Hiring a Shopify marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business. These experts can handle everything from SEO to email campaigns, leaving you free to focus on running your store. But as with any investment, getting the best value for your money is key. Negotiating the right price doesn’t have to be intimidating—it’s about knowing your needs, doing your homework, and communicating effectively. Let’s dive into how you can secure the best deal while ensuring top-notch results.
Research Industry Benchmarks
Knowing what agencies typically charge will give you a solid starting point for negotiation. Most Shopify marketing agencies operate on one of three pricing models:
- Hourly rates – Perfect for small, specific tasks.
- Project-based fees – Ideal for one-off projects like a store redesign.
- Retainers – Best for ongoing support and long-term marketing strategies.
Spend time researching average costs in the industry, either through online resources, forums, or testimonials from other businesses. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to spot fair pricing—or flag unreasonable quotes.
Define Your Budget and Goals
Negotiations will only succeed if you’re clear about what you want to achieve and how much you’re willing to spend.
- Set a realistic budget for the services you need.
- Prioritise your goals, such as increasing website traffic, improving ad ROI, or boosting Shopify sales with marketing.
- Be honest about what you can afford, but also be flexible for value-added services that align with your business objectives.
Having these details sorted ahead of time will make conversations with agencies much smoother and more focused.
Evaluate Multiple Agencies
Don’t settle for the first agency you come across. Reach out to multiple agencies to compare their offerings, experience, and pricing. When evaluating options, keep these factors in mind:
- Their track record and portfolio of past projects.
- Client testimonials and reviews.
- Their familiarity with Shopify and your specific industry.
Request customised proposals to see exactly what each agency is willing to offer within your budget. This also gives you leverage when negotiating, as you can highlight competitive offers.
Tips for Negotiating the Best Price
Negotiating doesn’t mean undercutting the agency—it’s about finding a deal that works for both sides. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Build rapport: Start with a friendly conversation to understand the agency’s approach and priorities.
- Emphasise long-term potential: Agencies may offer discounts for extended contracts or repeat business.
- Request flexibility: Ask about bundled services or reduced fees for specific deliverables.
- Discuss performance incentives: Propose pricing based on measurable results, such as achieving specific sales targets.
- Be prepared to compromise: Understand that agencies also have costs and limits. Negotiation is a two-way street.
How Long Should You Stay with an Agency?
It’s no secret that businesses can get impatient when they want results. In other words, you’ve hired a professional agency, and you’re desperate to see positive changes in your business. So, how long should you give the team before you call it a day?
First of all, you never want to be too hasty. In other words, you have to have some patience if you want to see results for anything to do with marketing. It’s not going to happen overnight. However, this doesn’t mean that you should hold onto a dying ship. So, here are some elements you need to think about before making your decision.
What the Team Says
One of the most important things you can do when you’re having doubts is to raise them with the team.
Allow them to understand what’s happening and how you feel. They can give you feedback on their process. Perhaps there are legitimate reasons you haven’t considered as to why you’re not getting results yet.
What Progress You Have Made
You also have to think about whether you’re being realistic with the results you’re expecting. For instance, if it’s only been two months, you can expect to tick all the boxes and meet every goal. Sometimes, you have to look at the progress and make sure you’re moving in the right direction. So, if there has been some progress, you might benefit from having some more patience.
How Much You Are Spending
Sometimes, you need to cut your losses. If you feel like you’re spending way more than you’re getting back, it can be better to pull the plug. Assess how much you’re spending and whether you can afford to wait a little bit longer on results. If the answer is no, it’s best to avoid further losses now.
Conclusion
Negotiating with a Shopify marketing agency doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding what you need, researching the market, and approaching the conversation with transparency, you can secure a deal that benefits both your business and the agency. Remember, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about getting the best return on your investment.
Ready to take the next step? Start by defining your goals and reaching out to a few agencies. With the right approach, you’ll find the perfect partner to help your Shopify store thrive.
