Commerce Agency: 6 Powerful Steps to a Perfect Match 2025
Finding The Right Commerce Partner For Your Business
A commerce agency is a specialized service provider that helps businesses develop and optimize their online selling channels with end-to-end solutions including strategy, platform development, marketing, and ongoing optimization.
What is a commerce agency?
- A third-party partner that specializes in ecommerce strategy and implementation
- Provides services spanning website development, digital marketing, data analytics, and customer experience optimization
- Focuses specifically on driving sales and conversion across multiple channels
- Differs from traditional marketing agencies by specializing in the entire commerce ecosystem
Modern commerce agencies help brands open up their full sales potential by managing the complete digital shelf – from marketplace listings to direct-to-consumer websites. Unlike traditional marketing or advertising agencies that might focus broadly on brand awareness, commerce agencies are laser-focused on driving tangible business results through optimized shopping experiences and data-driven decisions.
The best commerce agencies combine retail media expertise, technical development skills, creative services, and analytics under one roof, allowing brands to create seamless omnichannel customer journeys. They also provide critical guidance on platform selection, whether that’s Shopify, BigCommerce, or marketplace integration with Amazon and beyond.
I’m Cesar A Beltran, Founder and CEO of Blackbelt Commerce, a premier commerce agency specializing in building high-converting online stores and providing strategic consulting for businesses worldwide. With over 15 years of experience helping brands scale their ecommerce operations, I’ve seen how the right commerce partner can transform digital sales potential.
1. Understand What a Commerce Agency Is (and Isn’t)
When you’re looking to grow your online business, understanding what a commerce agency actually does can save you time, money, and headaches.
Think of a commerce agency as your all-in-one digital commerce partner, not just another marketing firm or website developer. We’re the specialists who help your brand thrive across all digital selling channels – from your own website to Amazon and beyond.
As I like to tell our clients at Blackbelt Commerce, “We’re not just building websites; we’re building revenue engines.
How a Commerce Agency Differs from Traditional Agencies
The differences between a commerce agency and a traditional marketing agency are significant, and understanding these distinctions will help you make the right choice for your business needs:
| Commerce Agency | Traditional Marketing Agency |
|---|---|
| End-to-end commerce solutions (strategy through execution) | Often focused on specific marketing channels |
| Specialized in conversion optimization and sales performance | Primarily focused on brand awareness and reach |
| Deep expertise in platform development (Shopify, BigCommerce, etc.) | May lack technical development capabilities |
| Retail media and marketplace expertise (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) | Typically centered on owned and earned media |
| Supply chain and logistics integration knowledge | Limited involvement in operational aspects |
| Data-driven commerce intelligence across the full funnel | May focus on upper-funnel metrics only |
When you partner with a true commerce agency, you’re getting experts who understand not just how to drive traffic, but how to convert that traffic into loyal, paying customers. We speak the language of conversion rates, average order values, and customer lifetime value – metrics that directly impact your bottom line.
How a commerce agency Powers the Digital Shelf
Today’s shoppers don’t distinguish between physical and digital shopping experiences – they expect seamless interactions everywhere. This is where the concept of the “digital shelf” comes in.
A commerce agency excels at optimizing your digital shelf presence through:
Omni-channel visibility means ensuring your products shine across all relevant digital touchpoints. Whether customers find you through Google, Instagram, or Amazon, we make sure your brand shows up consistently and compellingly.
Content optimization is where the magic happens. We craft product descriptions, images, and videos that not only inform but persuade. The difference between “100% cotton t-shirt” and “Breathable cotton comfort that lasts all day” can mean thousands in additional revenue.
Your commerce agency partner should be obsessed with data, constantly monitoring your performance across channels to spot both opportunities and threats before your competitors do. At Blackbelt Commerce, we’ve seen how small tweaks based on digital shelf analytics can lead to dramatic improvements in conversion rates.
In today’s complex shopping environment, you need a partner who understands the unique requirements of each platform – from Shopify to Amazon to TikTok Shop. The best commerce agencies don’t just build your store; they help you sell everywhere your customers want to buy.
2. Map Your Commerce Objectives & Channels
Finding the right commerce agency starts with knowing exactly what you need. Before you begin your search, take some time to map out your business goals and the sales channels that matter most to your brand.
Define Your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
I’ve found that the most successful e-commerce partnerships begin with crystal-clear objectives. Think about what truly moves the needle for your business. Are you struggling with cart abandonment? Need to boost your overall revenue? Or perhaps you’re looking to expand your customer base without breaking the bank on acquisition costs?
Your specific goals will guide you toward the right agency partner. For instance, if improving conversion rates is your priority, you’ll want a commerce agency with proven optimization expertise. If expanding into new markets is your focus, look for partners with strong international experience.
Evaluate Your Channel Strategy
Not all commerce agencies are created equal when it comes to channel expertise. Some excel at building stunning Shopify stores but have limited marketplace knowledge. Others might be Amazon wizards but lack social commerce experience.
Consider your current and future channel mix carefully. Are you focused primarily on your own website? Looking to expand into major marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart? Ready to dive into social selling through Instagram or TikTok Shop? Perhaps you’re navigating the complex world of B2B commerce?
As one of our clients recently shared, “Blackbelt didn’t just build our store – they created a sustainable framework that allows us to scale across multiple channels.” The right partner should understand your unique channel strategy and have proven success in those specific areas.
Map the Customer Journey
E-commerce isn’t just about transactions – it’s about creating seamless experiences that turn browsers into buyers and buyers into loyal advocates. A comprehensive commerce agency will help you optimize each stage of your customer’s journey:
From that first moment of findy (whether through search, social, or marketplace browsing), through the consideration phase where product information and reviews play crucial roles, to the actual purchase experience, and finally to the post-purchase relationship that drives loyalty and repeat business.
By understanding where your current experience shines and where it falls short, you can find an agency partner with the exact expertise needed to fill those gaps and create a truly seamless commerce experience.
The best agency relationships are built on alignment. When you clearly communicate your objectives and channel priorities, you set the stage for a productive partnership that drives real business results.
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3. Inspect Data, Analytics & Measurement Muscle
In today’s commerce landscape, data isn’t just important—it’s everything. When choosing a commerce agency, their ability to collect, analyze, and act on customer insights can make or break your digital success. Let’s explore what to look for in a partner’s analytics capabilities.
First-Party Data Strategies
With privacy regulations tightening and third-party cookies crumbling, the data customers share directly with you has become gold. When talking with potential commerce agency partners, dig into their approach to first-party data.
“How will you help us collect and use our own customer data?” This should be your first question. Strong agencies will explain their strategies for building customer databases while respecting privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
The best partners also have effective ways to gather zero-party data—information your customers willingly share about their preferences. This might include quizzes, preference centers, or interactive tools that improve the shopping experience while building your data assets.
Predictive Insights and AI Implementation
The future of commerce belongs to brands that can anticipate customer needs, not just react to them. Leading commerce agencies now leverage artificial intelligence to predict behavior and optimize your business across multiple fronts.
Look for partners who can demonstrate their AI capabilities in demand forecasting (knowing what products will sell before they do), personalization engines (showing the right products to the right people), and automated marketing optimization (adjusting campaigns in real-time based on performance).
One agency we admire puts it perfectly: “We combine AI-enabled analysts with dedicated brand managers who handle fewer accounts to deliver both algorithmic and human-driven optimization.” That blend of technology and human expertise is the sweet spot.
Dashboard and Reporting Solutions
Data is only valuable when it’s accessible and actionable. Your commerce agency should provide crystal-clear visibility into performance through customized dashboards that make sense for your business.
The best partners offer real-time reporting so you’re never in the dark about how your commerce channels are performing. They should also provide competitive benchmarking (how you stack up against others in your industry) and sophisticated attribution modeling that shows which channels truly drive conversions.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Commerce Agency
When sitting down with potential partners, these data-focused questions will help you separate the analytics champions from the pretenders:
“What is your typical reporting cadence and format?” Great agencies provide regular, easy-to-understand reports custom to your needs—not generic templates.
“How do you define and measure success metrics for projects similar to mine?” They should have clear KPIs that align with your business goals.
“Can you share benchmark case studies from my industry?” Look for proof they’ve delivered measurable results for businesses like yours.
“How do you stay current with analytics best practices and platform changes?” The digital landscape changes constantly—your partner should be learning continuously.
What attribution model do you recommend for my business and why?” Their answer will reveal how sophisticated their understanding of multi-channel commerce really is.
As one CEO shared about their commerce agency: “Their holistic approach to analytics is outstanding in the market, and they integrate seamlessly as an extension of our internal team.” That seamless integration between agency analytics and your internal reporting is what creates lasting success in the digital commerce world.
4. Check Platform & Tech Stack Mastery
The technical know-how of your commerce agency will make or break your digital selling success. It’s like choosing the right foundation for your house—get it wrong, and everything built on top becomes unstable.
Platform Expertise
At Blackbelt Commerce, we’ve focused our expertise on Shopify and BigCommerce development, but you’ll find different agencies have their own technical sweet spots. The major platforms each have their own strengths:
Shopify and Shopify Plus shine for most direct-to-consumer brands and growing businesses with their user-friendly interface and robust app ecosystem. BigCommerce excels when you have complex product catalogs with numerous variants and attributes. For enterprise-level businesses seeking extensive customization, Adobe Commerce (Magento) offers powerful flexibility, while Salesforce Commerce Cloud provides enterprise-grade omnichannel capabilities. And if you’re looking for ultimate customization, Headless Commerce Solutions separate your frontend and backend for maximum flexibility.
When you’re sitting down with a potential commerce agency, don’t be shy about asking tough questions. How many sites have they built on your platform? What certification levels do their developers hold? Can they show examples similar to your vision? As one of our clients wisely noted, always “verify agency certifications and Shopify project experience” before signing on the dotted line.
Integration Capabilities
Today’s commerce landscape isn’t just about having a beautiful storefront—it’s about how seamlessly everything works together behind the scenes. Your commerce agency should be comfortable connecting all the moving parts of your business:
Your inventory management system needs to talk to your website. Your customer data should flow smoothly into your marketing tools. Payment processing, tax calculations, shipping rates—all these pieces need to work together like a well-rehearsed orchestra.
A truly valuable commerce agency doesn’t just build isolated systems; they create unified ecosystems where data flows exactly where it needs to go, when it needs to get there.
Amazon and Marketplace Integration
If your strategy includes selling through marketplaces (and for many brands, it should), your commerce agency needs specialized knowledge in these channels.
Managing Amazon Seller Central requires different skills than building a Shopify store. Optimizing listings for Walmart Marketplace follows different rules than your own website. Even specialized platforms like eBay and Etsy have their own quirks and best practices.
Look for an agency that understands marketplace feed management, has experience with channel-specific advertising, and knows how to maintain consistent brand presence across platforms. As one leading agency proudly states: “We hold Preferred Provider or Retail Media AOR status for 41 retailers”—that’s the kind of specialized expertise that can give you an edge.
Technical Performance Optimization
Speed kills—or more accurately, slowness kills conversions. Your commerce agency should obsess over performance metrics just as much as they care about pretty designs.
Ask them about their approach to optimizing Core Web Vitals (the metrics Google uses to evaluate user experience). How do they ensure mobile responsiveness? What’s their philosophy on Progressive Web Apps? Who handles server configuration and hosting recommendations? And most importantly, how do they test for performance under load?
These technical details might seem boring compared to design mockups, but they’re what separate sites that convert from those that frustrate customers into leaving.
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5. Demand Proof of Performance & Industry Fit
When you’re investing in a commerce agency, don’t just take their word for it—look for concrete evidence of success, especially within your specific industry. After all, past performance is often the best predictor of what they can achieve for your business.
Case Studies and Results
Ask potential partners to share detailed case studies that go beyond flashy designs. You want to see the full picture:
- Specific business challenges they addressed
- Solutions they implemented and why
- Measurable results with actual numbers
- How they stayed on timeline and within budget
I’ve seen agencies showcase impressive metrics like “+335% increase in total sales” and “+100% year-over-year sales growth” for their clients. These aren’t just pretty numbers—they represent real business change that you should expect from your partnership.
Industry-Specific Experience
At Blackbelt Commerce, we’ve learned that different industries face unique commerce challenges. A beauty brand has completely different needs than a B2B manufacturer. When evaluating a commerce agency, look for teams who understand your specific vertical:
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) experts will understand the nuances of category management and retail compliance that can make or break your digital shelf presence.
Fashion and Apparel specialists should demonstrate expertise in managing complex size/color variants and seasonal inventory challenges without breaking a sweat.
Electronics commerce requires special attention to detailed product specifications and comparison features that help customers make informed decisions.
Health and Beauty commerce needs subscription capabilities and careful navigation of regulatory compliance issues—not something you want an agency learning on your dime.
B2B Industries demand custom pricing structures, sophisticated account management, and streamlined checkout flows for professional buyers.
One CEO perfectly captured the value of industry fit: “VaynerCommerce is modernizing our ecommerce platform and offering solutions to open up capabilities that will help us deliver great value to our deep customer base.” This kind of testimonial speaks volumes about an agency’s ability to understand specific industry needs.
ROI and Performance Metrics
Beyond impressive-looking websites, your commerce agency should deliver measurable business results. Ask for concrete ROI data focusing on metrics that actually impact your bottom line:
Return on ad spend (ROAS) shows how effectively they’re managing your marketing dollars. Cost per acquisition (CPA) reveals if they’re bringing in customers at a sustainable price point. Lifetime value increases demonstrate they’re building lasting customer relationships, not just one-time sales. Conversion rate improvements and average order value growth directly impact your revenue without requiring additional traffic.
Client Retention and Testimonials
A telling sign of agency quality is how long their clients stick around. In our experience at Blackbelt Commerce, long-term partnerships produce the best results. When evaluating potential partners, don’t be shy about asking:
How long do their clients typically stay with them? What’s their client retention rate? Can you speak directly with current clients in your industry? What do detailed testimonials from similar businesses reveal about the working relationship?
One agency proudly displays a “4.80/5 average client rating from 67+ reviews”—that kind of consistent satisfaction doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from delivering real value month after month, year after year.
6. Future-Proof with Innovation, AI & Retail Media Trends
The digital commerce world never stands still, and neither should your business. When choosing a commerce agency, you want a partner who’s not just solving today’s problems but is already thinking about tomorrow’s opportunities. At Blackbelt Commerce, we’re constantly looking ahead to help our clients stay competitive.
Generative AI and Automation
AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s changing how we do business online. The most forward-thinking commerce agencies are already helping brands leverage AI in practical ways that drive real results.
“We’ve seen conversion rates jump by 18% when we implemented AI-powered product recommendations,” shared one of our retail clients who adopted this technology early.
Look for a commerce agency that understands how to implement AI for things like automatically generating compelling product descriptions, enhancing product images without expensive photoshoots, and creating personalized shopping experiences that feel genuinely helpful rather than creepy.
Since 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce has been leading government efforts on safe AI development, showing just how central this technology has become to our economic future.
Social Commerce Integration
Remember when social media and shopping were completely separate activities? Those days are long gone. Today’s savvy commerce agency needs deep expertise in turning social browsing into buying.
TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, and live streaming commerce aren’t just experiments anymore—they’re becoming essential channels for brands who want to meet customers where they already spend their time. Your commerce partner should know how to build seamless pathways from social engagement to checkout, while leveraging user-generated content that builds trust far better than traditional advertising.
“The beauty of social commerce is that it collapses the traditional funnel,” explains our social commerce specialist. “Someone can find your product and purchase it within seconds, all without leaving their favorite app.”
Retail Media Networks
If you’re not familiar with retail media yet, you should be. This rapidly growing advertising channel lets brands place ads directly on retailer websites and apps—right at the moment when customers are actively shopping.
A skilled commerce agency should offer expertise across the major retail media platforms including Amazon Advertising, Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, and Instacart Ads. More importantly, they should help you measure performance across these networks to optimize your spending.
Sustainability and Ethical Commerce
Today’s consumers increasingly shop their values, not just products. Forward-thinking commerce agencies are helping brands authentically communicate their sustainability efforts and ethical practices.
This isn’t just about adding a “sustainability” page to your website. It means integrating values throughout the customer experience—from highlighting eco-friendly materials in product descriptions to offering carbon-neutral shipping options at checkout.
“We’ve found that transparent communication about our ethical sourcing increased customer loyalty by 27%,” reports one of our fashion clients. “It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s good business.”
The Department of Commerce itself emphasizes sustainable development as a core objective, reflecting how central these values have become to modern business.
By partnering with a commerce agency that keeps one eye firmly on the future, you’re not just optimizing for today’s sales—you’re building a digital commerce operation that can evolve with changing technologies and consumer expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Commerce Agency Selection
What core services should every commerce agency provide?
When you’re shopping around for a commerce agency, it helps to know what services should be on the menu. Think of a good agency as your all-in-one digital commerce partner that handles everything from big-picture strategy to day-to-day maintenance.
Most reputable agencies offer a complete package that includes strategy and planning to map out your digital commerce journey, platform development to build your technical foundation, and creative services that ensure your store looks and feels like your brand. They should also provide marketing and growth expertise to drive traffic and conversions, robust data and analytics to measure what’s working, and reliable ongoing support to keep everything running smoothly.
As one agency puts it: “We unify marketing efforts, release commerce scalability, and maximize sales potential using hyper-connected data and analytics.” That’s exactly the kind of comprehensive thinking you want from your commerce partner.
How do commerce agencies charge for their work?
Money talks, so let’s be clear about how commerce agencies typically structure their fees. You’ll generally encounter four main pricing models in the wild:
With project-based fees, you’ll pay a fixed price for specific deliverables – great for one-time builds or redesigns. Retainer models involve a monthly fee for ongoing services, which works well for continuous optimization and support. Some agencies offer performance-based compensation tied to metrics like revenue or conversion rates, while hybrid approaches combine base fees with performance incentives.
At Blackbelt Commerce, we believe in keeping pricing transparent and aligned with what you’re trying to achieve. As one industry expert wisely notes, “Ensure clarity on payment schedules, milestones, and potential extra costs to foster a transparent partnership.” That’s solid advice – nobody likes surprise invoices!
Can a commerce agency support both B2B and B2C brands?
Yes, many agencies can handle both business models, but they require different approaches and expertise. It’s like comparing a dinner party to a corporate event – both are gatherings, but they need different planning and execution.
B2C commerce typically revolves around creating emotional connections, streamlining the path to purchase, and optimizing for individual shoppers making quick decisions. B2B commerce, on the other hand, involves more complex considerations like account hierarchies, approval workflows, and integration with corporate procurement systems.
When evaluating a commerce agency for B2B capabilities, look beyond their consumer work. Ask specifically about their experience with custom quote generation, company account structures, bulk ordering functionality, and integration with enterprise systems. These specialized features are must-haves for B2B commerce success.
As one agency founder confidently states, “Looking to open up your brand’s commerce potential? You’ve come to the right place.” The best agencies can adapt their expertise to your specific business model, whether you’re selling to consumers, businesses, or both.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect commerce agency match doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding what these specialized partners offer and methodically evaluating their capabilities against your specific needs, you can make a confident decision that drives your business forward.
At Blackbelt Commerce, we pride ourselves on being a conversion-focused commerce agency specializing in Shopify and BigCommerce development. Our approach combines technical expertise with strategic insight to create online stores that don’t just look great—they perform exceptionally well.
What sets us apart is our commitment to ongoing support and optimization. We believe a successful e-commerce store is never “finished”—it’s continuously evolving based on customer behavior, market trends, and business objectives. Think of your online store as a living, breathing entity that needs regular care and attention to thrive.
The digital commerce landscape will continue to grow more complex, with new channels, technologies, and consumer expectations emerging constantly. Having the right commerce agency partner—one that combines platform expertise, industry knowledge, data capabilities, and forward-thinking innovation—is no longer optional for brands that want to thrive online. It’s essential.
Whether you’re launching a new direct-to-consumer brand, expanding to marketplaces, or reimagining your entire digital commerce ecosystem, the right agency partnership can be the difference between struggling to keep up and confidently leading your category. We’ve seen this change happen time and again with our clients—sometimes the right partnership is truly the missing piece of the puzzle.
Ready to take your online commerce to the next level? We’d love to show you how our team can help open up your brand’s full potential. Our doors (and inboxes) are always open for a conversation about your unique commerce challenges and opportunities.
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