Top Advertising Agencies in Chicago
Chicago’s creative scene runs from the storied “Madison Avenue-of-the-Midwest” on Michigan Avenue to the fast-growing startup blocks of Fulton Market. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 brand in the Loop or a SaaS newcomer in 1871, partnering with a Chicago advertising agency can amplify your reach across the city’s deep media, sports, and retail ecosystems.
Clutch makes the search simple: every profile here includes in-depth client reviews, service focus data, and verified work samples. Use our filters to narrow agencies by hourly rate, project budget, industry expertise, or neighborhood—then connect directly with teams that fit your goals.
Looking beyond Chicago? Explore the broader list of Top Advertising Companies, compare creative talent in nearby Milwaukee agencies, or view specialized Chicago healthcare advertising agencies for regulated markets.
Looking for a Web Design partner for your project? Check out our Top Web Design Companies in Chicago!
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 366 projectsSmartSites is a comprehensive advertising agency specializing in Paid Media and digital marketing strategies, including SEO and Google Ads management. With 100% positive reviews, clients consistently praise their reliability, excellent project management, and proactive communication. Approximately 90% of reviewers highlight the agency's ability to enhance online visibility and generate leads, underscoring SmartSites' effectiveness in delivering measurable advertising and marketing results.
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 339 projectsJives Media is a comprehensive advertising agency offering specialized services in SEO and PPC management, as well as creative advertising solutions. Approximately 75% of their reviews highlight their effective project management and timely deliverables, while about 25% mention challenges with understanding client goals and communication issues. Overall, Jives Media excels in providing tailored marketing strategies and improving advertising effectiveness.
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 16 projectsHotspex Media is an advertising agency specializing in digital and traditional media buying and paid marketing services. The company is lauded for its organized project management, clear communication, and innovative media strategies, with approximately 90% of reviewers highlighting their attention to detail and strategic insights. Clients commend their ability to deliver quantifiable outcomes and adapt to project needs efficiently.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 21 projectsCorkboard Concepts is an advertising agency specializing in digital marketing and advertising services, including website design, PPC advertising, and SEO. With 100% of reviewers praising their professionalism, responsiveness, and strong client partnerships, they are noted for their customer service, detail-oriented project management, and ability to drive significant traffic and leads. Despite being a young company, they consistently exceed expectations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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MBuy is a media planning and buying agency. The team focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Advertising and is in Chicago, Illinois.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Upshot is an Advertising company. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Midsize Advertising company CBD Marketing, is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The team provides Advertising and Content Marketing.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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In Seattle, Washington and Chicago, Illinois, DNA&STONE is an Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Artificial Intelligence.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Villa Park, IL
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See all 1 projectsMineral Media is a video production company specializing in comprehensive video and photography services. Overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of reviewers praising their exceptional communication, flexibility, and seamless integration with client teams. Notably, they delivered high-quality video content that enhanced engagement in digital advertising and key events, earning widespread positive feedback for emotional impact and storytelling.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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RPM Advertising is an Advertising company. They offer Advertising and Branding and were founded in 1994. The company is in Chicago, Illinois.
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$25,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Aisle Rocket is a web design company. They focus on Web Design and Advertising and were launched in 2010.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Advertising company Tridence Digital Marketing Agency is located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and Chicago, Illinois. They focus on Advertising and Branding.
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$50,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Gyro, a web design company, was established in 1981. The agency specializes in Web Design and Digital Strategy.
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$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Right Hat is an Advertising company founded in 2006. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Launched in 2000, Marketing Semiotics Inc. Is a small Advertising company in Chicago, Illinois. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Marketing Srbija is a SEO company. They were launched in 2016 and offer Search Engine Optimization and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Pixel Web Master is a social media marketing firm. Founded in 2021, their team offers Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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$5,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Add Chapter is a branding company. Founded in 2010, the company is located in Chicago, Illinois and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Their services include Branding and Advertising.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Captura Group, an Advertising company, was established in 2001. The company specializes in Advertising and Content Marketing, and is small.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Branding company LoSasso Integrated Marketing is in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Branding and Content Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Founded in 2012, One North Interactive is a SEO agency. Their team offers Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Launched in 1988, CIVILIAN Agency, a small Marketing Strategy company, is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Their team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
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$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Advertising company Rocketnative was established in 2014. The team offers Advertising and Pay Per Click and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Magnet 360 is an Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Branding and were established in 2001. The agency is based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Slack and Company is a midsize Chicago, Illinois-based SEO agency. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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CG Life is a branding company. Their midsize team is based in Chicago, Illinois and San Diego, California. Their services include Branding and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Established in 1966, Kelly Scott Madison is a media planning and buying company. The midsize team offers Media Planning & Buying and Marketing Strategy.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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SCOUT Marketing is an Advertising company. Established in 1999, the agency is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Chicago, IL
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In New York, New York and Atlanta, Georgia, 360i is an Advertising company. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999Chicago, IL
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Ketchum is an Advertising company. They are headquartered in New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois and have large team. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Innocean USA is a Huntington Beach, California-based Advertising company. Founded in 2005, the team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999Chicago, IL
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Launched in 2015, Mirum Agency is a large Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999Chicago, IL
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Young & Rubicam Group is a social media marketing company. They were established in 1923, and their services include Social Media Marketing and Advertising.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Arc Worldwide is an Advertising company founded in 2004. The team offers Advertising and Branding and is in Chicago, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Gertrude Inc. Is an Advertising and branding agency founded in 2005. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Chicago, IL
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AbelsonTaylor is a Chicago, Illinois-based Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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PACO Collective is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Media Planning & Buying, and the company is based in Chicago, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Chicago, IL
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CDM Media is a Marketing Strategy company founded in 2007. Their team focuses on Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Chicago, IL
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The Sandbox Agency is an Event Marketing company launched in 2014. Their team offers Event Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Havas Chicago is an Advertising company launched in 1942. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding and is in Chicago, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Oak Brook, IL
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Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, Core-Rx Communications is an Advertising and Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Integral Ad Science is an Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Web Engine, an Advertising company, was founded in 2018. The firm specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Jacobson Rost is a midsize Chicago, Illinois-based branding firm. The team offers Branding and Packaging Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Carol Fox & Associates is an Advertising company launched in 1994. The company focuses on Advertising and Digital Strategy, and is small.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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THE BRNDHAUS PL-ZEN is a small Chicago, Illinois-based Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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Undisclosed$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Branding firm Otherwise is based in Chicago, Illinois. They offer Branding and Advertising and were established in 1990.
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Undisclosed$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Advertising company 88 Brand Partners is located in Chicago, Illinois. They specialize in Advertising and Branding.
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$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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ALT TERRAIN is a small Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Event Marketing company. Their services include Event Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Inverse Marketing is a branding agency. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Franklin Park, IL
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Founded in 2011, We SEO Pro is a social media marketing company. The agency focuses on Social Media Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Shaparak Marketing, an Advertising company, is based in Chicago, Illinois. They offer Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2016.
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$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Lombard, IL
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Turf Clicks is a web design company. Established in 2022, the company specializes in Web Design and Advertising.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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BackPocket Agency is a Content Marketing company. They are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and have small team. They specialize in Content Marketing and Graphic Design.
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List of the Top 15 Chicago Advertising & Marketing Agencies
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$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.2/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising20% Marketing60% Other -
$100,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.3/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising40% Marketing40% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.8/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising65% Marketing20% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.9/40.018.2/20 Reviews9.6/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising35% Marketing55% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising50% Marketing40% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
30.1/40.016.2/20 Reviews7.2/10 Clients & Experience6.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising70% Marketing5% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
32.3/40.015.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising55% Marketing35% Other -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
34.5/40.015.6/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising55% Marketing30% Other -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
26.4/40.016/20 Reviews5.4/10 Clients & Experience5.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Advertising35% Marketing -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
33.3/40.020/20 Reviews5.7/10 Clients & Experience7.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising40% Marketing50% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
31/40.015.6/20 Reviews8.2/10 Clients & Experience7.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising55% Marketing35% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
29.7/40.016.2/20 Reviews6.1/10 Clients & Experience7.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising70% Marketing20% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
27.9/40.016.2/20 Reviews6.5/10 Clients & Experience5.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Advertising50% Marketing10% Other -
$25,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
30.4/40.015.8/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience5.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising45% Marketing35% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
31.4/40.015.8/20 Reviews8.2/10 Clients & Experience7.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising60% Marketing30% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Lombard, IL
Ability to deliver
29.1/40.015.6/20 Reviews7.9/10 Clients & Experience5.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising50% Marketing40% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
25.3/40.016.2/20 Reviews4.2/10 Clients & Experience4.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
34% Advertising66% Marketing -
$5,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
24/40.017/20 Reviews1.4/10 Clients & Experience5.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Advertising50% Marketing20% Other -
UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
24.8/40.016.2/20 Reviews2.8/10 Clients & Experience5.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising80% Marketing -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
27/40.017.2/20 Reviews4.4/10 Clients & Experience5.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising55% Marketing35% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
30.2/40.016.2/20 Reviews8.1/10 Clients & Experience5.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising45% Marketing45% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
26/40.016.2/20 Reviews5.2/10 Clients & Experience4.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising40% Marketing40% Other -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
29.4/40.015.8/20 Reviews8/10 Clients & Experience5.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Advertising30% Marketing40% Other -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
21.4/40.016.2/20 Reviews0/10 Clients & Experience5.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising75% Marketing -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
21.5/40.015.6/20 Reviews0/10 Clients & Experience5.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising35% Marketing50% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
22.1/40.016.8/20 Reviews0/10 Clients & Experience5.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising45% Marketing30% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
27.7/40.013/20 Reviews7.9/10 Clients & Experience6.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising20% Marketing65% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
32.2/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience5.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising10% Marketing80% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
20/40.016/20 Reviews0/10 Clients & Experience4/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising20% Marketing60% Other -
$25,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Downers Grove, IL
Ability to deliver
20.1/40.014.6/20 Reviews0/10 Clients & Experience5.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising60% Marketing30% Other
Latest Advertising Articles
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How to Measure Advertising Effectiveness
Learn how to measure advertising effectiveness using recall, brand lift, purchase intent, and engagement, and choose the metric that best supports your goals.
Chicago Advertising Agency FAQs
Local expertise is invaluable. Chicago-based advertising agencies understand Midwestern consumer values, seasonal sports spikes, and the city’s diverse neighborhood cultures—from the foodie crowd in West Loop to finance professionals in LaSalle Street. They also maintain relationships with area influencers, production houses, and media reps, giving your campaigns faster placement and authentic reach. If you need quick on-site shoots or real-time collaboration, a nearby team beats a remote partner every time.
Rates vary thanks to key variables like campaign timeline, scope of services, and agency reputation. Based on Clutch pricing data, clients can expect:
- Monthly retainer for projects like standard integrated branding and media management: $8,000 – $25,000
- Project-based campaign common for one-offs like product launches or rebrands: $15,000 – $100,000+
- Hourly consulting for strategy sessions and creative direction: $150 – $300/hr
Compared to New York or L.A., many marketing agencies in Chicago offer competitive pricing while maintaining big-market talent. Before committing to any partnership, make sure to request and review the quote for your project to ensure financial viability.
Thanks to Chicago’s dynamic and diverse economy, many local agencies work across a broad spectrum of markets, mainly:
- Food and beverage (home of Kraft Heinz, McDonald’s HQ)
- Healthcare and life sciences anchored by Northwestern Medicine
- Finance, insurance, and fintech along LaSalle Street
- Manufacturing and logistics tied to O’Hare’s transport hub
- Sports and entertainment—from the Bulls to Lollapalooza
Many boutique firms also specialize in niches like B2B SaaS, nonprofit outreach, or multicultural marketing.
- Guaranteed results without data or testing plans
- Vague pricing or hidden mark-ups on media buys
- Limited understanding of Chicago’s regional media landscape
- High staff turnover—constant account manager changes can stall momentum
- One-size-fits-all proposals that ignore your industry or audience
If you notice any of these signs, keep searching—Clutch hosts hundreds of vetted options.
- Define your project’s objectives and needs—brand awareness, lead gen, or omnichannel campaigns.
- Review Clutch profiles for relevant case studies and verified client feedback.
- Check service lines: Are they primarily an “ad agency in Chicago” or a “digital marketing agency in Chicago”? How is their track record with web, SEO, and PPC?
- Compare team size, preferred tools, and cultural fit during discovery calls.
- Use Clutch filters for budget, industry, and “Works with: Small Business” to shortlist 3–5 contenders.
Pro tip: Ask about local vendor partnerships (studios, printers) that can streamline production. While it’s not a major essential, having established partnerships can be a plus.