Fall is the time many startups begin planning for the following year. And for many, 2024’s plan includes an increased global footprint. But finding the right team to help you launch in new markets can be tricky.
That’s why Firebrand has partnered with UK PR experts, CommsCo, to make expanding to a new market easy and effective. Together, we’re launching a UK/US scaleup PR service for US startups looking to launch in the UK market and UK startups wanting to make their mark in the US.
We may speak the same language on both sides of the pond, but the similarity ends there when it comes to PR. UK audiences – and media – operate very differently from the US. A successful program always uses local messages, tactics and tools, while ensuring global consistency.
CommsCo is a UK-based PR agency that specializes in working with startups looking to scale their business in the UK. Its unique approach, dubbed “challenger PR” helps US brands break into the local market, differentiate with highly relevant messaging and capture media attention.
We’ve known the team over at CommsCo for many years and have always been impressed by their creativity and proactivity. We share a similar results-oriented mindset and passion for helping fast-growth companies. So we know our clients are in good hands if they partner with CommsCo for their UK PR. And we can’t wait to help their clients build their brands in the US.
Many startups start their international PR program with a project around a specific launch or initiative. Our 90-day program consists of a media audit and a messaging workshop, a content plan with corresponding activities and KPIs to get you well off the ground in both regions, within a specific budget so you have transparency of investment.
Our teams deliver the analysis, strategy, messaging, materials and execution – on a project or ongoing basis – to help you achieve traction in the UK and US, whether you’re making your local debut or building on an established beachhead. Clients have a dedicated team with deep domain expertise in both markets. Because we know it takes time and resources to manage agencies, clients can choose to centralize billing, project management, reporting and meetings as needed.
This program is ideal for expansion-stage startups and those looking to kick their US/UK programs up a notch.
About the Author
Morgan McLintic is the founder and CEO of startup marketing agency,Firebrand. Firebrand works with early- and late-stage startups to help raise awareness and drive demand. It does this through integrated programs involving PR, content marketing and digital marketing. The firm was recently recognized as the Boutique Agency of the Year by the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) and awarded Gold Winner of theB2B PR Campaign of the Year by The Drum. Firebrand works with startups in sectors spanning fintech, cybersecurity, AI/ML and infrastructure such as Emburse, Human Interest, Planful, Weaviate and Yubico.
Prior to Firebrand, Morgan was the founder in the US of LEWIS, a global communications firm, which grew to $35m in revenues and 200+ staff in the US, and $75m with 600 staff globally. He has over 30 years' tech experience, both consumer and B2B. At LEWIS, Morgan lead the acquisition of three companies - Page One which was integrated and rebranded as LEWIS Pulse; the Davies Murphy Group, a 65-person PR and marketing consultancy; and Piston, a 50-person full-service digital advertising agency.
Morgan has been a speaker at events for AlwaysOn, Holmes Report, MIT / Stanford VLABs, OnHollywood, PR News, PRSA, Social Media Club, Social Media World Forum, Venture Capital and Private Equity Group, and WITI. PRWEEK named him to its Global PR Powerbook in 2015 and 2016.
Morgan is the host of weekly startup marketing podcast, FiredUp!
