20 years of designing websites
We know which design decisions present a business as the authority, which copy gets the next click, and which trends make a serious business look less credible.
The Authority Platform · Chicago
Chicago web design for experts who should never look like the cheaper option.
Sway Rise Creative builds the Authority Platform for established consultants, coaches, authors, speakers, and therapists across Chicago. Positioning, proof, copy, design, code, and a lead-generation tool come together in one 30-day build.
People who hear your name check your website before they call, and it should show them the expert they were told about.
Who we build for
For businesses that have outgrown their first impression.
Your work is established and your referrals are strong, but the website still introduces the business you had a few years ago.
The new site shows the level of your work at first glance, gives buyers a reason to choose you, and supports the rate your work has already earned.
How we work
The site makes its case before the call.
Before we design, we decide who the site must persuade, what they need to believe, and what should happen next. Then we write, design, and custom-code the entire path. After launch, hosting or care keeps a site we built current, and SEO is a separate plan.
Why Chicago businesses choose us
What working with us gets you
One accountable studio
Positioning, copywriting, visual direction, custom code, search setup and launch all happen in one studio, so the message and the design stay consistent.
Built to stay current
Your site is fast, accessible, secure, and cleanly coded from day one. Hosting or care continues after launch for sites we built. SEO is a separate plan.
What's included
The Authority Platform includes your positioning, a Brand Document, a Visual Brand Guide, art-directed AI imagery, a custom seven-page website, one lead tool, launch on your domain and two weeks of support.
- Investment
- $8,500
- Timeline
- 30 days from kickoff
Serving Chicago
Based in Chicago, working with clients everywhere.
We work with clients in Chicago, greater Chicagoland, and well beyond it.
Get in touch
Call or email the studio.
312-521-0095
info@swayrisecreative.com
Mon–Thurs, 10am–5pm
Apply for the Authority Platform
From a Chicago client
What a Chicago client says
Working with Diane was an absolute pleasure. She treated my vision with as much love and vigor as if it were her own. I never thought that business could be so fun and easy.
As my business coach, she helped me clarify my brand into a powerful message, then helped me build a strategy to attract the right people. She designed both my logo and website, and I'm thrilled with the results. They're an expression of my deepest purpose.
I've already recommended her stellar work to others.
Credentials
Building things online since 2006
- 100+ websites built
- 12+ year average client relationship
- Top 15 finalist, 2026 Women Build AI Build-a-thon
- WordCamp Denver speaker and organizer, 2015–2019
- Founder, AI Designers Academy
Common questions
Are you a Chicago-based web designer?
Yes. Sway Rise Creative is a Chicago web design and brand strategy studio led by Diane Whiddon, working with consultants, coaches, authors, speakers and therapists in Chicago and worldwide. Diane has designed websites since 2006.
What types of businesses do you work with in Chicago?
Established consultants, coaches, authors, speakers and therapists whose reputation has outgrown their website.
How much does a website cost in Chicago?
The Authority Platform is $8,500. It combines your positioning, website copy, a Visual Brand Guide, art-directed imagery, a custom website, one lead tool, launch and two weeks of support.
How long does it take to build a website?
The Authority Platform launches 30 days after kickoff. The clock starts once your questionnaire, offers, testimonials, photos and account access are in.
What platforms do you design websites on?
Every Authority Platform is designed for your business. We check speed, accessibility and every form before launch, and your maintenance plan keeps the site current afterward.
Can you help improve my website's visibility in search?
Yes. Every build ships with clean site structure, mobile-responsive design, and on-page SEO, and we set up the local foundations Chicago businesses need to get found by the right people nearby.
Do you offer website maintenance after launch?
Yes. Hosting and care are for sites we built. Hosting includes no updates. Care includes 4 requests a month with a 3-day turnaround. Care Plus includes 10 requests a month, a 2-day turnaround, Snapshot, Core Web Vitals and an accessibility check. SEO and social are separate plans.
Do you write the copy and handle branding too?
Yes. We write your website copy and create your Visual Brand Guide as part of the Authority Platform, so the message and the design are built together.
Do you offer in-person meetings in Chicago?
We're based in Chicago and run most projects remotely. We meet in person when being in the same room will help the project.
Do you use AI in your web design process?
Yes. We use AI to create imagery, explore design directions and speed up production. Diane reviews every page, image and design decision before you see it, and your site is custom-coded for your business.
Building since 2006
Based in Chicago, working worldwide
Make the website match the reputation.
Tell us what the business has become and what the new site needs to make possible. Then choose a time for a discovery call.
Apply for the Authority Platform