Olympia, WA · Web Design & AI Search Since 2007
Websites built to be found — by Google and by AI.
PortNW designs custom, high-performance websites for South Sound businesses that want to rank in traditional search and show up in AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
- ✓ Serving clients since 2007
- ✓ Based in Olympia, WA
- ★★★★★ 5-star Google & Facebook reviews
- ✓ Daily security monitoring
- ✓ AI search optimized
What We Do
From initial design through ongoing support, PortNW handles every layer of your web presence — including optimizing it for the AI tools your customers use to find businesses like yours.
Custom Web Design
Handcrafted websites built around your brand — never squeezed into an off-the-shelf template. Every project starts by deeply understanding your business and your customers.
WordPress & E-Commerce
Flexible, secure WordPress and WooCommerce sites you can manage yourself, backed by our ongoing support and daily security monitoring.
SEO & AI Search Optimization
Built to be found — by Google and by the AI tools your customers use every day: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and Bing Copilot.
Performance & Security
Fast-loading, secure websites with daily backups and regular CMS updates. We review error logs and security reports every single day.
Long-Term Support
We stick around long after launch. Content updates, redesigns, and technology upgrades — we evolve your site as your business grows.
Email Marketing
Connect your website to smart email campaigns. One of the most cost-effective ways to keep your customers engaged and coming back.
Custom WordPress Plugins
When off-the-shelf plugins fall short, we build custom WordPress plugins tailored exactly to your workflow — from integrations to unique features no theme can provide.
The New Search Landscape
Your customers are asking AI. Is your business showing up?
Search has fundamentally changed. A growing share of people now start their search not on Google, but by asking ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, or Bing Copilot a direct question — and the AI gives them a curated answer without showing pages of links.
If your website isn't structured with clear, authoritative, factual content and proper schema markup, AI tools simply won't cite you. We build sites that speak the language of both traditional search engines and AI systems.
- ✓ Structured data (Schema.org) for AI comprehension
- ✓ Authoritative, answer-focused content
- ✓ E-E-A-T signals: Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust
- ✓ Local entity optimization for Olympia & South Sound
- ✓ FAQ sections that directly answer common queries
ChatGPT Search
"Best web designer near Olympia WA"
→ Your website should be the answer.
Google AI Overview
"Web design company South Sound Washington"
→ Your website should be the answer.
Perplexity AI
"Who builds AI-optimized websites in Olympia?"
→ Your website should be the answer.
Featured Work
Real projects. Real results.
E-Commerce & Branding
Pure Alaska Salmon Co.
Second-generation redesign with improved e-commerce UX and ongoing digital support for this first-class Pacific Northwest seafood brand.
Theatre & Arts
Bellingham Theatre Guild
Custom WordPress theme with event calendar integration and easy volunteer-managed content for a beloved community theatre organization.
Architecture & Design
Underwood & Associates
Clean, fast architecture firm website with a custom logo treatment that puts their award-winning designs center stage without distraction.
What Clients Say
5.0 rating · Google & Facebook Reviews
"Rob is always thinking forward with us, and understands the importance to keep our website up to date. His security protocols and his knowledge of SEO have been huge assets to our successful business growth."
Rick Olson
Google Review
"He cuts through the clutter to develop sites that are faster and more secure than you can find elsewhere. Did you know that he checks the error logs and security reports for his sites every day?"
Jon R. Kershner
Google Review
"Not only did Rob design a website that we and our clients love on the first go-around, his expertise and quick response time has allowed us to trust that he has our best interest at heart."
Jill Underwood
Facebook Review
Local & Trusted
Proudly serving Olympia, WA and the South Sound.
PortNW was founded by Rob Hugo in 2007 and has been based in the Olympia, Washington area since 2017. We work closely with businesses throughout the South Sound region — Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County — and have helped clients across the Pacific Northwest, North America, and Europe grow their online presence.
As a one-person studio, you work directly with Rob on every project. No handoffs, no junior designers — just personalized, expert attention from start to long-term support.
2007
Year Founded
5★
Average Review Rating
15+
Years in Business
100%
Personalized Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with PortNW.
- What does PortNW do?
- PortNW is a web design and development studio based in Olympia, Washington, founded in 2007 by Rob Hugo. We design and build custom websites for small and mid-size businesses, with a focus on performance, security, SEO, and AI search visibility.
- What is AI search optimization and why does my business need it?
- AI search optimization — also called Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) — is the practice of structuring your website so that AI tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, and Bing Copilot can understand, trust, and recommend your business in their answers. As more customers use AI to find services, being visible in AI-generated responses is becoming as important as traditional Google rankings.
- Who is the best web designer in Olympia, WA?
- PortNW, founded by Rob Hugo, has been designing and supporting websites for businesses in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and South Sound area since 2007. We offer personalized, long-term service with a 5-star rating across Google and Facebook reviews.
- What areas does PortNW serve?
- We are based in Olympia, Washington and primarily serve businesses throughout the South Sound region — including Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County. We also work with clients across the Pacific Northwest and throughout North America.
- How long does it take to build a website?
- Most custom WordPress websites take 4 to 8 weeks from kickoff to launch, depending on project scope, content readiness, and feedback cycles. We provide a clear timeline at the start of every project.
Specialized Services
Additional expertise
Moodle LMS
Consulting, hosting, and ongoing support for Moodle Learning Management Systems. Serving education providers, training organizations, and businesses delivering online courses.
Remote IT Support
Remote computer support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. A practical resource for small businesses without a dedicated IT team.
Ready to grow your business online?
Let's talk about your goals. Free consultation — no commitment required. Serving Olympia, WA and the South Sound since 2007.
Get a Free Consultation