With a gross regional product surpassing that of some countries, Chicago boasts one of the most diversified economies in the US. It’s no wonder that the city’s digital marketing scene offers 400+ agencies, all looking to channel their experience and creativity into local and national companies. So, how to find the best digital marketing agency Chicago has to offer for your business? To help you out, we have prepared a list of firms in the Windy City that can elevate your business and help you rise to the top in your field.
From natural beauty to architecture, Chi city has many things (besides deep-dish pizza) that make it one-of-a-kind. It has the bluest waters outside of the Caribbean, more bridges than any other city, numerous pieces of abstract art, murals, and statues that grace its streets, indoor and outdoor attractions to keep you entertained all year round, and delicious international cuisine.
But let's talk business! Chicago is famous for being home to some of the largest companies in very diverse sectors, with each industry employing no more than 12% of the workforce. With over four million working people contributing to the $698 billion annual gross regional product, the city's economic strength is undeniable.
When it comes to digital marketing companies, Chicago has a lot to offer to every single one of the 265,000+ businesses operating in the area and beyond. Top-notch web design, SEO or paid advertising, the Windy City has it all.
Chicago is broken into 77 diverse neighborhoods, each carrying a distinctive charm. These sub-areas foster cultural diversity from all corners of the world, creating a sense of community that straightens the local small business and startup scene. According to the national urban affairs magazine and non-profit organization NextCity, “Chicago has a claim on being the birthplace of the modern community development finance movement”.
To keep the economic momentum going, the city has invested in further developing its neighborhoods, creating a hospitable environment for ambitious entrepreneurs across various industries, hence the massive need for top digital companies in Chicago.
As a manufacturing hub, Windy City is the place to be for startups and small businesses that sell goods. The Chicago metro area plays host to the third-largest manufacturing cluster in the US, with 560,000 employees working in electronics, metalworking, pharmaceuticals, computers, and other industries. The easy access to reliable manufacturers, export opportunities, excellent transportation infrastructure, and top digital marketing companies in Chicago create fertile soil for goods-focused businesses to grow locally, nationally, and globally.
Chicago's advantageous business conditions have attracted many tech behemoths like Google, Facebook, Salesforce, and Stripe to relocate, open a second headquarters, or start significant operations in the city. Their presence has contributed to Chicago being perceived as a welcoming tech hub.
Silicon Valley comes with a high price, while NYC is tight on space. But Chicago offers the perfect mix of a lower cost of living, plenty of reasonably-priced office space, a diverse population, and an immense talent pool coming from the best MBA, engineering programs, and entrepreneurship centers. And, of course, the best-in-class digital marketing firms Chicago has for small businesses and startups to help them get the recognition they deserve.
As a world center of finance, Chicago also provides plenty of fundraising opportunities. Although it still can't quite compete with major tech hubs like San Francisco when it comes to VC-raised and startup success, the city provides the highest ROI, PitchBook reports. The reputable capital market company discovered that a staggering 45% of Chicago investments have resulted in 10x ROI, compared to only 25% for Bay Area venture deals. The excellent results delivered by Chicago startups have sparked higher interest among investors to support local businesses. Startups tap talented Chicago digital marketing agencies to help them make the most of their limited budgets and justify their investors' support.
Funding for Chicago startups reached a decade-high $2.186 billion in 2019, the second-best year for venture funding after the 2000s $2.6 billion raised during the dot-com boom. Chicago owes this vibrant venture activity mostly to its healthcare companies that have attracted the most lucrative deals with their ground-breaking ideas. The rise in venture support allows startups to tap the best digital marketing companies Chicago hosts to promote them.
Chicago is getting more competitive by the day, and digital marketing agencies are here to help you outsmart your rivals and win your place on the market. Depending on your situation, you may also need to hire other professionals to help you build a powerful business. Whether you need to get your branding sorted out, reach customers via specific channels, or put together a compelling website, we have the best recommendations for you.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for branding and digital marketing, Chicago is proud to offer Paragraphs. This agency has been growing revenue and market share for national and global clients since 1984. It combines strategic insight and ingenious creativity to nourish brands that build businesses.
Established in 1999, ArtVersion is one of the most reputable creative agencies with best-in-class expertise in branding, digital design, and ecommerce. Its clientele ranges from notable startups to Fortune 500 companies, enabling them to launch successfully, expand into new markets, or straighten their existing position.
Formed in 2005, BatesMeron is among the leading creative, web design, and branding agencies in Chicago. These experts call themselves creative capitalists due to their ability to bridge the gap between strategy, creativity, and execution. Its diverse expertise and stellar track record make it one of the most reliable full-service digital marketing agencies Chicago hosts.
Unlike the traditional digital marketing companies and advertising agencies in Chicago, Bandwidth dubs itself as a creative consultancy. The team takes the time to understand your business, objectives, buyers, and budgets to deliver strategic and creative solutions that fit your specific needs. It houses big brains and big brand expertise within a boutique-style agency.
Founded in 2006, JJR Marketing is one of the fastest-growing Chicago digital marketing agencies and PR companies. It caters to thought leaders in the B2B space who wish to create greater brand awareness and demand. It takes pride in practicing accountability, ensuring strong results, and excellent value for each client.
Since 2000, Rule29 has been “making creative matter”. If you’re looking for an all-encompassing advertising and digital marketing agency, Chicago has this certified B corp organization specializing in bringing brands and customers closer through strategy, design, and creative services. It offers big-picture, sustainable solutions to complex business challenges.
Comrade Web Agency is among the leading web design agencies and digital marketing Chicago companies, growing businesses, and ecommerce stores across a wide array of industries with world-class digital marketing strategies and solutions. It’s one of the rare agencies that offers a cost-effective, money-back guarantee pricing model.
Wojo Design is among the top-performing digital and web design agencies in Chicago, working with businesses of all sizes to seamlessly implement every element of their internet marketing strategy. Clients enjoy the benefits of a tight-knit team that provides personalized service while working with an agency that offers diverse capabilities.
If you’re looking for a website design, SEO, reputation management, and digital marketing agency, Chicago Website Design SEO Company is a reliable choice for small businesses. It specializes in small business websites and marketing services, providing everything you need to amplify your online presence and reputation for a reasonable price.