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Best Shopify Agency Manchester

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Updated on 05 Jun 2024

Shopify is a top choice for anyone looking to start their own online shop. It's user-friendly, scales with your business, and lets you plug in all sorts of tools. Whether you're setting up your website, managing your stock, taking payments, or sorting out shipping, Shopify has all the tools you need to keep things running smoothly. If you don’t have the time or budget for a new web build and design, then Shopify over Craft CMS might be the best choice for you!

What are the benefits of using Shopify? Having a Shopify shop is a game-changer for any brand that wants to make some money online. It’s not just about making sales; Shopify transforms the whole shopping experience for your customers. Whether you're just starting out and dealing with a few sales a day, or you're at the point where your orders are flying in every minute, Shopify can handle it all. It's the go-to platform no matter where you are in your business journey.

Why Partner with a Shopify Agency?

While Shopify simplifies the technical aspects of running an online shop, digging into its many features and tailoring it to your brand’s unique vibe isn’t exactly a walk in the park.That’s where a Shopify agency comes into play. An agency can help you maximise your shop’s potential, ensuring it not only operates smoothly but also stands out in today’s crazy market.

A Shopify agency can really tailor your online shop to fit your business needs perfectly. They focus on refining your site’s design and enhancing the user experience to make sure your visitors stick around and convert into customers. Plus, they're great at rolling out advanced marketing strategies that widen your reach and boost your sales, aligning every move with your business goals. They take the guesswork out of the equation so that you can focus more on growing your business and less on the backend logistics. Leave it to them, they know what they’re doing!

While Shopify offers the foundation for building a successful online shop, partnering with a Shopify agency is a no-brainer. Getting expert help can transform your Shopify experience, turning your e-commerce goals into reality.

Who We Are and Why You Should Trust Us

MadeByShape really shines within the Shopify scene. Known for our award-winning branding and web design services, we have worked with many high-profile brands across many sectors. Our portfolio is a reflection of how good we are at what we do. We’ve worked on many diverse projects that highlight our innovative approach to digital solutions. With a focus on branding, web design, and SEO, we create tailored experiences that help to drive business success.

Andy giving directions during a team meeting

Best Shopify Agency in Manchester Results

#1 – MadeByShape

If you're thinking about getting your online shop up and running, MadeByShape could be just the partner you need. Starting a Shopify website with us couldn’t be easier. We really know our stuff when it comes to Shopify and tailor your site just right for your business needs. The best part is it doesn’t even take long. You can go from having nothing to a fully functional online shop in just 4 weeks. In some cases, we’ve got a site up-and-running in just 2 weeks. Integrated with features you need to start, run, and grow your business. If there’s something you need that doesn’t come straight out of the box, we’re on hand to build custom apps or add Shopify plugins that do exactly what you want. You can boost your e-commerce massively by using our Shopify developers.

Don’t worry - once you’re set up, we don’t just leave you to fend for yourself. MadeByShape offers Shape support. This means we’ll stick around to help out with any issues, helping you get to grips with Shopify’s tools, which are great for marketing your products and making sure your site is as search-engine friendly as possible.

We also put a lot of thought into the shopping experience. We know how much not having a mobile-friendly site hurts your business. We design your Shopify themes to look and work great on any device. Plus, the checkout processes are user-friendly, making it easy for your customers to buy from you without any hassle.

Teaming up with MadeByShape means getting more than just a Shopify shop; it means getting a shop that stands out, reflects your brand, and is set up for success. We work hard to deliver standout e-commerce experiences that are designed to grow your business. Our culture is unmatched too. We’re only a small team but we don’t see this as a limitation. We deliver a personalised service and build relationships with our clients. It’s not just a business transaction to us. 

shopify services

We've got a pretty diverse work portfolio, having worked in sectors like fashion, interior design, and beauty. Whether it's helping startups find their feet or giving established brands a fresh new look, we've done it all. Our clients have nothing but nice things to say about our work. Some of the cool projects we've tackled include Nth Degree, Pale Fox Prosecco, Idyll Home and Releve Clothing. Like what you see? Start a project with us!


CriteriaScore
Portfolio5/5
Reputation
5/5
Service Focus
5/5
Size of the Agency
4/5
Culture
5/5
Innovation
5/5
Total
29/30



Idyll browser
Best Fashion Sites Releve

#2 – Rainy City Agency

Rainy City Agency is another great agency when it comes to crafting Shopify shops. Their services dive deep to make sure that user-experience is in top form, using techniques like heat mapping to figure out exactly what grabs and keeps consumer attention. They're all about fine-tuning the shopping experience to fit perfectly with your business goals and what your customers are looking for.

Rainy City excels in transforming Shopify shops with full site redesigns, backend integrations, and by ensuring sites are mobile-friendly, which given today’s climate, has never been more important. Who isn’t on their phone all day, every day? They also don’t just leave you in the dark, they offer ongoing support and maintenance, helping businesses scale and adapt their e-commerce strategy over time. This includes data analysis for continuous improvement and A/B testing to refine user interactions. ​

So what makes them #2? MadeByShape still has a competitive edge as the best Shopify agency in Manchester. MadeByShape has carved out a leading position with its long-standing reputation, services and broad client base, working with big names and diverse industries. Their depth of experience and highly bespoke service allow them to maintain the edge in delivering tailored e-commerce solutions.


CriteriaScore
Portfolio4/5
Reputation
4/5
Service Focus
4/5
Size of the Agency
3/5
Culture
3/5
Innovation
4/5
Total
22/30



Lee stafford shopify

Image source: rainycityagency.com

#3 – That Works Agency

That Works Agency is ranked as the third-best Shopify agency in Manchester mostly due to its strong focus on scalability and performance optimisation in Shopify Plus. The agency's reputation is recognised in the market, but it hasn't gained as many awards as some of its competitors.

Their services handle everything from custom shopfronts and app development to comprehensive migrations from other platforms to Shopify. They're known for their ability to tailor the user experience specifically to enhance customer conversion rates, making them a solid partner for brands aiming to align their online shops closely with their unique brand identity.

Like Shape and Rainy City, they don't just build and walk away; they engage in ongoing partnerships, providing tailored advice and technical support to ensure their clients get the most out of the Shopify platform. This commitment to client success is backed by a strong portfolio of brands and positive feedback from long-term clients who appreciate their proactive, client-centric approach.

Despite this, MadeByShape continues to lead due to its longstanding expertise, diverse client base, and a strong emphasis on blending creative design with robust Shopify functionalities. While That Works Agency is a decent player in this game, especially for those looking for specialised Shopify Plus capabilities, MadeByShape holds the edge with its comprehensive service range and creative skill in the digital space.


CriteriaScore
Portfolio4/5
Reputation
3/5
Service Focus
4/5
Size of the Agency
3/5
Culture
3/5
Innovation
4/5
Total
21/30



That works agency shopify

Image source: thatworks.agency

#4 – Uncover Commerce

At #4 We have Uncover Commerce. They’re really into their data-driven methods and crafting bespoke solutions that really make your Shopify shop unique. Using custom apps, they make your shop run smoother and make the shopping experience a breeze for your customers.

Like most agencies, they specialise in focusing on mobile-first designs and site speed, to make sure the online shop works well across all devices. This means your customers have a smooth and quick browsing experience – key for keeping them around and clicking ‘buy’.

Still, they face stiff competition from other agencies that have broader service offerings and more extensive portfolios, which isn’t surprising in a highly competitive market like Manchester.


CriteriaScore
Portfolio3/5
Reputation
3/5
Service Focus
4/5
Size of the Agency
3/5
Culture
3/5
Innovation
4/5
Total
20/30



Adee brand

Image source: uncovercommerce.com

#5 – Archer Cooper

For businesses looking for a solid, reliable Shopify partner without the need for highly specialised services, Archer Cooper presents a strong option. Their commitment to efficiency and client-focused service, alongside their capability to handle Shopify's technical demands, makes them a good choice, though they might not offer the same level of creative or cutting-edge solutions as some higher-ranked competitors.

Compared to the leading agencies, Archer Cooper's portfolio may not be as diverse or extensive, which is the main reasoning behind their lower rating. Their services focus significantly on the practical and operational side of Shopify, which includes migrations and building new sites but they lack in consistently pushing the envelope in innovation or thought leadership in the Shopify community.


CriteriaScore
Portfolio2/5
Reputation
2/5
Service Focus
3/5
Size of the Agency
4/5
Culture
3/5
Innovation
2/5
Total
16/30



Perkyblenders Shopify

Image source: Archercooper.co.uk

There you have it—the results are in, and MadeByShape stands at the top. Now, we might sound a bit biased, but we're confident in the quality of our work. Over the years, we've poured our hearts into not only perfecting our craft but also nurturing a workplace culture and building a solid reputation. These aren't just nice-to-haves; they're essential to our business and pivotal to our success. Remember, the best agencies go beyond just delivering excellent work, they understand that culture and reputation are key pillars that can make a business great.

If you haven’t already, check out our work and our services. If you want to work with us (because realistically, who doesn’t 😉), then let’s start a project together! Or if you just want an initial chat or introduction, contact us.

I'm Kerry. Content Writer at Shape – if you don't find me at my desk, I'm probably on holiday again!