Digital advertising companies in Illinois are pivotal players in the marketing ecosystem, focusing on creating visibility for brands across various online platforms. These firms range from full-service agencies, tech-driven startups, to specialized firms focusing on search engine optimization and social media marketing. With the trend rapidly moving towards data-driven decision making, the industry emphasizes responsiveness to analytics for improved client outcomes. Looking ahead, trends indicate increased reliance on artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize campaigns, reflecting a collective shift toward efficiency and precision in digital marketing strategies.

The companies on this list vary significantly in size, ranging from small firms with fewer than 50 employees to large agencies employing thousands. Most are headquartered in Chicago, while a handful operate from smaller cities like Downers Grove and Bolingbrook. Established predominately in the early 2000s, these firms specialize in various aspects of digital advertising, including SEO, social media management, and innovative media strategies. Their specializations mirror both regional market trends and global advertising movements in the ever-evolving digital economy.

Read on to discover the top digital advertising companies in Illinois.

Top 24 Digital Advertising Companies in Illinois

1. Straight North

• Website: straightnorth.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: straight-north

Straight North is a private digital marketing agency based in Downers Grove, Illinois, founded in 1997. With a workforce of approximately 101 employees, the company has carved out a niche in the digital marketing sector by offering a comprehensive suite of services. These include search engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising across various platforms, web design and development, and creative services. Over the years, Straight North has built a reputation for helping businesses improve their online visibility and drive sales through customized marketing strategies. Their client base spans multiple industries, indicating their adaptability and understanding of different market needs. The agency prides itself on its USA-based team, ensuring that all work is conducted domestically, which can be appealing to clients seeking local expertise. Straight North's focus on measurable results and client satisfaction is evident in their numerous positive reviews and high retention rates, underscoring their commitment to delivering effective marketing solutions.

2. Arc Worldwide

• Website: arcww.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 73%, India 15%, Brazil 3%, Other 9%
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: arc-worldwide

Arc Worldwide, founded in 2004 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a marketing agency that specializes in innovative advertising solutions tailored primarily for the retail sector. With a workforce of around 744 employees, the company focuses on enhancing brand strategies and consumer engagement through collaborative efforts with clients. Their unique approach includes the development of a shoppable agency website, allowing users to interact with content in a retail-like manner. This initiative reflects their commitment to integrating digital experiences with marketing strategies. Arc Worldwide has also gained recognition in the industry, with leaders being honored for their contributions, further solidifying their presence in the marketing and advertising landscape.

3. VivaKi

• Website: vivaki.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: China 33%, Russia 31%, India 14%, Other 21%
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: vivaki

VivaKi is a digital marketing agency that operates under the umbrella of Publicis Groupe, a prominent advertising and communication services provider. Established in 2008, VivaKi specializes in digital marketing, media planning, and consulting services. The agency aims to help businesses effectively engage with their target audiences through innovative strategies tailored to the digital landscape. With a workforce of approximately 269 employees, VivaKi has a significant presence in various countries, including China, Russia, and India, showcasing its ability to operate on a global scale. The agency's focus on integrating digital solutions reflects the evolving needs of clients in an increasingly digital world, making it a relevant player in the advertising industry.

4. Leo Burnett

• Website: leoburnett.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: India 17%, United States (USA) 17%, Malaysia 6%, Other 59%
• Latest funding: January 2025
• Founded year: 1935
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: leo-burnett

Leo Burnett Worldwide, Inc. is an advertising agency based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1935. The agency specializes in creating impactful advertising campaigns for a variety of brands across multiple sectors. With a workforce of over 7,500 employees, Leo Burnett operates globally, with offices in key markets including the United States, India, and several European countries. The agency is known for its commitment to understanding consumer needs and crafting messages that resonate deeply. Their approach, known as HumanKind, focuses on placing people at the center of their creative process, ensuring that the work they produce is not only effective but also meaningful. Leo Burnett has collaborated with notable brands such as McDonald's, Gatorade, and Samsung, delivering campaigns that have garnered significant recognition in the industry. The agency continues to evolve, integrating modern digital strategies into their work to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing advertising landscape.

5. Affinity Global Inc.

• Website: affinity.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: India 90%, United States (USA) 3%, China 3%, Other 5%
• Latest funding: April 2007
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: affinity-com

Affinity Global Inc., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an advertising technology company that specializes in user engagement products for digital media. With a workforce of approximately 390 employees, the company operates multiple business units that focus on various aspects of digital advertising, including branding and performance marketing. Affinity's offerings include ad networks and SaaS platforms designed to enhance advertising effectiveness for businesses in the advertising and media sectors. Their recent acquisition of Opinary, a German consumer engagement tech company, underscores their strategy to expand their product portfolio and strengthen their market presence, particularly in Europe. Affinity's products are utilized by a wide range of advertisers and publishers, driving significant commercial transactions annually. The company is recognized for its commitment to user experience and innovative advertising solutions, making it a relevant player in the digital advertising industry.

6. Envisionit

• Website: envisionitagency.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 98%, Nigeria 2%
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: envisionit-agency

Envisionit is a Chicago-based digital marketing agency founded in 2002. With a team of approximately 80 employees, the agency specializes in crafting marketing strategies, providing creative services, and developing technology solutions tailored to the needs of their clients. They serve a variety of sectors, including technology, tourism, and consumer markets, helping businesses enhance their brand visibility and engage effectively with their audiences. Envisionit has built a reputation for its data-driven approach and collaborative partnerships, which have led to successful campaigns for notable clients such as Braintree and NMI. Their expertise spans across various capabilities, including SEO, content marketing, and media planning, making them a comprehensive player in the digital advertising space.

7. Strike Social

• Website: strikesocial.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: Philippines 67%, United States (USA) 17%, Mexico 7%, Other 10%
• Latest funding: Seed, $1.3M, March 2013
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: strike-social

Strike Social, founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a digital advertising agency that focuses on social media advertising. The company offers a range of services, including campaign management and optimization across major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Meta. With a workforce of approximately 168 employees, a significant portion of their team operates from the Philippines, reflecting a global approach to service delivery. Strike Social has successfully managed over 50 million campaigns, showcasing their capability in enhancing advertising efficiency through advanced technology and data science. They cater to agencies and brands looking to improve their advertising performance, leveraging machine learning to automate media planning and drive results. The company has received $1.3 million in seed funding, which supports their growth and technological advancements in the competitive digital advertising market.

8. Liquidus Marketing

• Website: liquidus.net
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: liquidus-marketing

Liquidus Marketing, known as Fusion92, is a digital marketing agency based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2001, the company specializes in creating personalized marketing campaigns that leverage advanced advertising technology. Fusion92 offers a suite of services, including dynamic ad technology and managed media services, aimed at optimizing marketing efforts for brands and agencies. Their approach focuses on delivering tailored consumer experiences at scale, utilizing proprietary technology to enhance engagement and drive results. The company has worked with various clients across multiple sectors, showcasing its ability to adapt and provide effective solutions in the ever-evolving digital advertising landscape.

9. Amsive

• Website: amsive.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 99%
• Latest funding: January 2019
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: amsive

Amsive is a performance marketing agency based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, established in 1980. The company specializes in data-led marketing solutions, offering a wide range of services that include strategy development, digital media, programmatic advertising, SEO, social media management, and creative services. Amsive's approach is centered around their proprietary Audience Science™ methodology, which focuses on understanding and engaging target audiences effectively. They serve various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, retail, and education, providing tailored marketing strategies that drive measurable results. Amsive has built a reputation for enhancing client ROI through innovative customer acquisition and engagement tactics, positioning themselves as a significant player in the digital advertising industry.

10. MAN Marketing

• Website: manmarketing.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 87%, United Arab Emirates 13%
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: man-marketing

MAN Marketing, based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is a full-service advertising agency that has been serving clients since 1980. The agency specializes in a wide array of marketing services, including digital marketing, traditional advertising, and creative production. With a dedicated team of professionals, MAN Marketing focuses on helping small to mid-sized businesses, particularly in the automotive and home improvement sectors, enhance their market presence and drive sales. Their digital marketing offerings include paid search campaigns, SEO, social media management, and web development, showcasing their adaptability to modern marketing needs. The agency prides itself on its employee-owned structure, which fosters a culture of accountability and commitment to client success. Over the years, MAN Marketing has built a reputation for delivering effective marketing strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by their clients.

11. Darwill

• Website: darwill.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Hillside, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 99%, Other 1%
• Founded year: 1951
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: darwill

Darwill, based in Hillside, Illinois, is a family-owned marketing agency that has been operational since 1951. Initially starting as a printing company, Darwill has transformed into a comprehensive marketing agency that specializes in data-driven marketing solutions. The company offers a wide array of services, including direct mail, digital advertising, email marketing, streaming ads, search engine optimization (SEO), and search engine marketing (SEM). With a workforce of approximately 209 employees, Darwill serves clients across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, automotive, and home services. Their approach integrates data science and analytics to create targeted marketing campaigns that drive measurable results. This focus on performance-based marketing allows clients to effectively reach their target audiences and enhance their return on investment. Darwill has built a reputation for its ability to execute complex marketing strategies tailored to both national and local markets, making it a versatile partner in the marketing industry.

12. LKH&S Advertising

• Website: lkhs.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1992
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: lkh%26s

LKH&S Advertising, based in Chicago, Illinois, is an independent advertising agency founded in 1992. With a team of 37 employees, the agency specializes in crafting effective advertising campaigns and marketing strategies tailored to both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) clients. Their work spans various channels, prominently featuring digital advertising and social media. LKH&S is committed to building brands and engaging consumers through a thorough understanding of client objectives and market dynamics. They have collaborated with well-known brands such as Crayola, Leggett & Platt, and Mold Armor, demonstrating their ability to deliver impactful marketing solutions. The agency prides itself on its research-driven approach, ensuring that every campaign is informed by data and insights about consumer behavior and competitive positioning. This focus on strategic planning and execution positions LKH&S as a relevant player in the advertising industry.

13. 3q/dept

• Website: 3qdept.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 86%, Philippines 10%, Indonesia 4%
• Latest funding: April 2022
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: 3qdigital

3Q/DEPT, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a digital marketing agency founded in 2008. The company specializes in providing comprehensive marketing solutions tailored to the needs of various businesses. Their service offerings include paid search, SEO, conversion rate optimization, programmatic advertising, and data analytics, among others. 3Q/DEPT operates with a strong emphasis on technology and strategic advisory, helping clients enhance their digital presence and achieve growth. They have managed over $3 billion in ad spend, showcasing their capability in handling significant marketing budgets. The agency has also received recognition for its innovative approaches and has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of digital marketing effectiveness. As part of DEPT®, they continue to evolve and adapt to the changing dynamics of the digital advertising industry.

14. Cain & Company

• Website: cain-co.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Rockford, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1973
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: cain-co

Cain & Company, based in Rockford, Illinois, is an advertising agency that has been providing marketing services since its founding in 1973. With a team of around 30 employees, the agency specializes in a variety of areas including branding, public relations, and notably, digital advertising. Over the years, they have developed a reputation for crafting tailored marketing solutions that resonate with their clients' needs. Their services span website design and development, search engine optimization, and digital advertising programs, which leverage platforms like Google and social media to reach target audiences effectively. The agency prides itself on building strong partnerships with clients, ensuring that their marketing strategies align with specific business goals. As a female-owned business since 2016, Cain & Company has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry. Their extensive experience and focus on customer relationships position them as a relevant player in the digital advertising sector.

15. 3Q Digital

• Website: 3qdigital.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: 3qdigital

3Q Digital, now part of DEPT®, is a Chicago-based digital marketing agency founded in 2008. With a workforce of over 500 employees, the company specializes in a wide array of marketing solutions, including paid search, SEO, conversion rate optimization, and data analytics. 3Q Digital aims to assist businesses in enhancing their online visibility and driving growth through tailored digital strategies. Their approach is characterized by a commitment to innovation and performance, as they partner with clients to optimize marketing efforts and achieve measurable outcomes. The agency has managed significant advertising spend, showcasing their capability to handle large-scale campaigns effectively. Their focus on continuous learning and adaptation to market trends positions them as a relevant player in the digital advertising industry.

16. Fisher

• Website: gofisher.net
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Bridgeview, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1933
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: fisher-printing-inc-

Fisher, based in Bridgeview, Illinois, is an advertising agency that has been serving clients since 1933. The company specializes in providing both print and digital marketing solutions tailored primarily for retail businesses. Their service portfolio includes email marketing, video marketing, Google Display, social media management, and website development. Fisher operates its own design agency and printing press, allowing for streamlined processes from concept to execution. They have a significant output, printing billions of inserts and direct mail pieces annually. With a team of over 75 creative professionals, Fisher aims to enhance the advertising efforts of its clients across various retail sectors. Their commitment to delivering effective campaigns is evident in their metrics, such as managing over 300,000 online ad views each month and sending out more than 7 million emails. This combination of experience and service breadth positions Fisher as a relevant player in the digital advertising space.

17. Trekk

• Website: trekk.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Rockford, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: trekk

Trekk is a private creative agency based in Rockford, Illinois, founded in 1995. With nearly 30 years of experience, the company specializes in a variety of marketing services, including website development, branding, and digital advertising. Trekk has built a reputation for fostering long-term client relationships, with an average partnership duration of nine years. Their team is known for its in-house expertise, which allows them to deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients. Trekk has been proactive in adopting new technologies, such as marketing automation and augmented reality, to enhance their service offerings. They are also a Gold HubSpot Solutions Partner, indicating their proficiency in utilizing HubSpot for lead generation and marketing strategies. Trekk's commitment to understanding their clients' goals and providing measurable results positions them as a relevant player in the digital advertising industry.

18. Harp

• Website: harpinteractive.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Lombard, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: harp-advertising---interactive

Harp Interactive, based in Lombard, Illinois, is a woman-owned digital marketing agency founded in 1987. The company specializes in a comprehensive suite of marketing solutions, including branding, web design, search engine optimization (SEO), and lead generation. With a team of 11-50 employees, Harp has built a reputation for delivering high-quality services tailored to the needs of their clients, which range from startups to established corporations across various sectors. They have been recognized as one of the top advertising agencies in the Chicago area for several consecutive years, highlighting their commitment to excellence. Harp's approach integrates both digital and traditional marketing strategies, ensuring that they can effectively enhance their clients' online presence and achieve their marketing objectives. Their expertise is further validated by their certification as a Google Partner, showcasing their proficiency in managing Google Ads and driving client revenue growth.

19. Crue: Fintech Marketing by Envisionit

• Website: yourcrue.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: cruefintechmarketing

Crue: Fintech Marketing by Envisionit is a Chicago-based digital marketing agency that was established in 2022. The company operates under the umbrella of Envisionit, which has a broader focus on marketing strategy, creative services, and technology solutions. Crue specifically targets the fintech industry, providing tailored marketing strategies that help clients enhance their brand visibility and engage effectively with their audiences. Their expertise extends to various aspects of digital marketing, including strategy development, creative execution, media planning, and analytics. Notably, Crue has worked with significant players in the fintech space, such as Braintree and NMI, showcasing their ability to drive growth and optimize marketing efforts for their clients. Despite being a relatively new entrant, Crue's commitment to understanding the complexities of the fintech market positions them as a relevant player in the digital advertising sector.

20. Prolific Media

• Website: prolific.media
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: prolificmedia

Prolific Media, also known as DOE Media, is a digital marketing agency based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in a wide array of services aimed at improving online visibility and customer engagement for businesses. Their offerings include paid social media advertising across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as paid search services through Google and Amazon. Additionally, they provide lifecycle marketing solutions, web design and development, and search engine optimization. With a focus on performance marketing, DOE Media employs data-driven strategies to help clients achieve tangible results. The agency has built a reputation for its innovative approach and has worked with various clients to enhance their digital marketing efforts, although no funding has been reported to date.

21. Mabbly

• Website: mabbly.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 80%, Ukraine 20%
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: mabbly

Mabbly is a Chicago-based digital marketing agency founded in 2013. The company specializes in branding and marketing solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by businesses today. Mabbly offers a wide range of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, digital strategy, and paid campaigns. With a team of around 70 employees, Mabbly combines creative and analytical expertise to help clients enhance their online presence and achieve measurable results. The agency has established a secondary office in Ukraine, allowing them to leverage global talent for web development and other services. Mabbly's approach emphasizes collaboration with clients, ensuring that their strategies are aligned with specific business goals. Their commitment to transparency and understanding client needs has earned them positive feedback from various partners, showcasing their effectiveness in the digital marketing arena.

22. The Well Advertising, Inc.

• Website: thewellinc.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: the-well-advertising-inc.

The Well Advertising, Inc. is a Chicago-based advertising agency that specializes in comprehensive marketing and branding services. Established in 2001, the company has built a reputation for helping businesses enhance their brand presence and engage effectively with their target audiences. Their service offerings include media buying, digital marketing, creative development, and brand strategy. The Well has collaborated with various clients, ranging from healthcare providers to retail companies, demonstrating their capability to address different market needs. Their work often involves revamping brand identities, optimizing digital platforms, and executing targeted media campaigns, which highlights their active role in the advertising industry.

23. Resolution Media

• Website: resolutionmedia.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: resolutionmedia

Resolution Media, founded in 2003 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a private digital marketing agency that focuses on improving online business performance. With a workforce of around 353 employees, the company offers a range of services including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Paid Search, and Data Activation. Their client base primarily consists of businesses looking to refine their digital marketing strategies. Resolution Media emphasizes delivering measurable results and effectively utilizes marketing technology to achieve this. They conduct performance audits and optimize various aspects of digital marketing, including local search and social media advertising. Their commitment to data-driven strategies and continuous improvement has led to recognition in the industry, including awards for their campaigns. As part of Omnicom Media Group, Resolution Media benefits from a global network, allowing them to leverage expertise and resources from a wide array of specialists in the marketing field.

24. Cork Tree Creative, Inc.

• Website: corktreecreative.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Edwardsville, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: cork-tree-creative

Cork Tree Creative, Inc., founded in 2009 and based in Edwardsville, Illinois, is a marketing agency that specializes in a wide array of marketing and branding services. The agency focuses on helping businesses improve their brand visibility and marketing strategies through customized solutions. With a team of 16 employees, Cork Tree Creative operates primarily in the United States, providing in-house services that range from digital marketing and public relations to creative design and videography. Their digital marketing services include search engine optimization, social media management, and digital advertising, showcasing their commitment to staying relevant in the fast-evolving marketing landscape. The agency has received recognition for its work, including becoming the only StoryBrand-certified marketing agency in the Metro St. Louis region and winning the 2024 Communicator Awards. This involvement in the industry highlights their dedication to quality and innovation in marketing.

Digital Advertising Insights: Key Companies in Illinois

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