How do you decide which marketing agencies to list?

Every listing is evaluated against our published five-pillar methodology — reputation and review quality, service-area expertise, licensing and compliance, digital presence, and cross-platform consistency. We do not invent ratings or review counts.

Can a marketing agency pay to rank higher?

Some listings are sponsored. They are always labeled Sponsored, and sponsorship does not change rank, awards, or how we evaluate the business.

Do I need a city shortlist to hire a marketing agency?

City shortlists roll out one market at a time. Until one exists, use the what-we-look-for notes and red flags on this page to vet a local marketing agency yourself.

Marketing Agencies Directory

A marketing agency should be able to show finished work and a written scope — not only a mood board. We evaluate agencies on a verifiable portfolio, engagement letters that state deliverables and revisions, reviews from named clients, and whether strategy and production are actually staffed in-house.

Marketing Agencies by city

City shortlists for marketing agencies are rolling out city by city. In the meantime, here's exactly what we look for — and what to avoid — so you can vet one yourself with confidence.

Marketing Agencies we're tracking

Evaluated against our five-pillar methodology. Sponsored listings are always labeled.

Paid placements. Sponsorship does not change a business's rank or award eligibility.

A skilled tradesperson at work on a local service job

The REX Agency

What we look for in a marketing agency

A portfolio of shipped brands or campaigns you can find in the wild
A written scope: strategy, design, activation, and what is out of scope
Named leads on the file, not an anonymous account inbox
Reviews or case studies that describe the problem and the outcome
Revision and IP terms in the engagement letter

When you need marketing agencies

Brand strategyVisual identityCampaigns and activationBrand auditsWebsite and launch creativeOngoing retainers

Red flags when hiring

✕Guaranteed rankings, virality, or revenue
✕A portfolio that belongs to subcontractors they will not name
✕Large retainers with no monthly deliverables
✕Contracts that assign your brand assets to the agency
✕Reviews citing vanished strategists after the kickoff

FAQ

How do you decide which marketing agencies to list?: Every listing is evaluated against our published five-pillar methodology — reputation and review quality, service-area expertise, licensing and compliance, digital presence, and cross-platform consistency. We do not invent ratings or review counts.
Can a marketing agency pay to rank higher?: Some listings are sponsored. They are always labeled Sponsored, and sponsorship does not change rank, awards, or how we evaluate the business.
Do I need a city shortlist to hire a marketing agency?: City shortlists roll out one market at a time. Until one exists, use the what-we-look-for notes and red flags on this page to vet a local marketing agency yourself.

Part of Professional Services.