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...
Top Services:
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 businesses targeting search and AI visibility, Funnel Boost Media delivers custom websites, local SEO, generative engine optimization, and PPC campaigns. The veteran-owned Google Partner has earned 5.0 on DesignRush and 4.9 on Google across 300+ reviews, with clients praising account manager...
Top Services:
Web Design Review from Anonymous
Great job! My wife and I liked both website design options you provided, but the first option was the clear winner! That's definitely the look I was going for on my new site!
Web Design Review from Anonymous
Everything looks great! I really appreciate all that you've done and I really like what you were able to put together for my new website.
SEO Review from Anonymous
Thanks for the advice on how to gain more reviews on our GMB! The email template you sent over with our review link will be a huge help!
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!
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...
Top Services:
.png)
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.
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 sizes and have expertise with franchises and medical/dental/chiro/podiatry practices...
Top Services:
Digital Strategy Review from Donna Hawley
We have used this company for over 8 years and their work is spot on in every way. We rely heavily on their services, and for recommendations with new strategies. They always deliver! They're responsive and knowledgeable, and we will continue to do business with them for the foreseeable future.Highly recommend.
WordPress Website Design Review from Sheryl Vazquez
The team at SBO Buzz really came through for me! I was in the process of switching over from another website platform, to Wordpress. I did not realize I would have to redesign my website from scratch! I felt like I really messed things up! I enlisted the help of SBO Buzz, and my website looks great and does exactly what I need it to do! Including pulling over my social media sites, reviews, and integrating the call to action buttons I had incorporated. Thank you!
Dental Review from Deepak Agarwal, DMD
Salil has been absolutely a game changer for our practice. I fully recommend him to take your business to the next level.
VSA is a brand strategy and creative agency. We believe creative is currency, and we help brands turn it into business growth. By bringing strategy, design and marketing together, we build brand systems and campaigns that deliver speed to market, cultural relevance and measurable performance...
Top Services:
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
BMG360 is a performance marketing and lead generation agency built for smarter, faster growth. Brands partner with us as their full-service AOR, tap specific services like SEO, Paid Social, or Radio or plug directly into our On-Demand Lead Gen engine. Backed by 20+ years of proven performance, proprietary...
Top Services:
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 technology. Ideas that are data fueled and insight driven...
Top Services:
Eric Storck's Review Sourced from Google
My company Weed Man of Vienna used this company for mailing services this past spring. We received terrible service that was riddled with errors. To make matters worse they lost my payment. When I sent another they cashed both payments and are now refusing to send me back what is owed to me.
Mikki Sharp's Review Sourced from Google
A technology and client-focused business transformation partner with an award-winning culture known for innovation and excellence.
Ariel Dubov's Review Sourced from Google
I highly recommend avoiding this company. Fusion92 recently absorbed the company I contracted, Conversion Fanatics. CF was hired to increase our conversion rate. After many months of "testing", and a lot of $$ later, they actually decreased our CVR substantially. I'm deeply unsatisfied with how they left my website -- it was teeming with glitches and errors that are considered low hanging fruit for a typical UX company. Go with a different company!
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.
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:
NOVUS is an independent media agency that architects growth with purpose where every media decision is intentional, measurable, and built for impact...
Top Services:
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...
Top Services:
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!
At Popskull, we believe that in today's constant white noise of advertisements and messages, it can be hard for brands to stand out. That is why our team strives to create clear strategies and campaigns capable of cutting through all the chaos...
Top Services:
We are Rabin Research, your partner for market research and digital strategy. Our agency offers expert insights and data-driven solutions to propel your business forward...
Top Services:
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
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...
Top Services:
Resolute is a global agency specializing in paid media, performance marketing and measurement...
Top Services:
Ata Berkol is a Chicago-based Product and Visual Designer specializing in visual communication and user-centered digital experiences. He creates thoughtful, intuitive design solutions that blend strategy, aesthetics, and usability to help brands communicate clearly and connect meaningfully with their...
Top Services:
SGK is a world-renowned provider of packaging and brand experience solutions. As an industry leader, we work to deliver value-added experiences with each interaction...
Top Services:
Mabbly is a digital marketing agency and go-to-market partner that helps businesses drive real revenue through the seamless integration of strategy, sales, and marketing. Since its founding in 2013, Mabbly has built its approach around one core belief: understanding people is the key to building impactful...
Top Services:
Любинецкий's Review Sourced from Google
Very bad. I don't recommend contacting them, especially if you are looking for a job there.
Joe Grotto's Review Sourced from Google
These guys prove their skills without even trying, just Google "digital marketing agencies in Chicago " or some other related terms and watch them top the competition on search results. That's all we needed to know
Chris Kahn's Review Sourced from Google
ManOverMarket has been collaborating with Mabbly on a project for several months. Working with the Mabbly team has been great! They have been on top of our project on all levels from their initial creative development to our ongoing SEO discussions! They have been responsive to every request, every detail, every email! During our meetings the Mabbly team brings it! They come prepared and the collaboration has synergy!
Bespoken Directive is an award-winning digital marketing agency in Chicago specializing in growth marketing for healthcare, construction, and financial brands. We deliver SEO, paid media, CRM, and web development...
Top Services:
MBuy, a division of Mediaocean, combines everychannel media expertise and the best advertising technology in the industry - providing advertisers with superior media buying and planning services that reach and engage the right audience, in the right channels...
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
