35 Marketing and Advertising Agencies in Chicago You Should Know

Chicago’s creative and digital agencies drive branding, UX, development and customer-experience innovation for companies across industries.

Written by Alyssa Schroer
45 Marketing and Advertising Agencies in Chicago You Should Know
UPDATED BY
Abel Rodriguez | Aug 27, 2026
REVIEWED BY
Ellen Glover
Summary: Chicago’s marketing landscape includes agencies like Leo Burnett, Bounteous, Nerdery and Walker Sands. These companies deliver branding, UX, app development, PR and customer-experience services across industries.

Chicago has long been a hub for advertising, marketing and creative agencies. Beginning over a century ago with mail-order catalogs, the Chicago advertising and marketing scene has grown into a multi-channel powerhouse. Though the industry may have a long history, agencies are ever-changing and providing new services for the digital age. 

Marketing agencies are crucial to the success of countless businesses, keeping them on the map and in the know. With new channels constantly emerging, digital agencies keep up by delivering services ranging from mobile and web app development to branding and virtual reality.

Top Digital Marketing Agencies in Chicago

  • Bounteous
  • Nerdery
  • Codal
  • Cubicle Ninjas
  • One North
  • Rightpoint

These Chicago-based agencies specialize in advertising, marketing and creative are changing the way brands and companies engage with their audiences.

Related ResourcesFind Your Next Job on Built In Chicago

 

Top Digital Marketing Agencies in Chicago

Founded: 2003 

Focus: Digital Consulting

What they do: Nerdery designs digital marketing strategies by using audience research to refine how major companies interact with customers. The companuthen translates data insights into modern digital touchpoints that actively fuel business growth across competitive industries. Nerdery strategic work guides customer experience initiatives for major global brands, including Google, Mayo Clinic and Polaris.

 

Founded: 2006 

Focus: Digital Marketing

What they do: The Motion Agency is a woman-owned marketing firm that provides brand strategy, digital media and public relations services. The agency produces creative content, custom web design and promotional video projects for commercial brand initiatives. The Motion Agency supports clients across major industries, including Whirlpool, Mondelēz International, The Home Depot and Abbott. 

 

Founded: 2011 

Focus: Digital Marketing

What they do: Finn Partners creates digital marketing campaigns for businesses across a variety of sectors. Its services combine structured media outreach with targeted ad campaigns to maintain for clients in technology, healthcare and finance secotes.

 

Founded: 2001

Focus: B2B marketing, Public Relations

What they do: Walker Sands is a B2B marketing and public relations agency that helps tech companies, professional services firms and e-commerce retailers grow through demand generation and brand strategy. The firm delivers media relations, content development and digital marketing services to support client growth objectives.

 

Founded: 1959 

Focus: Television Advertising

What they do: Eicoff is a performance advertising agency that specializes in direct response television (DRTV) and digital video. The company uses data and targeting to deliver growth for brands across TV, digital and audio channels. Eicoff’s services span creative development, media strategy and buying and analytics — including its proprietary EiQ measurement platform — to optimize advertising response and return on investment.

 

Founded: 2012 

Focus: Creative and Strategy

What they do: The Distillery Project is an independent agency that develops brand strategies, broadcast media and advertising campaigns. The firm focuses on crafting clear messaging designed to connect directly with target audiences across different media platforms. By combining strategic planning with production services, The Distillery Project helps organizations build and communicate their core identity.

 

Founded: 2007

Focus: Customer Experience

What they do: Rightpoint, a Genpact company, designs digital marketing platforms and interactive customer channels. The agency combines brand strategy and user experience design with technology, leveraging artificial intelligence as well as key partnerships with Adobe and Microsoft. Through its Total Experience framework, Rightpoint aligns external marketing initiatives with internal corporate systems.

 

Founded: 2003 

Focus: Digital Branding & Experience

What they do: Bounteous uses strategy, design, web and mobile development, interactive marketing and analytics to deliver brand experiences that change behavior and produce results. The agency provides end-to-end products but it also partners with in-house design and engineering teams to ensure the best product.  

 

Founded: 2005 

Focus: Creative Consulting

What they do: Bandwidth is a creative consultancy based in Chicago that develops custom brand and business solutions for startups and established companies. The firm provides strategy, planning, digital marketing, web design, sales promotion and alternative media programs. Bandwidth works with companies across healthcare, finance and technology sectors.

 

Founded: 1994 

Focus: Advertising and Web Design 

What they do: Part Three designs integrated promotional campaigns that align search engine outreach with core web architecture. The team focuses on capturing high-intent web traffic through targeted search algorithms and active social media channels.

 

Founded: 2007 

Focus: B2B Marketing

What they do: CDM Media produces curated summits and executive roundtable dinners connecting C-level leaders from Global 5000 enterprises with technology providers. The company facilitates one-to-one meetings and peer-to-peer networking across specialized communities including executives, enabling senior leaders to address critical technology challenges through face-to-face interactions.

 

Founded: 1999 

Focus: Creative Services

What they do: ArtVersion crafts distinct digital brand messaging that establishes strong web presences for growing and established organizations. Operating out of Chicago, the agency applies human-centered design principles to build interactive digital environments that tell a clear brand story. Its creative strategists build comprehensive identity systems that help companies build lasting connections.

 

Founded: 2013 

Focus: Digital Marketing

What they do: Matchnode is a digital health marketing agency specializing in paid social and performance marketing healthtech brands. The company builds HIPAA-compliant paid media programs on Meta, Google, TikTok and connected TV, combining creative strategy with server-side tracking infrastructure.

 

Founded: 1989

Focus: Digital Marketing & Sourcing

What they do: Tms unites technology, marketing and sourcing to drive transformational change for global brands. Headquartered in Chicago with 13 offices worldwide, the company delivers brand experiences, retail solutions, packaging and promotional products for clients including McDonald's and Samsung. Tms provides strategy, design and retail experience development alongside supply chain and sourcing capabilities.

 

Founded: 2008 

Focus: Branding and Design

What they do: ColorJar is a strategy and design firm that develops visual identities to improve guest and customer experiences. The agency specializes in brand creation and redesigns for sectors like hospitality, food and real estate. Its portfolio includes work for prominent local organizations such as Navy Pier, Blue Plate and Lettuce Entertain You.

 

Founded: 1993 

Focus: Digital Marketing

What they do: Harp is a woman-owned digital marketing agency that provides branding, website development, search engine optimization, email marketing and market research services. The agency specializes in strategic brand evolution and cross-channel marketing funnels that drive lead generation and conversions for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500.

 

Founded: 2009 

Focus: Advertising and Branding

What they do: Popskull produces creative promotional campaigns that build direct connections between emerging brands and everyday consumers. The boutique agency develops targeted social outreach and physical promotional assets that raise product visibility across crowded retail spaces. The company’s creative team shapes distinct public identities for consumer goods, supporting brands like Lyft and SkinnyPop.

 

Founded: 1992 

Focus: Full-Service Creative Services

What they do: Pivot Design is a women-led strategic creative agency that specializes in healthcare branding and design. The firm leverages design to make health more compelling, working with pharmaceutical and medical device companies to build authentic healthcare brands. Pivot Design provides branding, strategy, digital design and omnichannel activation services that help clients connect with patients, physicians and caregivers through compelling brand experiences.

 

Founded: 1999 

Focus: Full-Service Advertising Services

What they do: Iris Worldwide provides fully integrated services for marketing, creative and consulting needs. The agency develops localized ad content across eleven global offices to build audience participation for B2B and B2C brands. In addition to traditional advertising and marketing strategies, Iris offers fringe marketing services like loyalty programs, social media influencers and experiential projects.

 

Founded: 2012

Focus: B2B Digital Marketing

What they do: One North, a TEKsystems company, creates technology and design solutions tailored for business-to-business organizations. The agency manages full project lifecycles, guiding clients from research and user experience design through software implementation and digital marketing. One North collaborates with enterprise clients, including United Airlines and Wellstar Health System, to modernize their digital platforms and customer interactions.

 

Founded: 1963 

Focus: Digital Marketing

What they do: Coates Group provides digital merchandising solutions for quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands worldwide. Based in Chicago, the company provides digital menu boards, self-service kiosks, drive-thru technology and content management software that enable restaurants to create personalized customer experiences and drive operational efficiency. Coates Group serves major QSR brands including McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s and Ampol, combining hardware, proprietary software and professional services to simplify complex restaurant ecosystems.

 

Founded: 1935 

Focus: Full-Service Advertising

What they do: Leo Burnett produces global advertising campaigns that pair human behavioral insights with AI analytics. Operating as part of Publicis Communications, the agency manages full-service media planning and brand strategy across international markets. Enterprise clients like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s and Kellogg use Leo Burnett’s marketing infrastructure to maintain market presence.

 

Founded: 1981 

Focus: Full-Service Advertising

What they do: AbelsonTaylor is a full-service health and wellness advertising agency. The agency specializes in pharmaceutical and consumer health brand marketing, with expertise in rare diseases, oncology and medical devices. With over four decades of experience, AbelsonTaylor guides pharmaceutical product launches and creates campaigns that deliver measurable brand results for healthcare clients.

 

Founded: 2012

Focus: Education Marketing

What they do: AllCampus is marketing and advertising agency specializing in higher education. The firm partners with universities to increase enrollment through data-driven marketing services including search, paid media, content and creative services — with AI-enabled optimization across all programs. AllCampus also serves employers through workplace education benefits.

 

Founded: 2009 

Focus: Full-Service Advertising

What they do: Cubicle Ninjas is a creative agency that produces digital applications and augmented reality experiences. The firm designs and develops technology solutions for a wide range of clients, including Fortune 1000 companies, startups and nonprofits.

 

Founded: 1845 

Focus: Creative Digital Consulting

What they do: Deloitte Digital executes marketing campaigns, brand strategies and digital commerce initiatives for commercial clients. The agency combines creative media with software analytics to power targeted advertising and personalized customer programs. Operating through a worldwide network of studios, the company develops custom digital products to expand brand outreach.

 

Founded: 1930 

Focus: Mobile Creative & App Development

What they do: Wipfli provides marketing and digital transformation services through Wipfli Interactive. The company develops custom mobile applications and websites, while using data analytics to drive brand awareness and customer engagement campaigns. Wipfli Interactive’s capabilities help organizations across industries modernize their digital presence and expand their market reach.

 

Founded: 1998

Focus: Audio Branding

What they do: PHMG is an audio branding agency producing specialized marketing content using custom music, voice artistry and creative copywriting. The agency designs audio communications across phone systems, broadcast media and digital touchpoints. PHMG’s global client portfolio includes major brands such as Coca-Cola, Samsung and Adidas.

 

Founded: 2004

Focus: Digital Marketing 

What they do: Rise Interactive operates as a data-focused media agency that builds custom marketing strategies tailored to consumer household information. By combining offline media buying with digital campaign tracking, the agency continuously adjusts promotional tactics to maximize revenue across every customer touchpoint. Rise’s strategic model provides enterprise businesses with full visibility into how individual advertisement placements directly impact revenue growth.

  

Founded: 2009 

Focus: UX Design & Development

What they do: Codal designs digital storefronts and unified commerce systems that turn customer interactions into sales for enterprise clients. By analyzing user behavior, the firm creates seamless online journeys that keep customers engaged across every channel. Codal builds high-converting digital marketing platforms for major brands operating throughout retail, healthcare and finance.

 

Founded: 2006 

Focus: Creative Services

What they do: Reach Creative is a full-service digital agency offering branding, website design and application development services. The agency combines traditional creative services like print design and brand strategy, with modern digital solutions including web development and project management to help brands connect with their audiences.

 

Founded: 2008 

Focus: Creative & Digital Marketing

What they do: Clique Studios builds custom websites, brand strategies and digital marketing campaigns. The agency collaborates with clients across healthcare, higher education, finance, nonprofit and startup sectors. Its teams integrate user experience design, software engineering and performance analytics to deliver accessible online platforms.

 

Founded: 2009 

Focus: Digital Product Development

What they do: Dom & Tom is a digital product agency that helps founders, growth teams and technology leaders design complex digital products. The agency specializes in web and mobile development, with expertise in AI and emerging technologies. Dom & Tom works with Fortune 500 companies and startups to build digital solutions tailored to their business needs and strategies.

 

Founded: 2001 

Focus: Creative and Strategy

What they do: Fifty Thousand Feet shapes brand positioning, visual identities and targeted marketing campaigns for global corporations. The independent consultancy uses storytelling and creative strategy to connect clients with audiences across the financial, technology and lifestyle sectors. Fifty Thousand Feet’s client portfolio features major brand initiatives for international companies, including Mastercard, Salesforce, BMW and Under Armour.

 

Founded: 2000 

Focus: Digital Marketing

What they do: Hangar 12 specializes in consumer promotion and shopper marketing programs for consumer packaged goods companies. To do so, it deploys digital incentives and point-of-sale campaigns that influence buying decisions inside retail stores. The company’s promotional work helps packaged goods manufacturers expand brand equity while driving product volume.

 

This article was originally published in 2018. Ashley Bowden contributed reporting to this story.

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