulnerabilities, run tabletop exercises, write a crisis communications plan, and fight back against challenges to your organization or campaign.Issue AdvocacyWe've been in some of the biggest public policy fights for the last 15 years. We will help your organization advance its advocacy goals through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement by developing and executing multi-channel, comprehensive advocacy campaigns.Change Management, Organizational Planning, and DevelopmentWe have helped large organizations usher through major projects and initiatives from digital transformation to organizational restructuring. We will help your organization maximize its communications resources and capacity. If you have a complex project or digital transformation planned, we will help develop internal and external plans to implement the projects within your organization and communicate their value to stakeholders.

    Services
    Advocacy
    Corporate Communications
    Crisis Communications
    Marketing Consulting
    Marketing Strategy
    Media Relations
    Public Relations
    Reputation Management
    Strategic Communications
    Thought Leadership
    Sectors
    Government
    Higher Education
    Hospitality
    Non-Profit
    Political
    Notable Clients
  • PA Needs Teachers
  • a prominent hospitality company
  • an academic institution
  • a West Coast hospitality company
  • 9. Sara Brady PR

    Sara Brady PR
    Services
    Corporate Communications
    Crisis Communications
    Media Training
    Public Relations
    Reputation Management
    Sectors
    Government
    Healthcare
    Legal
    Non-Profit
    Red Banyan

    10. Red Banyan

    Specialized Service Agency (Public Relations)

    Red Banyan

    Headquarters

    Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Founded

    2010

    Company Size

    32

    About Red Banyan

    Red Banyan is a strategic communications firm with offices in Florida, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. specializing in public relations, crisis management/ crisis communications, social media, and marketing. Red Banyan combines creative thinking, steady judgment shaped by experience and a relentless commitment to achieving results for its clients.

    Sectors
    Education
    Financial Services
    Insurance
    Legal
    Non-Profit
    Startup
    Tech
    Notable Clients
  • Jewish Federations of North America
  • Greenspan Public Adjusters
  • Gunster Yoakley
  • Ignite
  • The LASIK Vision Institute