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:
A Shopify and ecommerce development agency builds the store itself and then keeps it trading: the theme or headless front end, the app, payment and ERP integrations, migration off WooCommerce, Magento or PrestaShop, product data and checkout work, the speed and conversion fixes that follow launch, and the maintenance retainer that owns the store once real orders are running through it.
Twelve external firms serving Manchester cleared that check, judged on what their own sites publish about building and running stores rather than on one ecommerce line in a services menu. Nine name Shopify by name, seven name a client, and the shortlist stops where the evidence stops.
What does a Manchester Shopify agency actually deliver?
A built or migrated store, the payment, ERP and marketing integrations behind it, and someone accountable for speed and checkout after launch. Twelve external firms cleared our evidence check, twelve publish a Manchester base, seven name a client you can check, and none publishes a rate.
1. Web Tonic
About: Web Tonic builds stores inside one development programme, so the build, the demand that lands on it and the reporting are planned together rather than handed between suppliers. Manchester briefs usually arrive as a replatform with live orders to protect, so we settle migration scope, redirects and who owns the code before we quote. A brand that only wants a theme installed cheaply will be better served by several of the firms 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. Soap Media
About: Soap Media is an award-winning strategic and creative digital agency with a physical office presence in Manchester. They provide full-service digital solutions spanning web design, e-commerce development, and digital marketing.
Key Services: Shopify Development, E-Commerce Development, Web Design, Web Development, Digital Marketing, SEO, PPC
Industries Served: Finance, E-commerce, Education, Entertainment
Notable Clients: AA, Money Supermarket, Redrow, Centre of Excellence
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Soap Media
3. Digital Media Team
About: Digital Media Team is a full-funnel digital and performance agency headquartered in Manchester. They specialize in ecommerce growth, providing dedicated Shopify website design, development, and conversion optimization services alongside paid media solutions.
Key Services: Shopify Development, Ecommerce Website Design & Development, Paid Social & PPC, Email Marketing, Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)
Industries Served: Ecommerce, Retail, DTC Brands
Notable Clients: DeMellier London, LullaBellz, Rebellious Fashion, Missy Empire, Moda Furnishings
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Digital Media Team
4. Digital Next
About: Digital Next is a performance marketing and web development agency based in Manchester with over 15 years of operational experience. They specialize in multi-channel digital strategies alongside high-performing eCommerce builds using platforms like Shopify and Magento.
Key Services: Shopify Website Design & Development, Magento Website Design & Development, WordPress Website & Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Paid Social, AI Search & Visibility
Industries Served: Not publicly stated
Notable Clients: Nadine Merabi, NordVPN, Decathlon
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Digital Next
5. Fly High Media
About: Fly High Media is a digital marketing and web design agency founded in Manchester in 2016. They specialize in ecommerce solutions, including bespoke Shopify website design, Shopify SEO, and revenue-driven digital growth strategies.
Key Services: Shopify Website Design, Ecommerce Website Development, Shopify SEO, Search Engine Optimisation, PPC, Paid Social, Web Design
Industries Served: Ecommerce, Retail, Healthcare, Finance
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Fly High Media
6. BeUniqueness Ltd
About: BeUniqueness is a digital agency specializing in e-commerce store setup, scaling systems, and digital marketing services. They focus on helping entrepreneurs and online businesses grow through tailored multi-channel marketing and e-commerce solutions.
Key Services: E-Commerce Development, Shopify Solutions, Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Email Marketing
Industries Served: E-Commerce, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Fashion & Design, Nutrition & Wellness
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: BeUniqueness Ltd
7. I-COM
About: I-COM is a full-service digital marketing and web development agency based in the heart of Manchester. They specialize in leading e-commerce platforms including Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, alongside comprehensive digital marketing strategies.
Key Services: E-commerce Development, Shopify Development, Magento Development, WooCommerce Development, Web Design, Web Development, Digital Marketing, SEO, PPC, UX Optimization
Industries Served: E-commerce, Legal, Recruitment, Education, Built Environment, Utilities
Notable Clients: SafetyBuyer
Locations: Manchester, United Kingdom
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: I-COM
8. The Beauty of Marketing
About: The Beauty of Marketing is a specialist digital and marketing agency based in Manchester that designs conversion-led digital experiences, brand strategies, and Shopify ecommerce stores tailored for beauty businesses. They build high-converting Shopify websites designed to help beauty brands, salons, and aesthetics founders scale their online presence.
Key Services: Shopify & Websites, Web Design, Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, Digital Marketing
Industries Served: Beauty, Skincare, Aesthetics Clinics, Salons, Luxury
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: The Beauty of Marketing
9. Made By Factory
About: Made By Factory is an independent digital marketing and web design agency based in Manchester. They operate as a boutique team specializing in high-performance websites using WordPress and Shopify for B2B and eCommerce brands.
Key Services: Web Design, Shopify & eCommerce Development, PPC, SEO, UI/UX Design, Email Marketing
Industries Served: eCommerce, B2B, SaaS
Notable Clients: Alex Jones Dentistry
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Made By Factory
10. Ultimate Agency
About: Ultimate Agency is a Manchester-based digital agency with over 20 years of industry experience connecting brand, creative, website, and content processes. They specialize in bespoke creative design, development, and growth strategies to help brands build meaningful experiences.
Key Services: Web Design, Web Development, Digital Marketing, SEO, UI/UX Design, Branding
Industries Served: Not publicly stated
Notable Clients: TATA, KPMG, Carex, Chester Zoo, Ilford Photo
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Ultimate Agency
11. Signal Marketing
About: Signal Marketing is a Manchester-headquartered growth and web development agency specializing in Shopify e-commerce builds, custom web development, and performance-driven marketing for UK brands. Founded locally, the team directly handles e-commerce development, SEO, and paid media execution for growing partners.
Key Services: Shopify & Ecommerce Development, Website Design, SEO, Google Ads Management, Meta Ads Management, Google Business Profile Management
Industries Served: Ecommerce, DTC, Local Services
Notable Clients: Olympian Health, KitchenSmart, David Rozman, King Productions, Nero Fabric
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Signal Marketing
12. Net Sixty Six
About: Net Sixty Six is a Manchester-based digital agency specializing in web design, e-commerce web design, and SEO services. They focus on building scalable websites and driving online visibility for businesses.
Key Services: Web Design, Ecommerce Web Design, SEO, Internet Marketing, Branding
Industries Served: Not publicly stated
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Net Sixty Six
13. Brandwin Digital
About: Brandwin Digital is a Manchester-based digital marketing and web design agency catering to startups and growing small businesses. Their website lists fixed-price packages starting at £499 alongside custom quote-based solutions for web development and SEO.
Key Services: Web Design, Digital Marketing, SEO, Social Media Setup, Website Maintenance
Industries Served: Startups, Small Businesses, SMEs
Notable Clients: No client publicly named on the firm's own site
Locations: Manchester
Pricing: Quote-based
Great For: Not publicly stated
Website: Brandwin Digital
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. Soap Media | Shopify Development | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 3. Digital Media Team | Shopify Development | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 4. Digital Next | Shopify Website Design & Development | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 5. Fly High Media | Shopify Website Design | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 6. BeUniqueness Ltd | E-Commerce Development | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 7. I-COM | E-commerce Development | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 8. The Beauty of Marketing | Shopify & Websites | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 9. Made By Factory | Web Design | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 10. Ultimate Agency | Web Design | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 11. Signal Marketing | Shopify & Ecommerce Development | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 12. Net Sixty Six | Web Design | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
| 13. Brandwin Digital | Web Design | Quote-based | Not publicly stated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this Manchester shortlist stop at twelve external firms?
Because the evidence bar removed the rest. We started from the digital, web and ecommerce businesses a Manchester search surfaces, then read each site for published store work: Shopify or ecommerce service pages, migration write-ups, platform partner status or documented builds. Firms whose only reference to ecommerce was a menu item, whose sites were dormant, or whose own logo could not be verified did not survive the read. Twelve did, and we did not pad the list to reach a rounder number.
Which of these firms name Shopify rather than ecommerce in general?
Nine of the twelve: Soap Media, Digital Media Team, Digital Next, Fly High Media, BeUniqueness, I-COM, The Beauty of Marketing, Made By Factory and Signal Marketing. The rest sell store building, web development or ecommerce growth without committing to a platform on the pages we read, which usually means the platform is decided per project. Ask which platform they would recommend for your catalogue and why, and ask it before the first invoice rather than after the theme is chosen.
Which Manchester firms name clients you can check yourself?
Seven. Digital Media Team names DeMellier London and Rebellious Fashion, Digital Next names Nadine Merabi and Decathlon, Soap Media names Money Supermarket, Ultimate Agency names Chester Zoo, and Signal Marketing names Olympian Health. The others credit nobody on the pages we read, which is not disqualifying for a small studio bound by client confidentiality, but it does mean references have to come out of the first call. Ask for two live stores in your category and permission to contact the people who commissioned them.
How should a brand compare quotes when almost nobody publishes a price?
Force every bidder onto the same grid. Not one of them publishes a build price or a retainer. Ask whether the quote is a fixed build or time and materials, what the post-launch retainer costs, whether the theme code is yours or licensed, who holds the Shopify Partner account, how redirects and historic order data are handled in a migration, and what a change request costs in month four. Two quotes for one brief routinely differ threefold on those lines.
Does the agency have to be inside Manchester?
Not really, but you should know where they are. Twelve of the twelve publish a Manchester base and every firm on this list publishes a Manchester base, so the usual out-of-town caveat does not apply. Proximity matters for photography days, warehouse visits and stakeholder workshops, and almost nothing else in a build. What matters more is whether the developer writing your theme is an employee or a subcontractor, and which timezone they answer support tickets from.
Choosing a Shopify Development Agency in Manchester
Twelve of the twelve external firms publish a Manchester base, so location alone will not narrow this list. Specialism does: nine commit to Shopify in writing.
Seven name a client you can verify. Not one of them publishes a build price or a retainer. Ask what the retainer after launch costs and who owns the theme code when the contract ends.
Migration, not design, is what usually goes wrong. If you are moving a live store, ask how redirects, historic orders and customer accounts are handled, and who is accountable in the first week of trading.
Whoever you brief, insist the build and the demand that lands on it are read in one report, because a fast store nobody visits is a design project rather than a commercial one. If you would rather have the build, the growth programme and the reporting in one place, read our latest analysis or see how we work in Manchester.
