Identify what your small business needs from ad agencies in Illinois

Sit down with your promotions staff and look at your past advertising plans. Establish a budget and make a list of where you'd like to see your business advertised, what's worked in the past and what hasn't gone so well.

I recommend: Ask colleagues which advertising companies in IL they've used in the past and whether they recommend them to you. Look at agencies like KMK Media Group in Rockford and Davis Harrison Dion in Chicago to see what services in which you may be interested.

Find local Illinois advertising agencies

Browse agency websites to view online portfolios and lists of services. Look at services to fit your specific business, such as packaging, trade show setups, direct mail or outdoor advertising

I recommend: Search locally for advertising agencies in Illinois like Pure Imagination in Batavia, HIP Advertising in Springfield and Marketplace Media in Elgin. Pay attention to the online portfolios to tell you what types of ads the companies specialize in – modern, traditional, print, broadcast and Internet marketing.

Contact advertising agencies in IL that meet your criteria

Narrow your search to 3-5 promising marketing agencies in Illinois that are close to you, reasonably priced and share your advertising goals. Call or email the agency representatives and set up meetings to see portfolios and talk with the staff.

I recommend: Contact firms like Buster Creative in Chicago or Balash Advertising in Oakbrook Terrace to discuss where the companies could take your promotions plan. Visit with the staff you'd actually work with to see that you get along well and share the same vision. Hiring a company like CS&A Marketing Communications in Bloomington ensures you get professional service while allowing you to get back to your everyday work.

Pick your favorite of the IL advertising agencies and implement your campaign

Hire the best advertising agency Illinois has to offer for your specific business and start working with the team immediately. Set a final budget and decide on the types of ads that work best and let the team show you what they can do.

I recommend: Appoint a member of your staff as point of contact (POC) for the promotions campaign. Have this person work with the staff at ad agencies in Illinois like Huntington Advertising in Warrenville and Manifesto in Rockford and relay progress reports and final proofs back to you. This way you still have the final say but are also free to go about your normal business