Top Branding Agencies in the United States
A great brand isn't a logo — it's the cumulative impression your company makes across every customer touchpoint, and the strategic logic that holds it together. U.S. branding agencies build that logic from the inside out: positioning, naming, visual identity, voice and messaging, brand guidelines, and the rollout systems that make a brand actually work in the market.
Whether you're launching something new, repositioning an existing business, or recovering from years of inconsistent brand expression, the right U.S. branding partner can compress what would otherwise be a year of internal arguing into a focused 10-to-16-week engagement. Clutch helps you compare top American branding agencies through verified client reviews, portfolios, and pricing data. Filter by budget, industry, and service scope, and explore related directories:
• Branding Agencies in Los Angeles
• Branding Agencies in Chicago
-
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 33 projectsTaillight is a branding and marketing agency specializing in brand identity development, brand strategy, and corporate branding. They consistently receive positive feedback, with clients praising their strategic expertise, creativity, and project management. Approximately 90% of reviewers highlight their strong collaborative approach and ability to deliver results that enhance brand visibility and differentiation.
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 71 projectsThe Bureau Of Small Projects is a branding agency specializing in brand identity development, logo design, and marketing messaging. Clients consistently commend their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to align with company values, with 100% of reviewers praising their communication and project management. The agency is particularly noted for its creativity and dedication to understanding client needs, delivering exceptional brand strategies and visual identity designs.
$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsSavage Creative is a branding agency specializing in brand strategy, visual identity design, and corporate branding. The agency consistently delivers high-quality work, with 100% positive feedback highlighting their creativity, excellent project management, and ability to meet deadlines. Approximately 80% of reviewers emphasize their proficiency in brand identity development and brand positioning.
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 49 projectsStarfish is a dynamic branding agency specializing in Brand Development, Brand Strategy, and Corporate Identity services. The company consistently receives praise for its strategic expertise and adaptability, with 100% of reviewers highlighting their exceptional responsiveness and project management skills. Clients commend Starfish for their ability to deliver impactful visual identity designs and brand positioning, fostering successful rebranding efforts across diverse industries.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9San Diego, CA
Services provided
Marketing & Advertising Design Group is a small San Diego, California-based Advertising company. The team specializes in Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Peoria Heights, IL
Services provided
Chatham Marketing: Ad Agency, Public Relations is an Advertising company located in Peoria Heights, Illinois. They specialize in Advertising and Public Relations.
Read more -
Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 32 projectsTakt is a branding and marketing agency praised for its expertise in brand identity development, brand strategy, and visual identity design. Clients commend Takt's attention to detail and responsiveness, with 100% positive feedback highlighting the team's ability to handle complex projects efficiently. Approximately 60% of reviewers appreciated Takt's ability to align project outcomes with their unique business goals, showcasing their capability in corporate branding and brand positioning.
$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 44 projectsQream is a branding and visual identity design agency known for delivering comprehensive services such as brand development, brand strategy, and visual identity design. According to client reviews, Qream is praised for its creativity, excellent project management, and seamless communication, with 100% positive feedback highlighting their collaborative approach and ability to exceed expectations. Clients particularly appreciate their professional and unique branding solutions, noting improvements in brand recognition and client engagement.
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 29 projectsXhilarate is a branding and corporate identity design agency with expertise in brand strategy, logo design, and visual identity development. Across diverse projects, 100% of reviews commend their innovative and professional approach, particularly lauding their ability to exceed expectations in brand development and project management. Clients frequently highlight their responsiveness and creative vision, with 90% emphasizing their effective communication and collaborative process.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Established in 1998, MVC Agency, a small Advertising company, is in Los Angeles, California. Their team focuses on Advertising and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kahului, HI
Services provided
Gilbert & Associates Advertising, a public relations agency, is located in Kahului, Hawaii. Their services include Public Relations and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hilo, HI
Services provided
Gum Design LLC is a small Logo company. They offer Logo and Web Design and were launched in 2004.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Raleigh, NC
Services provided
Established in 2001, Catch and Release Media is a public relations agency. The firm offers Public Relations and Social Media Marketing, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Wilmington, NC
Services provided
Plan A Advertising is an Advertising company founded in 2013. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding and is in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
Services provided
Established in 1955, Grossman Design Associates is a graphic design agency. The team focuses on Graphic Design and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fargo, ND
Services provided
Event Marketing company Abovo was established in 2015. The team focuses on Event Marketing and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, SC
Services provided
Graphic design company Stitch Design Co. Was established in 2009. The agency provides Graphic Design and Print Design, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, SC
Services provided
Established in 2012, Kuszmaul Design & PR is a small graphic design agency headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. Their team offers Graphic Design and Print Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Saint Paul, MN
Services provided
Darren Varley Creative is a Marketing Strategy company in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They specialize in Marketing Strategy and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbia, SC
Services provided
Founded in 2009, Elephant Room Media is a video production agency. The team provides Video Production and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minneapolis, MN
Services provided
Graphic design agency Replace, Inc. Was established in 1996. The small team offers Graphic Design and UX/UI Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Edina, MN
Services provided
Mind*Spark Creative, a Marketing Strategy company, is in Edina, Minnesota. They provide Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fargo, ND
Services provided
Established in 2014, Super Studio is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Honolulu, HI
Services provided
JPG Hawaii is a graphic design company. The small Honolulu, Hawaii-based team specializes in Graphic Design and Print Design. The firm was established in 2001.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Myrtle Beach, SC
Services provided
Three Ring Focus, a small Logo company, is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their services include Logo and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9West Columbia, SC
Services provided
Lenker Design is a graphic design agency. Their small team of employees is in West Columbia, South Carolina. Their team offers Graphic Design and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fountain Valley, CA
Services provided
G3 Creative, Inc. Is a small Fountain Valley, California-based Advertising company. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Greenville, SC
Services provided
Rooted is a Logo company. Their team is in Greenville, South Carolina and focuses on Logo and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lincoln, NE
Services provided
Ebbeka Design, a graphic design company, is in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their services include Graphic Design and Logo.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Holly Springs, NC
Services provided
Marketing Strategy company Final Piece Consulting was founded in 2010. The firm provides Marketing Strategy and Branding, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Hastings, NE
Services provided
Infuze Creative is an Advertising company. They are headquartered in Hastings, Nebraska and have small team. Their team focuses on Advertising and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbia, SC
Services provided
ADCO, a media planning & buying agency, offer Media Planning & Buying and Advertising. They were launched in 1990.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lawrence, KS
Services provided
Kern Marketing is an Advertising company established in 2006. The firm provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Richmond, VA
Services provided
Owen Design Co is a Marketing Strategy company. Their small team is located in Richmond, Virginia. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Danville, VA
Services provided
KG Graphics is a graphic design company. In Danville, Virginia, the team provides Graphic Design and Print Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Kansas City, MO
Services provided
Event Marketing company O'Neill Events & Marketing was launched in 1964. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the team provides Event Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9St. Louis, MO
Services provided
Objex Design is a St. Louis, Missouri-based Product Design company. They focus on Product Design and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Cincinnati, OH
Services provided
Market Direct Inc. Is a Direct Marketing company in Cincinnati, Ohio. They focus on Direct Marketing and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Charleston, SC
Services provided
Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Boom Advertising is a media planning and buying company. Their services include Media Planning & Buying and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9St. Louis, MO
Services provided
FredSparks Design is a Product Design company based in St. Louis, Missouri. The team provides Product Design and Graphic Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9St. Louis, MO
Services provided
Small graphic design company Anda Creative, is in St. Louis, Missouri and Brooklyn, New York. The team provides Graphic Design and Print Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Columbia, SC
Services provided
Flock and Rally is an Event Marketing company. They specialize in Event Marketing and Public Relations and are located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Gardiner, ME
Services provided
Small graphic design company The Shoestring Agency, is in Gardiner, Maine. Their services include Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Lynchburg, VA
Services provided
Founded in 2007, Stimulus Advertising is a Marketing Strategy company. The small team provides Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Minnetrista, MN
Services provided
Cooks Bay Marketing is a small Minnetrista, Minnesota-based Marketing Strategy company. The team offers Marketing Strategy and Branding.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Falmouth, ME
Services provided
Burgess Advertising & Marketing, an Advertising company, is in Falmouth, Maine. Their services include Advertising and Logo.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Des Moines, IA
Services provided
Meraki Creative is an Event Marketing company. They were established in 2017, and their services include Event Marketing and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Conway, SC
Services provided
The Andrews Agency is an Event Marketing company. They are located in Conway, South Carolina. Their team offers Event Marketing and Media Planning & Buying.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9St. Louis, MO
Services provided
eLittle Communications Group is an Advertising company established in 2007. The team provides Advertising and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Albuquerque, NM
Services provided
PR agency Carroll Strategies Public Relations is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Launched in 2008, the team provides Public Relations and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Helena, MT
Services provided
Marketing Strategy company Flying Horse Communication was established in 1999. The small team offers Marketing Strategy and Media Planning & Buying.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Newport, RI
Services provided
Fleming & Company, Inc is a graphic design agency. They are in Newport, Rhode Island. Their team offers Graphic Design and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Newport, RI
Services provided
Launched in 2004, 6 Square Design & Communications is a graphic design company. The company specializes in Graphic Design and Web Design.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Las Cruces, NM
Services provided
NMCO Media is a small Las Cruces, New Mexico-based Marketing Strategy company. Their services include Marketing Strategy and Advertising.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Providence, RI
Services provided
Launched in 1988, Parker Group is an Event Marketing company. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, the team provides Event Marketing and Public Relations.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Providence, RI
Services provided
Media planning and buying agency Dodge Associates, Inc. Was founded in 1997. The firm focuses on Media Planning & Buying and Public Relations, and is small.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Eagan, MN
Services provided
JKR Consulting is a Marketing Strategy company. The team is located in Eagan, Minnesota, and their services include Marketing Strategy and Branding.
Read more
Share your project goals, and we’ll connect you with verified partners who fit your budget and timeline.
Get My Matches
Tell us what you need — we’ll match you with top agencies in minutes.
Get My MatchesWhy Trust Clutch
At Clutch, we believe trust is the foundation of every business relationship. Our mission is to help buyers make confident, data-backed decisions informed by real client experiences.
Every review on Clutch undergoes a rigorous, human-led verification process to make sure it’s valid. Our team of specialists confirms the identity of each reviewer, ensures the project is legitimate, and only publishes reviews that meet our strict criteria.
Verification doesn’t stop at the point of publication. Our Trust & Safety team routinely audits older reviews against our guidelines. When reviews fall short of our standards, we remove them.
We evaluate service providers using a structured methodology that combines:
- In-depth client interviews and ratings
- Comprehensive project details
- Market presence
- Portfolio examples and industry recognition
This data powers tools like the Leaders Matrix, which helps you compare agencies directly. Our research team curates rankings by weighing verified reviews most heavily, so the most trusted and experienced providers rise to the top.
Using this unique combination of verified client feedback and provider-supplied insights, Clutch distills the most important details into clear, digestible summaries so you have everything you need to make confident, informed decisions quickly.
We take fraud seriously. Providers who violate our guidelines may face lower rankings, restricted visibility, or removal from the platform altogether.
Clutch’s commitment to transparency is ongoing. We’re constantly refining our systems to protect the integrity of reviews and support you in finding the right agency.
List of the Top 15 United States Branding Companies
-
$10,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Branding15% Other -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Atlanta, GA
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$75,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.4/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$25,000+$300+ / hr2 - 9New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.3/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
90% Branding10% Other -
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.3/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New Gloucester, ME
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.019.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other -
$10,000+$300+ / hr10 - 49Littleton, CO
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
85% Branding15% Other -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Ability to deliver
38.6/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Annapolis, MD
Ability to deliver
38.5/40.019.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding30% Other -
$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.9/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.7/40.018.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Branding20% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Dallas, TX
Ability to deliver
38.5/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Branding45% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9New York City, NY
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Oakland, CA
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding30% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Scottsdale, AZ
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding30% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Portland, OR
Ability to deliver
37.5/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
55% Branding45% Other -
$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Denver, CO
Ability to deliver
37.2/40.017.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding30% Other -
$10,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Brevard, NC
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr2 - 9Pacifica, CA
Ability to deliver
36.7/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$75,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Branding30% Other -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Sausalito, CA
Ability to deliver
36.4/40.016.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Berkeley, CA
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Branding -
$75,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Milwaukee, WI
Ability to deliver
36.1/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Pasadena, CA
Ability to deliver
36/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Branding20% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Dallas, TX
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.017/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Branding25% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Seattle, WA
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience6.1/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Branding25% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Phoenix, AZ
Ability to deliver
35.7/40.017.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Branding40% Other
U.S. Branding FAQs
Timelines vary as each brand has its unique needs and goals. Based on data we’ve gathered, the ballpark goes:
- Logo refresh or visual identity tune-up: 4–8 weeks
- New brand identity for an existing company: 10–16 weeks
- Full strategy-through-identity for a new launch: 14–24 weeks
- Enterprise rebrand with rollout: 6–18 months
The biggest schedule risk is internal — branding requires decisions from senior stakeholders, and indecision at the top kills timelines. Before you hire, identify your decision-maker(s) and confirm they have the bandwidth to engage in working sessions.
A full-scope branding engagement typically covers some combination of:
- Brand strategy — positioning, audience definition, brand architecture, competitive differentiation
- Verbal identity — naming, taglines, voice and tone, key messaging, brand narrative
- Visual identity — logo, color palette, typography, photography direction, illustration style, brand guidelines
- Brand expression — how the brand shows up across web, environment, social, and advertising
- Implementation and governance — rollout planning, asset libraries, and ongoing brand stewardship
Some firms specialize in strategy only; others go strategy-through-design; a smaller set handles full implementation across digital and physical touchpoints. Match the firm's scope to what you actually need — paying a strategy-heavy firm to do production design (or vice versa) wastes money.
Branding pricing has a wide variance because "branding" means very different things at different scopes. Based on Clutch pricing data, clients can expect:
- Logo and identity package only: typically $5,000 – $25,000
- Full visual identity: $15,000 – $75,000
- Strategy-led brand engagement: $50,000 – $250,000
- Comprehensive brand transformation: $250,000 – $1M+
Project length usually runs 8 – 20 weeks for strategy-and-identity work. Smaller boutique firms tend to price lower but hold a tighter scope; larger agencies cost more but bring depth across discipline.
Look at three things — portfolio relevance, the case for why the work succeeded, and chemistry with the team you'd actually work with:
- Portfolio relevance means the firm has shipped work for companies at your stage and in adjacent industries — not just "brands you've heard of." -The case for why the work succeeded means the firm can articulate the strategic logic behind its past work, not just show pretty deliverables.
- Chemistry matters because branding work is iterative and opinionated; you'll be in working sessions for weeks, and friction with the lead strategist or creative director compounds.
Also ask: who's the day-to-day team, what's their process for handling stakeholder disagreement, and what does brand governance look like after delivery?
- No strategy phase. A firm that wants to start with logo concepts before understanding your business is selling design as decoration.
- Portfolio that all looks the same. Either the firm has a strong stylistic preference (which may or may not fit you), or they don't actually customize. Either way, ask.
- Vague or non-existent guidelines deliverable. Without proper brand guidelines, the brand decays the moment the engagement ends.
- No examples of brands they've shipped that are still in the market. A portfolio of unaired pitches is a warning sign.
- Reluctance to talk about projects that didn't work. Senior brand strategists have lost pitches and watched clients reverse course. A firm that pretends otherwise is editing too hard.
Don’t settle for less when it comes to nurturing your brand. If you spot any of these red flags, just take that as a sign and continue your search.