Top Advertising Agencies in the United States
The United States is home to one of the world's largest and most competitive advertising markets, from the media-buying powerhouses on Madison Avenue to performance-driven shops in Austin, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Whether you're a Fortune 500 launching a national campaign or a startup looking for your first agency partner, the right firm can shape how customers find, remember, and choose your brand.
Clutch helps you compare top U.S. advertising agencies through verified client reviews, service breakdowns, and pricing data — so you can shortlist with confidence. Use the filters to narrow by budget, hourly rate, industry expertise, or city, and explore related directories:
• Advertising Agencies in Los Angeles
• Advertising Agencies in Chicago
• Advertising Agencies in New York
• U.S. Advertising Agencies for Consumer Products and Services
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+Undisclosed10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 8 projectsVersion2 is an advertising agency specializing in programmatic advertising services and media buying. The company is highly praised for its strategic thinking, responsiveness, and ability to deliver exceptional results, with 100% of reviewers highlighting their professionalism and commitment. Clients appreciated their innovative solutions and personalized support, with many noting significant improvements in metrics such as CPM efficiency and audience engagement.
$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr250 - 999Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 82 projectsNinja Promo is an advertising agency specializing in marketing, promotions, and paid media services. Reviews highlight their effectiveness in improving engagement, reducing costs, and enhancing brand visibility, with approximately 90% of feedback being positive. Clients appreciate their quick adaptability and project management, though communication was noted as an area for improvement by a minority.
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 4 projectsSetsail Marketing is an Advertising Agency that specializes in paid media and advertising services, including the management of Google and Facebook ads to optimize lead generation. While one client noted that the agency delivered improvements compared to previous experiences, they also suggested a focus on improving Return on Ad Spend (ROAS). Overall, the agency's enthusiasm and quality of work were highlighted positively.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Washington, DC
Services provided
See all 3 projectsKBF Marketing is a highly regarded marketing and advertising agency known for its expertise in event management and marketing services. With a 90% positive feedback rating, clients appreciate their professionalism, clear communication, and dedication. The agency excels in coordinating complex projects and delivering exceptional results, as highlighted by their outstanding performance in managing the GW New Venture Competition.
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$1,000+< $25 / hr2 - 9Tempe, AZ
Services provided
See all 3 projectsVideos Explainer is a video production company specializing in creating animated explainer videos for various business needs. Overall feedback highlights their competitive pricing and high-quality output, with clients appreciating their smooth communication and adherence to deadlines. While 100% of reviewers were impressed with their quality and pricing, 33% suggested improvements in project management processes.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 83 projectsBrandLume Inc. is an Advertising Agency offering comprehensive advertising services, including media buying, branding, and paid marketing. Clients consistently praise their value for cost, effective project management, and impressive results, with 100% of reviews noting improved website traffic and engagement. Their tailored and innovative strategies, aligned with company values, demonstrate their commitment to client success.
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 11 projectsDragon360 is an Advertising Agency specializing in Paid Media, Marketing, and Promotions. Overall, their reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with approximately 90% of clients praising their project management, agility in campaign optimizations, and strategic approach. Many clients highlight Dragon360's exceptional ability to deliver timely, high-quality results and their strong alignment with client business objectives.
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices 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.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Johns Island, SC
Services provided
Red Drum SEO is a SEO services firm headquartered in Johns Island, South Carolina. Launched in 2021, the team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Salt Lake City, UT
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Dual Pixel is an Advertising company. In Salt Lake City, Utah, their small team offers Advertising and Branding. The company was founded in 1996.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Thrive & Shine Marketing is an Advertising company. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company offers Advertising and Branding.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Winston-Salem, NC
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Marketing Executions LLC is a social media marketing company. Their small team of employees is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their team provides Social Media Marketing and Email
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Huntsville, AL
Services provided
See all 1 projectsOffering digital marketing services to small, medium, and large companies.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 16 projectsHotspex Media is a sophisticated Advertising Agency specializing in Paid Media and comprehensive advertising services. Feedback from clients is overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% highlighting their strategic insights and project management prowess. Clients commend their precision in media execution and data-driven approach, resulting in tangible improvements in brand awareness and engagement. Hotspex Media is recognized for delivering campaigns on time and on budget while effectively utilizing their Reticle platform for audience targeting.
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 51 projectsOut Origin is an advertising agency specializing in marketing and paid media services. They have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of reviewers highlighting their precision, attention to detail, and transformative impact on clients' financial outlooks. Out Origin is praised for exceeding expectations in campaign management and optimization, achieving significant return on advertising spend improvements.
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 16 projectsMake Us Care is an advertising agency specializing in branding, campaign assets, ad targeting, and paid marketing. Their clients highlight a strong alignment with company values and dedication to timely project completion. Approximately 100% of reviewers praise the agency for effective communication, project management, and delivering results, such as reducing costs per acquisition by 40%. Some suggest more face-to-face meetings and access to creative talent.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Gobiya is an Advertising company established in 2012. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Richmond, VA
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Founded in 2001, River City Advertising is a branding company. In Richmond, Virginia, the team specializes in Branding and Advertising.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$10,000+$300+ / hr50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 2 projectsintouch mena is a digital communication agency specializing in social media management, digital media buying, and mobile and website development. Reviews highlight their exceptional adaptability and strategic creativity, with 100% positive feedback on their project management and commitment to client success. Notably, they consistently meet and exceed key performance indicators, ensuring brand adherence and effective communication strategies.
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 5 projectsDigital Hot Sauce is a digital marketing agency specializing in Google and Meta ads management, SEO optimization, and website design. Across various projects, clients consistently praise their strategic approach and commitment to understanding client needs, with approximately 80% highlighting their impressive communication and expertise. While most feedback is positive, around 20% suggest improvements in technical guidance and troubleshooting efficiency.
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 21 projectsCorkboard Concepts is an advertising agency providing services in digital marketing, PPC advertising, and SEO. They have consistently received positive feedback, with 100% of reviewers praising their project management, customer service, and local presence. Clients value their personable approach and ability to generate website traffic and leads, despite being a relatively young company.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Fishers, IN
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Legion Marketing, an Advertising company, is in Fishers, Indiana. Founded in 2018, the team specializes in Advertising and Web Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Detroit, MI
Services provided
Saga MKTG is a Detroit, Michigan-based branding company. Their services include Branding and Video Production.
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Featured
What are Featured Providers?
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 14 projectsMediacharge is an Advertising Agency specializing in Paid Media and PPC campaigns. They are praised for their professionalism, high availability, and strategic ad placements, leading to significant increases in website traffic and lead generation. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of reviewers highlighting their expertise and strong communication skills.
UndisclosedUndisclosed10 - 49Serves United StatesServices provided
See all 1 projectsMassMedia is a comprehensive digital marketing agency specializing in brand development, PR, and social media management. Reviews highlight their consistent achievement of KPIs and their integration as an extension of client teams. Approximately 100% of feedback is positive, emphasizing quality work and effective communication, with no suggested areas for improvement.
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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Las Vegas, NV
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MC Creative is a small Advertising company in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Atlanta, GA
Services provided
In Atlanta, Georgia, Breensmith Advertising is a branding company. They offer Branding and Advertising and were founded in 2001.
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Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Tylertown, MS
Services provided
Launched in 2017, Beyanbee is a small Tylertown, Mississippi-based Advertising company. Their team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Katy, TX
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Brandvolution Advertising Agency is a branding company. The Katy, Texas-based agency was established in 2018. Their services include Branding and Advertising.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Jose, CA
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Project 100 is a Marketing Strategy company. The team offers Marketing Strategy and Web Design, and the company is based in San Jose, California.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Sheridan, WY
Services provided
Synapeer Technologies Inc. Is a Sheridan, Wyoming-based Advertising company. They specialize in Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Seattle, WA
Services provided
Egg brand development is an Advertising company. The team focuses on Advertising and Branding and is located in Seattle, Washington.
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$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Elkridge, MD
Services provided
Biorach Marketing is a Digital Strategy company. They are located in Elkridge, Maryland and have small team. They focus on Digital Strategy and Advertising.
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$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Henderson, KY
Services provided
CINESTYLE MEDIA is a video production company launched in 2022. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Austin, TX
Services provided
STAV Creative is an Advertising company established in 2018. The team provides Advertising and Branding.
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Undisclosed$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Located in Los Angeles, California, Workprint is a video production agency. Their services include Video Production and Advertising.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Roseville, CA
Services provided
Website development company castells.agency specializes in Web Development and Advertising. They were established in 2017.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9New Orleans, LA
Services provided
RAPJAB is an Advertising company. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Milwaukee, WI
Services provided
Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kinetic Sequence is a small Advertising company. Their services include Advertising and Digital Strategy.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Casper, WY
Services provided
Data Spark LLC, a Marketing Strategy company, is headquartered in Casper, Wyoming. They offer Marketing Strategy and Performance Marketing.
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$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Salt Lake City, UT
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Video production company Madeby is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 2020, the team offers Video Production and Advertising.
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$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Denver, CO
Services provided
Voth Agency is an Advertising company. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the firm was launched in 2021. Their services include Advertising and Pay Per Click.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Pikesville, MD
Services provided
In Pikesville, Maryland, Gaga Marketing is an Advertising company. Founded in 2007, the team specializes in Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Orlando, FL
Services provided
Technetium is an Advertising company. Their small team is based in Orlando, Florida and provides Advertising and Branding. The firm was launched in 2003.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Lehi, UT
Services provided
Based in Lehi, Utah, Giant Ideas is an Advertising company. The team offers Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Orlando, FL
Services provided
Advertising company Ignite Media Works is in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 2013, the team provides Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Manhattan Beach, CA
Services provided
Chaosmap Advertising Agency, a Business Consulting company, was founded in 2007. The firm provides Business Consulting and Advertising, and is small.
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$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Houston, TX
Services provided
Concierge Creative is an Advertising company. They focus on Advertising and Digital Strategy and were founded in 2011.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9San Francisco, CA
Services provided
Established in 2015, LP/AD is a small branding company. Their team specializes in Branding and Marketing Strategy.
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UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Phoenix, AZ
Services provided
30th Century Graphic Design is a graphic design company launched in 1993. Their team specializes in Graphic Design and Branding.
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$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9McDonough, GA
Services provided
Web design company DPC LLC was established in 2006. The team provides Web Design and Advertising and is in McDonough, Georgia.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Orlando, FL
Services provided
Established in 2004, WHOISCARRUS is an Advertising company. The team specializes in Advertising and Web Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Raleigh, NC
Services provided
Petrie Creative is a Digital Strategy company. They are headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and have small team. Their team offers Digital Strategy and Web Design.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Garden Ridge, TX
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Go Fish Advertising is an Advertising company founded in 2010. The company offers Advertising and Graphic Design, and is small.
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$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Pipersville, PA
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The Steve Williams Design Office, a small graphic design company, is located in Pipersville, Pennsylvania. Their services include Graphic Design and Logo.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9San Diego, CA
Services provided
Advertising company GSG Creative focuses on Advertising and UX/UI Design. They were launched in 2014.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Raleigh, NC
Services provided
Digital Strategy company queue was founded in 2012. The company focuses on Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing, and is small.
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$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Solana Beach, CA
Services provided
Type G is an Advertising company. Their small team is located in Solana Beach, California. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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$10,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
The Metrick System is an Advertising company established in 1991. Their services include Advertising and Branding.
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List of the Top 15 United States Advertising & Marketing Agencies
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$1,000+Undisclosed250 - 999Harrisburg, PA
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising80% Marketing10% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Paramus, NJ
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising90% Marketing -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
39.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising70% Marketing20% 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
20% Advertising60% Marketing20% Other -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr250 - 999Washington, DC
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.019.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising70% Marketing20% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed50 - 249Los Angeles, CA
Ability to deliver
36.9/40.019.8/20 Reviews7.5/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising75% Marketing -
$25,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49Sausalito, CA
Ability to deliver
36.5/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Advertising30% Marketing -
$250,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Rochester, MI
Ability to deliver
34.9/40.015.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Advertising59% Marketing11% 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
20% Advertising65% Marketing15% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
39.5/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising85% Marketing -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Costa Mesa, CA
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising80% Marketing10% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Marion, IL
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising90% Marketing -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Woodmere, NY
Ability to deliver
39.7/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising70% Marketing20% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
36.2/40.016.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising65% Marketing20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Coral Gables, FL
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.6/20 Reviews9.5/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
35% Advertising55% Marketing10% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Addison, TX
Ability to deliver
36.8/40.017.8/20 Reviews9.4/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising55% Marketing25% Other -
$50,000+$150 - $199 / hr250 - 999Bethesda, MD
Ability to deliver
34/40.016.4/20 Reviews8.7/10 Clients & Experience8.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising50% Marketing30% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Carmel, IN
Ability to deliver
37.3/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
20% Advertising80% Marketing -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Brooklyn, NY
Ability to deliver
39.5/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising70% Marketing20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249San Antonio, TX
Ability to deliver
39/40.020/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising80% Marketing10% Other -
$25,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Henderson, NV
Ability to deliver
33.5/40.016.4/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience8/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Advertising50% Marketing -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ability to deliver
37/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Advertising50% Marketing20% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49Austin, TX
Ability to deliver
34.8/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Advertising20% Marketing30% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Atlanta, GA
Ability to deliver
39.2/40.019.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Advertising90% Marketing -
$100,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Ability to deliver
34.6/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.3/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising75% Marketing -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Atlanta, GA
Ability to deliver
37.2/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience8.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising50% Marketing35% 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
10% Advertising80% Marketing10% Other -
$25,000+$150 - $199 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
37.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising40% Marketing35% Other -
$100,000+Undisclosed10 - 49San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
35.6/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
25% Advertising65% Marketing10% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Tenafly, NJ
Ability to deliver
37/40.017.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
15% Advertising60% Marketing25% Other
Latest Advertising Articles
See all articles
AI-Generated Ads vs. Human-Created Campaigns: What Performs Better?
AI-generated ads are faster and easier to scale, but human-led campaigns still drive stronger emotional engagement and brand recall. Here’s where each...
U.S. Advertising FAQs
A U.S. advertising agency develops, produces, and places campaigns that move audiences from awareness to action. Most full-service firms cover four core areas: strategy and creative development, media planning and buying, production (video, audio, print, digital assets), and measurement. Many also extend into branding, social media, content, and influencer work, while specialists focus on a single channel like programmatic or out-of-home.
In the US specifically, agencies tend to operate across both traditional channels (TV, radio, print, OOH) and digital channels (paid search, paid social, connected TV, streaming audio), and the better firms integrate measurement across both so you can see which dollar drove which result.
American ad agencies bring three things you'll struggle to replicate offshore — market fluency, vendor relationships, and time-zone-aligned account management. Market fluency means understanding how American audiences respond to humor, tone, and cultural reference — what plays in Atlanta versus Seattle versus Miami.
Furthermore, vendor relationships matter because media buying is a relationships business; established US agencies have direct lines to network sales teams, premium publishers, and platform reps that move faster than a cold pitch ever will. And time-zone alignment is underrated until you're trying to approve a creative change at 2 a.m. for a 9 a.m. flight.
U.S. advertising agency costs vary widely based on factors like scope, channel mix, and whether you're paying for media or just services. Based on Clutch pricing data, hourly rates typically fall in these bands:
- Boutique and specialist shops: $100 – $150 per hour
- Mid-size full-service agencies: $150 – $250 per hour
- Large independents and holding-company agencies: $250 – $400+ per hour
Project minimums for a US agency engagement usually start around $10,000 for a focused campaign and scale to $100,000+ for an integrated launch. Retainer arrangements for ongoing media management commonly run $5,000 – $50,000 per month before media spend. Media costs sit on top of agency fees, and some agencies charge a percentage of media spend (typically 10–15%) instead of or in addition to hourly fees.
Start with three filters — scope match, category experience, and budget alignment:
- Scope match means the agency actually does what you need — a programmatic specialist isn't the right pick if you need a brand platform.
- Category experience means they've shipped work in your industry, ideally for a comparable-stage company.
- Budget alignment means their typical engagement size matches what you're prepared to spend; an agency whose smallest client pays $2M/year won't give your $50K project the attention it deserves.
From there, look at: client reviews on Clutch, case studies with measurable outcomes, the team you'd actually work with, and how they answer hard questions about measurement and what hasn't worked.
- Guaranteed results. No reputable agency promises specific lift, ROAS, or ranking improvements. Anyone who does is either inexperienced or selling something else.
- Vague pricing. If you can't get a clear answer on fees, media markups, or what's in scope versus out of scope, that ambiguity will become a problem mid-engagement.
- No measurement framework. Strong agencies tell you what they'll measure and how, before the work starts. If success is left undefined, you'll never agree on whether it was achieved.
- Pitch team ≠ delivery team. It's standard for senior leaders to attend the pitch, but ask who'll do the day-to-day work and whether you'll have direct access to them.
- No willingness to share case study details under NDA. Reputable agencies can talk specifics about past work even when they can't name clients publicly. Total opacity is a sign that there isn't much to point to.