Political expertise is a given for advertising and marketing consultants in Washington DC. Many ad agencies in Washington work with the interest groups and politicians, but many others target a vast array of industries and markets such as direct marketing, print ads, promotions, branding, packaging, design, events, news media and television commercials.

Hiring a Washington DC advertising consulting firm can jump-start your political campaign if you have one, and ensure a cohesive marketing message and image. Washington is an exciting and high-powered place, and you will find a choice of many reliable and professional marketing agencies to get your business in the mainstream. Consider the following when looking for a marketing and advertising firm:

1. Choose Washington DC marketing consulting firms for a small or mid-sized company.

2. Use a Washington ad agency that serves national and international businesses.

3. Access directories and lists of Washington DC marketing consultancies.

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

Choose Washington DC advertising consulting firms in for your small to mid-size business

Washington DC is a well-rounded place, and you can find a consulting service for any size business, even if yours is a startup.

I recommend: At RMR & Associates, actions speak louder than words, they say. Look to this company to develop a business identity with an advertising plan and branding. Edge Advertising will help small businesses strategize an advertising plan.

Find a Washington DC advertising consultancy that serves national and international businesses

Big-name advertising companies like to have a presence in Washington. You can find ad consulting firms that serve a worldwide client base with offices in DC.

I recommend: Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide helps your business with branding, corporate social responsibility, digital influence, crisis management, investor relations, specialized communications, health policies, media relations, specialized communications and product marketing. If you are surprised that an ad and marketing agency gets involved at such a corporate level, go to their website and find out this well-known consultancy does so. Marmillion + Company is another well-known company in Washington. They work with you in market research, product publicity, branding, ad development and B2B communications. Qorvis Communications, yet another big name in Washington, does market research, relationship marketing, branding, strategy and planning.

Consult directories for Washington DC marketing consulting firms

A number of websites allow searches for ad and marketing agencies in Washington, DC, by city, county or industry.

I recommend: Look at DCPages.com for a list of marketing firms in Washington. ProductionHUB lists advertising agencies in DC and surrounding cities in Virginia, Delaware and Maryland.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider ahead of time the fee structure you prefer for paying a marketing company-billable hours or monthly retainers, for instance.
• •  If you choose a small agency in Washington, ask if the work is outsourced and who is responsible for the freelance work.
• •  Talk to colleagues, vendors and those in your professional organizations about their recommendations for marketing consulting Washington DC.