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.

Amelie Company
VerifiedVerified by the DesignRush team for authenticity and credibility.Creative advertising agency in Denver, CO. We work with brands and initiatives to make a positive impact in Denver, in Colorado and beyond...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Creative Services
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Public Relations
- Show more
- Location
- Denver, Colorado
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $150/hr
- Portfolios Count
- 2 Projects Listed
Operating as a media buying company in the USA, CodeDesign has run paid media campaigns since 2012 for more than 500 companies across technology, retail, and consumer goods. Average client relationships last over three years, with a 96% retention rate...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- SEO
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Digital Strategy
- Show more
- Location
- Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $60/hr
- Portfolios Count
- 6 Projects Listed
Reap Commerce runs paid media as one piece of a connected system alongside CRO, SEO, and lifecycle email, with every channel briefed from the same customer evidence. Clients can start with a fixed-fee diagnostic before committing to ongoing paid media management...
Top Services:
- CRO
- eCommerce Development
- PPC
- Email Marketing
- Advertising
- Show more
- Location
- Dallas, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 13 Projects Listed

Outright
Award WinnerRecipient of a Best Design Award for outstanding work.Outright plans and buys media for both consumer brands and nonprofits, working at the intersection of advocacy and commercial marketing. Clients span Marriott, Adidas, McDonald's, and organizations like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Web Design
- Video Production
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- Show more
- Location
- Washington DC, Washington DC
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $190/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
- Portfolios Count
- 15 Projects Listed
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
Dossier Media buys media spanning hyper-targeted paid search and social all the way to international print and national TV. The same team handles every channel rather than splitting work across separate specialists per platform...
Top Services:
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Social Media Marketing
- eCommerce
- Video Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Dallas, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $100/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 6 Projects Listed
Vision Media acts as agency of record for media buys, handling vendor billing, reconciliation, and impression verification directly on a client's behalf. Clients retain full ownership of their ad accounts, and the agency purchases media directly rather than reselling it...
Top Services:
- Media Buying
- Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- PPC
- Digital Strategy
- Show more
- Location
- Mercer Island, Washington
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Portfolios Count
- 5 Projects Listed
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:
- Media Buying
- Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $180/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
- Portfolios Count
- 12 Projects Listed
Chemistry PR & Multimedia is a St. Louisbased communications agency delivering strategic PR, crisis communications, and in-house video production. We help organizations improve visibility, protect reputation, and tell clear, compelling stories that move audiences...
Top Services:
- Video Production
- Public Relations
- Reputation Management
- Media Buying
- Content Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
ColorNine specializes in strategic marketing, design, content development, digital and social media for clients including the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, JTM Food Group, Center for Closing the Health Gap, Electrada and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine...
Top Services:
- Social Media Marketing
- Graphic Design
- Media Buying
- Branding
- Web Design
- Show more
- Location
- Blue Ash, Ohio
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $130/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
- Portfolios Count
- 10 Projects Listed
As a leading, independent, woman-owned media agency with offices in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Rochester, Hoffmann Murtaugh delivers exceptional media solutions. Our team boasts extensive experience across industries and media channels, enabling us to craft targeted strategies for both national and local...
Top Services:
- Media Buying
- Location
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $50,000 & Up
ZECOMMS is a global tech PR and strategic communications agency helping startups, scale-ups, and venture-backed companies gain international media visibility. Specializing in media relations, startup PR, and thought leadership, the agency secures coverage in leading business and technology publications...
Top Services:
- Public Relations
- Media Buying
- Market Research
- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $25/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 3 Projects Listed
The Axis Agency is a minority-owned, full-service multicultural marketing firm based in West Hollywood, California. The agency specializes in engaging the evolving "new American consumer" through culturally centered, omni-channel brand campaigns. With data-driven insights and community amplification, Axis...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Branding
- Market Research
- Show more
- Location
- Burbank, California
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Portfolios Count
- 4 Projects Listed
With over 25 years of experience, we are your go-to partner for all your marketing, design, and advertising needs...
Top Services:
- Digital Services
- WordPress Website Design
- Digital Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Direct Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Campbell Hall, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
- Portfolios Count
- 2 Projects Listed
VAW Media is a small (team of 3) full-service social media & paid advertising agency building strategy-first systems for real growth not vanity metrics. We manage organic content, Meta & Google Ads, and lead generation for businesses nationwide, turning followers and clicks into paying customers...
Top Services:
- Social Media Marketing
- Advertising
- Content Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Brentwood, Tennessee
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $100/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 6 Projects Listed
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
Linear Creative has earned its good name through years of hard work and dedication. We consistently provide exceptional results to a range of clients, including businesses large and small, as well as nonprofits looking for expert assistance with their projects. Our commitment to timely completion is what sets...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Email Marketing
- Advertising
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 5 Projects Listed
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
Recognized twice as Ad Age Agency of the Year, Duncan Channon is a trusted partner for ambitious companies seeking to elevate their brand and achieve exceptional results...
Top Services:
- Video Production
- Branding
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Average Hourly Rate
- $200/hr
- Portfolios Count
- 4 Projects Listed
We believe thoughtfully designed customer experiences informed by well-defined brands create moments worth remembering and sharing and those extraordinary moments get, keep and grow more brand lovers for our clients. And as your marketing partner, we'll keep you informed on how those marketing dollars are...
Top Services:
- Creative Services
- Branding
- Video Production
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- Chandler, Arizona
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $170/hr
Unleashing the power of data and collaboration to bridge the gap between sales and marketing and drive success. Market to potential clients wherever they are via email, social media, and more...
Top Services:
- Digital Services
- Public Relations
- Media Buying
- SEO
- PPC
- Show more
- Location
- Dallas, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Portfolios Count
- 3 Projects Listed
OBCIDO Inc. is a global consulting and digital services firm founded in New York in 2021. We help businesses redefine their digital identity and accelerate growth through strategic consulting, AI solutions, GEO, high-performance websites, and results-driven digital marketing...
Top Services:
- Digital Services
- Branding
- Digital Strategy
- Web Design
- Web Development
- Show more
- Location
- New York City, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 2 Projects Listed
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
Left Hand Agency is a strategic CPG media planning and buying agency. We help CPG and retail marketers strike the right balance between performance and brand advertising...
Top Services:
- Media Buying
- Advertising
- PPC
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Oregon City, Oregon
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
Geared is a nimble, fast-acting boutique marketing agency in Orange County, California that specifically caters to the "entrepreneurial spirit."...
Top Services:
- Creative Services
- Branding
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Irvine, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $150/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 1 Project Listed
Blink Advertising is a full-service marketing and communications agency specializing in integrated B2B and B2C solutions that help businesses strengthen their brands, engage audiences, and achieve measurable growth. For more than a decade, the agency has combined strategic thinking, creative execution, and...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- Digital Strategy
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Show more
- Location
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $125/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $25,000 - $50,000
- Portfolios Count
- 1 Project Listed
TVA Media Group is a full-service direct-response media agency and production studio founded in 1987 and based in Studio City, California. The agency delivers end-to-end marketing solutionsspanning infomercials, documercials, TV and digital commercials, MEDIABlitZ!® campaigns, media buying, and earned media...
Top Services:
- Video Production
- Media Buying
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $50/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $25,000 - $50,000
For the past two decades, Oneupweb has empowered marketers who feel overwhelmed and lacking support to become influential advocates for change within their organizations. Discover the transformative digital marketing experience we offer...
Top Services:
- SEO
- Branding
- Web Design
- Digital Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Average Hourly Rate
- $200/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 5 Projects Listed
DedicatedVirtual Professional Services LLC transforms overwhelmed entrepreneurs into visionary CEOs. Led by a founder with 25 years of Fortune 500 expertise, we provide high-level Online Business Management (OBM) and certified Meta Ads strategy. Unlike consultants who only offer advice, we provide strategy...
Top Services:
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Digital Strategy
- Creative Services
- Branding
- Show more
- Location
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $75/hr
- Minimal Budget
- Under $1,000
Done-with-you marketing for Pensacola and Gulf Coast businesses. We build the engine that captures, nurtures, and retains your customers, then hand you the keys...
Top Services:
- Web Development
- Web Design
- Social Media Marketing
- SEO
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- Pensacola, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $125/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 3 Projects Listed
BlueStar Media offers comprehensive motion picture and media production services tailored to corporate communications, advertising campaigns, training videos, and documentaries. With a dedication to excellence, our team of professionals utilizes cutting-edge technology and creative expertise to deliver...
Top Services:
- Video Production
- Creative Services
- Media Buying
- Location
- Needham, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
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
PRISM Marketing Communications is a comprehensive creative agency that provides a wide range of strategic services, including advertising, digital marketing, branding and public relations...
Top Services:
- Creative Services
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Branding
- Market Research
- Show more
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
A full-service marketing agency blending strategy, creativity, and technology to build bold brands, powerful campaigns, and measurable growth for mission-driven organizations...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Digital Marketing
- Advertising
- Creative Services
- Design Services
- Show more
- Location
- Winchester, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
We are experienced problem solvers and engaging storytellers, adept at translating business goals into clear marketing objectives and communication strategies that are executed with smart, creative solutions...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Branding
- Logo Design
- Digital Marketing
- Web Development
- Show more
- Location
- Midland, Michigan
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
We specialize in TV & streaming commercials, corporate, promotional and music videos. Serving the NY tri-state area and Hudson Valley region...
Top Services:
- Video Production
- Digital Services
- Creative Services
- Media Buying
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Mahopac, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- Under $1,000
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
Exactius is a full-funnel growth agency accountable for its clients' P&L. Its AI-enabled senior operators provide performance marketing, strategy, creative, and whole-business analytics and data science, engaged one function at a time or as a full team. It serves consumer and B2B companies where paid...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Big Data Analytics
- Affiliate Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- New York City, New York
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
We are NOT a super creative, cutting edge, fancy pants marketing agency. We focus on tried and true strategies proven to get our client partners results in their local market. We stick to what works. We only care about getting our partners an ROI. If that's what you want, you know what to do...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- PPC
- CRO
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $150/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
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
Digital marketing agency powering record-breaking growth for standout brands. Were the driving force behind multiple INC #1 fastest-growing companies, with a laser focus on paid media, email marketing, and creative strategy. Relentlessly curious, radically transparent, and obsessed with your results...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Social Media Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Franklin, Tennessee
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
The Park Ave Company is a strategic communications, learning, and experience design agency that helps organizations amplify important stories, engage audiences, and drive meaningful change. The company combines strategy, planning, design, user experience, community engagement, and educational content...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- Content Marketing
- Web Design
- Show more
- Location
- Miami, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
Flashpoint Strategies is a media and storytelling firm specializing in Democratic campaigns, PACs, labor organizations, and advocacy initiatives. The company creates innovative, research-backed communication strategies that help campaigns and organizations connect with audiences and drive action. With 14...
Top Services:
- Reputation Management
- Advertising
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Public Relations
- Show more
- Location
- Lambertville, New Jersey
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
Integrated Marketing Services offered by ProMarcom: Innovative ATL, BTL, Digital Media and Other Advertising Agency Services...
Top Services:
- Social Media Marketing
- Branding
- Graphic Design
- Public Relations
- Video Production
- Show more
- Location
- San Jose, California
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Average Hourly Rate
- $50/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 1 Project Listed
Social Seed is a full-service marketing agency based in the Toronto area. We run Google, Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn ads, social media, websites, sales funnels, email and SEO as one connected system. Our in-house team makes the ad creative, builds the pages and tracks each lead and sale back to the campaign...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- PPC
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Advertising
- Show more
- Location
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
Strykora is a web design and SEO shop in Thibodaux, Louisiana, run by one operator who builds every site himself. We custom-code fast websites for service businesses (roofers, pool builders, auto shops, etc) and then get them found through local SEO, Google Business Profile work, Google Ads, and AI search...
Top Services:
- Web Design
- SEO
- Web Development
- AEO
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
At Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group, we are passionate about growing our clients business. We listen to their challenges and consult with them to create powerful marketing solutions. Whether they need to increase profits, build brand awareness, or take sales to the next level, Greenbaum Stiers is a...
Top Services:
- SEO
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Branding
- Web Design
- Show more
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $200/hr
We combine strategy, creativity, technology, and data to uncover opportunities, accelerate growth, and deliver measurable business results...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Digital Services
- Digital Strategy
- SEO
- Web Development
- Show more
- Location
- Dallas, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
Todays marketing leaders face complex challenges broken workflows, scattered campaigns, and rising costs. Add multiple non-aligned agencies to the mix, and those challenges multiply. Thats why we take a different approach...
Top Services:
- Video Production
- Digital Services
- Digital Strategy
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Average Hourly Rate
- $200/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
We are an award-winning marketing and advertising agency. We do brand identities, web design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, print, motion graphics and videos...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Package Design
- Web Design
- Mobile App Development
- SEO
- Show more
- Location
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Minimal Budget
- Under $1,000
Media Buying Agencies by City
Media Buying Agencies by State
Popular Services
Why companies trust DesignRush
Every agency is independently vetted before it can be listed or ranked
Some agencies pay for sponsored placement, clearly labeled and held to the same vetting standards.
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 $3,000 | Tracking, 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 $500,000 | 12 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 days | 30 to 45 days |
| Google Search | 3 to 10 days (with volume) | 8 to 12 weeks |
| YouTube | 5 to 10 days | 3 to 4 weeks |
| CTV/Programmatic | 4 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 Size | Planning & Setup | Build & QA | Optimization Cadence | Total Timeline |
| Small-scale | 1 to 2 weeks | 3 to 5 days | Weekly | 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 | Daily | 12 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















































