What Is the Ideal PR Budget for Startups?

Figuring out how much to spend on PR can feel tricky for early-stage startups. How much is enough to get noticed without stretching your limited resources? In this guide, we’ll walk you through UK-specific insights and practical steps to allocate funds wisely.

TL;DR

• Most UK startups operate with modest PR budgets, often under £50,000.
  
• Nearly 1 in 5 UK small businesses have no PR support at all - so starting small is normal.
  
• Focus on activities that help you tell your story and reach the right people.
  
• Track results and adjust your budget as your business grows.
  
  

Why PR matters for Startups

PR isn’t a luxury — it should be a key part of your business strategy - helping to build credibility, visibility, and trust.

Even with a small budget, PR can help you:

• Tell your founder story and build credibility.
  
• Attract early customers, partners, or investors.
  
• Get noticed by journalists and influencers.

It’s about being visible and credible in your industry without needing a big spend.

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UK benchmark data for Startup PR budgets

Here’s what the data shows about small businesses and early-stage startups in the UK:

Limited budgets are normal

• According to a CIPR report, nearly 1 in 5 UK businesses have no PR support at all.

This demonstrates that many startups begin with minimal or no dedicated PR spend.

Typical small business PR spend

• The CIPR State of the Profession 2024 report shows that smaller UK organisations often operate with PR or communications budgets between £0–£100,000.
  
  

This gives a benchmark: early-stage startups typically work in the low five-figure range, investing only what they can afford while focusing on high-impact activities.

How to allocate a PR budget

Even a modest PR budget can be effective if used strategically. Here’s how to think about it:

1. Align with your goals

Decide what you want PR to achieve. Common goals for startups include:

• Attracting early customers
  
• Building relationships with key media and journalists
  
  

Building credibility and a visibility within your market 

Your budget should support these priorities.

2. Prioritise high-impact activities

Spend on activities that provide the most value:

• Building relationships with key journalists
• Building your brand narrative and key messaging house 
• Looking for key
  
• Engaging with industry influencers
  
• Creating a compelling founder story for blogs, LinkedIn, and media pitches
  
  

Small, targeted campaigns often perform better than larger, unfocused ones.

3. Use free or low-cost tools

Take advantage of free tools for media lists, monitoring coverage, and scheduling social media posts. Our guide The Best Free Tools for PR for Startups has practical suggestions:
 

4. Track and review

Even a small budget should be monitored. Track media coverage, engagement, and leads generated. This will help you refine your strategy without overspending.

Words+Pixels perspective

PR doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. At Words+Pixels, we help startups create lean, goal-oriented PR strategies that deliver results without breaking the bank.

If you want guidance on when to invest in PR, check out:

• How to know you’re ready to work with a PR Agency that specialises in PR for Startups
• PR Strategy for Startups: How to build buzz and grow fast:
  

Key takeaways

• UK startups often operate with very modest PR budgets, sometimes under £10K–£50K for initial activities.
  
  
• Nearly 20% of UK small businesses have no PR support — starting small is normal.
  
  
• Focus on high-impact, low-cost activities like targeted media outreach and storytelling.
  
  
• Track what works and increase spend gradually as the startup grows.
  
  

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FAQs: PR Budgets for Startups

1. How much should a UK startup spend on PR?

 Most early-stage startups operate with low five-figure budgets or less, focusing on high-impact activities.

2. Can I get started with no PR budget?

 Yes. Around 1 in 5 UK small businesses have no PR support, so starting small is common.

3. What should I spend my small PR budget on first?

Prioritise press releases, media lists, and creating a strong founder story. Free tools can help manage tasks efficiently.

4. When should I increase my PR spend?

Once you see measurable results or gain traction, gradually scale up your PR activities and budget.

5. Is hiring an agency worth it for a small budget?

Only if it aligns with your goals. Early-stage startups often benefit from guidance while executing much of the work themselves.