The third-largest city in the US supports the nation’s economy with an annual gross regional product (GRP) of over $609 billion. It’s a thriving economic powerhouse hosting over 400 major corporate headquarters, out of which 36 are Fortune 500 Companies. Boasting a rich industry mix, no single sector in Chicago employs more than 14% of the labor force.
The vast diversity in the business landscape has created fierce competition across all industry domains, resulting in high demand for distinctive branding in Chicago. Backed by prominent brand development companies, it’s among the best cities to start a small business in America, according to CNBC. Conveniently located between the European and Asian markets and the North American Free Trade zone, Chicago boasts unmet opportunities for both business giants and newcomers. It also offers one of the most balanced quality-of-life to cost-of-living ratios in the US.
The Demand for Quality Branding in Chicago
Chicago has seen incredible startup growth over the past decade or so. Tech is the city’s fastest-growing sector, with an average of 370 digital startups launched per year. With so many new players on the city’s diverse business scene, it’s hardly surprising that hiring an experienced Chicago branding agency is crucial for success.
While the San Francisco Bay Area holds the first place for startup success, PitchBook dug a bit deeper, comparing the returns on investment. Their research uncovered that The Windy City has provided the most significant ROI. More precisely, 45% of the city’s investments have poured 10 x ROI. For Bay Area businesses, the number stands at 25%.
In the greater Chicago Area, while the business climate remains bright and sunny for established national and international companies, and aspiring newcomers, the competition keeps rising. To stay relevant, you need to partner with some of the best branding agencies in Chicago that will keep you up-to-date and appealing to your target audience.
To thrive in Chicago’s competitive market, you also need to build a powerful online presence and promote your products and services through multiple channels. That’s why we bring you the best digital agencies in graphic design, web design, and digital marketing that can set your business up for success.
Top Graphic Design Firms in Chicago
Concentric Design
Concentric excels in all things design, from visual identity and web design, to graphic and print design. The company takes pride in being intentionally small and developing deep relationships with every client along the way. Aside from design, its capabilities span various disciplines, including Chicago branding, development, and social media.
Sharp Mill
Sharp Mill offers turn-key creative design with target audiences in mind. The company produces high-quality custom signage and vehicle graphics for any business. These graphic experts will come up with the right designs for your business needs and keep the process cost-efficient.
Artisan Launchpad
Artisan Launchpad is one of the top graphic design firms Chicago hosts. It’s also among the best branding firms in Chicago, being able to help small businesses thrive with an array of creative, branding, and marketing services. The agency utilizes a customized approach to match each client’s business goals with cutting-edge digital and print solutions.
Top Web Design Firms in Chicago
Educo
Educo has been delivering web design excellence since 2007. With 510+ web design and digital marketing projects under its belt, it’s among the best Chicago web design agencies with a proven track record of creating higher awareness and profits for clients. Whether you’re in Chicago, somewhere in the US or around the globe, Educo can set you up with a winning website.
Comrade Digital Marketing
Comrade is among the top digital marketing agencies and branding companies in Chicago. It boasts a multidisciplinary collective of designers, techies, and marketers who join forces to overcome the biggest challenges for their clients. The firm builds sites with performance and profits in mind. Its typical results include a 50% traffic and a 30% conversion increase.
Wojo Design
If you need a reliable designer to pair with your Chicago branding agency of choice, it’s worth considering Wojo Design. The team helps clients tackle their most ambitious marketing goals through modern design, quality programming, and effective online marketing. Boasting diverse talent and resources, the agency provides turn-key solutions for businesses big and small.
Top Digital Marketing Firms in Chicago
Ethervision
Ethervision offers the perfect blend of marketing services and technology. Fusing analytics, and custom software development with digital marketing, the company creates sustainable growth for brands and businesses of all domains and sizes. It’s also among the best branding companies in Chicago, praised for its hands-on personal approach and high responsiveness.
Youtech
What started as a small web design studio in 2012, has grown into a 48-expert strong digital powerhouse and top Chicago branding agency. Youtech gained recognition in the crowded digital landscape thanks to its commitment to treating each project like it’s the last. The firm can maximize your reach with sites that double as sales tools and effective marketing solutions.
Seed Factory
Seed Factory is an integrated marketing firm that utilizes the power of digital and traditional advertising, PR, design, and branding for clients’ highest advantage. It’s also among the leading branding companies in Atlanta. Thanks to many collaborations with local and national B2C and B2B brands, the team has developed unparalleled experiences across a range of industries.