15 Places to Hire CRO Experts for Shopify & WooCommerce: Pros, Cons, and How They Compare

Finding the right conversion rate optimization expert for your ecommerce store can make or break your sales numbers. But with so many platforms and services available, how do you know which one fits your needs? This guide breaks down 15 places where you can hire CRO specialists, examining the strengths and weaknesses of each. Whether you need quick fixes on a budget or comprehensive strategy overhauls, understanding the trade-offs will help you make a smarter choice.

1. Legiit

   Legiit offers a solid middle ground between affordability and quality for ecommerce CRO services. The platform specializes in digital marketing services, including conversion optimization for Shopify and WooCommerce stores. You can browse verified providers with clear pricing, making budget planning straightforward.

   The main advantage here is transparency. You see what you pay upfront, and many providers offer specific packages for ecommerce platforms. Reviews and ratings help you gauge quality before committing. The downside is that, like any marketplace, quality varies between providers, so you need to vet carefully. However, the price-to-value ratio tends to be better than traditional agencies, and communication happens directly on the platform, keeping everything organized.

2. Upwork

   Upwork gives you access to thousands of freelancers worldwide, which means competitive pricing and diverse skill sets. You can filter by ecommerce experience, hourly rates, and past client reviews. The flexibility is hard to beat if you want control over your budget.

   The challenge with Upwork is the time investment required to find quality talent. You’ll sift through many proposals, and not every freelancer who claims CRO expertise actually delivers results. The platform fee adds to costs, and managing international contractors can introduce communication delays. For those willing to interview multiple candidates and run small test projects first, Upwork can be cost-effective, but expect to spend time on vetting.

3. Fiverr Pro

   Standard Fiverr has a reputation for budget services, but Fiverr Pro specifically vets professionals with proven track records. For CRO work on Shopify and WooCommerce, Pro sellers often have substantial portfolios and client testimonials. The pricing sits between marketplace rates and agency fees.

   The benefit is a curated selection that reduces your screening time compared to Upwork. However, even Pro sellers vary in quality, and some focus more on design tweaks than data-driven optimization. The platform works well for specific tasks like landing page optimization or checkout flow improvements, but comprehensive CRO audits might exceed what most Pro sellers offer. You get more reliability than standard Fiverr, but less accountability than a dedicated agency.

4. Toptal

   Toptal positions itself as the top 3% of freelance talent, and their screening process backs this claim. CRO experts on Toptal typically have impressive credentials and experience with major brands. If you need someone who can handle complex testing frameworks and advanced analytics, this platform delivers.

   The trade-off is cost. Toptal rates rival or exceed agency pricing, making it suitable for businesses with substantial budgets. You also pay a deposit upfront, which might not work for companies testing the waters with CRO. The matching process takes time, and minimum engagement requirements can lock you into longer commitments than you might want. For established businesses needing senior-level expertise, Toptal provides quality assurance. For smaller stores or those experimenting with CRO, the investment may be premature.

5. CXL Talent

   CXL is known for training top-tier growth marketers, and their talent network connects you with graduates of their rigorous programs. These specialists understand testing methodology, statistical significance, and systematic optimization. For Shopify and WooCommerce stores ready for serious conversion work, this ensures you get someone who knows the science behind CRO.

   The downside is availability and cost. CXL talent members command premium rates because of their training and results. They also tend to book quickly, so you might wait for the right match. This option makes sense when you need strategic thinking and proper experimentation, not just surface-level changes. If your store does significant monthly revenue and you want to invest in growth, the higher cost often pays for itself. Smaller operations might find the rates prohibitive.

6. Codeable

   Codeable focuses exclusively on WordPress, which includes WooCommerce. Every contractor is vetted, and the platform guarantees quality work. For WooCommerce stores needing technical CRO implementation like custom checkout flows or performance optimization, Codeable provides reliable developers who understand conversion principles.

   The limitation is the WordPress-only focus, so Shopify users need to look elsewhere. Pricing is higher than general freelance platforms but lower than agencies, and you get project management support from Codeable’s team. The vetting reduces risk significantly compared to open marketplaces. However, not all developers specialize in conversion optimization specifically, so clarify expertise during the matching process. For WooCommerce technical needs, this platform offers a strong balance of quality and accountability.

7. 99designs by Vista (for Design-Focused CRO)

   While primarily known for design, 99designs connects you with designers who understand conversion principles. If your CRO needs center on visual elements like product page layouts, trust signals, or mobile responsiveness, this platform provides design talent at various price points.

   The weakness is that designers here may not have deep analytics or testing expertise. You might get beautiful pages that don’t necessarily convert better without proper testing methodology. The contest model lets you see multiple approaches, but managing feedback to multiple designers takes time. This works best as a complement to analytical CRO work, not a replacement. Pair a 99designs designer with a conversion strategist from another platform for comprehensive results. Alone, it addresses aesthetics but may miss data-driven opportunities.

8. LinkedIn ProFinder

   LinkedIn ProFinder matches you with freelancers based on your requirements, and you can review their professional history directly. For CRO experts, seeing their career progression, recommendations, and network provides valuable context. Many ecommerce specialists maintain active LinkedIn profiles showcasing results.

   The challenge is that ProFinder has less infrastructure than dedicated freelance platforms. You handle contracts, payments, and communication outside LinkedIn, which adds administrative work. Pricing is typically negotiated case-by-case, making budgeting less predictable. The quality of matches varies, and you might receive proposals from generalists positioning themselves as CRO experts. The advantage is direct access to professionals you can research thoroughly, but expect to invest time in due diligence and project management.

9. CRO-Specific Agencies (Invesp, The Good, Conversion Fanatics)

   Specialized CRO agencies bring dedicated teams, established processes, and case studies from similar clients. They typically assign strategists, designers, and developers to your project, handling everything from research to implementation. For Shopify and WooCommerce stores with complex needs, agencies provide comprehensive solutions.

   The obvious downside is cost. Monthly retainers often start at several thousand dollars, making this option viable only for stores with significant revenue. You also commit to longer engagements since meaningful CRO work requires multiple testing cycles. Communication can be slower with account managers as intermediaries. However, agencies offer accountability, insurance, and structured methodologies that freelancers might lack. If your store generates six figures monthly and conversion improvements directly impact substantial revenue, agency expertise often justifies the investment.

10. Shopify Experts Marketplace

    Shopify’s official marketplace lists approved experts who specifically work with the platform. You can filter by CRO services, view verified reviews from other Shopify merchants, and feel confident the expert knows the platform inside out. Integration and technical compatibility are rarely issues.

    The limitation is that being listed doesn’t guarantee CRO expertise. Some Shopify Experts excel at design or development but lack conversion optimization methodology. Pricing varies widely, and the marketplace doesn’t standardize packages, so comparing options takes work. The benefit is platform-specific knowledge, which speeds up implementation. For Shopify-specific technical requirements combined with conversion work, this marketplace reduces risk. Just verify actual CRO experience beyond general Shopify skills during your evaluation.

11. People Per Hour

    This UK-based platform operates similarly to Upwork but with a slightly different fee structure and interface. For ecommerce CRO work, you can post projects or browse available freelancers. The platform includes escrow protection and dispute resolution, adding a safety layer.

    The trade-off is a smaller talent pool compared to Upwork, which can mean fewer options but also less noise to filter through. Pricing tends to be competitive, particularly with European freelancers. The platform works well for smaller projects or ongoing hourly work. Quality varies as with any open marketplace, so plan to evaluate portfolios and references carefully. For businesses comfortable with international contractors and wanting alternatives to the major platforms, People Per Hour offers reasonable value with adequate protection mechanisms.

12. Conversion Rate Experts (High-End Consultancy)

    Conversion Rate Experts works with major brands and brings deep research capabilities to every project. Their approach involves extensive customer research, psychology-based testing, and long-term optimization roadmaps. For large Shopify or WooCommerce operations, they provide strategic thinking that goes beyond tactics.

    The barrier is budget. Projects typically require significant investment and longer timelines. Small to medium-sized stores will find the pricing prohibitive. You also need substantial traffic for their testing approach to generate meaningful data quickly. However, if your ecommerce business operates at scale and incremental conversion improvements translate to significant revenue, their methodology delivers measurable returns. This is not a starting point for CRO work but rather an option once you’ve exhausted more accessible improvements and need expert-level strategy.

13. Gun.io

    Gun.io vets freelance developers and includes some who specialize in ecommerce conversion optimization. The platform handles matching based on your technical requirements, and all contractors are pre-screened. For WooCommerce or headless Shopify implementations requiring custom development alongside CRO, this provides qualified technical talent.

    The focus skews technical rather than strategic, so you might need to provide conversion strategy yourself or hire separately. Rates are higher than general freelance platforms but include vetting and matching services. The platform works best when you know what technical changes you need and want reliable implementation. For broader CRO strategy, analytics setup, and testing roadmaps, you’ll likely need to supplement with strategic expertise from another source. The quality assurance and technical focus make Gun.io valuable for implementation-heavy projects.

14. Mayple

    Mayple matches businesses with vetted marketing experts, including CRO specialists for ecommerce. They review your needs and suggest professionals from their network, handling the matching process for you. This reduces the time you spend interviewing and evaluating options.

    The service includes oversight, which adds accountability beyond typical freelance platforms. However, you pay for this convenience through higher rates and platform fees. The matching might not always align perfectly with your specific needs, and you have less control over selection compared to browsing profiles yourself. For businesses that value time savings and want guided matching, Mayple offers a reasonable middle ground. If you prefer evaluating multiple options independently or have tight budget constraints, direct platforms might serve you better.

15. Local Marketing Agencies with Ecommerce Focus

    Regional agencies that specialize in ecommerce often provide CRO services alongside other offerings. The advantage of local partnerships is face-to-face meetings, easier communication across time zones, and familiarity with your market. For businesses that value relationship-based service, this personal touch matters.

    The downside is typically higher costs than remote freelancers and potentially less specialized expertise compared to CRO-focused agencies or platforms. Local agencies might offer CRO as one service among many rather than a core competency. However, if you already work with a local agency for other marketing needs, adding CRO services can streamline coordination. Evaluate their actual conversion optimization experience, not just general marketing credentials. For businesses prioritizing local relationships and integrated services, this option provides convenience despite potential cost and specialization trade-offs.

Each platform and service option presents distinct advantages and compromises. Budget-conscious stores might start with marketplaces like Legiit or Upwork, accepting the vetting time in exchange for affordability. Established businesses with substantial revenue can justify agencies or premium platforms like Toptal and CXL Talent, where higher costs buy proven expertise and accountability. Technical needs might point you toward Codeable or Gun.io, while those wanting guided matching might prefer Mayple. The right choice depends on your current revenue, technical requirements, and how much time you can invest in managing the relationship. Start by clarifying your budget, timeline, and whether you need strategic thinking, technical implementation, or both. That clarity will help you select the option where the trade-offs align with your priorities.