Choosing a Shopify agency is a big decision. Whether you're launching a brand-new store or upgrading your current one, the agency you choose will shape how your business performs online.
With so many agencies offering everything from custom builds to SEO support, it can be hard to know where to begin. This guide will walk you through what to look for so you can find a team that fits your goals and supports your growth.
Get Clear on Your Ecommerce Goals
Before reaching out to any agency, it's worth getting specific about what you’re looking for. Are you moving over from another platform? Introducing a new product range? Wanting to improve conversion rates or expand into B2B?
Understanding both your short and long-term goals will help you spot an agency that not only gets your vision but also knows how to make it happen. Whether you're after a support package, reusable sections to grow your site in-house, or better performance across the board, a clear brief will go a long way.
Set a Realistic Budget
Shopify projects can vary a lot in price depending on what you need. Setting a clear budget will help you compare options fairly, not just on cost but on the value each agency brings.
Pay Attention to their Portfolio
An agency’s portfolio will tell you more than any sales pitch. Take the time to look at their previous Shopify projects, especially those in a similar space to your brand. Are the designs engaging? Is the user journey smooth? Are the sites optimised for mobile?
The strongest portfolios show both creativity and technical skill. You’re looking for smart design decisions, well-executed functionality, and a clear understanding of ecommerce best practices.
Make sure they know Shopify Inside Out
Shopify isn’t like other platforms. You want an agency that knows how it works under the hood. This includes app integrations, custom themes, subscriptions, and even Shopify’s headless options if you're planning something more advanced.
Some useful questions to ask include:
- How many Shopify sites have you launched?
- Have you worked across all Shopify plans?
- Can you handle things like wholesale functionality or international rollouts?
These kinds of details matter when you're building for scale.
Look for Skills beyond Shopify
The best agencies don’t just build your site and call it a day. Look for one that offers services across strategy, marketing, and ongoing optimisation.
This might include:
- Custom Shopify design and development
- Shopify Plus migrations
- SEO and content support
- Email marketing
- App / Software integrations
- Ongoing support and CRO
Working with one agency across multiple areas can lead to a much more cohesive experience for your customers and your team.
Pay Attention to Communication
Clear, open communication is key to a smooth project. You want an agency that keeps you updated, values your input, and makes collaboration easy.
Ask how they manage projects, what tools they use, and how they handle feedback and revisions. A communicative agency will help keep things on track and avoid unnecessary stress during the build.
Research Their Reputation
Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies that show real-world results. An agency’s past clients will give you insight into what the process is actually like.
If you can, speak to a previous client or two to hear their experience first-hand. A reliable agency should have no problem connecting you with someone who's happy to share feedback.
Prioritise Mobile Experience
With more customers shopping on mobile than ever, your site needs to work seamlessly on all devices. Make sure the agency builds mobile-first, tests across devices, and understands the impact of mobile speed on both conversion and SEO.
This isn’t just a design decision, it's a commercial one too.
Think About the Future
Your Shopify store isn't just a one-off project. It's the foundation of your online business. The agency you choose should be able to grow with you, whether that means new features, international expansion, or ongoing strategy and support.
The right Shopify agency will help you launch a site that not only looks good but performs well and grows with your business. Take the time to define your goals, explore your options, and choose a team that brings both expertise and collaboration to the table.
They won’t just help you build a store. They’ll help you build a business.
FAQ's when choosing the right Shopify Agency
1. How do I know if a Shopify agency is the right fit for my business?
Start by checking their portfolio and seeing if they’ve worked with similar brands or industries. Then ask about their process, communication style, and how they tailor projects to meet different goals. A good fit means they understand your vision and can deliver on it.
2. Should I choose a local agency or does location not matter?
Location is less important than experience and communication. That said, if you value in-person meetings or working within the same time zone, a local agency might make sense. Many top Shopify agencies work remotely with brands across the world.
3. What’s the difference between a Shopify Expert and a Shopify Partner agency?
Shopify Experts are vetted professionals or freelancers with platform-specific experience. Partner agencies are often full-service teams offering design, development, and marketing under one roof. Both can be great, it just depends on the level of support you need.
4. How much should I expect to spend on a custom Shopify site?
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your site. A basic setup might cost a few thousand pounds, while a custom Shopify Plus build can go into five figures. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing support, maintenance, and any app subscriptions.
5. What questions should I ask before hiring a Shopify agency?
Ask about their process, timelines, project management tools, and previous work. Be sure to ask how they handle feedback, revisions, and post-launch support. The more transparency up front, the better the relationship will be.
6. Can a Shopify agency help me with marketing as well as web development?
Many agencies offer both, but not all. If you want support with SEO, email marketing, paid ads, or CRO, check whether the agency provides these services in-house or has close partnerships with trusted specialists. Even if they don’t offer these services directly, a good agency should be able to make recommendations or bring a partner agency into the project to ensure you get the support you need.
7. What if I already have a Shopify store? Can they work with my existing setup?
Yes. A good agency can optimise your current store, redesign it, or add new features without starting from scratch. Just make sure they do a thorough audit before diving in.
8. How long does it take to build a Shopify site?
Timelines vary depending on the scope. A simple build might take 6-8 weeks, while more complex projects can take 3 months or more. Make sure the agency provides a timeline with clear milestones.
9. Do I need to stay with the agency after the site is live?
You don’t have to, but many brands do choose to stay on for ongoing support, updates, or retainer-based marketing. It’s worth asking what post-launch packages are available and whether you’ll be able to manage things on your own if needed.
10. What makes one Shopify agency better than another?
It’s not just about design skills. The best agencies combine Shopify-specific knowledge with strategic thinking, clear communication, and a deep understanding of ecommerce. Look for a team that treats your store as a business, not just a project.