Marketing Agencies in Chicago

Architecture, jazz, deep-dish pizza, White Sox, and Bulls. These are just a few things that make Chicago a well-loved city. But aside from its sports teams and distinct culture, the business scene in the Windy City is just as exciting. In fact, it’s considered as one of the globe’s top financial centers. If you’re looking for a reputable marketing agency Chicago-style, here are 25 of the best firms to consider. 

1. CA Branding

CA Branding is a marketing agency Chicago ventures trust. Not only do they use insightful ideas in their campaigns, but they also go for smart tactics that bring brands forward.

If you’re a venture who wants big ideas to be part of your campaign, this firm is the right one for you. They take their client’s inputs, build a strategic framework around it, and use that to create a brand geared for success. Added to that, they’ll pull out all the stops to tell your story in the most thought-provoking way that creates impact. 

Clients: Fizz Kids, 10th Avenue Tea, Farmer & CO, and Zemas

Highlighted Services: 

• Email Campaigns
• SEO + PPC
• Campaign + Ad Creation
• Tradeshow Displays + Swag

2. 50,000feet, Inc.

This creative firm is not only devoted to nurturing the connection between clients and their customers but also to helping brands transform through result-driven ideas.

Every effort that they do is grounded on understanding audiences’ motivations, behaviors, and decisions. They use this info to create good designs that are not only time-tested but are also built with the latest trends, tools, and paradigms. Added to that, they put special emphasis on collaboration, creativity, service, and humility, so you can be assured you’ll be in good hands.

Mission: They never lose sight of the bigger picture despite getting lost in the details sometimes. 

Clients: Abbott, Archer Hotel, and BBVA

Highlighted Services: 

• Web + Mobile Design
• Brand Naming
• Data-driven Personalization

3. Plan B Advertising

This full-service firm offers an array of services such as sprint-to-market brand development and high-impact creative ad campaigns. Added to that, they have a number of awards under their belt, including the 2019 Gold Davey Award and a Gold W3 Award.

Visit their website, and you’ll get a gist of how fun and quirky their team is. For instance, they promise to deliver “plucky stuff you need to make your competition nervous.” Also, they know just how hard it can be to pull off a multi-agency marketing effort. So, they offer the specialties you need, all in one place.

Mission: They aim to create a dialogue between fans and clients, as well as employees. In the same vein, they also do their best to align content with core values.

Clients: VOLVO, Humana, Jaguar, and Land Rover

Highlighted Services: 

• Market Research
• Identity Development
• Full-stack Development

4. Davis Harrison Dion

This full-service ad firm is one of the ad agencies in Chicago that focuses on only in B2C but also in B2B marketing. Added to that, they believe that every creative effort should be based on a solid position. As a result, they come up with ideas that let clients enjoy responsive service as well as measurable results

This firm believes that every business has its own creative DNA. This DNA contains your promise, enjoyment, and approach to the market. In short, it’s what makes you stand out from the competition. They help you find your brand profile to make every campaign a thriving chapter of your brand’s unique story.

Mission: Their mission is to help clients create long-lasting relationships with clients.

Clients: Kenneth Young Center, Visit Lake County, Cornell Dubilier, and Boulevard Healthcare

Highlighted Services: 

• Branding
• Message Development
• Interactive Design and Development

5. Cramer-Krasselt

Many clients know C-K not just as a firm that does excellent campaigns but also as a powerhouse that changes perception, thus leading to purchase action. In fact, they helped Porsche achieve years of consecutive growth. Added to that, they also helped Corona become the #1 import.

This firm isn’t only multi-disciplinary but also cross-functional. That said, they offer significant resources in various fields such as Branding, Creative, Media, PR and Social, and many others. Their campaigns are tech-integrated and interconnected. Added to that, you can rest assured that every effort they exert is driven by data and honed through real-time thinking.

Mission: Make friends, not ads.

Clients: Flagstar Bank, Tropicana, TIKI, and Nikon

Highlighted Services: 

• Branding
• Influencer and Event Marketing
• Digital Strats

Watch a sample of their work here.

6. C2 Creative Studio

C2 prides itself on being a small ad group. Despite its size, however, the firm offers the whole package – from branding to new media experiences and more. Added to that, they work with a broad range of clients—from startups to Fortune 100 brands.

Their agile team is composed of problem solvers who find ways to help brands grow better through branding and web design. Whether you’re looking to amp up your creative strategy or build experiences for your audience, they know how to do it right. In addition to that, they work hard not only to make a campaign successful but to create long-term value for your brand.

Mission: To offer clients big ideas. Big media agnostic, needle-moving, industry-shaking, movement making, and wake-people-from-their-slumber-to-the-world-of-your-campaign ideas. 

Clients: TopBloc, FocusPress, Chowly, Pogue, WorldCamp, and Chicago

Highlighted Services: 

• Branding
• Websites and iOS App Development
• Online Ads and PPC

7. Twoxfour

Twoxfour is a marketing agency Chicago ventures trust for being responsive and relevant. Added to that, they encourage clients to have “nimble” brands so that they can reshape themselves to adapt to the needs of their changing customers. 

A glimpse at their About page will show you just how unconventionally creative this firm is. Even their list of services is categorized as “stuff we’ve been accused of doing for money.” All in all, this team of creative thinkers will use all their brilliant ideas to make sure their clients get the freshest campaigns possible.

Mission: Build great relationships. Create great work. Then eat. 

Clients: Zebra Technologies, Navy Pier, Smart Choice MRI, and Grainger

Highlighted Services: 

• Social Media
• Branding
• Events and Promos

8. Upshot

Founded in 1994, this firm embraces an independent spirit and an open mind when approaching campaigns. Aside from shopper marketing, they also focus on brand initiatives through digital, and social efforts.

They thrive in the field by coming up with bright, “of-the-moment ideas, activations as well as experiences.” As a result, they spark strong consumer-brand relationships that last long after the campaign ends. In the end, this firm supports seekers who are working to evolve the world of marketing.

Mission: Build brands and inspire action with every campaign.

Clients: Tazo, Google, and Liftmaster

Highlighted Services: 

• Branding and Design
• Social Media
• Shopper Marketing

Watch a sample of their work here.

9. Havas Chicago

This firm commits itself to strengthen meaningful American brands by making the most out of craft and culture. In the same vein, they offer a full range of tools and services platforms to gear campaigns for success.

They believe that a great brand starts with having the right tools collaborators can use to generate meaningful experiences. Added to that, this firm has a database of 55,000 prosumers or leading-edge consumers making and breaking markets. As a result, this data allows them to predict trends and future attitudes.

Mission: Their mission is to make a meaningful difference to the businesses, brands, and lives of the people they work with.

Clients: Citi AA, Cracker Barrel, and Hefty

Highlighted Services: 

• Advs
• Social Marketing
• Experience Design

Watch a sample of their work here.

10. FCB Chicago

FCB Chicago describes itself as both the oldest and newest ad agency in Chi-Town. Founded in 1873, it was initially called Lord & Thomas before being relaunched as Foote, Cone, and Belding. Today, they offer the best-in-class tools in the business.

With decades of experience in the field, clients can be assured that they know what they’re doing. In fact, this firm has over 700 employees, each person focusing on their expertise to make sure that each project delivers results. Added to that, they strive to be a one-stop-shop, so that everything you need to become closer to your audience is all in one roof.

Clients: Samsung, Smuckers, and Toyota

Highlighted Services: 

• Ads
• Promos
• Retail and Shopper Marketing

Watch a sample fo their work here.

11. O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul

This firm promises “big brand creativity” combined with “the prowess of a startup.” As a result, they produce stunning work. In fact, they won Ad Age’s Small Agency of the Year in 2015.

Their work culture model is rooted in four principles. First, “be nimble, be quick, be prolific.” They veer away from overthinking and convention and, instead, try to be ready to change course quickly to adapt to consumers. Next is putting an emphasis on the “high art of selling” and then putting the “agent” in an ad agency. They developed a partnership with the industry’s best creatives to build campaigns that sell. And last but not least, they “have soul.” This allows them to create work that moves people emotionally towards the product.

Clients: ACE, TacoBell, and Nike

Highlighted Services: 

• Ads
• Video Prod
• Design

12. Part Three

This ad firm helps ventures with traditional and new media ads as well as SEM and SEO. Added to that, they not only focus on making clients look good but also ensure that their sales are booming.

To help a client boost sales, they don’t restrict campaigns to standard marketing practices. Instead, they employ up-to-date tactics that maximize a venture’s potential. Then, they combine these tactics with a realistic approach, helping clients understand better the services provided by the firm.

Mission: To solve clients’ marketing, advertising and promo needs. While some agencies think like artists, they think like business owners.

Clients: Apartment People, Tyson Heinz, and Health Fred’s Way

Highlighted Services: 

• Internet Ads
• Print Ads
• PR

13. Cavalry

This full-service firm takes pride in helping brands that may find themselves outspent and out-sourced. In relation to that, they offer unmatched experience in working to engage young adults across various fields. Moreover, they begin with an idea, not an execution or media plan.

This firm tries to do away with typical agency stuff that prevents the team from focusing on their clients’ needs. In the same vein, they also value the contribution of each team member. They’re not merely cogs in a machine, but active co-creators of each campaign. As a result, this agency stays true to its mission while adapting to an ever-changing world. 

Mission: Help brands dominate — no matter their size.  

Clients: Cap’n Crunch, Speed Stick, and Miller Lite

Highlighted Services: 

• Ads
• Marketing
• Strategic Insights

14. McGuffin Creative Group

McGuffin Creative Group is a full-service marketing and ad firm. They strive to connect people with brands by creating messages that are not only simple but also have a human touch.

The firm stands by three philosophies. First, they strive to construct meaning. If clients pay to say something, it must be worth it – the message should be meaningful. Secondly, they help clients convey a point of view by encouraging them to take a stand on what they’re selling. And last but not least, they work hard to connect clients uniquely with their audience using a variety of channels that will make them stand out.

Clients: Allstate, Mayo Clinic and William Blair

Highlighted Services: 

• Branding
• Product and Service Launches
• Sales and Training tools

15. Tom Dick & Harry Creative

This firm describes itself as a craft agency that’s “smaller, fussier, and naturally friendlier.” In the same vein, they help build brand images by hand. As a result, their creative work is not only beautiful but meaningful and memorable as well.

Every campaign that they launch is founded on a strategy informed by research. Despite their research-based campaign foundations, however, they make their messages sound organic rather than lecture-like. Then, they make the most out of their creative tactics to make the audience connect emotionally to the brand.

Clients: Fox, Discover, and Chicago Bulls

Highlighted Services: 

• Design 
• Branding
• Ads

16. Burrell Communications

Burrell is a full-service firm which ventures respect not only for their solid strategic approach but also for their creative prowess. That said, their team is committed to bringing the best results backed by more than four decades of experience in the field.

They take pride in creating transcultural campaigns. In fact, they know how to appeal to just about any market segment – from Millennials to Boomers and everyone else outside and in between. They move brands with every piece of their work that gets clicked, liked, and shared.

Mission: Burrell’s corporate mission is to “consistently deliver innovative, creative, market-moving ideas.”

Clients: Coca Cola, McDonald’s, AARP and P&G

Highlighted Services: 

• Logo Design
• Broadcast Prod
• Media Planning and Buying

17. Laughlin Constable

Laughlin Constable is a creative agency Chicago ventures, new and old, trust for their marketing efforts. That said, they do their best not only to transform brands but also to elevate businesses. Likewise, they’re not content with focusing on the present. Instead, they help clients solve for the future. 

They describe themselves as an independent agency with deep digital roots. The firm’s tagline is “we take brands from now to next.” So, if you’re thinking of updating your branding to adapt to current trends or to suit your audience’s evolving tastes, they can surely point you in the right direction. 

Clients: ASPCA, Master Lock, and Fleet Farm

Highlighted Services: 

• Web Design and Development
• Support and Maintenance
• Video 

18. Energy BBDO

This firm describes itself as “ambitious brand builders, with a healthy can-do attitude.” Moreover, their culture and work are grounded on a simple idea that energy does move not only people but also brands. 

In every work that they do, they strive to attract attention and define the brand. By doing so, they make the client stand out from all the noise of the marketing landscape. They also make the most out of today’s channels to elevate story-telling and create experiences that take brands on the forefront.

Mission: ​ Energize people. Energize brands.®

Clients: Ziploc, The Cradle, and Windex

Highlighted Services: 

• Branding
• Ads
• Marketing

Watch a sample of their work here. 

19. Cultivate

This firm takes pride in crafting effective and award-winning branding. Aside from marketing efforts, they also create tech tools. Moreover, they take the time to get to know the brand so that they can do their best at telling your story as well as your venture’s purpose.

Cultivate has developed an approach to building a brand. They’ve honed this approach over the years, and it works not just in theory but also in practice. From the building blocks of identity, position, and campaign to identifying expectations and experience, they can help you refine your brand.

Mission: Their mission is to amplify their clients’ effectiveness. Added to that, they also aim to accelerate their growth and celebrate their feats. 

Clients: Sculpey, J.C Anderson, and OZINGA

Highlighted Services: 

• Brand Refresh
• Website Development
• App Design and Development

20. Stone Ward

Stone Ward is a firm grounded on the philosophy of building good. Aside from offering a wide array of services, they also strive to practice excellence in everything that they do every day. 

More than the services that they offer, the firm takes pride in having a smart and results-oriented team that loves what it does. One of their ad principles is to do business that is not just profitable but also ethical and fun. That said, you can be assured that your working relationship is built on honesty and trust.

Mission: They maximize the potential of every person, every client, and every idea. Giving back to local and global communities is their commitment. 

Clients: Snap-On, Baptist Health, Honda and Ande

Highlighted Services: 

• Ads and Design
• PR
• Broadcast and Video Prod

Watch a sample of their work here.

21. Solid Digital

Solid is an award-winning digital firm that offers web, mobile, as well as TV app development. That said, their team of experts stops at nothing to solve complex business issues with ample skills and knowledge. As a result, they produce award-winning work that sparks interest and gets attention. In fact, they’ve bagged quite a number of awards, such as Clutch’s Top App Development Agency in Chicago.

The firm prides itself on having a seasoned team composed of digital experts. Their skills, knowledge, and experience equip them with the prowess and confidence to face complex challenges. Aside from business ethics, dependable service, and creative craftsmanship, they also value honesty and an open-minded approach that fosters solid collaboration.  

Mission: Their goal is not only to provide high-quality services but also to strive for excellent software craftsmanship.

Clients: Thermoflex, Pine Tree, MSCI, and GoChip

Highlighted Services: 

• Strategic Planning
• SEO and PPC
• Social Media

22. Straight North

If you’re looking for a marketing agency Chicago style, check out Straight North. They set the standard for generating not just high-volume but also high-quality sales. That said, small businesses can surely benefit a lot from their services.

The firm has been around since 1997, and more than two decades’ worth of experience has made it a seasoned industry player. Today, their offices are informal but energized to do what they do best, which is to get results for their clients. They’ve earned a few certifications over the years, such as being a Google AdWords Certified Partner and a Bing Ads Accreditation Program member.

Mission: ​ Make every click count.

Clients: RevArt, FireKing, and BluePay

Highlighted Services: 

• Google AdWords
• Web Development
• Social Media Ads

23. Orbit Media Studios

This web design firm takes pride in producing high-quality web design and development. At the same time, they also offer e-commerce, content management tools, hosting, and creative vision. Aside from large ventures, they also serve small businesses not only in the Windy City but also all across the country. 

They’ve been offering their web design and development expertise since 2001. Their years in the field enabled them to see how tech trends evolve, thus informing their decisions in every website project they undertake. Also, their process keeps their team focused and their clients involved, fostering collaboration, and empowerment.

Clients: Chicago Fire FC, Cooks Delight, and Truce

Highlighted Services: 

• Keyphrase Research
• Marketing Website Design
• SEO

24. BuildThis

BuildThis is an in-house team of web designers and developers. They’ve helped hundreds of brands develop custom websites and software apps. Added to that, they treat their clients’ success as their success, rest assured that they’ll do their best at every project.

They acknowledge their clients’ need to keep up with today’s evolving digital tech. So, they develop solutions tailor-fit for your venture’s unique needs. The products that they create helps ventures keep up with the trends and stay on top of their industry.

Mission: Their mission is to simplify the complex web development process for clients and, at the same time,  build modern websites and apps that people love to use.

Clients: Perfit, Bidcab, and Adventis CG

Highlighted Services: 

• Web Design
• App Development
• Hosting and Support

25. Wojo Design

Founded in 2004, this web design firm was a brainchild of three internet entrepreneurs who love building awesome websites. They believe that great design should align business goals with user needs. Moreover, not only do they prioritize aesthetics, but they also ground their work on solid research processes such as competitor reviews as well as stakeholder interviews. 

Hiring them means getting the benefits of a small, focused, personal team. And at the same time, it also allows you to get the benefits of working with an agency with a wide range of talents. As a result, they’ve produced many award-winning projects. In fact, they earned W3 Silver Awards in 2019.

Mission: They boost website performance by designing a better user experience. 

Clients: Alliant Credit Union, Mente Group, and North Star Lighting

Highlighted Services: 

• Industry Research
• Online Marketing Strategy
• Detailed Project Plan 

So, if you’re on a quest to find a marketing agency Chicago businesses trust, take the time to check out each one’s creative process. By doing so, not only will you find the sharpest in the field but you’ll also discover which ones hold the same values as your venture.