In a recent episode of PPC Live The Podcast, I got the chance to sit down with Emina Demiri Watson, the Head of Digital at Vixen Digital based in Brighton. She opened up about one of the more challenging experiences an agency can face: choosing to let go of a client who made up a significant portion of their revenue. Imagine a client that accounts for 70% of your income, and then having to say goodbye. This is what Emina bravely tackled.
Over approximately three months, it became clear that the relationship with this client was worsening. It wasn’t an overnight decision; it evolved from a once-healthy dynamic to something toxic. The leadership team at Vixen made the tough call to prioritize their company culture over the immediate financial gain provided by this client. It was a decision not driven by a difficult client but by a deteriorating relationship that impacted the entire team.
When they finally analyzed the situation, the reality hit hard. Vixen discovered they had a serious issue with client concentration — one client dominated their revenue structure. This wasn’t apparent until they examined the figures closely, underscoring the importance of having well-organized financial tracking systems.
Emina also highlighted several red flags agencies should watch for in client relationships. It’s not just about declining campaign performance; watch for shifts within the client’s business, such as restructuring, team changes, or security breaches that can impact lead conversions. It’s crucial to understand what’s happening on the client’s end to maintain a healthy partnership.
The road to recovery for Vixen Digital involved three key strategies: properly monitoring client concentration, adhering to their core values, and being patient with rebuilding revenue. Losing the client allowed them to re-focus on pitching new business and reconnecting with the industry, activities that had previously been sidelined.
In discussing mistakes observed during account audits, Emina noted common issues such as using broad match without adequate audience safeguards and neglecting negative keyword lists. These errors often lead to ineffective targeting, especially problematic for businesses targeting niche, high-value audiences.
Emina’s view on AI is refreshingly realistic: the key misstep is overhyping it. In the PPC world, we’ve been navigating automation for years, which positions us well to question AI’s supposed magic. Her advice to the team is to use AI tools like Claude for preliminary research but never to replace critical thinking.
If you’re grappling with the idea of ending a deteriorating client relationship, Emina’s straightforward advice is to return to your values. Prioritize commercial goals if that aligns with your mission, but if preserving company culture and team morale are paramount, it may be time to let go.
In our latest report, I’ve dug deep into the world of Shopify Plus agencies to bring you the cream of the crop for 2026. With an exhaustive analysis of 84 agencies globally, my research focused on crucial factors like mastery of the Shopify Plus platform, customer reviews, and unique enterprise capabilities.
After meticulously evaluating each agency, I honed in on six standout contenders by ranking their abilities in areas such as technical expertise, B2B implementation success, and customer satisfaction rates. Below, I’ve summarized who made the cut and why they shine.
The Top Shopify Plus Agencies of 2026
Here, I’m unveiling the top Shopify Plus specialists! This table showcases each expert agency based on a comprehensive assessment of their technical prowess and customer delight.
With over 15 years of experience, Atwix stands as a beacon for B2B eCommerce transformation. Founded by Slava Kravchuk, Atwix leverages its vast Shopify Plus expertise, bringing innovative custom development and integration services to manufacturers and distributors.
What sets Atwix apart is their ingenious Sirius integration platform, a vital tool that links various enterprise systems with ease, ensuring real-time data accuracy. Their 96% client retention rate is a testament to their ability to offer solutions that scale as businesses expand.
Clients laud Atwix as “true professionals” providing “quick responses” and “elegant solutions” to complex challenges. Their “deep technical expertise” and proactive management are consistently highlighted.
Eastside Co: Masters of Conversion Rate Optimization
At Eastside Co, the name of the game is conversion rate optimization through precise A/B testing strategies. My insights show this agency emphasizes performance metrics, helping brands maximize their growth potential in the Shopify Plus ecosystem.
Their targeted services benefit direct-to-consumer brands, reflecting their commitment to driving results using data-driven methodologies. Though they excel in conversion, their scope might be too narrow for businesses needing expansive ecommerce solutions.
Clients commend Eastside Co for their “focus on performance metrics” and systematic approach to achieve “ROI improvements.” Their dedication to analytics stands out, though some mention the need for additional partners for broader projects.
We Make Websites: Experts in UK Headless Development
In the UK, We Make Websites is synonymous with expertise in headless commerce and performance optimization. My research indicates their focus on Core Web Vitals and innovative technical practices makes them a powerhouse for UK markets.
While they are adept at creating high-speed, dynamic experiences, their strategies focus primarily on the UK, which might pose challenges for international companies with more complex needs.
Location: London, UK
Established: 2008
Price Range: $$$$
Average Review Score: 4.8/5
Services Offered: Headless Commerce, Performance Optimization, Custom Development, API Integration, Technical SEO
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients praise them for their “attention to performance” with “lightning-fast storefronts.” However, their strong UK-centric approach can be challenging for global firms.
Digital Silk: Crafted for Large-Scale Fashion Brands
For those in the fashion arena, Digital Silk offers exceptional design-centric Shopify Plus services. Their commitment to aesthetic excellence is ideal for high-end fashion brands focused on stunning visual identity over operational intricacies.
While their creativity in design sets them apart, their services might not suit businesses looking for robust, functional ecommerce solutions with sophisticated technical requirements.
Location: New York, NY
Established: 2013
Price Range: $$$$
Average Review Score: 4.7/5
Services Offered: Brand Design, Shopify Plus Development, Visual Identity, Digital Marketing, UX Design
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients appreciate their “design quality” and the ability to craft “experiences” that highlight brands, though some note their focus on aesthetics can sometimes overlook functional needs.
Studio Rotate: Embodying Australian Commerce Design
Studio Rotate blends local market knowledge with design prowess to serve the Australian market effectively. My insights reveal their visually compelling solutions cater magnificently to regional audiences.
While their boutique approach is a boon for Australian brands, it might not match the needs of international or large enterprises seeking extensive capabilities and scalability.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Established: 2016
Price Range: $$$
Average Review Score: 4.5/5
Services Offered: Shopify Plus Development, Australian Market Focus, Design Direction, User Experience, Local Commerce
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients remark on their “deep Australian market knowledge” and ability to craft “local designs.” However, regional focus can limit scalability for international markets.
Charle: Masters of UK Creative Solutions
Since 2018, Charle has charmed ambitious UK brands with their creative and performance-driven Shopify Plus development. With a focus on people-first strategies, they’ve built a remote-first culture that encourages innovative collaboration.
However, while offering captivating creative designs, their capacity to address comprehensive B2B functionality is limited, particularly outside the UK market.
Location: London & Manchester, UK
Established: 2018
Price Range: $$$
Average Review Score: 4.4/5
Services Offered: Shopify Plus Development, Creative Design, UK Market Focus, Platform Migration, Brand Development
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe their experience with Charle as “an absolute dream” due to their “creative approach” and seamless process, though their focus on UK limits global expansion capabilities.
The Top Shopify Plus Agencies in the US by Specialty
To aid you further, I’ve classified these exceptional Shopify Plus agencies into specialized categories based on detailed research. This should help you align with partners who resonate with your project goals and growth aspirations.
Today is a monumental day for Dylan and me, as we are overjoyed to announce that Profound is opening its very first UK office in the vibrant city of London.
The addition of this office marks an exciting chapter in Profound’s journey, representing a significant step forward in our pursuit of global growth and innovation.
This expansion is not just a testament to our dedication and hard work but also to the incredible support from our clients and partners who have believed in our vision.
With this new location, we’re eager to bring our expertise closer to our UK clients and partners, ensuring we continue to offer exceptional service and support.
I’ve always been fascinated by how artificial intelligence is reshaping brand management. From personalization to predictive insights, AI is making waves in areas like content, customer experience, and digital presence.
Discovering how AI can future-proof a brand has been a game-changer for me. The ability to leverage technology for optimal brand positioning and engagement is invaluable in today’s competitive market.
I am excited to share how Profound and iQuanti have joined forces to elevate brands in the innovative landscape of AI Search. Our collaboration merges dynamic real-time Answer Engine insights with a powerful, actionable AI Search strategy.
Together, we empower enterprises to redefine category narratives and secure a competitive edge as AI redefines the beginning of the modern consumer journey.
Ever felt like you’re drowning in growth hacking tips and conflicting strategies? As a B2B SaaS founder myself, I understand the overwhelming feelings that come with managing marketing efforts. Let’s explore why these strategies often feel like dead ends and find a framework that promises sustainable growth and actually works.
It’s no wonder that many of us find ourselves caught in a maze of complex advice. Juggling multiple recommendations can leave us bewildered and unsure of the best path forward. But I’m here to share insights that can help us break through the chaos and achieve tangible results.
I know firsthand that effective marketing isn’t just about trying every new tactic out there. It’s about discovering the strategies that align with our business goals and resonate with our target audience. By focusing on what’s truly crucial, we can build a growth plan that stands the test of time.
Are you prepared to move beyond the startup stage and make your mark in the B2B SaaS industry? I’m here to guide you through how successful companies create systematic and scalable growth engines, capable of thriving in competitive markets and weathering economic downturns.
Scaling a B2B SaaS business demands more than just a groundbreaking product. It’s about building a robust infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Let me walk you through the strategies employed by market leaders to continuously advance from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to a dominant market position.
By leveraging these insights, you can arm your company against the volatility of market fluctuations and establish a path to lasting success in the SaaS domain. Let’s explore the key elements of building a resilient growth engine tailored to elevate your business.
Are you ready to transition from merely surviving to thriving? Let me share a proven, systematic approach that successful small businesses use to achieve predictable, profitable growth through strategic marketing.
In our journey together, I’ll explore the key strategies small businesses implement to scale efficiently and effectively, leveraging the power of strategic marketing to drive meaningful and sustained growth.
I recently celebrated a significant milestone—raising a seed round! While it’s exciting, I know the real challenge lies ahead: developing a marketing strategy that genuinely boosts revenue and positions my startup for future success.
With funding in hand, I’m determined to avoid the pitfalls that often hinder SaaS startups. It’s crucial to focus on building marketing efforts that not only attract attention but also drive meaningful growth.
Eager to navigate this path effectively, I’ll share insights on how to steer clear of the common mistakes that can derail even the most promising ventures. Growth isn’t just about visibility; it’s about capturing the right audience and converting interest into sustainable revenue.
As I delve into the fascinating world of AI and search engines, it’s clear that they are transforming the landscape of digital visibility. These technological advancements are opening up new possibilities for brands like never before, enabling us to optimize content for innovative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews.
I find it exciting to explore how these generative AI tools are reshaping SEO strategies, and I’m not alone. Insights from Andreessen Horowitz reveal an $80B market disruption, highlighting the significant impact this shift is having on SEO practices.
By embracing these changes, we have the unique opportunity to stay ahead in the competitive digital space. It’s time to learn and adapt, making the most of AI-driven tools to enhance our visibility and ensure that we remain on the cutting edge of digital marketing innovation.
