Does SmartBug Media pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, SmartBug Media employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.6 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at SmartBug Media. This rating has decreased by 14% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at SmartBug Media?

37% of SmartBug Media employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated SmartBug Media 3.3 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.8 for culture and values and 2.8 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at SmartBug Media?

Marketing Consultant (14) , Marketing Strategist (14) , Marketing Specialist (7) , Strategist (6) , Coordinator (3) , Marketing Associate (3) , Senior Marketing Specialist (3) , Web Developer (3) , Account Manager (2) , Account Strategist (2) , Associate Marketing Consultant (2) , Digital Marketing Strategist (2) , Digital Project Manager (2) , Ecommerce Strategist (2) , Paid Media Specialist (2)

What are the pros of working at SmartBug Media according to real employee reviews?

"The first thing I really noticed about SmartBug Media was the amazing staff and culture." ((in 17 reviews)); "Coworkers are nice and there are some people here who are talented so you can learn a lot." ((in 16 reviews)); "Central teams have talented individuals" ((in 13 reviews)); "Coworkers are amazing, managers are all extremely helpful and nice." ((in 9 reviews)); "Completely remote company offers great work/life balance" ((in 8 reviews))

What are the cons of working at SmartBug Media according to real employee reviews?

"There have been MANY layoffs over the last couple of years as well." ((in 14 reviews)); "The benefits could be improved" ((in 8 reviews)); "Bad management and very disorganized in certain departments" ((in 7 reviews)); "abysmal salaries" ((in 4 reviews)); "raises might as well not be given for how low they are." ((in 4 reviews))

What are employees saying about SmartBug Media redundancies in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about SmartBug Media redundancy and their outlook for job security at SmartBug Media in 2026.

SmartBug Media Reviews

2.8

37% would recommend to a friend

(162 total reviews)

Adam Bleibtreu

11% approve of CEO

37% positive business outlook

SmartBug Media has an employee rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars, based on 162 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The SmartBug Media employee rating is 25% below average for employers within the Media and communication industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

162 reviews

5.0

11 Jun 2026

Flexible work environment amid industry changes

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Flexibility to work how you want/when you want.

Cons

Lots of changes are happening, but what organization isn't with how much the industry has changed.

5.0

1 Aug 2025

Best Workplace in My 14+ Years Career--Wish I Found SmartBug Sooner!

Senior account strategist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

1. Culture 2. The SmartBug team from the top down--really lives by the company's values, and doesn't just preach them, but demonstrates daily that they practice them. I respect the relationship I have with my manager, who is not only an inspirational colleague but also a friend. 3. Caliber of clients--you get to work with amazing companies and teams from all over the world! 4. Flexibility--I get to build into my schedule things that are important to me, like driving my kids to school every day. 5. Opportunity--you are rewarded for good work, have the ability to earn commissions on accounts you sell deeper into, and there is a huge push for ongoing education and career development. 6. Innovators--consistently on the cutting edge of new technologies and strategies.

Cons

Client work can be stressful--that's not SmartBug, that's ALL agencies. If an agency tells you it isn't, they are lying. If you are a person who doesn't handle pressure or difficult conversations easily, then this might not be the industry for you. I've worked at 3 agencies, and SmartBug is unmatched in comparison to the tools and resources they provide to do your best job every day, even when a client throws you a curveball.

5.0

30 Jul 2025

Good people, good opportunity

Account specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

- People who care - Different avenues for advancement - They listen - Good work-life-balance - Team building - Competitive pay - Collaborative bunch - Humble leadership - Best of the best in people

Cons

Last quarter had layoffs but appreciate the transparency from the company about it

Viewing 1 - 3 of 162 Reviews

SmartBug Media

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Flexible work environment amid industry changes

Best Workplace in My 14+ Years Career--Wish I Found SmartBug Sooner!

Good people, good opportunity

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