The online marketplace has exploded in recent years, creating immense opportunities for brands and businesses to reach customers without the limitations of brick-and-mortar stores. But as competition in the digital space grows fiercer by the day, standing out and scaling up requires more than just having an ecommerce website.
That’s where an ecommerce consultant comes in.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, What does an ecommerce consultant do? this in-depth article will answer that question in detail. Whether you’re new to ecommerce or an established online retailer looking to grow, understanding the role of a consultant can be your first step toward sustainable success.
1. Understanding the Role: Who is an Ecommerce Consultant?
An ecommerce consultant is a strategic advisor and implementation expert who helped online businesses grow by improving everything from digital strategy to sales processes. They are not just “marketing people” or “web designers.” They combine a range of skills marketing, data analysis, customer experience, tech, and business strategy to deliver real results.
They work with businesses at various stages from startups needing a launch strategy to mature brands aiming to scale or optimise their operations. Consultants can work independently, as part of a consultancy, or as freelance specialists.
2. Key Responsibilities of an Ecommerce Consultant
While their exact duties depend on the needs of the business, most ecommerce consultants offer support in the following core areas:
1. Website and UX Optimisation
Your website is your storefront. A consultant will:
- Audit the website layout, speed, mobile performance, and navigation
- Suggest improvements for usability and aesthetics
- Recommend tools or platforms (like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce)
- Ensure a seamless checkout experience to reduce cart abandonment
If customers struggle to navigate or trust your site, you’re leaving money on the table.
2. Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)
Getting traffic is only half the battle. Turning visitors into buyers is where the real value lies.
A consultant helps with:
- Heatmap and session recordings to analyse user behaviour
- Split testing (A/B testing) on product pages and checkout forms
- Creating persuasive CTAs, trust signals, and reviews integration
- Streamlining purchase flows and eliminating bottlenecks
By tweaking small details, they help lift conversion rates—sometimes significantly.
3. Ecommerce Platform Selection and Setup
Choosing the right ecommerce platform can make or break your store.
Consultants guide you on:
- Selecting the best platform for your product and audience
- Setting up the site architecture
- Integrating essential tools like CRM, ERP, payment gateways
- Migrating data from old systems (if applicable)
Their technical expertise ensures a smooth foundation for growth.
Also, learn more about the Why Hire a Digital Marketing Consultant in the UK
4. Digital Marketing Strategy
Marketing is crucial, but without a plan, it’s just noise. An ecommerce consultant helps you:
- Plan and execute SEO strategies for organic growth
- Launch paid ad campaigns (Google Ads, Meta Ads, TikTok, Pinterest)
- Implement and automate email marketing campaigns
- Set up retargeting, remarketing, and upsell campaigns
- Analyse performance data to adjust strategies
They focus on results, not just activity—maximising every penny of your marketing budget.
5. Product & Inventory Strategy
They help optimise what you’re selling and how it’s positioned by:
- Reviewing product selection and performance
- Recommending bundling, upsells, or subscriptions
- Improving product descriptions, titles, and metadata
- Advising on pricing strategies and seasonal promotions
Their goal? Boost revenue per visitor and improve stock turnover.
6. Analytics, Reporting & Decision-Making
Ecommerce runs on data but only if you know how to use it.
Consultants:
- Set up and interpret tools like Google Analytics, GA4, Hotjar, etc.
- Build KPI dashboards to monitor sales, conversions, bounce rates
- Identify underperforming campaigns or products
- Translate data into actionable business insights
This data-first approach helps you make smarter, faster decisions.
7. Customer Journey and Retention Strategies
Retaining customers is often cheaper than acquiring new ones. Consultants help you:
- Build loyalty programs and referral incentives
- Improve customer service workflows
- Create engaging post-purchase follow-up sequences
- Reduce churn with re-engagement strategies
A well-mapped customer journey builds brand loyalty and boosts lifetime value.
Attention: Looking to scale your online store and increase revenue? Our expert eCommerce consultants in the UK specialize in helping businesses like yours grow through data-driven strategies and optimized customer experiences. Whether you’re launching a new store or looking to boost performance, we deliver tailored solutions that drive conversions and maximize profitability. Let’s take your eCommerce success to the next level!
3. Why Hire an Ecommerce Consultant?
Hiring an ecommerce consultant is like having a business mentor who brings clarity, direction, and momentum to your online brand. It makes sense when:
- You’re launching an ecommerce brand and want to do it right
- You’re spending on ads but not seeing ROI
- Your conversion rate is low despite decent traffic
- You’re planning to expand or rebrand
- Your store is losing ground to competitors
They bring a fresh set of eyes, experience across industries, and proven tactics that deliver results.
4. What Makes a Great Ecommerce Consultant?
Not all consultants are created equal. Here’s what sets the best apart:
- Real experience: Proven work with ecommerce brands
- Platform knowledge: Familiarity with the tools you use (Shopify, Magento, etc.)
- Clear communication: No jargon just strategies and results
- Data-driven mindset: Focused on ROI, not fluff
- Custom approach: They adapt their methods to your business, not a generic playbook
Conclusion: Invest in Expertise for Long-Term Ecommerce Success
So, what does an ecommerce consultant do? They help you get more from your online store more traffic, more conversions, more revenue, and more insight. In a digital world where competition is only rising, working with a specialist can give you the clarity, tools, and strategies to thrive.
If your ecommerce brand feels stuck, confused, or just wants to move faster—don’t go it alone. Bring in an expert and let them guide you toward smarter growth.