What is the ideal PR Budget for Startups?

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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.

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Key Takeaways:

1. UK startups often operate with very modest PR budgets, sometimes under £10K–£50K for initial activities.

2. Nearly 20% of UK small businesses have no PR support — starting small is normal.

3. Focus on high-impact, low-cost activities like targeted media outreach and storytelling.

4. Track what works and increase spend gradually as the startup grows.

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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.

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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.

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How to allocate a PR budget

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

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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
Build credibility and a visibility within your market

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.