Top PR Firms In San Diego

We feature the top PR firms in San Diego, carefully chosen based on their expertise, industry-specific services, measurable successes, and strong client relationships. Learn more about how we rank these firms and see why they stand out in San Diego's competitive PR landscape.

The Number 1 PR Firm in San Diego, as Selected by DesignRush, Is:

1. Nuffer, Smith, Tucker

• Best for: Overall
• Average hourly rate: $200
• Minimum budget: $10,000-$25,000
• Founded: 1991
• Size: Under 49
• Notable clients: The Port of San Diego, McDonald’s, Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program, Downtown San Diego Partnership, Markon Cooperative

Nuffer, Smith, Tucker (NST) is a seasoned full-service PR firm in San Diego that combines strategic thinking, proven methodologies, innovation, explorative approach, and creative execution to deliver meaningful results. Its services include research, message development, media training, stakeholder outreach, public affairs, community, media, and influencer relations. Integrating these into branding, marketing, and crisis management, NST implements its unique Compass Branding Process. This proprietary method examines an organization’s corporate character, purpose, values, culture, and current and desired brand perceptions.

Nuffer, Smith, Tucker Success Story

• Challenge: The Port of San Diego sought to redevelop the National City Marina District and redesign Pepper Park. To ensure the project aligned with public priorities, input from a diverse, multilingual population was needed to overcome language barriers, lack of internet access, and limited time for participation.
• Solution: NST developed a detailed and inclusive outreach plan involving communication materials in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, localized media efforts, and toolkits. It also organized virtual and in-person workshops and pop-up events at accessible locations.
• Results: NST’s efforts resulted in over 12 million community touchpoints within 4 months. It distributed 6,000 multilingual flyers and secured coverage from 14 local media outlets, including CBS 8, FOX 5, and NBC7. As a result, 623 people provided feedback via surveys, 363 residents attended the workshops, and more than 100 individuals participated in the pop-up events.

Check Nuffer, Smith, Tucker Agency Profile

2. Scatena Daniels Communications

• Best for: Donation and fund-raising drive
• Average hourly rate: $150
• Minimum budget: $1,000-$10,000
• Founded: 2009
• Size: Under 49
• Notable clients: San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB), Allgire Foundation, West Health, UC San Diego Park & Market, San Diego Oasis

Scatena Daniels Communications is a San Diego public relations company that combines creativity with a deep network of media and community influencers to craft campaigns that drive business growth. Its PR strategies include communications planning, community engagement, event support, media partnerships, award submissions, content marketing, media buying, and accessibility strategies. The agency has earned recognition from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the San Diego Business Journal, and the San Diego Press Club.

Scatena Daniels Communications Success Story

• Challenge: SDBB aimed to raise awareness for its Precision Blood program for personalizing blood transfusions. Scatena Daniels Communications was tasked with securing media coverage in Southern California markets (San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County). However, the absence of a Precision Blood lab in LA and Orange County and a Spanish spokesperson hindered the outreach.
• Solution: Scatena Daniels Communications developed a targeted media strategy to secure interviews and highlight the program’s benefits for diverse communities, especially Hispanics. It addressed facility and spokesperson gaps to support future outreach and connected SDBB with funders.
• Results: The campaign generated over $86,800 in earned media value and reached over 2.2 million people across the key regions. This exposure contributed to over $250,000 in donations, helped secure funding for lab equipment, and facilitated a partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital.

Check Scatena Daniels Communications Agency Profile

3. Crowe PR

• Best for: Highly targeted influencer collaborations
• Average hourly rate: $200
• Minimum budget: $10,000-$25,000
• Founded: 2014
• Size: Under 49
• Notable clients: Sanuk, DermTech, Valkyrie, Slate Law Group, Intelliguard

Crowe PR is an ROI-focused PR firm in San Diego that provides nationwide coverage and PR expertise. Crowe PR’s services include communication strategy and media relations, extending to influencer activations, expert positioning, social media marketing, and crisis communications. By facilitating press materials, media training, and product launches, Crowe PR ensures that brands connect with the right audiences and create a holistic PR experience to maximize outcomes.

Crowe PR Success Story

• Challenge: Despite its unique product line with an eco-conscious mission and adventurous identity, footwear brand Sanuk struggled to stand out in a highly competitive market. It needed to amplify its visibility among niche audiences, strengthen its identity in sustainability, and promote its product launches.
• Solution: Focusing on creative storytelling, influencer partnerships, and media outreach, Crowe PR tailored its pitches to fashion and lifestyle publications. At the same time, it launched targeted influencer campaigns that highlighted Sanuk’s sustainable materials and outdoor lifestyle ethos.
• Results: Crowe PR's initiative secured over 35 articles in high-profile publications like WIRED, CNN Underscored, and Glamour. It generated 1.2 billion unique monthly visitors from earned media placements, while its influencer collaborations reached 480,000 individuals with 7,200 engagements.

Check Crowe PR Agency Profile

4. c3 Communications

• Best for: Event management
• Average hourly rate: $200
• Minimum budget: Inquire
• Founded: 2000
• Size: Under 49
• Notable clients: The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Belmont Park, Beyond Babel, BTS, University of Phoenix

c3 Communications is a San Diego public relations company known for its unique hands-on approach, with its principal owners providing direct senior-level strategic counsel to every project. A national network of PR consultants with specialized knowledge in PR aspects complements this structure. With over two decades of industry expertise, c3 Communications handles diverse public relations needs, including traditional, digital, social, and crisis media, strategic community partnerships, street teaming, corporate positioning, and reputation management.

c3 Communications Success Story

• Challenge: The NMMA approached c3 Communications to promote the San Diego Boat Show. It intended to reposition the show as a family-friendly destination event while increasing attendance and ensuring exhibitor growth.
• Solution: c3 Communications developed messaging around the theme "Life Is Better on the Water," using family-friendly elements to promote boating experiences to the public. The team also created a mini news bureau to generate unique story angles and engage the press.
• Results:Exceeding the client's target of 5,000 attendees and drawing 10,000 people in the inaugural year, c3 Communications' PR campaign for The San Diego Boat Show earned 2 Silver Anvil Awards. This encouraged NMMA to enlist c3’s PR services for 22 more boat shows.

Check c3 Communications Agency Profile

5. KCD PR

• Best for: High-profile niche media visibility projects
• Average hourly rate: Inquire
• Minimum budget: Inquire
• Founded: 2009
• Size: Under 49
• Notable clients: Comdata, Transflo, Millennium Trust Company, San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence, Liberty Small Business Funding

KCD PR is a PR firm in San Diego that caters to the finance, fintech, blockchain, W3, and cybersecurity industries. Its public relations services are a strategic mix of SWOT analysis, brand positioning, integrated marketing, event launches, media relations, investor relations, and crisis and issues communications. In addition, KCD PR offers support in comprehensive content development, video marketing, plus media and presentation training. Leading numerous businesses to success for 15 years, KCD PR's excellence in the field has been recognized by Forbes, The Communicator Awards, Stevie Awards, and SD Metro Magazine.

KCD PR Success Story

• Challenge: Comdata, a fintech company that caters to trucking services, wanted to position its team as a thought leader and engage in key industry conversations by strengthening brand awareness in media outlets.
• Solution: KCD PR launched an executive visibility campaign to enhance Comdata's media presence. Using data from its research on the client's products and strategy, KCD PR created a targeted media relations program, which included crafting media briefs, press releases on corporate developments, and arranging media interviews. These initiatives would give Comdata’s leadership team opportunities for media exposure.
• Results: KCD PR secured numerous features for Comdata in prominent trucking and fintech publications, such as Fleet News Daily, Mobile Payments Today, FreightWaves, and PYMNTS.com. Its press release distribution yielded 256 media placements with over 161 million impressions.

Check KCD PR Agency Profile

How We Picked the Best San Diego Public Relations Companies

To identify the best San Diego public relations companies, our agency experts use a meticulous evaluation process that considers each agency’s local impact, client feedback, work portfolio, and community reputation. Our comprehensive analysis ensures that we spotlight the firms most capable of driving brand awareness, fostering community relationships, and enhancing media visibility in the San Diego market.

We assess their performance based on the following PR-specific criteria:

• Verified client reviews: Honest feedback that reflects their ability to deliver results, build strong relationships, and maintain client satisfaction
• Portfolio: A proven track record of successful PR campaigns, particularly within San Diego and its surrounding areas, showcasing a deep understanding of the local market
• Awards and local press mention: Industry recognitions and local media coverage that demonstrate excellence in public relations, community engagement, and media outreach in San Diego
• Team bios: Profiles detailing the expertise and background of the team, highlighting their connections to the San Diego media landscape and public relations experience
• Top services: The firm’s core PR offerings, such as crisis management, media relations, and influencer outreach, tailored specifically to San Diego’s business and cultural ecosystem
• Local PR expertise: Specialized knowledge of San Diego’s business environment, key media players, and influential community members, ensuring the firm can craft campaigns that resonate locally.

Read the detailed DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology that outlines the thorough evaluation process behind our rankings.