Updated: Top Independent Media Agencies

In 2020, we all pushed our operating budgets to their breaking points. Brands were forced to eliminate unnecessary overhead for survival. Luckily, the demand to streamline actually gave a much-needed boost to many independent agencies. These smaller shops already operate on tighter budgets and aren’t beholden to a parent company. Independent agencies are scrappy and adaptable with the freedom to operate under an ask-for-forgiveness-not-permission mentality.

Download the Top Independent Agencies, Q1 2021 full list

However, with increased freedom, comes increased challenges. Independent agencies must respond to the always-changing ad world, especially shifts in media consumption and the emergence of new technologies. However, there are unique advantages.

According to Digital Remedy:

• Online advertising or retargeting (59%) and personalization (56%) were the top two agency trends in 2020.
• Delivering innovative ideas and attributing revenue to marketing are the top barriers to the success of a client/agency relationship according to ~46.5% of marketers.
• 70% of independent agency employees said they are happy in their jobs, compared to just 53% of those at agencies owned by holding companies.
• 70% of staffers at independent agencies also described their work environment as positive, (vs. 49% of staffers at holding company-owned agencies).

Keep scrolling for the top 10 list media agencies outside a major holding company, but still holding major client ad spend. Using the smart filters in Winmo, we compiled this list of independent agencies that handled at least $100 million in media spend over the past year. Access the full list.

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