Start with Proven Ecommerce Experience
The best paid social agency for ecommerce isn’t just good at running ads—they understand the unique challenges and opportunities of selling products online. Start your search by looking for agencies with a proven track record in ecommerce. Ask for:
- Detailed case studies showing sales growth, ROAS, and customer acquisition improvements for ecommerce clients.
- Experience with your ecommerce platform, whether it’s Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or BigCommerce.
- References from brands similar to yours, so you can verify their expertise and results.
A credible agency will be eager to showcase their ecommerce wins and discuss how they’ve helped brands overcome challenges similar to yours.
Evaluate Their Platform and Martech Expertise
Ecommerce paid social isn’t just about Facebook and Instagram anymore. The best agencies are fluent in all major platforms—TikTok, Pinterest, Meta, and emerging channels—and know how to leverage each for maximum impact. They should also be comfortable integrating with your martech stack, including:
- Product feed management tools
- Dynamic ad platforms
- CRM and marketing automation systems
Ask how they handle product catalog ads, retargeting, and cross-platform campaigns. Agencies that can seamlessly connect your ecommerce data to your paid social strategy will be able to drive more personalized, effective campaigns.
Look for a Data-Driven, Testing-Obsessed Approach
Great agencies don’t rely on guesswork. They make decisions based on data, and they’re relentless about testing and optimization. When evaluating agencies, ask:
- How do you approach creative and audience testing?
- What’s your process for iterating on campaigns?
- How do you use analytics to inform strategy and daily adjustments?
Expect them to discuss A/B testing, multivariate creative experiments, and real-time performance monitoring. Their reporting should go beyond vanity metrics, showing you exactly how your spend translates into sales and customer lifetime value.
Scrutinize Their Communication and Transparency
A top-tier agency will treat you as a partner, not just a client. Look for:
- Regular strategy calls and performance reviews, not just monthly reports.
- Dashboards with real-time access to campaign metrics.
- Proactive recommendations and honest conversations about what’s working—and what isn’t.
Ask about their communication policies: Will you have a dedicated account manager? How quickly do they respond to questions or concerns? Transparent, frequent communication is the backbone of a successful agency relationship[1].
Assess Their Creative Capabilities
In paid social, creative is what stops the scroll. Review the agency’s portfolio for:
- High-quality visuals and video tailored to ecommerce buyers.
- Messaging that highlights product benefits, urgency, and brand personality.
- Evidence of ongoing creative testing and adaptation.
Ask how they develop creative concepts, how often they refresh ad assets, and how they incorporate your brand’s voice and values.
Demand a Full-Funnel Strategy
The best paid social agencies optimize every stage of the customer journey. They should be able to explain their approach to:
- Awareness and prospecting campaigns for new customers
- Retargeting strategies for cart abandoners and product viewers
- Post-purchase campaigns for upselling, cross-selling, and loyalty
A full-funnel approach ensures no opportunity is left on the table and that your ad dollars work harder at every touchpoint.
Understand Their Pricing and Value
Price should never be the only factor, but transparency is essential. Ask for:
- Clear breakdowns of fees and what’s included
- Any additional charges for creative, reporting, or new platform launches
- How they tie compensation to performance or results
Sometimes, a slightly higher investment in a more qualified agency yields exponential returns[5].
Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious if you notice:
- Overpromising results without data or case studies to back it up
- Vague or confusing reporting
- One-size-fits-all strategies or lack of ecommerce-specific experience
- Poor communication or slow response times
Ready to Find Your Growth Partner?
The right agency will challenge you, support you, and drive measurable growth. Don’t settle—use these tips to find the best paid social agency for ecommerce and unlock your brand’s full potential.
