While numerous organizations opt for in-house digital marketing teams, an equal number prefer outsourcing this responsibility to specialized digital marketing agencies.
If the in-house approach isn't your preference, there is a plethora of digital marketing agencies to choose from, ranging from well-established industry leaders to emerging startups that are reshaping the conventional marketing landscape.
In this article, we will delve into 10 of the current top-performing digital marketing agencies worldwide. The list includes both familiar names and potentially lesser-known ones. Following a brief overview of each agency, we'll also provide glimpses of their work, offering you insight into what to anticipate from their services.
Let's jump right in…
1. Porter Novelli
Porter Novelli at a glance:
- Founded: 1972
- Headquarters: New York City
- Number of employees: 700+
- Well-known clients: 7UP, Timberland, McDonald’s, Disney, PepsiCo, and Braun
Established in 1972 in the bustling city of New York, Porter Novelli stands as a global communications consultancy, deeply immersed in the realms of social media and digital marketing in the contemporary landscape. Notably, Porter Novelli distinguishes itself through its commitment to purpose-driven marketing. Former CEO Brad McCaffee succinctly articulates this approach, stating, "Purpose defines an organization’s authentic role and value in society [and] that allows it to simultaneously grow its business and positively impact the world."
The ethos of marketing with a conscience is certainly an admirable perspective in our view!
One of Porter Novelli's landmark campaigns took the world by storm in 2014—the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. For those who may have missed it, this widely recognized social media initiative saw participants globally dousing themselves with buckets of ice water to raise funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating disease. The Ice Bucket Challenge held sway over social media platforms for weeks.
While Porter Novelli wasn't the originator of the Ice Bucket Challenge (credit for that goes to Pat Quinn and Pete Frates), the campaign's unprecedented momentum posed a challenge for the ALS Association. In response, they enlisted the expertise of Porter Novelli to leverage the heightened attention and sustain the campaign's momentum. With their support, the initiative successfully raised over $220 million. At a time when more individuals seek employment with organizations driven by social purpose, aligning with a digital marketing agency like Porter Novelli appears to be a commendable choice.
2. Cuker Agency
Cuker Agency at a glance:
- Founded: 2006
- Headquarters: California
- Number of employees: 30
- Well-known clients: Nike, Vans, Dunlop, Oakley, Sony, and Quiksilver
Established in 2006 amid the scenic landscapes of Carlsbad, California, Cuker serves as a testament to the idea that size is not a prerequisite for making a significant impact. Despite being a smaller agency that emerged in the wake of the internet age, Cuker has carved out its niche, specializing in digital marketing, digital strategy, design, technology, and data analytics. Their overarching goal? Empowering clients to compete for the attention of the ever-connected, 24/7 online consumer. They exemplify the agility and dynamism characteristic of numerous agencies vying for prominence in the digital realm.
What campaigns have earned them acclaim?
One of the most triumphant and lucrative marketing endeavors in recent memory is Red Bull's 'Stratos Jump.' This audacious high-altitude skydive featured Austrian thrill-seeker Felix Baumgartner leaping from the edge of space, hurtling back to Earth. The live broadcast captivated an audience of over 8 million users, setting a YouTube live streaming record that endures to this day. While the concept originated from Red Bull's in-house team, signaling a literal embodiment of the company's slogan, 'Red Bull Gives You Wings,' the jump alone wasn't sufficient to sustain the social media fervor. Enter Cuker.
To amplify the digital buzz surrounding Felix Baumgartner's gravity-defying leap, Cuker crafted a series of digital marketing campaigns. They designed apps, orchestrated online contests, and implemented various digital promotions to bolster Red Bull's adrenaline-fueled sporting events, fostering increased brand engagement. While Felix Baumgartner took center stage, Cuker extended their promotional efforts to other Red Bull athletes, spanning snowboarders, surfers, mountain bikers, and Formula One racing drivers. Their strategic approach facilitated novel connections between social media users and Red Bull, resulting in heightened awareness, increased site traffic, and overall growth for the brand.
3. Leo Burnett
Leo Burnett at a glance:
- Founded: 1935
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
- Number of employees: 9,000+
- Well-known clients: Coca-Cola, Kraft, Nintendo, McDonald’s, Fiat, and Samsung
Returning to an illustrious player that has seamlessly transitioned into the digital landscape, Leo Burnett, founded in 1935 in Chicago, initially established itself as an advertising agency. While advertising remains integral to its services, the agency's longevity is attributed to its adeptness in evolving with the times. Today, Leo Burnett stands as one of the premier global digital marketing agencies, placing emphasis on advertising, marketing, and branding across both digital and traditional platforms.
What campaigns have left an indelible mark?
In 2014, Always, a provider of menstrual hygiene products, launched the groundbreaking social media campaign: #LikeAGirl. Recognizing the derogatory use of the expression 'like a girl,' the campaign aimed to challenge gender bias and bolster the confidence of young women. It featured a viral video showcasing young girls redefining 'like a girl' to signify remarkable achievements. The driving force behind this impactful campaign? None other than Leo Burnett.
The success of the #LikeAGirl campaign transcended borders, sparking a global movement and earning recognition from then-First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, in a Twitter shout-out. Notably, few digital marketing campaigns can boast such acclaim, making it yet another compelling example of a company championing a social cause.
