Our directory of media buying agencies in the US is evaluated using five core ranking criteria and reviewed by a team of 12 industry experts, backed by more than 480 verified client reviews. This methodology provides a clear, credible way to identify the right media buying partner. 

Organic rankings are determined by five factors: top services, reviews, portfolio, awards/press, and team expertise. Sponsored listings pay for a placement that appears above organic positions. Sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content - read more on our methodology page.

United States × Education × $1,000 - $10,000 ×Clear Filters
  • Power Your Growth With Performance Marketing

    OpenMoves pairs media buying with its own OM3 email marketing platform, so paid acquisition and lifecycle campaigns run off shared customer data. The same media buying team also runs Amazon and ecommerce PPC for retail clients...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • SEO
    • Email Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Huntington, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • The MENA SEO & AI Search Agency That Drives Growth

    Voctos builds paid search campaigns starting with keyword and competitor ad research, then audits landing pages before any ad goes live. Analytics and CRM setup happen alongside campaign creation so conversion data feeds back into ongoing optimization...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Content Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Middletown, Delaware
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $37/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • Bringing Together Expertise, Experience, and Enthusiasm

    Vizion Interactive buys media across paid search, programmatic display, remarketing, video, and social advertising under one PPC & Media division. Google Shopping, Local Inventory Ads, and Local Service Ads management round out the retail-focused end of the practice...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • PPC
    • eCommerce
    • AEO
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • AWARD WINNING Digital Marketing Agency. We Grow Your Brand Online with Measurable Success!

    Software Pro Digital extends its media buying beyond digital into TV and radio ads and digital billboards through programmatic DOOH. Automated programmatic display buying across the open web runs alongside these traditional formats...

    Top Services:

    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Email Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $45/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    11 Projects Listed
  • ROI-Focused PPC Agency | Google Ads Agency | Google Ads Experts

    Excella PPC was founded by Yulian Hrab with the vision of building a Google Ads and PPC agency focused on honesty, transparency, and measurable ROI. Starting as a freelancer in Ukraine, Yulian grew long-term partnerships into a boutique team with offices in Kyiv and New York. Today, Excella PPC supp...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • eCommerce
    • Digital Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Media Buying
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed
  • Move Your Business Forward

    YB Marketing builds Google Ads and paid social campaigns specifically for businesses competing in the Denver and Chicago markets. Community engagement and monitoring run alongside paid campaigns to keep organic and paid efforts working together...

    Top Services:

    • Advertising
    • Branding
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Email Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Yakima, Washington
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Be the answer AI gives — Senior-led SEO, AI Search & Web Design for Legal, Health & B2B Teams

    Single Origin is a senior, design-led marketing team building for the AI-search era. SEO, AI visibility, paid media, and web design under one roof and one accountable partner, tested over the last decade...

    Top Services:

    • AEO
    • SEO
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Web Design
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Walnut Creek, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $300/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Influence Engineered. Growth Amplified.

    Avenue Z is a modern marketing and communications agency that integrates branding, public relations, digital marketing, and AI-driven media buying to help brands build reputation, drive revenue, and lead in an AI-first world...

    Top Services:

    • Branding
    • Public Relations
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Miami, Florida
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • Your Trusted Digital Partner

    Emizen Tech is an acclaimed IT organization that specializes in delivering top-of-the-line e-commerce solutions to various industry verticals. Our core areas of expertise are hybrid app development, CakePHP, and finance app development. Our team of technically outstanding and highly experienced e-commerce...

    Top Services:

    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • IT Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    7 Projects Listed
  • Next-Level Social Media for Next-Level Brands.

    We help established businesses turn organic social media into a growth channel that actually delivers: scroll-stopping content, daily engagement, and our signature outreach engine that puts you in front of thousands of the right potential customers every month...

    Top Services:

    • Social Media Marketing
    • Content Marketing
    • Video Production
    • Video Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Boulder, Colorado
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Data-Driven Media Buying Agency.

    Paraguru stands out for its ability to transform complex data into actionable insights, running a "full circle" of data intelligence that includes buying data, running ads, tracking performance, and continuously improving campaigns. The agency’s team of experts is adept at using cutting-edge tools and...

    Top Services:

    • Media Buying
    Location
    Baltimore, Maryland
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • We plan and manage advertising campaigns for you.

    Float Media House is a dynamic advertising agency specializing in precision media planning and programmatic buying that helps brands and agencies scale their operations with enterprise-level impact, even on startup budgets. By leveraging cutting-edge cloud technologies, real-time data, and advanced analytics...

    Top Services:

    • Media Buying
    Location
    Downey, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Market to the World, and the World will be your Market.

    CAYK Marketing has been a leading force in marketing for nearly thirty years, specializing in website design, SEO, advertising management, and strategic planning. With a focus on your organization's success, CAYK offers decades of proven experience, whether you require a technical audit or comprehensive...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Services
    • Advertising
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Marketing
    • Logo Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Strategic Paid Media For Maximum Impact

    Callanta Media specializes in strategic planning, fractional marketing executive services, and paid media management to propel businesses forward. Combining creativity with data-driven insights, the agency delivers impactful results in the ever-evolving digital world. Callanta Media offers expertise and...

    Top Services:

    • Media Buying
    • Advertising
    • Digital Strategy
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • We Build Growth Engines For Ambitious Companies

    Obrofy is a data-driven digital marketing agency that helps businesses generate qualified leads and accelerate revenue growth through SEO, AI Search Optimization (GEO), Local SEO, paid advertising, and conversion-focused website strategies. Founded in 2020, the agency combines data, AI, and multi-channel...

    Top Services:

    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • CRO
    • Media Buying
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • We grow bold brands in LATAM through Timeless Content

    Positive Agency is where bold creativity meets the vibrant pulse of Latin America. We dont just follow trends we design them, tailoring every idea to resonate with the culture, rhythm, and diversity of our region. For us, creativity isnt a department, its our DNA...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • Content Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Media Buying
    • Advertising
    • Show more
    Location
    Clearwater, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $120/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Connecting Businesses With High-Intent Customers

    First Call Solutions helps businesses grow through performance marketing, lead generation, and pay-per-call solutions. We specialize in delivering high-quality leads, inbound calls, and customer acquisition solutions across insurance, healthcare, home services, legal, and financial industries. Our focus is on...

    Top Services:

    • Affiliate Marketing
    • CRO
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Show more
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
    Average Hourly Rate
    $20/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Advertising and Marketing That Drives Results!

    Since its inception in 1996, Lead Climber Marketing has proudly served as Denver's foremost all-encompassing advertising agency, consistently delivering tangible outcomes for our valued clientele...

    Top Services:

    • Advertising
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Marketing
    • Video Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Denver, Colorado
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $90/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed
  • Advertising Campaigns That Go Above And Beyond

    Where traditional media buying firms stop at the transaction, we go further, using our deep knowledge of how different advertising platforms perform to guide campaign creative development...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • Content Marketing
    • SEO
    • Media Buying
    • Show more
    Location
    Portsmouth, New Hampshire
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Moving Businesses Forward

    We are Kinetic319, a dedicated media agency committed to helping small and mid-sized businesses thrive within their respective industries. With a focus on building fruitful partnerships and prioritizing measurable results, we propel your business forward with precision and dedication...

    Top Services:

    • Media Buying
    • Advertising
    • Digital Marketing
    • eCommerce
    • CRO
    • Show more
    Location
    Denver, Colorado
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $155/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Helping Interior Design & Remodeling Companies to Scale

    We work with companies that want to grow their online audiences, increase brand awareness, and generate new leads. If your company aims to achieve any of these metrics, it will be our pleasure to work with you. Sneak peak: All this at an operational cost 30% lower than average...

    Top Services:

    • Social Media Marketing
    • Branding
    • Media Buying
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Sheridan, Wyoming
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $20/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Harness the Power of Data and Fuel your Digital Marketing Success

    Attention Media leverages data as the cornerstone for achieving exceptional accuracy, engagement, and efficiency in advertising. Through advanced data-driven tools, in-depth analysis, and tailored management, we create campaigns that connect your business directly with your target audience, delivering...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Media Buying
    • Digital Strategy
    • Show more
    Location
    Santa Monica, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Strategy, creative, media, and PR under one roof.

    GreenRubino is an independent, integrated marketing, advertising, and public relations agency based in Seattle. For nearly 50 years, we have helped organizations solve complex marketing challenges and build momentum that produces measurable business results...

    Top Services:

    • Advertising
    • Creative Services
    • Graphic Design
    • Public Relations
    • Branding
    • Show more
    Location
    Seattle, Washington
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $195/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Marketing A Better World

    Hive Digital - Marketing a Better World - is an award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, AI search optimization, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), paid media, and digital strategy...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Digital Strategy
    • Show more
    Location
    Holly Springs, North Carolina
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $185/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Impactful Storytellers

    Hilton Multimedia is your one-stop destination for all of the digital marketing and advertising services you need. From website design to media planning, content creation to PR campaigns - we'll craft a tailored strategy that's perfectly suited to make your business shine!...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • Media Buying
    • Advertising
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Suffolk, Virginia
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • A full-service marketing agency obsessed with results

    MassMedia is an independent, fully-integrated, marketing, advertising, and public relations agency founded in 1997 with offices in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Orange County. For nearly three decades, MassMedia has helped organizations unlock transformative growth by pairing data-driven strategy with award-winning...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Strategy
    • Media Buying
    • Public Relations
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Creative Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Helping Your Organization Grow With The Tide

    StreamAd is a digital advertising agency that helps organizations grow through strategic, data-driven marketing across multiple digital channels. The agency specializes in connecting brands with their audiences through streaming TV, search, social media, display advertising, email marketing, and creative...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Services
    • Digital Strategy
    • Media Buying
    • PPC
    • Event Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    St. Simons Island, Georgia
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • We are high-performance agency focused on paid ads.

    At UNI Marketing Agency, we specialize in assisting businesses in identifying their unique growth formula and ensuring widespread awareness of it. With a partner-centric approach, we think, act, and celebrate alongside our clients, fostering collaborative success at every stage of their journey...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • Digital Marketing
    • eCommerce
    • Social Media Marketing
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Mesa, Arizona
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Omnichannel Advertising, Simplified

    Xapads Media is a forward-thinking digital marketing agency that blends data-driven strategy with innovative AI automation to help brands grow online. From performance advertising and SEO to social media and influencer engagement, Xapads focuses on tailored solutions that boost visibility, drive conversions...

    Top Services:

    • Advertising
    • Media Buying
    • Branding
    Location
    Wilmington, Delaware
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    1 Project Listed
  • Own your client acquisition system.

    Notorious Creative Agency builds client acquisition systems. Paid ads on Meta and Google, conversion-focused landing pages, a fully configured CRM, automated nurture and retargeting, and AI appointment setting that contacts every lead in under five minutes, 24/7 assembled into one owned pipeline...

    Top Services:

    • Advertising
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Media Buying
    • PPC
    • CRO
    • Show more
    Location
    Bushkill, Pennsylvania
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Outdoor Advertising Agency

    BillboardMax is a DOOH advertising agency that helps brands buy and manage outdoor media across Florida and the U.S. The team handles location research, highway digital screen selection, vendor coordination, creative preparation, scheduling, launch support, and reporting...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Services
    • Graphic Design
    • Creative Services
    • Design Services
    • Digital Strategy
    • Show more
    Location
    Hallandale Beach, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Next-Level Digital Marketing.

    Berriman Web Marketing, a leading digital marketing agency headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, specializes in providing top-tier digital ads management and search engine marketing services to clients throughout New England. With our expertise and strategic approach, we help businesses achieve their...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Marketing
    • PPC
    • SEO
    • eCommerce
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Burlington, Vermont
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Posted. Published. Perfected.

    Posted Consulting offers marketing services including social media, public relations, event planning, advertising, and more in Spokane, WA. We support small businesses, start-ups, mid-sized businesses, and large enterprises throughout Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, and the Pacific Northwest...

    Top Services:

    • Social Media Marketing
    • Public Relations
    • Content Marketing
    • Event Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Show more
    Location
    Spokane, Washington
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Forum Communications is a full service strategic marketing agency focused on helping clients find their voice in a crowded marketplace...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Strategy
    • Branding
    • Creative Services
    • Design Services
    • Logo Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Gainesville, Georgia
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $175/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Every Digital Experience Creates A Story

    Scott Labz LLC is an independent analytics and digital consultancy based in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, working under a Measure, Build, Improve framework. Services span analytics implementation, data validation and reporting, custom web and application development, systems integration, and advertising...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Services
    • Digital Strategy
    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Peoria, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $300/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Your ROI is Our North Star.

    Decoder is a digital marketing agency specializing in driving targeted traffic, increasing conversion rates, and profitably scaling customer acquisition. What makes them unique is their all-senior level team, customer-centric process, and exceptional track record across industries. Noteworthy clients include...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • PPC
    • CRO
    • Web Design
    • UI/UX Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Streamlining The eCommerce Shopping Experience!

    Scaledon's team of experts guides clients through the full marketing cycle with 15+ years of experience. From strategic planning to data management and reporting, our services cover every aspect needed for a successful campaign - including PPC, SEO, email initiatives and creative content/designs...

    Top Services:

    • PPC
    • Digital Marketing
    • SEO
    • Content Marketing
    • Email Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Portsmouth, New Hampshire
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Australia's leading & most awarded full service agency

    Welcome is a full service agency delivering brand, strategy, social media, digital, marketing, content, technology & development, data solutions - 100% in-house & under one roof. Our award winning teams craft integrated solutions that drive growth, impact & measurable success. You are Welcome...

    Top Services:

    • Digital Strategy
    • CRM Consulting
    • Branding
    • Creative Services
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $175/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Bold Thinking Driven By Passion

    Striv Agency is a creative agency based in Irvine, California, specializing in e-commerce growth through strategic design and web development. The agency combines strategy, branding, creative design, web development, SEO, advertising, and marketing services to help companies strengthen their market position...

    Top Services:

    • Graphic Design
    • Branding
    • Video Production
    • Package Design
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Irvine, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $98/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Hire vetted remote marketing specialists in 48 hours from $10/hr, no agency markup.

    EverestX places dedicated, pre-vetted marketing specialists with companies that want senior execution without agency overhead. Tell us the role; within about 48 hours you get a matched specialist across paid media, SEO, email, social, creative, or growth who works as part of your team. Engagements are...

    Top Services:

    • Video Production
    • Graphic Design
    • PPC
    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Sheridan, Wyoming
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $12/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • We understand your business

    Intuitive Digital is a Portland, Oregon-based marketing powerhouse that offers an array of services – from SEO and PPC to web design & CRO. As a Certified B Corporation, they use data-driven strategies to elevate each project with innovation and impactful results...

    Top Services:

    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Digital Marketing
    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

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Media Buying Agency FAQs

What services do media buying agencies in the United States provide?

These types of agencies help brands with: 

  • Performance-focused digital campaigns: High-demand campaigns across Meta, TikTok, YouTube, Search, and CTV, prioritizing short-form video and measurable, creative-led performance. 
  • Full-funnel paid media tied to creative-led campaigns: Roughly 60% to 70% of clients bundle creative and media for faster cycles, fewer handoffs, and performance-built creative. 
  • Programmatic and CTV packages: Growing rapidly, with challenger brands investing $15K to $150K per month for scalable reach, automated targeting, and measurable lift. 
  • Paid social advertising: Cross-platform campaigns delivering 1% to 2% average conversion rates, with top performers exceeding 3% on Meta and TikTok. 
  • Audience & competitive analysis: Audience research and competitor benchmarking to guide budget allocation and identify the highest-ROI channels. 
  • Analytics & performance reporting: Real-time KPI tracking, A/B testing, and optimization across impressions, CPM, CTR, conversions, ROAS, and attribution paths. 

How much do media buying services in the US cost?

Most media buying agencies charge between $100 and $150 per hour. They rely on a mix of retainers, spend-based fees, and setup costs, depending on scope and complexity.  

These numbers are based on industry research and expert insights from Colormatics:  

Fee Type Typical Cost Range Notes 
Monthly retainer $1,500 to $10,000 Based on complexity and channel mix 
% of media spend 10% to 20%  Scales with spend and performance scope 
One-time setup fee $1,500 to $3,000Tracking, pixels, dashboards, QA 
Hourly rate $100 to $150+ Specialized strategy or audits 

Beyond agency fees, overall campaign budgets vary significantly based on scale, channels, and timelines. The table below outlines common budget ranges for different types of media buying engagements. 

Campaign Type Budget Range Typical Scope 
Pilot campaigns ~$25,000 1 to 2 platforms, short run 
Integrated campaigns $50,000 to $300,000 Multi-channel, performance tracking 
Large/national campaigns Up to $500,00012 to 24 weeks, heavy media mix 

 

When can clients expect ROI from paid media campaigns?

ROI timelines vary by channel based on learning cycles, inventory dynamics, and optimization requirements. This table outlines when early performance signals usually appear and when results tend to stabilize. 

Channel Early Signals Stable Performance 
Paid social 7 to 21 days30 to 45 days 
Google Search 3 to 10 days (with volume) 8 to 12 weeks
YouTube 5 to 10 days3 to 4 weeks 
CTV/Programmatic4 to 8 weeks 10 to 12 weeks

 

What are the typical timelines for media buying projects from planning to launch?

Project timelines depend on campaign scale, creative complexity, and channel mix. These are typical expectations from strategy and setup through launch and ongoing optimization. 

Campaign SizePlanning & SetupBuild & QAOptimization CadenceTotal Timeline
Small-scale1 to 2 weeks3 to 5 daysWeekly 4 to 8 weeks 
Mid-size 2 to 3 weeks 1 week 2-3× weekly 8 to 12 weeks 
Large/Multi-channel 3 to 5 weeks 1 to 2 weeks Daily12 weeks to 6 months 

 

What KPIs should your business track when working with these agencies?

When working with a media buying agency in the US, KPIs should be selected to reflect both media efficiency and business impact, ensuring performance is measured beyond surface-level engagement.  

Key KPIs to monitor include: 

  • Impressions, reach, frequency, and CPM to assess delivery efficiency and audience exposure 
  • Click-through rate (CTR), cost per click (CPC), engagement rate, and video completion rate to evaluate creative and audience relevance 
  • Conversion rate, cost per acquisition (CPA), return on ad spend (ROAS), and customer acquisition cost (CAC) to measure profitability and scalability 
  • Attribution coverage, assisted conversions, and incrementality to understand paid media’s true contribution across channels 
  • Budget pacing, spend utilization, and testing velocity to gauge operational discipline and optimization effectiveness