15 Best Google Ads Ecom Agencies (and who to avoid)

If you are running a UK ecommerce business then Google ads or Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads will be one of your biggest investments.

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Choosing the right agency can significantly grow your business.

But making a decision isn’t easy.

Here is my super simple framework for choosing an agency:

✅ Can they do it?
✅ Can they prove it?
✅ Can you afford it?

Can they do it?

Most agencies claim they can do it all. SEO, Instagram Ads, Influencer outreach, Press & PR.

But in reality agencies will be good at one or two things. You want an agency whose core competency is Google ads.

You also want an agency that has experience with ecommerce Google ads.

Remember, you don't want to pay an agency to learn on the job. You want to pay an agency to take all their ecommerce experience and apply it to your Google account.

Can they prove it?

This is the most skipped stage when choosing an agency.

That's because it's the hardest.

Getting proof on what the agency says they can do. Online reviews are a good start but often are encouraged by the agency to their best clients at a very early stage. Try asking who their oldest client is? Have they worked with anyone more than 2 years?

Look for success stories on their website. If you're struggling to find testimonials then be wary.

Can you afford it?

Have the money chat early. It's easy to get sold a level of service you can't afford.

Agencies usually charge in one of two ways:

1️⃣ Percentage of ad spend – you pay a percentage of your monthly Google Ads budget.

2️⃣ Fixed monthly fee (retainer) – you pay a set amount, regardless of how much you spend on ads.

Neither model is right or wrong, but each has trade-offs.

A percentage model can work if your ad spend fluctuates, but it can also mean the agency earns more without necessarily doing more.

A fixed fee gives you cost certainty but might not scale well if your account grows quickly.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you understand exactly what's included and what's extra.

Word of warning: Contracts.

Some agencies will try to tie you into 6–12 month contracts, arguing that results "take time". For SEO, yes. For paid ads, not really.

Google Ads data comes in fast. Two months is usually enough to see whether things are heading in the right direction.

All of the following companies are based in the UK, important if you are serving a mainly UK audiance.

Note: I don’t work for any of these agencies. This is my independent advice based on 15 years of Google Ads management.

Best for new ecommerce businesses

Congratulations! You've launched your ecom store and now it's time to grow sales. These agencies combine ecom experience and value for money. They offer flexible ad management packages to get you started on your google ads journey.

Best for small ecommerce businesses

Looking to scale? These agencies can be your rocket fuel. They have the experience working with smaller ecom brands and helping them grow sales.

Best for established ecommerce businesses

At this level you've probably had some success with PPC advertising but have probably outgrown your current agency or maybe you just need extra support. You're looking for a marketing partner you can trust.

Best for London based ecommerce businesses

Having in person meetings with your agency can prove invaluable. There are lots of London agencies to choose from and it can be overwhelming to choose correctly.

Best for Manchester based ecommerce businesses

Manchester has become the ecom capital of the UK and with it there has been an influx of new agencies. Choosing between them can be difficult, here are some of Manchester's best.

Best of the rest

Who to avoid

Here are some common red flags to watch out for when choosing a Google Ads agency:

Offshore talent and poor communication - While offshore agencies can be competitive on price, they often struggle to strategically cater for a UK audience. Time zone differences, language barriers, and lack of local market knowledge can significantly impact campaign performance. Look for agencies with UK-based teams who understand British consumer behavior and market trends.

Long contracts with high retainers - Be wary of agencies that lock you into lengthy contracts (12+ months) with high monthly retainers. A good agency should be confident enough in their results to offer flexible terms. If they're pushing for long commitments upfront, it may indicate they're more focused on securing revenue than delivering value.

Lack of transparency - Avoid agencies that are vague about their processes, won't give you access to your Google Ads account, or refuse to share regular performance reports. You should always have full visibility into your campaigns and understand what you're paying for.

No ecommerce experience - Steer clear of agencies that primarily work with local service businesses or B2B companies. Ecommerce advertising requires specific expertise in shopping feeds, conversion tracking, and online retail strategies that generalist agencies may lack.

Unrealistic promises - If an agency guarantees specific results or ROI without understanding your business first, that's a red flag. Good agencies set realistic expectations based on your industry, budget, and market conditions.

From: Andrew.Marketing

Subject: Final thoughts...

To: You

Contact the agency's existing clients. I know it feels awkward to snoop but it will help. Email a senior marketing employee who is a client. Ask 'what does X agency do particularly well?'. This question reduces awkwardness and doesn't require them to talk negatively about the agency. However, you can tell a lot by the enthusiasm of their response and what they don't say.

Your marketing friend,

andrew.marketing