Method
How we check and rank agencies
Every listing shows what we checked and the date we checked it. This page explains exactly what each check means, how rankings work, and what we can't tell you.
In short
- Every agency gets the same four checks, and every check is dated.
- Rankings are based on that evidence, and each pick has a written reason.
- Agencies cannot pay to be listed, ranked or verified.
- We copy rating numbers, never review text. Clutch, GoodFirms and Trustpilot ratings are hidden after 90 days.
The four checks
The same four checks for every agency, in the same order as the segments of its check meter.
| Check | Where we look | It passes when | What the listing shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify Partner Directory | Shopify's own partner directory | The agency is listed there | Partner tier, if shown, and the date we looked |
| Portfolio stores | Stores the agency lists as its work | At least one of them runs on Shopify | Each store by name, and how many of them run on Shopify |
| Ratings across the web | Google, Clutch, GoodFirms and Trustpilot | A rating on at least one | Score, review count and a link, per platform |
| Agency confirmation | The agency itself | The agency confirmed its details with us | The green Verified label |
Reading the check meter
One segment per check. Green means passed, a white outline means pending (usually waiting for the agency to confirm), and grey means we looked and found nothing. The meter never hides a gap.
- 4 of 4Every check passed, including confirmation by the agency.
- 3 of 4Strong public evidence. The agency hasn't confirmed its details yet, so the last segment is outlined, not failed.
- 1 of 4Not in the Partner Directory and no recent ratings: we looked, found nothing, and show the gap.
Listed or verified
Built from public sources: the agency's own website, the Shopify Partner Directory and rating platforms. The agency has not confirmed it.
The agency confirmed or corrected its details with us. Verification is free and never changes ranking.
How we use ratings
- We copy numbers only: the score, the review count and the date, with a link to the original. We never copy review text.
- Clutch, GoodFirms and Trustpilot ratings older than 90 days are hidden until we check again.
- We don't combine platforms into one score. Each counts reviews differently, so an average would mislead.
- Scores based on fewer than ten reviews are marked few reviews.
How rankings work
Rankings are per city. Top picks are chosen by the evidence above: Shopify work we could confirm in their portfolio, Partner Directory listing, and consistent ratings across platforms. Each pick shows a one-line reason.
We rank an agency only once we can write a specific reason for its position. Until then it is listed A to Z below the ranked agencies.
What can't change a ranking
- Paying us. Listing, verification and ranking are free.
- Verifying. Confirmation earns the Verified label but never moves an agency up.
- Sponsorship. Any future sponsored placement will be labelled and shown apart from the rankings.
- Who runs this site. The founder's own agency is not listed or ranked.
How an agency gets listed
- 1
Discover
- 2
Check
- 3
Record
- 4
Review
- 5
Publish
What we don't check
Our checks tell you whether an agency's claims hold up. They can't tell you everything.
- We don't judge the quality of the work.
- We don't interview clients.
- We don't verify prices.
- A full meter is not an endorsement.
Disclosure
Who runs this site
This site is run by the founder of a Shopify agency. That agency is not listed or ranked here. Enquiries you send through this site go only to the agency you choose.
More about who runs itCorrections
If something is wrong or out of date, tell us. We recheck it and update the date shown on the listing.