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?
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Serves Chicago, ILServices provided
See all 345 projectsSmartSites is a marketing agency specializing in advertising services, including SEO, paid media, and PPC management. With over 90% positive feedback, clients consistently praise their responsiveness, strategic approach, and expertise in optimizing ads and improving conversions. Notably, 70% of reviews highlight SmartSites' ability to deliver measurable results, such as improved traffic, reduced cost per conversion, and enhanced ROAS, showcasing their effectiveness in media buying and paid marketing.
$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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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Evanston, IL
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SmarthinkingPR is a public relations firm. They are headquartered in Evanston, Illinois and have small team. They provide Public Relations and Advertising.
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$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Lisle, IL
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See all 6 projectsComing of Age is an advertising agency specializing in marketing, advertising services, and branding, with a focus on the senior market. Reviews highlight their professionalism, responsiveness, and expertise, with 100% positive feedback emphasizing their ability to manage complex projects efficiently. Clients appreciate their deep understanding of media buying and marketing strategies, consistently delivering high-quality creative work that differentiates clients in competitive markets.
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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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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerChicago, IL
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Small Marketing Strategy company Rare Bird Lab, is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Evanston, IL
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Established in 1999, Grotto Communications, Inc. Is a small Evanston, Illinois-based Market Research company. Their services include Market Research and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Broadview, IL
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All USA Partners, LLC, a phone answering service, is in Broadview, Illinois. The team focuses on Call Center Services and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerDowners Grove, IL
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Physicians Digital Services is a small branding firm headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois. The team focuses on Branding and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Lyndon Design Lab is an Advertising company. In Chicago, Illinois, their small team specializes in Advertising and Branding. The agency was launched in 2009.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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R2D Marketing Group is an Advertising company. Established in 2014, the company focuses on Advertising and Public Relations.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
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Finishline Creative Group is a midsize branding agency launched in 1995. Their services include Branding and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Schaumburg, IL
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See all 1 projectsInnovative Marketing Solutions is an advertising agency specializing in design services that align with branding and promotional needs. The company has garnered positive feedback for its project management, with 100% of reviewers praising their timely delivery and budget adherence. Clients appreciate their expertise and seamless communication, facilitated by a single point of contact.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
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Donovan Design is a SEO agency. The company is located in Chicago, Illinois. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Park Ridge, IL
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Barton Marketing Group is a small Advertising company based in Park Ridge, Illinois. Their services include Advertising and Public Relations.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Maxwell Group Inc., an Advertising company, was launched in 1987. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding and is located in Chicago, Illinois.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Lombard, IL
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Headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, Frizz Marketing is a small Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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CoFlex Marketing is a PR firm. They were founded in 2014 and focus on Public Relations and Search Engine Optimization.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Established in 2014, QuistBuilder is a Content Marketing company. The team focuses on Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Homewood, IL
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Launched in 2000, TS Design Studio Inc is a graphic design agency. The team specializes in Graphic Design and Branding and is based in Homewood, Illinois.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Seam Studios, Inc., a graphic design company, was founded in 2001. The small team specializes in Graphic Design and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Chicago, IL
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C.W. Harris Chicago, LLC is a Chicago, Illinois-based Advertising company. They offer Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2015.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Glenview, IL
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Burns Entertainment is a social media marketing company. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Advertising and is based in Glenview, Illinois.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Bobber Marketing is a SEO agency. Launched in 2016, the team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Web Design. The company is based in Chicago, Illinois.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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In Chicago, Illinois, The Deep End is a SEO agency. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Northfield, IL
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Remnant Media Exchange, a small Advertising company, is based in Northfield, Illinois. Their services include Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerChicago, IL
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EXPERIBRAND, a branding firm, is located in Chicago, Illinois. They provide Branding and Advertising and were launched in 2019.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Wheeling, IL
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See all 1 projectsRevamplify is a digital agency specializing in website and social media development. Client reviews highlight their exemplary communication and ability to deliver customized solutions that surpass expectations. All feedback is positive, with clients appreciating their strategic, long-term relationship approach. Ninety percent of reviewers emphasize Revamplify's expertise and professionalism.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Naperville, IL
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See all 12 projectsJJR Marketing Inc. is a dynamic advertising agency specializing in comprehensive marketing solutions, including branding, media buying, and advertising services. Reviews highlight their exceptional creativity and responsiveness, with 100% of clients noting positive collaboration. Approximately 80% of reviewers emphasize JJR's role in enhancing brand presence and generating customized marketing strategies tailored to diverse industries.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Bloomingdale, IL
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JET Advertising, an Advertising company, is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Illinois. They provide Advertising and Graphic Design.
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$1,000+< $25 / hr10 - 49Schaumburg, IL
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Urfoodsupply is an Advertising and Other Marketing company. They specialize in Advertising and Other Marketing and were established in 2010. The firm is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Naperville, IL
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Established in 1978, Rhea + Kaiser is an Advertising company. In Naperville, Illinois, the team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed50 - 249Northbrook, IL
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Blue Chip Marketing Worldwide, an Advertising company, was founded in 1982. The midsize team focuses on Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Naperville, IL
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Small Advertising company MACLYN, is in Naperville, Illinois and Des Moines, Iowa. The team offers Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Elk Grove Village, IL
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Founded in 2018, Salem Surround is a small Advertising company. Their team focuses on Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
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$50,000+Undisclosed10 - 49St. Charles, IL
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See all 3 projectsThe Remnant Agency is a distinguished advertising agency specializing in paid media, including TV, radio, and billboard advertising. With consistently positive reviews, 100% of clients report significant business growth and improved brand presence. Clients praise the agency's strategic approach, impressive speed, and effective communication, highlighting their dedication to achieving client goals and optimizing marketing strategies.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Carol Stream, IL
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Branding company MAN Marketing focuses on Branding and Media Planning & Buying. They are headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Lake Forest, IL
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Marketing For Wellness is a small Advertising company. They provide Advertising and Branding and were founded in 2001.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Chicago, IL
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Walton Street Web design is a web design company. Their small team is in Chicago, Illinois. Their team focuses on Web Design and Print Design.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Mount Prospect, IL
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Maverai Creative is an Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Branding and were founded in 2015.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Schaumburg, IL
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Aronson Advertising, a print design company, focus on Print Design and Video Production. They were launched in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Palatine, IL
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Chicago Marketing Northwest is an Advertising and Market Research company. They are based in Palatine, Illinois. Their team offers Advertising and Market Research.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Arlington Heights, IL
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Direct Marketing company Tweyen Inc is based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. They provide Direct Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Wheaton, IL
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Based in Wheaton, Illinois, C. Grant & Company Inspiring Marketing is a Marketing Strategy company. They provide Marketing Strategy and Advertising and were founded in 2000.
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UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancerOak Park, IL
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Located in Oak Park, Illinois, SN Creative Consulting is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr1,000 - 9,999Aurora, IL
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Chicago Tribune Media Group is a large Aurora, Illinois-based Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Arlington Heights, IL
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Launched in 2002, Springboard Brand & Creative Strategy is a small Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Branding.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wheaton, IL
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March Marketing, Inc. Is a Wheaton, Illinois-based public relations agency. They specialize in Public Relations and Advertising and were founded in 2011.
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$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Northbrook, IL
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Enfocal is an Advertising company headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida and Northbrook, Illinois. They offer Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Schaumburg, IL
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SLVEX is a social media marketing firm. They were launched in 2008 and specialize in Social Media Marketing and Advertising.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Naperville, IL
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Modern Marketing Partners is an Advertising company. They were founded in 2011, and their services include Advertising and Branding.
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Undisclosed< $25 / hr2 - 9Bolingbrook, IL
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Rottrex is an Advertising company. Founded in 2020, the team offers Advertising and Direct Marketing.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Inverness, IL
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Latitude 42 Media is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Branding and were launched in 2009.
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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
Latest Advertising Articles
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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.