Best Chicago Web Design Agencies

Web design companies in Chicago vary widely in size and focus. Some are solo studios that build small-business sites. Others are larger agencies handling custom development, branding, and marketing. Knowing which type you need narrows the list fast.

We research each listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Portfolio strength and documented client case studies
  • Platform certifications and verified technical expertise
  • Reporting transparency and ongoing client communication
  • Client reviews, project retention, and satisfaction rates
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Leading Chicago Web Design Firms for Custom Sites, SEO & Development

Screenshot of the 10com Web Development Website
205 Michigan Ave, Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

10com is a Chicago web design and digital marketing agency that has been running since 2006. The team has completed more than 10,000 projects and has offices in four cities.

Services cover custom websites, SEO, and pay-per-click campaigns. 10com also handles ecommerce builds, logo design, branding, content writing, and video production.

A white-label reseller program lets other agencies outsource design and marketing work behind the scenes. That breadth suits businesses that want their website and ongoing marketing handled in one place.

Screenshot of the Orbit Media Studios - Chicago Web Design and Digital Marketing Website

Designing and building websites in Chicago since 2001, Orbit Media Studios has finished more than 1,000 projects. The Ravenswood studio runs a 50-plus in-house team across design, development, and website optimization.

Every site is built for search, conversions, and easy updates. SEO and conversion rate optimization are handled in-house, not by subcontractors.

Orbit is a certified B Corp and has worked with Goodman Theatre, Lou Malnati's, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Its mix of creative design and measurable results makes it one of the better-known web design agencies in Chicago.

Screenshot of the Anri Studio - Affordable Web Design Chicago Website

Budget-minded small businesses are Anri Studio's focus. Based in Niles, the studio has built custom WordPress sites for more than 20 years.

Its Chicago-area web design bundles design, hosting, maintenance, and SEO in one place. Sites are mobile-optimized and easy to edit on your own, with pricing meant to fit smaller budgets.

Screenshot of the Sixth City Marketing Website

Beyond building websites, Sixth City Marketing pairs design with search and paid media. The Chicago firm offers WordPress and Shopify development, as well as SEO and Google Ads management.

Its team covers local SEO, technical SEO, and link building, plus conversion rate optimization. Manufacturers and B2B companies make up a large share of its clients.

Screenshot of the Operation Technology Website
211 W Wacker Dr 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Operation Technology is a Chicago web design and SEO agency built for small businesses. It has worked since 2009 across markets like legal, home services, accounting, and healthcare.

The award-winning team handles custom websites, web development, and paid search, plus hosting and maintenance. Free consultations are available for new clients.

Screenshot of the Affordable Web Design Chicago Website
5141 W Altgeld St, Chicago, IL 60639, United States

From Chicago's northwest side, Affordable Web Design Chicago serves small businesses, startups, and nonprofits across Chicagoland. The team builds modern, SEO-friendly websites with responsive layouts and fast load times.

Work spans new builds, redesigns, and ongoing maintenance, often delivered in one to two weeks. Pricing stays transparent, with no hidden fees. Nearby clients sit in Oak Park, Elmwood Park, and River Forest.

Screenshot of the BuildThis Website
1720 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA

Custom software sets BuildThis apart from most web shops. The downtown Chicago studio builds web and mobile apps in PHP alongside its website work.

An in-house team of designers, developers, and marketers has helped hundreds of organizations with custom sites and campaigns. Managed hosting comes with daily backups and a dedicated account manager.

Screenshot of the One Design Company Website
230 W Superior St #700, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Brands like Holly Hunt, Field Notes, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum have hired One Design Company. The River North studio pairs web design and development with brand strategy.

Its research-led approach suits companies in biotech, energy, and the arts that want a design-forward site.

Screenshot of the Scherbius Web Design, Web Development, SEO and Marketing Website
825 S Waukegan Rd, Ste A8, #1062, Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA

Award-winning design defines Scherbius, a web studio north of Chicago. Its team blends European design with American development to build fast, high-performance sites.

Recognition includes CSS Design Awards and other industry honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does web design cost in Chicago?

It depends on scope. A small-business template site costs far less than a custom build. Chicago agencies often price by project, while some offer monthly plans that bundle hosting and updates. Ask for a written quote before work starts.

How long does it take to build a website?

Usually two to eight weeks. A simple small-business site can launch in one to two weeks. Custom builds with ecommerce or special features take longer. Timelines also depend on how fast you supply content.

Should I hire a freelancer or a web design agency?

Depends on your project. A freelancer can work for a basic site on a tight budget. An agency suits larger builds that need design, development, and search together. Agencies also offer backup if one person leaves.

Do Chicago web design companies offer SEO too?

Many do. Several firms here pair design with SEO, PPC, and content. Others focus only on design and hand off marketing. Confirm what is included before signing.

What platform will my site be built on?

Often WordPress. WordPress and Shopify are the most common platforms among Chicago studios. The first fits content-heavy sites, while Shopify suits online stores. Ask whether you can edit the site yourself.

Will my website work on mobile phones?

It should. Most users browse on phones, so responsive design is standard now. A good Chicago agency tests the site across screen sizes. Check live examples on your own phone before you hire.

Who owns the website after it is built?

You should. Confirm in writing that you own the domain, files, and content. Some shops keep control of hosting or licenses. Clear ownership terms prevent problems if you switch providers later.

Types of Web Design Services in Chicagoland

Custom Website Design. Built from scratch to match your brand and goals. This suits companies that need a unique look or special features.

WordPress Development. The most common build among Chicago studios. It works well for blogs, service sites, and content pages you can update yourself.

E-Commerce and Shopify Stores. Online stores built for product sales and checkout. Chicago firms set up payments, product pages, and inventory tools.

Website Redesigns. A refresh of an existing site for speed, mobile, and modern design. Useful when an older site loads slowly or looks dated.

Search and Web Optimization. Building sites that rank on Google and convert visitors. Many Chicago agencies bundle local SEO, technical SEO, and analytics.

Branding and Visual Identity. Logos, color systems, and brand guidelines that carry across the site. Some studios lead with brand strategy before design.

Hosting and Maintenance. Ongoing updates, backups, and security after launch. Several firms offer managed plans with a dedicated contact.

Custom Web Applications. Web and mobile apps beyond a standard website. A few Chicago shops build these in-house for unique business needs.

How to Choose a Web Design Company in Chicago

Match the firm to your project size. A solo studio fits a small site. A 50-person agency fits a large custom build with ongoing work.

Review the portfolio. Look for sites in your industry and on your platform. Visit a few live to check speed and mobile design.

Ask who builds and maintains the site. Confirm whether one person or a team handles the work. Find out who you call after launch.

Confirm search and mobile are included. A site that looks good but does not rank wastes money. Ask how the firm handles Google visibility and responsive design.

Clarify ownership and handoff. Get domain, files, and login access in writing. This protects you if you ever change providers.