Ever wonder how the advertising industry began? Below is a list of the world’s first advertising agencies. Their campaigns and innovative strategies made a global impact, and a few of them continue to set the international industry standard.
- N. W. Ayer & Son – Founded in Philadelphia in 1869, this agency is considered to be the first advertising agency for the modern world, and was responsible for introducing the open commission model.
- J. Walter Thompson (JWT) – Established in New York in 1864, JWT became one of the most influential agencies in the development of copywriting and advertising creativity.
- Charles Barker Agency – Launched in the early 19th century by Charles Barker, the Charles Barker Agency became one of London’s first agencies.
- Haasenstein & Vogler – Launched in Hamburg in 1855, this agency became a pioneer for early international advertising.
- Manzoni Pubblicitá – Launched in Milan in 1863, Manzoni continues to be one of Italy’s top agencies.
- Sells Ltd – Founded in London in 1869, Sells became one of the largest global agencies at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
- Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) – FCB was formed by Daniel Lord and Ambrose Thomas in Chicago in 1873, and evolved within the North American advertising market.
- BBDO (Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn) – Although its modern structure dates back to 1928, this agency has roots dating back to 1891, when it was part of the George Batten Company.
- Publicis Groupe – Founded in Paris in 1926, Publicis is one of the world’s oldest agencies, and remains among the global “Big Four.”
- Benton & Bowles – Founded in New York in 1929, Benton & Bowles was one of the most prominent agencies of the twentieth century, although it later went through a series of mergers.