Clutch: 5.0 | Mid-tier (10–49 staff) | 15+ years active

High-speed destruction. Any time spent longer than a second on page of load time can result in a real loss of conversion rate for a retailer. August Ash knows it better than anyone.

Their specialty is Shopify Plus performance engineering, with a special emphasis on Google's Core Web Vitals — a set of metrics that Google uses to determine online user experience and influence rankings. Not superficial 'bookkeeping'. The measurable results after work have a positive impact on clients' site speed and revenue, demonstrating a truly data-driven approach to work.

These are best suited for direct-to-consumer companies already using Shopify Plus and are worried they're losing out on sales. If your store is up and running, but it's not running the way it is supposed to, then August Ash exists to solve that issue.

Their best fit:

·       On Shopify Plus, brands seeking to boost conversion rates will find great value in the DTC's diversification strategy.

·       Companies where slow loading time costs revenue Companies where speed is a revenue issue

·       Retailers can want more than just rebuild the esthetic; they can use their data to optimize the UX's. If all retailers wish to make data-based UX improvements and not esthetic redesigns, they will now be able to.

Clutch: 4.9 | Mid-tier (10–49 staff) | 10+ years active

Small team. Near-perfect Clutch record. Plans store that get off to the start.

What Opace Digital Agency doesn't do is as important as what they do. They don't overcomplicate. They don't overpromise. They don't take Magento builds lightly, provide clear communication through the entire process, and get stores from an early on the mark without the back-and-forth.

They are definitely not for basic (direct-to-consumer) builds. They are as trustworthy as they come to Birmingham, but targeted Magento projects in a specific context they're second to none.

Optimum site:

·       Brands that have finally decided to go on the route of a dedicated Magento store. Brands with a first sign-up to a Magento store.

·       Organizations with well-documented requirements and schedules.

·       Businesses looking to access directly, rather than in an account model

Clutch: 4.9 | Mid-tier (10–49 staff) | 8+ years active

The danger of creating a platform from where you stand now is that you'll outgrow it faster than you think you will. The ALT Agency constructs where you're going.

They built the platforms on cloud and have a more agile based approach that means that you're not rebuilding them from the ground to start every 18 months, as the business expands. If your tech needs begin to get complicated and you require connections between eCommerce systems and CRMs, ERPs, fulfilment and analytics, they are well-versed. 

Organized project management and an architectural maturity that minimizes infrastructure risk on scale is always recognized as a key attribute by clients. If you are looking for a viable partner, then Birmingham start-ups are a worthwhile option.

Best for them:

·       Startups and scale-ups expecting significant growth

·       Frequently, businesses that have more than one system integration requirement will be using it as their solution.

·       Teams desire agile delivery over and not project management.

Clutch: 4.9 | Mid-tier (10–49 staff) | 15+ years active

For large companies requiring advanced customization and a complicated commerce infrastructure, Magento is the preferred platform. The downside of Magento is that when it's executed poorly, it's a big liability. An example of this can be seen with Eastside Co.
 
They know and specialize in high traffic performance architecture, systems that remain fast and stable under heavy load and typically fail with generic Magento implementations. They are in for the long haul by adopting a partnership approach, in keeping with the nature of enterprise clients who require support and development over time as opposed to merely a one-off build.

For a merchant that truly cares about Magento, and wishes to remain dedicated to the platform, it's worth talking to Eastside Co.

They can be used on the largest number of surfaces:

·       Organizations that have intricate catalogues and pricing needs, particularly large companies.

·       Magical places like heavy traffic stores that require platform stability are given.

·       Businesses require a long-term Magento partner, as well as a one-time vendor.