9 Best Digital Marketing Agencies in Metro Detroit

If you’ve got a business in the Motor City, keeping visible with digital marketing is critical. And choosing a digital marketing agency in metro Detroit can also give you a valuable local leg-up.

How can you find the best one for you? I may work with Zoe Marketing & Communications, but we’re not the right fit for everyone. Like you, I always want to do my homework! And, as a content creator with 20+ years of journalism experience, that’s precisely what I did.

I dug into some of the top options here in my hometown. In this blog, I’ll break down:

• Why a local agency matters
• The criteria used for this list
• 9 top digital marketing agencies in metro Detroit (and why)

It’s my goal to help you feel more empowered about your internet marketing options in southeast Michigan — so you can start planning your next steps.

Why a local agency matters

Sure: Any company in any state can do digital marketing. That said, there are some perks to picking an agency in your own backyard, including:

1. Familiarity: You’re working with people who breathe your market. True, there’s extra research involved to learn about your audience. But they share your baseline.
2. Accessibility: They tend to feel vested in fellow local businesses. Bonus: They’re in your time zone.
3. Community: You’re keeping business in your local economy. (Let’s keep those Michigan lights turned on!) 

The criteria used for this list

Metro Detroit has a variety of digital marketing agencies. I honed in on a few key factors to narrow down the list. Here they are, in a nutshell:

• Clientele: These agencies serve small- to mid-sized businesses. So, you may not find the “heavy hitters.” They also serve a mix of industries.
• Variety: Multichannel marketing is essential. So, these agencies offer everything from ads, SEO and email to social media and content. Some offer more; others, a bit less.
• Reputation: I looked at associations, such as credentials and awards. Where possible, I cross-checked Google Business Profile reviews to see what customers have to say.
• Expertise: Some are newer and some are veterans. But all are customer-centric and have proof of their track records.
• User-friendly: Finally, I dug around their websites. How easy is it to find what you need? Are the services clear? Putting you first is essential.

9 top digital marketing agencies in metro Detroit (and why)

Now, with all that said — here’s the list! They’re listed in alphabetical order, so the order doesn’t signify ranking or preference.

1. Amplify Digital Marketing in Novi

This local agency grew out of necessity. The founder got into marketing while helping build up his dad’s Commerce-based kitchen remodeling company.

In business since 2018, it offers SEO and PPC experts, content writers, graphic designers, videographers, social media specialists and a virtual tour photographer.

Besides having a 100% satisfaction guarantee, it’s been noted as an Expertise.com best PPC agency in Detroit. It’. also a UpCity top digital marketing agency in the U.S.

Its clients have included health care, cabinetry, dog services, autism therapy, restaurants, psychotherapy, collision shops and home cleaning services.

2. Bankable Marketing Strategies in Detroit, Novi

This Black woman-founded company has extensive corporate and community experience. Sharon Banks, the president and CEO, is joined by her daughter and son in leading the family business, created in 2009.

They cover the bases like SEO, social media, ads, web design, videography and content. Plus, they’ll handle event planning, book publishing and even media relations.

Clients run a gamut, including community groups, local government agencies, health care, cultural groups (art, festivals, museums, etc.) and restaurants.

3. Basso Marketing Agency in Rochester

With over 1,000 brands to its name, this agency has been offering digital marketing services since 2003.

In addition to core options like SEO, social media, content, photography and videography, they focus on creating brand identity and emphasize their web design experience.

It’s worth noting Basso is geared toward mid-sized businesses. Examples include home builders, charter schools, camps, dental centers, gourmet grocers and credit unions.

Basso has earned Pixel Awards, International Davey Awards, Clarion Awards, The Webby Awards, Communicator Awards and others.

4. Brogan & Partners in Ferndale

Brogan & Partners is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This mid-size agency has a 40-year history, in business since 1984.

It provides full-service marketing and advertising, including website development, SEO, PPC, email and content. It also offers research strategies and conducts a women’s survey panel.

They’re an official Google Partner specializing in health care, retail, tourism and marketing to women. Other clients include insurance companies, colleges and state government agencies. B&P also gives back 5% of its revenue to the community annually.

5. Detroit Internet Marketing in Royal Oak

This small company, launched in 2009, offers on SEO, PPC, email marketing and web design, along with local directory management, core web vitals readiness and more.

It’s an authorized consultant for various Google platforms, including Analytics and Ad Words, and has been cited as a top SEO agency by UpCity. It provides a free website evaluation.

An owner-operated option, DIM offers localized digital marketing services. Clients include legal, medical and psychotherapy practices and small-business owners.

6. Franco in Detroit

With deep public relations roots in 1964, Franco rebranded in 2016 to reflect its marketing direction. Its offerings include PR, marketing, digital and creative.

It touts “big agency programs” with an attentive focus and has a business-growth newsletter, podcast and blog.

Franco, an official Google Partner, has both local and national clients. Industries include education, health care, mobility, nonprofits and tech. It also works with business-to-consumer.

This agency has a variety of awards, from the Beacon Awards, IABC Detroit Renaissance Awards, PR Daily’s Content Marketing Awards and more.

7. KARMA jack in Ferndale

Founded in 2017, KARMA jack is based in Ferndale with Dallas and Los Angeles offshoots. This agency has a notably playful style. It provides core marketing services like web design, SEO, PPC, content, social media, graphic design, photography, local listings and consulting.

It also offers original educational videos and blogs for website visitors. Among its clients are health care, real estate, technology, insurance and small businesses.

KARMA jack has nearly 50 5-star Google reviews and awards from Expertise.com, SEOblog, Thervo, SEMfirms and others.

8. Marketing House Media, LLC in Birmingham

This boutique digital marketing agency offers SEO, social media, content, email and web design. It was established in 2006. And each of its associates also has previous experience as a small business owner. 

MHM works with industries including health, retail, furniture, CPAs, restaurants/catering, business and finance, health care and more.

This agency stands out for listing prices for all its services on its website.

9. Momentum in Utica

Finally, this Macomb County option helps grow customer leads, sales and brand awareness. Services include SEO, PPC, web design, videography, photography and content. It doesn’t offer social media or email.

Momentum, created in 2010, leans toward manufacturers but also works with healthcare providers, legal firms and more. It also notes extensive community involvement with its local Kiwanis Club, Fraser High School and Girls Who Code programs. 

Their website offers marketing insights, a glossary of terms and an instant SEO report. 

Next steps for picking a digital marketing agency

Your small- to mid-sized business in metro Detroit has plenty of choices when picking a digital marketing agency. These nine local options — in Birmingham, Detroit, Ferndale, Novi, Rochester, Royal Oak and Utica — can all get you closer to your goals.

For a 10th solid option, we welcome you to talk to us here at talk to us here at Zoe Marketing & Communications, where we’ll chat to see if we’re the right fit.

And before you commit, get even more agency insight by reading:

• The 5 disadvantages of using a marketing agency (it’s true; there are drawbacks!)
• Creating a good relationship with your marketing agency (i.e., let them help you)