Chicago has long been a hub for advertising agencies. Beginning over a century ago with mail-order catalogs, the Chicago advertising scene has grown into a multi-channel powerhouse and one of the leading advertising markets. Though the industry may have a long history, advertising agencies aren’t what they used to be, utilizing innovative channels and mediums to connect brands and audiences. To learn more about local agencies young and old, check out the following advertising agencies in Chicago.
Location: Streeterville
What they do: Eicoff is a full-service ad agency that specializes in television. The company uses data and targeting to provide clients with TV and digital video solutions that enhance brand reach and give lift to other advertising channels like search, social and direct mail.
Who they’ve worked with: 1-800PETMEDS, Southwest and AARP
Location: West Loop
What they do: Leviathan is a creative agency that specializes in strategy, design, digital media and interaction. The agency works with clients to bring memorable brand experiences to destinations like public spaces, concerts, digital signage, live venues and more.
Who they’ve worked with: The United Center, MGM Grand and Dodge
Location: West Loop
What they do: SoMe Connect is a digital marketing agency providing a variety of advertising and strategy services including social media management, search engine marketing and web design and development. The digital agency helps numerous clients build and maintain a successful online presence.
Who they’ve worked with: TransUnion, Famous Dave’s and Medcor
Location: River North
What they do: Popskull is a boutique agency that understands that people today are immune to traditional advertising strategies, shopping and buying with more knowledge and media literacy. The agency provides modern advertising services and cross-channel strategies that encourage engagement.
Who they’ve worked with: Lyft, SkinnyPop and Spice Note Tequila
Location: West Town
What they do: The Distillery Project is an independent creative and strategic agency that works on a foundation of creating simple and pure ideas that will connect and resonate with audiences. They may be a small agency, but they’ve worked with big names.
Who they’ve worked with: Meijer, RetailMeNot and Caterpillar
Location: The Loop
What they do: Founded in 1935, Leo Burnett is a global leader in advertising. Though the veteran agency has been around long enough to have utilized nearly every type of advertising channel, the Leo Burnett is constantly evolving, mastering modern strategies, staying current and working with companies young and old.
Who they’ve worked with: Nintendo, Kellogg and Spotify
Location: The Loop
What they do: Founded in 1981, AbelsonTaylor is a full-service agency with a focus on health and wellness advertising. The agency provides branding for medical devices, over-the-counter medication and healthcare brands working in rare diseases and oncology. In their 35 years, AbelsonTaylor has provided a link between science-speak and consumers.
Who they’ve worked with: Solaris, Latuda and Contrave
Location: New East Side
What they do: Cavalry is a full-service agency working with brands and companies of all sizes, specifically those in restricted categories like alcohol. Though they work with a variety of companies, Cavalry has been very successful creating growth for beverage brands like Smith and Forge Hard Cider, Ballast Point, Corona and Coors Light.
Who else they’ve worked with: Hillshire Farms, Ball Park Franks and Colgate-Palmolive
Location: Lombard
What they do: Harp Interactive is a full-service digital marketing and advertising agency providing branding, website development, email marketing, search engine optimization, market research and more. The agency aims to create exponential growth for clients through cross-channel strategies that make the most of varying marketing budgets.
Who they’ve worked with: Loyola University Health System, Orangetheory Fitness and OfficeMax
Location: Little Italy/West Side
What they do: Hangar 12 is a marketing and advertising agency that works with consumer packaged goods brands by providing consumer promotion, shopper marketing, digital marketing and social media services. The agency creates customized solutions for clients, ensuring constant engagement with consumers.
Who they’ve worked with: Jimmy Dean, Pyrex and Keebler
Location: Lakeview
What they do: 50,000feet is a creative agency working with brands and companies of all shapes and sizes. From automotive companies to sporting goods, the agency provides brand and strategy services across the media spectrum.
Who they’ve worked with: Sony, Under Armour and BMW
Location: Glenview
What they do: 10twelve is a creative agency that offers a variety of advertising and strategy solutions like web design, social media management, photography, content, promotional and SEO. In addition to their digital services, the 10twelve offers structured desktop and mobile websites for specific businesses like restaurants, spas and salons, pet services, startups, dental services and fitness companies.
Who they’ve worked with: Target, Ford and The Home Depot
Location: Old Town
What they do: Part Three is a website design and advertising agency that provides clients with help in digital, design and traditional marketing needs like print and media buying. The agency approaches marketing with realistic goals and innovative strategies while keeping each company’s bottom line in mind.
Who they’ve worked with: Whole Foods, The Nielsen Company and Coldwell Banker