How to Choose the Right Website Design Company in Chicago

Your website is often the first impression of your business, and in today’s digital world, it needs to do more than just look good. It needs to reflect your brand, speak directly to your audience, and guide potential clients toward working with you. If you're a coach, consultant, or creative looking to elevate your online presence, the right partner can make all the difference.

So, how do you choose the best website design company to offer?

In this post, we’ll walk you through what to look for, the red flags to avoid, and why working with a strategy-first website creation company can transform the way your brand shows up online.

1. Look for Strategy, Not Just Style

Plenty of agencies can create a good-looking website. But a successful site starts with strategy, not just aesthetics.

A reputable website design company should take the time to understand your business goals, your ideal clients, and how your services solve real problems. From there, they should create a user journey that helps guide your visitors from first click to inquiry or booking.

Ask questions like:

• Do they offer discovery sessions?

• Will they help with content structure or messaging?

• Do they build for conversion, not just appearance?

At Twelve & Twenty Eight, we specialize in strategy-first websites for service-based businesses. We help you clarify your voice, sharpen your message, and design a site that works as hard as you do.

2. Prioritize Customization Over Templates

Your work is unique, so why settle for a cookie-cutter solution?

A good website design company won’t box you into a pre-made template. Instead, they’ll build a custom site tailored to your brand’s tone, goals, and visual identity.

Look for a team that:

• Designs websites from scratch or uses frameworks flexibly

• Aligns design with your brand strategy

• Offers responsive layouts for mobile and desktop

If you’re searching for a trusted website creation company, make sure they don’t just plug in your content—they help shape it.

3. Ensure They're Experts in Responsive Website Design

Mobile traffic makes up more than 60% of website visits today. That means your site must look and function flawlessly across all devices.

Any qualified website design company Chicago offers should prioritize responsive design from the start. That includes:

• Fast loading speeds

• Easy navigation on mobile

• Clear calls to action across screen sizes

At Twelve & Twenty Eight, every site we build is mobile-first, SEO-optimized, and tested for performance—so your message comes through, no matter how your audience finds you.

4. Ask About Their Post-Launch Support

Building a website is one thing. Managing it after launch is another.

Before you sign on, ask if the website design company provides:

• Post-launch support or care plans

• Training on how to update your site

• Access to maintenance or creative direction as you grow

You want more than just a finished product—you want a long-term partner who cares about your success.

5. Consider Local Advantage (If That Matters to You)

While many great agencies work remotely, choosing a website design company Chicago based can come with benefits:

• Shared time zone and easier communication

• Knowledge of local trends and markets

• Potential for in-person collaboration or networking

At Twelve & Twenty Eight, we’re proud to be Chicago-rooted and globally minded, serving local clients and service providers from around the world.

6. Review Their Portfolio and Testimonials

You’re not just hiring a website design company—you’re trusting someone to shape how the world sees your brand. Take time to explore their past work. Look for:

• Consistency in quality and creativity

• Range of industries served (especially service-based)

• Client stories or measurable results

A good website creation company should be able to show you real results, not just pretty pages.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider

The right website can completely transform your business. It can attract aligned clients, showcase your value, and help you feel confident in how you show up online.

But to get there, you need more than just a service provider—you need a creative partner who understands the depth of your work.

At Twelve & Twenty Eight, we’re the go-to website design company Chicago coaches, consultants, and creatives trust to deliver thoughtful, aligned, and high-performing websites. Whether you're launching something new or ready to upgrade your digital presence, we’re here to help you lead with intention.