What makes Marcel Digital different
We aim to change the idea of what an agency is and what it can be. Since 2003, we’ve been the Google Partner that businesses and brands collaborate with to build and execute world-class, award-winning digital marketing strategies.
Marcel Digital is a team of digital marketing, web development, and Google Analytics experts focused on carrying out digital strategies that drive more traffic, sales, leads, and engagement to our client’s websites from prospects and customers. Our areas of expertise include SEO, paid media, CRO, web development, and Google Analytics - all of which are used holistically and comprehensively in digital strategies for our clients. Our team works in one office in Chicago; our SEOs and paid search experts sit next to our web developers, who sit next to our UX experts, who also sit next to our Google Analytics experts. Nothing is offshore - all strategies are researched and executed in house, right here in Chicago.
While the mission has always been to bring transparency, the vision has always been not to be a cliche, to be a typical digital marketing agency. Scroll down to read about our mission, values, and people below.
Our Mission
Authenticity to us isn’t just a word - we live and breathe it. When Ben Swartz started Marcel Digital in 2003 after leaving AOL-Time Warner, he aimed to create an agency different from all other agencies. For him, it meant staying authentic and becoming indispensable. He wanted to emphasize the value of clear communication in our client partnerships - what the data says, what that means for strategy, how it’s going to get done, and what next steps are after work is completed. This led to the creation of the Marcel Digital Core Values, an ongoing and evolving internal checklist used for hiring and measuring our team.
Internally at Marcel Digital, authenticity means many things and touches every facet of the work we do. It means creating genuine connections with our clients and partners. It means clear communication from leadership by way of regular check-in meetings, quarterly Management By Objectives to eliminate micromanagement, annual 360 degree retrospective reviews to help employees grow and stay on their career path, weekly TinyPulse check-ins to get employee feedback anonymously, monthly company meetings, and ad hoc one on one meetings. Authenticity means spelling out exactly what we consider living the core values at Marcel Digital. It means understanding what you do, what success looks like, where you are going professionally, and where the company is going. It ties our experts to the big picture and to the goals of Marcel, giving them a place and purpose in our evolution and growth.
Our Vision
Sure, we are integrated. We have in-house, multi-disciplined teams completely integrated to drive results. We provide expert SEO process and analytics for accurate measurement, UX for conversion-focused landing pages, digital strategy for user journey considerations, and paid media for expertly executed and optimized campaigns.
But at the end of the day, we care. We care about our community, we care about your business, and we care about each other.
We are authentic.
This means a team that is true to themselves, true to Marcel’s values, and won’t compromise their integrity or that of our company.
We are talented.
Talented means they can create tangible results, but also understand the manner in which we achieve those results. They reject being a cliché.
We embrace our culture.
We operate as a team, but also as individuals with conviction about ourselves, where we come from, and what we are about individually as a person. If we don't know, we are searching.
We are philanthropic.
It is important to us to give back to our community, not just financially, but also physically. We are passionate about our community, and giving back is at the heart of our mission.
Our Values
Our values are engrained in everything we do. They are a part of our everyday conversations, our interactions with clients, and our growth as an agency. We choose these values above all others because they define who we are and represent a guiding light for our team and our leadership.
Authenticity
Be true to yourself, your values, and your spirit. Always act with good intentions and motives. Assume positive intent. Take an active role in helping to build the next chapter of Marcel Digital's culture that follow our values.
Integrity
Act with uncompromising integrity in everything you do. Find true personal alignment with Marcel's goals. Do what you say you'll do. Always keep things in perspective, even when you're stressed.
Accountability
Demonstrate accountability, ownership, and diligence in all situations. Be committed to excellence in delivery. Own projects and tasks and see them through to the end, even if you have to push past roadblocks. Delight our partners and clients by providing a seamless integrated experience across channels and teams.
Curiosity
Ask clear, logical questions in order to get to the heart of the discussion. Understand the difference between a data point and an insight; the "what" and the "so what." Challenge yourself to provide valuable insights that are clear and actionable. Proactively think about our partners through multiple perspectives, not just digital.
Our People
Learn more about the elements that make up the Marcel Digital Core Values.
When asked why clients sign on and stay with Marcel Digital, the first thing usually mentioned is our people. We pride ourselves on hiring and staffing intellectually honest, passionate, motivated, solution-oriented experts that focus on effectively communicating and executing digital marketing strategies for our clients. We call them A-Players, and they’re at the center of our success as an agency. Here are the four key areas of the Marcel Digital Core Values that every hire is based upon:
Authenticity
Integrity
Accountability
Curiosity
Learn more about the elements that make up the Marcel Digital Core Values.
Hear from our happy partners
I went with Marcel Digital over a larger - and much higher priced - competitor and it's one of the best decisions I've made. Marcel Digital are lovely people to deal with, extremely knowledgeable and approachable and willing to take the time to examine possible solutions that differ from how they would normally proceed. I value the partnership with their company and am planning on having our company be a client of theirs for years to come. Can't recommend them enough.
Michael Duquet
Director, Web Strategy, Absolute Software
Marcel was an excellent thought partner in the evaluation process as we considered major changes to our systems and website. They were willing to engage on many concerns and worries we had approaching the project. Thanks to their help, we felt confident that our concerns could be planned for, and that we had selected the right system for the changes we wanted to make. Their subject matter expertise and client care were exactly what we had hoped for.
Ray Fast
Director, Travel Experience, PerkSpot
Marcel Digital is simply the best Digital Marketing agency. We hired them years ago, and I can't say enough amazing things about their dedication to the field, to my team, and their phenomenal leadership team. Top-notch professionals all around.
Kim Rafalowitz
Dir. of Global Marketing, Worldpoint
I can't believe how simple Marcel Digital and Umbraco Cloud made it to get a beautiful and easy-to-use website. My only regret is not doing this sooner.
Dave Hamilton
Creative Director, StreetWise
We are very pleased with the Umbraco website developed by Marcel Digital. Their Umbraco Master's transparent development process and attention to detail resulted in a beautiful website that has made a tremendous impact on our digital marketing efforts. They continue to be a valued partner and one we recommend without hesitation.
Mauricio Caneda
Sr. Vice President, Generali USA
Having a partnership with Marcel Digital has been a lifesaver for our business. We could not be happier with their work ethic, attention to detail, and superior expertise. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a talented, and trustworthy partner!
Diane Locher
Director of Sales and Marketing, Precision Medical
Marcel has been a great a partner in our journey into the 21st century. They helped us to build a beautiful and functional Umbraco website, and have been there to help support us anytime a crisis arises. The increase in quality of leads was immediately recognized and anytime there was a change in lead flow our Marcel team was immediately there to offer suggestions and help us stay updated. We truly view Marcel as an extension of our team.
Megan Patterson
International Operations Manager, Arbour Group
The overall experience of working with the Marcel team is outstanding. They have built a team of all-stars who are easy to communicate with and execute ideas effectively.
Andrew Barta
VP of Partner Relations, Umbraco HQ
Our Philanthropy
At Marcel Digital, we’re committed to supporting organizations that empower the less fortunate and make Chicago a better place. Giving back is woven into our culture. We volunteer, provide digital marketing services, and help nonprofits amplify their message.
Since day one, we’ve dedicated our time, expertise, and resources to charities through events, website development, and awareness campaigns. Our team participates in monthly volunteer opportunities, and we encourage unlimited time off for charitable work.
We've proudly partnered with organizations like StreetWise, Chicago Lights, Rush Adopt-A-Family, The Chicago Help Initiative, and Tutoring Chicago. If you're looking to collaborate, we’d love to help!
From college to AOL to Marcel Digital, I have been tremendously lucky to have continued support and help from amazing people along my journey. For these reasons, I feel compelled to always give back to my community.
Ben Swartz, Founder + CEO