WordPress remains one of the most popular platforms for website development—and for good reason. It’s flexible, cost-effective, and powerful enough to support everything from a local business page to a multi-national eCommerce store. Whether you’re a startup looking for a clean digital footprint or a corporation needing tight integrations and custom features, WordPress has the tools to do the job.
But it’s not just about having a WordPress site. It’s about building it right.
Design, speed, security, and SEO all matter more than ever. And with competition across industries heating up, Chicago-based businesses are turning to local WordPress experts to give them a strategic edge. The agencies on this list don’t just install themes—they architect performance-driven websites built to grow with your business.
1. Xcelacore – Best Overall WordPress Developer in Chicago
Location: Oak Brook, IL
Website: xcelacore.com
Xcelacore stands out in a crowded field because they don’t just “build websites”—they build business engines. Their WordPress development services are designed to generate measurable results, not just good-looking pages. That’s why they’re at the top of our list.
They bring a full-stack approach to every project. From strategy to design, development to deployment, you get a cohesive team that understands how to turn business needs into high-performing digital products. Whether you’re launching a brand-new site or rebuilding an outdated one, Xcelacore’s developers combine technical precision with marketing know-how to make sure your website works just as hard as you do.
What Makes Xcelacore the Best:
- Custom WordPress Development: They don’t just modify themes—they build custom solutions that scale with your business.
- Performance Optimization: Every site they launch is tuned for speed, responsiveness, and SEO.
- CRM & Platform Integrations: Need to connect your WordPress site to HubSpot, Salesforce, or a custom API? Xcelacore handles that too.
- Agile Project Management: Each project comes with a dedicated PM to guide you from kickoff to post-launch support.
- Security & Maintenance: Regular updates, patch management, and secure coding practices come standard.
If you’re looking for a team that delivers enterprise-quality work with boutique attention to detail, Xcelacore is the partner to trust.
2. Orbit Media – Best for Content-Driven WordPress Sites
Location: Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Website: orbitmedia.com
Orbit Media is one of the best-known agencies in Chicago for good reason. They’re deeply rooted in content strategy and SEO, making them ideal for businesses that need their WordPress site to drive traffic, leads, and thought leadership.
Their process blends editorial expertise with development execution. So if your brand relies heavily on blog content, publishing workflows, or gated assets, Orbit Media delivers a smooth backend and a strategic frontend experience.
Standout Features:
- Strong emphasis on SEO and analytics integration
- Proven success with nonprofits, B2B companies, and educational institutions
- In-house writers and strategists to support your content goals
- Mobile-first and accessibility-compliant design approach
While they’re not the most budget-friendly option, they’re an excellent pick if your WordPress site is the core of your digital marketing strategy.
3. Solid Digital – Best for Brand-Driven WordPress Builds
Location: River North, Chicago, IL
Website: soliddigital.com
Solid Digital shines when brand clarity meets technical delivery. They specialize in helping mid-market companies translate their visual identity and voice into a seamless WordPress experience.
If your business has invested in brand strategy but needs help executing it online, Solid Digital will align your messaging, UX, and backend systems into one unified platform. Their designs are modern, clean, and focused on conversion—perfect for marketing teams that want to take control of their website without relying on a developer for every edit.
Highlights:
- Modular design for easy editing post-launch
- Custom-built themes that reflect brand guidelines
- Full marketing site builds, including forms, CRM integrations, and campaign landing pages
- Monthly support and optimization packages available
They’re a great option if you want your WordPress site to feel more like a living, evolving part of your brand story.
4. Punchkick Interactive – Best for Mobile-First WordPress Development
Location: The Loop, Chicago, IL
Website: punchkick.com
In a mobile-first world, Punchkick Interactive brings a mobile-first mindset to WordPress. Known for their app development and UX expertise, Punchkick applies that same attention to responsiveness, accessibility, and speed when building WordPress sites.
They’re ideal for companies whose audiences live on mobile devices—whether that’s eCommerce customers, SaaS users, or professionals looking up services on the go. Their team includes strategists, designers, and engineers who specialize in fluid layouts, intuitive navigation, and fast-loading pages.
Why They Stand Out:
- Deep focus on mobile UX and performance
- Built-in analytics and behavior tracking
- WordPress integrations with mobile tools and customer engagement platforms
- Experienced team across industries, from education to fitness to fintech
Punchkick is a strong contender if your WordPress site needs to move fast and feel seamless across devices.
5. Doejo – Best Boutique WordPress Studio for Startups
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago, IL
Website: doejo.com
Doejo is a scrappy, creative agency that’s perfect for startups and small businesses looking for fast turnaround times, creative problem-solving, and personal attention. Their WordPress builds are clean, user-friendly, and designed to scale as you grow.
What separates Doejo from the pack is their startup sensibility—they understand lean budgets, tight timelines, and shifting brand needs. They’re quick to pivot, open to collaboration, and focused on making things work without over-engineering solutions.
Perks:
- Budget-friendly WordPress packages
- Strong design eye with modern aesthetics
- Experience with ecommerce, restaurants, health, and wellness brands
- Can combine branding, photography, and web services under one roof
If you want a site that’s beautiful, functional, and built by a team that “gets it,” Doejo is worth a call.
6. BuildThis – Best for Local Businesses Needing Simple, Effective Sites
Location: North Center, Chicago, IL
Website: buildthis.com
BuildThis caters to small and mid-sized Chicago businesses who need a site that simply works—no frills, no bloated plugins, no unnecessary complexity. They focus on the essentials: SEO-friendly code, mobile responsiveness, and easy backend editing.
Their clients include restaurants, law firms, dentists, and local service providers. If you’re looking for a practical partner who can deliver a sharp WordPress site with little fuss, BuildThis has the local touch.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-manage websites for non-technical users
- Focus on conversion: calls, bookings, lead forms
- Great for rebrands and migrations from outdated platforms
- Google Business and local SEO support available
They’re not flashy—but they are reliable, affordable, and honest. Sometimes that’s exactly what a growing business needs.
7. Orbit Media Studios – Best for Content-Driven WordPress Websites
Location: Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Website: orbitmedia.com
Orbit Media is a veteran player in the Chicago web scene, especially when it comes to content-first design. If your business relies heavily on blog content, SEO, and thought leadership, this is the team to call. They’re experts in building WordPress sites that not only look great but rank well and convert readers into leads.
What truly sets Orbit apart is their strategic thinking. Their process involves deep content audits, wireframing based on user journeys, and custom WordPress development that reflects both your brand and your goals.
Highlights:
- Strong in-house SEO and content strategy team
- Elegant, responsive WordPress builds with optimized code
- Known for their clarity in project communication
- Ideal for professional services, agencies, and education
Their motto? “We don’t just build websites. We build websites that work.”
8. Solid Digital – Best WordPress Partner for Mid-Sized Companies
Location: West Loop, Chicago, IL
Website: soliddigital.com
Solid Digital offers full-service digital transformation, with WordPress as a core service. Their sites are clean, scalable, and secure—built for teams that want modern performance with room to grow.
They take a holistic view of your web presence, which means you get more than just a website—you get positioning, UX guidance, CRO, and sometimes even help with internal tools and marketing automation.
Why Mid-Sized Firms Love Them:
- Robust WordPress solutions that can evolve with your business
- Strong client management and planning tools
- Team structure built for enterprise-level communication
- Optional support retainers after launch
They’re ideal for companies in SaaS, B2B tech, and healthcare who want long-term support and scalability.
How to Choose the Right WordPress Developer in Chicago
Now that you’ve got a list of top talent, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here are a few key factors to consider:
1. Project Scope
Are you building a simple brochure site or a complex platform with multiple integrations? Match the agency’s depth of expertise to your scope. Xcelacore, for instance, is great for scalable and secure builds with complex backend needs.
2. Design Needs
If aesthetics and branding are high on your list, firms like Doejo and Orbit Media might shine. On the other hand, if function and performance matter more, Solid Digital or Xcelacore might be your fit.
3. Budget
Some agencies on this list offer boutique or startup pricing, while others work primarily with enterprise budgets. Be upfront and ask about ranges before jumping in.
4. Post-Launch Support
Ask whether they provide maintenance, training, or marketing help once the site is live. This can make or break your long-term success.
5. Platform Experience
Do you need WooCommerce? LMS plugins? Custom APIs? Make sure your developer has built with those before.
The Right Partner Makes All the Difference
WordPress is a powerful platform—but only when it’s in the right hands. From small business websites to enterprise platforms, Chicago has no shortage of talented WordPress developers. The difference comes down to the agency’s ability to understand your goals, execute with clean and scalable code, and support your growth over time.
Whether you need a lightning-fast WooCommerce store, a lead-gen optimized service site, or a full-on digital platform with custom integrations, the firms on this list can get it done. Each brings something unique to the table—from deep technical expertise to beautifully branded design.
And at the top of that list is Xcelacore.
Build Smarter with Xcelacore
If you want more than just a website—if you’re aiming for performance, flexibility, and real ROI—Xcelacore is the clear choice. Their WordPress developers bring together clean design, smart architecture, and powerful integrations that actually help your business grow.
From project kickoff to post-launch support, you’ll have a dedicated team that understands your industry, your audience, and your long-term vision. Whether you’re launching a new site or overhauling an old one, they bring the clarity and capability to get you where you want to go.
Visit xcelacore.com to schedule your consultation and see why they’re trusted by Chicago’s most forward-thinking businesses.
