5 Best Digital Marketing Agencies in the Chicago Suburbs

The city of Chicago is teeming with digital marketing agencies. But if you’re based in the suburbs, a hyper-local agency might be the better fit — especially for small- or mid-sized businesses.

With 83 suburbs spread across 11 Illinois counties, narrowing down the options can be overwhelming. Which agency aligns with your goals and budget?

I get it — even my head spun when researching this topic. So, why am I — the content manager at Zoe Marketing & Communications — writing about other agencies?

It’s simple: I know we’re not the perfect fit for everyone, and I want to empower you with alternatives (including agencies in Chicago proper, too).

Here’s what you’ll find in this blog:

• The perks of a suburban Chicago agency
• How I selected these agencies
• 5 excellent options for your marketing needs

Let’s take a closer look, so you can start planning your marketing next steps.

Why choose a suburban agency?

Suburban agencies offer unique advantages:

• Local market knowledge: They’re plugged into the community and know what resonates with your audience.
• Cost-effectiveness: Lower overhead often translates into more competitive pricing.
• Accessibility: Being closer geographically can make collaboration easier.

How we chose these agencies

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these agencies stood out for their:

• Range of services and locations
• Positive client feedback and industry recognition
• Focus on small- to mid-sized businesses
• User-friendly websites that highlight services and prioritize your needs

5 best marketing agencies in the Chicago suburbs

Here are five exceptional choices to consider. They’re listed in alphabetical order, so order doesn’t imply ranking.

1. Blackbird Digital (Naperville)

Formerly VisionFriendly.com, this veteran-owned agency recently rebranded with a bold “renegades and disruptors” message. Established in 1998, Blackbird backs it up with its specialization in web design, digital marketing, paid ads, SEO, social media and email marketing. Their clients span legal, senior care, resorts, restaurants and more.

2. Proceed Innovative (Schaumburg)

An industry pioneer since 1996, Proceed predates Google by two years. Its main office is in Schaumburg, plus it has locations in Naperville and Chicago — that’s extensive local coverage. This full-service agency handles web design, PPC, SEO and lead generation. Its clients include home care and remodeling, legal, community programs and more.

3. Rizzo Young Marketing, LLC (Des Plaines)

Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Maria Rizzo and Rick Young, this boutique agency offers personalized strategies in SEO, social media, content marketing and SEM. Their clients include legal, real estate, healthcare and retail. They also run an insightful blog and a podcast called Marketing Pop and dedicate time to community involvement.

4. U.S. Marketing, Inc. (Lake Forest)

Established in 2004, U.S. Marketing excels in reaching niche audiences, including Gen X, Millennials and communities of color like Black, Latinx and Asian audiences. This Google Premier Partner provides SEO, web design, social media ads and even traditional media like print and broadcast.

5. Zealth Digital Marketing (Downers Grove)

Specializing in custom WordPress websites, Zealth Digital also offers SEO, PPC, branding and social media management. Founded in 2012, this award-winning agency is praised for its responsiveness and quick turnarounds. Their clients include sports, real estate and civil engineering businesses.

Next steps for picking a digital marketing agency

Choosing a digital marketing agency is a big decision, but it can fast-track your business’s growth. If you’re in the Chicago suburbs, these five agencies are great places to start.

If you’d like to explore a sixth option, talk to us at Zoe Marketing & Communications, where we’ll chat to see if we’re the right fit. We’ve helped small- and mid-sized businesses in metro Chicago grow through customized strategies.

Still deciding? Get even more insight here:

• The 5 disadvantages of using a marketing agency
• Creating a good relationship with your marketing agency