A digital marketing agency is a company that helps businesses show up online—and stand out. They don’t rely on just one approach. Instead, they pull together different tactics like SEO, email marketing, paid ads, social media, content, and even video to get your message in front of the right people. 

Some agencies focus on lead generation. Others aim to boost brand visibility. Either way, the strategy is built around your audience and business goals. They don’t guess but track behavior, looking at what’s working and adjusting from there. Data guides the decisions. 

The industry itself is massive. In 2023, it was valued at over $500 billion. And it’s still climbing—expected to pass $800 billion by 2028.

A digital marketing company helps businesses grow online using various strategies tailored to their goals. They look at a brand's current status — its website, social presence, and search performance — and find areas to improve. Then, they build and manage campaigns that drive traffic, generate leads, and help turn those leads into paying customers. 

The types of services many digital marketing companies offer include: 

• Internet marketing and advertising
  They run ads across platforms like Google, Bing, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This can include PPC, retargeting, remarketing, and native ads designed to increase traffic and visibility. 
• Content marketing
  Agencies create things like blog posts, articles, videos, and newsletters. The goal is to build trust and keep people engaged with valuable, relevant content. 
• Social Media Marketing (SMM)
  They plan and manage social media strategies, developing content, running ads, and analyzing performance across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 
• Email marketing
  Targeted email campaigns (think promos or newsletters) are crafted and tracked based on opens, clicks, and conversions to keep outreach sharp and focused. 
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  From on-page fixes to backlink building, SEO helps your site rank better on Google and get found by the right people. 
• Marketing automation 
  Agencies set up systems to automatically handle repetitive tasks, like follow-up emails or lead scoring, so your campaigns run smoother with less manual work. 
• Affiliate marketing 
  Some companies manage partnerships with affiliates who promote your products in exchange for a commission on any sales they generate. 
• Analytics and tracking 
  They monitor performance using tools that show what’s working (and what’s not) so strategies can be adjusted over time. 
• Inbound marketing 
  This service involves attracting people with useful, well-timed content and turning those visitors into customers through smart funnel building. 
• Digital PR
  Agencies help with online reputation by contacting media, engaging influencers, and positioning your brand as an expert. 
• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) 
  They look at how visitors behave on your website and then make improvements to increase things like sign-ups, purchases, or other key actions. 
• Influencer marketing 
  For some brands, teaming up with influencers can drive awareness and sales. Agencies help find the right voices to promote your message authentically. 
• Video marketing 
  They produce video content — from explainers to product promos — to build engagement and boost conversions. 
• Mobile marketing 
  Whether through SMS campaigns or mobile-optimized content, agencies ensure you reach users effectively on their phones and tablets. 
• Content syndication
  Some firms distribute your content to partner sites or platforms to help expand reach and increase visibility across the web. 
• Web design and development 
  They also design and build websites that are easy to use, mobile-friendly, and optimized for speed, SEO, and conversions. 

A digital marketing agency and a digital advertising company focus on different parts of the online growth process.  

A digital marketing agency takes a broader approach, covering everything from strategy and branding to content and long-term customer engagement. Its job is to help a business grow steadily by building a strong presence across digital channels.  

A digital advertising company, on the other hand, zooms in on paid ads. Its goal is meant to be achieved faster: get traffic, leads, or sales through platforms like Google Ads or social media campaigns. Both are valuable — but they serve different needs. 

A digital marketing agency might help you with: 

• Figuring out your overall online strategy 
• Creating content (like blogs, videos, or email campaigns) 
• Improving your rankings on search engines (SEO) 
• Managing your brand’s voice and tone across channels 
• Building long-term relationships with your audience 
• Using data to understand what’s working and what’s not 

A digital advertising company is more likely to: 

• Set up and run paid ad campaigns (Google, Facebook, etc.) 
• Focus on metrics like clicks, conversions, and ROAS 
• Test different versions of ads to see what performs better 
• Handle budgets and bid strategies for ads 
• Help you get traffic or sales fast—sometimes at a higher cost 
• Concentrate less on content and more on visibility and reach 

Most digital marketing agencies charge between $2,000 and $100,000 per month. Smaller campaigns or basic services might fall near the lower end, while large-scale, multi-channel strategies can easily climb into six figures or more. 

What you pay depends on a few key factors: 

• Type of services: A single-service campaign (like SEO) costs less than a full-service strategy. 
• Project complexity: More moving parts usually means more hours, tools, and planning. 
• Agency experience: Established agencies with a strong track record often charge higher rates. 
• Business size: Bigger brands may require more resources and custom solutions. 
• Length of engagement: Long-term contracts can sometimes reduce monthly rates. 

Average monthly pricing by service: 

• PPC Advertising – $1,000 to $10,000 
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – $1,500 to $5,000 
• Social Media Marketing (SMM) – $1,000 to $20,000 
• Content Marketing – $2,000 to $10,000 
• Email Marketing – $500 to $5,000 
• Website Design & Development – $2,500 to $100,000 (one-time project) 

Top digital marketing agencies on DesignRush charge an average of $94 per hour. Around 16.2% of firms accept budgets under $1,000, while only 1.4% take on projects that start at $50,000 or more. 

Hiring a digital marketing agency can make a big difference, especially when your internal team is stretched thin or lacking certain skills. You can access experienced marketers, advanced tools, and strategies already tested in the real world. 

• Instead of spending months hiring and training, you can work with a team that’s ready to go from day one. 
• Agencies have worked with different industries, so they usually spot what’s missing and how to fix it faster than an internal team might.
• No guessing. They use real data to track results, tweak campaigns, and focus on what’s bringing in leads or sales. 
• You’ll get regular updates, usually with breakdowns of what’s working and where things could improve.  
• Most agencies already use premium tools — analytics platforms, ad software, automation systems — so you don’t have to buy or manage them. That saves time and money.   

Success Story 

• Challenge: Barton G, a high-end restaurant and events brand with locations in Miami and Los Angeles, had a bold in-person identity. But online? Not so much. Its website and digital campaigns didn’t reflect the creativity of its brand. 
• Solution: Barton G brought in Digital Silk to lead a full transformation. The digital marketing agency redesigned the website to match the brand’s theatrical flair. Then, it launched digital campaigns across Google Ads, email, and social media. Animated videos were created, social channels were cleaned up, and the customer journey was made smoother — from first click to final booking. 
• Results: 
  • Website traffic went up by 207% 
  • Engagement across channels increased by 334% 
  • More visibility, stronger brand image, and better-quality leads 

Choosing the best digital marketing company can have a real impact on your business growth. The best fit isn’t always the biggest name or the cheapest quote — it’s the one that understands your goals and can execute a strategy to reach them.  

Here’s how to narrow down your options: 

• Know what you're trying to achieve 
  Before reaching out to agencies, get clear on what you want. Do you need more leads? Stronger SEO? Better brand visibility? Be specific. The clearer your goals are, the easier it’ll be to find a partner to help you get there and to measure whether they’re succeeding. 
• Look for experience that matches your needs 
  Not all agencies serve the same types of clients. Try to find one that has worked with businesses like yours — same size, same industry, or similar challenges. Its past success in a space like yours is a good sign they’ll know how to help you, too. 
• Check the quality of past work 
  Go beyond the visuals. Case studies and portfolio samples should show what the agency built or designed and what results those efforts delivered. Did traffic grow? Did leads increase? Real outcomes matter more than nice layouts. 
• See what others are saying 
  Look for client reviews on platforms like Google and DesignRush. Don’t just count stars — read the comments. If multiple clients mention responsiveness, ROI, or transparency, you can expect the same. 
• Ask about the tools they use 
  From analytics to automation, digital agencies rely on tools. Ask what they use to manage campaigns, track performance, and handle reporting. Also, ask why. They should be able to explain their choices without relying on buzzwords or tech speak. 
• Pay attention to how they communicate 
  You’ll be working with these people regularly. Are they easy to reach? Do they answer your questions? If communication is slow or vague at the start, it usually doesn’t get better later. 
• Don’t focus only on the price 
  Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Ask for a breakdown of what’s included and compare it to the value you’re getting. Sometimes, a slightly higher cost comes with better reporting, strategy, or support, which can make a big difference in the long run. 
• Understand what happens after launch 
  Some agencies disappear after the campaign goes live. Others keep testing and improving. Ask how they handle post-launch support. Do they offer ongoing optimization, A/B testing, or monthly reviews? The good ones do. 
• Send RFP  
  Once you’ve narrowed your list, send a request for proposal (RFP) to your top choices. Ask for tailored strategies, budget estimates, timelines, and expected outcomes. That’ll help you compare agencies on more than just price. 
• Talk to the actual team 
  Whenever possible, speak directly with the people working on your account. You’re not just hiring a logo — you’re hiring a team. Make sure their working style fits yours. 
• Get everything in writing 
  Before signing, review the contract carefully. What’s included? What isn’t? Who owns the content? How are KPIs tracked? A good agreement sets clear expectations, protects both sides and avoids surprises later on. 

Still exploring? Visit our Marketplace and tell us about your project. We’ll connect you with vetted digital marketing companies that fit your needs and budget. It’s completely free. 

Finding a digital marketing agency that aligns with your budget and business goals is simple on DesignRush. Use the platform’s built-in filters to narrow your options based on project budget, services offered, industry expertise, location, and more. 

Start by selecting your budget range—whether you're working with a lean startup budget or planning a full-scale campaign: 

Browse through our agency directory to view digital marketing agency profiles by location, area of expertise, client reviews, industries catered to, team size, pricing, and hourly rates. This allows you to comprehensively assess marketing companies and select the ideal fit for your project.

The key success metrics in digital marketing include the following: 

• Website traffic
  A basic starting point. It tells you how many people are landing on your site. But the important part is where they’re coming from: organic search, paid ads, social, email, or direct links. It shows how visible you are and which channels are bringing people in. 
• Cost per lead (CPL)
  It shows how much you're spending to get someone interested. “Lead” means different things depending on the business — a downloaded guide, a demo request, or a filled-out contact form. Regardless, it helps determine whether your spend is sustainable. 
• Cost Per Click (CPC)
  This metric tells you the average amount you pay whenever someone clicks on your ad. It’s useful for budget control, but it doesn’t show whether those clicks are valuable. 
• Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)
  CPA looks beyond leads and tracks the cost of getting someone to become a paying customer. It’s one of the most important metrics when determining if your campaigns drive sales, not just interest.
• Click-through rate (CTR)
  CTR tells how often people who see your content or ad click through. A higher rate generally means the message is landing well. A low one? It could be your copy, creative, or audience targeting is off.
• Conversion Rate
  How many visitors are doing what you want them to do—buy, sign up, request a quote? It’s one of the clearest indicators that your campaign (and your landing experience) is working. 
• Return on investment (ROI)
  ROI tells you if your efforts are generating more revenue than they cost. Not everything can be tracked to the dollar, but when it can, this is what decision-makers want to see.
• Customer lifetime value (CLV)
  CLV estimates how much a customer is worth over the long haul, not just after their first transaction. It's essential to understand what kind of customers to prioritize. 
• Lead-to-customer conversion rate
  This metric reveals how effective your funnel is. A high number means your nurture process is doing its job. 
• Engagement metrics
  Likes, shares, comments, time on the page, and scroll depth — all fall under engagement. They don’t always tie directly to sales but are useful for understanding if your content connects with your audience. 
• Bounce Rate
  This metric tells you when someone lands on your site and leaves right away. Sometimes it’s harmless. Other times, it’s a warning sign. It could be that the page didn’t load fast enough, or the content didn’t match what they expected

Before hiring a digital marketing agency, keep an eye out for these red flags: 

• Lack of industry experience
  If the agency hasn’t worked with businesses like yours, it may not understand your market well enough to drive real results. You risk ending up with generic messaging or ineffective tactics. Relevant experience can make a major difference.
• Vague performance tracking
  Agencies should be able to tell you exactly how they measure success. If they can’t define KPIs or show how they track progress, that’s a red flag. You need clarity, not vague updates. 
• No tailored strategy
  Some agencies push pre-set packages that ignore the specifics of your business. If they aren’t asking detailed questions about your goals, audience, and challenges, there’s a good chance their solution won’t deliver much. 
• Limited pricing transparency
  A quote that sounds too simple might be hiding extra fees. Reputable agencies are upfront about what you’re paying for. They’ll walk you through what’s included and what’s not. 
• Poor communication
  Slow replies, vague answers, and missed deadlines are all early signs that something might go wrong down the line. You need a partner who communicates clearly and consistently, especially during fast-moving campaigns. 
• No plan for ongoing optimization
  A campaign isn’t complete the day it launches. If an agency doesn’t have a plan for tracking performance and making improvements along the way, that’s a major gap. Effective digital marketing is never static. 
• Overpromising results
  Be wary if they promise top rankings or a fixed number of leads. Digital marketing doesn’t come with guarantees. Results take time and often require testing, refinement, and adaptation. 
• Rigid contracts
  A long-term contract with no flexibility can leave you stuck. If the agency underdelivers, you should have options. Look for agreements with review points, performance checks, and the ability to exit if needed. 

Questions you should ask before hiring an online marketing company include the following: 

Its Relevant Background 

1. What experience do you have working in our industry? 
2. Have you solved digital marketing challenges similar to ours? 
3. In which areas of expertise have you achieved the best results? 

Its Services and Processes 

1. What type of digital marketing services do you offer? 
2. What types and sizes of marketing budgets have you handled so far? 
3. What results have you generated for those projects? 
4. What is the cost of your services? 
5. What business model do you adopt? 
6. What services are included in your package? 
7. Are there any services or programs that may cost extra? 

Relevant to Your Project 

1. What strategies will you develop to increase our online presence? 
2. What tools, programs, or resources do you use and why? 
3. How will you measure results? 
4. How often will we get progress reports? 
5. Who will be working on our account? 
6. What qualifies them for this role? 
7. Will you involve our in-house team in the course of the project? 
8. When are you available to start our project? 

The best digital marketing agencies in the U.S. are:

• SmartSites
  • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (51 reviews)
  • 4.9 stars on Google (683 reviews)
  • Top Clients: Classic Audi, CMS Funding, Energy Watch, ForeverLux
• Ignite Visibility
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (12 reviews)
  • 4.7 stars on Google (78 reviews)
  • Top Clients: Tony Robbins, COX, Wedding Wire, DoorDash
• Manta
  • 4.6 stars on DesignRush (3 reviews)
  • 4.0 stars on Google (102 reviews)
  • Top Clients: Horsey Orthodontics, The Anxiety Institute, SkyDeck USA, Hyatt Place
• Intero Digital
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (25 reviews)
  • 4.8 stars on Google (225 reviews)
  • Top Clients: Jaguar, Gaiam, Land Rover, University of Colorado
• Big Leap
  • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (8 reviews)
  • 4.8 stars on Google (67 reviews)
  • Top Clients: Avis, Empire Today, BambooHR, Pluralsight