7 Best Alternatives to We Are Social in 2026

Why look beyond We Are Social

We Are Social specializes in social media-led marketing, offering services that include content creation, influencer marketing, and strategic social campaigns for global brands. The agency is recognized for its focus on digital culture and connecting brands with audiences through social platforms. However, organizations may seek alternatives for several reasons. Some may require a partner with broader integrated marketing capabilities, encompassing traditional advertising, extensive public relations, or deep media planning and buying expertise beyond social channels. Others might prioritize agencies with a stronger track record in comprehensive brand transformation, corporate communications, or niche specializations such as B2B marketing or sector-specific regulatory compliance. Additionally, while We Are Social has a global footprint, some clients may prefer an agency with a more localized presence in specific emerging markets or a different operational model that better aligns with their procurement processes or strategic objectives.

For large enterprises, the decision often involves evaluating an agency's ability to handle complex, multi-channel campaigns, manage global brand reputation across diverse media, or provide strategic consulting that integrates marketing with broader business objectives. Agencies with a long history in creative advertising or those part of larger holding companies may offer a wider array of services and resources, including advanced data analytics, proprietary technology stacks, or specialized talent pools for specific creative or media challenges.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Ogilvy — Integrated marketing and brand transformation

   Ogilvy, founded in 1948, is a global advertising, marketing, and public relations agency. It operates as part of WPP, one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services companies [source]. Ogilvy's services span brand strategy, advertising campaigns, public relations, digital transformation, and experience design. The agency is known for its "borderless creativity" approach, integrating diverse capabilities to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients across various industries [source]. Its extensive global network allows it to execute campaigns with both international reach and local relevance. For clients seeking a partner with a deep history in brand building and a wide array of integrated marketing services beyond social media, Ogilvy offers a robust alternative.

   Best for: Global brand strategy, advertising campaigns, public relations, digital transformation, experience design.

   See the full Ogilvy profile for more details.

2. 2. Edelman — Global public relations and reputation management

   Edelman, established in 1952, is a global public relations and marketing consultancy [source]. It specializes in reputation management, crisis communications, public affairs, and integrated marketing campaigns. Unlike agencies focused primarily on paid media, Edelman's core strength lies in earned media and strategic communications, helping brands build trust and engage stakeholders through credible narratives [source]. With a significant global presence, Edelman serves a diverse client base, including many Fortune 500 companies. Organizations prioritizing corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and managing complex public perceptions will find Edelman's expertise valuable. Its approach complements social media efforts by grounding them in broader reputational strategies.

   Best for: Global brand reputation management, crisis communications, public affairs, integrated marketing campaigns.

   See the full Edelman profile for more details.

3. 3. McCann — Creative advertising and integrated marketing

   McCann, founded in 1902, is a global advertising agency network and part of Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG) [source]. It is renowned for its creative advertising campaigns and integrated marketing solutions across various channels. McCann's services include brand strategy, creative development, digital marketing, media planning, and public relations [source]. The agency has a history of developing iconic campaigns that resonate culturally and drive brand growth. For clients looking for strong creative leadership, scalable integrated campaigns, and a partner with a century of advertising experience, McCann provides a compelling alternative to social-first agencies. Its global footprint ensures consistent brand messaging across diverse markets.

   Best for: Global brand strategy, integrated marketing campaigns, creative advertising, digital transformation, media planning.

   See the full McCann profile for more details.

4. 4. Wieden+Kennedy — High-impact creative and brand identity

   Wieden+Kennedy (W+K), established in 1982, is an independent global advertising agency known for its creative output and cultural impact [source]. W+K focuses on developing distinctive brand identities and highly memorable advertising campaigns that often transcend traditional marketing. Their services include global brand strategy, creative advertising, content creation, and cultural consulting. The agency is particularly suited for brands seeking to make a bold statement and redefine their market presence through innovative and often unconventional creative work [source]. While We Are Social excels in social engagement, W+K provides an alternative for clients prioritizing groundbreaking creative platforms that can then be amplified across all media, including social.

   Best for: Global brand strategy, creative advertising campaigns, brand identity development, cultural impact.

   See the full Wieden+Kennedy profile for more details.

5. 5. Publicis Groupe — Comprehensive marketing and digital transformation network

   Publicis Groupe, founded in 1926, is one of the largest global communications groups [source]. It encompasses a vast network of agencies offering services across advertising, media planning and buying, digital transformation, data-driven marketing, and public relations. Publicis Groupe is known for integrating technology and creativity to deliver end-to-end solutions for large enterprises. Its breadth of services and global reach allow it to manage complex, multi-market campaigns and provide strategic guidance on digital transformation initiatives [source]. For organizations requiring a comprehensive partner that can orchestrate diverse marketing and communication efforts under one umbrella, Publicis Groupe presents a scalable and integrated alternative to a social-specific agency.

   Best for: Large-scale advertising campaigns, digital transformation initiatives, media planning and buying, data-driven marketing solutions.

   See the full Publicis Groupe profile for more details.

6. 6. Pentagram — Strategic design and brand identity

   Pentagram, established in 1972, is an independently owned design consultancy with a global presence [source]. It specializes in brand identity, digital product design, environmental graphics, packaging, and editorial design. Unlike agencies focused on campaign execution, Pentagram's strength lies in fundamental design thinking and creating enduring brand systems [source]. Their partners are recognized designers who lead projects directly. For clients whose primary need is to establish or redefine their core visual and strategic brand identity before or alongside marketing campaigns, Pentagram offers a distinct alternative. Their work lays the foundational aesthetic and strategic framework that can then be applied across all marketing channels, including social media.

   Best for: Brand strategy and identity, digital product design, environmental graphics, packaging design, editorial design.

   See the full Pentagram profile for more details.

7. 7. VMLY&R — Customer experience and connected brands

   VMLY&R, formed in 2018 from the merger of VML and Y&R, is a global marketing and communications agency part of WPP [source]. The agency focuses on creating connected brands through a blend of brand experience, customer experience, and commerce. Its services include brand strategy, advertising, digital transformation, data analytics, and technology solutions [source]. VMLY&R aims to build enduring relationships between brands and consumers by integrating creative, media, and technology. For organizations looking for an agency that can unify their brand message across all points of the customer journey, from social media to e-commerce platforms, VMLY&R offers a comprehensive and digitally-focused alternative.

   Best for: Customer experience (CX), brand experience (BX), commerce, integrated marketing and technology solutions.

   See the full VMLY&R profile for more details.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Selecting an alternative to We Are Social requires a detailed assessment of your organization's specific marketing and communication needs. Consider the following decision-tree approach:

1. Define core objectives:

   • If your primary goal is comprehensive brand building, traditional advertising, and public relations across multiple channels, consider agencies like Ogilvy or McCann. These agencies offer a full spectrum of integrated marketing services.
   • If reputation management, crisis communications, and earned media are paramount, Edelman specializes in these areas, providing deep expertise in public relations and strategic communications.
   • For groundbreaking creative campaigns and a strong focus on brand identity that makes a significant cultural impact, Wieden+Kennedy is a strong contender.
   • If you require extensive digital transformation, media planning, and data-driven marketing solutions from a large network, Publicis Groupe provides a vast array of specialized agencies under one umbrella.
   • For foundational brand identity, strategic design, and visual systems development, Pentagram offers unparalleled expertise in design thinking.
   • If your focus is on unifying customer experience, brand experience, and commerce through integrated technology and creative, VMLY&R is designed for connected brand solutions.

2. Assess desired scope and scale:

   • For global, multi-market campaigns requiring a consistent message and execution, large holding company agencies like Ogilvy (WPP), McCann (IPG), or Publicis Groupe offer the necessary scale and infrastructure.
   • If you need a highly specialized partner for a particular challenge (e.g., a specific design project or a complex PR issue), an independent agency like Pentagram or Edelman might be more appropriate.

3. Evaluate strategic alignment:

   • Consider the agency's strategic approach. Does it align with your company's values, long-term vision, and internal capabilities? Some agencies are more creatively driven, while others are more data-centric or experience-focused.
   • Examine their client portfolio. Do they have experience in your industry or with similar challenges? This can indicate their understanding of your market nuances and regulatory environment.

4. Consider agency structure and partnership model:

   • Do you prefer working with a large, integrated agency network that can pull in diverse resources, or a more boutique, partner-led firm?
   • Investigate their team structure, account management model, and how they foster collaboration with clients.

5. Review case studies and results:

   • Beyond capabilities, look at their tangible results. Do their case studies demonstrate measurable impact on business objectives, not just creative awards? Seek evidence of ROI, brand growth, or successful problem resolution.

By systematically evaluating these factors, organizations can identify an alternative that best meets their strategic goals and operational preferences, extending beyond the social media focus of We Are Social to a broader range of marketing and communication disciplines.