When creating an online store, there are two paths: create it yourself or choose a third party to build it for you. If you choose the second path, selecting the right person or agency to create your online store is crucial.
In Mexico and around the world, e-commerce has grown almost exponentially over the years, and, at least on Shopify, there are increasingly more features to build a store as simple or as robust as you need. In fact, every six months Shopify launches a full campaign to announce new features for the platform; the latest was Shopify Editions Winter 2024 .
Therefore, in this post we show you some elements that you should take into consideration before choosing the best Shopify agency in Mexico:
Define your needs and objectives
Before focusing on finding the perfect Shopify agency for you, take the time to define your specific needs and objectives. A thorough understanding of your business model, sales goals, target audience, and product will make defining your store's features and functionalities much easier, and consequently, finding the ideal agency.
It's worth mentioning that, while there are certain elements every agency should have, finding the right partner will largely depend on what you're looking for. Just as there are doctors who specialize in certain areas of the body, there are agencies that are experts in specific areas of e-commerce—it's that simple.
What to Look For in a Shopify Expert Agency
Now then: once you fully understand what you need and want for your online store, there are some important points to consider when choosing the best agency for your brand.
When evaluating potential Shopify agencies in Mexico, consider the following key factors:
1. Experience with Shopify
If you're looking to create a Shopify store, it's crucial to find an agency with Shopify experience and, ideally, one that's certified by the platform itself. Look for a Shopify Expert or Shopify Plus Partner agency to ensure this certification. Choosing experienced Shopify experts guarantees your store will be built to industry standards and optimized for performance.
On Shopify 's official website, you can search the directory for agencies certified by the platform as Shopify Plus Partners. In Mexico, there are currently only three agencies certified as Shopify Plus Partners, and Getmore is one of them.
2. Expertise in Design and Development
The design and functionality of your store are two fundamental elements for its success. Generally speaking, analyze the portfolios of the agencies you're considering and evaluate whether their design style appeals to you. Explore each of their projects and consider the user experience as if you were your own customer.
Again, it largely depends on what you're looking for to determine whether an agency is the right fit. For example, at Getmore we specialize in custom design focused on sales conversion, and you can see our design style in our portfolio and assess whether it aligns with your goals.
You might be interested in: Choosing the best theme for your Shopify store: Template vs. Custom Design .
3. Customization and Integration Capabilities
Depending on your business model, you'll likely need to make adjustments or add plugins to make the purchasing process as personalized and intuitive as possible. When requiring specific features and functionalities, it's important to partner with an agency that offers robust and advanced customization services to ensure your online store's structure is solid and not compromised by excessive code.
For example, if you're a store like La Castellana , with an extensive catalog, you'll likely need a mega-menu, and you could leverage cross-selling and upselling tools to personalize the user experience. It's important to ensure the agency you work with has experience developing these types of strategies and, above all, implementing them effectively.
4. Success stories
Just as social proof is crucial for building trust in any online store, choosing the right agency is no exception. Explore case studies and client testimonials to evaluate an agency's track record of delivering results. Client success stories provide valuable insights into an agency's ability to meet client objectives and drive online store growth.
A clear example would be if you're looking for a redesign. Look within the portfolio of the agency you're interested in for a success story where, after a store redesign, there was an increase in sales conversion or average order value, as in the case of Sunwarrior . This could provide relevant information about whether the agency you're considering is familiar with best practices in e-commerce development.
5. Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is essential for a successful partnership. Keep in mind that you're choosing a partner who will be with you for an indefinite period, and as with any relationship, communication is vital. Choose an agency that prioritizes transparent communication and collaboration, keeping you informed and involved throughout the development process.
When contacting agencies, it's important to ask about their work process, the average project duration, and their main point of contact. This will prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smoother project flow.
6. Support and Continuous Improvement
Your relationship with a Shopify agency doesn't necessarily end after your store launches. By choosing Shopify for your online store, you can forget about having to worry about maintenance, let alone relying on a third party for it, since Shopify includes ongoing technical support within your monthly platform fee. However, it's important to think about continuous improvement and envision where you want to be in six months.
In an ideal situation, you'll eventually need adjustments and improvements to your store: implementing a loyalty program, designing a landing page , adding a wholesale model, and so on. Choose an agency that offers comprehensive support services and continuous improvement to address any future issues and ensure the long-term success of your online store.
At Getmore, while we initially focused on the Shopify ecosystem, over time we have expanded our services to encompass not only the creation and development of online stores, but also strengthening stores once they are ready to take the next step.
You might be interested in: Why is it important to optimize your online store?
In conclusion, selecting the best Shopify agency for your online store is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of your needs and business goals before finding the right one. By taking into account general aspects such as experience, workflow, and success stories, you can build a successful partnership that propels your e-commerce business to new heights. If you believe our portfolio aligns with your objectives, let's discuss your brand .
