Top 25 Chicago PR Agencies

Public relations is third-party media coverage of your brand product or service, creating good communication with your target audience. A PR agency works with understanding your brand’s messages and communicates that with the customers through various tactics. These tactics include social media posts, interviews, videos, and press coverage. A good PR agency helps to build brands.

Having a good PR agency on board is like having a good friend in your life that helps you grow. Brands and companies can really benefit from a consistent PR strategy. PR agencies enable you to build your brand through credible media coverage, creating an interest in the minds of the customers.

With a PR agency on board, you can use different tactics to tell the story of your brand and its inception. Properly communicated messages from the brand help in creating brand recall and top of mind. Amongst the clutter of information available, a customer will always be interested in reading a good story on a traditional or online media platform.

To start working with a PR agency, you need to first understand how they work and what is their common strategy. Then you can take the following first steps:

1) Select the best fitting agency

You should review the choices of different agencies and select the ones that fit your industry and have worked with a similar brand portfolio. This way, you would have an experienced team and a good strategy. Always shortlist and send your brief to your top 3 choices of PR agencies.

2) Negotiate a long-term deal:

Companies and brands can really benefit from having consistent PR coverage. Therefore, it always helps to negotiate a long-term deal with your PR agency. Capitalizing on their networks your brand’s credibility can be built and your customer base can grow. A long-term PR strategy helps in telling the brand’s story and creating a customer following.

3) Work with the teams:

Your job is not finished if you hire a PR team and then forget about it. A PR campaign is successful when you work with the PR agency to strategize, then implement the plan. Working together with the agency teams creates good communication throughout the project, eliminating the chances of misunderstandings and lack of cooperation.

As you might expect, there are a large number of PR agencies in Chicago, and it’s difficult to know which one to pick – especially if you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of public relations work. To make things easier, we’ve put together this list of Chicago’s top 25 public relations agencies. The next time you need publicity, reach out to these agencies first.

Location: San Francisco, Austin, New York, Chicago

Year Founded: 2018

Company size: 100+

TOP Agency is a full-marketing agency that offers various marketing services, from influencer marketing to digital marketing to copywriting to public relations and more. What makes them unique is that they are more than just a representation of a model modern global PR agency. Their PR approaches and strategies are data-driven, growth-focused, and viral-optimized to produce proven story blueprints for creating breaking news.

For additional details, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Budweiser
• Smuckers
• Coyuchi

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2018

Company size: 11–50

The Media Lab is a PR agency that has been named one of the top 50 marketing agencies in Chicago by the Chicago Business Journal. They specialize in creative media relations, digital marketing, video production, influencer marketing, and social media.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Canon
• Sapil

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1976

Company size: 50+

Laughlin Constable is one of the top PR firms in Chicago, specializing in integrated marketing communications. They have been named Agency of the Year by both Advertising Age and PR News, and their clients include McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz, and United Airlines.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Vienna Beef
• Hoosier Lottery

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2011

Company size: 40+

The Creative Shop is a PR agency that specializes in influencer marketing. With a team of experienced professionals, they can connect brands with the right people and create long-lasting relationships. As one of the top PR firms in Chicago, they have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and have a proven track record of success.

For more information, visit the company’s services page.

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2006

Company size: 20+

As one of the top PR firms in Chicago, Vice Communications specializes in public relations, marketing communications, and brand management. Their services include media relations, crisis communications, and event planning. Vice Communications has a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping their clients achieve their communication goals.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Chateau St. Jean
• Wine Industry Technology Symposium
• WISE Academy

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1979

Company size: 20+

GCI Group is one of the top PR firms in Chicago and has been in operation for over 25 years. The firm has worked with some of the biggest names in the city, including the Chicago Cubs, United Center, and Wrigley Field. GCI Group is a full-service agency that offers a wide range of services, including media relations, event planning, and crisis management.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Chicago Cubs, 
• United Center

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1927

Company size: 50+

Hill + Knowlton is one of the oldest and largest marketing and PR agencies in Chicago. They have an impressive client list that includes many Fortune 500 companies. As a full-service agency, they offer traditional PR services and digital marketing, social media, and content marketing strategies. 

For additional information, visit the company’s  services page.

Client list:

• Auto Body and Paint Shop
• Sports Gear Retail Store

Location: New York, Chicago

Year Founded: 2001

Company size: 10+

Allison & Partners is one of the best PR agencies in Chicago. They are headquartered in Chicago and have an impressive client list that includes some of the biggest names in the city. The company has a team of experienced professionals who provide comprehensive public relations services. 

For additional information, please visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Coca-Cola 
• Ford
• Nike

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2000

Company size: 10+

Heron Agency is one of the best PR agencies in Chicago. They have a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about their work. Heron Agency has a proven track record of success and is always looking for new and innovative ways to help its clients succeed. They strive to provide every client with personalized service, paying attention to all the details, which will ensure that you get what you need from them. 

The company has achieved many accolades from respected industry sources and its experts are regularly featured in top media outlets. With experience and innovation on your side, it’s no wonder why Heron Agency is one of the top PR agencies you can find in Chicago.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Ivy Hotel
• HYATT House

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2013

Company size: 10+

Interdependence Public Relations is a real estate agency and one of the top PR firms in Chicago. They have a team of dedicated professionals that helps their clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of the public relations industry. Interdependence PR has a proven track record of success in both traditional and digital media.

For additional information, visit the company’s service page.

Client list:

• CNBC
• Business Insider

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2002

Company size: 10–49

As one of the top marketing agencies in Chicago, Pietryla PR & Marketing has a long history of providing world-class public relations and marketing services to clients in a variety of industries. The company has worked with some of the biggest names in Chicago, and its team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals. They have extensive experience with promoting products and brands, building awareness through events and content campaigns, growing audiences through social media engagement, and more. 

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Cask and Kettle Cocktails
• RSA America (grocery data & marketing)

Location: Chicago

Year Founded: 1990

Company size: 20+

Founded in 1990, the Harbinger Group is an independent communications consultancy. Besides PR, advertising, and media planning and buying, they provide marketing services such as branding and strategy development. They have received several awards, including the prestigious American Business Awards: Gold Stevie Awards for PR Campaign of the Year –

For additional information, don’t forget to visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• The Federal Savings Bank
• Golden Apple

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2018

Company size: 10+

Chicago-based Bear Icebox Communications is one of the best public relations firms in the city. They have helped their clients secure media coverage for a variety of stories. When you choose to work with them, they will help you develop your message and deliver it clearly through various channels. Their solutions aren’t limited by geography either; they work with businesses all over Chicago.

For additional information, don’t forget to visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• HouseMaster
• USG Corporation
• Graceada

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2021

Company size: 20+

This firm has won many awards for its work, including the prestigious  Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America. A team of eight professionals handles accounts and businesses that range from sports to government to theater and tourism in Chicago and beyond. MCMILLAN & PHILLIPS has been featured in publications such as PR Week, Chicago Magazine, and The New York Times. They also ranked as one of the top Chicago public relations firms by companies such as Forbes, INC., and Crain’s Chicago Business. Their services include search engine optimization, branding, public relations, market research, and more.

For additional information, don’t forget to visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Amazon Restaurants

• Nordstrom

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2002

Company size: 25+

DMA is a full-service digital marketing agency that has worked with some of Chicago’s best companies. They offer a wide range of services, from SEO and social media to email marketing and reputation management. They have helped clients grow their businesses and reach their goals. If you’re looking for a Chicago-based agency that can help you take your business to the next level, then reach out to them.

For additional information, please do not forget to visit the company’s  services page.

Client list:

• Tripadvisor
• Kohler

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2016

Company size: 20+

Muse Duran is one of the most established full-advertising agencies in the city. With over 25 years of experience, they have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and have a solid reputation. They offer a wide range of services, including media relations, crisis management, and event planning. The company has two locations – one on the north side and one on the south side.

Visit the company’s  service page for more details.

Client list:

• Mitsubishi Motors North America

• Biggers Mitsubishi

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1996

Company size: 50+

Spectrum Science is an integrated marketing, communications, and media solutions agency. They have offices in NYC, DC, Atlanta, and Chicago, reaching 60 markets across the world. With a team of experienced professionals, Spectrum Science has a proven track record of success in the public relations industry. From media relations to crisis communications, they know how to get the job done right. Services include strategic consulting, advertising, copywriting, branding development, and website design.

Visit the company’s service  page for more.

Client list:

• Lynwood Restaurant Showcase
• PSM Engineers

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1996

Company size: 10+

Antenna Group has a team of skilled professionals who excel in all three spheres: media relations, crisis management, and event planning. They’ve partnered with some of the most prominent businesses in the area, and are sure to offer your business the publicity that it needs. If you need media attention or press releases, their experts know how to make it happen. Not only will you get the talented publicity staff of professionals at your disposal, but a complete marketing plan as well. This includes creating content and executing campaigns across various channels.

Visit their website today to find out more.

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1969

Company size: 20+

Margie Korshak, Inc. is founded by former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s first female press secretary and has grown to be one of the most notable agencies in the city. They specialize in both public relations and special event planning for clients, such as food festivals, fashion shows, and more. Their Chicago team comprises former journalists, who are experts at connecting media outlets with their clients’ stories.

For additional information, visit the company’s  services page.

Client list:

• Meal Village
• National Kidney of Illinois

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2006

Company size: 200+

FOODMINDS is a food and nutrition full-service marketing agency that specializes in food and beverage brands. From start-ups to established companies, they have a proven track record of success. Its team of experts has a deep understanding of the Chicago market and knows how to get your brand noticed. They also provide personal introductions to media outlets such as The Chicago Tribune and RedEye Chicago for an added cost. If you are looking for local knowledge and expertise with broad appeal, then FOODMINDS should be your go-to PR company.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1990

Company size: 20+

Chicago-based Cascade Communications is one of the best public relations firms in the Midwest. The company has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including McDonald’s, Sears, and State Farm Services including planning, developing, and implementing brand communications campaigns for new products, services, or features that are ready for an introduction to the marketplace. They also provide strategic counsel on organizations such as crisis management or media training.

For additional information, visit the company’s  services page.

Client list:

• Berkely
• Aldi

Location: Houston, Chicago

Year Founded: 2014

Company size: 20+

Motion Agency is a full-service agency that has been serving clients in the Chicago area for over 15 years. Their team of experienced professionals provides strategic counsel and creative solutions to help their clients achieve their communication goals. The company offers a wide range of services, including public relations, social media marketing, crisis management, employee communications, investor relations, and web design. Motion Agency’s wide range of expertise enables them to serve any client with customized solutions.

For additional information, visit the company’s  services page.

Client list:

• Feld Entertainment
• Abbott Healthcare
• Baxter Healthcare

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2011

Company size: 10+

3rd Coast PR is a Chicago-based marketing company that specializes in PR, content marketing, and event planning for clients in the consumer products and business services industries. They have done some amazing work, including a campaign with General Mills that generated millions of media impressions as well as a partnership with  Yelp that helped the business improve their reputation online. With plenty of accolades under their belt, it’s easy to see why they’re one of the best marketing agencies in Chicago.

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.

Client list:

• Lakeshore Learning
• V&V Supremo Foods
• O-Cedar

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 1999

Company size: 10+

With a long list of satisfied clients and a proven track record, Sherman is the go-to choice for businesses in need of top-notch public relations services. From media relations to crisis management, they have the experience and expertise to help your business succeed. The company offers strategic planning, event planning, and more. Having worked with many clients from a wide range of industries, their work has been featured in various publications, including Forbes, Crain’s Chicago Business, and more. 

For additional information, visit the company’s  services page.

Client list:

• The Harris Poll
• RWE Renewables
• Core Spaces

Location: Chicago, IL

Year Founded: 2019

Company size: 10+

Mainland is one of Chicago’s best PR agencies. With over 20 years of experience, they’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business. With a specialized focus in creating customized solutions for their clients, they ensure you get what you need. Mainland offers a wide range of services, including writing, content marketing, graphic design, web development and hosting, social media management, public relations, reputation management, and digital marketing. 

For additional information, visit the company’s services page.