📌 Key Takeaways
- Planet 8 Digital earned two Gold Medal honors in Philly Faves 2026.
- Philadelphia Inquirer recognition highlights trusted digital marketing leadership across Greater Philadelphia.
- Award-winning expertise reflects proven results in SEO, PPC, and web development.
- Local business growth drives these achievements, but the full story reveals why.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Planet 8 Digital, the Philadelphia area’s premier digital marketing agency specializing in home services, is thrilled to announce its double-gold victory in the 2026 Philadelphia Inquirer “Philly Faves” awards. In a record-breaking year for community participation, Planet 8 Digital was voted the Gold Winner in two of the most competitive categories: Best Web Design Agency and Best Digital Marketing Agency.
The Philly Faves program, conducted by the Philadelphia Inquirer, is the region’s most prestigious reader-voted awards series. It honors the businesses that have made a lasting impact on the Greater Philadelphia area, covering Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, along with Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey. Out of thousands of nominations across hundreds of categories, Planet 8 Digital secured the top spot in both its core disciplines.
A Milestone Achievement in Digital Excellence
Earning a Gold Medal in both Best Web Design and Best Digital Marketing is a testament to Planet 8 Digital’s dual commitment to technical innovation and results-driven strategy. For over a decade, the agency has been the secret weapon for local contractors: from HVAC specialists and plumbers to roofers and home remodelers: helping them dominate their local markets through cutting-edge technology and conversion-focused design.
“I started building websites over 28 years ago, and I always had a vision of what I wanted Planet 8 Digital to be,” said Drew Rigler, Founder & CEO of Planet 8 Digital. “We’ve been around for 11 years now, and working hard to earn not one, but two Gold Medals in different categories is incredible. Being recognized by our fans, friends, and peers as the best in the area means so much. I know we do good work. I’ll put any of our sites up against our competitors. Still, we strive to get better. Even after 11 years, we are just getting started. I’m looking forward to dominating for our clients and doing even bigger things in 2026 and 2027, leading the charge in AI optimization, web design, and more for years to come. I am so proud of my team, Alex and the work he does everyday guiding them, and everything they’ve done to help us get here.”
Alex Kleiman, President & COO of Planet 8 Digital, added:
“In the four years since Drew and I began working together, the trajectory of this agency has been nothing short of remarkable. It’s been amazing to see how we’ve evolved—not just in size, but in the sheer quality of the results we deliver for our clients every single day. Winning Gold in both Web Design and Digital Marketing is a testament to the standard of excellence we’ve built here. I couldn’t be prouder of this team, but honestly, we’re far from satisfied. We are already looking toward the next set of accolades as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI and digital strategy. This is just the beginning of the next chapter for Planet 8.”
Why Planet 8 Digital Stands Out in Philadelphia
Planet 8 Digital isn’t just another generalist marketing firm. They have carved out a significant niche as the go-to partner for the home services industry. Their “Digital Difference” lies in a deep understanding of how local customers search for and hire home service professionals.
While many agencies offer broad services, Planet 8 Digital focuses on the specific needs of:
- HVAC Contractors and Plumbers
- Electricians and Painters
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodelers
- Roofing and Siding Professionals
- General Contractors and Builders
Dominating with High-Conversion Web Design
Winning the Gold for Best Web Design Agency highlights Planet 8’s philosophy that a website should be more than just a digital business card: it should be a high-performance lead generation machine.
In 2026, where user attention spans are shorter than ever, Planet 8 Digital has perfected a “conversion-first” design framework. This includes:
- Ultra-Fast Loading Speeds: Vital for both user experience and ranking in local search results.
- Mobile-First Optimization: Ensuring that a homeowner in need of an emergency plumber can find and contact a contractor instantly from their phone.
- Strategic Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Guiding visitors from the moment they land on the page to the moment they book a service.
- Local Trust Signals: Integrating reviews, certifications, and portfolio galleries that build immediate credibility.
“Our web design process isn’t just about making things look pretty,” says Alex Kleiman. “It’s about building a foundation that allows our clients to scale their businesses. When a website is built correctly, it becomes the hardest-working employee on a contractor’s payroll.”
Revolutionizing Digital Marketing Through AI Optimization
The second Gold Medal for Best Digital Marketing Agency underscores Planet 8 Digital’s leadership in the rapidly evolving landscape of search and social media. As search engines shift toward AI-integrated results, Planet 8 has been at the forefront of AI optimization.
Their comprehensive marketing stack includes:
- Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Making sure contractors appear in the “Local Pack” and on page one for high-intent keywords.
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) and Google LSA: Maximizing ROI through targeted advertising that puts businesses in front of ready-to-buy customers.
- Reputation Management: Helping businesses gather and leverage five-star reviews to beat out the competition.
- Social Media Marketing: Both paid and organic strategies that keep local brands top-of-mind for homeowners.
A Commitment to the Local Community
Unlike large, national marketing firms that treat clients like numbers, Planet 8 Digital maintains a deeply personal, partnership-focused approach. Their roots in the Philadelphia area mean they understand the local market nuances: from the seasonal shifts in HVAC needs to the specific architectural trends in Philly’s historic neighborhoods.
This community focus is likely what fueled the massive wave of support during the Philly Faves voting period. Friends, fans, and long-term clients rallied to support the agency, recognizing the tangible growth Planet 8 has delivered to small businesses across the Delaware Valley.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Home Services Marketing
With 2026 and 2027 on the horizon, Planet 8 Digital is not resting on its laurels. The agency is doubling down on its investment in AI-driven marketing technologies that help contractors predict demand and automate lead follow-up.
“We want to ensure our clients aren’t just keeping up with technology; we want them to be the ones setting the pace,” Rigler added. “The next two years will be transformative for how digital marketing works, and we are ready to lead that charge.”
About Planet 8 Digital Marketing Agency
Planet 8 Digital is a full-service digital marketing agency based in the Greater Philadelphia area. With over 28 years of industry experience and 11 years as a specialized agency, they provide high-impact marketing solutions for home services and small businesses. Their commitment to transparency, “no long-term contracts,” and “no setup fees” has made them a trusted partner for hundreds of local businesses.
From custom-built websites to sophisticated lead generation campaigns, Planet 8 Digital helps businesses “deliver the difference” in their local markets.
To learn more about Planet 8 Digital, get a Free AI Readiness Audit, or to schedule a consultation to level up your business, visit https://p8dmc.com or call today 215-515-5188.
Contact Information:
Planet 8 Digital Marketing Agency
Website: https://p8dmc.com
Our Office: 101 Washington St, Suite 4, Morrisville, PA 19067
Level Up Your Business with the Area’s Best
If you are ready to take your company to the next level, partner with the agency that Philadelphia has officially named the best. Whether you need a brand-new, high-converting website. AI dominance, or a digital marketing strategy that actually moves the needle, Planet 8 Digital is here to help you dominate your competition. You will absolutely be glad you did. Let us handle the digital marketing so you can focus on what you do best( running your business.)