Finding the right partner to handle your marketing on Long Island is a headache. The field is crowded, everyone promises the world, and it’s hard to tell who’s the real deal. This article breaks down the nine best advertising agencies right here in Nassau and Suffolk counties for 2026. We’re going to look at what they’re actually good at, how they charge, and why you might pick one over the other.
Here is a hard truth: nearly 72% of local ad spend gets burned because agencies don’t understand the difference between a “commuter” and a “local.” I learned this the hard way a few years back. I hired a flashy Manhattan firm to handle a campaign for a client in Suffolk. They treated the geography like it was just an extension of Queens. The campaign flopped. Hard.
It taught me that understanding the “island” economy—from the Nassau border all the way to the East End—is non-negotiable. You need a team that lives and breathes this market but still has the digital chops to compete globally.
When you’re looking at Long Island advertising agencies, look past the shiny awards on their lobby walls. Focus on the partners who actually understand the difference between Massapequa and Montauk.
Table of Contents
If you’re in a rush, use this list to jump around. We cover the top 9 agencies, some notable mentions, and the questions you should actually be asking before signing a contract.
- TL;DR: The Quick List
- Comparison Table
- Real Talk: How to Choose an Agency
- 1. The Marketing Agency
- 2. Austin Williams
- 3. The EGC Group
- 4. Thinkhouse
- 5. CGT Marketing
- 6. Cameron Advertising
- 7. Vertigo Media Group
- 8. Long Island Media, Inc.
- 9. Union Square Advertising
- Notable Mentions
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
TL;DR
If you are a busy executive and just want the cheat sheet, here is the breakdown of who fits where.
- The Marketing Agency: Best for AI-Driven Performance Marketing and measurable ROI.
- Austin Williams: The heavy hitter for Higher Ed and Healthcare institutions.
- The EGC Group: Top choice for big Retail and Consumer Branding.
- Thinkhouse: Ideal for brands that need killer Creative Branding and Packaging.
- CGT Marketing: The go-to for B2B, Manufacturing, and Legal (the serious stuff).
- Cameron Advertising: Specialized in Automotive and High-Volume Retail.
- Vertigo Media Group: Excellent for Non-Profits and emotional storytelling.
- Long Island Media, Inc.: Best for Local Lead Gen via their own websites.
- Union Square Advertising: Perfect for Small Business Web Design and getting started.
Comparison Table
Here is a quick snapshot to help you compare the primary focus and pricing models.
| Agency | Best For | Key Feature | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marketing Agency | AI-Driven Performance & ROI | Proprietary AI & Data Systems | Custom/Retainer |
| Austin Williams | Higher Ed & Healthcare | Outcomes-Driven Strategy | Custom/Enterprise |
| The EGC Group | Large-Scale Retail | Integrated Craft Beverage Marketing | Custom/Hourly ($100-$149) |
| Thinkhouse | Creative Branding/Packaging | “Un-Agency” Transparency | Project-Based |
| CGT Marketing | B2B & Manufacturing | Industrial/Technical Focus | Custom |
| Cameron Advertising | Automotive Retail | High-Volume Media Buying | Custom |
| Vertigo Media Group | Non-Profits | Emotional Brand Storytelling | Custom |
| Long Island Media | Local Lead Gen | Owned Media Platforms | Custom |
| Union Square | Small Business Web Design | Foundational Branding | Custom |
Real Talk: How to Choose a Long Island Agency
Finding the right partner takes more than picking the first name on a Google search. You have to dig a little deeper. Here is what I tell people to look for before they sign anything.
1. Do you need a Generalist or a Specialist?
Determine if you need a Full-Service Agency (TV, radio, billboards, and digital) or a Boutique Shop that just does SEO or manufacturing brochures. If you hire a creative branding shop to fix your technical SEO, you’re going to have a bad time.
2. Do they actually know the neighborhood?
Long Island is weird. The demographics shift every few exits on the LIE. A strong agency needs to know the difference between the North Shore luxury buyer and the South Shore family consumer. If they don’t know the community trends, they can’t sell to them.
3. Do you want Pretty or do you want Profitable?
Some agencies excel at making things look beautiful (Creative Focus). Others focus strictly on data, leads, and sales (Strategic Focus). Be honest with yourself about whether you need a visual rebrand or if you just need revenue growth.
4. The Money Talk.
Make sure you have a clear budget for both the agency fee (paying the humans to do the work) and the ad spend (the money paid to Google or Meta). Ask about client retention, too. If their clients leave after six months, that’s a red flag.
1. The Marketing Agency
Okay, full disclosure: this is us. I’m putting The Marketing Agency at the top not just because I’m biased, but because we are doing something different. We bridge the gap between traditional marketing and the confusing world of AI. Unlike agencies that rely on “gut feeling,” we use a scientific approach rooted in data.
We specialize in using AI to predict trends, meaning every dollar you spend is tied to a measurable outcome. If you are tired of vanity metrics (like “impressions”) and want a partner that focuses on the bottom line, we’re your team.
Best For: AI-Driven Performance Marketing and ROI
Why us?
We offer a level of transparency that is rare in this industry. You aren’t just getting a campaign; you are getting a system that learns. Our focus on “Answer Engine Optimization” ensures your brand is visible not just on Google, but in the AI models (like ChatGPT) that consumers are starting to use for search.
The Trade-off
Our heavy focus on data, digital performance, and AI integration might not be the right fit for a brand looking strictly for old-school, non-digital billboard or radio placements without a digital component.
Price
Custom pricing based on scope. SEO starts from $1,500/mo; PPC starts from $750/mo.
Check out The Marketing Agency
2. Austin Williams
Austin Williams is a powerhouse in this market. They position themselves as “outcomes-driven,” which is agency-speak for “we care about results, not just pretty pictures.” I appreciate their specific focus on major institutions like St. Joseph’s College and Orlin & Cohen. They don’t just run ads; they handle complex rebranding and recruitment.
Best For: Higher Education and Healthcare
The Vibe
They are Inc. 5000 listed and have a track record of scaling massive organizations. If you need to handle complex recruitment marketing or a massive institutional rebrand, their team has the depth to handle it.
The Trade-off
They are likely on the higher end of the pricing spectrum due to their size and talent pool. This is probably too much horsepower for a small local business just starting out.
Price
Custom/Enterprise pricing.
3. The EGC Group
You can’t talk about Long Island advertising without mentioning EGC. They are a staple here. They are often associated with the big, comprehensive campaigns that bridge the gap between TV/Print and digital. They also have a really cool niche talent for craft beverage marketing and retail.
Best For: Large-scale Retail Branding
The Vibe
They have a highly established reputation in the NY metro area. They have the resources to handle large-scale, multi-channel campaigns that smaller shops simply cannot manage. If you are a big retailer, this is a safe bet.
The Trade-off
Because they are a larger ship, they might not be as agile as a boutique shop where you can text the founder on a Tuesday night.
Price
Custom/Contact for Quote. Hourly pricing usually lands between $100-$149.
4. Thinkhouse
Thinkhouse calls themselves the “Un-Advertising Agency.” I love that. They focus on being ego-free and transparent. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, they excel in creative design, packaging, and brand storytelling. They act like an extension of your team rather than a vendor.
Best For: Creative Branding and Packaging
The Vibe
The service is highly personal. Clients rave about the founders, Adam and Joyce, being directly involved in the work. This is excellent for businesses needing a visual overhaul or packaging design.
The Trade-off
A boutique team has capacity limits. They might not be the right fit for enterprise-level media buying that requires a massive trading desk.
Price
Custom/Project-based.
5. CGT Marketing
CGT Marketing differentiates itself by not trying to be “everything for everybody.” They have carved out a specific niche helping manufacturing companies, law firms, and accounting firms. They understand B2B sales cycles. Trust is a requirement for these sectors, and CGT knows how to build it.
Best For: B2B and Manufacturing
The Vibe
If you are a manufacturer, they speak your language. You won’t have to explain your supply chain to them. They understand that technical buyers need different content than retail consumers.
The Trade-off
Their specialized focus means they may not be the best fit for general B2C retail or hospitality brands looking for viral TikTok trends.
Price
Custom/Contact for Quote.
6. Cameron Advertising
With over 45 years in the game, Cameron Advertising offers the muscle of a large agency with the speed of a boutique shop. They are particularly famous in the automotive retail space. They help dealerships and retail brands keep customers coming back.
Best For: Automotive and High-Volume Retail
The Vibe
Their immense experience ensures they have seen every market cycle. They have strong media buying power, which often translates to better rates for your ad campaigns.
The Trade-off
Their heavy focus on traditional and retail automotive might not align with SaaS or tech startup needs that require a different type of growth hacking.
Price
Custom/Contact for Quote.
7. Vertigo Media Group
Vertigo combines tradition with innovation. They focus heavily on the “individual” consumer. They have a strong reputation for working with non-profits and lifestyle brands, using video and creative assets to drive donations and engagement.
Best For: Brand Storytelling and Non-Profits
The Vibe
They are highly rated for their partnership approach. Clients feel like “partners” rather than just paychecks. They are excellent at fundraising marketing, which requires a specific emotional touch.
The Trade-off
While strong in creative and branding, they may be less focused on hard-core technical SEO compared to specialized search agencies.
Price
Custom/Contact for Quote.
8. Long Island Media, Inc.
Owning and operating LongIsland.com, this agency has a massive unfair advantage: they own the platform where many Long Islanders get their news. They specialize in lead generation and getting local businesses found by consumers who are ready to buy.
Best For: Local Lead Generation
The Vibe
They have built-in PR advantages due to their media ownership. This is great for local service businesses like contractors or event planners needing immediate visibility.
The Trade-off
Their design aesthetic can be more functional and directory-style rather than high-end luxury branding.
Price
Custom/Contact for Quote.
9. Union Square Advertising
Union Square Advertising focuses on the foundational elements: a strategy-minded website and consistent branding. They are ideal for businesses that need to get “out-of-the-box” ready to grow online.
Best For: Small Business Web Design
The Vibe
They emphasize that marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. They focus on consistent voice and long-term retention. This is good for businesses establishing their first major digital footprint.
The Trade-off
There is less emphasis on aggressive large-scale media buying or TV compared to the larger agencies on this list.
Price
Custom/Contact for Quote.
Explore Union Square Advertising
Notable Mentions
If the top list didn’t quite match what you’re looking for, here are four others worth a look. These agencies offer specific niche stuff like print, vehicle wraps, and media buying.
Searles Graphics
A strong choice if you need a mix of physical print execution and digital strategy. They manage campaigns from ideation to analysis.
Find them here
Carvertise
If looking for Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, Carvertise specializes in wrapped vehicles. It’s a unique way to get eyeballs on the LIE and Sunrise Hwy.
Find them here
Skyrush Marketing
Skyrush is known for having a team of programmers and content developers that prioritize increasing sales and ROI through website dev.
Find them here
DCW Media
These guys are media-agnostic specialists in buying, planning, and negotiating paid media (TV, Radio, Print). If you just need efficiency in your media spend rather than creative production, call them.
Find them here
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the questions I get asked the most over coffee.
How much does a Long Island agency actually cost?
It varies wildly. Some charge hourly rates ($100-$150), while others work on a monthly retainer. You have to budget for both the agency fee and the actual ad spend. The good news? Long Island agencies are usually more competitively priced than the Manhattan firms for the same level of talent.
Should I hire full-service or boutique?
If you need a complete overhaul including TV, print, and digital, go full-service. If you only need specific help with SEO or packaging, a boutique agency will likely give you deeper expertise in that one area.
Why does local expertise matter for digital ads?
Long Island has specific “micro-geographies.” An agency that understands the difference between the North Shore and the South Shore can tailor messaging that actually lands, stopping you from wasting money on the wrong people.
How long are the contracts?
Most agencies prefer 6 to 12-month retainers so they have time to make the strategy work. However, some project-based agencies are cool with shorter engagements for things like a website launch.
How do I know if it’s working?
Look for “outcomes” rather than “outputs.” Don’t just look at how many posts they made (output). Look at how many leads, sales, or inquiries those posts generated (outcome). You can also use tools to calculate your campaign ROI to verify if your agency partner is actually delivering value.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right partner is about alignment. You need a team that understands where you are today and where the market is going tomorrow.
- Know your goal: Are you rebranding or driving leads?
- Check the fit: Do they know your industry?
- Verify the location: Do they understand the Long Island consumer?
For a broader look at how location-specific strategies drive growth, explore our guide on selecting the top local marketing agencies.
While Long Island agencies offer incredible boots-on-the-ground expertise, many businesses are finding that traditional advertising models struggle to keep pace with the AI revolution.
The Marketing Agency bridges this gap. If you are struggling with the high costs of traditional retainers or feel your current agency is ignoring the shift toward AI, we offer a data-driven alternative. We optimize for the AI models consumers use to find answers, offering transparent pricing and specialized SEO strategies built on revenue modeling. You can see real-world examples of how modern agencies are pivoting strategies in our advertising agency case study.
If you need a partner that combines the technical rigor of AI with the strategic depth of a consultancy, explore our Digital Marketing Solutions to see how we can help.
