About Xblu
Built to Be Found. Run by Someone You Know.
Xblu is a Chicago digital marketing agency founded by Charlie Burns more than 26 years ago. One senior partner on every account, a full agency behind them, and our own software built in-house, so your website, search, ads and AI all work as one.
Meet the founder
Hi, I’m Charlie.
When you work with Xblu, you work with me. Not a sales rep, not a hand-off. One person who knows your business and a team that gets it done.
Charlie Burns, FounderI started Xblu more than 26 years ago to bring Accenture-trained strategic discipline to organizations that need results without the overhead. No junior teams. No layers of account managers between you and the work.
Since then we’ve launched more than 400 projects for 158 clients, from Chicago restaurants and theaters to manufacturers and contractors. I’m still hands-on every day: Google Ads, WordPress development, SEO, and the servers that host our clients’ sites.
Over the years we started building the tools we wished existed. Today Xblu makes its own software, including an AI assistant that talks to your customers in four languages, an SEO tool that shows exactly who outranks you, and a lightweight CRM so no lead goes quiet.
What makes Xblu different
One Senior Partner. A Full Agency Behind Them.
A real partner, not a ticket number
Every client works directly with a senior partner who knows the business, the goals and the numbers.
How we work →Our own software
The Xblu AI Assistant, EASEO and Carma CRM are built in-house, so they fit together and keep getting better.
See Blu Horizon™ →We host what we build
Fast, secure Xblu hosting with real people watching the servers, because a great site is useless when it’s down.
Hosting & pricing →Who we help
Built for Businesses That Build Chicago.
We work across industries, with deep playbooks for a few we know especially well.
20 minutes. Real answers.
Let’s Talk About Your Business.
Tell us where you want to grow. You’ll get honest advice and a clear plan, whether or not we work together.
📍 1307 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
