EDST vs Traditional PR Agencies
Old-school press meetings or new-school viral growth? Here's the real breakdown.
TL;DR
Traditional PR agencies excel at legacy media and corporate reputation management, but often come with 6-figure retainers, slow timelines, and outdated metrics. EDST delivers faster, measurable social growth at a fraction of the cost — built for the creator economy, not the boardroom.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The Deep Dive
The Pricing Reality
Traditional PR agencies typically require retainers starting at $5,000-$10,000/month for small agencies, with top-tier firms charging $25,000-$50,000+ monthly. Most require 6-12 month commitments upfront. EDST starts at $149/month with no long-term contracts required — you can scale up or down based on what's working.
Speed to Results
PR agencies operate on media cycles. Pitching journalists, coordinating interviews, and securing placements can take weeks or months. There's no guarantee of coverage. EDST campaigns go live within 24-72 hours, with measurable growth visible immediately in your dashboard.
The Metrics That Matter
PR agencies often report "impressions" and "media mentions" — vanity metrics that don't translate to followers, engagement, or revenue. EDST focuses on real growth: new followers, engagement rates, profile visits, and the momentum that actually builds your brand.
Who They're Built For
Traditional PR was built for corporations navigating media relations in the pre-social era. EDST was built from day one for creators, artists, and entrepreneurs who live on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. We understand the algorithm, the culture, and what actually makes content spread.
When a Traditional PR Agency Makes Sense
- You're a Fortune 500 company needing crisis management
- Your primary goal is Wall Street Journal or NYT coverage
- You have a $100K+ annual PR budget
- You need government relations or lobbying support
- Your audience is primarily executives and investors, not consumers
When EDST Is the Better Choice
- You're a creator, artist, or entrepreneur building a personal brand
- Social media growth and engagement are your priority
- You want results in days, not months
- Your budget is under $10K/month
- You need real-time data, not quarterly reports
- You want to go viral, not just get a press mention
Common Questions
The Verdict
If you're a corporation with a massive budget and need to manage your reputation in traditional media, a PR agency might be right. But if you're building a brand in the creator economy and want fast, measurable growth on social platforms, EDST delivers more value at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to Experience the EDST Difference?
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