As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is a national marketing hub with deep creative roots and a rich advertising history.
Home to legacy agencies and up-and-coming studios alike, the city offers a wide range of marketing talent — from branding and creative production to full-service digital and strategic consulting. Whether you’re a startup looking to build awareness or an enterprise brand ready for a rebrand or campaign push, there’s a Chicago agency that fits your needs.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of 15 marketing agencies serving the Chicago area. These agencies offer expertise across brand development, advertising, digital strategy, public relations, social media, and more — and are known for producing work that delivers results.
UFO
- Website: uforocks.com
- Founded: 2007
- Services: SEO, PPC, social advertising, conversion optimization and email marketing.
- Industries served: eCommerce, business services, medical, legal and consumer products & services.
- Locations: Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Portland, OR
- Contact: (513) 549‑7355 | [email protected]
UFO Performance Marketing describes itself as an engineering firm for marketing, using experimental design and measurement frameworks to tie performance back to revenue. Founded in 2007, the agency combines strategic thinking with technological expertise to deliver custom PPC, SEO and full‑funnel strategies.
Leo Burnett
- Website: leoburnett.com
- Founded: 1935
- Services: Creative advertising, brand strategy, media, digital content, and experiential marketing.
- Industries served: Consumer goods, automotive, retail, healthcare, financial services.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 220‑5959
One of the most iconic names in advertising, Leo Burnett is headquartered in Chicago and remains a global force in creative marketing. Known for legendary campaigns and iconic brand characters, the agency continues to shape the way major brands tell stories. Their full-service offerings span strategy, creative, media, and experience design.
closerlook
- Website: closerlook.com
- Founded: 1987
- Services: Healthcare marketing, data science, digital strategy, content creation.
- Industries served: Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare providers.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 896‑9400 | [email protected]
closerlook is a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on healthcare and life sciences. Based in Chicago, the agency combines creative storytelling with advanced analytics to create deeper connections between brands and healthcare professionals. Their strategic work helps pharma and biotech companies launch, scale, and optimize engagement.
Simple Truth
- Website: yoursimpletruth.com
- Founded: 1993
- Services: Branding, design, content strategy, corporate communications, video.
- Industries served: Financial services, healthcare, education, B2B.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 475‑1400
Simple Truth is a Chicago branding and design agency that brings clarity and creativity to complex brand stories. Known for its thoughtful, strategic approach, the agency works across industries to craft communications and visuals that resonate. Clients value their ability to simplify messaging without sacrificing impact.
3rd Edge
- Website: 3rdedge.com
- Founded: 2001
- Services: Branding, marketing strategy, graphic design, digital campaigns.
- Industries served: Nonprofits, education, arts, and cause-driven organizations.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (773) 271‑0300 | [email protected]
3rd Edge is a mission-driven creative agency based in Chicago, partnering with organizations that aim to make a difference. They specialize in helping nonprofits and institutions articulate their value through branding, storytelling, and design. With a collaborative process and a deep understanding of purpose-driven work, 3rd Edge delivers marketing that inspires action.
ArtVersion
- Website: artversion.com
- Founded: 1999
- Services: Branding, UX/UI design, web development, and creative direction.
- Industries served: B2B, consumer goods, healthcare, tech, education.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 690‑7000
ArtVersion is a multidisciplinary design and branding agency based in Chicago. With a strong focus on visual identity and user experience, the agency works with companies to create high-impact brand visuals and interactive digital experiences. Their blend of strategy, design, and development makes them a go-to partner for businesses building modern brands.
One North
- Website: onenorth.com
- Founded: 2012
- Services: Brand strategy, digital experience design, content, and tech integration.
- Industries served: Legal, consulting, financial services, professional services.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 940‑9000
One North is a Chicago-based agency that specializes in marketing for relationship-driven organizations. With expertise in brand development, digital platforms, and enterprise technology, they help professional services firms create powerful client experiences. The agency’s integrated approach bridges strategy, design, and development.
Paragraphs LLC
- Website: paragraphs.com
- Founded: 1984
- Services: Branding, visual identity, messaging, B2B marketing.
- Industries served: Healthcare, biotech, tech, manufacturing.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 828‑0200
Paragraphs is a creative branding agency located in downtown Chicago. The firm is known for its work with complex B2B and highly regulated industries, delivering clear messaging and strong visual identity systems. Their ability to distill complicated concepts into compelling brand platforms has earned long-term relationships with global clients.
BatesMeron
- Website: batesmeron.com
- Founded: 2005
- Services: Brand development, campaign strategy, copywriting, graphic design.
- Industries served: Professional services, associations, hospitality, B2B.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 379‑1089 | [email protected]
BatesMeron is a boutique branding and creative agency that builds brands people love. Based in Chicago, the firm combines smart strategy with standout design and messaging. Their collaborative approach helps companies express their value in fresh, authentic ways that drive results.
Cultivate
- Website: cultivatebrands.com
- Founded: 2010
- Services: Brand strategy, content marketing, design, web development.
- Industries served: Nonprofit, education, startups, lifestyle brands.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: [email protected]
Cultivate is a Chicago creative agency dedicated to growing purpose-led brands. They work with clients to refine messaging, design visual identities, and bring brand stories to life through content and digital experiences. Cultivate blends strategic thinking with creative execution to help organizations connect and grow.
Mabbly
- Website: mabbly.com
- Founded: 2013
- Services: Digital strategy, branding, analytics, web development, and content.
- Industries served: Healthcare, finance, B2B tech, eCommerce.
- Locations: Chicago, IL
- Contact: (312) 448‑7470 | [email protected]
Mabbly is a Chicago-based strategy and digital marketing agency driven by data, creativity, and purpose. They help growth-minded brands connect with audiences through meaningful campaigns and digital experiences. Mabbly is known for combining design thinking and performance analytics to drive scalable results.
Solid Digital
- Website: soliddigital.com
- Founded: 2007
- Services: Web design, digital strategy, branding, and marketing consulting.
- Industries served: B2B, tech, SaaS, healthcare, education.
- Locations: Chicago, IL; Portland, OR
- Contact: (312) 724‑0082 | [email protected]
Solid Digital is a digital growth agency with a Chicago office and a focus on delivering measurable results through smart web experiences. They partner with clients to redesign websites, refine messaging, and establish clear marketing goals. Solid is particularly strong with mid-sized B2B companies looking to build a modern online presence.
The Charles
- Website: thecharlesnyc.com
- Founded: 2011
- Services: Brand strategy, creative production, digital experiences, content creation.
- Industries served: Luxury, fashion, lifestyle, hospitality, tech.
- Locations: New York, NY; Chicago, IL; London, UK
- Contact: (646) 476‑8882 | [email protected]
The Charles is a full-service creative agency that blends high-end design with digital performance. Their Chicago team brings the agency’s signature visual aesthetic and strategic depth to Midwestern brands looking to elevate their presence. With a portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, and tech, The Charles offers a polished, globally inspired approach.
Salted Stone
- Website: saltedstone.com
- Founded: 2008
- Services: Branding, web design, CRM and marketing automation, content marketing.
- Industries served: SaaS, education, B2B services, healthcare.
- Locations: Monrovia, CA; Boston, MA; Sydney, AU
- Contact: (626) 714‑3015 | [email protected]
Salted Stone is a full-service marketing agency and Elite HubSpot Partner serving clients in Chicago and worldwide. Known for its deep technical expertise and polished creative, the agency helps B2B brands transform digital presence and sales systems. Salted Stone is a fit for companies looking to scale intelligently and align marketing and revenue operations.
Big Day the Agency
- Website: bigdaytheagency.com
- Founded: 2017
- Services: Branding, video, advertising, digital campaigns, and design.
- Industries served: CPG, lifestyle, food & beverage, entertainment.
- Locations: Portland, OR
- Contact: (503) 208‑3343 | [email protected]
Big Day is a creative agency that brings energy and storytelling to brand campaigns. They specialize in launching new products, elevating consumer brands, and designing integrated experiences that drive buzz. While based in Portland, the agency works with clients across Chicago’s food, retail, and lifestyle spaces.
Summary
Chicago’s marketing scene blends world-renowned creative talent with nimble, modern firms ready to serve a range of industries. Whether you’re a national brand looking for full-service campaign support or a local nonprofit in need of strategic storytelling, this list features agencies built to deliver. Each brings its own specialty and voice to Chicago’s diverse business ecosystem — making it easier for you to find the perfect marketing partner for your goals.
