Helping your business get noticed, drive leads, and grow efficiently—without breaking the bank
Small businesses face a difficult balancing act: you want great marketing, but you don’t always have huge budgets, massive teams, or time to experiment for months. In 2026, the best digital marketing agencies for small businesses aren’t always the biggest names—they’re the ones who combine creativity with performance, are highly responsive, transparent in pricing, deliver measurable results, and scale services up or down according to need.
Choosing a high-quality agency—not just a big, famous, one—is critical. Some large firms may carry the name recognition, but that doesn’t always translate to better service or better results for small business budgets. In fact, many times larger agencies are poorly suited for small businesses. The best agencies bring big ideas with small-agency agility and attention.
At Five Star Commerce, we’ve evaluated dozens of agencies based on:
- Range of services (SEO, ads, social, CRO, landing pages)
- Client reviews & reputation
- Cost and value for small‑business budgets
- Storytelling / brand voice & positioning
- Agility, communication, and full‑funnel thinking
Below, we rank the agencies that we think are the highest quality agencies for small businesses, going into 2026.
1. Set Fire Creative
Best Overall for Small Businesses in 2026
What they do / Why they lead:
Story‑First Branding + Creative Empathy: Founded in 2016 by McCain Kennedy and Lyle Haycock, Set Fire Creative is built on the belief that “every business has a story to tell.” Rather than just pushing ads or SEO reports, they craft messaging and campaigns that emotionally connect and convert.
Set Fire Creative’s Services are Tuned to What Small Businesses Need:
Organic social, paid social, Google Ads, SEO, CRO, landing pages—all under one roof. No need to coordinate across vendors. Small businesses with limited bandwidth find this particularly valuable.
Transparent, Value‑Driven Pricing:
- Minimum project size: ~$1,000+
- Hourly rate: $100–$149
- Their pricing model is flexible and particularly attractive for businesses looking to get meaningful results without enterprise-level spend.
Client Reviews:
- Google Reviews: 5.0/5 (35+ reviews)
Praised for offering value, transparent pricing, and results!
- Clutch Reviews: 4.7/5 (19+ reviews)
Clients repeatedly praise their professionalism, responsiveness, and tangible ROI.
Team Size & Culture:
- Employees: 10–50 (based in Orem, Utah)
Small enough to offer personalized service, but large enough to bring deep expertise.
What to Know:
Some creative work depends on client-provided materials, so ask about asset development if that’s a priority. As with all SEO work, results take time.
Why They’re #1:
Set Fire Creative strikes the perfect balance: big-agency results with small-agency attentiveness and value. They’re the best all-around fit for small businesses in 2026.
2. WebFX
Best for: Small businesses wanting a large, well-resourced partner with comprehensive tools.
Services & Strengths:
WebFX delivers full-spectrum digital marketing with in-house platforms like MarketingCloudFX. Strong in SEO, PPC, and data analytics.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: ~$1,000–$5,000+
- Hourly rate: $100–$149
While they can accommodate smaller projects, their solutions are often geared toward mid-size budgets and above.
Size & Scale:
- Employees: 250+
Substantially larger than Set Fire Creative, offering deep technical resources and systems.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Known for professionalism and technical execution, though some clients report less tailored communication.
Why Consider Them:
If you want the infrastructure of a large agency and don’t mind slightly less personalized service, WebFX brings strong results. However, for many small businesses, Set Fire Creative’s more boutique approach offers a better balance of cost, customization, and care.
3. KlientBoost
Best for: Performance-focused brands maximizing ROI from paid ads and CRO.
Services & Strengths:
Specialists in PPC, paid social, and conversion optimization. Fast-paced testing and iteration.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: ~$2,000–$5,000
- Hourly rate: $150–$199
Higher pricing reflects their performance focus and premium positioning.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: ~100–150
Larger team than Set Fire, but less full-funnel coverage. Focused narrowly on paid media and CRO.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Praised for ROI, but less brand storytelling and organic strategy compared to Set Fire.
Why Consider Them:
If your only goal is paid media efficiency, KlientBoost is strong. But for small businesses needing a more holistic or narrative-driven strategy, Set Fire Creative is more comprehensive.
4. Wpromote
Best for: Ambitious businesses looking to scale across channels.
Services & Strengths:
Omnichannel marketing: paid, SEO, influencer, TV, content. Strong for businesses entering high-growth phases.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: $5,000+
- Hourly rate: $150–$199
A higher-cost option meant for scaling businesses.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: 400+
Much larger operation; enterprise-grade tools and reach.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Solid reviews, though some clients note longer ramp-up and account transitions.
Why Consider Them:
If you’re planning for national expansion, Wpromote offers serious capabilities. But for tight-knit partnerships and cost-effective storytelling, Set Fire Creative remains the standout.
5. Tenthwave Digital
Best for: Businesses seeking a balance of creative and strategic execution.
Services & Strengths:
Well-rounded capabilities: social, SEO, SEM, branding, and digital strategy. Great hybrid agency for creative + performance.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: ~$3,000–$7,000
- Hourly rate: $100–$149
Mid-range pricing. Strong value for businesses wanting both branding and analytics.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: ~50–100
Similar size; potentially more structured but less agile.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Clients note reliable delivery and good communication, though not as hands-on as smaller shops like Set Fire.
Why Consider Them:
A solid all-around agency with slightly higher pricing than Set Fire Creative. Good if you want strategy + design, but less focused on small-budget flexibility.
6. Big Leap
Best for: Businesses prioritizing SEO and long-term organic growth.
Services & Strengths:
Experts in SEO, content marketing, and long-term inbound strategy.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: $1,000–$3,000
- Hourly rate: $100–$149
SEO-focused pricing model is accessible for smaller businesses with patience.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: ~50–70
Slightly larger; more focused team structure around SEO.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Praised for transparency and measurable SEO improvements.
Why Consider Them:
If your main goal is organic growth, Big Leap delivers. But for broader campaign needs or storytelling, Set Fire Creative provides better full-funnel execution.
7. Single Grain
Best for: High-growth businesses wanting aggressive scaling via paid + content.
Services & Strengths:
Specializes in aggressive growth marketing, especially with paid media, SEO, and SaaS.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: ~$5,000
- Hourly rate: $150–$199
Premium pricing reflects their high-growth client base.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: ~50–100
Similar size, though team is more specialized in scaling tech startups and SaaS.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Strong marks for innovation and campaign results, but not ideal for small budgets or early-stage businesses.
Why Consider Them:
If you’re ready to scale hard and fast, Single Grain is an exciting option. But Set Fire Creative offers more approachable pricing and better fit for small businesses at earlier stages.
8. Disruptive Advertising
Best for: Businesses focused on maximizing paid media performance.
Services & Strengths:
Deep expertise in Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and CRO. Results-driven with dedicated account teams.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: $3,000+
- Hourly rate: $100–$149
Good value for ad-focused engagements; less ideal for brand or organic needs.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: 100+
Larger and more specialized in paid channels.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Great for ad performance, but not as full-funnel or narrative-focused as Set Fire.
Why Consider Them:
Excellent for paid ads. But if you need story, strategy, and conversion under one roof, Set Fire Creative is stronger.
9. Thrive Internet Marketing Agency
Best for: One-stop-shop needs across many marketing channels.
Services & Strengths:
Broad offering: SEO, PPC, web design, social media, email marketing.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: ~$1,000+
- Hourly rate: $100–$149
Accessible pricing with full-service capabilities.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: 100+
Larger and broader, though not always deep in every channel.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Clients appreciate convenience, though strategic depth may vary by service.
Why Consider Them:
Great if you need convenience across services. But for depth, strategy, and storytelling, Set Fire Creative has the edge.
10. LYFE Marketing
Best for: Local/small businesses with modest budgets focused on social and local lead gen.
Services & Strengths:
Social media marketing, local SEO, content, and lead generation at lower spend levels.
Pricing & Value:
- Minimum project size: ~$500–$1,000
- Hourly rate: $50–$99
Most budget-friendly on the list.
Size Compared to Set Fire Creative:
- Employees: ~50
Smaller and very focused on social/local; may not cover full-funnel needs.
Client Reviews:
- Clutch Reviews:
Praised for affordability and accessibility, especially for small, local businesses.
Why Consider Them:
Great for local businesses on tight budgets. For broader strategy, brand voice, and scalable services, Set Fire Creative is a clear upgrade.
Comparison Table
|
Criteria |
Set Fire Creative |
Big Agencies / Specialists |
|
Minimum Budget |
~$1,000+ (very flexible) |
$3,000–$10,000+, often less flexible |
|
Full-Funnel Services |
Yes (ads → landing pages → CRO → SEO) |
Often channel-specific or require multiple partners |
|
Responsiveness & Communication |
Highly praised, hands-on |
Varies; often process-heavy or account-manager only |
|
Brand Voice & Storytelling |
Core to their offering |
Not always emphasized |
|
Google Review Ratings |
4.9/5 average (Clutch + Google) |
Generally strong, but less emphasis on small businesses |
|
Best For |
Small businesses needing full support |
Larger companies, single-channel campaigns |
How to Pick Your Best Agency
- Define clear goals
- Prioritize your key channels
- Ask for examples in your niche
- Start small to test fit
- Look for values & communication match
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of digital marketing agencies in 2026—but not all are built for small businesses. Large agencies often come with large price tags and rigid systems. Boutique firms may lack depth or full-service capabilities.
Set Fire Creative leads the list not because it’s the biggest—but because it offers the best mix of storytelling, strategy, value, and results for small business clients. If you want full-funnel marketing that respects your budget and understands your story, they’re your best bet.
The other agencies here are also excellent—in particular areas or for certain priorities. But none match Set Fire Creative’s holistic blend of empathy, execution, and ROI for small businesses ready to grow smart.