find-pr-agency
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US public-relations and communications agencies — media relations, crisis comms, investor relations (IR), product-launch PR, tech/startup PR, healthcare PR, B2B PR, public affairs, brand reputation, and internal communications. Triggers on "find me a tech PR agency in NY", "shortlist three IR firms for our IPO", "we need crisis comms help for a brand reputation issue", or "pull contact info for these 10 PR firm domains", even when described indirectly (we need press, get us into TechCrunch, manage our brand reputation). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Defer to find-marketing-agency when scope is broader marketing beyond PR/comms. Skip in-house PR/comms hires, "write me a press release" DIY asks, PR-software comparisons (Cision, Muck Rack), influencer-marketplace questions, non-US firms, individual freelance PR people.
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/nostrband/ServiceGraph /tmp/find-pr-agency && cp -r /tmp/find-pr-agency/skills/find-pr-agency ~/.claude/skills/find-pr-agencySKILL.md
# find-pr-agency
Drive the **ServiceGraph API** (`https://api.servicegraph.co`) to find,
shortlist, and enrich US PR and communications agencies via the
`pro_services` dataset.
**Always pin `service_provided:public-relations`.** Note: the
catalog's nominal `industry:pr_comms` value returns zero firms in
the live release — PR/comms firms are tagged with
`service_provided:public-relations` instead, typically under adjacent
industries (`marketing_agency`, `other_pro_services`). **Pin the
service tag, not the industry.** Sub-types (media relations, crisis,
IR, public affairs, healthcare PR, tech PR, B2B PR, internal comms,
brand reputation) are NOT separate tags — sub-type specialization is
a keyword substring search on firm text.
Any HTTP client works (curl, fetch, requests). Examples below use curl.
## Sibling skills — defer when scope is broader
If the user wants a **multi-service marketing engagement** (PR plus
content plus paid plus social), defer to `find-marketing-agency` —
that skill covers full-service shops where PR is one of several
service lines.
This skill is correct when PR/comms is the primary deliverable —
launches, media relations, crisis, IR, public affairs.
## When NOT to use this skill
- "Write me a press release / draft these talking points" → DIY work.
- In-house comms/PR hires (Head of Comms, PR Manager).
- PR-software comparisons (Cision, Muck Rack, Prowly).
- Influencer-marketplace asks — that's paid media; defer to `find-marketing-agency` or refuse for marketplace product questions.
- "Explain how earned media works" → knowledge question.
- Non-US firms.
- Individual freelance PR people / publicists.
## MCP server (preferred for authed calls)
If your harness has the ServiceGraph MCP server loaded (tools
containing `servicegraph` in the name), prefer those — credentials
stay in the harness's OAuth 2.1 + PKCE sandbox and no token enters
LLM context. Otherwise use the REST flow below.
## API surface (dataset id: `pro_services`)
Every endpoint requires the bearer (`Authorization: Bearer vk_…`).
No anonymous tier.
| Endpoint | Cost | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| `GET /v1/datasets/pro_services/fields[?include_values=1]` | free | Confirm `public-relations` is in the `service_provided` value list. |
| `GET /v1/datasets/pro_services/check?filter=…` | free | Validate filter. |
| `POST /v1/datasets/pro_services/translate-intent` | free | `{intent}` → LLM-generated DSL filter + sanity count. |
| `GET /v1/datasets/pro_services/search?filter=…&limit=` | free | Brief firm cards + per-row unlock hint + total. |
| `GET /v1/datasets/pro_services/:apex` | free | One row brief; detail only if unlocked. |
| `POST /v1/datasets/pro_services/unlocks` | **10 credits / firm** | `{apexes:[...]}` ≤100; atomic; 30-day TTL on detail. |
| `GET /v1/me/credits` | free | Balance. |
**Cost model.** Discovery / validation / search / brief reads are
free. Detail (url, phone, email, social, address, full `platforms`
map) costs **10 credits per firm** and lasts **30 days**.
## Auth
Tokens are `vk_*` API keys minted in the dashboard. **Keep the token
out of the LLM context** — never read `.env*` files; dispatch every
authed call through a shell wrapper.
1. **Try the call first** through a shell wrapper that sources
`.env.local`:
```bash
( set -a; [ -f .env.local ] && . ./.env.local; set +a;
curl -sS -H "Authorization: Bearer $SERVICEGRAPH_API_KEY" \
'https://api.servicegraph.co/v1/datasets/pro_services/fields' )
```
2. **On `401 unauthorized`**, prompt the user:
> "Open **https://servicegraph.co/profile/api-keys**, create a
> key, and add `SERVICEGRAPH_API_KEY=vk_…` to `.env.local` here
> (or export it in your shell). Tell me when done. Please don't
> paste the key into chat."
3. **Retry** after the user signals ready.
## Filter DSL
GitHub-search-style.
```
filter := orExpr
orExpr := andExpr ("OR" andExpr)*
andExpr := notExpr (("AND")? notExpr)* # whitespace = implicit AND
notExpr := ("NOT" | "-") notExpr | atom
atom := "(" filter ")" | predicate
predicate:= IDENT op valueOrList | bareword
op := ":" | "=" | ">=" | "<=" | ">" | "<"
valueOrList := value ("," value)*
value := IDENT | NUMBER | tagAtEvidence
tagAtEvidence := IDENT "@" ("low"|"medium"|"high")
bareword := IDENT | NUMBER # → keyword:<bareword>
```
**Four rules that bite:** AND binds tighter than OR (use parens);
comma list = OR within one predicate; negation is `-x` or `NOT x`
(no negative literals inside comma lists); bareword = keyword search
(multi-word phrases must be quoted or split).
**PR-flavored examples** (validate yours with `/check`):
```
service_provided:public-relations tech state:NY
service_provided:public-relations healthcare
service_provided:public-relations b2b saas
service_provided:public-relations crisis
service_provided:public-relations "investor relations"
service_provided:public-relations ipo state:NY,CA
service_provided:public-relations "public affairs" state:DC
service_provided:public-relations rating>=4 has:clutch
```
**Sub-type / vertical → keyword mapping**:
| User asks for | Add as keyword(s) |
|---|---|
| Tech / startup PR | `tech`, `startup`, `saas` |
| Healthcare / pharma PR | `healthcare`, `pharma`, `biotech` |
| Crisis comms | `crisis` |
| Investor relations / IR | `"investor relations"`, `ir`, `ipo` |
| B2B PR | `b2b` |
| Public affairs | `"public affairs"` |
| Brand reputation | `"brand reputation"`, `reputation` |
| Internal communications | `"internal communications"`, `"internal comms"` |
| Earned media / media relations | `"earned media"`, `"media relations"` |
## Identifying firms — `apex`
Firms are identified by their **apex domain** (`edelman.com`, not
`www.edelman.com/about`).
## Recipes
### A. Tech PR for a Series-B announcement
User: *"Tech PR agency in NY for our Series-B announcement."*
```
GET /v1/datasets/pro_services/search?filter=service_provided:public-relations+tech+state:NY&limit=10
# → 10Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US AI/ML/data consulting firms (consultancies) — AI/ML development, MLOps, generative AI / LLM apps (RAG, chatbots, agents), computer vision, NLP, recommendation systems, data engineering, BI/analytics. Triggers on "find an AI/ML consulting firm to build our recommendation engine", "shortlist three RAG/LLM consultancies for an enterprise chatbot", "compare three AI/ML consulting firms with strong ratings", or "pull contact info for these 8 AI consultancy domains", even when described indirectly (we want to use AI for X, deploy ML to production). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Defer to find-software-developer for general app/backend work where AI is just a feature. Skip in-house ML/data hires, LLM/AI-tool comparisons (ChatGPT vs Claude), "how do I fine-tune X" DIY questions, AI courses for individuals, non-US firms, individual freelancers.
Use whenever the user wants to find, rank, or shortlist directories and listing sites where they can submit an AI product — an AI tool, AI app, AI agent, or agent skill / plugin — to get backlinks, referral traffic, and discovery. Triggers on "where can I list my AI tool", "directories to submit my AI agent", "agent-skills directories", "best AI tool directories for backlinks", "where do I get my GPT/Claude app discovered", or "pull submission details for these AI-directory domains", even when described indirectly (we built an AI agent, where do we get it in front of people). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a catalog of 1,000+ product directories enriched with Domain Rating, backlinks, and organic traffic. Defer to find-mcp-directories for MCP-server listings specifically, and to find-product-directories for general SaaS/software/app launches with no AI angle. Skip finding an AI consultancy/agency to hire (use find-ai-consultancy), comparing AI products ("ChatGPT vs Claude"), building an AI tool (do-the-work), and AI link-building *services*.
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US accounting and tax firms (CPA firms) — financial-statement audit, SOC 1/2 audit, corporate tax, bookkeeping for businesses, advisory/fractional CFO, M&A diligence, 409A valuations, R&D tax credits, IPO readiness, sales-and-use tax. Triggers on "find me a CPA firm for our delaware c-corp series A audit", "shortlist three audit firms with SaaS experience", "we need a tax advisor for our M&A", or "pull contact info for these 10 accounting firm domains", even when described indirectly (audit our books, fractional CFO support, file our 1120). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Skip personal/consumer tax preparation (1040, individual estate, retirement planning), in-house controller/CFO hires, "how do I file my taxes" DIY questions, accounting-software comparisons (QuickBooks vs Xero), non-US firms, individual freelance bookkeepers.
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US cybersecurity firms — pen-testing/red team, security audits, vCISO, SOC 2 readiness, incident response, managed SOC, IAM, cloud security, and AppSec. Triggers on "find me a pen-testing firm for our SOC 2 audit", "shortlist three vCISO services for our healthcare-tech startup", "we need an incident response retainer", or "pull contact info for these 8 security firm domains", even when described indirectly (we got breached, prepare us for the compliance audit, get us SOC 2 ready). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Skip in-house security hires, "how do I patch CVE-X" or "configure firewall Y" DIY questions, security-product reviews (CrowdStrike vs SentinelOne, etc.), generic security knowledge questions, consumer/personal security advice, non-US firms, individual freelancers and bug-bounty hunters.
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US design and creative agencies — graphic design, UX/UI, product design, brand identity, packaging, illustration, motion design, and creative direction. Triggers on "find me a UX/UI design agency for our SaaS product", "shortlist three brand-identity studios in NY", "packaging design firm for a CPG launch", or "pull contact info for these 10 design studio domains", even when described indirectly (brand refresh, design our app, build our visual system). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Defer to find-marketing-agency for marketing-led engagements where design is one of several services. Defer to find-web-developer when the deliverable is a built website. Skip in-house designer hires, "design me a logo" DIY asks, design-software comparisons, consumer/personal-design (weddings, hobby projects), non-US firms, individual freelancers.
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US engineering firms — civil, structural, MEP, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, transportation, environmental, and manufacturing. **For real-world engineering (buildings, infrastructure, manufacturing) — NOT software engineering.** Triggers on "find civil engineering firms in Florida for transportation", "shortlist three structural engineering firms with high-rise experience", "MEP consultancy for a hospital project", or "pull contact info for these 12 engineering firm domains", even when described indirectly (PE-stamped drawings, building-permit review). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Defer software-dev / "engineering team" / SaaS-architecture asks to find-software-developer. Skip in-house engineering-manager hires, DIY questions, software-product comparisons (Revit, AutoCAD), non-US firms, individual freelancers.
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US B2B law firms — corporate, IP/patent, M&A and securities, employment, commercial litigation, regulatory/compliance, data privacy/cyber, real estate, and tax. Triggers on "find three boutique IP law firms in California", "shortlist M&A counsel for a Series-B fundraise", "patent prosecution for our hardware startup", or "pull contact info for these 10 law firm domains", even when described indirectly (outside counsel, cap-table review, GDPR/SOC2 oversight). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Skip personal/consumer legal services where the user is the end client (divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, wills) — the catalog is B2B-only. Also skip in-house GC hires, "is this NDA enforceable" DIY questions, non-US firms, individual freelancers.
Use whenever the user wants to find, shortlist, vet, or enrich US management consultancies — strategy, operations, executive coaching, leadership development, org-development/change management, PMO/program management, sales/revenue operations consulting. Triggers on "find me three top strategy consultancies in California", "shortlist boutique ops-consulting firms with healthcare experience", "we need an executive coach for our new CEO", or "pull contact info for these 10 consulting firm domains", even when described indirectly (post-merger integration help, change-management partner, fractional COO). Drives the ServiceGraph API (api.servicegraph.co) — a 100k+ US firm catalog filterable by industry, services, location, size, ratings. Skip in-house strategy hires, "help me build a strategy" do-the-work asks, framework comparisons (Lean vs Agile, BCG matrix, etc.), academic/MBA-program questions, life/career coaching for individuals, non-US firms, individual freelancers.