Galway-based Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency is celebrating national recognition after being named Best Digital Marketing Agency at the prestigious Hi Style Awards 2026, held in Cork on Saturday, November 7th.
Founded and managed by marketing consultant Ruth Mc Court, the Portumna-based agency received the award just months before celebrating eight years in business in January 2027.
The achievement represents another significant milestone for the independent marketing and public relations consultancy, which has built a strong reputation for delivering creative, results-driven marketing campaigns for businesses and organisations across Ireland.
The Hi Style Awards brought together leading professionals from the worlds of business, communications, fashion and media, recognising excellence, innovation and achievement across a range of industries.
Ruth received three nominations at this year's awards, reflecting both her professional accomplishments and her work in the fashion and digital content industry.
The nominations included Ireland's Most Stylish Communications Company, Stylist of the Year and Ireland's Most Stylish Fashionista, with Ruth ultimately celebrating a win in the Best Digital Marketing Agency category.
Building a successful marketing agency in Galway
Established in January 2019, Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency has grown into an established marketing consultancy offering a comprehensive range of services, including digital marketing strategy, social media management, public relations, content creation, influencer marketing, event management and digital advertising.
Operating from Portumna, Co Galway, Ruth works with businesses of varying sizes and across multiple sectors, developing tailored marketing campaigns designed to strengthen brand awareness, increase engagement and deliver measurable commercial results.
A graduate of Business Studies in Marketing from GMIT, now Atlantic Technological University, Ruth combines her academic background with extensive practical experience in marketing, communications and brand development.
Over the past eight years, she has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients, supporting everything from new business launches and brand development to large-scale promotional campaigns, events and ongoing digital marketing strategies.
"Winning Best Digital Marketing Agency is an incredibly proud moment for me and a wonderful recognition of the work that goes into running Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency," Ruth Mc Court said of the award.
"When I established the business in January 2019, my ambition was to provide businesses with a professional, creative and results-driven marketing service. Almost eight years later, it's fantastic to see the agency recognised nationally.
"As a business owner, you put an enormous amount of time, energy and dedication into your work, so receiving an award like this is particularly special."
Helping Irish businesses grow
Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency provides an integrated approach to marketing, combining strategic planning with practical campaign delivery.
From managing social media platforms and developing engaging digital content to coordinating public relations campaigns, influencer collaborations and business events, the agency works closely with clients to increase their visibility and strengthen their market presence.
Ruth believes that understanding each client's business objectives and delivering a personalised service has been central to the agency's continued success.
"One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the variety. Every business has different goals, challenges and opportunities, and I love developing creative marketing strategies that help them achieve results.
"Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and it's important for businesses to have a strong online presence while also recognising the value of traditional public relations, events and building genuine connections with their customers.
"My approach has always been to offer clients a comprehensive marketing service that brings these elements together."
As well as her agency work, Ruth has developed a strong personal presence in digital content creation through her fashion and lifestyle platform, Fashion Truth by Ruth, further demonstrating her experience in social media, audience engagement and influencer marketing.
Looking ahead to eight years in business
With January 2027 marking eight years since the establishment of Smart Digital Marketing & PR Agency, Ruth is looking forward to building on the agency's achievements and continuing to support businesses throughout Galway and beyond.
She says receiving national recognition at this stage in her business journey has provided an additional boost as she plans for the future.
"Being based in Galway and having the opportunity to work with businesses across Ireland is something I'm very proud of.
"I've been fortunate to work with some fantastic clients over the years, and I'm incredibly grateful for the trust they've placed in me.
"Winning this award is a lovely way to round off 2026, and I'm excited about continuing to grow the agency, develop new opportunities and celebrate eight years in business in January."
