The digital marketing world isn’t what it was five years ago, or even last year. With constant platform updates, shifting algorithms, and evolving consumer behavior, agencies have had to become more agile, more strategic, and more performance-obsessed than ever before. Search Engine Marketing (SEM), once just a line item in a broader media plan, is now the backbone of growth for brands in nearly every industry. That’s why more businesses are turning to the Best SEM Agencies in NYC, agencies that not only understand the platforms but know how to leverage them for measurable, scalable success.
And no city does SEM quite like New York.
New York City, a nucleus of commerce, creativity, and cultural energy, is home to some of the most forward-thinking SEM agencies in the world. From Midtown to Brooklyn, boutique firms and performance powerhouses alike are rewriting the rules of paid search, display, and retargeting, one campaign at a time.
We’ve spent the past few years observing the landscape, working alongside innovators, and analyzing who’s actually moving the needle for their clients. What we’ve found is a network of standout agencies that don’t just offer services, they deliver outcomes. These are the firms building smarter bidding strategies, tighter targeting, and campaigns that not only drive traffic but convert real revenue.
If you’re looking for an agency partner in New York that understands SEM inside and out and knows how to adapt fast, this list is your roadmap. These are the best SEM agencies in NYC redefining what growth looks like in the digital age.
The digital marketing world isn’t what it was five years ago, or even last year. With constant platform updates, shifting algorithms, and evolving consumer behavior, agencies have had to become more agile, more strategic, and more performance-obsessed than ever before. Search Engine Marketing (SEM), once just a line item in a broader media plan, is now the backbone of growth for brands in nearly every industry.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide featuring the Best SEM Agencies in NYC, firms that specialize in turning clicks into conversions and strategy into ROI. Whether you’re looking to scale fast or optimize what’s already working, these agencies have the tools and talent to make it happen.
Here are 20 SEM agencies in New York worth knowing about.
1: Digital Drew SEM
At Digital Drew SEM, we’re not here to throw jargon at you or sell you bloated strategies that don’t drive profit. We’re a performance marketing agency built to do one thing really well: grow your business with digital campaigns that actually convert. Based in New York City and partnering with clients across the country, we create SEM and SEO campaigns that generate leads, boost revenue, and put your brand in front of the people who matter most.
We specialize in Google Ads, Meta advertising, SEO, and retargeting, paired with sharp creative and conversion-first landing pages. But strategy is where we shine. We don’t just plug in keywords or set broad audiences and hope for the best. We ask real questions about your goals, challenges, and ideal customers. Then we map out a paid and organic roadmap that makes sense for your business and your budget.
When you work with us, you’re not passed between departments or handed off to an intern. You get direct access to professionals who know how to read data, optimize fast, and adapt your campaigns in real time. Every dollar you spend is treated like it’s our own. We don’t hide behind impressions or clicks;w e focus on cost per lead, cost per acquisition, and lifetime value.
Whether you’re a small business that’s never run ads before or a growing e-commerce brand struggling with underperforming campaigns, we help you cut through the noise and find what works. We test, iterate, and optimize relentlessly, refining every ad, bid strategy, and landing page to deliver the strongest return.
Our SEO strategies are equally tailored. We don’t sell “packages”; we build SEO content, metadata, and link structures that align with your services, your audience, and how people search in your industry. Our goal isn’t just traffic. It’s qualified, ready-to-act traffic that converts.
We also integrate email marketing and CRM workflows to help you nurture leads and close more sales. From building remarketing flows to launching seasonal campaigns, we help you stay in front of your audience, long after the click.
Over the years, we’ve worked with businesses in real estate, healthcare, legal, B2B services, and retail, and the common thread is this: we bring structure, strategy, and speed to campaigns that need results now. You’ll never get a one-size-fits-all plan from us. You’ll get a team that listens, builds, and delivers.
We built Digital Drew SEM because we saw a gap in the agency world: too much fluff, too many vague promises, and not enough focus on outcomes. We’re here to fix that. We move fast. We keep it transparent. And we stay laser-focused on your ROI.
If you’re looking for a digital marketing agency that acts like a true partner, one that’s responsive, strategic, and obsessed with performance, Digital Drew SEM is ready to get to work.
Address: 110 E 28th St, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016, United States
2: Jives Media
Jives Media is a full-service digital marketing agency recognized for blending bold creativity with performance-focused strategy. Known for its global reach and impressive track record, the agency partners with businesses of all sizes to turn marketing challenges into scalable growth opportunities.
What sets Jives Media apart is its ability to fuse design, data, and digital innovation into campaigns that deliver real impact. From building sleek, high-converting websites to executing targeted lead generation initiatives, their team offers comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s specific goals.
With a flexible and personalized approach, Jives Media supports startups, midsize companies, and Fortune 500 brands alike, delivering agile strategies that adapt quickly and perform consistently. Their work is driven by results, rooted in strategy, and powered by a genuine understanding of what moves the digital needle.
3. Fishbat Media
Fishbat takes a business-first approach to digital marketing, ensuring every campaign aligns with a client’s core goals and long-term vision. Rather than jumping straight into execution, the agency prioritizes deep discovery, diving into the client’s operations, pain points, and growth objectives to build a strategy that actually fits.
This thoughtful process results in highly customized digital marketing plans that aren’t just trendy, they’re effective. Whether it’s brand positioning, content development, or full-funnel performance marketing, Fishbat tailors every initiative to match the unique DNA of the business it’s supporting.
With a sharp focus on strategy, clarity, and measurable growth, Fishbat continues to help brands turn challenges into digital opportunities.
4 Major Tom
Major Tom stands out by cutting through digital clutter with thoughtful, strategic clarity. Instead of rushing into tactics, the agency focuses on understanding the bigger picture, how each brand fits into its market, what the audience truly needs, and where the greatest impact can be made.
Their team blends high-level thinking with precise execution, deploying the right messages on the right channels at exactly the right time. It’s this balance of strategy and timing that helps their clients gain traction, build trust, and grow sustainably.
In a space where trends shift fast, Major Tom’s strength lies in stepping back, assessing holistically, and delivering focused campaigns that move the needle without wasting effort.
5. Acronym
Acronyms are built on the belief that search is the gateway to understanding real customer intent. By leading with a search-first mindset, the agency uncovers what audiences are actively looking for, then uses that insight to craft strategies that resonate.
What sets Acronym apart is its integration of advanced analytics and AI-powered tools. This tech-forward approach allows them to develop hyper-relevant messaging and content strategies tailored to each client’s audience. Whether optimizing for organic visibility or paid performance, their campaigns are rooted in real-time data and user behavior.
For brands looking to connect meaningfully and convert efficiently, Acronym turns search signals into smart, actionable marketing.
6. Tronvig
Tronvig is a Brooklyn-based agency known for its deep expertise in brand strategy and purpose-driven marketing. For over two decades, they’ve guided organizations across healthcare, finance, and the nonprofit sector in refining their messaging, positioning, and outreach.
What sets Tronvig apart is its thoughtful, research-backed approach to brand development. Rather than relying on surface-level tactics, their team dives into the core of what makes each organization unique, then builds strategic frameworks that fuel long-term growth and impact.
With a global client base and a reputation for clarity, integrity, and effectiveness, Tronvig helps brands align their values with their voice and connect more meaningfully with the audiences that matter most.
7. Vab Media
Based in Lower Manhattan, Vab Media operates at the intersection of digital strategy and entrepreneurial growth. More than just a marketing agency, they act as strategic advisors, guiding businesses through the complexities of online visibility, branding, and digital transformation.
Vab Media works closely with startups and established companies alike, offering tailored solutions in web design, brand development, SEO, and social media. Their consultative approach ensures that each client’s digital presence aligns with their broader business goals, making every campaign not just creative but calculated for impact.
With a commitment to innovation and measurable outcomes, Vab Media empowers brands to build authority, attract the right audience, and scale smarter.
8. Crafted
Crafted is a digital creative studio fueled by bold ideas and a passion for delivering exceptional brand experiences. With a full-circle approach to digital marketing, the agency specializes in crafting identities, building memorable brands, and launching campaigns that truly move the needle.
Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: great ideas can come from anywhere, but it takes strategic vision and artistic execution to bring them to life. Crafted blends design, storytelling, and performance to create solutions that go beyond aesthetics; they drive real business growth.
Having partnered with over 100 clients, the team brings seasoned creative and strategic insight to every project, helping brands not just launch, but evolve and thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape.
9. Crafted
Crafted is a digital creative studio fueled by bold ideas and a passion for delivering exceptional brand experiences. With a full-circle approach to digital marketing, the agency specializes in crafting identities, building memorable brands, and launching campaigns that truly move the needle.
Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: great ideas can come from anywhere, but it takes strategic vision and artistic execution to bring them to life. Crafted blends design, storytelling, and performance to create solutions that go beyond aesthetics; they drive real business growth.
Having partnered with over 100 clients, the team brings seasoned creative and strategic insight to every project, helping brands not just launch, but evolve and thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape.
10. Power Digital
Power Digital is a performance-focused marketing agency known for turning data into real, measurable growth. Their team is made up of seasoned professionals with big-agency backgrounds who bring a sharp, analytical edge to every client engagement.
What makes Power Digital stand out is its personalized approach. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy, they dig into each brand’s unique goals, analytics, and customer journey to build tailored campaigns that actually convert. Whether it’s SEO, paid media, social strategy, or digital PR, every tactic is aligned with ROI from day one.
Transparency and collaboration are at the core of how they work; clients are never left in the dark, and every decision is backed by clear metrics and intent. With a strong focus on accountability and outcomes, Power Digital helps businesses not only grow but grow smarter.
11. Power Digital
Avex is a boutique digital agency rooted in New York City, with a dedicated team of eCommerce specialists who know how to build, scale, and elevate lifestyle brands. With deep expertise in Shopify Plus, Avex is a go-to partner for brands seeking a high-performance online storefront and a seamless customer journey.
Their philosophy is centered around user experience, believing that every touchpoint in the digital buying process should feel intentional and intuitive. From custom site design and CRO to post-purchase retention strategies, Avex ensures every part of the eCommerce funnel is optimized for long-term growth.
With a nimble team of 20+ and a strong portfolio of fashion, beauty, and wellness clients, Avex blends creative precision with technical know-how to help brands not just launch but thrive.
12. AMP Agency
AMP Agency is a full-service marketing powerhouse with a national presence, serving major cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Austin. Known for its wide-ranging capabilities, the agency delivers integrated marketing solutions, from paid media and public relations to user experience design and digital transformation.
What sets AMP apart is its commitment to flexibility. Every strategy is custom-built to reflect the brand’s unique identity, audience, and business objectives. Whether it’s launching a new product, elevating brand visibility, or reimagining the digital customer journey, AMP crafts solutions that align with both creative vision and performance goals.
Their portfolio includes global giants like Amazon, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Maybelline, proof of their ability to scale big ideas and deliver results across industries. With a balance of creativity, strategy, and execution, AMP helps brands stay bold, relevant, and impactful.
13. AMP Agency
Ruckus is a full-service agency built for bold brands and mission-driven leaders looking to create real impact. With a focus on strategic branding, immersive platform design, and high-performance campaigns, Ruckus helps businesses turn ideas into action and elevate their presence in a crowded market.
What makes Ruckus different is their passion for working with changemakers, those who aren’t just selling products, but shaping culture and driving positive transformation. Every project is built around sparking engagement, inspiring loyalty, and moving people to act.
With hundreds of successful campaigns under their belt and features in top outlets like ABC, CNN, CBS, Adweek, and The Wall Street Journal, Ruckus has earned a reputation for delivering creative that resonates and results that last. Whether you’re launching a new venture or reinventing a legacy brand, Ruckus brings the clarity, creativity, and firepower to help you grow.
14. Massive
Massive is a branding and experience design agency built for companies that want to lead, not follow. With a focus on creating culturally relevant and forward-thinking digital experiences, Massive helps ambitious brands define their voice, elevate their presence, and connect with modern audiences in meaningful ways.
At the heart of their work is a belief that great branding isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about clarity, momentum, and impact. By aligning strategy with culture, Massive helps organizations carve out their own space in the market and move confidently through change.
From brand identity and messaging to web design and digital innovation, Massive partners with problem-solvers and pioneers to craft experiences that rise above the noise and leave a lasting impression.
15. Flightpath
Flightpath is a seasoned digital marketing agency that helps brands steer through the ever-changing landscape of modern marketing with precision and purpose. Known for its strategic direction and hands-on approach, Flightpath supports clients across a wide range of industries, helping them rise above the noise and connect with the audiences that matter.
In a space where competition is fierce and attention is fleeting, Flightpath focuses on what drives real growth: increasing brand visibility, capturing qualified leads, and converting prospects into loyal customers. They craft campaigns that resonate with both B2B and consumer segments, blending creative execution with performance-minded strategies.
With a dynamic skill set that evolves alongside the digital world, Flightpath remains a trusted partner for brands that want smart, scalable marketing solutions that keep them one step ahead.
15. NetPeak
NetPeak is a global digital marketing agency with deep roots in Kazakhstan and a growing international presence, including offices in New York City, London, San Francisco, Sydney, and Almaty. With a team of over 350 specialists, NetPeak delivers robust digital solutions for brands seeking high-impact growth across multiple markets.
Their services span website development, SEO, and video production, each tailored to help businesses strengthen their online visibility and engage users through compelling, data-driven content. Known for combining technical precision with creative execution, NetPeak supports companies across industries in building smarter digital ecosystems.
With both regional expertise and global scalability, NetPeak continues to be a trusted partner for ambitious brands aiming to make a lasting impression online
15. Brooklyn Digital Foundry
Brooklyn Digital Foundry is a creative agency grounded in the belief that strong relationships fuel the best results. Their process is intentionally collaborative, placing client experience at the heart of every project and ensuring that strategy and execution are aligned from start to finish.
With a portfolio that spans architecture and real estate, arts and culture, civic engagement, and social impact, the agency brings a thoughtful, design-forward approach to a wide range of industries. Their expertise includes branding, digital platforms, and visually rich storytelling that captures both attention and authenticity.
Brooklyn Digital Foundry isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about building digital experiences that are meaningful, well-structured, and built to last.
16. IGW
IGW (Infographic World) is a full-service digital marketing agency that partners with brands to accelerate growth through strategy, creativity, and measurable execution. Trusted by some of the biggest names in business, IGW positions itself as more than a service provider; it becomes a true extension of your internal marketing team.
Their approach is grounded in impact. IGW works closely with clients to define ambitious goals, then crafts data-driven campaigns designed to exceed them. Whether filling specific skill gaps or leading full-scale initiatives, the agency is known for its ability to drive results where it matters most.
From high-level strategy to hands-on production, IGW helps businesses unlock their next stage of growth with focus, flexibility, and a commitment to performance.
17. Target Marketing
Target Marketing is a passionate digital agency that believes in elevating its clients’ missions through thoughtful strategy and impactful execution. With an integrated approach that spans digital PR, web design, and full-scale marketing campaigns, the agency is focused on creating digital experiences that build trust, spark engagement, and drive meaningful results.
From solo entrepreneurs and authors to well-established brands, Target Marketing works across a wide client spectrum, delivering tailored solutions that reflect each client’s goals, voice, and audience. Their work blends creativity with functionality, ensuring every campaign not only looks great but also performs with purpose.
Rooted in collaboration and fueled by a genuine love for what they do, Target Marketing helps brands influence the digital space with authenticity, clarity, and staying power.
18. Main Street ROI
Main Street ROI stands out for its dedication to small business success. While the agency works across a variety of industries, including automotive, home services, and health & wellness, its core mission is to empower local and small businesses with digital marketing strategies that deliver real ROI.
Specializing in SEO, Google Ads, and other high-impact channels, Main Street takes a practical, results-first approach. They’ve helped thousands of small businesses build sustainable, cost-effective marketing campaigns that don’t just attract clicks but drive revenue.
With a strong emphasis on education, transparency, and long-term growth, Main Street ROI serves as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to compete and win online without big-agency complexity.
19. Lasting Trend
Lasting Trend is a performance-driven marketing agency that believes smart strategy beats big spending. Their philosophy centers on doing more with less, helping clients expand their digital reach while keeping marketing budgets lean and highly efficient.
Whether through paid campaigns or organic search, Lasting Trend focuses on precision: allocating resources strategically and fine-tuning every dollar spent to deliver maximum return. Their team excels at identifying high-impact opportunities and optimizing campaigns to reach broader audiences without unnecessary waste.
With a commitment to cost-effective growth and measurable results, Lasting Trend is the go-to partner for brands that want to scale sustainably and make every marketing move count.
20. Break the Web
Break the Web is a results-focused digital marketing agency built to help brands capture attention and increase visibility where it matters most. With deep specialization in SEO and PPC, the agency crafts targeted strategies designed to drive consistent traffic, boost engagement, and deliver maximum ROI.
Their approach goes beyond standard tactics. Break the Web combines sharp analytics, creative thinking, and a clear understanding of audience behavior to fuel meaningful growth. Every campaign is designed to scale, helping clients not only attract more visitors but convert them into long-term customers.
For businesses seeking a growth partner that’s laser-focused on performance, Break the Web offers the expertise and execution to turn attention into measurable success.
Choosing the Right SEM Partner in NYC
Finding the best SEM agency in NYC isn’t about picking the flashiest portfolio or the biggest team; it’s about choosing a partner who understands your business, your goals, and how to turn digital marketing into real growth.
Each of the agencies featured in this blog brings something valuable to the table. From full-service performance firms to boutique creative shops, they all know how to make an impact. But if you’re looking for an agency that offers direct communication, fast execution, and complete transparency, we’d love to talk.
At Digital Drew SEM, we’re not here to lock you into long contracts or drown you in marketing jargon. We focus on results. We’re fast, responsive, and obsessed with getting you a return on every dollar you spend. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale what’s already working, we build strategies that convert, not just once, but over and over again.
We’ll meet you where you are, figure out where you want to go, and build a roadmap to get there. No fluff. No inflated promises. Just clear, actionable marketing that drives sales and builds long-term momentum.
If you’re ready to work with an SEM agency that moves fast and delivers consistently, get in touch with us at Digital Drew SEM. We’re ready when you are.
