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.
When authentic brands need performance marketing that eliminates wasted spend, Disruptive Advertising audits campaigns and rebuilds Google Ads, Amazon, and Meta strategies with a no-contract guarantee. Founded in 2012 with 100-249 employees, the Pleasant Grove agency starts at $10,000 and earned 294 Google...
Top Services:
eCommerce Review from Anonymous
Right after launching our campaigns with Disruptive, we saw results almost instantly. Our monthly revenue jumped from about $50,000 to over $70,000. Every key Google Ads metric improved, and by November, we were already nearing $550,000 in revenue, well on track to hit our $700,000 annual goal.
PPC Review from Anonymous
We’ve been working with Disruptive on a long-term PPC strategy, and they’re constantly optimizing campaigns and landing pages based on performance. They use Google Analytics to ensure accurate tracking, Unbounce for landing page testing, and run ads through Google and LinkedIn, with knowledgeable experts for each channel.
Digital Marketing Review from Jackie Arends
Disruptive Advertising is in charge of our online advertising, which includes PPC, social media marketing on Facebook, email marketing, and, more recently, Amazon marketing. They create content for the campaigns and manage them, create email templates, and automate [...] email marketing campaigns. Regarding our PPC efforts, we focus on Google Ads and Facebook Ads, and we recently started our Bing advertising efforts as well. Our ROAS is currently at about 4X5X. (Verified via email)
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 creative agency with a global and local mindset...
Top Services:
Web Design Review from Mackenzie Shriner
I contracted design in DC to build me a custom website. they were accommodating of my budget, very responsive, and gave good insight on layout, content and design. the process was very straightforward and the final product is great!
Web Design Review from Jo Maney
DDC has been an excellent partner since we engaged with them in 2023. The DDC team worked with us to completely redesign our website and work to provide ongoing digital marketing services. The DDC team has been responsive, proactive, and thorough with their work. They are also very transparent about how they operate and how much time special projects will require. We have referred DDC to several clients and partners thanks to their outstanding process and product. DDC is a very professional, creative, and well-organized team.
Web Design Review from Sapna Doshi, Ph.D.
My experience working with Design in DC was incredible. Everyone was friendly, approachable, and seemed to genuinely care about helping create the best possible website for my business. They were also invested in making sure the process was one in which I enjoyed and felt taken care of. The regular meetings made me feel like I was a priority and that progress was continually being made. I so appreciated the attention to detail in regards to the user experience. The collaboration in understanding my wishes and desires for the website and user experience was met with patience and paying attention to detail on my behalf. Not only were they taking my suggestions but offering their own to help me maximize the potential of my website. The design and functionality is more than what I could have imagined. I know, undoubtedly, that the work that Design in DC did for me will help my business grow. After wasting money in years past on website designers, I was worried I'd be doing hte same here. I was wrong. I don't think I'll ever need to search for another website designer group again. I would recommend this group to anyone I know. Thank you, Design in DC! It was an absolute pleasure working with all of you!
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, Chicago, and Bellingham, WA, our culture focuses on partnership, creativity, stewardship, and service...
Top Services:
Creative Services Review from Andy Blevins
Social Driver provided branding services for the merger of two national LGBTQ military & veteran nonprofits. They incorporated insight from two boards to produce a name, logo, and branding package. The deliverables have all earned high praise, with the logo and overall brand being versatile and simple. All deadlines were met and communication was a highlight. Their smooth and streamlined process helped us pull everything under the same umbrella to have a united front. I highly recommend them!
Social Media Marketing Review from David Sallee
Social Driver provided social media marketing workshops and advice for the departments on campus which were involved in social media marketing, such as alumni, athletics, and advancement.Their staff provided in-depth instruction for all appropriate staff and follow-up conversations to support their work.Social Driver has very strong technical skills. They also demonstrate a very high level of insight for applications of social media that go far beyond technical insights into human insights.
Web Design Review from Eileen Kessler
My company worked with Social Driver to redesign the UX/IA for a national scientific organization's extensive research resource that was moving from print to online. There was a tight deadline to conceptualize a new user experience and create a framework that our client could review iteratively. Our client was very pleased with the results of the new interactive framework and design. This design was used for the build of the web site which began immediately upon completion. Highly recommend!
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...
Top Services:
Kirbie Croshal's Review Sourced from Google
TEC is instrumental to many of the projects at Croshal Entertainment Group and the achievements of our clients! We love working with them, they are professional and personable. We are so grateful to have a continuing relationship with Chuck and his staff members. We HIGHLY recommend their expertise to anyone who is looking for an advertising company that is also hands on through the entire process.
Christa Chavez's Review Sourced from Google
Chuck and the rest of the TEC team are a delight to work with! They are responsive, strategic and very communicative. The team is solution oriented and is easily able to adapt to changing situations. Highly recommend!
Deb DeFreeuw's Review Sourced from Google
TEC Direct Media has helped us on several projects, and has been instrumental in helping our agency "learn the ropes" about programmatic and all things digital. We're always learning new things about digital for our clients, and TEC Direct has always been there when we have a question. They have helped us on two projects in 2016, and each of those were successful and those clients will continue with us in 2017. We consider TEC Direct a strategic partner. D. DeFreeuw, President, Force 5
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 sustainable consumer products...
Top Services:
Tyler Harman's Review Sourced from Google
Worked with dozens of agencies over the years, these folks are the real deal in terms of the kind of professionals you want to representing your organization. Good people, trustworthy, loyal, and genuinely creative. It's very refreshing.
Ross Schoenherr's Review Sourced from Google
We really loved Daniel Brian's mission statement of "better brands for a better human condition", we could tell right off the bat that they cared about our company and wanted to help us out with our goal to expand our brand and mission to our customers. Within a year we were able to triple our sales, associating a 20:1 return on ad spend. They are creative genius's who go outside the box in their thinking while keeping us in the loop the whole time! We highly recommend Daniel Brian Advertising to anyone with marketing needs!
Aaron Mcghee's Review Sourced from Google
Best advertising company I have ever worked with! Great people who seem to be extremely passionate about satisfying their customers needs. 1000% recommend!
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 a wide range of tactical marketing initiatives, we help you increase awareness, credibility, reputation, trust...
Top Services:
Design Services Review from Guy Campo
We are extremely pleased with KEXINO's design of our hospital's website. From the initial consultation to the final launch, their team demonstrated exceptional creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail. They took the time to understand our goals and translated them into a visually appealing, user-friendly, and functional website that perfectly represents our brand.KEXINO's approach to responsive design ensures our site looks and performs flawlessly on all devices, providing an excellent user experience for our patients and visitors. The seamless integration of key features, such as appointment scheduling and patient portals, has greatly enhanced our online services, making it easier for users to access vital information.Their expertise in healthcare-specific design considerations, including accessibility and HIPAA compliance, was evident throughout the project. We highly recommend KEXINO to any healthcare provider looking for a modern, professional, and effective online presence.
thunder::tech is the leading, full-service marketing agency for midsize brands, known for delivering remarkable growth by blending creativity and technology...
Top Services:
Aaron Newby's Review Sourced from Google
t::t has been a solid partner for us as we work to transform our digital presence. They have provided valuable strategic insights and their communication has been consistently prompt. I'd like to particularly call out James, Joe, and Xavier for their excellent work during our engagements. Thanks t::t team for being an excellent partner!
James Fashing's Review Sourced from Google
We've worked with Thunder::tech to replace our cooperative's website. They have delivered as promised and more than expected in a professional and timely manner. Their team members are creative, technical and professional experts. We're looking forward to working on a second phase of the project with them starting soon. T::T is big enough a agency that they have multiple experts on the team with overlapping knowledge to get the job done, but not such a huge company where one might get lost as a client. As a web and digital media pro with 20+ years of experience, I recommend Thunder::tech. - JF
Swetha Siripurapu's Review Sourced from Google
The most horrible people! They are very reckless, don’t show up to appointments. Not once, not twice but thrice. You call to ask they dodge your calls.Don’t expect call backs. I went to Derek and texted him several times about this and asked to call. Nothing! Figured a month would be long enough. Don’t waste your time on these people
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 Estate Development and Hospitality industry with 7+ years of experience...
Top Services:
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 clear positioning and compelling creative that drives breakthrough results...
Top Services:
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 advertising agencies and stock platforms. With our expertise in through-channel marketing, such as cooperative...
Top Services:
For businesses looking to maximize their online presence and ROI, there's only one choice - EBS Agency. With a certified team of professionals that have mastered the art of digital marketing excellence, they pride themselves on leveraging data-driven creativity backed by proven results for clients. Plus, you...
Top Services:
Sofiya Moroz's Review Sourced from Google
I’m very grateful to Doina for always doing an amazing job! She always finds time to respond, gives the best advice, and truly cares about delivering great results. We’ve been working together for almost a year, and I really appreciate her approach that helps promote and grow my brand’s marketing. Highly recommend her team to everyone!
Alexander Mocreac (Maestro)'s Review Sourced from Google
Doina is absolutely amazing and super friendly manager! EBS Web Agency provided a massive boost our website to the top with their creative solutions, smart social media marketing strategies and very effective PPC! The results were great, and I highly recommend these guys for everyone!
Richard Adams's Review Sourced from Google
Doina was great. The service was reasonably priced for an overhaul of my website that was desperately needed. She communicated all along the way and made sure I was happy with the result.
SHIFT is an integrated PR and communications agency specializing in B2B Technology, Healthcare and Consumer. With our Performance Communications approach, we create multichannel PR programs built for outcomes...
Top Services:
Brianna Greene's Review Sourced from Google
I havent used there services but the receptionist is always pleasant and everyone in the office is very accommodating
The highest praise we've ever received? These are the guys you actually want to hang out with on set. No egos, no drama. Were about telling awesome stories with awesome people. So, whether you're looking for a killer video, a memorable ad, or something entirely out of the box, we've got you covered from the...
Top Services:
For over fifteen years, 1905 New Media has been a trusted marketing communications firm based in St. Louis. Our expertise lies in copywriting, strategic planning, visual identity, public relations and branding. In recognition of our exceptional work, we have been honored as one of the top 25 PR firms in St...
Top Services:
Ryan Verret's Review Sourced from Google
Working with 1905 New Media has been a positive and professional experience. Their team brings strong creative and technical skills to the table and helped us serve our mission over the years more clearly. We appreciated their responsiveness and ability to deliver a product that reflects our values and goals. We’re grateful for their support and would recommend them to others looking for solid, mission-minded media support.
Matt Granados's Review Sourced from Google
We’ve been searching for a strong marketing and PR firm for quite some time, and working with 1905 New Media has truly been a blessing. Their diligence, focus, and the ability to get us where we need to be has been a critical piece of our strategy that we’ve been missing. We haven’t found anyone else who can do it as well as they do.1905 New Media has become a key part of our long-term strategy, and there’s no question about why we’ll continue working with them. When you find a firm that is so reliable and effective, it’s a no-brainer to stick with them.If there were six stars, I would gladly give them. The ability to drive impact, regardless of industry or organizational structure, is truly amazing. We are incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for both our for-profit business and our foundation.I can tell you clearly, every single time I’ve worked with 1905 New Media, they have been above board and completely transparent.My goal when selecting a partner isn’t to find someone who’s perfect and never misses anything. I’m looking for a firm that takes responsibility and delivers the results they commit to. In the PR and marketing world, everyone promises results, but few can actually get them. 1905 New Media gets them every time.Highly recommend 1905 New Media for anyone looking for top-notch marketing and PR expertise!
Josiah Bridges's Review Sourced from Google
I've been working with 1905 New Media for years and they consistently deliver exceptional results across both digital and print. Their team is professional, responsive, and truly understands how to bring creative visions to life. From web development and digital marketing to high-quality print materials, they exceed expectations every time. I've used their print services extensively and the quality is always outstanding. Highly recommend them for all your media needs!
An award-winning boutique visual communications business that delivers solutions for nonprofits, community orgs and public-serving entities. The goal? To amplify good works for the greater good. Through graphic design and artistic partnerships, creativity and equity intersect...
Top Services:
This agency excels in providing dynamic marketing solutions quickly, ensuring client needs are met with unprecedented timelines. By blending both digital and traditional media, they focus on creating compelling brand experiences that drive tangible results...
Top Services:
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:
To showcase the results a top Chicago advertising company can achieve for a business, our researchers highlighted this case study:
Chicago advertising companies offer a range of services to help businesses promote their brands and reach their target audiences. The most common services include:
In addition to their primary services, some Chicago advertising companies provide additional support, including influencer marketing, experiential marketing, event sponsorships, and direct mail campaigns.
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 |
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.
Follow these steps to choose the best advertising agency in Chicago:
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.
For an effective campaign execution, advertising agencies in Chicago follow a well-defined, structured process that typically involves the following stages:
Chicago advertising companies cater to clients from different industries, and these are the top five:
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.
Consider asking the following questions when assessing a Chicago advertising company:
Explore these top 10 best-rated Chicago advertising companies:
Rated 4.8 on Google and 4.7 on 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.
Learn more about DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology.
DesignRush sustains a directory of over 30,000 agencies categorized by service category, location, expertise, and reviews. We build our database in two ways:
Agencies can also reach out to DesignRush and must go through the verification process prior to being listed.
ProposalsFor your project
Specify your budget, timeline and project requirements
Our experts curate a list of up to 5 most qualified candidate agencies
We connect you with them so you can choose the most suitable partner
