Best Chicago Public Relations Company Rankings
Top Rated: 5-star Average ReviewsTop Rated SEO Agency by Forbes, USA Today, Backlinko, & Search Engine LandSearchbloom is a REAL SEO firm that provides REAL RESULTS and has done so for over 10 years. Our mission is to be the most trusted, transparent, and results-driven search marketing company in the industry. Contact us today to experience the Searchbloom difference. [... view the full profile of Searchbloom]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000 Top Rated: 5-star Average ReviewsThink Web. Think Smart. Partner With the #1 Rated Digital Marketing Agency.Outsmart the competition with best-in-class digital marketing services. With over 1,000 5-star reviews online, SmartSites is America #1 rated digital marketing agency. Call (201) 870 6000 for a free consultation. Get more traffic. Acquire more customers. Sell more stuff. SmartSites works for you. [... view the full profile of SmartSites]Chicago, Illinois 100 - 249 $100/hr Inquire- Award winning services and cutting-edge software to grow your traffic.LinkGraph - an award winning digital agency crafts marketing solutions for a digital world with our powerful SEO software and agency services. [... view the full profile of LinkGraph]Chicago, Illinois 50 - 99 Inquire Inquire
- Indigo Productions: Mastering Corporate Video ProductionWe are a diverse and innovative full-service creative video production company based in NYC. We handle various projects, including commercials, corporate videos, and virtual events, offering an extensive suite of services from scriptwriting to visual effects. [... view the full profile of Indigo Productions]Chicago, Illinois 100 - 249 Inquire Inquire
- We are a network of Public Relations agencies that will help you in 80+ countries to tell your story, enter foreign markets, launch your products and services, or just send your business news to the media. [... view the full profile of Enterie]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $200/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Our work for corporate brands, hospitals, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions includes branding, strategic fundraising campaign communications, employee engagement and multi-channel activation, with an emphasis on live events and technology-enabled engagement. [... view the full profile of August Jackson]Chicago, Illinois 50 - 99 Inquire $50,000 & Up
- Full-service. Independently owned. WBE-certified. We accelerate growth for our clients' brands and businesses by designing and executing smart, data-driven creative campaigns, marketing strategies, and consumer experiences that will help you achieve and surpass your business growth goals faster. [... view the full profile of The Motion Agency]Chicago, Illinois 50 - 99 $200/hr $50,000 & Up
- Catalyst is an integrated marketing agency purpose-built to help growing organization bridge the marketing gap. [... view the full profile of Catalyst Marketing Agency]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $75/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- Digital Third Coast is a digital marketing agency located in Chicago. We provide a variety of marketing services including SEO, PPC and Digital PR. [... view the full profile of Digital Third Coast]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr Inquire
- Founded in 2011, FINN Partners has rapidly evolved to become a global leader in public affairs. Merging a storied 60-year legacy with modern innovation, we've expanded to 18 offices worldwide. With accolades including Best New Agency and Best Mid-Sized Agency of the Year, we're dedicated to excellence in public [... view the full profile of FINN Partners]Chicago, Illinois 1000 & Up $150/hr Inquire
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We'll Find The Best Agencies For You.- We are Bear Icebox Communications, a full-service agency dedicated to helping you build, protect, and elevate your brand through strategic PR, branding, content, and digital expertise. [... view the full profile of Bear Icebox Communications]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $125/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Winger Marketing is a full-service marketing and public relations agency headquartered in Chicago. Winger Marketing has worked with businesses to create effective integrated marketing and public relations programs and campaigns since 1986. We work seamlessly with internal resources or, in some instances, act as an [... view the full profile of Winger Marketing]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $190/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, in downtown Chicago sits an award-winning agency unlike any other: 3rd Coast PR. Our expertise? Breathing new life into mature brands with proven strategies in shaping consumer products to become household names! [... view the full profile of 3rd Coast PR]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
- L.C. Williams & Associates (LCWA) is a full-service B2B PR agency headquartered in Chicago. Our mid-sized company is made up of experienced, invested and creative individuals who are focused on results for our clients. We integrate communications across all channels to reach audiences, including media relations, social [... view the full profile of LCWA]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- SHERMAN has a proud track record in public affairs and dental PR, having spearheaded the marketing and PR for prominent oral and cosmetic surgery practices. Our clients in the dental sector trust us for our adeptness in conveying complex messages, our genuine understanding of the dental landscape, and our knack for [... view the full profile of SHERMAN]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $220/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- Stevens & Tate Marketing is a full-service creative, marketing, and advertising firm based in Chicago that serves clients nationwide. We are experts in website design, martech, search engine optimization, social media, interactive advertising, package design, media buying, and broadcast advertising. [... view the full profile of Stevens & Tate Marketing]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $120/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Barkley, an AdTech company and a nominee for the 2022 AdWeek Agency of the Year, is a full-service, independent creative idea business that aids in the development of entire brands and their greatest potential. With the firm conviction that all brands, including ours, can be a force for good in the world, we are [... view the full profile of Barkley]Chicago, Illinois 250 - 499 $152/hr $50,000 & Up
- Praytell is a creative communications agency thats shaking things up. We believe social media, PR, and influencer marketing work best together. Rooted in strategic and creative thinking, we craft Creative That Earns whether its attention, sales, or a high five! [... view the full profile of Praytell]Chicago, Illinois 100 - 249 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
- Reputation Partners is an integrated communications firm that builds and protects brands.We help our clients engage with the audiences that matter most. [... view the full profile of Reputation Partners]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr Inquire
- We're your premier events, marketing and public relations agency for our nation's leading manufacturers, professional services firms and associations. [... view the full profile of Lillian Group Marketing]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $125/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Konnect Agency is a PR and digital marketing agency connecting brands to their audiences through strategic communications and social media. [... view the full profile of Konnect Agency]Chicago, Illinois 100 - 249 $200/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- Veteran story tellers and marketers in a digital world. We get the value of brand stories told across all platforms to propel growth. More than public relations, through our Cascade360 approach, were an acclaimed integrated marketing & PR agency for startups and small businesses across channels. [... view the full profile of Cascade Communications]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Since 1990, Chicago-based Scott Phillips + Associates, Inc. has served as public relations counsel to a diverse mix of industry leading corporations, high-performance start-ups and other organizations you might think would only be represented by "the big guys." [... view the full profile of Scott Phillips + Associates, Inc.]CHICAGO, Illinois Under 49 $300/hr Inquire
- Visionary Financial is a global media and PR agency covering the Crypto, Blockchain, and FinTech domains. [... view the full profile of Visionary Financial]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Under $1,000
- MISSION STATEMENTAt Orly Telisman PR, Inc., Our Guiding Principles are to: Amaze clients with exceptional outreach communications.Communicate with respect and appreciation. Do Exceptional Work at all times.Continue Educating Ourselves to work smarter every day. [... view the full profile of Orly Telisman PR, Inc.]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $175/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- The Sound is a global consumer exploration, brand strategy and product innovation agency, applying leading-edge market research techniques, technologies and marketing models to solve client brand, marketing, communications and product innovation challenges. [... view the full profile of The Sound]Chicago, Illinois 50 - 99 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
- Root3 helps organizations at all stages of growth identify and capture market opportunity. We offer market research, strategic plan development, and a robust suite of marketing and sales executional services. We work alongside internal teams or as a fully outsourced department. [... view the full profile of Root3]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- For over fifteen years, 1905 New Media has been a trusted marketing communications firm based in St. Louis. Our expertise lies in copywriting, strategic planning, visual identity, public relations and branding. In recognition of our exceptional work, we have been honored as one of the top 25 PR firms in St. Louis from [... view the full profile of 1905 New Media]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $199/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- At Gossip Genie, we create an army of loyalists for your brand so you can focus on growing your company offline. Our mission is to humanize brands and make them shine in the digital space with beautiful imagery and compelling content. [... view the full profile of Gossip Genie]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Propllr is a Chicago-based PR and content marketing firm that helps B2B technology companies build trust. Our communicationsprograms focus on building authority for our clients people, establishing credibility for their companies and products, spotlighting their networks, and demonstrating momentum. [... view the full profile of Propllr]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- Led by Michelle Mekky, a revered industry leader in media and PR, specialists at Mekky Media Relations are big guns from topnotch agencies from all over the country. We have joined together with former journalists that all work ceaselessly to magnify any client's brand. We're always going for gold and as an exemplary [... view the full profile of Mekky Media Relations]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $199/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- At Stretch PR, we set goals and we achieve them stretching to deliver results beyond expectations. We do this by developing creative strategies that garner attention, setting goals, executing flawlessly and measuring results. [... view the full profile of Stretch PR LLC]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $250/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- SiteNative offers affordable web design and marketing solutions to help businesses and entrepreneurs to scale up with our expert team. [... view the full profile of SiteNative]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $10/hr Under $1,000
- Our mission is to to deliver better relationships, service, and results while consistently accomplishing and exceeding our clients’ expectations. We strive to maintain a high level of professionalism in the eyes of our clients, the media, the industry and the public. And, of course, to get people talking. [... view the full profile of No Limit Agency]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- 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 Marketing, but [... view the full profile of Heron Agency]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Walker Sands: a full-service B2B marketing agency with global capabilities that drive powerful awareness and conversions. From public relations to demand generation, branding, creative work, and strategy – our integrated approach helps clients all over the world maximize their visibility in today's marketplace. [... view the full profile of Walker Sands]Chicago, Illinois 100 - 249 Inquire Inquire
- Silverfox is a global Marketing & Communications Consultancy offering digital and traditional marketing, corporate training, and new media consulting. [... view the full profile of SilverFox Digital]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $100/hr Under $1,000
- At AV Social Strategies, we work with organizations to craft their brand story, engage their audiences, and establish relationships in their community through creative design, website development, search engine optimization and digital marketing. We also offer video production and content creation services. [... view the full profile of AV Social Strategies]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $200/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- PACO Collective is a full-service, cross-cultural, marketing agency specializing in providing a range of services targeting the emerging cross-cultural consumers. We help brands embrace the changing dynamics of American life and we are invested in creating meaningful connections with consumers through our unique [... view the full profile of PACO Collective]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- Antenna Group is the storyteller for organizations innovating and adopting sustainable business solutions and technologies. Our clients are mission-driven organizations fueling the Age of Adoption by prioritizing decarbonized, sustainable, healthy, and equitable alternatives to the status quo. [... view the full profile of Antenna Group]Chicago, Illinois 100 - 249 Inquire Inquire
- Sikich is a global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. Now with more than 1,900 employees, it draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies and ranks as one of the largest CPA firms in the United States. [... view the full profile of Sikich]Chicago, Illinois 250 - 499 Inquire Inquire
- Looking to increase your company's profits? Marketri is here to help! Our strategic marketing consulting and Fractional CMO firm works on an outsourced basis with early-stage and middle market B2B companies, offering predictive, measurable programs that are designed to push growth. Let us guide you today towards [... view the full profile of Marketri]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $199/hr $50,000 & Up
- Do you have a vision for your website? Iceberg is a team of passionate professionals that can make it happen. Our core values are rooted in our commitment and passion for providing responsive customer service, forming lasting relationships with clients and deploying unique digital solutions. Call us today at [... view the full profile of Iceberg Web Design]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $199/hr $10,000 - $25,000
- is a strategic integrated communications firm supercharged with exclusive AI technology Interviewed and PR, social media and influencer marketing professionals providing innovative, highly effective campaigns across platforms and specialized industries. [... view the full profile of Interdependence Public Relations]Chicago, Illinois 50 - 99 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
- Chicago Star Media is a dynamic branding agency that creates meaningful content to foster community engagement. Chicago Star Media leverages creativity and audience engagement to drive brand recognition and revenue. The agency's unique approach emphasizes community connection and emotional resonance to deliver [... view the full profile of Chicago Star Media]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire Inquire
- Reilly Connect is a 100% women-owned agency and an award-winning public relations, brand, and digital content force. Committed to being a valuable partner, we bring clarity to communications strategies, pushing boundaries for plans that yield measurable impact. Our unique strength lies in leveraging extensive [... view the full profile of Reilly Connect]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 $300/hr $25,000 - $50,000
- Alpha IR Group, a leading public relations agency, boasts a team of trusted advisors with diverse expertise, including former Wall Street analysts, investor relations professionals, journalists, and crisis communicators. Operating from offices in major cities across the United States, Alpha IR Group provides strategic [... view the full profile of Alpha IR Group]Chicago, Illinois Under 49 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
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Table of Contents
- What Makes Chicago Public Relations Firms Unique?
- How Big Is The Chicago PR Talent Pool?
- What Does A Chicago Public Relations Firm Specialize In?
- What Are The Different Types Of Chicago PR Firms?
- How Much Do Chicago Public Relations Agencies Charge?
- Why Hire A Chicago PR Firm?
- How To Choose The Best Chicago Public Relations Firm
- 10 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Chicago Public Relations Firm
- Takeaways On Chicago Public Relations Firms
What Makes Chicago Public Relations Firms Unique?
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has one of the most diversified economies in the world.
It plays a key role in various sectors, ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to finance, technology and food processing.
The metropolitan area of Chicago has over 9.9 million people. It generated a GDP of $611 billion in 2018, making it the third-largest urban area by GDP in the US.
With a history of futures trading dating back to 1848, Chicago is one of the world’s leading financial hubs.
That’s why the state of Illinois is home to several Fortune 500 major corporations, including Boeing, Caterpillar, McDonald’s or Allstate.
The urban center is also a hub for culture and education, with top higher learning institutions and a myriad of theatres, museums or music venues.
Not to mention Chicago’s love for sports. It’s one of the best sports cities in the States.
This makes Chicago a global city in its own right and it’s hardly surprising that PR specialists deal with some of the most influential and rigorous clients in the market.
Plus, the city ranks twelfth in the cost of living index, higher than Los Angeles, Miami or San Diego.
The high cost of living and the high degree of competition in the industry create a business environment full of zeal and ambition for public relations firms in the city of Chicago.
How Big Is The Chicago PR Talent Pool?
In 2019, 244,730 people were working in the public relations sector in the US. With 6,810 PR specialists, Chicago is the fifth city by employment level.
The public relations industry is foreseen to grow faster than average, 7% from 2019 to 2029, as reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In the context of the current COVID-19 crisis, companies need more than ever to communicate effectively across all levels - from customers and employees to stakeholders.
This is where PR experts step in. By creating comprehensive strategies, they deliver key messages to help businesses maintain an active, engaging and value-adding public image.
Moreover, the field of public relations is constantly evolving and a growing number of communication tools are required to produce results, such as social media or marketing tools.
Given the integration of marketing, social media or advertising in successful PR campaigns, the PR talent pool will surely expand.
What Differentiates Chicago Public Relations Agencies From The Rest Of The World?
Let’s look at some key ingredients that differentiate PR firms in Chicago from the rest of the world:
- Diverse talent pool: A major hub for culture, education or finance, Chicago is an enticing destination for top-notch talent from around the nation as well as the world. The high level of talent and competition means that PR firms have some of the most determined and qualified specialists.
- Strong portfolios: Operating in such an economically diverse environment, PR specialists in Chicago have worked for some of the most demanding clients on the market. Thus, they have built robust portfolios that showcase experience in a variety of different sectors.
- Local market know-how: Serving the local industries, Chicago PR agencies have gained deep understanding of the local market. They can create insightful communications strategies to outperform your competitors.
What Does A Chicago Public Relations Firm Specialize In?
Compared to other PR agencies in the US, Chicago public relations firms tend to be qualified in developing media relations for the locally prominent industries.
The leading sectors in Chicago are:
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Food
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- And more
Chicago PR firms use a variety of communication tools such as press releases, blogging, social media marketing (SMM), newsletters and more to expand a brand’s voice.
These are the services they typically specialize in:
- Media relations
- Crisis and issues management
- Reputation management
- Public affairs
- Content marketing
- Social media marketing
- Events marketing
- Influencer marketing
- And more
What Are The Different Types Of Chicago PR Firms?
PR agencies in Chicago can be classified into a few categories, depending on the industry they serve or the services they provide.
- International: These comprise big teams of PR specialists with media industry connections and access to various tools. They have the resources to help large companies expand their brand voice throughout all media channels and fortify their credibility and public image.
- Boutique: These agencies incorporate smaller staff but are more client-centered, being able to provide more tailored services to clients.
- Specialized: These are PR firms that specialize in specific industries, such as finance or healthcare, or a particular PR element, like public affairs or crisis management.
- Traditional: These agencies are specialized in getting media coverage on TV, radio, newspapers or magazines. This is their main focus and rarely offer other types of digital services.
How Much Do Chicago Public Relations Agencies Charge?
Most Chicago public relations agencies charge between $150 and $199 per hour for their services. You can also find smaller firms that have a typical hourly rate of $100.
The fee for projects ranges between $5,000 and $10,000, with a few PR firms that engage in projects valued at $1,000.
Considering the high competition in the industry and the high level of talent, the pricing is more expensive than in other US cities.

Why Hire A Chicago PR Firm?
Being in the top five US cities with the highest employment level in the public relations industry, PR agencies based in Chicago are bound to provide quality services.
Here are the key reasons why you should hire a Chicago PR firm:
- Access to high-level talent: Chicago is home to world-renowned higher education institutions, attracting top-tier talent from across the world. This results in a highly-skilled talent pool that can provide internationally competitive services.
- Media industry connections: Having such a robust economy serving many different sectors, Chicago public relations agencies have established vast connections in the media landscape, being able to reach key media outlets when necessary.
- Industry expertise: Being exposed to the local industries, PR agencies in Chicago are better equipped in developing communications strategies for clients within the dominant sectors. They have the knowledge and tools to help you reach audiences within your niche.
How To Choose The Best Chicago Public Relations Firm
Selecting the best Chicago public relations firm might not be such an easy task.
Take these aspects into consideration before hiring a Chicago PR firm:
- Industry experience: Choosing an agency with experience in your niche will ensure a successful PR campaign. These specialists know the industry landscape, the key players, the competitors and the media outlets that will extend your reach.
- Network of contacts: Given that the role of a PR agency is to increase media coverage and build digital relationships, how broad is their network of contacts is decisive in choosing an agency.
- Reviews: By going through the reviews, you will pick up an agency’s client references that can prove to be extremely helpful in choosing a PR firm over another.
- Talent: The best Chicago public relations firms hire only top-level professionals. That means that experts will handle your campaigns and you will be able to maximize your PR efforts.
10 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Chicago Public Relations Firm
Before you decide to hire a Chicago public relations firm, note to address them these following questions:
- Do you have experience in our industry? Have you worked on PR campaigns similar to ours?
- What type of services do you provide?
- How do you evaluate the success of your PR efforts?
- Which media outlets do you think are relevant to our niche?
- Who from your team will be managing our project? Is there a leading PR manager?
- What can you tell me about the most successful campaign you have ever worked on? How did you manage to achieve those goals?
- How frequently can we expect updates on your progress?
- Do you outsource other services such as SEO or PPC?
- How much time will you dedicate to working on our account?
- How are you different from other PR agencies, what sets you apart from your competitors?
Takeaways On Chicago Public Relations Firms
Chicago is one of the most economically powerful cities in the US, attracting the best PR experts in the country.
What distinguishes Chicago public relations agencies from their counterparts in other parts of the US are these key factors:
- High-level talent pool
- Vast connections
- Industry expertise
They are more experienced in establishing media relations for the local sectors: finance, manufacturing, healthcare.
Most PR agencies in Chicago charge between $150 and $199 per hour.
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