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.
At Marketing Doctor, we are transforming the media planning and buying landscape one client at a time. Our unique strategy of converging traditional and digital platforms is ahead of its time--we create unparalleled synergy across channels while ensuring maximum value for our clients' marketing budgets. We're...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- PPC
- Digital Strategy
- Show more
- Location
- Northampton, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $50,000 & Up
CommCreative is a marketing agency with a strategic mindset and creative energy that is deeply rooted in digital. We are passionate about crafting stories that truly express the core of our clients and connect with their target audiences. Whether it is B2B or B2C, we believe in stirring up emotions to inspire...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Media Buying
- Web Design
- Advertising
- Digital Strategy
- Show more
- Location
- Framingham, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $50,000 & Up
FINE is a digital agency that helps brands connect with customers through various platforms by offering services in strategy, design, and technology. Their expertise has helped industries such as wine and spirits, hospitality, consumer technology, banking, and finance stand out in a crowded market...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Web Development
- Web Design
- Digital Strategy
- Creative Services
- Show more
- Location
- Portland, Oregon
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
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
Geletka+ is an full-service, independent, creative-first agency based in Chicago. We help brands move faster and make a bigger impact by cutting unnecessary process and building integrated teams around the work that matters most...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Creative Services
- Product Design
- Package Design
- Mobile App Development
- Show more
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $175/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $25,000 - $50,000
Our marketing approach is to identify exact opportunities for getting your business more customers, sales, and revenue. We want to give your products and services the right messaging, design, and media channels at the most efficient price possible...
Top Services:
- Digital Services
- Digital Strategy
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- CRO
- Show more
- Location
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $50/hr
- Minimal Budget
- Under $1,000
Spokane Marketing is a unique full stack marketing agency based in Spokane Washington. We are small team of young, sharp minded and tenacious young adults who saw that there was a drastic need to connect Business owners to customers. Most marketing agencies are owned or operated by people who quite frankly...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- SEO
- PPC
- Web Design
- Web Development
- Show more
- Location
- Spokane, Washington
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $40/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 1 Project Listed
We've never been seduced by a short cut or known a summary we could trust. We study your world until we believe it. There's a reason our branding stays relevant. It isn't luck and its more than talent...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Graphic Design
- Content Marketing
- Logo Design
- Creative Services
- Show more
- Location
- Longmont, Colorado
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Portfolios Count
- 2 Projects Listed
Milestone Inc specializes in transforming digital experiences and boosting content visibility - so businesses across industries can acquire more customers and drive engagement and revenue. We take a proven omnichannel approach to get you the best results possible!...
Top Services:
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- SEO
- Content Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- San Jose, California
- Number of Employees
- 500 - 999
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Let's make your brand stand out! Cooperate Marketing is the perfect partner to help you do just that. We bring unique solutions tailored to exceed all of your expectations - a far cry from generic advertising agencies and stock platforms. With our expertise in through-channel marketing, such as cooperative...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- Event Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
With a decade of experience, Level Agency has become an engine for growth-minded brands. We partner with clients to create powerful performance marketing campaigns that maximize their ROI and reach the right consumers at the perfect time...
Top Services:
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Web Development
- Show more
- Location
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
Since our establishment in 2013, we have delivered more than 300 successful projects, harnessing the expertise of our team with over 50 years of collective software development experience...
Top Services:
- Web Design
- Media Buying
- UI/UX Design
- Advertising
- Branding
- Show more
- Location
- Tampa, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Dragon360 is a dynamic digital agency specializing in comprehensive solutions, from ad campaigns to strategic consulting, designed to resonate with audiences and drive tangible results. Employing people-centered and data-driven strategies, Dragon360 crafts impactful digital experiences. From strategic...
Top Services:
- Content Marketing
- Media Buying
- Advertising
- PPC
- Digital Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Kingston, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
At Forge Entertainment, we believe great stories create powerful connections. We specialize in elevating brands through strategic partnerships, authentic integrations, and compelling content that resonates with audiences and delivers measurable value...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Media Buying
- Content Marketing
- Creative Services
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $300/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $50,000 & Up
Heron is an award-winning entertainment marketing and lifestyle communications agency. Our comprehensive results-driven campaigns are ROI-proven and help garner attention that leads to real bottom line results.Our robust local, national and international campaigns include not only Public Relations and...
Top Services:
- SEO
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- Advertising
- Content Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $150/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Omni-channel marketing partner helping brands build sustainable, long-term success. With over 20 years' experience, our exceptional branding, advertising, digital marketing, reputation management and other services have helped clients thrive in competitive industries...
Top Services:
- SEO
- Media Buying
- Email Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- San Diego, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
Through data-driven marketing strategies, we collaborate with you to achieve your business objectives. Let us assist you in interpreting and directing the information your data provides about your customers and sales...
Top Services:
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Email Marketing
- Advertising
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Brea, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
South City PR is a nationwide public relations agency established in Charleston, South Carolina. Since its founding in 2013, South City PR has provided experience in public relations for the food, hospitality, cookbook, lifestyle, and boutique hotel industries. We are experts in PR, marketing, branding, and...
Top Services:
- Public Relations
- Media Buying
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- SEO
- Show more
- Location
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
Snow Marketing Collective is a results-driven digital marketing agency helping service-based businesses generate more leads through SEO, paid ads, and high-converting websites. We focus on practical growth strategies that drive real revenue, not vanity metrics. From local SEO to Google and Meta ads, we build...
Top Services:
- Web Design
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- SEO
- PPC
- Show more
- Location
- Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $200/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Effective Marketing leads the way in innovative B2B and B2C paid media strategies, delivering measurable results through data-driven program development, management, and analysis. With a focus on accountability and innovation, the agency creates integrated marketing communications that drive business impact...
Top Services:
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Content Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $300/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $25,000 - $50,000
Essential E-Commerce Paid Ads: We help e-commerce brands with a proven product scale profitably with certified Meta Ads and Google Ads management plus the ad creative that keeps your cost per acquisition low...
Top Services:
- eCommerce
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Advertising
- Content Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $55/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Brassic stands as a boutique digital marketing agency, distinguishing itself by its ability to deliver results for clients and partners across various budgetary considerations. We invite you to communicate your needs, and we will devise strategies to enhance the prosperity of your business...
Top Services:
- PPC
- Event Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Digital Strategy
- Show more
- Location
- Manchester, Michigan
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $130/hr
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
Digilant is a full-service digital media agency built for the modern marketing era...
Top Services:
- SEO
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Location
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
- Average Hourly Rate
- $100/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
Robineau Media is a women- and Black-owned full-service digital marketing agency headquartered in Syracuse, New York, with additional presence in New York City. As a HubSpot Solutions Partner, the agency combines strategy, ad tech and data-driven insights to deliver personalized, omni-channel marketing...
Top Services:
- Content Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- Location
- Syracuse, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $250/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
Unlock the full potential of your programmatic advertising with our comprehensive solutions. Our team of experts offers comprehensive solutions for brands and agencies - from planning through optimization; we have you covered!...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $25,000 - $50,000
As a leading social media marketing agency, we excel in crafting premium, data-driven campaigns designed to build brand personality and drive conversions. Our social-first approach covers everything from creative strategy, production, and editing to ad buying, making us the go-to marketing agency for brands...
Top Services:
- Social Media Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Media Buying
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $200/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
MASSIVEMEDIA is a guerrilla and ambient marketing agency boasting over 20 years of experience in delivering innovative advertising solutions. The agency specializes in place-based experiential advertising that captivates audiences and drives engagement for brands of all sizes. From public installations to...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- Location
- New York City, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Bauer Entertainment Marketing is a full-service agency providing strategic consulting & campaign management. We provide marketing that delivers more fans, sales, and profit for sports, music, & entertainment companies.We are industry leaders in removing barriers & capturing opportunities for growth...
Top Services:
- SEO
- Media Buying
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $125/hr
- 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
We supercharge revenue for B2B tech brands and the agencies that serve them in industries as diverse as SaaS, DevOps, HealthTech, GenAI, and FinTech...
Top Services:
- Digital Strategy
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- PPC
- Show more
- Location
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $250/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Copacino Fujikado Advertising is a full-service, fiercely independent agency that believes every brand deserves breakthrough work...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- Market Research
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $275/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $50,000 & Up
Clients come to Austin Lawrence to grow to a liquidity event. They are seeking the next funding round, to be acquired or become the consolidator in their vertical. We have decades of experience in B2B SaaS and tech marketing and mastery of contemporary AI and GTM tools...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- Email Marketing
- CRM Consulting
- Show more
- Location
- Norwalk, Connecticut
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
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
Pressiqa serves as the pivotal link between your brand and top-tier publications, effectively showcasing your unique story to a wider audience. With our expertise in media relations, we ensure your narrative receives the recognition it deserves, maximizing exposure and engagement...
Top Services:
- Public Relations
- Branding
- Reputation Management
- Event Marketing
- Advertising
- Show more
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $100/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 1 Project Listed
Are you looking for nothing but the best? Look no further than Holland Adhaus, a top-notch full-service marketing agency based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our team comprises highly skilled and experienced professionals, always eager to explore new avenues for success. From digital marketing and web design to...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Email Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
The HOW Agency serves as the digital extension of the 5W network of agencies, representing a comprehensive digital enterprise born from the intersection of discourse and culture. Our mission is to foster brand expansion, wield conversational influence, and, ultimately, deliver measurable growth for our...
Top Services:
- Digital Services
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- New York City, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $175/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
Steel Advertising is a purpose-driven, full-service agency that uncovers a deep understanding of audiences and moves them to action within these building blocks of daily life...
Top Services:
- Advertising
- Media Buying
- SEO
- Social Media Marketing
- Public Relations
- Show more
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
An AI Marketing Agency That Delivers...
Top Services:
- CRO
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- SEO
- PPC
- Show more
- Location
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $100/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
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
We help B2B SaaS and Agencies set up reliable outbound systems to consistently generate 5-20 meetings a month...
Top Services:
- Email Marketing
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
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
Welcome to G609, Where bold ideas meet cutting-edge digital innovation. we're not just another marketing agency we're your strategic partner in growth. Since day one, we've been redefining what's possible in the digital space, crafting strategies that drive results and experiences that resonate.At G609...
Top Services:
- Digital Services
- Video Production
- Branding
- Digital Marketing
- Media Buying
- Show more
- Location
- Egypt, Alabama
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $10/hr
- Minimal Budget
- Under $1,000
Marketorr is excelling in the realm of digital marketing, distinguished not only by rapid growth but also by our exceptional creativity and expertise. Spearheaded by a team comprising top marketers and designers, our focus lies in propelling the advancement of small and medium enterprises. Whether you require...
Top Services:
- Design Services
- Digital Services
- Branding
- Media Buying
- PPC
- Show more
- Location
- Troy, Michigan
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $50/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 1 Project Listed
We are The Social Standard, the gold standard in influencer marketing. Our mission: set the industry benchmark. We connect top brands with social talent across platforms, crafting effective campaigns that captivate audiences and surpass goals...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Branding
- Show more
- Location
- Santa Monica, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Minimal Budget
- $10,000 - $25,000
SWIDIA is a results-driven performance marketing agency that empowers modern companies to achieve their growth goals. Our focus is on utilizing both established and cutting-edge acquisition channels to elevate your brand and drive success. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering measurable results and...
Top Services:
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Media Buying
- Video Production
- Show more
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $99/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
The goal of SERP Agency is to assist companies in creating passive lead-generation assets that will naturally support their business. They want to assist their clients in escaping the control of lead generation businesses and achieving long-term success...
Top Services:
- SEO
- PPC
- Media Buying
- Web Design
- Show more
- Location
- New York City, New York
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
No matter where in the process your needs fall, we can help because we have experience assisting clients in all aspects of their marketing and advertising initiatives...
Top Services:
- Branding
- Graphic Design
- Media Buying
- Digital Marketing
- Show more
- Location
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
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

















































