The best local advertising agencies for small businesses are accessible for brands with modest advertising budgets and offer essential local ad services. This includes ad creatives and copy services, strategy, campaign management and optimization, and more. With comprehensive services, local ad agencies can give businesses a stronger brand presence and get more people through their doors.
Based on the criteria above, here are our best local advertising agency picks for small businesses:
- Most small business and startup-friendly local ad agency: Straight North
- Best for hyper-targeted local advertising: WebFX
- Most affordable local ad agency: SEO Discovery
- Most collaborative local ad agency: Funnel Boost Media
- Best for local advertising via social ads: LYFE Marketing
- Best industry-specific services: Rank by Monday
- Best for a la carte local advertising services: Fiverr
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Best Local Advertising Agencies at a Glance
Estimated Hourly Rate* | Advertising Services | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $100-$149 |
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 | $100-$149 |
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 | <$25 |
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 | $50-$199 |
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 | $50-$199 |
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 | $25-$49 |
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 | Varies; project-based rates from ~$25 |
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*Rates overview from Clutch
Straight North: Most Small Business-friendly Local Ad Agency
Pros
- Custom plans for small businesses and startups
- Offers comprehensive local search engine optimization (SEO) services and advertising
- Provides local growth plan for businesses upon consult
- Creative services team produces traditional local marketing materials
Cons
- Hourly rate is more on the expensive side
- Pricing isn’t transparent on the site
- User reviews show that reporting and communication can still improve
Starting Cost: ~$1,500
Straight North tailors each plan to the specific needs, goals, and budget of the client. The exact cost for their local advertising services are not published on the website.
Clutch: 4.7 / 5 out of 123 reviews
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Straight North is an all-in-one digital marketing agency that focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), advertising, and creative services. Since one of its target audiences is small businesses, Straight North’s pricing is affordable and can be adjusted depending on different business needs and budgets.
Aside from that, we know firsthand that Straight North is an excellent local marketing company for small businesses. It has a pay-it-forward approach, and openly provides strategies for growth upon consultation, even for clients who don’t sign up.
This agency’s local advertising services include Local Services Ads; Google, Bing, Instagram, and Facebook pay-per-click (PPC) advertising; and even an in-house team for creating ad copy and creatives. This includes traditional local advertising materials such as flyers, brochures, and business cards.
The Straight North team is made up of marketing and advertising veterans who share the same passion for business growth. We see this in the initial stages of consultation and even in its business model, which utilizes cutting-edge methods and techniques. A notable example is its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven bid and budget management.
Straight North Advertising Services
- Google pay-per-click (PPC) search, shopping, display, and remarketing ads
- Google Local Services Ads
- Bing (Microsoft Ads)
- Facebook advertising and remarketing
- Traditional advertising
- Ad copy and creatives, including video
Why We Chose Straight North
Flexible pricing, comprehensive local advertising services, and an excellent track record of delivering measurable results urged us to choose Straight North as the top local ad agency for small businesses. Its top-notch customer support and fresh approach to marketing are the cherries on top. Among this list, there is no option that’s more tailored to digital marketing and advertising than Straight North.
WebFX: Best for Hyper-targeted Local Advertising
Pros
- The most comprehensive suite of local advertising services on this list
- A recognized digital marketing company with intensive experience
- Upfront pricing on the website
Cons
- More expensive to scale or for bundled solutions
- As a large company, some small businesses find its approach too rigid
Service | Monthly Rates Start At* |
|---|---|
Custom Pay-per-Click Plans | $600 |
Social Media Advertising | 15% of ad spend |
Addressable Geofencing Advertising | $550 |
Connected TV & Over-the-Top (OTT) Advertising | Not disclosed |
Remarketing Services | $600 |
Local SEO Service | $425 |
Local Service Ad Management | Not disclosed |
*Ad spend not included
Clutch: 4.9 / 5 out of 336 reviews
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WebFX is one of the most well-known digital marketing agencies in the U.S., and for good reason. In terms of local advertising, WebFX has an unmatched breadth of services, such as geofencing advertising and local digital streaming ads. It goes far beyond the standard local SEO and pay-per-click (PPC) ads offering that seems to be the trend among popular local ad agencies.
The strongest selling point so far for WebFX’s local advertising is the addressable geofencing advertising services. These allow businesses to launch hyper-targeted campaigns delivered straight to the audience’s addresses. Known to drive in-store visits and foot traffic, this targets specific households and businesses with personalized marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
WebFX Advertising Services
- Google pay-per-click (PPC) search, shopping, display, and remarketing ads
- Google Local Services Ads
- Bing (Microsoft Ads)
- Social ads: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest
- Social ecommerce advertising
- Ecommerce: Amazon, Shopify, Facebook Marketplace, and more
- Addressable Geofencing Advertising
- Connected OTT (over the top, aka streaming services) and TV ads
Why We Chose WebFX
With WebFX’s in-depth experience in digital marketing in general, it’s not surprising that it offers more services for hyper-targeted local advertising than most agencies. Because of this and its transparency in pricing, excellent communication and reporting, and expertise in advertising, we believe that WebFX is one of the best local advertising agencies for small businesses.
SEO Discovery: Most Affordable Local Ad Agency
Pros
- Most affordable local ad agency on this list, starting at $199 a month
- Highly rated local SEO services
- Custom plans and bundled services specifically for small businesses
Cons
- No dashboard to track campaign progress
- Services included for each bundle aren’t fully defined
Starting Cost: $199 for local SEO
The cost of SEO Discovery’s PPC advertising is not published; however, we are confident from our research that it offers among the lowest cost-of-entry for local advertising of any of the agencies on this list.
Clutch: 4.7 / 5 out of 34 reviews
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When it comes to the most affordable local advertising agencies, SEO Discovery stands out as a top choice. Best known for its expertise in SEO and PPC management, SEO Discovery is our pick for those who want their brand to be found online without breaking the bank. It has the lowest hourly rate among providers on this list and a customizable pricing structure that can accommodate modest budgets.
Particularly appealing is SEO Discovery’s knack for turning data into actionable insights. By analyzing local search trends and consumer behavior, it ensures that every advertising dollar is spent where it matters most. This approach not only drives traffic but also cultivates genuine engagement and conversions.
SEO Discovery Advertising Services
- Google search, display, and shopping
- Local Services Ads
- Video ads
- Amazon PPC
- Traditional advertising
- Influencer marketing
- Ad copy and creatives
Why We Chose SEO Discovery
From the name itself, SEO Discovery’s expertise lies in search engine optimization. It is even one of our frontrunners for best local SEO services. For as low as $199, businesses can improve visibility for local keywords and add on Google local service ads to amplify the reach of their content. Impressive user reviews, a structured service approach, and strong SEO services ensure that you get the best bang for your buck with SEO Discovery.
Funnel Boost Media: Most Collaborative Local Ad Agency
Pros
- Highly collaborative and communicative operations
- Specializes in marketing for local businesses
- Led by marketing veterans, garnering perfect user ratings
Cons
- Smallest range of marketing services
- Packages and included services aren’t clear from the website
Starting Cost: $1,000
As with most local advertising services, pricing for your business will be customized based on the scope of work and services needed.
Clutch: 5 / 5 out of 49 reviews
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Funnel Boost Media prides itself for expertise in local business marketing. We’ve heard nothing but praise for this local ad agency online. Although Funnel Boost Media does not have the same breadth of local advertising services as Straight North or WebFX, its track record for providing exceptional marketing to local businesses and collaborative approach makes it a top-notch choice for small businesses.
The advertising team at Funnel Boost Media takes the time to define and understand business goals, marketing objectives, target audience, and a brand’s unique value proposition in a comprehensive onboarding process. With a proven background in local business marketing, the team comes up with digital advertising strategies that help bring in foot traffic.
Funnel Boost Media Advertising Services
- Google search (PPC)
- Local Services Ads
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter)
- Custom landing pages
- Ad copy and creatives
Why We Chose Funnel Boost Media
For brick-and-mortar businesses, Funnel Boost Media is a trusted local advertising partner. Its personalized approach that values collaboration and hands-on marketing allows small businesses to implement their ideal advertising solutions at a bargain price. Although not nearly as cheap as SEO Discovery or Fiverr, Funnel Boost Media is still a small business go-to provider for advertising.
LYFE Marketing: Best for Local Paid Socials
Pros
- Social media advertising experts for local targeting
- Offers video creation for video ads
- Impressive dashboard and ad reporting
- Clear and upfront pricing on website
Cons
- No local SEO or service ads services
- Has a $300 setup fee (but you can ask for it to be waived)
- Starting cost for paid social: $650 plus ad spend (with $500 minimum ad spend)
- Organic social media from $750/month
- Google PPC from $650/month plus ad spend ($500 minimum ad spend)
- Short video ads from $1,250-$2,500/month
- Upfront fees vary by service; however, in most cases you can ask to have them waived
Clutch: 4.4 / 5 out of 86 reviews
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LYFE Marketing is well known as one of the best social media marketing agencies that provides social media marketing and advertising bundles. Although a number of local ad agencies we’ve listed here also offer social media advertising, LYFE Marketing’s expertise for local targeting earned it its spot on this list.
Although LYFE Marketing also offers other digital advertising solutions, such as PPC management, social media is prominently featured among its services. It uses location-based advertising strategies for paid social on Facebook and Instagram. For an additional $100, clients can add LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter.
LYFE Marketing Advertising Services
- Paid social: Facebook, Instagram, X (previously Twitter), LinkedIn
- YouTube advertising
- Google PPC, display, and remarketing
- Ad copy and creative
- Video advertising
- Email marketing
Why We Chose LYFE Marketing
LYFE Marketing has repeatedly shown outstanding results in social media marketing. It offers geotargeting and location-based strategies, even in the lowest-priced advertising plans. For businesses whose target audience can be reached more effectively through social media, LYFE Marketing is the best local advertising agency to choose.
Rank by Monday: Best for Industry-specific Local Ad Services
Pros
- Custom SEO services specifically for local businesses like carpet cleaners, car dealers, and more
- Robust service packages listed transparently on the website
- Affordable pricing for as low as $200 per package
Cons
- Limited client reviews
- Not the best option for businesses needing only a single service
- $150/month (plus $350 setup fee) for local Google PPC advertising, including geotargeting, for budgets up to $1,500
- $250/month (plus $500 setup fee) for Google and Bing PPC for budgets up to $5,000
- $500/month (plus $750 setup fee) for Google and Bing PPC for budgets from $5,000-$10,000
- Organic social media marketing from $350/month: Facebook, Instagram
Clutch: 5 / 5 of 1 review
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Rank by Monday is a diverse advertising agency that caters to a wide range of businesses. On top of its carefully curated advertising bundles, its industry-specific services, which are developed from previously successful campaigns of similar businesses, also impressed us.
Rank by Monday offers three main service categories: SEO, Social Media Management (SMM), and PPC. Each category has three packages with upfront pricing on the site, which is best for businesses that want to fully rely on an agency for bundled solutions. The only issue we’ve come across so far is the lack of client reviews online.
Rank by Monday Advertising Services
- Google PPC advertising
- Bing ads (aka Microsoft ads)
- Ad copy and creatives
- Organic social media marketing on Facebook and Instagram
- Amazon and YouTube ads
Why We Chose Rank by Monday
Small businesses will find it easy to start with local advertising through Rank by Monday’s bundled services, industry-specific strategies, and affordable pricing. Although it does not offer as much assurance as more well-known agencies like WebFX, it is still a good choice for businesses who want custom tailored advertising solutions.
Fiverr: Best a la Carte Local Advertising Services
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing for ad management, ad creation, and more
- Ability to handpick the services and provider who will perform the service
- Direct and clear communication with account manager
Cons
- No all-in-one solutions unlike Straight North or WebFX
- Quality varies per freelancer; no assurance for agency-quality management
Since Fiverr is an online freelance marketplace, the pricing widely varies depending on the chosen providers. In general, you can expect prices for as low as $5 to as high as $500. Some are for one-time services, such as Google Ads setup, while others offer ongoing options.
Each freelancer has individual reviews available on the website. As such, part of the process in using Fiverr is vetting each provider who offers the services you need.
Fiverr technically isn’t a local advertising agency but an online freelance marketplace with thousands of service providers for local advertising. Ranging from PPC management and paid social to local ad creatives and copywriting, users can handpick the services they need without having to pay for an entire package most agencies offer. Because of the number of services on the platform, Fiverr is perfect for businesses looking for specific a la carte local advertising services without monthly commitments.
The selling point of Fiverr is that the services featured on the platform are affordable and can go as low as $5. Additionally, users can communicate directly with the service provider. This is particularly useful for people who want to be hands-on with their ad efforts, since you get to collaborate directly with the person handling your ads.
Why We Chose Fiverr
For businesses with modest budgets, Fiverr allows you to tailor the services to what you can afford while still receiving high-quality services. This is not the best option for brands wanting an all-in-one advertising solution like Straight North. It is an excellent choice for businesses wanting to tap into a specialist’s skills for specific advertising needs.
How We Evaluated the Best Local Advertising Agencies
Small businesses, especially those just starting out, often need expert help to see a drastic increase in their in-store visits and local traffic. These businesses may be on the lookout for services such as Local Services Ads, Google pay-per-click ads and remarketing, social media ads, short video ads, advertisement copy and creatives (images, video, and so on), and more. We explored dozens of advertising agencies to find the best providers for local advertising with these services in mind.
Here are the criteria we kept in mind for evaluating the best local advertising agencies for small businesses:
- Cost (and value for the money)
- Local advertising services offered
- Communication, dashboards, and reporting
- Scalability
- User reviews
- Our own experience with providers like these (and with the providers on this list)
Our team has decades of combined experience not only in using professional advertising services but in providing them as well. As such, we have a strong understanding of the cost-to-value contained in service providers’ offerings. We can confidently recommend the advertising agencies above and have personally vetted each one by speaking with individuals at the agencies, often at length and repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do local advertising agencies do?
Local advertising agencies help businesses tailor advertising campaigns to a specific area to increase brand visibility, attract local customers, and drive growth. These agencies use expertise in marketing and advertising strategies to help businesses reach their target audience more effectively.
How do I choose a good advertising agency?
Choose a good advertising agency by considering its experience, client reviews, services offered, communication, budget, and compatibility with your brand. Ask relevant questions during the consultation call to gauge whether or not it will be a good fit. Our guide on choosing a marketing agency includes a free checklist you can use when comparing providers.
What’s the most effective type of local advertising?
The most effective local advertising ideas include local SEO, social media ads, traditional ads like direct mail, and Google Local Services Ads. While the effectiveness may vary depending on the business type and target audience, combining multiple approaches can yield a successful local marketing strategy.
Bottom Line
The best local advertising agencies offer more than just targeted advertising options. Small businesses can highly benefit from local SEO services, expert PPC management, ad creatives and copywriting, and transparent campaign monitoring. These services don’t need to cost a fortune, and our list of best local ad agencies attests to that.
For businesses that want to see measurable positive results and a decrease in advertising cost, Straight North has consistently provided these to its local advertising clients. Not only can it boost brand visibility, but its campaigns directly impact the number of local visits to its business clients.
