20 Best PR Firms and Agencies in Illinois
This guide spotlights Illinois leading public relations agencies, known for shaping stories that resonate across corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.
It explores their unique expertise, service offerings, and local influence—while outlining essential evaluation factors such as credibility, experience, service range, measurable impact, and community engagement—to help organizations find the ideal PR partner for meaningful visibility and growth in Illinois distinctive market landscape.
Best PR Firms and Agencies in Illinois
1. Edelman
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1952
- 6,000+ (global; headquartered in Chicago)
- Corporate communications, media relations, brand strategy, crisis & issues management, digital & social, public affairs
industries served
Consumer brands, technology, healthcare, financial services, public sector, entertainment
A global full-service PR and communications consultancy headquartered in Chicago, known for large-scale campaigns, reputation management, and integrated communications.
2. Walker Sands
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2001
- 160+
- B2B PR, brand & content strategy, digital marketing, creative, web, demand generation
Industries Served
B2B technology, SaaS, fintech, professional services, healthcare tech
A Chicago-based B2B growth agency with strong PR roots, blending earned media with content, creative and performance marketing for pipeline impact.
3. Interdependence Public Relations
- Chicago, Illinois (with additional offices across the U.S.)
- 2013
- 51–200 (reported)
- Earned media, digital PR, strategic communications, influencer marketing, social media, content marketing
Industries Served
Technology, consumer, healthcare, professional services, high-growth startups
An integrated communications firm that combines PR strategy with tech-enabled processes to scale earned media and brand storytelling.
4. Greentarget Global Group
- Chicago, Illinois (with other offices in the U.S. and internationally)
- 2005
- 60+
- B2B PR, thought leadership, media relations, executive communications, content strategy, measurement
Industries Served
Legal, accounting, consulting, financial services, commercial real estate, professional services
A B2B-focused PR agency headquartered in Chicago, recognized for helping professional services firms build authority and drive the conversation in their markets.
5. KemperLesnik (now a subsidiary under Res Publica Group)
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1979
- 40+
- Public relations, sports marketing, activations, event management, content marketing, social media
Industries Served
Sports & hospitality, B2B, consumer brands, insurance & risk, financial services
A long-standing Chicago agency known for PR plus sports marketing and experiential activations, working across B2B and consumer campaigns.
6. The Motion Agency
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2006
- 75
- PR, creative & content, brand strategy, integrated campaigns, media relations, social strategy
Industries Served
Health & wellness, consumer and durable goods, lifestyle brands
A Chicago-based, woman-owned agency combining public relations with creative and brand growth work, often supporting challenger brands with integrated campaigns.
7. Reputation Partners
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2002
- 11-50
- Corporate communications, crisis & issues, media relations, executive visibility, litigation & M&A communications
Industries Served
Corporate, financial services, real estate, manufacturing, professional services
A strategic communications firm focused on building and protecting reputations, with deep experience in corporate messaging and high-stakes communications.
8. Zapwater Communications
- Chicago, Illinois (also operates in other major U.S. markets)
- 2005
- 11-50
- Lifestyle PR, influencer marketing, social media, experiential, media relations, affiliate marketing
Industries Served
Travel & hospitality, fashion, beauty, real estate, food & beverage, lifestyle
An integrated communications agency best known for lifestyle brand work, blending PR with influencers, digital engagement and experiential tactics.
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2011
- 2-10
- Product launches, media relations, brand storytelling, B2B & B2C PR campaigns, content marketing
Industries Served
Food & beverage, consumer products, housewares, baby & kids, B2B categories
A boutique Chicago PR team with a track record in launch campaigns and earned media, supporting both consumer and B2B brands.
10. Margie Korshak, Inc.
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1969
- 11-50
- Public relations, media relations, special events, entertainment & arts publicity, brand visibility
Industries Served
Entertainment, arts & culture, hospitality, lifestyle, consumer
A historic Chicago PR and events firm known for entertainment and cultural publicity, plus media relations and special events in the city.
11. Pietryla PR & Marketing
- Chicago, Illinois (serving clients nationwide)
- 2002
- 4-10
- Media relations, brand positioning, crisis communications, marketing strategy, content development
Industries Served
Packaging, energy, manufacturing, B2B brands
A boutique firm specializing in brand positioning and earned media for mid-market B2B companies, often working directly with founders and leadership teams.
12. CarusoPR
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1997
- 10-49
- Public relations, communications strategy, social media, video production, web support
Industries Served
Professional services, manufacturing, nonprofits, consumer and B2B brands
A senior-led communications firm providing practical, results-oriented PR and marketing communications support for organizations that need experienced execution.
13. 3Points Communications
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2010
- 2-10
- Media relations, messaging, brand strategy, community engagement, content creation, social media
Industries Served
Nonprofits, healthcare, education, community organizations, purpose-driven brands
A boutique agency focused on storytelling and visibility—often supporting mission-driven organizations with messaging, media outreach and community engagement.
14. Mac Strategies Group, Inc.
- Chicago, Illinois (also operates in Springfield, Illinois)
- 2008
- 11-50
- Public affairs, government relations, issue management, crisis communications, grassroots & coalition building, digital campaigns
Industries Served
Policy and advocacy, trade associations, nonprofits, corporate public affairs
A strategic communications and public affairs firm helping organizations shape public opinion and navigate government and stakeholder environments.
15. Wilks Group
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1995
- 11-50
- Integrated PR, media relations, crisis communications, influencer campaigns, events & trade shows, content and writing
Industries Served
Food & beverage, consumer products, publishing, nonprofit, corporate
An award-winning integrated communications agency delivering PR strategy and media engagement, with experience across consumer sectors and corporate communications.
16. Grisko
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1995
- 11-50
- Public relations, public affairs, creative, media planning, digital and social, crisis communications
Industries Served
Government & civic, nonprofits, healthcare, corporate and community campaigns
A Chicago-based communications firm offering PR and public affairs alongside creative and campaign planning—often for organizations with community impact.
17. Samantha Crafton Public Relations
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2012
- 2-10
- Public relations, brand strategy, hospitality and lifestyle publicity, event PR, social media
Industries Served
Hospitality, food & beverage, lifestyle brands, local and regional businesses
A boutique agency specializing in hospitality and lifestyle PR—often helping brands earn local and national visibility through targeted outreach and storytelling.
18. Bear Icebox Communications
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2016
- 11-50
- PR strategy, media outreach, content and thought leadership, brand strategy, messaging, social media support
Industries Served
B2B, franchising, professional services, technology, growth-stage companies
A strategic communications agency helping brands scale visibility and credibility with PR planning, content creation and consistent earned media execution.
Roar Media is a Miami/Coral Gables full-stack marketing and PR agency that combines data-driven digital performance with traditional earned media and creative.
19.SHERMAN Communications & Marketing
- Chicago, Illinois
- 2001
- 2-10
- Media relations, corporate communications, messaging & positioning, crisis communications, marketing strategy, thought leadership, content development
Industries Served
Energy, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, nonprofits, technology, real estate
A boutique Chicago PR and marketing firm known for senior-level counsel. It supports organizations with strategic communications planning, media relations, and issues/crisis response—helping brands clarify what to say, who to say it to, and how to show up consistently across channels.
20. Bettie Bomb
- Chicago, Illinois (also operates in Naples, Florida)
- 2005
- 2-10
- Lifestyle PR, media relations, social media, influencer marketing, integrated marketing and communications
Industries Served
Hospitality, events, retail, fashion, beauty, health & wellness, nonprofits
A boutique PR + marketing agency with a strong lifestyle focus, offering hands-on support to build awareness and secure earned media for growing brands.
How we Picked the Best Illinois PR Agencies for Your Business.
We prioritized agencies with a strong public track record—whether through longevity, recognizable client work, awards, third-party profiles, or consistent visibility. In PR, reputation matters because it often reflects the agency’s relationships, professionalism, and ability to deliver.
Not all “PR agencies” offer the same level of capability. We leaned toward firms that show real strength in core PR functions such as earned media, strategic messaging, executive visibility, crisis communications, digital PR, and—where relevant—public affairs and stakeholder communications.
Illinois has a diverse business landscape. We gave preference to agencies with proven work in sectors commonly represented across the state, including professional services, healthcare, technology, consumer brands, hospitality, education, manufacturing, and nonprofit/community organizations—so they can speak your industry’s language and understand its risks.
Illinois businesses range from startups to enterprise-level organizations, so we included a mix of boutique and larger agencies. Smaller teams can offer hands-on senior attention, while larger agencies may provide broader capabilities and specialized departments—giving readers options based on scope and budget.
Illinois PR success often depends on local context—especially in Chicago, where media, communities, and stakeholder landscapes move quickly. We prioritized agencies that understand Chicago outlets, regional publications, and the broader Illinois ecosystem (suburbs and cities like Naperville, Aurora, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, etc.).
We favored agencies that clearly explain what they’re best at—rather than trying to be “everything to everyone.” Strong positioning typically means a defined method, specialty, or niche (e.g., B2B tech PR, healthcare communications, public affairs, crisis PR, consumer lifestyle PR), which often leads to better results and more predictable execution.
Five Questions to Ask an Illinois PR Agency Before You Hire.
Ask how the agency measures results (earned media quality, share of voice, message pull-through, lead impact, sentiment, or stakeholder outcomes). A good agency will set expectations early and provide reporting that ties activity to your business goals.
Clarify the team structure, senior oversight, and who your primary contact will be. Some agencies pitch with senior leaders but hand work to junior staff—make sure the delivery team matches what was sold.
Illinois PR often hinges on local relationships and nuance—especially in Chicago’s competitive media market. Look for relevant case studies in your sector and ask how they would approach your specific audience and geography.
Even if you’re not in crisis today, you want a partner who can respond quickly when something breaks—whether it’s a negative review wave, a product issue, or a sensitive stakeholder situation. Ask about their process and response timelines.
Get clarity on deliverables (press outreach volume, content creation, strategy, meetings, social support, influencer work, event PR) and any add-ons. Transparent scope prevents surprises and makes it easier to compare agencies fairly.
Things to Watch Out for When Choosing a PR Agency in Illinois.
Choosing the wrong PR partner can cost both time and money. Watch out for these key warning signs:
PR is influenced by newsworthiness and editorial decisions—no reputable agency can guarantee specific placements. Be wary of “guarantees” unless it’s clearly paid media or sponsored content.
If the retainer doesn’t spell out what you get (strategy, outreach, content, reporting, meetings), you’ll struggle to hold the agency accountable. Insist on a clear scope of work.
Impressions alone don’t equal impact. Look for agencies that prioritize message quality, target-audience relevance, and outcomes aligned to your goals.
Illinois is not one-size-fits-all. Chicago media, suburban outlets, trade publications, and public-affairs stakeholders all work differently. If the agency can’t speak confidently about local targeting, that’s a red flag.
PR moves fast. If the agency is slow to respond during the sales process, it usually gets worse after you sign. Confirm meeting frequency, response times, and escalation paths upfront.
