ChatGPT answers, unedited

For a two-person catering startup in the West Loop, I’d avoid the big Chicago agencies and focus on small shops with transparent starter pricing.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best local fit
   • Actually located in the West Loop, at 355 N Laflin.
   • Focuses on small-business websites + local SEO/Google Maps optimization.
   • Particularly worth talking to if your goal is “catering near me” / West Loop catering visibility.
   • Strong review footprint (4.9/5 from 54 reviews in the business listing).

2. Flamingo Agency — best budget-conscious agency
   • Chicago small-business specialist doing WordPress, local SEO and ongoing support.
   • Publicly listed starting project size is around $1,000+, with a small 2–9 person team.
   • That's much more realistic for a tiny startup than a traditional $5k–$15k agency engagement.

3. SITE IT NOW — best if you want someone literally nearby
   • Located on W Jackson Blvd in the West Loop/Near West Side.
   • Does websites, SEO and digital marketing.
   • I'd ask specifically for a stripped-down 4–5 page catering site rather than their full-service offering.

4. Affordable Web Design Chicago — worth getting a low-budget quote
   • Specifically positions itself around affordable websites and SEO for small businesses.
   • Good candidate if your priority is keeping the initial build inexpensive rather than having a highly customized brand site.

Even cheaper options

If you're comfortable working with a smaller/less traditional shop, Emericano advertises Illinois small-business sites around $300 to build + $20–$50/month, including basic SEO, contact forms and maintenance. emericano.com

Ascent Studio is another interesting middle ground: it advertises Chicago sites starting at $700 ($600 setup + $100/month), with local SEO fundamentals, Google Business Profile alignment, analytics and Search Console included. skiigen.comwww.westloopseo.com

What I'd actually do

For your business, I'd target $700–$1,500 upfront and <$150/month, and ask for:

• 4–5 pages: Home, Catering/Menu, Corporate Events, About, Contact
• Mobile-first design
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Titles/meta descriptions + basic local keyword research
• Google Search Console + Analytics
• Schema/local-business markup
• Contact/quote form
• Fast-loading image optimization
• Ability for you to edit menus/photos yourselves

You don't need an expensive ongoing SEO retainer yet. For a new catering company, I'd spend the initial SEO effort on Google Business Profile, strong service/location pages, reviews, and getting the site technically sound before paying hundreds or thousands every month for content/link campaigns.

My first three calls would be SEOLEVELUP, Flamingo, and Ascent Studio, and I'd give all three exactly the same one-page scope so you can compare apples-to-apples. skiigen.comwww.westloopseo.com

• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago - 355 N Laflin St Ste 101C, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Windy City Web Solutions - 801 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• The Loop Marketing Inc - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Flamingo Agency - 3752 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• RedShark Web Design SEO Services - 448 95th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, United States
• Operation Technology - 211 W Wacker Dr 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 1TR - Website Design & SEO Services - 888 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• WPrime Agency - 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1212, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States

For a two-person West Loop catering startup, I’d avoid a traditional $5k–$10k agency. You can get a solid 4–6 page site + local SEO foundation for roughly $800–$2,500, then add SEO only once you’re getting traction.

My shortlist

• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — Best local fit. They’re actually in the West Loop at 355 N Laflin and combine web design with local SEO/Google Business Profile work. Good choice if you want someone nearby who understands Chicago search.
• Windy City Web Solutions — Best if you want ongoing support without a huge retainer. Their published pricing starts at $2,500 for a small-business site, with a $129/month support plan; SEO/local-search upgrades are available. Windy City Web Solutions
• PIXALPHA STUDIO — Best price-to-scope option. Their Chicago Starter package is $799 one-time for a 5-page mobile site with SEO structure, contact form and Google Maps; their $1,599 package adds Google Business Profile setup and more advanced SEO. Pixalpha Studio
• Ascent Studio — Best if you want a polished restaurant/catering look on a lean budget. They advertise Chicago sites from $600 setup + $100/month, including SEO-ready copy, analytics, sitemap submission and local SEO fundamentals. They specifically mention West Loop hospitality work. Ascent Studio
• Lizardo Agency — Good middle ground. Small-business sites start at $1,499 with basic on-page SEO; their local SEO service starts at $599/month. Lizardo Agency Lizardo Agency
• 67 Web Design — Cheapest ongoing option I found. Their Chicago package is $67/month for a 3-page managed WordPress site, hosting, basic SEO, domain, security and monthly updates. They're based in Michigan rather than Chicago, so I'd pick them for price rather than local presence. 67 Web Design

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get quotes from SEOLEVELUP, PIXALPHA, and Ascent and ask each for exactly this:

5-page catering website: Home, Catering/Menu, Corporate Catering, About, Contact. Mobile-first, online inquiry form, Google Business Profile setup/optimization, basic local SEO, Google Analytics/Search Console, fast load speed, and ability for us to edit menu/photos ourselves.

For a catering startup, Google Business Profile + strong service/location pages + good photography + an easy inquiry form matter more initially than paying $600+/month for a big ongoing SEO campaign.

One other nearby option worth asking: The Loop Marketing Inc is on Sangamon in the West Loop and explicitly works with small businesses, with web design and local SEO among its services. I couldn't find a comparable low-budget published package, though, so I'd treat them as a quote-comparison option rather than my first pick.

If you tell me your rough budget ($500, $1k, $2k, etc.), I can narrow this to the 3 best fits and what I'd expect each to charge.

For a two-person West Loop catering business, I’d avoid the big Chicago agencies—they’re likely to oversell you. These look much more aligned with a shoestring launch:

1. Evolve with Digital - Web Design Chicago — best local fit
   • Right in Fulton Market/West Loop.
   • Specifically positioned around small/new businesses.
   • Offers website + Google Business/local visibility, which is exactly what a catering startup needs.
   • I’d ask for a stripped-down 3–5 page package rather than a full marketing engagement.

2. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best if SEO is the priority
   • Located at N. Laflin in the West Loop.
   • Focuses on website design plus local SEO and Google Maps/Business Profile optimization.
   • They advertise free audits/consultations and specifically mention startups and website refreshes. www.westloopseo.com

3. SITE IT NOW — worth getting a quote
   • Literally on W. Jackson Blvd, so very convenient for West Loop.
   • Does web design, hosting and digital marketing rather than forcing you to coordinate multiple vendors.

4. Design Henge — budget-oriented alternative
   • Chicago agency focused on small businesses/startups.
   • Their business profile specifically includes feedback about working with clients' budgets and affordability.

5. Digital Marketers Chicago — if you want ongoing SEO
   • Small-business oriented, with WordPress, local SEO and Google Business Profile work.
   • Less geographically convenient than the first three, but worth comparing on price.

Also consider a non-West-Loop option

Emericano is unusually inexpensive on paper: it advertises roughly $300 for a basic site, with basic SEO, mobile optimization and contact/lead forms, plus optional $20–$50/month care. It's Illinois-wide rather than specifically West Loop. emericano.com

Nous Frame is another Chicago option, but at $1,500 for a landing page / $2,500 for a small-business site, I'd only consider it if you can stretch the budget. Local SEO basics are included. www.nousframe.com

What I'd actually buy

For catering, you probably don't need "SEO" in the agency-retainer sense yet. I'd spend the initial money on:

• 4–5 page mobile-friendly site
• Strong catering/menu pages
• Inquiry form + click-to-call
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Local targeting around West Loop + Chicago catering + corporate catering + event catering
• Basic title tags, meta descriptions, schema and Search Console
• Reviews/testimonials
• Professional food photography if you don't already have it

I'd target roughly $500–$1,500 upfront and minimal/no monthly SEO retainer at this stage. Then revisit ongoing SEO once you're actually getting enough search traffic to justify it.

My first three calls would be Evolve with Digital, SEOLEVELUP, and SITE IT NOW. Ask each for a fixed-price, no-retainer starter package and explicitly tell them you're a two-person catering company with a very limited budget. That should make it obvious pretty quickly who actually works with tiny clients.

Since you said West Loop, I can narrow this to Chicago agencies—but I need to verify your location because I don't have a user-provided or device-derived location available.

genui{"ask_user_location_v2":{"suggested_cities":["West Loop, Chicago","Near West Side, Chicago","Chicago, IL"]}}

For a two-person West Loop catering company, I’d avoid a traditional full-service agency. You probably need a 4–6 page site, strong mobile experience, Google Business Profile/local SEO, and good service/location copy—not a $5k+ “brand strategy” engagement.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best West Loop fit
   • Actually located in the West Loop at 355 N Laflin St.
   • Focuses on small businesses, website builds, local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization.
   • Particularly worth talking to if you want the website and SEO handled together.

2. Affordable Web Design Chicago — best budget-first option
   • Explicitly targets small businesses and budget-friendly sites.
   • Offers website builds plus on-page/local SEO rather than forcing you into a big marketing retainer.

3. Emericano — cheapest published pricing I found
   • Advertises roughly $300 for a starter site, with basic SEO, contact forms and mobile optimization.
   • Ongoing support is advertised around $20–$50/month.
   • They serve Illinois, including Chicagoland. emericano.com
   • This is probably the first quote I'd get if your definition of “cheap” is genuinely cheap.

4. Windy City Web Solutions — good if you want ongoing help
   • Chicago-based, focused on small businesses, with WordPress development, hosting/maintenance and SEO.
   • Their model could make sense if neither of you wants to touch the website after launch.

5. Lizardo Agency — best step-up option
   • Their Chicago small-business package starts at $1,499, including up to four pages, WordPress, mobile optimization and basic on-page SEO.
   • Their $2,199 package adds keyword research, SEO structure, Google Analytics/Search Console and copywriting. lizardoagency.comemericano.com
   • That's a more realistic option if you can spend ~$1.5–2.2k rather than trying to do everything for a few hundred bucks.

What I'd ask them to quote

Tell each agency you want:

• 5-ish pages: Home, Catering, Corporate Catering, Private Events, About/Contact
• Mobile-first design
• Online inquiry form (not necessarily full online ordering)
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Basic local SEO for terms like “Chicago catering,” “West Loop catering,” “corporate catering Chicago”
• Title/meta descriptions, headings, image optimization and schema
• Google Analytics + Search Console
• Fast hosting
• Ability for you to update menus/photos yourselves
• No ongoing SEO retainer initially

For a tiny startup, I'd prioritize one-time SEO setup + a good site and put ongoing SEO money toward it only after you have some reviews, traffic and actual search data.

My order of calls: SEOLEVELUP → Emericano → Affordable Web Design Chicago → Lizardo. That gives you a West Loop specialist, an ultra-budget quote, another budget specialist, and a more polished ~$1.5k+ benchmark.

SEOLEVELUP · Emericano · Lizardo Agency lizardoagency.comemericano.com

For a two-person catering startup in the West Loop, I’d avoid a big full-service agency. You mainly need a clean 3–5 page site, strong mobile performance, Google Business Profile setup, and basic local SEO—not a $2k+/month marketing program.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — West Loop
   • Best overall local fit. They’re actually at 355 N Laflin in the West Loop and focus on small-business websites, local SEO, and Google Business Profile optimization.
   • Particularly worth asking for a lean launch package rather than their full marketing services.
   • SEOLEVELUP website

2. Affordable Web Design Chicago — Chicago
   • Explicitly targets budget-conscious small businesses, with WordPress sites and on-page SEO.
   • Their public listing says they handle both website builds and standalone local SEO, so they’re worth getting a quote from. www.choosechicago.comwww.intuicodigital.com
   • Affordable Web Design Chicago

3. Windy City Web Solutions — South Loop
   • Small-business-oriented WordPress/web/SEO shop. They specifically emphasize avoiding bloated agency fees and working directly with the person doing the work.
   • Good option if you want someone to build it and stick around for occasional updates rather than sell you a giant retainer.

4. Slim Marty — Chicago
   • Positions itself around affordable SEO and web design for small/local businesses.
   • Worth comparing if your priority is keeping the monthly spend low.

5. Really Affordable SEO — Chicago
   • More SEO-focused than web-design-focused, but the business explicitly works with small businesses and has feedback indicating willingness to work within constrained budgets.
   • I'd consider them if you can build the site cheaply yourself and want help getting the local-search fundamentals right.

One interesting budget benchmark

If you're really trying to stay under $1,000 upfront, Emericano advertises Illinois small-business sites around $300, with basic SEO and roughly $20–$50/month for support. It's not a traditional Chicago agency, but it's a useful price benchmark when talking to local shops. emericano.com

For comparison, Chicago firms are also advertising packages around $149–$199/month, so don't assume "local agency" automatically means thousands upfront. www.intuicodigital.com

What I'd ask for:

4-page mobile-friendly site + catering menu/services + inquiry form + Google Business Profile setup + title/meta optimization + West Loop/Chicago catering keyword targeting + Search Console/Analytics setup.

I'd target $500–$1,500 one-time or roughly $150–$300/month, depending on whether hosting/updates are included. I would not pay $600+/month for basic SEO at this stage unless they're doing substantial ongoing content/link/local-search work; for context, one Chicago agency's published entry-level local SEO package is $599/month. lizardoagency.com

If you want, I can also narrow this to 3 agencies most likely to accept a <$1,000 total startup budget and compare their reviews, pricing, and catering/restaurant experience.

For a two-person catering startup in the West Loop, I’d avoid a traditional “marketing agency” unless you have a few thousand dollars/month to spend. You probably need a simple conversion-focused site + Google Business Profile setup + basic local SEO, not a big campaign.

Here are Chicago-area options that look more aligned with a tiny budget:

A few Chicago freelancers/smaller shops also worth checking:

• Millennial Web Development — nearby in the South Loop area.
• SITE IT NOW — near the West Loop and offers website services.
• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — near the West Loop with a web design/SEO focus.

For your specific business, I’d ask any agency for a starter package containing:

1. 5–7 page site:
   • Home
   • Catering packages/menu
   • Corporate catering
   • Weddings/events
   • About
   • Gallery
   • Contact/quote form

2. Local SEO basics:
   • Google Business Profile optimization
   • “West Loop catering,” “Chicago corporate catering,” “Chicago event catering” targeting
   • Schema markup
   • Title/meta setup
   • Review strategy

3. Skip initially:
   • Monthly blog writing
   • Paid ads management
   • Fancy animations
   • Custom booking software

A realistic starter budget:

• $500–$1,500 one-time: lean freelancer/template approach
• $1,500–$3,000 one-time: solid small-business site
• $100–$300/month: basic SEO/maintenance

Given you’re in food service, I’d prioritize photos, testimonials, menus, and quote requests over a complicated site. A beautiful five-page site that converts event leads will likely beat a larger “SEO package” early on.

For a two-person catering startup in West Loop, I’d avoid big agencies and prioritize someone who can build a 4–6 page site, set up Google Business Profile/local SEO, and leave you with a manageable monthly cost.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best local fit
   • West Loop: 355 N Laflin St.
   • Specifically combines web design with local SEO and Google Business Profile/Maps optimization.
   • Their positioning is geared toward small Chicago businesses, and they appear comfortable with fast-turnaround projects.
   • Ask for: a stripped-down catering site + GBP setup + basic local SEO rather than a full SEO retainer.

2. Windy City Web Solutions — good small-business option
   • South Loop: 801 S Wells St.
   • Focuses on WordPress sites for small businesses and offers SEO/maintenance. Their published higher-tier SEO care is $449/month, so I'd specifically ask whether they have a smaller starter package.

3. The Loop Marketing Inc — closest geographically
   • West Loop: 159 N Sangamon St.
   • Works with small businesses and offers both web design and local SEO.
   • I'd consider them if you want someone who can eventually handle Google Ads/social as you grow, but I'd push hard for a lean initial scope.

4. JJE Digital — very transparent pricing
   • Chicago small-business specialist; sites start around $2,500, including foundation SEO, with $199–$399/month afterward for hosting/support. jjedigital.com
   • Probably the cleanest option if you can spend ~$2.5k upfront.

5. Lizardo Agency — good middle ground
   • Chicago small-business sites start at $1,499 for up to four pages with basic on-page SEO.
   • Their $2,199 package adds keyword research, SEO structure, Google Analytics/Search Console and blog setup. lizardoagency.com
   • Their ongoing local SEO starts at $599/month, though you probably don't need that immediately for a tiny catering operation. lizardoagency.com

If your budget is really tight

Codecrew Chicago advertises $0 down / $175 per month, with a 5-page custom site, hosting and on-page SEO included. www.codecrew.studio

There's also Emericano, which advertises roughly $300 for a basic site + $20–$50/month and specifically targets small local businesses, including restaurants. emericano.com

What I'd ask for

Don't buy "SEO" as an open-ended retainer yet. For a catering startup, I'd request:

• 5-page mobile-friendly site
• Home / Catering Services / Menus or Packages / About / Contact
• Strong food photography
• Quote/inquiry form
• Click-to-call + email buttons
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Basic keyword targeting around "catering West Loop Chicago," "Chicago corporate catering," "event catering Chicago", etc.
• Title tags, meta descriptions, headings, image alt text
• Google Search Console + Analytics
• Sitemap/indexing setup
• Review-generation basics
• No ongoing SEO commitment for the first 3–6 months

My first three calls would be SEOLEVELUP, JJE Digital, and Lizardo. If your ceiling is under ~$1,000, I'd start with Emericano or ask Codecrew about the monthly plan rather than trying to squeeze a conventional agency into an unrealistic budget.

If you tell me your actual website budget (e.g. $500, $1,500, $3k), I can narrow this to the 2–3 agencies I'd contact and what I'd ask each one to quote.

For a two-person catering startup in the West Loop, I’d avoid big Chicago agencies and look for a small shop that can do a 5-page site + Google Business Profile + basic local SEO without locking you into a big retainer.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best local fit
   • Actually located in the West Loop at 355 N Laflin.
   • Focuses on small businesses, website design, local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization.
   • Good choice if you want one person/company handling both the site and getting you into Google Maps/local search. biznifysolutions.com

2. Evolve with Digital - Web Design Chicago — worth getting a quote
   • Right in Fulton Market/West Loop.
   • Specifically serves small/newer businesses and combines web design with local visibility/marketing.
   • I'd ask them for a stripped-down starter package rather than their full marketing services.

3. West Town Websites — good budget-oriented option
   • West Town-based, so very local.
   • Their positioning explicitly emphasizes big-agency capabilities for smaller budgets, including technical/on-page SEO and performance optimization.
   • Potentially a good middle ground if you want something more polished than a $300 template site.

4. Affordable Web Design Chicago — cheapest-looking traditional agency option
   • Their stated focus is budget-friendly websites for small businesses, with WordPress, responsive design and on-page SEO. www.choosechicago.com
   • Their office is in Portage Park rather than West Loop, but that's irrelevant if you're comfortable working remotely.

5. Emericano — best price benchmark
   • Not a West Loop agency, but this is the kind of pricing I'd use when negotiating: they advertise roughly $300 for a 1–3 page site, or about $300 + $35/month for a 3–5 page site with basic SEO and support. emericano.comwww.westloopseo.com
   • If your budget is genuinely tiny, get a quote from them before committing elsewhere.

One I'd particularly consider

For catering, you don't need a complicated website. I'd ask for:

• Home
• Catering/menu & packages
• Weddings/events/corporate catering
• About
• Contact/request-a-quote
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Basic Chicago/West Loop SEO
• Google Search Console + Analytics
• Mobile optimization
• Review/testimonial section
• Click-to-call and inquiry form

I'd target ~$500–$1,500 upfront and $0–$150/month afterward for the initial version. You don't need an ongoing $600+ SEO retainer yet; get the fundamentals right, collect Google reviews, and build useful catering/location pages first.

If you want the absolute cheapest viable route, compare Emericano, West Town Websites, and SEOLEVELUP. If you care most about having someone literally nearby who understands West Loop businesses, start with SEOLEVELUP and Evolve with Digital. emericano.comwww.westloopseo.com

SEOLEVELUP
West Town Websites
Emericano

For a two-person West Loop catering startup, I’d avoid big Chicago agencies and look for a shop that will do a lean 4–6 page site plus local SEO basics rather than sell you a $2k+/month marketing package.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best local fit
   • Actually located in the West Loop at 355 N Laflin.
   • Does both web design and local SEO/Google Business Profile optimization.
   • Their positioning is specifically around Chicago small businesses, and reviews mention small-business projects and quick-turnaround work. www.westloopseo.com
   • Ask for: a stripped-down catering site + GBP setup/optimization, not an ongoing full SEO campaign.

2. Evolve with Digital - Web Design Chicago — worth getting a quote
   • At 1375 W Fulton Market, so extremely close to you.
   • Focuses on small/newer businesses and combines website work with Google Business Profile and local SEO.
   • Only one review showed up in the local-business data, so I'd compare their quote against the others before committing.

3. The Loop Marketing Inc — good if you want ongoing help
   • West Loop office at 159 N Sangamon.
   • Explicitly works with small businesses and offers web design plus local/ongoing SEO.
   • Likely more marketing-oriented than you need initially, so ask for a one-time launch package rather than a retainer.

4. Windy City Web Solutions — good small-business alternative
   • Chicago-based, focused on small organizations, with WordPress, hosting/maintenance and SEO.
   • Their model includes monthly website support, which could be useful once you're too busy catering to update the site yourselves.

The budget wildcard

If “cheap” means genuinely cheap, I'd also look at Codecrew Chicago. They're Chicago-based and advertise a $0-down/$175-per-month option for a five-page custom site, with on-page SEO included; they also list a $2,750 one-time option. www.codecrew.studio

There's also Emericano, which advertises roughly $300 for a starter site and $20–$50/month for care, including basic SEO, contact forms and local-keyword structure. They're Illinois-based rather than West Loop-local, but that price is much closer to a tiny startup budget. emericano.com

What I'd buy in your shoes

For a catering company, I'd target $500–$1,500 one-time, with:

• Home
• Catering / menus
• Corporate & event catering
• About
• Contact / quote request
• Google Business Profile setup
• Basic local SEO + title/meta/heading optimization
• Google Search Console + Analytics
• Mobile speed optimization
• Schema/local-business markup
• Ability for you to change menus/photos yourselves

Don't pay for monthly SEO yet. First get the fundamentals right, collect Google reviews, and build pages around searches like West Loop catering, Chicago corporate catering, Chicago event catering, etc. Then consider a monthly SEO budget once you know which services actually generate inquiries.

For the first three, I'd ask all of them for the same fixed-scope quote so you're comparing apples to apples.

For a two-person West Loop catering startup, I’d avoid the big Chicago agencies and look for someone willing to build a 4–6 page site with local SEO, Google Business Profile setup, and no bloated retainer.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best overall local fit
   • Actually located in the West Loop at 355 N Laflin.
   • Combines web design with local SEO and Google Business Profile/Maps optimization.
   • Their positioning is specifically around small businesses and lead generation.
   • Ask for: a stripped-down catering-site package rather than a full SEO campaign.

2. Evolve with Digital - Web Design Chicago — best if you want someone very nearby
   • Located at 1375 W Fulton Market.
   • Structured around newer/smaller businesses and offers website + branding + Google Business/local visibility work.
   • I'd specifically ask them for their smallest website/SEO bundle.

3. Windy City Web Solutions — good practical option
   • South Loop-based and focused on WordPress, hosting/maintenance and SEO for small organizations and businesses.
   • Could make sense if you want a site you can keep relatively inexpensive after launch.

4. Affordable Web Design Chicago — worth getting a quote
   • Explicitly targets budget-conscious small businesses and combines web design with foundational/on-page SEO and local SEO.

5. RedShark SEO — SEO-heavy alternative
   • Chicago-based, with a strong local-search/Google Maps orientation and web design.
   • Their reviews specifically include small clients saying they felt like a priority.

One especially cheap option

Emericano isn't specifically West Loop-based, but its published pricing is unusually startup-friendly: roughly $300 for a basic site, with $20–$50/month for maintenance/support, including basic SEO structure and contact forms. It serves Illinois small businesses. emericano.com

If you're trying to keep the initial spend under ~$1,000, I'd put this one on the quote list.

What I'd budget

For catering, you really don't need an elaborate site. I'd target:

• 4–5 pages: Home, Catering/Menu, Events/Services, About, Contact
• Mobile-first design
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Titles/meta descriptions + Chicago/West Loop catering keywords
• Schema/local business basics
• Contact/quote form
• Google Analytics + Search Console
• Fast hosting
• 5–10 good food/event photos

I'd rather spend $500–$1,500 on that foundation than sign a $1,000+/month SEO contract right away. For example, Lizardo's Chicago small-business site starts at $1,499 with basic on-page SEO, while its ongoing SEO starts around $599/month—probably more than you need initially. lizardoagency.com

My first three calls would be SEOLEVELUP, Evolve with Digital, and Emericano. Tell each one: “We're a two-person catering startup in West Loop. We need a simple lead-generating site and basic local SEO, not an ongoing enterprise marketing program. What's your cheapest sensible package?” That should make the price comparison pretty revealing.

For a two-person catering startup in the West Loop, I’d avoid big full-service agencies. You mainly need a fast 4–6 page site, strong mobile UX, Google Business Profile/local SEO, and a catering inquiry form—not a $5k+ “brand strategy” engagement.

My shortlist

1. 67 Web Design — best ultra-budget option
   • $67/mo for a 3-page managed WordPress site, including hosting, SSL, basic SEO, domain, and monthly updates.
   • They specifically mention having worked with West Loop restaurants.
   • Their basic SEO plan is another $67/mo, though it has a 12-month minimum.
   • This is the one I'd contact first if cash flow is tight. 67webdesign.com

2. BUILTbyBackspace — best small-studio fit
   • Chicago-based, one person handles the project, with no account-manager/outsourcing layer.
   • Explicitly works with small businesses and restaurants.
   • Offers Webflow sites plus local SEO, and you can take over the site yourself after launch.
   • Pricing isn't published, so I'd ask for a stripped-down startup package rather than their full service. www.builtbybackspace.com

3. Lizardo Agency — best if you can spend ~$1.5k upfront
   • Chicago-focused small-business agency.
   • Starts at $1,499 for a site with up to four pages, WordPress, mobile optimization and basic on-page SEO.
   • They specifically mention restaurants among their Chicago clients.
   • I'd ask them to quote a catering-specific 5-page version rather than automatically moving you into a bigger package. lizardoagency.com

4. Prismatics Digital — best restaurant-specific technical option
   • Chicago-area boutique studio with actual restaurant/POS/ordering experience.
   • Their restaurant offering includes menu architecture, catering/ordering integrations and local SEO/Google Business alignment.
   • The catch: their starter website is $1,999+, so I'd only consider them if you want something more polished/custom. www.prismaticsdigital.com

5. Codecrew Chicago — interesting monthly-payment option
   • Chicago-based and explicitly geared toward small businesses.
   • Advertises $0 down / $175 per month, with SEO built into the development rather than bolted on afterward.
   • Worth comparing against 67 if you prefer a more custom site but can't do a large upfront payment. www.codecrew.studio

What I'd actually buy

For your situation, I'd target $500–$1,500 total upfront or <$200/month, and ask for:

• Home
• Catering Services / Packages
• Menus
• About
• Contact / Catering Inquiry
• Google Business Profile setup/optimization
• Page titles + meta descriptions
• LocalBusiness/restaurant schema
• Google Search Console + Analytics
• Mobile speed optimization
• Basic targeting around “West Loop catering,” “Chicago catering,” “corporate catering Chicago,” and your specific cuisine
• Easy-to-update menu
• Catering inquiry form that captures date, guest count, venue, budget, and type of event

I wouldn't pay for ongoing SEO yet unless they're doing concrete work beyond monthly reports. Get the local SEO foundation right, collect Google reviews, create useful catering pages, and let the site establish some history first.

One important wrinkle: my local-business search is currently resolving to the St. Louis/St. Charles area, while the agencies above are Chicago-area based; I used Chicago-specific web research because you explicitly said West Loop. So I wouldn't treat the local-business ratings returned for St. Charles as recommendations for your Chicago search.

For a two-person catering startup in Chicago’s West Loop, I’d avoid a traditional full-service agency. You mainly need a sharp 3–5 page site, Google Business Profile setup/optimization, and basic local SEO—not a $1k+/month marketing retainer.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best local fit
   • West Loop: 355 N Laflin St.
   • Specifically combines website design with local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization. Their positioning is aimed at Chicago small businesses and lead generation.
   • Why I'd call: You're literally in their neighborhood, and you can potentially get website + Maps SEO from one shop.
   • Ask them for a bare-bones launch package, rather than their full SEO program.

2. Affordable Web Design Chicago — budget-first option
   • Chicago-based and explicitly focused on small businesses/solo operators.
   • Offers website builds with on-page SEO fundamentals and separate local SEO services.
   • I'd ask for a 4-page catering site + GBP optimization with no ongoing SEO retainer initially.

3. Lizardo Agency — best polished option
   • Chicago agency with a published $1,499 starting price for up to four pages, WordPress, mobile optimization and basic on-page SEO. lizardoagency.com
   • Their next tier is $2,199 and adds keyword research, SEO structure, analytics/Search Console and blog setup. lizardoagency.com
   • They even have a testimonial from David Charcuterie Chicago, which makes the food/catering angle particularly relevant. lizardoagency.com
   • Probably the one I'd choose if you can stretch to ~$1,500.

4. SiteCraft Studio — cheapest sensible starting point
   • Their $250–$350 package combines Google Business Profile setup/optimization, a simple one-page site, and local SEO basics. sitecraft-studio.com
   • They also list a $500 landing page and $2,000 custom website.
   • For a brand-new catering company, this may actually be enough for the first 6–12 months.

5. Windy City Web Solutions — worth getting a quote
   • South Loop-based, so very close geographically.
   • Focuses on WordPress, hosting/maintenance and SEO for small local organizations.
   • I'd ask specifically for a fixed-price starter site rather than an ongoing marketing engagement.

What I'd buy in your shoes

I'd target $500–$1,500 upfront, then keep recurring costs minimal.

Your initial site should have:

• Home
• Catering/Menu
• Weddings & Events / Corporate Catering
• About
• Contact / quote form
• Google Business Profile setup
• Titles/meta descriptions for Chicago + West Loop catering searches
• Schema/local business basics
• Google Search Console + Analytics
• Fast mobile loading
• Strong food/event photography

Don't pay for monthly SEO yet. First get the fundamentals right and collect reviews. For a tiny catering business, Google Maps/GBP, reviews, location-specific service pages, and genuinely good photos can be more valuable initially than a big content/backlink campaign.

One caution: West Loop SEO is also an especially relevant boutique option—it says it's a small downtown Chicago agency, offers website refreshes plus technical/local SEO, and provides free audits/consultations. Pricing isn't published, though, so I'd ask whether they'll do a small fixed-scope starter project. www.westloopseo.com

West Loop SEO · Emericano · Lizardo small-business pricing · SiteCraft Studio

If you tell me your rough budget (e.g. $300, $750, $1,500) and whether you already own a domain/logo/photos, I can narrow this to the 2 best choices and what I'd ask each one to quote.

For a two-person West Loop catering startup, I’d avoid the big Chicago agencies. You mainly need a clean 4–5 page site, Google Business Profile/local SEO, and solid on-page basics—not a $5k+ marketing program.

My shortlist

1. SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago — best local fit
   • 355 N Laflin St, right in the West Loop
   • Does both website builds and local SEO/Google Maps optimization.
   • Particularly worth contacting because they explicitly work with Chicago small businesses and offer rush projects.
   • Ask for: a bare-bones catering site + Google Business Profile setup/optimization, with no ongoing PPC.

2. Chicago Website Design SEO Company — good budget-oriented option
   • Downtown, at 10 S Riverside Plaza.
   • Offers web design, SEO, Google Business Profile/local search work, and serves local businesses.
   • Their positioning/reviews suggest they're accustomed to smaller projects rather than only enterprise accounts.

3. SEO Design Chicago — SEO-first choice
   • Chicago-based, with a strong small-business focus.
   • Their published SEO packages start at $299, and they combine SEO with web design. www.seodesign.pro
   • I'd ask specifically for a one-time SEO foundation package rather than signing up for a large monthly campaign.

4. Anchor Bay Marketing — boutique alternative
   • Downtown Chicago boutique agency offering web design, SEO, content and local visibility work.
   • Worth getting a quote if you want the site to look more polished/brand-forward.

If you're really cash-constrained

There are some unusually cheap options worth comparing against the agencies:

• Emericano advertises small-business sites around $300, with basic SEO, contact forms and $20–$50/month care. emericano.com
• Codecrew Chicago advertises $0 down / $175 per month, including a 5-page site and on-page SEO. www.codecrew.studio
• Lizardo Agency starts at $1,499 for up to four pages, WordPress, mobile optimization and basic on-page SEO. lizardoagency.com

For your particular business, I'd contact SEOLEVELUP, Chicago Website Design SEO Company, and SEO Design Chicago first. Get all three to quote exactly the same scope so you can compare apples-to-apples.

For a catering company, I'd target roughly $750–$1,500 upfront if possible, with $0–$300/month afterward initially. Your first site only needs: Home, Catering/Menu, Corporate Catering, About, Contact/Quote + Google Business Profile + basic local SEO around terms like Chicago catering, West Loop catering, corporate catering Chicago, and your specific cuisine/event types.

If you tell me your rough maximum budget ($500, $1k, $2k, etc.), I can narrow this to the 2–3 most realistic choices and check their current pricing/contact options.