Choosing a digital marketing agency on the Sunshine Coast is tough.

This list cuts through the noise by ranking seven established agencies based on how long they have been operating.

Experience is not everything.

A newer agency might outperform an older one on TikTok or emerging ad platforms.

But longevity usually means the agency has survived algorithm changes, platform shake-ups, and economic downturns.

Each agency below includes verified contact details, pricing guidance where available, and a clear view of strengths and limitations.

Whether the goal is local visibility, lead generation, or scalable growth, one of these agencies should fit.

Quick Comparison

1. Chilli Group (Since 1993)

Location: Kawana

Website: chilligroup.com.au

Chilli began as a print and graphic design studio and has evolved into a full-service agency offering web design, SEO, branding, video production, and paid media.

The trade-off is cost. After three decades, Chilli typically works with established organisations that have proper budgets and longer decision cycles.

Best for: Mature businesses wanting a full-service agency with deep experience.

2. Websites That Sell (Since 2013)

Location: Forest Glen

Website: websitesthatsell.com.au

Websites That Sell focuses on SEO, web development, Google Ads, Meta Ads, and social media for Australian businesses nationwide.

Clients work directly with specialists rather than account managers, which speeds up communication but is not for everyone. Their SEO campaigns start around $2,285 per month, clearly positioning them away from small budgets.

They are a Google Premier Partner with strong revenue-based case studies, particularly in trades, medical, and professional services.

Best for: Established service businesses focused on aggressive, measurable growth.

3. Success Marketing (Since 2008)

Location: Noosa Heads

Website: successmarketing.com.au

Success Marketing is a women-led agency specialising in tourism, accommodation, and real estate. They have built more than 500 websites and understand seasonal demand cycles well.

A key differentiator is education. They offer training and workshops so businesses can learn to manage parts of their marketing internally if desired. There are no lock-in contracts and all work is handled in-house.

They are smaller than some competitors, which can limit capacity for very large accounts.

Best for: Tourism, accommodation, and real estate businesses, especially those wanting hands-on learning.

4. Kaizen Marketing (Since 2017)

Location: Sunshine Coast

Website: kaizenmarketing.com.au

Kaizen is bold, energetic, and highly visible. Their branding and approach are aggressive, which appeals to some businesses and repels others.

They offer low-cost entry packages from $199 per month and make strong promises around fast SEO results. They operate fully in-office and promote strong internal collaboration.

Lower pricing usually means less strategic depth and fewer hours per client, so expectations need to be realistic.

Best for: Startups and small businesses needing affordable entry-level marketing.

5. Meridian Digital

Location: Sunshine Coast

Website: meridiandigital.com.au

Meridian Digital focuses on consultants, advisors, and professional service providers. Being newer, they have fewer long-term case studies but are often more current with modern platforms and workflows.

They emphasise transparent pricing and positioning themselves as an extension of the client’s team rather than a vendor.

The main risk is the shorter track record compared to long-established agencies.

Best for: Solo consultants and service professionals wanting a hands-off solution.

6. Thea Media

Location: Sunshine Coast

Website: theamedia.com.au

Thea Media works exclusively with health, wellness, and beauty brands. That narrow focus allows them to navigate industry regulations, consumer behaviour, and seasonal trends confidently.

They use white-hat SEO only and keep all work in-house. Their results focus on efficiency and revenue growth rather than vanity metrics.

They will not accept clients outside their niche.

Best for: Gyms, clinics, beauty salons, and wellness brands.

7. GRAVITATE Digital

Location: Northern NSW

Website: gravitatedigital.com.au

GRAVITATE specialises in performance marketing and ROI-driven campaigns. While based just over the border, they service many Sunshine Coast businesses.

They work across platforms many agencies ignore, including Bing, Pinterest, and Amazon advertising, making them strong for complex eCommerce and multi-channel campaigns.

Lack of a local office may matter for businesses that prefer face-to-face meetings.

Best for: eCommerce brands and advanced paid media strategies.

Does Experience Actually Matter?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

Experience matters when budgets exceed $3,000 per month, campaigns are complex, or industries are regulated. Agencies that have navigated multiple algorithm updates and economic cycles are better equipped when things go wrong.

Experience matters less for emerging platforms and trends, where newer agencies may be more agile and cost-effective. The risk is higher, but so can be the upside.

The real question is relevance. An agency with decades of experience in the wrong industry can be less effective than a newer specialist in the right one.

Ask for recent case studies, industry-specific results, and evidence that their approach has evolved in the past two years.

Budget Expectations

• Under $500: Basic support or guidance only
• $500 to $1,500: One channel done properly
• $1,500 to $3,000: Multi-channel with some strategy
• $3,000 to $5,000: Full service with senior involvement
• $5,000+: Integrated campaigns with dedicated teams

These are general guidelines, not fixed rules.

How to Choose

Focus on four things: budget, industry fit, style, and business stage.

Small budgets point to Kaizen or Meridian. Tourism businesses suit Success Marketing. Health brands belong with Thea Media. Seven-figure service businesses should look at Websites That Sell or Chilli.

Use free consultations wisely. Ask what they would actually do with the budget available. Ask what will not work. And if anyone promises number one rankings in 30 days, walk away.