Keir WhitakerMarketing ConsultingFounder Coaching
Market with Confidence
Actionable Marketing for Shopify-Focused Agencies, App Companies & Consultants
Do you own, run or work at a Shopify-focused agency, app business, or consultancy? Do you struggle to communicate with your ideal customers, or perhaps you have given up on marketing as nothing seems to work? Or maybe you're stuck in a marketing rut and need an experienced outside fresh perspective on your business. If this feels familiar, I have good news — I can help.
- Has Your Marketing Hit The Buffers?
- It's Time To Move Forward
- Shopify-Focused Businesses
- Areas of Expertise
- Three Ways to Get Started
- Who Am I?
- What Others Have Said
- Book Your Free Consultation
Has Your Marketing Hit The Buffers?
Unless you're a born marketer, it's probably fair to say you didn't start your business to spend time thinking about positioning, content strategy, and the need to curate your authority on social media — right?
Maybe you're one of the lucky ones who hasn't had to think about marketing. Word-of-mouth referrals have served you well, but you've started to notice the inbox is a little lighter on enquiries. Or perhaps your daily installs are dropping ever so slightly — but not enough to worry about just yet.
Unfortunately, when it comes to marketing, "winging it" will only get you so far (believe me, I know). Over the last five years, I've heard all the excuses why you can't start marketing. Do any of these sound familiar?
There's No Time
You're too busy doing the work that brings in the Benjamins to think about where the next client or customer will come from. But it's OK as you've got an action item on your to-do list that says "marketing to attract new clients" scheduled for sometime never.
You Lack Expertise
You're an expert in your field, but the thought of marketing your business fills you with dread. After all, you'd rather spend your time designing or coding than wrangling email templates and coming up with something "Linkediny" for, well, Linkedin.
It Doesn't Work
Way back when you started, you threw a few hundred bucks at marketing and it "failed" to bring in any new leads. Why would it be any different now? You've got this far without it, so you carry on and hope for the best — but is hope really your best strategy?
It's Too Expensive
Economic times are tough, and the thought of hiring a marketer to help you get started makes your P&L angry. But it's OK, as you've found a $99 course that will give you all the secrets and get those leads flowing in. You just need to download it and find the time to watch the first video!
It's Too Overwhelming
You've done some research and downloaded a spreadsheet to plan out your next quarter's activities, but all those rows and tabs make you want to get back to doing the work that your clients pay for. Something will happen — it always does (kind of)!
It's Too Late
You look at other players in your market, and they appear to have it all figured out. They're publishing content, commenting on posts, and speaking at events every month. They are so far ahead of you that you wonder if it's too late to even start, as you're never going to be as "on it" as they are.
Now, let's imagine a world in which these excuses didn't exist. A world in which you have an actionable and affordable plan that helps you communicate your value, builds your authority, and attracts new business. Sounds good, doesn't it?
It's Time To Move Forward
Over the last five years, I've worked with multiple Shopify-focused agencies, app companies, and consultants to help them define what they do, who they do it for, and the value they offer. I can do this for you, too.
Here are a few examples of how I've helped businesses like yours move forward with their marketing.
- Helped a solo Shopify Expert double their revenue in 12 months through better market positioning, revamped offers, and clearer proposals
- Supported a creative agency founder's pivot from a ten-person business to a solo consulting practice
- Worked closely with app developers and agency founders to produce affordable, actionable, and achievable marketing roadmaps
- Helped a world-renowned Shopify subscription app plan and execute their first solo product conference
- Worked 1-1 with a UK-based content consultant to help define their audience and messaging for an exciting new service offering
Let's chat if you're ready to stand out. Book a free no-obligation consultation to start the conversation.
Shopify-Focused Businesses
Working at Shopify for seven years allowed me to see how agencies and app companies grew and thrived in the ecosystem. After leaving Shopify at the end of 2018, I set up my own consultancy business and have been working exclusively with Shopify-focused businesses ever since.
If you identify as one of the following, we're probably a great fit for each other.
Shopify Agency
Your business is focused on building, launching, maintaining, and growing Shopify stores for your clients. You do this through one-off projects and retained services. You crave a persistent pipeline of interesting clients.
Shopify App Company
You design and develop Shopify apps and distribute them in the App Store. Additionally, you may consult or build custom apps for other agencies or clients. You're looking for ways to stand out, reduce churn and increase LTV.
Shopify-Focused Consultant
Your expertise supports other businesses in the ecosystem. Perhaps you're an amazing copywriter, the best in the biz at PPC or an ecommerce growth specialist. You want to build your authority and get noticed.
Since starting my consultancy business I've been privileged to work with Alvio, Archer Cooper, Beyond Tellerrand, Birmingham Museums Trust Museum and Art Gallery, Colonna Coffee, Disco Labs, Forsberg+two, Fourth Wall Content, Gadget, Gorgias, Kno Commerce, Llanerch Vineyard, Mantle, Milk Bottle Labs, Recharge, Space Squirrel, Sufio, Swanky, The Support Heroes, Three Acres, Tidio, Toward, Treen, Union Works, Whitecap Digital and Zapiet.
Whether you're looking to get started or value a fresh perspective on your current marketing activities, why not book a no-obligation consultation to discuss where you are now and where you want to be.
Areas of Expertise
If you're after a paid media marketer or someone to help you purely with "the socials" then I'm most likely not the right person for you. That said, over the last 20 years I've built up a suitcase full of skills and expertise that I'll use to help you market and grow your business.
Strategy
AKA the roadmap for your marketing efforts. A well-devised strategy ensures you're heading in the right direction, helps you make informed decisions, and stay on track to reach your goals effectively.
Content
Content is the backbone of your brand's voice. It not only captures attention but also builds trust, credibility, and loyalty among your clients and customers and keeps them engaged and coming back for more.
Events
From networking opportunities and meetups to workshops and product conferences, events help create meaningful connections and leave a lasting impression of your business, your products and your services.
Email marketing done well can transform your business. Done badly, it can be disastrous. It's about delivering the right content at the right time for maximum impact to keep your clients and customers informed and engaged.
Education
Providing valuable resources and insights to your current and future customers isn't just about sharing knowledge. It's about empowering them to make informed decisions and become advocates for your brand.
Customers
Do you really know your customers? Understanding their needs, preferences, and feedback is crucial for building lasting relationships, driving loyalty, and ultimately growing your business.
Book a free consultation and let's discuss how I can best help you and your business.
Three Ways to Get Started
Whether you need a quick strategy hit, see the value in an ongoing month-to-month relationship or need an outside perspective on your marketing plan and activities, I have a way forward for you. Of course, if nothing fits the bill , let's design the perfect package together.
VIP Day
A day together (in-person or online) to go deep on a Very Important Problem. We'll identify what's been holding you back and get you over the hump. Ideal for businesses struggling with marketing strategy and delivery.
What You Get
- 90 minute pre-meet diagnosis call
- Meet online or in-person
- 8 hours to get unstuck
- Follow up actions report
- 30 day access via Slack/Email
- 30 day review session
Amplify
A month-to-month service to amplify your businesses message. Ideal for developers who prefer code to copy, founders doing "all the things", and agencies with little or no internal marketing resources.
What You Get
- Full-day kick-off workshop
- Actionable marketing roadmap
- Regular marketing support
- Monthly 1-1 strategy session
- Invoiced monthly
- Cancel anytime
Built For You
Not everything fits neatly into a standard predefined package. That's why I offer a bespoke engagement option. Let's work out what needs improving and tailor a mix of strategy and delivery that meets your exact requirements.
It Could Include
- Regular 1-1 working sessions
- Business strategy support
- Marketing team mentoring
- Product launch planning
- Event marketing strategy
- Customer research and analysis
You can learn more about working together in my Client FAQ.
Who Am I?
Hello! I'm Keir, a UK-based marketing consultant, advisor and coach and founder of event series Craft+Work. I specialise in helping Shopify-focused businesses stand out from the crowd, build their authority, and attract new customers through clear messaging, impactful content, and high-value events.
Me (left) hosting Craft+Work London 2023
I've been involved in the tech and ecommerce industry for the past 20 years. From working independently to collaborating with agencies, big corporations, and startups including an exciting 7-year stint at Shopify.
I've experienced many successes and failures that taught me invaluable lessons. Today, I channel this knowledge and expertise into helping clients across the globe.
Since starting my own consultancy practice in 2019, I've worked with dozens of Shopify-focused agencies and app businesses, SaaS companies, consultants, founders and soloists to help them define their products and services, create customer-focused marketing and host high ROI events. Perhaps I can help you — let's find out.
You can learn more about my background and expertise on my about page.
What Others Have Said
Wondering what it's like to work with me? Here's what previous clients have shared.
Michael SalvoFounder Whitecap SEO
1-on-1 business coaching with Keir has been a godsend, and has really accelerated our ecommerce marketing agency to the next level. Keir is thoughtful and dedicated, and the strategic guidance, insights, and direction he provides is incredibly valuable. I believe every Shopify Partner can benefit greatly from working with Keir.
Courtney SymonsSenior Writer Shopify
Keir has an incredible knack for building relationships with colleagues, business partners, and specific audiences. He led massively successful international campaigns using his talents in content creation, marketing, and creative ideation. His industry connections, thought leadership, and strategic intuition make him an invaluable asset when it comes to building a brand that resonates.
Jeremiah PrummerFounder & CEO KnoCommerce
Working with Keir was an absolute pleasure. We worked together for more than six months, during which time he helped me process pricing strategy and positioning. Without changing a single feature, we were able to reposition our plans and increase revenue from new users by more than 150%. Needless to say, that's had a massive impact on our go-to-market strategy and scalability.
Patrick McCarthyFounder Digifly
Working with Keir to help grow our agency has been nothing short of incredible. He has provided unparalleled 1-to-1 coaching and helped us address key areas of the business, including our offer and pricing structure. If you are an ecommerce agency working with Shopify, I can't recommend Keir enough.
Björn ForsbergFounder FORSBERG+two
Keir brought his wealth of experience and knowledge to help plan the marketing strategy and roadmap for my Shopify apps. His insights have been invaluable in growing the business, and in a way that was perfectly tailored to my goals. Keir not only brings his wealth of knowledge, but his great personality and humour. A pleasure to work with.
Chathri AliFormer COO ReCharge
Keir was instrumental to the success of our third annual user conference, ChargeX Summit 2019. His ability to curate our speaker list as well as prepare speakers for each keynote and panel was invaluable. Adding Keir to our event was like adding a superpower boost to our team. I wouldn't plan a conference without his insight and support.
Union WorksShopify App Developers
Keir is an absolute pleasure to work with and never fails to surprise us with the depth of his skillset and the reach of his network. His understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by the Shopify Partner Ecosystem is invaluable and attests to his involvement in the pouring of its very foundations. His keen eye for the 'real' information and the key objectives for success has helped us to focus and streamline how we operate, market and support our apps.
Keith MatthewsFounder Milk Bottle Labs
We have the pleasure of taking Keir's advice many times at Milk Bottle Labs. As a regular contributor to our Milk Bottle Labs Podcast, Keir always shares one golden nugget of Shopify knowledge leaving listeners both entertained & educated. Keir is, without doubt, one of the most professional, passionate, energetic, dedicated, and trustworthy individuals I have met since joining the Shopify ecosystem.
Cat HunterEcommerce Content Specialist
Having collaborated for the best part of a decade, I can wholeheartedly recommend Keir to those of you looking for level-headed industry advice and expert guidance. Keir has a remarkable knack of clarifying situations in a way that helps you see solutions for yourself, meaning his support often extends far beyond his original engagement.
In addition to working with great people and businesses, I've had my share of wins and fails on my own entrepreneurial journey.
Book Your Free Consultation
If you're ready to move your marketing forward, let's talk. Start by completing my short survey, which will give me insight into you and your business. After receiving it, I'll contact you within 24 hours to book your free, no-obligation 60-minute consultation.
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About This Site
This is the web site of Keir Whitaker — I'm a UK-based marketing consultant, coach and advisor and founder of event series Craft+Work.
Fancy a chat? Book a free consultation with me and let's talk about how I can help you and your business.
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