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Hi, my name is Derek Nelson, and I’m a partner at Clique Studios. 

I’ve been designing and building on the web for most of my life now, and I’ve learned a few simple things along the way. For one: who you work with matters more than any technical or aesthetic question. Because projects are always throwing surprises and challenges, a solid relationship is at the base of everything. For another: never underestimate just how impactful a good digital experience can be for everyday lives.

Needless to say, deciding who to partner with is a huge decision for your business. I wrote this article to give you a sense of what we can offer.

orange, space-themed graphic with a hand holding a pencil up to an old computer monitor.

 

What You Need to Know About Us

Here’s a little primer. We design and develop websites and platforms that actually move the needle. Our experienced teams deliver more impact. We hate boring stuff.

We’ve been at this for over 15 years, leading more than 400 website redesigns and winning over 100 awards. Our dedication to impactful design has earned us a long-lasting reputation in Chicago’s tech scene. 

In this article, I’ll share why you should choose a web design agency in Chicago, highlight some of our success stories, and offer tips on picking the right agency for your needs.

How to Choose a Web Design Agency in Chicago

Chicago is the best city in the world (please don’t tell our clients in other places) and it’s a wonderful hub for tech and design, making it an ideal location to find top web design agencies. The city is brimming with creative talent and an innovative spirit. 

When you work with a local agency like ours, you’ll benefit from a deep understanding of the local market. You also have the options of face-to-face meetings.  Most importantly, you’ll have a partner who understands the unique aspects of doing business in Chicago.

The cultural diversity and entrepreneurial energy in Chicago also bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to the table. This synergy (oh no, he said the word) between local businesses and creative professionals often leads to innovative and effective web designs tailored to specific needs.

Criteria for Selecting the Top Web Design Agencies

When you’re choosing a web design agency, it’s important to look at a few key factors to make sure you’re getting the best partner. 

Here are some things to consider:

  • Experience and Expertise: You want an agency with a solid track record in web design and development. At Clique Studios, we’ve got over 15 years of experience under our belt, with a diverse portfolio showcasing a wide array of projects that highlight our ability to handle various challenges.
  • Industries: It’s important to understand your industry, but not only understand your industry — as good ideas can come from anywhere. At Clique, we have deep expertise working in Higher Ed, Venues & Civic Institutions, Healthcare, Startups, Associations, and many more. The specific experience helps us understand things quickly and make informed decisions; the broad experience helps us test our assumptions.
  • Portfolio of Past Projects: Checking out an agency’s portfolio can give you a good sense of their design style and capabilities. We’ve done 400+ website redesigns for clients like the American Bar Association and Northwestern University, showing our versatility and ability to adapt to different client needs.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials: Positive feedback from past clients can give you confidence in an agency’s quality and reliability. Our clients consistently praise our collaborative approach and the tangible results we deliver.
  • Range of Services Offered: There’s a tricky balance between overly specialized and overly focused. When redesigning, select an agency that offers various services such as UX/UI design, SEO, mobile optimization, and CMS implementation. Choosing an agency with a wide range of services can help streamline the process.We provide everything from digital redesigns and web design to no-code sprint engagements and full support, ensuring a cohesive approach to your project.
  • Awards and Recognitions: Awards don’t mean everything, but they’re nice. We’ve racked up over 100 awards, demonstrating our commitment to quality and innovation. More than that, we have a long list of client experiences, reviews, and testimonials from real people.

One Case Study

Chicago History Museum

3 screenshots of the Chicago History Museum's website. The background is blue and red with various graphics.

One of our standout projects was the redesign of the Chicago History Museum’s homepage. The results were impressive:

  • 3.57% increase in pageviews
  • 14.06% increase in returning visitors
  • 10.68% increase in mobile users

Comparing the post-redesign period to the pre-pandemic period, we saw:

  • 3.68% increase in pageviews
  • 28.95% increase in returning visitors
  • 77.48% increase in mobile users

This project highlights our ability to significantly boost user engagement through thoughtful design. Our approach involved extensive UX/UI research, creative workshops, and a strategy that aligned with the museum’s goals and audience needs.

How to Choose the Right Web Design Agency for Your Business

Choosing the right web design agency can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

  • Define Your Needs and Goals: Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your website. Whether it’s improving user experience, increasing website traffic, or enhancing your brand’s online presence, having clear goals will guide your search. Think about the specific functionalities and features that are crucial for your website’s success.
  • Look for Industry Experience: Choose an agency with experience in your specific industry. We’ve worked with clients across various sectors, including travel, healthcare, non-profits, and small businesses. Industry-specific knowledge can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of the design and development process.
  • Evaluate Communication and Project Management: Good communication and solid project management are crucial for a successful partnership. Make sure the agency has a transparent process and keeps you updated throughout the project. At Clique Studios, we prioritize clear and consistent communication, ensuring you are involved and informed at every stage.
  • Consider Budget and Pricing: Understand your budget and discuss pricing structures upfront to avoid any surprises later. A good agency will offer flexible solutions tailored to fit your financial constraints while still delivering quality results.
  • Assess Long-term Support and Maintenance: Your website will need ongoing support and updates. Make sure the agency provides comprehensive post-launch services, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates. Our total support and marketing services ensure your website continues to perform optimally long after its initial launch.

Conclusion

Choosing a top web design agency in Chicago is a crucial step towards enhancing your online presence and achieving your business goals. At Clique Studios, we are committed to making a positive impact through creativity and collaboration. We believe in the power of well-crafted websites to drive business success and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their objectives.

Our mission is to be the most creative, collaborative, and thoughtful team in the space, always striving to build something impactful, educate and learn continuously, and make our clients’ jobs easier. 

Take the time to research and select the best agency that aligns with your needs. If that points you in our direction, reach out, and we can create something great together.

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