Journal
Straight answers about websites.
Notes for local business owners on what a site costs, how to get found in Chicago, and when it is worth rebuilding. No jargon, no sales pitch.
All notes
Topic
Industry
6 of 6 notes
- BudgetHow much does a small business website cost in Chicago?Real 2026 price ranges for a small business website in Chicago, what drives the number up or down, and the costs most quotes leave out.Read the answer
- Local SEOHow do I get my Chicago business to show up in Google Maps?A plain guide to ranking in the Google Maps local pack for a Chicago small business: Google Business Profile setup, reviews, citations, and what your website has to do.Read the answer
- Getting startedDo I need a website if I already have a Facebook page?Why a Facebook or Instagram page is not a substitute for a website for a local business, and the four things social media cannot do for you.Read the answer
- RedesignsHow do I know when my website needs a redesign?Seven honest signals that a small business website has aged out, and how to tell a real redesign from an expensive coat of paint.Read the answer
- PlatformsShould I use Squarespace, Wix, or hire someone to build a custom site?An honest comparison of Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, and a custom build for a local small business, including where each one falls apart.Read the answer
- Copy and layoutWhat should be on my small business home page?The six things a local business home page needs above the fold, in order, and the common elements that quietly cost you enquiries.Read the answer
Written in Chicago, West Town, for businesses across Chicagoland.
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