The amount that startups should invest in public relations (PR) and social media depends on a number of factors, including:

• Stage of the startup: Early-stage startups may need to focus on building brand awareness and credibility, while later-stage startups may be more focused on driving sales and generating leads.
• Industry: Some industries are more reliant on PR and social media than others. For example, startups in the technology and consumer goods industries often have a strong focus on social media marketing.
• Target audience: The startup’s target audience will also influence how much they should invest in PR and social media. For example, if the startup’s target audience is millennials, they will likely need to have a strong social media presence.
• Budget: The startup’s overall budget will also play a role in how much they can afford to invest in PR and social media.

As a general rule of thumb, startups should aim to invest 5-10% of their marketing budget on PR and social media. However, this number can vary depending on the factors listed above.

Here are some specific examples of how startups can allocate their PR and social media budgets:

• Early-stage startups:
  • PR: 20-30% of PR and social media budget
  • Social media: 70-80% of PR and social media budget
• Later-stage startups:
  • PR: 30-40% of PR and social media budget
  • Social media: 60-70% of PR and social media budget

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The best way to determine how much to invest in PR and social media is to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that takes into account all of the relevant factors.

In addition to investing in PR and social media activities, startups should also invest in building relationships with journalists and social media influencers. These relationships can help startups to generate positive media coverage and reach a wider audience.

By investing in PR and social media, startups can build brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.