Chicago is home to top digital marketing agencies that help businesses grow through data-driven strategies and creative campaigns.
These agencies specialize in SEO, paid media, social media management, content marketing, and web development, delivering measurable results across various industries.
Whether optimizing brand visibility, increasing conversions, or enhancing customer engagement, the best digital marketing agencies in Chicago offer tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs.
Criteria for Choosing a Digital Marketing Agency in Chicago
Selecting the right digital marketing agency requires evaluating key factors to ensure they align with your business goals. Here are some essential criteria to consider:
Expertise & Specialization: Check if the agency specializes in SEO, PPC, social media marketing, content marketing, or a full-service approach.
Industry Experience: Look for agencies with experience in your industry to ensure they understand market trends and target audiences.
Client Portfolio & Case Studies: Review their past work, testimonials, and case studies to assess their success with previous clients.
Transparency & Communication: Ensure they provide clear reporting, regular updates, and open communication about campaign performance.
Pricing & Budget Fit: Compare pricing structures and determine if their services align with your budget while delivering expected value.
Tools & Technology: Evaluate the tools they use for analytics, automation, and performance tracking to ensure data-driven strategies.
Customization & Strategy: A good agency tailors strategies based on your business needs instead of offering generic solutions.
Top Digital Marketing Agencies in Chicago
Here are the 14 best digital marketing agencies in Chicago. These agencies excel in SEO, PPC, social media, and more.
1o8
1o8 is a Chicago-based digital marketing agency specializing in performance marketing for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands.
Established in 2018, the agency has worked with brands in industries such as food & beverage, toys, and pets, helping them scale their digital presence and increase revenue.
Services:
Marketing Solutions: SEO, paid ads, content, social media, email.
E-commerce: Amazon & Shopify optimization.
Sales Focus: Boosts sales & ROAS.
Location:
- Chicago, Illinois
Pricing:
Hourly rate: $200 – $300 / hr.
Straight North
Straight North is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, PPC, web design, email marketing, and lead generation.
Established in 1997, the agency serves B2B and B2C businesses across various industries. With a data-driven approach, they focus on delivering measurable results and revenue growth for their clients.
Services:
- SEO, PPC, web design, development, email marketing, graphic design.
- Lead Generation: Boosts conversions & online visibility.
- Advertising: Optimizes PPC campaigns for better ROI.
- Branding: Enhances visual identity through graphic design.
Location:
- Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, USA
Pricing:
Starting from: $1,500 per month (according to clutch).
Digital Authority Partners
Founded in 2016, Digital Authority Partners (DAP) is an integrated digital agency that blends data-driven insights and innovative problem-solving to help companies evolve, compete, and grow in a digital-first world.
Their core competencies include content marketing, SEO, SEM, digital product development, analytics, e-commerce development, and digital marketing.
DAP serves a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, fintech, education, and government.
Notable clients include Omron Healthcare, Athena Health, Amazon, Dickson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Adecco Group.
The digital authority partners agency has been recognized for its work, with features in outlets such as CNBC, Time Magazine, and The New York Times.
Services:
Comprehensive Services: Content marketing, SEO, SEM, digital marketing, e-commerce, analytics, and product development.
Growth Focus: Enhances digital presence and drives business success.
Data-Driven Approach: Uses analytics and innovation for measurable results.
Location:
- Headquarters: 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212, Chicago, Illinois, 60654, United States
Pricing:
Project price is starting from $1,000 and hourly rate is $100 – $149 / hr.
SCUBE Marketing
Established in 2009, SCUBE Marketing is a digital marketing agency specializing in paid search, shopping campaigns, paid social campaigns, and analytics services.
The agency focuses on helping e-commerce companies grow by targeting the right customers with the right message at the right time.
SCUBE Marketing serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, outdoor living, hunting, apparel, party supplies, food delivery, interior design, and automotive sectors.
Their expertise extends to both B2C and B2B e-commerce industries, demonstrating a proven track record in delivering results.
Services:
Core Services: Paid search, shopping campaigns, paid social, and analytics.
E-commerce Growth: Focuses on scaling online stores.
Targeted Advertising: Delivers the right message to the right audience at the right time.
They also provide specialized strategies for various e-commerce industries, focusing on optimizing sales and return on ad spend (ROAS).
Location:
- Headquarters: 1 Mid America Plaza, Floor 3, Suite 1905, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, 60181, United States
Pricing:
The project price starts at $1,000, with an hourly rate ranging from $100 to $149.
Galactic Fed
Founded in 2017, Galactic Fed is a digital marketing agency specializing in growth marketing, SEO, and paid media.
Their team comprises experts from Google and Stanford, focusing on data-driven strategies to enhance clients’ digital ROI.
The agency has collaborated with over 600 companies, ranging from Fortune 50 brands to early-stage startups, across various industries.
Services:
Paid Media: Runs targeted ads on Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Amazon, and more.
SEO: Offers technical SEO, link-building, CTR optimization, and mobile SEO.
Email Marketing: Designs campaigns to nurture leads and boost engagement.
CRO: Improves website performance to increase conversions.
Web Development: Builds user-friendly sites aligned with marketing goals.
Location:
- Headquarters: Galactic Fed operates as a fully distributed, multinational digital marketing agency.
Pricing:
Project prices typically range between $20,000 and $150,000 per year (according to clutch).
VisualFizz
Founded in 2016, VisualFizz is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Chicago.
The agency specializes in growth-driven strategies for B2B brands in industries such as industrial manufacturing, technology, and health and wellness.
VisualFizz focuses on crafting data-driven marketing campaigns that enhance brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation.
The agency is known for its creative, performance-focused approach to digital marketing.
Services:
Web Development and Design: Creates modern, user-friendly websites optimized for conversions.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Paid Search (PPC): Enhances organic visibility and runs high-performing paid ad campaigns.
Branding: Develops compelling brand identities that resonate with audiences.
Social Media Management: Provides content creation and strategy for brand engagement.
VisualFizz is recognized for its commitment to delivering measurable results for businesses through tailored digital marketing strategies.
Location:
- Headquarters: 444 N Michigan Ave #1200, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
Pricing:
Project prices range between 5,000 to $250,000 (according to clutch).
Comrade Digital Marketing Agency
Established in 2008, Comrade Digital Marketing Agency is a full-service digital marketing and web development firm.
They specialize in online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and web design, aiming to drive revenue growth for their clients.
Comrade has completed over 300 projects across various sectors, delivering tangible conversion and revenue growth through their services.
Services:
Paid Ads: Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Amazon.
SEO: Technical SEO, link-building, CTR, mobile SEO.
Email: Lead nurturing & engagement.
CRO: Boosts conversions.
Web: User-friendly, marketing-focused sites.
Locations:
- Headquarters: 332 S Michigan Ave, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois, 60604, United States.
- Additional Offices: Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Austin, Texas.
Pricing:
Project costs ranging from $3,000 to $100,000 (according to clutch).
Fresh Content Society
Fresh Content Society (FCS) is a social media marketing agency specializing in crafting dynamic and engaging social media communities to drive brand growth and foster meaningful connections.
Founded over a decade ago, FCS emphasizes personalized client relationships, treating each client with dedication and importance.
Services:
Social Strategy: Custom organic & paid plans with ongoing optimization.
Content Creation: Engaging, trend-driven campaigns for audience impact.
Community Management: Active engagement to build brand presence.
Fresh Content Society’s mission is to empower brands by creating dynamic and engaging social media communities that drive growth and foster meaningful connections.
Location:
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Pricing:
Project costs vary from $10,000 to $1 million, based on the client’s size and project scope.
Accelerated Digital Media
Accelerated Digital Media (ADM) is a digital marketing agency specializing in performance marketing and data analytics.
They focus on delivering measurable results for clients across various industries.
Services:
Performance Marketing: ADM develops and manages campaigns across multiple digital channels to drive targeted traffic and conversions.
Data Analytics: The agency emphasizes data-driven strategies, utilizing advanced analytics to optimize marketing efforts and achieve client goals.
ADM is committed to helping clients enhance their digital presence and achieve sustainable growth through tailored marketing strategies.
Location:
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Pricing:
- Hourly rate: $150 – $199 / hr
Astash
Founded in 2008, aStash is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in custom web design and search engine optimization (SEO).
The astash agency focuses on creating vibrant, modern, and stylish websites that convert visitors into customers.
They have successfully ranked hundreds of websites in the top three positions on Google across various industries and locations throughout the United States.
Services:
Web Development: Custom, responsive sites with WordPress & PHP.
SEO: Keyword research, link-building, on-page optimization.
Branding: Unique logos & brand identities.
E-commerce: Advanced online stores with SEO strategies.
Digital Marketing: PPC, social media, content, and email marketing.
Location:
- Headquarters: Fort Collins, Colorado, United States.
Pricing:
Projects typically average $9,000 for website design, with an annual maintenance fee of $2,000 (according to clutch).
Gulo
Established in 2003, Gulo is a digital marketing agency specializing in creating high-performing websites for B2B and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands.
With offices in Chicago and Cincinnati, Gulo focuses on delivering exceptional user experiences through website design, content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and conversion rate optimization (CRO).
Services:
SEO & Content: Drives organic traffic with valuable, audience-focused content.
CRO: Optimizes websites to boost conversions and customer engagement.
Location:
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Pricing:
Gulo’s pricing varies from $10,000 to more than $54,000, depending on the project’s scope.
Marcel Digital
Established in March 2003, Marcel Digital is an award-winning website development and digital marketing agency.
As one of the original and most well-established digital marketing firms in the United States, Marcel Digital is committed to redefining the agency experience.
Services:
Web Development: Custom Umbraco sites & applications with ongoing support.
Digital Marketing: SEO, paid media, CRO, and content marketing.
Analytics Consulting: Expert Google Analytics auditing & optimization.
Marcel Digital’s mission is to change the perception of what an agency can be, striving to be a close-knit, integrated team of authentic and talented individuals who embrace philanthropy and culture to achieve both client and corporate goals
Location:
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Pricing:
Project costs typically range from $25,000 per month to over $400,000 annually
Walker Sands
Founded in 2001, Walker Sands is a full-service B2B integrated marketing and public relations agency.
The agency focuses on delivering outcomes that drive real business value for clients across various industries.
Services:
Strategy: Research, marketing strategy, buyer journey, ABM.
PR: Media relations, product launches, awards, speaking opportunities.
Demand Gen: Paid media, SEO, automation, email, CRO.
Creative: Campaigns, design, video, animation, copywriting.
Branding: Strategy, messaging, creative expression.
Social Media: Management & influencer marketing.
Location:
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Pricing:
Project costs for website redesigns range from $10,000 to $50,000, with ongoing retainer fees below $10,000 per month.
OneIMS.com
OneIMS is a comprehensive digital marketing agency that specializes in inbound marketing strategies, aiming to optimize marketing efforts and support revenue goals for businesses.
Their approach focuses on attracting new buyers, retaining existing customers, and optimizing revenue to achieve sustainable growth.
Services:
Digital Marketing: Boosts lead quality while optimizing CPL & COCA.
Professional Services: Highlights unique value for client attraction.
Social Media: Engages audiences across digital platforms.
Lead Generation: Custom strategies for measurable growth.
Location:
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Pricing:
Project costs range from less than $10,000 to $200,000.
How to Select the Right Agency for Your Business?
Once you have shortlisted potential agencies, follow these steps to make the final decision:
Define Your Goals: Identify whether you need brand awareness, lead generation, higher rankings, or increased sales.
Request a Consultation: Discuss your objectives, ask questions, and assess their approach to your business challenges.
Compare Proposals: Analyze their proposed strategies, pricing, timelines, and expected outcomes before making a decision.
Check Client Reviews & References: Contact previous clients or read online reviews to get insights into their working style and results.
Start with a Trial Project: If possible, run a small campaign to evaluate their performance before committing long-term.
Assess Reporting & Analytics: Ensure they provide detailed performance reports and insights for tracking ROI effectively.
Evaluate Long-Term Compatibility: Choose an agency that aligns with your business values, understands your vision, and can scale with your growth.
Following these steps, you can select a digital marketing agency that best suits your business needs and maximizes your online success.
Key Takeaways:
Choosing the right digital marketing agency can make all the difference in reaching your business goals.
The agencies listed above are leading the way in Chicago’s competitive scene with their innovation, results-driven strategies, and deep understanding of modern consumer behavior.
With expertise in SEO, paid media, social media management, content marketing, and web development, these agencies provide tailored strategies to expand audience, drive conversions, and boost engagement.
Even if you’re a startup or an established brand, partnering with any of these top firms can help you grow faster and smarter.
Most Asked Questions:
Who are the Big 6 digital marketing agencies?
The “Big 6” digital marketing agencies refer to the world’s largest advertising holding companies, which own numerous agencies specializing in various aspects of marketing and communications.
These are:
- WPP plc: Headquartered in London, WPP is one of the world’s leading advertising and marketing services companies.
- Omnicom Group: Based in New York City, Omnicom provides advertising, marketing, and corporate communications services.
- Publicis Groupe: A French multinational, Publicis offers a wide range of advertising and communications services.
- Interpublic Group (IPG): An American company specializing in advertising and marketing services.
- Dentsu Group: A Japanese international advertising and public relations company.
- Havas Group: Headquartered in France, Havas provides advertising and communications services globally.
These conglomerates have established themselves as industry leaders through innovation, creativity, and data-driven approaches.
What is the famous ad agency in Chicago?
Chicago is home to several renowned advertising agencies. One of the most notable is Leo Burnett Worldwide, founded in Chicago in 1935.
Leo Burnett has created iconic campaigns and characters, such as Tony the Tiger and the Marlboro Man, solidifying its reputation in the advertising industry.
What is the most successful digital marketing agency?
Determining the “most successful” digital marketing agency depends on various metrics, including revenue, client portfolio, and industry impact.
Among the Big 6, Publicis Groupe has notably outperformed its peers, delivering a 209% return over the past five years.
This success is attributed to its aggressive mergers and acquisitions strategy, robust digital approach, and diverse revenue streams.
How much does a digital marketing specialist make in Chicago?
Salaries for digital marketing specialists in Chicago vary based on experience, education, and specific job responsibilities. According to recent data:
- Glassdoor: Reports an average salary of $73,163 per year for a Digital Marketing Specialist in Chicago.
- Salary.com: Indicates an average salary of $82,500 as of March 1, 2025, with a typical range between $74,701 and $91,756.
- ZipRecruiter: Lists an average annual pay of $67,441, equating to approximately $32.42 per hour.
These figures provide a general overview; actual salaries can vary based on individual qualifications and specific employer offerings.
