Shopify retainer services have evolved. From providing basic website maintenance to advanced business strategies, agencies are providing various Shopify retainer packages to meet the growing customer needs.
Hence, when partnering with retainers, it is critical for merchants to understand their requirements, skills gap in the in-house team, and the scope of services provided by retainers.
In this blog, we explore the various services provided by Shopify retainers, so you know how to select the perfect retainer for your business.
Core Services Offered in Most Shopify Retainers
Most retainers include the basic support required for Shopify stores. In addition to these basics, they may provide more advanced services, too.
1. Bug fixes and troubleshooting
Bugs are one of the most common issues of websites, which can impact functionality, sales, and may also result in customer churn. Shopify retainers offer this emergency service to fix bugs and troubleshoot problems. This service includes frontend display problems, checkout issues, mobile responsiveness problems, integration issues, or platform app updates and changes.
2. Theme updates and maintenance
Shopify features keep getting updated. To ensure compatibility, merchants have to keep their Shopify store updated. This is where Shopify retainer packages come in with theme updates and maintenance services. This set of services includes monitoring theme performance, updating custom code, ensuring consistency in design elements, and other regular maintenance required for uninterrupted functioning of the website.
3. Plugin and app integration
Shopify apps and systems are complex and require experts to manage plugins and integrations. Shopify retainer packages include these services: evaluating app compatibility, managing installations, configurations, troubleshooting integration problems, improving app performance, preventing sit slowdown, etc. Additionally, retainers also offer complex customization services.
Design Services in Shopify Retainer Packages
Design services include all the visual elements of Shopify stores. While they mostly include frontend aspects, they also touch upon backend. Here are some design services offered by Shopify retainers.
1. UI/UX improvement
Shopify design retainers offer services related to UI/UX, design, branding, etc. This set of services may include user behavior analysis, design changes, adding branding elements, among others. Retainers also ensure mobile-responsiveness, site loading enhancement, optimize product pages, and ensure effective overall user experience.
2. Landing page design
There’s more to a landing page than meets the eye. It has to be optimized for conversion and engagement. Shopify design retainers offer services related to page layout, creating content, structuring the landing page, marketing campaigns, call-to-actions, category pages, and more, to support the customer journey. Shopify retainer packages that provide multiple design services ensure consistency across pages.
3. Branding services
Branding services retainers may include identity development, logo designing, typography selection, making updates related to branding, and ensuring that all visual elements provide a consistent experience. These services also include ongoing branding guidance, brand guideline enhancement, and more.
Shopify Development Services
From developing Shopify websites to customization and integrations, there are a lot of aspects where merchants require Shopify development services. Here are some of the services included in retainers.
1. Custom code implementation
Some websites may require advanced features and programming. Based on the complexity, custom code implementation services may include creating unique shopping features, implementing complex business logic, developing custom solutions, custom product configurations, subscription management features, etc.
2. Checkout customizations
Effective checkout flows can have a positive impact on conversion rate, sales, and profitability of a business. Shopify stores can customize the built-in checkout features to enhance the process for customers. Shopify retainer packages offer services including payment method integrations, custom fields, checkout flow modification, cart recovery integrations, automating discounts and incentives, among others.
3. Speed optimization
Fast website loading speed can help improve customer experience. And that’s where speed optimization services come in. These services may include performance optimization, code and asset optimization, resource loading optimization, regular speed monitoring services, performance audits, and maintenance related to speed optimization.
Marketing & CRO Retainer Services
Marketing is an ongoing requirement for businesses. Shopify retainer packages include various marketing and CRO services. Here are some:
1. SEO support
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a key marketing strategy that helps businesses reach its target audience. SEO is an ongoing activity and hence a long-term Shopify retainer package works best for eCommerce brands and agencies.
SEO retainer services include SEO plans, creating content that ranks for keywords, content optimization, competitive analysis, keyword research, and more.
2. Conversion rate optimization
Just setting up an attractive and comprehensive Shopify site does not translate to high traffic and conversions. Brands have to put in a lot of effort to drive conversions. That’s where Shopify CRO retainers come in.
CRO retainer services include testing of different elements, A/B testing, optimizing user flows, UX/UI improvement, optimizing product pages, enhancing checkout process, and improving website navigation, among others.
3. Email & performance marketing
Email and performance marketing initiatives help eCommerce brands maximize marketing ROI and drive business growth. Moreover, it also helps brands continuously stay updated with market trends and run relevant marketing campaigns.
Email & performance marketing retainer services include planning and executing marketing campaigns via email and other digital channels, paid advertising, budget allocation, ongoing analysis, tracking campaign performance, and optimization.
Support & Strategy Services
Continuous support and strategy inputs are critical for businesses that want to grow and scale. Shopify retainers include a number of services in this area. Here are some of the services:
1. Dedicated account manager
Most retainer agencies provide a dedicated account manager to their client. This ensures a one-point contact for all requirements. It also brings a deep level of understanding of the business goals and builds stronger long-term relations.
As part of Shopify retainer packages, dedicated account managers provide inputs and advice in strategic matters, coordinate various services for the customers, be the one-point contact, and ensure all work is delivered smoothly and meets customer expectations.
2. Monthly reports & strategy sessions
Retainers take the long-term approach and hence, consistently work towards strategies required for their customers. This involves regular reporting, review meetings, and strategy sessions.
During these sessions, retainers discuss upcoming priorities, ideas for new campaigns, and any other requirements of their customers. Typically, retainers provide data-based reports, analytics, and insights to plan future strategies.
3. Ongoing consulting and planning
Shopify retainer packages benefit businesses as they provide long-term strategic guidance on a continuous basis. From technical requirements for the website to business development and marketing, there are multiple aspects that require planning and consultation.
Retainers provide services including business model optimization, market opportunity identification, resource planning, strategic recommendations, etc., in all business areas.
How service tiers differ by Shopify Retainer Packages
The services included in Shopify retainer packages differ based on customer requirements, expertise of the retainer agency, and budget, among other factors. Here’s a table that explains the difference between service tiers.
|
Basic Shopify retainer package |
Advanced Shopify retainer package |
|
|
Services |
Website maintenance, bug fixes, minor updates, basic support |
Design, business development and strategy, marketing, technology consulting |
|
Hour allocation |
Number of hours allocated may be less, for examples, around 10-20 hours per month, depending on the tasks |
Number of hours allocated are more, for example, 30 to 40 hours per month, based on the tasks |
|
Priority levels |
Standard response time |
Proactive response and priority queue placement for requests |
|
Resource allocation |
Focus on technical maintenance |
Balanced focus across design, development, content, marketing, and strategy |
Wrapping up: Select the best Shopify Retainer Package for your store
Partnering with Shopify retainers requires careful decision-making, assessing your business needs, and the expertise of agencies.
Before you zero in on a retainer agency, clearly communicate about the services you require and understand how well the agency's expertise aligns with your needs.
If you’re looking for the best Shopify retainer packages, you’re in luck with XgenTech’s Shopify services. Explore and contact XgenTech today!
