Top Illinois Digital Marketing Agencies

Abhijit Roy
Associate Professor – Chair, Howard University

What are the ethical considerations businesses should keep in mind when executing digital marketing campaigns?

Data security and privacy should be the topmost considerations. Just a couple of decades ago, prior to the advent of social media, we owned our data. But now, social media platforms allow us to use their platforms for free in exchange for accessing our browsing data. In other words, we are now essentially the product.

Other related issues include transparency, protecting intellectual property rights of content creators, seeking consent from users (particularly the parents when targeting young children), and most importantly ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) programs are not used for the harm of society. [...]

What theoretical frameworks in digital marketing should businesses look for in an agency's approach to ensure a solid foundation?

Agencies should have a conceptual understanding of search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), digital analytics, paid search, content marketing, affiliate marketing, social media marketing, influencer marketing, mobile marketing, etc. in ensuring a solid foundation in digital marketing.

Given the depth and breadth of the field, most agencies will choose to specialize in a limited number of areas listed above.

How important is personalization in digital marketing, and how can businesses implement it?

Personalization is very important for digital marketers. However, as noted in my response to the first question, consumers ideally should own their data and have their privacy rights. [...]

Given that digital marketing allows marketers to leverage personalization, the advertising (via paid search, display ads, etc.) is precisely targeted and much more efficient than advertising on traditional media platforms.

What are the latest academic research findings on digital marketing that businesses should consider when selecting an agency?

There are too many to mention. There are currently at least a dozen major marketing journals that publish research on digital marketing. [...] Here are a few of my recent coauthored research on both the micro and macro aspects of digital marketing.

• Roy, A., Bakpayev, M., Boninsegni, M. F., Kumar, S., Peronard, J. P., & Reimer, T. (2023). Technology-enabled well-being in the era of IR4. 0: marketing and public policy implications. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 40(4), 431-444.  https://doi.org/10.1108/JCM-11-2021-5021
• Xu, L., Roy, A., & Niculescu, M. (2023). A dual process model of the influence of recommender systems on purchase intentions in online shopping environments. Journal of Internet Commerce, 22(3), 432-453. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332861.2022.2049113
• Xu, L. and A. Roy (2022). “Cashback as Cash Forward: The Serial Mediating Effect of Time/Effort and Money Savings” Journal of Business Research, 149 (October), 30-37. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0148296322004428
• Boninsegni, M., A. Roy, M. Bakpayev, S. Kumar, J. P. Peronard, and T. Reimer (2022). “Opportunities and Threats to Consumer Well-Being in the Age of Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) Technologies” Digital Policy, Regulation, and Governance Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 93-105. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-06-2021-0080

How do you see the future of digital marketing evolving in the next 5-10 years?

Five to ten years is a very long horizon. Digital marketing is changing every year. For example, just five years ago, digital advertising revenues had just overtaken television advertising revenues, but today it is three times as much and growing at an exponential rate.

We'll also see an increased influence of AI in digital marketing, voice search in SEO, more sophisticated levels of personalization, and advanced digital analytical techniques. We'll also see a rise in the use of IR 4.0 technologies such as Internet of Things (IOT), blockchain, 3D printing, wearables, augmented and virtual Reality (AR & VR), and the growth of the “metaverse” amongst others.

Eric S. Harvey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Marketing, Western Michigan University

How can businesses ensure that the digital marketing agency they choose aligns with their brand values and objectives?

When choosing a digital marketing agency, [...] the following factors can help businesses make an informed decision:

1. Ensuring alignment with brand values and objectives — businesses should choose an agency that takes the time to understand their brand values, culture, and objectives. This can be assessed through initial meetings where the agency asks relevant questions and proposes strategies that align with the business's goals.
2. Case studies and references — reviewing the agency's past work and speaking with their current or past clients can provide insights into whether they have successfully worked with brands that have similar values and objectives.
3. Cultural fit — the agency's work culture and ethics should resonate with your business. A good cultural fit ensures smoother collaboration and a partnership that aligns with your brand’s ethos.

What are some red flags that businesses should watch out for when choosing a digital marketing agency?

1. Overpromising results — be cautious of agencies that guarantee immediate or unrealistic outcomes. Digital marketing success requires time and continuous effort.
2. Lack of transparency — agencies should be open about their strategies, reporting, and billing. Lack of clarity in these areas is a red flag.
3. One-size-fits-all approach — digital marketing needs to be tailored to each business. Avoid agencies that offer generic solutions without considering your unique needs.

What are the key indicators of a reputable and effective digital marketing agency?

1. Proven track record — look for agencies with a history of delivering measurable results for clients in similar industries.
2. Expertise and specialization — agencies with expertise in your industry or specific areas of digital marketing (e.g., SEO, PPC, content marketing) are often more effective.
3. Continuous learning and adaptation — the best agencies stay up to date with the latest digital marketing trends and algorithm changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.

What are the benefits of working with a full-service digital marketing agency versus a specialized agency?

It’s important to note that there are benefits to working with both full-service and specialized agencies:

1. Full-service agencies offer comprehensive solutions — from strategy to execution — across all digital marketing channels. This is beneficial for businesses looking for a one-stop shop to handle all their digital marketing needs, ensuring a cohesive strategy and saving time in coordination.
2. Specialized agencies focus on specific areas of digital marketing (e.g., SEO [and] social media). They offer deep expertise and advanced strategies in their niche, which can be advantageous for businesses with specific needs or goals in that area.

How do you see the future of digital marketing evolving in the next 5-10 years?

Looking to the future, digital marketing is expected to become even more personalized, data-driven, and integrated with emerging technologies. Key trends include increased use of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, personalization, customer segmentation, and automated decision-making.

Additionally, optimizing for voice and visual searches will become crucial as smart speakers and visual search technologies advance. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will offer new ways to engage customers and create immersive brand experiences. As concerns over privacy grow, businesses will need to adapt their strategies to be more transparent and compliant with data protection laws.

Finally, consumers are increasingly favoring brands that demonstrate commitment to sustainability and social values, influencing digital marketing strategies to highlight these efforts.