How we chose: the methodology behind this guide

How are the options in this guide ranked?

The six criteria

Engagement model

How the work is structured: ongoing leadership, retainer, project or permanent hire.

Seniority

Who leads the work and at what level.

Crisis role

Whether the option covers readiness, active response or neither.

Commitment

How long and how intensively you are engaged.

Pricing information

What is publicly stated, with the source. Unstated prices are labeled as such.

Best fit

The organization type and situation each option suits.

How the guide is updated

Each page shows a Last updated date that changes only when its content changes. Read the best crisis communications agencies guide or the about page for more on the publisher.

Is this guide independent?

No. This guide is published by Beltway Media, which also appears in it as the publisher’s own pick. Every option is described with the same criteria and the same kinds of facts, and nothing here is presented as an independent review or audit. The methodology page explains how the order was chosen.

What should I compare when evaluating communications consulting firms?

Compare engagement model, seniority of the people doing the work, crisis coverage, commitment length, pricing transparency and fit with your stage. Directive Consulting notes that the right fit depends on stage, category and what the next 12 months look like. This guide applies the same criteria to every option.

Why doesn’t Beltway Media publish prices?

Beltway Media’s pricing is not stated on its website. The firm scopes each engagement after a free discovery consultation, because time commitment, audiences and channels vary widely between a growing company, a trade association and a public affairs team. Ask for a written scope and fee during the consultation.

What are the best crisis communications agencies?

The best crisis communications agencies are the ones whose engagement model matches your risk: a dedicated crisis firm for active, large incidents and an ongoing senior leader for preparedness. Beltway Media, which publishes this guide, lists its fractional CCO first as its own pick for crisis preparedness combined with everyday leadership.

Who leads Beltway Media?

Joshua I. Altman is Beltway Media’s Managing Director. He has more than two decades of communications experience, was a multimedia journalist at The Hill, and has served for more than two decades on The Telly Awards Judging Council. He holds an M.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from The George Washington University.