We selected the best-performing advertising agencies in Chicago that can help you increase your online sales through creative, comprehensive ad campaigns. Compare them by portfolios, reviews, awards, team size and more to find the right collaborator for your business.
Top Rated SEO Agency by Forbes, USA Today, Backlinko, & Search Engine Land
Searchbloom is a REAL SEO firm that provides REAL RESULTS and has done so for over 10 years. Our mission is to be the most trusted, transparent, and results-driven SEO and PPC marketing company in the [... view the full profile of Searchbloom]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
Think Web. Think Smart. Partner with the #1 Rated Digital Marketing Agency.
Outsmart the competition with best-in-class digital marketing services. With over 1,000 5-star reviews online, SmartSites is America #1 rated digital marketing agency. Call (201) 870 6000 for a free [... view the full profile of SmartSites]
Top-Rated PPC & Digital Marketing Agency Focused on Driving Results
We've done thousands of audits and discovered that 76% of marketing budgets are wasted. We'll show you where yours is leaking and how to fix it fast. No fluff. No strings attached. [... view the full profile of Disruptive Advertising]
5-Time SEO Agency of the Year. [Named 2024 SEO Agency of the Year by Search Engine Land]
HigherVisibility is a Best-in-Class Digital Marketing Agency, specializing in SEO, Paid Media, and Website Design. We are proud to be a 5-Time SEO Agency of the Year Winner. Our professional staff [... view the full profile of HigherVisibility]
Digital Silk is an agency focused on Creating Superior Digital Experiences for their clients. They create cutting-edge brand strategies, websites, apps and results-driven marketing campaigns for [... view the full profile of Digital Silk]
We create fully customized, scalable, easy-to-manage websites and apps with a creative twist. Everything we build for you at Design in DC is made with the future in mind. We are a full-service [... view the full profile of Design In DC]
97 Switch is an award-winning Chicago and Portland digital marketing agency that specializes in marketing, web design and strategy. [... view the full profile of 97 Switch]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr $25,000 - $50,000
Social Driver is a leading digital agency specializing in social media, digital strategy, content and video, websites, and brand design. Based in Washington DC, with teams in Seattle, Kansas City [... view the full profile of Social Driver]
At encite, we are a full-service marketing and branding agency that offers integrated marketing services to aid in business and brand development. While the majority of ad agencies produce excellent [... view the full profile of Encite Branding + Marketing + Creative]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Building communities with advanced digital marketing
CGI Digital, based in Rochester, NY, is a company committed to supporting communities and businesses throughout the United States through innovative digital marketing solutions. [... view the full profile of CGI Digital]
Comrade Digital Marketing, an acclaimed digital marketing, SEO, and web development agency, is headquartered in Chicago. We thrive on resolving design, technology, and marketing challenges to propel [... view the full profile of Comrade Digital Marketing]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $100/hr $10,000 - $25,000
For over twenty years, we've been helping clients meet and exceed sales and strategic goals, through effective marketing that engages their target audiences in meaningful ways. [... view the full profile of Orange Media Group, Inc.]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
We are creative business marketing strategists. Our exceptional strength in branding and corporate identity has earned us over 1,500 communication awards for many Fortune 500 companies. From [... view the full profile of Paragraphs]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr $25,000 - $50,000
NEXT/NOW is a privately owned company that has been revolutionizing the virtual reality (VR) industry by creating immersive experiences that transport users to extraordinary realms. With their [... view the full profile of NEXT/NOW™]
Full-service. Independently owned. WBE-certified. We accelerate growth for our clients' brands and businesses by designing and executing smart, data-driven creative campaigns, marketing [... view the full profile of The Motion Agency]
At SBO Buzz, we are focused on supporting small business owners. Our goal is to help businesses that don't have big budgets and want to maximize value and impact. We work with small businesses of all [... view the full profile of SBO Buzz]
Ruckus is a full-service agency that powers game-changing companies and global influencers with services such as: advertising, digital marketing, branding, video editing, and many more to scale up [... view the full profile of Ruckus]
The Marketing Plug is an award-winning agency that works hard to level the playing field for every entrepreneur, dreamer, and small business owner by providing them with the tools to acquire [... view the full profile of The Marketing Plug]
At Identity Dental Marketing, we specialize in advertising consulting and digital strategy to ensure you make the most out of your investment. [... view the full profile of Identity Dental Marketing]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $60/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Digital Kitchen is a global creative agency that excels in crafting captivating stories and immersive experiences to engage and move audiences. [... view the full profile of Digital Kitchen]
TEC Direct Media is a media agency in Chicago. We plan and buy media for artists, brands and agencies so they can generate awareness, acquire new customers and drive sales. [... view the full profile of TEC Direct Media]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $180/hr $10,000 - $25,000
Daniel Brian Advertising elevates brand recognition and drives customer acquisition for purpose-driven brands in the healthcare sector, hospitals, wellness, food chains, finance, higher education and [... view the full profile of Daniel Brian]
At Oak Street Social, we are a boutique social media marketing firm committed to transforming distinctive brands into well-known household names. [... view the full profile of Oak Street Social]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
TERAMOK LLC comes for Europe to change the marketing & branding industry in USA. We are providing high value marketing using custom production on cinema level. TERAMOK LLC has an expertise in Real [... view the full profile of TERAMOK]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $200/hr $10,000 - $25,000
Unlock Your Bestseller Potential with Our Expertise!
At Kindle Publishing Networks, we bring stories to life. We are a creative nexus of print design and marketing experts. Our solutions transform writers into published authors, uniting captivating [... view the full profile of Kindle Publishing Networks]
Driven by data. Informed by insight. Trademarked by craft.
At Fusion92, we live for the stuff that nobody else can solve. With an eye toward true innovation, we give answers to the unanswerable. That means first of its kind media, creative, data and [... view the full profile of Fusion92]
Zima Media is a modern ecommerce marketing agency founded in 2017.We are a fully remote company with talented and dedicated team members from all over the world.Our mission is to make smart [... view the full profile of Zima Media]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000
We specialize in B2B meetings and events, consumer activations, and trade shows.
Cadence is a boutique agency that has grown exponentially over the past 20 years by continuously delivering, "Wow!" Our work focuses exclusively on live events, consumer activations, private trade [... view the full profile of Cadence]
Since 2008 we've been helping startups and small businesses around the world to deliver better, more relevant marketing strategies and tactics. Combining branding, messaging, design, SEO and CRO with [... view the full profile of KEXINO]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $250/hr $10,000 - $25,000
thunder::tech is the leading, full-service marketing agency for midsize brands, known for delivering remarkable growth by blending creativity and technology. [... view the full profile of Thunder::tech]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $149/hr $10,000 - $25,000
NOVUS is an independent media planning and buying agency that specializes in highly customized, locally targeted media of all types. No one is better at driving traffic where you need it be it to [... view the full profile of NOVUS]
Concept One Media, a hybrid agency and full-service production company, has a 40-year history at the intersection of storytelling, design, business strategy, and technology. [... view the full profile of Concept One Media]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $125/hr $1,000 - $10,000
BrandAction Agency is a privately-owned agency that integrates and balances branding, demand generation and customer experience to help innovative companies connect more deeply and quickly with their [... view the full profile of BrandAction Agency]
Barkley, an AdTech company and a nominee for the 2022 AdWeek Agency of the Year, is a full-service, independent creative idea business that aids in the development of entire brands and their greatest [... view the full profile of Barkley]
Stevens & Tate Marketing is a full-service creative, marketing, and advertising firm based in Chicago that serves clients nationwide. We are experts in website design, martech, search engine [... view the full profile of Stevens & Tate Marketing]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $120/hr $1,000 - $10,000
We have an almost fanatical approach to increasing your revenue.
We establish digital relevance for your business through mobile app development, websites, SEO, social media, TV advertisement and branding. [... view the full profile of DS&P]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
A boutique marketing agency based in Chicago working with women-owned businesses to grow their brands online with a creative, strategic approach. We assists our customers in achieving success online. [... view the full profile of True Blue Creatives]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $50/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Focusing on translating brand needs (and wants) into reality, three passionate and driven e-commerce gurus started DOE Media, a direct response advertising agency based in Chicago. We work to maximize [... view the full profile of DOE Media]
dNOVO – Digital Marketing & SEO Agency - Combining the Most Thorough Online Marketing and SEO System for Law Firms, Medical Practices, and Other Businesses. [... view the full profile of DNovo Group]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $120/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Sunup is a Chicago-based branding and creative studio powered by award-winning talent. From startups to Fortune 500s, we help B2B tech, cleantech and biotech companies distinguish their brands with [... view the full profile of Sunup]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
Buscemi It Solutions is the Best SEO Company and one of the eminent SEO Services Providers of Chicago. Get affordable SEO, SMO, Paid Ads, Website Design and Website Development, service by experts. [... view the full profile of Buscemi IT Solutions]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $200/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Mekanism, a renowned independent creative agency, is composed of a team of visionaries. We form collaborative partnerships with world-class brands, including Ben & Jerry's, HBO, MillerCoors, Peloton [... view the full profile of Mekanism]
Sparkfactor is a boutique advertising and design studio in Chicago. We provide our clients with highly designed websites, videos, social media campaigns, identities, printed tactics, and the [... view the full profile of Sparkfactor]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $125/hr $1,000 - $10,000
CamRojud is a proficient digital marketing agency with a focus on specialized expertise in search engine optimization. Renowned for their talent and proficiency, they excel in delivering strategic [... view the full profile of CamRojud]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $30/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Winger Marketing is a full-service marketing and public relations agency headquartered in Chicago. Winger Marketing has worked with businesses to create effective integrated marketing and public [... view the full profile of Winger Marketing]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $190/hr $1,000 - $10,000
Uniting a team of sport marketing and media aficionados, we possess the prowess to conceive, negotiate, and set in motion tailor-made omnichannel sports platforms. These platforms wield the potential [... view the full profile of Optimum Sports]
Let's make your brand stand out! Cooperate Marketing is the perfect partner to help you do just that. We bring unique solutions tailored to exceed all of your expectations - a far cry from generic [... view the full profile of Cooperate Marketing]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $149/hr $10,000 - $25,000
Helping Small Businesses Shine with Unforgettable Designs.
Shay Smith Designs helps small businesses and entrepreneurs bring their creative visions to life through bold branding, strategic design, and engaging visuals. [... view the full profile of Shay Smith Designs]
Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $60/hr Under $1,000
Need Help Selecting The Right Agency For Your Project?
What can top advertising agencies in Chicago do for businesses?
Top advertising agencies in Chicago bring outside expertise and fresh perspectives to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. They develop strategic campaigns based on deep market insights and consumer behavior, helping companies connect more effectively with their target audience. Through data-driven strategies and creative execution, these agencies help businesses drive higher customer acquisition and gain a stronger position in the local market.
Partnering with a Chicago advertising company unlocks several advantages to businesses:
Increase brand recognition within the Chicago market or niche sector
Attract and retain local customers who are ready to buy
Enhance ROI with targeted strategies and campaigns
Gain consumer insights to improve future marketing efforts
Access premium tools, including analytics and ad platforms
To showcase the results a top Chicago advertising company can achieve for a business, our researchers highlighted this case study:
Challenge: A well-established medical-grade skincare company with a loyal customer base was facing stagnant growth and struggling to attract new customers. Its previous marketing efforts, including Search, Shopping, and Display campaigns, focused too much on brand awareness and existing customers, failing to significantly increase revenue or acquire new leads.
Solution: Solutions 8 used data-driven Google Ads strategies to boost customer acquisition and sales. It tested audience signals in Performance Max campaigns, refined bottom-of-funnel keywords in Search ads, and optimized Shopping campaigns to increase new customer rates. Personalized remarketing ads aimed to re-engage website visitors, while seasonal promotions targeted higher conversions.
Results: Over 90% of the Google Ads budget focused on new customer acquisition, delivering impressive results:
165% increase in conversions
156.45% increase in revenue
31% improvement in return on ad spend (ROAS)
26.46% decrease in cost per conversion
What services do Chicago advertising companies typically provide?
Chicago advertising companies offer a range of services to help businesses promote their brands and reach their target audiences. The most common services include:
Digital advertising Running and managing paid campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and LinkedIn to drive traffic and conversions
Social media marketing Creating and managing content, ads, and engagement strategies on social platforms to grow brand presence
Search engine optimization (SEO) Optimizing websites through keyword strategies, content enhancements, and technical improvements to boost search rankings and organic traffic
Content marketing Developing blogs, articles, videos, and other content types to educate and engage potential customers
Branding and creative services Designing logos, brand identities, and marketing materials to create a distinctive and memorable brand image
Media buying and planning Buying ad space on TV, radio, billboards, and digital platforms to maximize audience reach and ROI
Public relations (PR) Handling media relations, press releases, and reputation management to strengthen brand credibility and public perception
Web design and development Building user-friendly, responsive websites that reinforce brand identity and support marketing objectives for better engagement and conversions
In addition to their primary services, some Chicago advertising companies provide additional support, including influencer marketing, experiential marketing, event sponsorships, and direct mail campaigns.
How many advertising agencies are in Chicago?
It's challenging to identify the exact number of advertising agencies in Chicago. However, estimates suggest several hundred such firms are operating in the city. For instance, AdForum’s database lists around 190 agencies in the city, while recruitment platform Built In Chicago identifies 375 AdTech (advertising technology) companies. These figures indicate a thriving and diverse advertising sector in Chicago.
There are more than 5,400 advertising companies listed on DesignRush, with 130 agencies based in Illinois, and 104 located or have offices in Chicago. The companies vary in size, as shown by the following data:
Company size
Number of agencies
Small (under 49 employees)
73
Mid-sized (50-249 employees)
20
Large (250+ employees)
8
Enterprise (1000+ employees)
3
How much do Chicago advertising companies charge for their services?
Many Chicago advertising companies charge hourly rates between $100 and $200, though some accept lower rates of $30 to $50. Small businesses typically spend $10,000 to $50,000 on annual advertising, and many also separate their budgets for online and offline channels.
The top 50 advertising agencies in Chicago featured on DesignRush charge approximately $138 an hour. About 6.8% of agencies accept projects with a minimum budget of less than $1,000 for basic services like local business listings or PPC campaign audit. Meanwhile, 8.7% require $50,000+ minimum budget for full-service digital advertising campaigns or omnichannel marketing strategies.
Browse our directory to explore these Chicago agencies. Use our advanced filters to sort them by industry focus, hourly rate, reviews, and other relevant criteria.
How do I choose the best advertising agency in Chicago?
Follow these steps to choose the best advertising agency in Chicago:
Define your advertising goals Clearly outline your business objectives and what you want to achieve with an advertising agency. They will help you identify agencies that specialize in your desired services.
Research potential agencies Compile a list of advertising agencies in Chicago by browsing trusted directories like DesignRush or search engines like Google. Make sure to evaluate their services, expertise, and client reviews to see whether they’re adequate for your business needs.
Check agency experience and expertise Review the agencies' portfolios and case studies to assess their experience in your industry or niche, and their ability to deliver innovative and effective campaigns that have tangible results.
Check for reviews and client testimonials Look for verified reviews and client feedback from trusted platforms like DesignRush to see the Chicago advertising company’s track record and success in delivering results.
Request for proposal Send a request for proposal (RFP) detailing your project requirements and expectations so you can compare services and pricing from your shortlisted agencies.
Conduct interviews Meet with your shortlisted Chicago advertising companies to discuss their proposals, advertising strategies, ask important questions, and negotiate terms to secure a partnership that aligns with your business goals and budget.
Evaluate cultural fit During your meeting, assess if the agency's values and working style align with your company culture to ensure a productive partnership.
Consider agency size and resources FInally, choose an advertising agency in Chicago whose size and resources match your needs, making sure it can handle your account effectively without being overstretched or underutilized.
If you need expert recommendation, visit our Marketplace and submit your project details. Our team will suggest the top five agencies that meet your requirements, free of charge.
What advertising processes do agencies follow in Chicago?
For an effective campaign execution, advertising agencies in Chicago follow a well-defined, structured process that typically involves the following stages:
Discovery and needs assessment Analyzing client goals, target audiences, and market trends to create a data-driven foundation for the advertising campaign
Strategy development Setting campaign objectives, developing the messaging, choosing platforms, and allocating budgets to maximize impact and effectiveness
Creative and content production Developing ad designs, copy, and multimedia content aligned with the campaign strategy and target audience
Campaign execution Deploying ads across digital, social, print, and broadcast channels, and optimizing placements for maximum reach and impact
Monitoring and optimization Tracking key performance metrics, adjusting targeting, and refining the ad creatives to enhance campaign effectiveness and results
Reporting and analysis Delivering detailed performance reports, key insights, and strategic recommendations to optimize ongoing or future campaigns
What industries do Chicago advertising companies usually serve?
Chicago advertising companies cater to clients from different industries, and these are the top five:
Professional and Business Services As the largest sector in Chicago, professional and business services generate over $120 billion in output and employ 19.33% of the city's workforce. The sector includes specialized services such as legal, accounting, finance, consulting, training, and staffing. These companies require advertising strategies that emphasize their expertise and reliability to attract and retain clients in a competitive market.
Healthcare Chicago is a major center for healthcare, home to roughly 108 hospitals and primary care facilities (48 general, 31 community, 17 specialty), as well as seven medical schools. The city also hosts prominent pharmaceutical companies and medical associations. Moreover, Chicago's health-tech sector is growing, with startups driving advancements in healthcare AI, value-based care, and home care support.
Healthcare advertising agencies specialize in strategic communication to build trust and simplify complex medical information. They use integrated marketing across digital, print, and traditional channels to ensure consistent messaging, enhancing outreach and patient education.
Manufacturing Chicago has a long history as a manufacturing hub and was once known as a manufacturing metropolis, with major industries like iron and steel, garment production, and agricultural and electrical machinery. Today, manufacturing remains a key sector, contributing over $99 billion to the city's economy. Manufacturing companies work with advertising agencies to showcase product innovations, reach B2B clients, and maintain a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.
Retail and eCommerce According to market data, consumer retail spending in Chicago reached $178 billion in 2024, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. The figure includes both online and in-store purchases. Given Chicago’s reputation as a world-class shopping destination, this growth comes as no surprise.
Retail businesses heavily rely on advertising to attract foot traffic and increase online sales through creative ads. Advertising agencies create compelling campaigns to enhance brand visibility and analyze and optimize ad performance for maximum ROI.
Food and Beverage Chicago's vibrant culinary scene includes numerous restaurants, breweries, and food manufacturers. The city also has the largest food manufacturing workforce in the country, with major companies like Kraft Heinz, Conagra Brands, and Mondelez International headquartered there and contributing to over $9 billion in annual revenue for the city.
Restaurants and food establishments need advertising to highlight their unique offerings and attract both locals and tourists. Food manufacturers, on the other hand, hire advertising agencies to increase brand awareness, promote new products, and drive consumer demand.
Beyond these top sectors, advertising agencies in Chicago also work with businesses in software and SaaS, automotive, hospitality, and finance. Browse our directory to learn more about these companies and use our advanced filters to narrow your search by budget range, industry, specializations, and more relevant criteria.
What questions should I ask a Chicago advertising company before hiring one?
Consider asking the following questions when assessing a Chicago advertising company:
Its Relevant Background
How long has your agency been operating in the Chicago market?
What industries or types of businesses have you worked with most frequently?
Can you provide examples of past campaigns and their outcomes?
What is your agency's overall philosophy or approach to advertising?
How is your team structured, and what are their areas of expertise?
What is your agency's unique selling proposition?
What is your pricing structure, and what do your advertising rates include?
Its Services and Processes
What advertising services do you offer in-house, and what services do you outsource?
How do these services integrate into a comprehensive marketing plan?
Do you offer customized service packages based on client needs?
How do you adapt your services to different industries or business types?
How do you measure the success of advertising campaigns?
What is your process for developing and implementing advertising content?
What tools and technologies do your agency use for campaign planning, execution, and analysis?
How do you handle revisions and feedback from clients during the campaign development process?
Relevant to Your Project
Based on our initial discussion, what are your initial thoughts and recommendations for our advertising needs?
Can you provide a budget estimate for a project like ours?
What strategies would you recommend for our target audience?
How do you plan to differentiate our brand in the Chicago market?
What is your proposed timeline for achieving our objectives?
What kind of reporting and communication can we expect throughout our project?
What metrics will you use to evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies?
Who would be the main point of contact for our project, and what is their relevant experience?
What level of involvement do you expect from us during the project?
What are the top 10 best-rated advertising agencies in Chicago?
Explore these top 10 best-rated Chicago advertising companies:
Top clients: Beta Health, MINA Group, Help On Demand, Sonsio
Why People Trust DesignRush
Rated 4.7 on Google and Trustpilot, DesignRush Agency Directory is a reliable resource for finding top advertising agencies in Chicago. We owe this to our executive selection team, which follows a strict screening process when featuring agencies on the platform, assessing key performance indicators, like portfolio, client reviews, and industry reputation.
DesignRush sustains a directory of over 30,000 agencies categorized by service category, location, expertise, and reviews. We build our database in two ways:
Our dedicated team of agency experts actively searches the web for top-performing companies. We then pull information from their websites, online presence, and client testimonials to verify their status and qualifications prior to listing.
The agencies listed get notified of their profiles on the website and they can choose to claim it or not, which suggests their availability for more collaborations.
Agencies can also reach out to DesignRush and must go through the verification process prior to being listed.
Vanessa Maandal is a digital writer with expertise in content marketing and creative direction. She has developed successful campaigns for global brands, such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Kellogs Singapore, and Friesland Campina. At DesignRush, she writes content focused on marketing strategies led by award-winning agencies to connect them with like-minded organizations and individuals.
Mariana Delgado is a renowned marketing expert with an extensive background spanning over ten years in digital marketing, sales management, search, and video advertising. She has led campaigns with a stellar 5:1 ROAS and worked at consulting giants like PwC and Deloitte. Her influence at DesignRush led to an impressive 200% growth in organic traffic, pushing the visitor numbers beyond the 500,000 mark.
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