What can top web development companies in Chicago do for businesses?

Top web development companies in Chicago can help businesses translate complex workflows into modular, maintainable codebases that support long-term agility. These specialized agencies also align digital infrastructure with evolving technical standards to maintain compatibility with emerging technologies and platforms.

More specifically, top Chicago web development companies can deliver the following:

1. Researched-backed wireframes and user flows that increase online conversions, sales, and revenue
2. Broader market reach by building adaptable web platforms that support omnichannel experiences and future growth
3. Stronger brand differentiation by implementing custom front-end architectures that reflect unique business identities
4. Faster innovation cycles that use modular development methodologies and can support rapid prototyping and iteration
5. Greater technical resilience by engineering web solutions that adapt to shifting user demands and infrastructure changes

To showcase the kind of results top Chicago web development companies can deliver to a business, our researchers have selected the following case study:

• Challenge: Hollywood Blvd Cinema’s website relied on a rigid CMS that made content updates inefficient. Its third-party ticketing integration frequently failed to process transactions smoothly, leading to customer frustration during checkout. On top of that, the site lacked functionality for online gift card purchases, which the business wanted to implement.
• Solution: Plego Technologies migrated the website to WordPress, implemented a ready theater system, and unified the payment APIs. It also added a virtual tour of the client’s theme-based theaters, a birthday pass feature, a membership form, and a dynamic user interface. Additionally, the agency created dedicated pages for movie schedules, special events, food menus, venue reservations, gift cards, and celebrity visits to ease the site navigation.
• Results: Hollywood Blvd Cinema’s new website provided a better customer experience, more visible offering listings, and an easy checkout process. The migration to a WordPress-based platform also considerably improved content editing flexibility.

What services do Chicago web development companies typically provide?

Common services offered by Chicago web development companies include:

1. Website audit
   Examining an existing website’s backend and frontend architecture to identify issues, bugs, and security vulnerabilities and ranking these by urgency
2. Web design
   Crafting the website's structure, design system, and information architecture based on client’s vision, user behavior research, and industry best practices
3. Custom web development
   Architecting and coding web applications with bespoke functionalities, data models, and system integrations to align with precise business logic and operational workflows
4. Content management system (CMS) development
   Building custom or extending existing platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) to enable non-technical users to create, edit, and manage web content
5. Website migration
   Securely transferring all website elements (data, functions, design, etc.) to another domain, hosting provider, or platform while ensuring that the new website performs optimally
6. System integration
   Implementing APIs, middleware, or custom connectors to facilitate data exchange between a website and external systems such as analytics platforms, CRMs, or enterprise software
7. Maintenance and support
   Updating platform dependencies, applying security patches, debugging, and optimizing code to ensure the website remains secure, stable, and performant

Other sought-after services offered by Chicago web development agencies include performance optimization, eCommerce development, accessibility compliance, SEO implementation, and ongoing technical consulting to support long-term digital growth strategies.

How many web development agencies are in Chicago?

Our DesignRush directory features over 14,000 web development companies. Of them, 215 are based or have offices in Chicago. The companies vary in size, with following data representing the specific numbers:

The predominance of small-sized Chicago web development companies suggests a high demand for specialized and boutique services that cater to emerging local businesses and startups. Mid-sized agencies, while fewer, handle larger projects that require more resources and coordination, making them an optimal choice between the smaller firms with limited capacities and larger agencies with higher service rates.

How much do web development companies in Chicago charge for their services?

Web development agencies in Chicago charge between $12,000 and $150,000, depending on the project scope and complexity, website type, number of pages, level of customization, tech stack, timeline, and level of expertise.

Here are some associated costs to consider:

• Domain name: $0.99-$52 per month
• SSL certificate: up to $1,500 per year
• UI/UX design: $2,000-$15,000 per project
• CMS integration: $2,000-$25,000 per year
• eCommerce functionality: $2,000-$25,000 per month
• Database integration: $2,000-$25,000 per project
• Frontend development: $3,000-$10,000 per project
• Backend development: $3,000-$14,000 per project

The top 50 Chicago web development companies on DesignRush charge an average hourly rate of $91. 10.1% of the listed agencies accept projects under $1,000, providing cost-effective options for basic website projects, such as a simple landing page. In contrast, 11.1% require a minimum budget of $50,000 per project, offering more upscale services for larger and more complex services, like a telemedicine platform or a multi-inventory management dashboard system.

To discover an agency that matches your budget, you can visit our directory and customize your search by hourly rates, minimum budget, and team size.

How do I choose the best Chicago web development company?

Here are some steps to follow to choose the best web development agency in Chicago:

1. Define your requirements
   Outline your goals, target audiences, preferred tech stack, features, and number of web pages.
2. Scout for potential partners
   Look for Chicago web development companies on Google, agency listings, publications, and reputable directories like DesignRush.
3. Examine technical expertise
   Review the agencies’ list of services, tech stack, awards, and recognitions to determine if they have the specialized skillset for the project.
4. Analyze past work
   Seek an agency that has previously worked in your industry. As such, the candidate will likely be familiar with the nuances of the niche. Read its portfolio, case studies, and client reviews to better understand its client profiles.
5. Request proposals
   Draft a request for proposal (RFP) and send it to 3-5 agencies that match your criteria. Compare their proposals to find an option that provides the best value for money.
6. Meet the team
   Schedule an introductory meeting with your chosen candidate and inquire about its processes, customization approach, team culture, and values.
7. Negotiate contract
   Ensure the contract defines the roles and responsibilities, scope of work, deliverables, project milestones, and payment method and stipulates security and privacy measures.

Need help finding a Chicago web development company for your project? Access our Marketplace and send us your project brief. We’ll connect you with five top agencies that fit your requirements, for free!

What web development processes do companies in Chicago follow?

Companies in Chicago follow a structured web development process for efficient project delivery. The process consists of the following steps:

• Requirement gathering
  Collecting functional and non-functional requirements, stakeholder inputs, and user behavior data to define project scope and system expectations
• Feasibility analysis
  Assessing the technical practicality, resource availability, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed solution within defined time and budget limits
• Strategy development
  Defining the project’s architectural blueprint by establishing milestones, success criteria, technology stack, and development framework
• Design
  Translating requirements into wireframes and high-fidelity UI/UX designs and producing interactive prototypes to validate user flows and visual structure
• Development
  Implementing the website’s front-end and back-end architecture, integrating core functionalities, and connecting third-party services through APIs
• Quality assurance
  Testing the website’s performance for potential bugs, issues, and security vulnerabilities and resolving them before launch
• Deployment
  Securing the domain name and SSL certificate and publishing the website on a live server to make it accessible to the public
• Maintenance and optimization
  Updating the website’s security, features, functions, codebase, technology, and content to ensure it functions optimally and remains relevant to target users

What industries do Chicago website development agencies usually serve?

Web development agencies in Chicago usually serve the following agencies:

• Manufacturing
  The manufacturing industry is one of Chicago’s most prolific sectors, contributing over $99 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. To remain competitive, manufacturers hire web developers to create online catalogs showcasing their equipment, facilities, and services. Other common requests include facility walkthroughs, client testimonies, and case studies on the website, as they use these digital assets to expand their global brand reach, strengthen credibility, and attract more clients.
• Finance
  Home to over 13,800 financial institutions and businesses, Chicago’s finance sector generates over $53 billion in output annually. Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and other financial organizations collaborate with local web development agencies to produce online banking portals, improve system security, and digitize services. These agencies are also enlisted to help with marketing efforts by constructing websites that promote products and services.
• Wholesale Trade
  Chicago’s wholesale trade industry produced over $63 billion in GDP in 2023, marking its significance in the city’s economic landscape. Businesses in this sector partner with web development companies to build online stores that increase market reach, attract and convert customers, and grow revenue. Common web integrations that wholesalers request include inventory management systems, delivery management software, and payment processors.
• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TD&L)
  Chicago has one of the largest TD&L industries in the country, recording an annual output of $30 billion and employing over 260,000 professionals. Warehouses, distribution businesses, and transportation and logistics companies seek web developers to create online booking portals, customer-facing shipment tracking tools, and customizable dashboards, poised to improve service accessibility.
• Healthcare
  With over 130 hospitals and 35 integrated delivery networks, the healthcare sector is vital to the city's urban landscape. Hospitals, clinics, and care facilities work with Chicago web development companies to create online appointment systems, doctor directories, patient portals, and telemedicine systems. These online platforms help them provide better patient care, attract more patients, and enhance operational efficiency.

Chicago development companies’ expertise extends to industries such as automotive, eCommerce, and hospitality, to name a few. Explore our directory and filter your search by industry, area of expertise, and client type to find an agency that’s specialized in your niche.

What questions should I ask a Chicago website development agency before hiring one?

Before hiring a Chicago web development agency, you need to ask about the candidate’s experience and tech stack to determine if they’re the right fit for your project. Here are some questions to consider:

Its Relevant Background

1. How familiar are you with my industry?
2. Can you provide case studies?
3. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and industry best practices?
4. Why should I choose you over other Chicago web development companies?

Its Services and Processes

1. What tech stack do you specialize in?
2. Can you walk me through your web development process?
3. What is your quality assurance approach?
4. How do you ensure cross-device and cross-platform compatibility?
5. What are your security and data privacy protocols and practices?
6. Do you provide complementary services such as web design, SEO, copywriting, and maintenance?

Related to Your Project

1. What is your estimated timeline for my project?
2. What are the credentials of the people who will work on my website?
3. Will my website be fully customized? Or will you use a template?
4. How many rounds of edits or revisions can I make?
5. Who will own the rights to my website?

What are the top 10 best-rated web development companies in Chicago?

The top 10 best-rated website development agencies in Chicago are:

1. Zazz
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (77 reviews)
   • 4.6 stars on Google (85 reviews)
   • Top clients: JP Morgan, BBC News, PayPal, HBO
2. Goji Labs
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (72 reviews)
   • 4.9 stars on Google (50 reviews)
   • Top clients: World Wildlife Fund, World Health Organization, American Kennel Club, Monster Energy
3. BitsWits
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (58 reviews)
   • 5.0 stars on Google (11 reviews)
   • Top clients: Grease Monkey, Soul Scribe, FitNow, Wisu
4. SmartSites
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (51 reviews)
   • 4.9 stars on Google (734 reviews)
   • Top clients: Rolls-Royce, Rakuten, Poker Stars, Classic Audi
5. Searchbloom
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (48 reviews)
   • 4.9 stars on Google (67 reviews)
   • Top clients: Nordstrom, Jitterbug, DeWils, Reflections Recovery Center
6. Simpalm
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (45 reviews)
   • 5.0 stars on Google (7 reviews)
   • Top clients: Pepsi, AudiobookNow, ASRA App, Window Nation
7. Mojo Media Web Design
   • 5.0 stars on DesignRush (42 reviews)
   • 5.0 stars on Google (54 reviews)
   • Top clients: Cannabis XPRESS, CD Immigration, Seeley’s HVAC, Summit Building Maintenance
8. Digital Silk
   • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (38 reviews)
   • 4.7 stars on Google (13 reviews)
   • Top clients: NASA, IBM, NFL, Microsoft
9. Tech Avidus
   • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (36 reviews)
   • 4.8 stars on Google (61 reviews)
   • Top clients: Pfizer, GateKeeper Press, Client Care, Alliance Advisors
10. Plego Technologies
    • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (35 reviews)
    • 5.0 stars on Google (20 reviews)
    • Top clients: Apple, Google, Samsung, Thomson Reuters

Why People Trust DesignRush

Rated 4.7 on Google and Trustpilot, DesignRush Agency Directory is a reliable resource for finding Chicago web development companies. We owe this to our executive selection team, which follows a strict screening process when featuring agencies on the platform, assessing key performance indicators, like portfolio, client reviews, and industry reputation.

Learn more about DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology.

Sources

DesignRush sustains a directory of over 30,000 agencies categorized by service category, location, expertise, and reviews. We build our database in two ways:

• Our dedicated team of agency experts actively searches the web for top-performing companies. We then pull information from their websites, online presence, and client testimonials to verify their status and qualifications prior to listing.
• The agencies listed get notified of their profiles on the website and they can choose to claim it or not, which suggests their availability for more collaborations.

Agencies can also reach out to DesignRush and must go through the verification process prior to being listed.