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 startups and enterprise brands need full-funnel advertising campaigns grounded in search and conversion data, SmartSites deploys SEO, Google Ads, Amazon PPC, and social media strategies. Founded in 2011 by brothers Alex and Michael Melen, the Paramus agency has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews and a...
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Digital Services Review from Paloma Anguiano
Overall I feel very confident working with Patrizia and Darius from Smart Site, they have given us clear explanations and accompanied us throughout the process for the growth of the brand. The attention to us is very fast and they advise us in an adequate way.
Digital Services Review from Brianna Porter
SmartSites impressed me from day one. They are knowledgable, kind, and most importantly keep things simple and streamlined so that even an SEO-newb like me can understand. Tiffany and Luna are my main points of contact and they are especially great! I would recommend to anyone looking for an agency to really take their website and digital presence to the next level.
PPC Review from Jim Curry
At first, a survey was conducted to gather company background, product information, target markets, etc. Next, accounts were established on various Google Business platforms, social media, etc. Then SmartSites created the ads and campaigns, and we were off and running in just a few weeks.
For brands needing full-funnel ad campaigns backed by data, HigherVisibility delivers SEO, PPC, paid social, CRO, and web development through its proprietary Targeted Growth System. Named 2024 SEO Agency of the Year by Search Engine Land, the Memphis-based firm has earned consistent rankings on Clutch and G2...
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SEO Review from Michael Brumleve
We have used HigherVisibility now going on 3 years. Our SEO rankings and eCommerce sales have been fantastic over that time span. More than I could [have] anticipated. This team knows what they are doing in the complex SEO and PPC world and are a huge asset to us. 3 years ago, we had basically 0 online presence. Now, we are consistently ranking #1 on Google for our best-selling products. (Verified via email)
SEO Review from Jason Lewin
Have been working with [HigherVisibility] for years, and the quality of their work just keeps getting better. Always there when you need them. Would definitely recommend! (Verified via email)
Digital Marketing Review from Ed Stephens III
HigherVisibility provided solutions to our problems. They are reliable and effective. We love working with Gracie. You can’t beat stellar customer service.
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...
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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!
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 strategies, and consumer experiences that will help you achieve and surpass your business growth goals faster...
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Digital Marketing Review from Rebecca Zeni
I had a great experience working with Kim at Motion PR. I am a small business so she was able to tailor her expertise to my needs. I would highly recommend her.
Digital Marketing Review from Paul Litardo
Motion PR has a great staff and a great leader in Kim Eberl. My experience the past several months have been great. I recommend Motion PR to everyone.
Digital Marketing Review from Rita Dragonette
I've had the pleasure of working with Motion as both colleague and client. As a colleague I was referred to them for a number of my CEO clients. The high-level coverage they were able to secure was very instrumental in significantly raising the profile of those clients and helping them attract the opportunities they were after. As a client, Motion was able to quickly and innovatively operationalize a successful social giving program to fund a scholarship I started as part of the launch for my new novel. The response was terrific for book awareness and quickly became fully funded. The agency is highly responsive, the staff skilled and engaging. Terrific client service.
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...
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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...
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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!
Performance Media by MUFASA® is an exclusive concierge programmatic media service that delivers Executive level biddable buying intelligence. This service was strategically designed to offer flexible, on-demand and limited commitment programmatic expertise...
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thunder::tech is the leading, full-service marketing agency for midsize brands, known for delivering remarkable growth by blending creativity and technology...
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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
Energy BBDO is a creative powerhouse building memorable brands through tailored branding solutions. With a focus on energizing people and brands, the agency harnesses creativity to drive business growth and cultural relevance. Its team lives by core values of positivity, diversity, and ambition, ensuring...
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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 relations programs and campaigns since 1986. We work seamlessly with internal resources or, in some instances...
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DJ Sullivan's Review Sourced from Google
Winger's communication and collaboration in supporting HSG Advisors has always been a key part of the relationship as HSG has evolved greatly over the past 10 years, and even more significantly in the past 2-3. Winger has been there throughout the entire process to support day-to-day management, how to plan for upcoming market shifts we need to respond to, and meeting our team where we were throughout the entire process. I would recommend Winger to anyone looking for 3rd party support to execute their marketing initiatives.
AJ Goehle's Review Sourced from Google
I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible support and coaching I received from Winger Marketing, particularly from Karolyn, throughout my TEDTalk journey. Karolyn's guidance was instrumental in helping me refine my message and delivery, ensuring that I was able to effectively convey my ideas to the audience.From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final rehearsals, Karolyn's expertise and encouragement were invaluable. She provided insightful feedback, helping me to strengthen my presentation and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Her attention to detail and dedication to my success were truly remarkable.Thanks to Karolyn's support and the resources provided by Winger Marketing, I felt confident and prepared when stepping onto the TED stage. The experience was truly transformative, and I owe a great deal of that success to Karolyn!I wholeheartedly recommend Winger Marketing to anyone seeking professional coaching and support for their public speaking endeavors. Their expertise, dedication, and personalized approach make them stand out in the industry, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them.Thank you, Winger Marketing and Karolyn, for your amazing support and guidance!
Stephanie Magurno's Review Sourced from Google
I have been working with Winger Marketing for 18 months and I must commend their exceptional expertise in public relations. Their deep understanding of strategic communication has consistently impressed me, prompting me to refer several businesses to them. Winger Marketing delivers outstanding results, showcasing their ability not only to execute but also to think creatively and proactively. Their team's professionalism and extensive experience in PR make them a top choice for any company looking to enhance its market presence. Highly recommended for their reliable and expert service in the marketing strategy and PR landscape!
Shay Smith Designs helps small businesses and entrepreneurs bring their creative visions to life through bold branding, strategic design, and engaging visuals...
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Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create, whether in film, episodic, advertising or immersive experiences. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible...
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Samuel Brayley's Review Sourced from Google
Wonderful place with a bright and airy 5th floor and adjoining balcony area. We were here for an awards ceremony and it was a great event overall
Angeshwababbar Babbar's Review Sourced from Google
Very nice n beautiful place.very easy n quick service to go down n up by lift.nice kitchen n clean bathrooms. Very gud staff. Thanks
JR Bradbury's Review Sourced from Google
Outstanding.Gravity..OscarsVFX...Compositing...matte painting...Grading.So much more, one of London/Soho/Global top post houses.The High Church of Post Production excellenceIncredible!!
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...
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alma is a multicultural creative agency that helps brands build meaningful connections with modern audiences through emotionally driven storytelling and culturally relevant marketing. Rooted in the belief that every brand has a unique soul, alma develops integrated campaigns that blend creativity, strategy...
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Resolute is a global agency specializing in paid media, performance marketing and measurement...
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Welcome to Designtology! My name is Kristi Miroballi, I'm a design director and mentor with a passion for conceptualizing new exciting brands using smart, fresh ideas within an innovative creative team...
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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...
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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.
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