Table of contents
How we vet every listicle
Every agency featured on Web Tonic passes our 84-point editorial review before a single listicle goes live. This is how we vet each pick:
Verified client outcomes: We require real case studies with measurable KPIs — revenue, ROAS, CPA, retention — tied to the exact category being ranked. No cherry-picked wins, no unverifiable numbers.
Independent reputation: We cross-check Clutch, Google, G2, and Trustpilot ratings, and screen for review-bombing or suspicious patterns. Only operators with a consistent, verifiable track record make the cut.
Beyond that, every listing goes through a quarterly re-audit. We check 84 criteria across 6 pillars to make sure it still holds up — here are some of the checks we run:
An email marketing agency runs the database rather than the newsletter: consent capture and segmentation, welcome, abandoned-basket and win-back automation, campaign copy and design, deliverability work on the sending domain, and reporting that links each send to revenue.
Seventeen agencies cleared our evidence check for Manchester, judged on published proof only. Ten of the seventeen name clients on their own sites, sixteen are Manchester-based and one works from Llandudno Junction, and none of them publishes a price.
Do Manchester email marketing agencies show real client work?
Ten of the seventeen external agencies here name clients on their own websites, including Homebase, Cotton Traders, KPMG and Chester Zoo. Sixteen are Manchester-based, one works from North Wales, and not one of the seventeen publishes a rate.
1. Web Tonic
About: Web Tonic briefs email beside the channels that fill the list, so consent capture, the automated flows and the paid search and paid social feeding them are planned as one programme. Manchester briefs usually come from ecommerce and retail teams with a large existing database, so we begin with deliverability and measurement rather than a template redesign. A brand that only wants a monthly campaign calendar built will be well served by the agencies below.
Key Services: Growth Marketing, Paid Social, PPC, Meta Ads, SEO, Google Ads, Snapchat Ads, Amazon Ads, Reddit Ads, TikTok Ads, TikTok Shop, GEO-AEO, Webflow Design, Shopify Design, WordPress Design, UGC, Social Media Management, Pay Per Click Management, Marketing Analytics, Analytics Implementation & CDPs, Performance Branding, Performance 360° Audit, Programmatic Ads, OOH Ads, HR Marketing
Industries Served: eCommerce, SaaS, B2B, Construction Professionals, Home Services, SMEs, Health Spa & Wellness, Retail, Legal & Judicial Services, Food & Beverages, Pets, Fitness, Family & Children, Finance & Insurance, Travel, Non-Profits & Organizations, Furniture & Decoration
Notable Clients: WorldRemit, Jack & Jones, Ardene, L’Oréal, Sendwave, Nestlé, Airbnb. Serve Fortune 500 companies and smaller fast-paced startups.
Locations: HQ in San Francisco with notable offices in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Montreal, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and more. Offices on five continents.
Pricing: Starting at USD $3,000 per month. Flexible and scalable plans at any time according to your enterprise needs. Book a call to learn more.
Great For: Mid-market to enterprise-level businesses requiring ongoing, on-tap growth and performance marketing services.
Website: Web Tonic
2. Digital Media Team
About: Digital Media Team is a Manchester-based full-funnel digital and email marketing agency specializing in eCommerce growth. They provide expert email automation, campaign management, and platform-specific execution as recognized partners for top tools like Klaviyo and Shopify.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Paid Social, PPC, Web Development, SEO
Industries Served: eCommerce, Online Retail
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: eCommerce advertisers, Online Retail advertisers
Website: Digital Media Team
3. I-COM
About: I-COM is an employee-owned full-service digital marketing agency based in the heart of Manchester. They provide bespoke email marketing strategies and automated campaigns designed to nurture leads and drive revenue.
Key Services: Email Marketing, SEO, PPC and Paid Social, Content Marketing, Digital PR, Web Design & Development
Industries Served: B2C and B2B E-commerce, Legal, Recruitment, Education, Utilities, Built Environment
Notable Clients: Penningtons Manches Cooper
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: B2C and B2B E-commerce advertisers, Legal advertisers, Recruitment advertisers
Website: I-COM
4. Embryo
About: Embryo is an independent digital marketing agency headquartered in Manchester that provides comprehensive services, including strategy-driven email marketing, lifecycle automation, and performance marketing. Their email marketing approach focuses on data-backed retention systems, personalization, copywriting, and platform integrations like Klaviyo and Mailchimp.
Key Services: Email Marketing, SEO, PPC, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Affiliate Marketing, Digital PR
Industries Served: Automotive, Consumer Goods, eCommerce, Finance, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, Software & IT Services
Notable Clients: Homebase, The Range, Refy, Kick Game
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Automotive advertisers, Consumer Goods advertisers, eCommerce advertisers
Website: Embryo
5. Soap Media
About: Soap Media is an award-winning digital marketing and customer journey agency with offices in Manchester and Preston. They offer a full spectrum of omnichannel digital services, including email marketing, SEO, PPC, web design, and development. They act as an extension of their clients' internal teams to deliver strategic campaigns.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Digital Marketing, SEO, PPC, Web Design, Web Development, Social Media, Branding, CRO
Industries Served: Finance, E-commerce, Education, Entertainment
Notable Clients: AA, Redrow, Centre of Excellence
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Finance advertisers, E-commerce advertisers, Education advertisers
Website: Soap Media
6. One Day Agency
About: One Day Agency is an independent full-funnel advertising and marketing agency headquartered in Manchester, with additional offices in London, Warsaw, Paris, and Berlin. They provide integrated cross-channel marketing strategies spanning creative, media planning, and digital execution.
Key Services: Digital Marketing, Media Buying and Planning, PPC, Paid Social, Influencer Marketing, Ecommerce SEO
Industries Served: Not stated on the firm's own site
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Advertisers buying digital marketing, Advertisers buying media buying and planning, Advertisers buying ppc
Website: One Day Agency
7. Bring Digital
About: Bring Digital is a Manchester-based digital marketing agency that specializes in high-performance campaigns for eCommerce brands. They focus on core channels such as organic search, paid media, affiliates, and digital strategy to accelerate growth.
Key Services: Organic Search, Paid Media, Affiliates, Strategy & Insights, Programmatic
Industries Served: eCommerce, Retail, Fashion
Notable Clients: Cotton Traders, In The Style
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: eCommerce advertisers, Retail advertisers, Fashion advertisers
Website: Bring Digital
8. Custard
About: Custard is a digital marketing agency based in Manchester specializing in organic search, paid search, and paid social services. They work with a mix of B2B and B2C clients to deliver results-driven online marketing strategies.
Key Services: SEO, PPC, Paid Social, Digital Marketing
Industries Served: Not stated on the firm's own site
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Advertisers buying seo, Advertisers buying ppc, Advertisers buying paid social
Website: Custard
9. Ultimate
About: Ultimate is a Manchester-based creative design and digital agency that specializes in human-first experiences, brand strategy, and web development. Their digital capabilities include CRM setup and automated email marketing journeys designed to support lead nurturing, customer retention, and conversions.
Key Services: Email Marketing Campaigns, Automated Customer Journeys, CRM Strategy and Setup, CRM and Website Integrations, User-Focused Design, Ongoing Support
Industries Served: Charity & Third Sector, Manufacturing & Consumer Products, Private Equity & Venture Capital, Professional Services, Tourism & Hospitality
Notable Clients: TATA, KPMG, Carex, Chester Zoo, Ilford Photo
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Charity & Third Sector advertisers, Manufacturing & Consumer Products advertisers, Private Equity & Venture Capital advertisers
Website: Ultimate
10. Making You Content
About: Making You Content is a Manchester-based brand and content marketing agency that acts as an extension of client teams to deliver creative copy, strategy, and campaign assets. Their offerings include email marketing and campaign content creation designed to generate, nurture, and retain leads.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Copywriting, Content Marketing, Content Strategy, Brand Strategy, Social Media Management, Paid Ads, Design
Industries Served: Not stated on the firm's own site
Notable Clients: Fasthosts, Capsule, Castore
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Advertisers buying email marketing, Advertisers buying copywriting, Advertisers buying content marketing
Website: Making You Content
11. Net Sixty Six
About: Net Sixty Six is a digital marketing and web design agency based in Manchester, providing services such as SEO, web development, and content writing since 2004. They specialize in helping businesses build their online presence through bespoke website design and search engine optimisation strategies.
Key Services: SEO, Web Design, Web Development, Local SEO, Content Writing
Industries Served: Not stated on the firm's own site
Notable Clients: PMJ INTERNATIONAL, CPS Gas
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Advertisers buying seo, Advertisers buying web design, Advertisers buying web development
Website: Net Sixty Six
12. BeUniqueness Ltd
About: BeUniqueness is a digital marketing agency headquartered in Manchester that helps micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises grow their brands. They offer a range of services including email marketing, content strategy, SEO, and social media management.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Content Marketing, SEO, Social Media Marketing, PPC, Web Design
Industries Served: eCommerce, Legal, Financial Services, Consulting
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: eCommerce advertisers, Legal advertisers, Financial Services advertisers
Website: BeUniqueness Ltd
13. Royal Flush Marketing
About: Royal Flush Marketing is a food and drink branding and digital marketing agency offering services such as revenue-focused email campaigns, automated email flows, and ecommerce strategy. They maintain a studio presence in Manchester alongside their headquarters in Wales.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Brand & Growth Strategy, Brand Identity & Packaging Design, Shopify Ecommerce, Google Advertising, Facebook Advertising
Industries Served: Food and Drink, Ecommerce, Retail
Notable Clients: Ten Acre Crisps, York Emporium, Batch #5, Island Cuisine
Locations: Llandudno Junction
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Food and Drink advertisers, Ecommerce advertisers, Retail advertisers
Website: Royal Flush Marketing
14. Digital Next
About: Digital Next is a performance marketing agency headquartered in Manchester, England. They offer comprehensive multi-channel digital strategies, including specialized email marketing campaigns designed to engage target audiences and drive return on investment.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), PPC, Paid Social, Web Design & Development, eCommerce, AI Search
Industries Served: SME, Blue Chip
Notable Clients: Nadine Merabi, Sigma 3 Kitchens, NordVPN, Qantas, Hörmann, Decathlon, One Click Plants, WestLab Salts, Essilor, Eco Providers, Perfume Direct
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: SME advertisers, Blue Chip advertisers
Website: Digital Next
15. The Candidate
About: The Candidate is a specialist marketing and digital recruitment agency headquartered in Manchester, connecting businesses with talent across digital, marketing, analytics, and tech sectors. They focus on talent acquisition and recruitment solutions rather than executing direct marketing services like email campaigns.
Key Services: Permanent Recruitment, Executive Search, Contract Recruitment
Industries Served: Digital Marketing, eCommerce, Creative, Analytics, Technology
Notable Clients: Car.co.uk
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Digital Marketing advertisers, eCommerce advertisers, Creative advertisers
Website: The Candidate
16. Ashby Marketing
About: Ashby Marketing is a face-to-face marketing company based in Manchester that partners with nationally recognised brands to deliver customer acquisition campaigns. Their operations focus on direct, field-based marketing channels including residential, B2B, and events promotions.
Key Services: Face-to-face marketing, Customer acquisition campaigns, Residential marketing, Business to Business (B2B) marketing, Events marketing
Industries Served: Not stated on the firm's own site
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Advertisers buying face-to-face marketing, Advertisers buying customer acquisition campaigns, Advertisers buying residential marketing
Website: Ashby Marketing
17. Lightbulb Media
About: Lightbulb Media is a boutique digital agency based in Manchester providing a range of marketing solutions to SMEs across the UK. They operate on rolling contracts with no tie-ins and focus on custom marketing packages to help businesses grow.
Key Services: Strategy, Social, PPC, Content, Video, Web
Industries Served: Not stated on the firm's own site
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Advertisers buying strategy, Advertisers buying social, Advertisers buying ppc
Website: Lightbulb Media
18. Small City Marketing
About: Small City Marketing is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Manchester that partners with B2B SMEs and purpose-led businesses to simplify growth. They combine strategy, creativity, and data-driven execution across channels like email marketing, SEO, social media, and paid media.
Key Services: Email Marketing, Digital Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, SEO, PPC, Content Marketing, Web Design
Industries Served: B2B, SMEs, Purpose-led businesses, Startups
Notable Clients:
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: B2B advertisers, SMEs advertisers, Purpose-led businesses advertisers
Website: Small City Marketing
Quick Comparison Table
| Agency | Key Specialty | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Web Tonic | Full-Service Performance Marketing | USD $3,000/mo | Mid-market to Enterprise |
| 2. Digital Media Team | Email Marketing | Quote-based | eCommerce advertisers |
| 3. I-COM | Email Marketing | Quote-based | B2C and B2B E-commerce advertisers |
| 4. Embryo | Email Marketing | Quote-based | Automotive advertisers |
| 5. Soap Media | Email Marketing | Quote-based | Finance advertisers |
| 6. One Day Agency | Digital Marketing | Quote-based | Small and mid-sized advertisers |
| 7. Bring Digital | Organic Search | Quote-based | eCommerce advertisers |
| 8. Custard | SEO | Quote-based | Small and mid-sized advertisers |
| 9. Ultimate | Email Marketing Campaigns | Quote-based | Charity & Third Sector advertisers |
| 10. Making You Content | Email Marketing | Quote-based | Small and mid-sized advertisers |
| 11. Net Sixty Six | SEO | Quote-based | Small and mid-sized advertisers |
| 12. BeUniqueness Ltd | Email Marketing | Quote-based | eCommerce advertisers |
| 13. Royal Flush Marketing | Email Marketing | Quote-based | Food and Drink advertisers |
| 14. Digital Next | Email Marketing | Quote-based | SME advertisers |
| 15. The Candidate | Permanent Recruitment | Quote-based | Digital Marketing advertisers |
| 16. Ashby Marketing | Face-to-face marketing | Quote-based | Small and mid-sized advertisers |
| 17. Lightbulb Media | Strategy | Quote-based | Small and mid-sized advertisers |
| 18. Small City Marketing | Email Marketing | Quote-based | B2B advertisers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Manchester agencies publish client names?
Ten of the seventeen, which is the deepest published proof we have seen on a city bench. Embryo credits Homebase and The Range, Digital Next credits Decathlon and NordVPN, Ultimate credits KPMG and Chester Zoo, Bring Digital credits Cotton Traders, Soap Media credits the AA and Redrow, and Making You Content credits Castore. That makes reference checking a matter of a phone call rather than guesswork.
Is every agency on this page in Manchester?
Sixteen of the seventeen. Royal Flush Marketing works from Llandudno Junction in North Wales and sells into the north west, which for a remote channel like email changes very little day to day. It does change who is in the room for a launch or a quarterly review, so ask how meetings run and whether the account manager travels before shortlisting.
What does a Manchester email retainer cost?
None of the seventeen publishes a figure, so brief them identically and request three: a monthly retainer, a per-campaign build cost, and a one-off cost for setting up the core automated flows. The setup line is where email budgets quietly disappear, because welcome, basket and win-back sequences are engineered once then maintained, and a blended monthly fee hides that split entirely.
Should the email agency also run the paid accounts?
Not necessarily, but somebody must own the handover. The list is filled by paid search, paid social and organic traffic, so if the people buying the traffic and the people writing the flows never speak, the welcome sequence ends up generic. If you keep them separate, write the audience definitions and the consent capture rules into both briefs yourself.
What do I hold them to each month?
Revenue per recipient first, then opens, clicks and complaints against outside benchmarks. Mailchimp's cross-industry averages sit at 35.63 percent opens and 2.62 percent clicks, and mailbox providers throttle senders above a 0.3 percent complaint rate. Litmus puts average return at thirty-six dollars per dollar spent, useful as a sanity check on claims rather than as a target for a young list.
Choosing an Email Marketing Agency in Manchester
Ten of the seventeen name clients. Embryo, Digital Next, Ultimate, Bring Digital, Soap Media and Making You Content all publish verifiable retail and ecommerce work, so start your reference calls there.
Sixteen are Manchester firms. Royal Flush Marketing works from Llandudno Junction and says so, which for a remote channel matters mainly when you want people physically in the room.
Nobody publishes a rate. Ask each agency for a retainer, a per-campaign cost and a flow-build cost as three lines, because setup is priced very differently from a monthly send calendar.
Keep the platform, the sending domain and the list in your own name whatever you sign, and settle the export rights in the contract rather than at the end of the relationship. Judge the first quarter on revenue per recipient and complaint rate, not on campaign volume. If you want email, the growth programme and the ad accounts reporting to one number, read our latest analysis or see how we work in Manchester.
