Lucas CloutierI’ll never forget the time my friend hired a ‘bargain’ creative agency to design a campaign for his small business.
He ended up with a hastily thrown-together logo that resembled more of a Rorschach test than a brand symbol. The social media strategy seemed to have been developed with the expertise of his neighbour’s cat.
Needless to say, choosing the right creative agency can make or break your brand. This is especially true in a bustling and competitive marketplace like Vancouver, where creative brilliance and innovation are in high demand.
To help you avoid pitfalls, the Waterview Vancouver team and I rounded up the best creative agencies in Vancouver. After listening to testimonies and checking out the companies ourselves, here’s who made it onto our list.
| How much does it cost to hire a creative agency in Vancouver? Hiring a creative agency in Vancouver can cost at least 150 CAD per hour. The pricing will vary depending on the complexity and size of the project, agency experience and the services required. |
How We Chose
1. Massive Media
Address: 81 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8, Canada
Contact Details: +16042274343
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Massive Media stands out as a top branding and experience design agency. Their focus on working with mission-driven organisations sets them apart.
From what we’ve seen, they really take time to understand the mission and values of the organisations they work with.
They excel at developing strong brand identities, messaging, and positioning strategies. They also create digital experiences that are user-centred, including websites, apps, and interactive platforms.
Clients have commented that their digital campaigns and content strategies amplify their brand messages effectively, driving more audience interaction. They help businesses tell compelling stories that spark meaningful conversations.
Massive Media’s collaborative approach is another highlight. Several clients praised their team for thinking outside the box to deliver unique and memorable brand experiences.
One point of feedback we’ve heard is that they sometimes struggle with tight deadlines. However, their high-quality work and strategic approach compensate for this.
Pros
- Strong brand identity development
- User-centered digital experiences
- Compelling storytelling
- Collaborative and innovative team
Cons
- Occasionally struggles with tight deadlines
Customer Reviews
They’ve helped us craft an amazing brand campaign and set up photoshoots and videoshoots
“Our company has been working with Massive and the Cadence team on a go-to-market strategy and have been so happy with the results. They’ve helped us craft an amazing brand campaign and set up photoshoots and videoshoots. They’ve also helped us with our SEO and running our Google and Meta ads. The entire team is so helpful and creative, and you can tell they have a passion for what they’re doing. We really enjoy working with them and would recommend them highly!”
– Robert Dale, Google Review
We really felt heard, and appreciated the time the team took
“We have just launched a fresh new version of our program website and could not be happier with the web design + development by the team at Massive. From start to finish, Lucy our project manager was there to link us to the work of the rest of her team. Our questions were addressed in a timely manner and the folks at Massive also extended internal deadlines to meet our needs. We really felt heard, and appreciated the time the team took to learn about us and our work, they made it very safe for us to “hand over the keys”. The whole design process was a great experience for our team and together we built a site that exceeded our expectations.”
– CIF VCH, Google Review
2. Immersion Creative
Address: 777 Hornby St #600, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4, Canada
Contact Details:+16045511682
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Since 2008, Immersion Creative has built a solid reputation for their integrated, custom campaigns. They don’t just create ads. They bring conceptual ideas to life across all platforms—whether it’s websites, TV, or social media.
But what makes Immersion Creative special is its in-house production facilities. Their setup is so advanced that it rivals Hollywood studios. This means they can produce top-notch TV and print advertising without looking outside for help.
Several commented on their creativity and the amazing quality of their production materials. Their team has been working together for over a decade, so their deep knowledge was very evident when we reached out.
Other clients also loved that they used smart media buying to ensure their campaigns hit the right audience.
The only complaint we’ve heard is occasional delays in receiving callbacks.
Pros
- Integrated, custom campaigns
- In-house production facilities
- Production materials rivaling Hollywood studios
- Smart media buying
Cons
- Occasional delays in callbacks
Customer Reviews
The Immersion Creative team is fantastic
“I have worked with Mike and Hope at Immersion Creative for numerous campaigns over the years. Their professionalism and dedication to their clients shows in the work they provide. They understand the clients needs and treat each project as a it’s own unique opportunity. The Immersion Creative team is fantastic to work with!”
– Ranbir Parhar Google Review
His passion and commitment to my business was unmatched
“I worked with Mike this past year. His passion and commitment to my business was unmatched. The best anecdote to demostrate his passion is when he called me and told me about a dream he’d had about my business. I’ve worked with several other creatives and brand agencies and I’ve never felt anywhere close to the kind of deep passion and desire to help me with my business’ success as I feel from Mike.”
– Adam Harris Google Review
3. Pace Creative
Address:55 E Cordova St #603, Vancouver, BC V6A 0A5, Canada
Contact Details:+16046203040
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:45 AM to 5:45 PM
Pace Creative is a standout full-service marketing communications agency, but they really excel in B2B marketing. They’re known for their data-driven approach, always focusing on measurable results and ROI.
From what we’ve gathered, they’ve generated over $200 million in revenue for their clients. We also learned that they provide strategic advisory services that help businesses align their marketing with their growth goals.
Several clients told us that they like using Pace Creative’s audit service to find and recover lost revenue opportunities. Others told us they appreciated the experienced and knowledgeable team at Pace Creative.
The emphasis on strategic planning and data-driven decision-making really stands out for those needing results-oriented marketing solutions.
Also, the transparent and responsive communication from Pace Creative ensures everyone stays on the same page.
One thing to note is their minimum budget requirement, which could be a snag for some.
Pros
- Focus on ROI
- Offers strategic advisory services
- Provides revenue recovery audit service.
- Experienced and knowledgeable team
Cons
- Minimum budget requirement
Customer Reviews
They provide recommendations that will guarantee you high ROI
“My team and I strongly believe that Pace Creative is a must-to have ! They truly try to understand your needs and provide recommendations that will guarantee you high ROI!. They deliver a high quality creative work in a timely manner and they ensure you make data-driven decisions that are aligned with your long term strategy. We could successfully increase our sales significantly in a short period of time because of their support to communicate the right message, to the right audience at the right time in the most effective and efficient way.”
– Samin Saadat Google Review
Their effective promotion tactics resulted in increased traffic and engagement on my website
“I recently worked with Pace Creative and was extremely impressed with their team’s expertise and commitment to my sucess. They took the time to understand my business and developed a customized content marketing strategy that delivered results. Their effective promotion tactics resulted in increased traffic and engagement on my website. I highly recommend Pace Creative for anyone looking to improve their online presence and drive business growth!”
– Brandie W. Google Review
4. Y5 Creative
Address: 1241 Homer St #302, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y9, Canada
Contact Details: +17783792177
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Y5 Creative supports businesses throughout their entire brand journey. Many appreciate this holistic approach and commented on their commitment to forming long-term partnerships.
Clients feel that Y5 takes the time to understand their businesses and goals genuinely. Some also mentioned that working with the team feels like having an in-house team that’s always on your side.
Their adaptable solutions are another highlight. They are always exploring new ways to help businesses connect with their audiences. They also always think outside the box and create unique brand experiences.
From new brand development and brand refreshes to WordPress and Shopify websites, they offer a wide range of services. They even offer services like signage, social media marketing, and videography.
While they may not be the most budget-friendly option for businesses with tight finances, they’re worth every penny for the quality and dedication they bring.
Pros
- Holistic approach to branding
- Commitment to long-term partnerships
- Adaptable solutions
- Creative brand experiences
Cons
- Costly services
Customer Reviews
They helped us tremendously with bringing our vision into reality
“We started working with Y5 Creative around 2019, & since then have become a part of our journey & family. They helped us tremendously with bringing our vision into reality and tailored our branding specifically to us, & continue to help us as we evolve. Carol and her team are professional, responsive, & most importantly, such wonderful people who continue to encourage and keep in touch after their project is done with us. Much love from us, Y5!”
– Love to Latitude Google Review
We can always rely on the fact that our needs are prioritized and efficiently addressed
“Y5 Creative has been instrumental to the growth and success of our brand. All other premium Branding / Graphic Design companies that we have used prior to working with Y5 have truly paled in comparison. Y5 has guided us through the opening of two new offices, expansion into international markets and increasing our staff by 500% over a five year span. Y5’s Repositioning and restructuring of our brand during what should’ve been a stressful time in our growth has been effortless and has allowed us to focus our time on our clients instead. Above all, we are treated like family and our time is valued. We can always rely on the fact that our needs are prioritized and efficiently addressed (which we try our best not to take advantage of lol). This relationship has been a gift to our firm and we will always highly recommend Y5 to our clients.”
– Sombilon Studios Google Review
5. Major Tom
Address: 1090 Homer St #490, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W9, Canada
Contact Details: +16046426765
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Major Tom is a full-service digital marketing agency that’s making waves in Vancouver. They offer a full suite of services, perfect for those who need a comprehensive digital marketing overhaul.
Their services include digital strategy, brand strategy, and web design and development. They even offer content marketing, paid search, and SEO/SEM services.
Clients really dig the way Major Tom blends big-picture strategies with nitty-gritty tactical execution. This helps them deliver real results that meet their clients’ goals.
People also love how they aim to build long-term relationships. This lets them get to know each company brand they work with deeply and keeps the innovation flowing.
The agency’s open communication and collaborative approach are also highly praised. Many commented on the team’s expertise and dedication to utilizing SEO for social media.
That said, their services can be pricier than those of other agencies. Keep in mind also that they might be harder to book as new clients due to their popularity.
Pros
- Full-service agency
- Blends big-picture strategy with tactical execution
- Builds long-term client relationships
- Open communication
Cons
- Services may be pricier than other agencies
- Might be harder to book
Customer Reviews
Their paid media expertise has been a game-changer for our business
“We’ve had a fantastic experience with Major Tom over the past few years. Their paid media expertise has been a game-changer for our business. The team’s strategic approach and deep understanding of our industry help consistently deliver positive results. We also highly value proactive communication and transparency, which are hallmarks of their service. From Google Ads to social media campaigns to Connected TV, their proficiency shines. Major Tom is not just a vendor but a valued partner in our growth journey. I highly recommend it to businesses seeking a top-tier paid media agency!”
– Omer Imran Iqbal Google Review
Quick to respond, always ready to offer suggestions on how to improve and optimize
“My organization has been partners with Major Tom and its many evolutions for the last seven years. In that time I’ve seen so much evolution and strategic growth in the way that they and every team member shows up for us and our business. They’re quick to respond, always ready to offer suggestions on how to improve and optimize, and have been reliable and trustworthy partners for a broad scope of our digital initiatives. I’ve also navigated two website redesigns with the team at Major Tom, and have been proud to collaborate with them on both. They’ve helped bring us bring our new brand to life on our digital channels and I’m excited to see what we continue to create together.”
– Alex Greene Google Review
