Managing an eCommerce store that stays competitive long-term is often an uphill battle. Business owners have to keep a constant eye on performance, trends, competitors, and supply chains. The online marketplace is incredibly competitive: 90% of eCommerce businesses fail. Very often, this is due to marketing and brand-building shortcomings. This is why so many brands turn to ad agencies to make sure their marketing is always on point. Agencies provide industry know-how and experience in targeting the right audience, building a brand voice, and driving conversions. Here are the very best agencies for eCommerce companies that want to grow long-term.
1. Adcore Inc.
- Focus: Data driven and consumer centric solutions to brand awareness, performance marketing, data analytics, and a full-service marketing agency.
- Specialization: Paid media advertising management, SEO, digital marketing strategy
- Experience: A global, tech-driven eCommerce marketing agency with offices in the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
2. NoGood
- Focus: Science-driven strategies intersecting with style and creativity
- Specialization: Social Media Marketing (SMM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing
- Experience: A New York-based agency recognized for its growth-focused approach, combining data analysis with innovative marketing tactics.
3. NP Digital
- Focus: Full-funnel growth with a revenue-centric approach
- Specialization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Internet Marketing
- Experience: Headquartered in San Diego, California, this agency is known for its expertise in driving measurable business outcomes through digital marketing strategies.
4. Avex
- Focus: Tailored solutions for fashion and lifestyle brands
- Specialization: Shopify Plus, Digital Strategy, Social Media Marketing
- Experience: Located in New York, Avex has a strong track record in helping fashion and lifestyle brands succeed in the eCommerce space.
5. 1Digital
- Focus: Expertise across multiple eCommerce platforms
- Specialization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Social Media Marketing
- Experience: Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1Digital is known for its platform-agnostic approach, providing custom solutions for diverse eCommerce needs.
6. Fire&Spark
- Focus: Evidence-based SEO strategies
- Specialization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), B2B SEO, Cybersecurity SEO
- Experience: This Boston, Massachusetts-based agency excels in implementing data-driven SEO strategies for eCommerce and cybersecurity-focused businesses.
7. Upgrow
- Focus: Comprehensive digital solutions from design to optimization
- Specialization: Web Design, Social Media Marketing, Google Ads
- Experience: Located in San Francisco, California, Upgrow offers full-scale services, including hyper-targeted marketing to optimize business performance.
- Unique Selling Point: Full-scale services from design to optimization with hyper-targeted marketing
8. UPQODE
- Focus: Customer-centric web design and development
- Specialization: WordPress Plugins, eCommerce Development, Digital Marketing
- Experience: An award-winning agency in Nashville, Tennessee, UPQODE is recognized for its exceptional customer service and innovative web design.
9. Inflow
- Focus: Exclusively dedicated to eCommerce marketing and advertising
- Specialization: Content Marketing, PPC Management, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
- Experience: Denver, Colorado-based Inflow offers specialized services tailored specifically to the needs of eCommerce businesses.
10. Single Grain
- Focus: Custom strategies for rapid business growth
- Specialization: Public Relations (PR), Digital Marketing Strategy, Influencer Marketing
- Experience: Operating remotely, Single Grain delivers scalable marketing strategies that cater to businesses looking to expand quickly.
11. Mayple
- Focus: On-demand marketing talent with AI-driven matching
- Specialization: Campaign Management, AI Talent Matching, On-demand Marketers
- Experience: Based in India, Mayple connects businesses with vetted marketing specialists, offering flexible solutions without long-term commitments.
12. WebFX
- Focus: Enhanced campaign performance through proprietary technology
- Specialization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Social Media Marketing, Sales Funnel Optimization
- Experience: Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, WebFX is known for its technology-driven approach to optimizing marketing campaigns.
13. SmartSites
- Focus: Award-winning design and marketing with high client satisfaction
- Specialization: Web Design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Marketing
- Experience: Located in Paramus, New Jersey, SmartSites is renowned for its creative design and effective marketing strategies.
14. Kobe Digital
- Focus: High ROI through custom digital experiences
- Specialization: Programmatic Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing
- Experience: Los Angeles, California-based Kobe Digital is dedicated to creating tailored digital strategies that drive significant returns on investment.
15. P3 Media
- Focus: End-to-end eCommerce growth strategies
- Specialization: Shopify Plus, eCommerce Growth Strategies, Email Marketing
- Experience: Based in New York City, P3 Media offers comprehensive solutions that cover creative, technical, and advertising needs.
16. Stryde
- Focus: Data-driven marketing tailored to consumer buying habits
- Specialization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Facebook & Paid Social, Email Marketing
- Experience: Operating out of Lehi, Utah, Stryde uses a data-centric approach to align marketing strategies with consumer behavior.
17. Lounge Lizard
- Focus: Brand-friendly websites with a long-standing reputation
- Specialization: Public Relations (PR), UX/UI Design, Mobile App Development, Amazon Ads
- Experience: New York-based Lounge Lizard is well-regarded for its expertise in creating brand-centric websites that resonate with audiences.
18. Magneto IT Solutions
- Focus: Award-winning eCommerce solutions across industries
- Specialization: Magento, Composable Commerce, Headless eCommerce
- Experience: Located in New York, Magneto IT Solutions delivers cutting-edge eCommerce solutions tailored to diverse industry needs.
19. Absolute Web
- Focus: Two decades of expertise in digital commerce and creative marketing
- Specialization: WooCommerce, Social Engine Marketing, Custom Web Applications
- Experience: Miami, Florida-based Absolute Web provides comprehensive digital commerce solutions backed by over 20 years of experience.
20. 1o8
- Focus: Data analytics-driven approach with strong client relationships
- Specialization: Amazon Marketing, Shopify Development, TikTok Marketing
- Experience: Chicago, Illinois-based 1o8 offers a relationship-focused approach, leveraging robust data analytics to drive eCommerce success.
Steps to Choosing the Right Agency for You
Now that you know who the best choices are, let's talk about how you should go about choosing the right one for you. There are so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which agency aligns best with your business goals.
1. Define Your Business Goals
Before you start looking for an agency, it's important to clearly outline your business goals. Are you looking to increase traffic, improve conversion rates, or expand into new markets? Understanding your goals and objectives will help you identify what kind of services you need from an agency.
2. Pick the Agency with the Expertise you Need
Look for agencies that specialize in the areas most critical to you and your business goals. Whatever the specialty may be, whether it’s SEO, PPC, social media marketing, or eCommerce platform management, the agency should have proven expertise in the services that align with your goals. Try reviewing case studies, client testimonials, or portfolio work to assess their experience.
3. Assess Their Technological Capabilities
Ensure that the agency is proficient in technologies that are central to your eCommerce platform. If you’re using Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, or another platform, the agency should have a deep understanding of how to work with and optimize the platform to benefit your business.
4. Set a Budget and Assess Cost-Effectiveness
Determine your budget early on and find out if the agency’s pricing aligns with it. Reach out and ask for a free consultation or quote. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for an agency that offers the best value for your money by providing quality services that match your business needs.
5. Request a Proposal
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, request a proposal from the agencies. This document should outline their approach, timelines, deliverables, and costs. It can also help you get to know the agency on a more personal level and the people you will be working with. Compare these proposals to see which agency offers the best fit for your business.
6. Check References
Ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them. Inquire about their experience working with the agency, the results they achieved, and any challenges they faced. This feedback can provide valuable insights into what it’s like to work with the agency.
How to Measure the ROI of Your eCommerce Agency
Measuring the return on investment (ROI) from your eCommerce agency is crucial to ensure that the partnership is delivering value and contributing to your business goals. Here’s how you can effectively assess the ROI of your eCommerce agency:
1. Define Clear Objectives and KPIs
Before you can measure ROI, it's essential to have clearly defined objectives. These objectives should align with your business goals, such as increasing sales, improving conversion rates, or growing brand awareness. Once your goals are set, identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure success. Common KPIs include:
- Track the increase in sales generated through the agency's efforts.
- Measure the percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
- Monitor website traffic, bounce rates, and time on site to assess improvements in user engagement.
2. Track Progress Regularly
Measuring ROI is not a one-time activity; it requires ongoing monitoring. Establish regular reporting intervals—such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly—to review the performance of your campaigns. During these reviews, compare the actual results against your initial KPIs to identify trends, successes, and areas for improvement.
3. Analyze the Cost vs. Benefit
To calculate ROI, you'll need to compare the cost of the agency's services against the benefits achieved. The basic formula for ROI is:
ROI=(Net Profit−Agency Costs/Agency Costs)×100
For example, if you spent $10,000 on agency services and generated $50,000 in net profit as a result, your ROI would be 400%. This formula provides a clear picture of the financial return generated from your investment.
4. Evaluate the Quality of Work
While quantitative metrics are important, qualitative factors also play a significant role in measuring ROI. Assess the quality of the work delivered by the agency, including the creativity of campaigns, the relevance of content, and the effectiveness of the strategies implemented. High-quality work can lead to long-term benefits, such as improved brand reputation and customer loyalty, which may not be immediately reflected in financial metrics.
5. Adjust and Optimize Based on Insights
As you measure ROI, use the insights gained to optimize your strategy. If certain campaigns or tactics are underperforming, work with your agency to make adjustments. Regularly refining your approach based on data will help maximize the effectiveness of your investment and drive better results over time.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure the ROI of your eCommerce agency and ensure that your partnership is contributing positively to your business growth. Regular assessment and optimization are key to maintaining a successful and profitable relationship with your agency.
Conclusion
The right eCommerce agency can become a key player in your company’s long-term growth. Knowing that you can rely on them to boost your online sales may free up mental space that you can then use to explore other growth avenues. It is important that beyond glitzy services and projects, they offer you what you need and are a good fit. Make sure to set clear goals and measure regularly whether they are being pursued adequately. In the end, don’t hesitate to look for a new eCommerce agency if your targets aren’t being met. For your business to succeed, you need the partners that deliver, and sometimes it’s just not a good fit.
Are you struggling to reach your target audience and drive sales?
At Adcore, we understand the challenges of digital marketing and are here to help you navigate them. We can enhance your online presence, connect with your audience, and boost your conversions. Contact us today to discover how our expert team can transform your marketing efforts and help your business grow.
This article was written in cooperation with Adcore