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.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 23 projectsAnderson Collaborative™ is a versatile advertising agency specializing in paid media, media buying, and digital marketing solutions. Reviewers consistently commend their exceptional project management and responsiveness, with 100% of reviews highlighting their impressive communication and strategic capabilities. Approximately 83% of clients report significant improvements in leads and ROI, reflecting their effectiveness in executing campaigns and achieving client goals.
$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 4 projectsVersion2 is an advertising agency specializing in programmatic media and marketing services. The firm is praised for its strategic expertise, proactive communication, and innovative technology, with 100% of reviewers highlighting its effectiveness in managing campaigns and exceeding performance goals. Clients appreciate Version2's ability to integrate seamlessly with their teams, providing valuable insights and improving media efficiency.
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 339 projectsJives Media is an advertising agency offering advertising services, with a focus on SEO, PPC, and paid marketing. The reviews indicate a generally positive sentiment, with approximately 86% of clients highlighting effective project management, timely deliverables, and improved campaign performance. A noteworthy 14% of reviews expressed dissatisfaction with communication and strategy alignment. The company is praised for its expertise and seamless integration with client teams.
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 16 projectsHotspex Media is an advertising agency providing comprehensive advertising services, including digital marketing, media buying, and branding. Their reviews reflect overwhelmingly positive feedback, with emphasis on their strategic insights, efficient project management, and innovative use of behavioral data for targeted advertising. Approximately 90% of the reviews highlight their exceptional communication skills and ability to deliver measurable improvements in key performance indicators.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr250 - 999Chicago, IL
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Equator Design is a midsize Manchester, England-based Advertising company. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Carol H Williams Advertising is an Advertising company. The midsize Oakland, California-based team specializes in Advertising and Branding. The agency was founded in 1986.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 20 projectsCorkboard Concepts is an advertising agency offering services such as PPC advertising, SEO, and website development. Reviewers commend their professionalism, accessibility, and genuine approach, with all feedback being positive. Approximately 50% of reviewers highlight their impressive customer service and project management, while 100% note their local focus and capability in generating traffic and leads.
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 23 projectsBear Fox Marketing is an Advertising Agency specializing in Paid Media and Advertising Services. They have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with clients praising their analytical skills and prompt project management. Notably, 100% of reviewers highlighted their effectiveness in generating quality leads and improving revenue, demonstrating their expertise in marketing promotions and media management.
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 4 projectsFoxtail Growth Partners is a proficient advertising agency specializing in paid marketing and advertising services. With consistent client praise, they achieve successful campaigns through personalized strategies, as noted by 100% of reviewers. Clients commend their creativity and efficient project management, resulting in improved brand awareness and consistent client acquisition.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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IZEA is an Advertising company. They are based in Maitland, Florida and West Hollywood, California and have midsize team of experts. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Eicoff is an Advertising company. Launched in 1956, their team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Midan Marketing is a Market Research company. Founded in 2004, the team provides Market Research and Advertising. The agency is based in Chicago, Illinois and.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Kindle Communications is an Advertising company. They were launched in 2004, and their services include Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Minimally - A digital creative agency is a branding agency. The Riverton, Wyoming-based company was established in 2015. Their services include Branding and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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See all 1 projectsDCC is a high-touch, brand marketing and innovation agency serving clients across the U.S. and internationally in a wide range of industries. Our team provides an integrated marketing and
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Davis Harrison Dion is a branding firm. The team focuses on Branding and Media Planning & Buying.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Lombard, IL
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Established in 2017, Bluemount Inc | Lombard, IL is a small Market Research company. Their team offers Market Research and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49La Grange, IL
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Advertising company Automotive Internet Media provides Advertising and Social Media Marketing. They were founded in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Established in 2022, Hubbard Chicago is an Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Event Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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RAI Media Inc. Is an Advertising company. The Chicago, Illinois-based team offers Advertising and Web Development.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Vis-a-vis Creative is a SEO company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Treacy Marketing Group is a SEO services firm. Their small team is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Established in 2006, ClearEdge Marketing is a SEO services firm. Their team provides Search Engine Optimization and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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EM Search Consulting is a Chicago, Illinois-based SEO company. They specialize in Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Oakbrook Terrace, IL
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Established in 2017, LifeCycle Digital Marketing is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Strauss Realty & Management, an Advertising company, was established in 2021. The small team provides Advertising and Branding.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Pinnacle View Inc. Is a graphic design agency. Founded in 2017, the agency is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia and Chicago, Illinois. Their team focuses on Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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CSSI Marketing + Culinary is a video production agency. Their small team is located in Chicago, Illinois. Their team provides Video Production and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Mac Creative Agency, a small Advertising company, is in Chicago, Illinois. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, FYI-ADVERTISING, INC. Is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Beaman Incorporated is a PR agency. They provide Public Relations and Advertising and were established in 1996.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Evolving Interactive is a small Chicago, Illinois-based PPC agency. The team offers Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Vertical Inc., a branding firm, is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The team focuses on Branding and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Evolution Point is a web design company. The team focuses on Web Design and Web Development and is in Chicago, Illinois.
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Undisclosed$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Lincolnwood, IL
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Thoughtdrip Creative Co. Is a Lincolnwood, Illinois-based social media marketing agency. The team specializes in Social Media Marketing and Web Design.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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The Abundancy is a Chicago, Illinois-based Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Digital Strategy and were established in 2016.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Activate Hype is a small Advertising company established in 2018. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Evanston, IL
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Grey Matter Collective is a graphic design company. Their small team of employees is in Evanston, Illinois. Their team provides Graphic Design and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Evanston, IL
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Direct Marketing company Definitive Marketing, Inc was launched in 1999. The team specializes in Direct Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Digital Brandworks, an Advertising company, was founded in 2013. They specializes in Advertising and Content Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Advertising company STUDIO | B was founded in 2014. The firm specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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AdPulse Media, LLC, an Advertising company, specializes in Advertising and Media Planning & Buying. The firm is located in Chicago, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Online Packaging Store is an Advertising company. The Chicago, Illinois-based company was launched in 2023. Their team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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In Chicago, Illinois, Lobi Media is a video production company. They offer Video Production and Video Marketing and were established in 2024.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Evanston, IL
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YAP Collective is an Advertising company founded in 2024. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding and is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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See all 1 projectsThrei Strategy offers branding and web development services. The overall feedback indicates dissatisfaction, highlighting issues with professionalism, communication, and skill levels. Clients report delayed responses and unprofessional conduct, suggesting significant room for improvement in project management and client interaction.
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$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9La Grange, IL
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Capitis Media is an Advertising company. Launched in 2010, the firm is located in La Grange, Illinois. Their services include Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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HeLT Consulting + Services is a SEO agency. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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SEO services firm Amplified Results was founded in 2010. The company specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Downers Grove, IL
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J. Murray & Associates is a SEO services firm. Their small team is based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Founded in 2013, Forward Marketing is a small web design company. Their services include Web Design and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Smarty Media, a PPC company, offer Pay Per Click and Conversion Optimization. They were launched in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Synergy Creative, Inc. Is an Advertising company. The Chicago, Illinois-based team provides Advertising and Graphic Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Elmhurst, IL
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John Pastuovic Communications is a public relations firm. Their small team is in Elmhurst, Illinois. Their team provides Public Relations and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Crestwood, IL
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Fanning Communications, Inc. Is an Advertising company. Established in 2000, their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Lipman Hearne, an Advertising company, was founded in 1988. Based in Chicago, Illinois, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Pressley Johnson Design, an Advertising company, was launched in 2012. The agency specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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List of the Top 15 Chicago Advertising & Marketing Agencies
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$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999London, England
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising20% Marketing60% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising40% Marketing40% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Scottsdale, AZ
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising65% Marketing20% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
38.2/40.019.4/20 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 -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
34.9/40.016/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising55% Marketing30% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.017.2/20 Reviews9.6/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising45% Marketing45% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
32.5/40.016/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising55% Marketing35% Other -
$10,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
26.6/40.016.2/20 Reviews5.4/10 Clients & Experience5.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Advertising35% Marketing -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Dover, DE
Ability to deliver
32.2/40.020/20 Reviews5.7/10 Clients & Experience6.5/10 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 -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
27.2/40.017.4/20 Reviews4.4/10 Clients & Experience5.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising55% Marketing35% 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+$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 - 9Torrance, CA
Ability to deliver
21.4/40.016.2/20 Reviews0/10 Clients & Experience5.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising75% Marketing -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
22.5/40.017.2/20 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 - 249Houston, TX
Ability to deliver
20.2/40.016.2/20 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 -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
22.1/40.016.2/20 Reviews0.7/10 Clients & Experience5.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising50% Marketing40% Other -
$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
29.5/40.016.2/20 Reviews8.4/10 Clients & Experience4.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising10% Marketing80% Other
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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.
- 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 in agency 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.
- 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.