How to Choose a Web Designer in Chicago (Checklist)

Introduction

If you run a business in Chicago, your website is more than just an online brochure. It’s often the first place people meet you — and decide whether to work with you. A strong website should be fast, easy to navigate, and built to bring in leads.

The challenge? Not every web designer delivers that. Some focus only on looks, forgetting the strategy and SEO that make a site work.

This guide gives you a clear, simple checklist to compare web designers in Chicago. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or local service provider, these steps will help you choose someone who understands both design and business growth.

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Why Your Choice Matters

A well-built website can:

• Attract your ideal clients

• Build trust before you even speak

• Support all your marketing efforts

In Chicago’s competitive market, your site needs to load fast, look good on mobile, and show up in local search results. That’s why your designer’s skills should go beyond design.

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Checklist: Choosing the Right Web Designer in Chicago

1. Look at Their Portfolio — Especially Local Projects

Check if they’ve worked with Chicago or Illinois-based businesses. This shows they know the market and local design preferences.
Quick test: Visit their portfolio sites on your phone. Are they quick and easy to use?

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2. Ask About SEO and Google Business Profile

Design and SEO go hand in hand. A skilled designer should:

• Use proper title tags and headings

• Write alt text for images

• Understand local SEO and map listings

Without this, your site could look great but stay hidden.

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3. Understand Their Process

A good process keeps the project on track:

1. Discovery & strategy

2. Design mockups

3. Development & testing

4. Launch with training or documentation

If a designer can’t explain their process, that’s a red flag.

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4. Compare Pricing — But Look at Value

Chicago web design costs can range widely. Freelancers may charge $1,000–$3,000 for small sites, while agencies may start at $5,000.

Always check what’s included — hosting, security, and updates — so you can compare fairly.

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5. Read Client Reviews

Don’t just look at the stars. Read the details about:

• Communication

• Deadlines

• Results after launch

Good reviews mention more than “looks great” — they show real business outcomes.

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6. Discuss Ongoing Support

Websites need maintenance. Ask if they offer:

• Security updates

• Backups

• Small edits

This keeps your site running smoothly.

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7. Try a Small Audit First

A short audit of your current site can reveal a lot about their approach. It’s a safe way to test their skills before committing.

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Mistakes to Avoid

• Picking only on price

• Ignoring mobile performance

• Launching without SEO basics

• Forgetting content strategy

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Questions to Ask Before You Decide

1. Have you designed sites for Chicago businesses?

2. How do you handle SEO during design?

3. What’s your mobile testing process?

4. How do you measure success after launch?

5. Do you offer ongoing support?

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Local SEO + Web Design = Better Results

Good design draws people in. Local SEO brings the right people to your site. Together, they help you:

• Rank in local search results

• Load faster (which improves SEO)

• Convert more visitors into leads

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Freelancer or Agency?

Freelancer: Lower cost, direct contact, more flexible.
Agency: Bigger team, more resources, higher price.
Choose based on your budget, timeline, and long-term needs.