Guide to Full Service Advertising Agencies in Washington, DC

Get started with successful ad campaigns with big ideas from ad agencies in Washington, DC

By Jenni Simcoe

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Advertising agencies in Washington, DC are known for their political know-how. Although many full service advertising agencies in Washington, DC cater to the campaign crowd, many others target a vast array of markets and industries — both large and small.

Full service advertising agencies are creative powerhouses that handle all types of advertising, including television commercials, print ads, direct marketing campaigns, promotions, events, packaging, branding, design, new media and outdoor advertising. Hiring such an agency can jumpstart your campaign and ensure that all of your marketing efforts present a cohesive image and message.

You can choose any type of ad agency in Washington, DC by:

Deciding if you need a large national advertising agency or a small advertising firm.
Choosing advertising agencies in Washington, DC that specialize in political campaigns or have contacts in government or with lobbyists that you are targeting.
Washington, DC, is the eighth largest media market in the nation, and many full service advertising agencies in Washington, DC can handle your local campaign.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search directories for ad agencies in Washington, DC

Several websites allow you to search for advertising companies in Washington, DC by region, county or city or by the consumer groups they target.

I recommend: The American Association of Advertising Agencies’ AAAAgencysearch.com lets you search for its members by state. DCPages.com lists ad agencies in Washington, DC. ProductionHub.com has listings of advertising agencies in the Capitol and the surrounding cities in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Search for award-winning advertising agencies in Washington, DC

You don't have to have a multi-million dollar budget to work with an advertising agency in Washington, DC that has won awards. Many awards are handed out based on the size of an advertising agency.

I recommend: To find award-winning ad agencies in Washington, DC and surrounding areas, search for winners of the ADDY Awards — part of the American Advertising Federation — or the Telly Awards.

Choose national or international advertising agencies in Washington, DC

Hiring one of the big-name advertising companies in Washington, DC or the greater DC metropolitan area can give your advertising campaign instant credibility and exposure.

I recommend: The Borenstein Group, Arnold Worldwide, Marmillion + Company, Qorvis Communications and Ogilvy Worldwide are some of the most highly respected Washington, DC advertising agencies.

Find an advertising agency in Washington, DC or the metropolitan area that targets the local market

If your company sells only in the local market, narrow your search to Washington, DC advertising firms that focus on your region.

I recommend: At Respond, you can search for “local firms only” to ensure that you find ad agencies in Washington, DC. To find ad agencies that know your local market, consult the local DC Chamber of Commerce.

Opt for full service advertising agencies in Washington, DC that work for small and mid-sized busine

A number of advertising companies in Washington, DC work with small and mid-sized businesses.

I recommend: RMR & Associates, Inc. offers a Small Business Solutions Starter Kit to help establish a business identity and advertising plan. Boscobel Marketing Communications is a full service boutique ad agency that serves small and mid-sized clients. Edge Advertising provides small businesses with advertising strategies with big ideas.

Hire Washington, DC advertising agencies that specialize in DC-based industries

Washington is known for politics, transportation, non-profits, defense, energy and government. Look for full service advertising agencies in Washington, DC that handle these industries.

I recommend: At AAAAgencysearch.com, you can look up Washington advertising agencies by industry experience.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Ask vendors and colleagues in professional associations for referrals for advertising companies in Washington, DC.
Determine upfront how you will pay the advertising agency. Agencies use a variety of fee structures, including billable hours, monthly retainers and by project.
If you opt for small ad agencies in Washington, DC ask if work is outsourced and if so, who has accountability for the freelance portion of the project.

The official source of Full Service Advertising Agencies in Washington, DC is
the Full-Service Advertising Agencies in Washington, DC page at Business.com