Choosing the right Shopify Plus agency can play a crucial role in the success of your ecommerce brand, so it’s not a decision you’ll want to take lightly.
A skilled, experienced agency can help you develop customized solutions that meet your unique business needs, providing ongoing support so your store runs smoothly and effectively. Choose the right agency and you can expect an innovative and well-executed site that enhances your customers' experience and drives revenue for years to come.
This article will help you research and select an agency that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work and providing exceptional customer service – an agency that will work with you as a true partner to help your ecommerce business thrive.
Here are the five factors we’d recommend keeping in mind as you choose a Shopify Plus agency…
1. Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to selecting an agency. Working with an agency that specializes in Shopify Plus can make a significant difference to the quality of work and the results delivered.
An agency with specific experience in Shopify Plus will have in-depth knowledge of the platform's features, capabilities, and limitations. This expertise allows them to provide tailored solutions that align with your brand's needs and deliver the desired results. It can also lead to faster turnaround times and more efficient project management.
When researching agencies, be sure to look for case studies and examples of successful client projects to determine if they have the skills and experience needed to handle your project. Specialized skills and industry expertise are also essential. For instance, an agency that’s most experienced working with fashion brands may not be the best fit for a home goods retailer.
Finally, referrals are incredibly valuable. If someone in your network recommends an agency, it's one of the surest signs that you’ll also have a positive experience working with them.
Ultimately, working with an experienced Shopify Plus agency can make all the difference, especially in a competitive and crowded market.
2. Services and Capabilities
When choosing a Shopify Plus agency, it's important to evaluate their services and capabilities to test if they align with your current and future needs. A reputable agency will offer a comprehensive range of services - such as design, development, optimization, and ongoing support - to help you achieve your ecommerce goals.
Working with an agency that offers a full range of services can be beneficial because it means they have expertise in multiple areas, and can provide a cohesive approach to your project. For example, a design team that works in tandem with a development team can ensure a seamless user experience across your site.
Additionally, evaluating an agency's capabilities in advance can allow for a solid and ongoing working relationship. You may find that you require additional services as your ecommerce business grows, so it's important to partner with an agency that can accommodate your evolving needs.
When Thread Wallets approached Brickspace Labs, we knew we’d be able to support their success as they went from strength to strength. As a result, we’ve been able to maintain a long lasting and consistent relationship that’s brought their team welcome stability over the years as they’ve scaled.
“The team at Brickspace Lab has what it takes to bring our vision to life. We have been working with them since the early days at Thread, and they have played a critical role in our growth and success. Their team has both design skills and technical chops to create truly impactful ecommerce experiences. To this day we still hear praise about our website.”
Colby Bauer, CEO @ Thread Wallets
By taking the time to evaluate an agency's services and capabilities, you can ensure that you're working with a Shopify Plus agency that has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your ecommerce goals.
3. Team
It's also important to consider the size and makeup of an agency’s team. Bigger isn't always better, and it's important to think about the specific needs of your business and how the agency can best support them. Look for agencies that have a team with a mix of skill sets including project managers, designers, developers, and support specialists.
Consider whether you have the resources internally to handle certain tasks, or whether you need the agency to provide expertise. If you don't have an in-house design team, look for an agency with experienced designers who can help create a cohesive brand identity and user experience.
By finding an agency with a team that fits your specific needs, you can establish a strong working relationship that sets your business up for success. At Brickspace Lab, we found a perfect fit with premium baby brand Copper Pearl, bolstering their technical requirements to deliver on specific features that made a big impact.
“It’s been a true pleasure working with Brickspace Lab. Working with them we’ve been able to bring our website up to the standards our customers come to expect. They designed our new website and built a few pretty complex features. Our customers love the new site and so does the rest of our team.”
Tyler Hillstead, Owner @ Copper Pearl
Another important factor to consider is the agency's approach to communication and collaboration. Do they assign a dedicated project manager to your account? Do they use agile methodologies to ensure transparency and efficiency in the development process?
4. Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration practices are essential when working with a Shopify Plus agency to ensure projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and goals are achieved.
Working with an agency that has strong communication and collaboration skills has several major benefits. Regular meetings and transparent reporting can keep all stakeholders informed of project progress. Open feedback channels can ensure that the project meets your specific requirements and expectations.
You might want to look for weekly or bi-weekly meetings, project management software that is easily accessible and provides real-time updates, transparent reporting, and a responsive team that is available for quick communication. Additionally, a good agency will be proactive and offer suggestions and recommendations for improvement throughout the project, rather than offering solutions only when a problem arises.
So, now you know how to choose a Shopify Plus agency…
Choosing the perfect Shopify Plus agency can bring a huge boost to your business – and be the start of a relationship that lasts many years. By evaluating their experience, services, team, communication practices, alongside pricing, you can make an informed decision that will make for a productive and ongoing working relationship.
Consider all factors carefully to find an agency that will help you achieve your ecommerce goals and take your business to the next level.
Like what our clients have had to say about us? Let's talk about how we can help your Shopify Plus business thrive… contact us.
Founder, Brickspace Lab Thomas is the founder of Brickspace Lab, a Canadian-based digital agency that specializes in the design and development of Shopify themes. Thomas has worked with hundreds of Shopify clients and has spent many years in the depths of ecommerce.
