Retainer
A retainer is an ongoing monthly fee. Traditional PR usually requires one. Ace Branding states that no retainer is required, so you buy defined work rather than open-ended time.
Comparison
Traditional PR vs Ace Branding
Ace Branding differs from traditional PR on four points: no retainer, guaranteed results, narrative control, and consulting.
Ace Branding presents traditional PR as retainer based, without guaranteed results or narrative control, and without reputation to revenue consulting. Ace Branding marks each of those the other way. This page is published by Ace Branding, so it is the firm's own comparison, not an independent review.
Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Ace Branding
Same four criteria for both
Which is better, traditional PR or Ace Branding?
Ace Branding fits founders and thought leaders who want guaranteed, searchable coverage, approval over every draft, and no retainer. Traditional PR can fit better when you need a journalist to report on breaking news, or you want ongoing media relations and crisis support managed month to month on a retainer.
| Criterion | Traditional PR | Ace Branding |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer required | Yes | No |
| Guaranteed results | No | Yes |
| Narrative control (you approve drafts) | No | Yes |
| Reputation to revenue consulting | No | Yes |
What each criterion means
Guaranteed results
Traditional PR pitches journalists, who may or may not cover you. Ace Branding offers guaranteed publishing in over 800 publications through its network and contributors.
Narrative control
With traditional PR, the journalist decides what to write. With Ace Branding, you review and edit the draft, and nothing is submitted until you approve it.
Reputation to revenue consulting
Ace Branding includes consulting designed to turn your credibility into new opportunities, customer loyalty, and revenue. Ace Branding presents this as absent from traditional PR.
How we chose these criteria
These four criteria are the ones Ace Branding publishes on its own website, and both models are judged on all four. This comparison was written by Ace Branding, the business that publishes this site. Read the full methodology or return to the guide on PR for entrepreneurs. Published by Ace Branding.
Common questions
- How is Ace Branding different from a traditional PR firm?
- Ace Branding compares itself with traditional PR on four points. Traditional PR usually requires a retainer, does not guarantee results, does not give you narrative control, and does not include reputation to revenue consulting. Ace Branding marks each of those the other way: no retainer, guaranteed results, narrative control, and consulting included.
- Which is better, traditional PR or digital PR?
- It depends on your goal. Digital PR with guaranteed features fits founders and thought leaders who want reliable, searchable coverage and approval over what is published. Traditional PR can fit when you need a journalist to report on breaking news, or you want ongoing crisis and media relations managed on a retainer.
- What should I look for in the best digital PR agencies?
- Look for five things: a specific, written list of outlets and deliverables; clear terms on whether results are guaranteed; your right to approve drafts; case studies with real numbers; and whether a retainer is required. Ace Branding answers these with guaranteed publishing, draft approval, published case studies, and no retainer.
- Should I hire an online PR agency or do PR myself?
- Doing PR yourself fits when you have time to research outlets, write pitches, and follow up, and you are comfortable with uncertain results. An online PR agency fits when you would rather spend that time running your business. Ace Branding handles the interview, writing, and placement, and you stay involved by approving the final draft.
- Are guaranteed features the same as earned media?
- Not exactly. Earned media usually means a journalist chose to cover you after a pitch, with no guarantee. Ace Branding's guaranteed features are placed through its publishing network and contributors, so placement is assured and you approve the draft. Both appear as articles on the publication's site. Ask how each placement is published so you know what you are getting.
- Do I need to sign a retainer?
- No. Ace Branding's own comparison with traditional PR lists "Retainer required" as yes for traditional PR and no for Ace Branding. That means you are not committing to an open-ended monthly fee to get started. Confirm the exact terms of your package in writing on your consultation.
Ready to share your story with a bigger audience?
Contact Ace Branding and ask for the 15 minute, no obligation discovery call. No retainer is required.