What Digital Operative Inc does

Digital Operative, Inc. is a full-service digital commerce agency founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Diego, California, with a secondary office in Denver. The firm serves multichannel consumer brands across enterprise and mid-market tiers (e.g., Colgate-Palmolive, Turtle Beach, Otterbox, Volcom, 5.11 Tactical, Royal Robbins, GSI Outdoors), delivering an integrated stack of strategy, design, marketing, and technology services. Its technology core centers on certified partner capabilities in Magento 2/Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus (including headless builds on Shopify Hydrogen), supported by integrations with Klaviyo (Platinum Partner), Google (Premier Partner), Optimizely, VWO, Avalara, Signifyd, Teikametrics, AWS, and ERP/CRM systems including NetSuite, Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics. Adjacent service modules include Conversion Rate Optimization, UX research and design, Amazon Marketing Services with AI-driven advertising, email/CRM programs, paid media, SEO, and social media management, backed by an in-house Content Studio for photography, video, and motion graphics.

The company's revenue model is professional services, anchored by project-based and retainer engagements with multi-year contract structures; pricing is quote-based, with CRO programs publicly cited in the $2K to $15K+/month range on 6- or 12-month terms. Distribution is direct enterprise and mid-market field sales, supplemented by co-sell and referral flow from technology partners. Digital Operative was acquired by 85SIXTY (a digital marketing agency) in 2020, with the formal merger completed in January 2021; it continues to operate as a brand within the 85SIXTY organization. Leadership is anchored by co-founder and CEO BJ Cook. Reported AI/ML usage is concentrated in Amazon bid optimization and CRO experimentation rather than proprietary model development, and the firm's competitive positioning rests on multi-disciplinary talent, premium vendor certifications, and a 13-year track record of consumer-brand engagements.

Name

Digital Operative Inc

Legal name

Digital Operative, Inc.

Website

https://digitaloperative.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Digital Operative is a full-service digital commerce agency serving multichannel consumer brands with strategy, design, marketing, and certified Magento 2 and Shopify Plus development, including Amazon marketing and CRO. Founded in 2008 in San Diego and acquired by 85SIXTY in 2021.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Commerce Agency Services

NAICS

Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Marketing Automation Platforms & Services (BPAFAFAC)

Keywords

• Digital marketing agency
• Ecommerce development services
• Shopify plus development
• Magento commerce development
• Conversion rate optimization

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Services - Digital Strategy Consulting: Consulting engagements focused on digital strategies including go-to-market strategies, ecommerce plans, digital marketing planning, and customer journey planning. Custom team built for each client partnership with tailored strategic roadmaps.
2. Technology Development Services: Website development, platform migrations, custom module development, systems integrations, and ongoing managed support services for Magento 2, Shopify Plus, and related ecommerce platforms.
3. Digital Marketing Services: Ongoing digital marketing programs including SEO, paid media, email marketing, social media, content marketing, and analytics services delivered as retainer engagements.
4. Amazon Marketing & Management Services: Amazon marketplace management including account strategy, product listing optimization, advertising campaigns, and ongoing program management with continuous optimization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Digital Operative is a full-service digital commerce agency that delivers integrated strategy, design, marketing, and technology services to multichannel consumer brands. Core offerings span Strategy & Planning (ecommerce roadmaps, conversion optimization, AI-driven personas, Amazon strategy), Design (UX, branding, in-house content studio for photography/video), Marketing (SEO, paid media, email/CRM, social, analytics), and Technology (Magento 2/Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus development, systems integrations, headless commerce). Services are delivered as custom engagements and ongoing retainers for emerging, mid-market, and enterprise consumer brands.

Product overview

Digital Operative is a full-service digital commerce agency that was acquired by 85SIXTY in 2020. The company offers an integrated suite of services spanning strategy & planning, digital marketing, design, and technology/development. Core platform specializations include Magento 2/Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus development, which serve as the primary technical foundations for client ecommerce implementations. Supporting service modules include Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), User Experience (UX), Amazon Marketing Services, Email Marketing & CRM, Data & Analytics, Paid Media, SEO, Social Media Marketing, and Ecommerce Marketing. The Content Studio provides in-house creative production capabilities including photography and video. All services work together to deliver integrated digital marketing and ecommerce experiences for multichannel consumer brands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Strategy & Planning Services Consulting services including ecommerce roadmaps for D2C and B2B, conversion optimization strategy, digital marketing planning, customer targeting and AI-driven personas, and retail/marketplace strategies for Amazon.
• Digital Marketing Services Full-service digital marketing including SEO, paid media (search, social, programmatic, OTT, CTV), email marketing, CRM, social media, content marketing, affiliate marketing, and analytics delivered as ongoing retainer engagements.
• Design Services Experience design and branded content including ecommerce website design, digital branding, and Content Studio services covering photography, video, and Amazon enhanced brand content.
• Technology & Development Services Website development and technology services including Magento 2 and Shopify Plus development, managed monthly support, systems integrations, and commerce chatbots.
• Magento 2 / Adobe Commerce Development Full-service certified Magento 2 agency offering systems architecture, custom module development, data migration, UX planning, B2B/B2C multi-store configurations, cloud configuration, and Adobe Commerce development with ongoing support and PWA capabilities.
• Shopify Plus Development Official Shopify Plus Agency Partner services including strategic consulting, replatforming/migration, custom app development, headless builds with Shopify Hydrogen, B2C/B2B stores, global commerce with multi-lingual/currency configurations, and SEO optimization.
• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Website optimization and testing programs to increase conversion rates and average order value using A/B testing, multivariate testing, heuristic reviews, and the VWO and Optimizely platforms.
• User Experience (UX) Services UX agency services including user research (quantitative and qualitative), information architecture, content strategy, user flows, omnichannel design, interaction design, and rapid usability testing.
• Amazon Marketing Services Amazon marketplace consulting and management including pricing and profitability optimization, inventory and fulfillment strategy, AI-driven advertising, new product launches, seller setup, listing optimization, A+ content, and brand storefronts.
• Email Marketing & CRM Email marketing programs including strategy, responsive design, automation workflows (welcome, cart abandonment, product reviews, reengagement), segmentation, personalization, and ESP integration (Klaviyo Platinum partner, Bronto, Listrak, Omnisend, MailChimp).
• Data & Analytics Services Analytics services including audits, strategy and planning, platform selection, tag management (Google Tag Manager, Tealium), dashboards (Google Data Studio), attribution modeling, and cross-channel reporting.
• Paid Media Services Paid advertising including PPC, display, retargeting, shopping ads, paid social (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest), and programmatic using a data science approach with DMPs, targeting, and personalization.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) SEO services including program audits, strategy development, keyword research, on-page and off-page optimization, content development, and channel reporting with analytics.
• Social Media Marketing Social media strategy and management including organic and paid social, influencer outreach, affiliate programs, brand partnerships, contests, chatbots, Facebook Messenger marketing, SMS campaigns, and social media monitoring.
• Ecommerce Marketing Multichannel ecommerce marketing integrating SEO, email, customer profiling, affiliate, paid media, social, content marketing, and analytics for D2C and B2B merchants.
• Content Studio In-house creative services including Amazon enhanced brand content, product photography, Instagram content, banner ads, emails, landing pages, infographics, 360-degree photos, videos, and motion graphics.

Quantifiable outcome

• T3 Micro achieved $2M in additional sales revenue through 24-month CRO program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers30 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration56 records

AI capability10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and secondary.

• 85SIXTYflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Digital Operative was acquired by 85SIXTY digital marketing agency in January 2021, combining agencies to provide expanded digital commerce and marketing services. Strategic partnership announced September 2019.
• GooglecoreTechnology or IntegrationGoogle Partner status with Premier Partner designation. Provides additional support and tools for client marketing needs, demonstrating specific skills and expertise in Google advertising platforms.
• Shopify PluscoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Shopify Plus Agency Partner providing strategic consulting, implementation, and support for merchants on the Shopify Plus platform. Specializes in migrations, custom app development, and growth programs.
• Magento (Adobe Commerce)coreTechnology or IntegrationCertified Magento Solutions Partner with 12+ years of experience. Provides Magento 2 development, custom module development, and Adobe Commerce support services.
• OptimizelycoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Optimizely partner providing A/B testing, multivariate testing, and personalization services using the Optimizely optimization platform.
• KlaviyocoreTechnology or IntegrationKlaviyo Platinum Partner for email marketing programs. Specializes in segmentation, automation, and growth strategies for ecommerce brands using Klaviyo.
• Oracle BrontosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPartner for marketing automation and email marketing services using Oracle Bronto platform for high-growth retailers.
• NostosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPersonalization solution partner enabling online retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences across all touchpoints and devices.
• AvalarasecondaryTechnology or IntegrationTax compliance solution partner helping businesses achieve compliance with sales tax and transactional tax requirements through cloud-based solutions.
• Smile.iosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCustomer loyalty program partner enabling merchants to offer unique and effective loyalty programs for their customers.
• OmnisendsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationOmnichannel marketing platform partner providing email, SMS, push notifications, and Messenger marketing solutions.
• YotposecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCustomer reviews and user-generated content partner helping brands leverage reviews and photos throughout the buyer journey.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationCertified AWS Solution Provider offering infrastructure audits, recommendations, and cloud hosting implementation services.
• SignifydsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationEcommerce fraud protection partner solving chargeback challenges and shifting liability for fraud away from merchants.
• VWOcoreTechnology or IntegrationCertified VWO Agency Partner for conversion rate optimization, providing insights, experimentation roadmaps, and testing capabilities.
• TeikametricssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationAmazon advertising optimization platform partner (Flywheel) ensuring advertising dollars drive profitable business growth.
• WP EnginesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationWordPress hosting partner for managed WordPress solutions.
• ChoozlesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationProgrammatic advertising platform partner for data-driven digital advertising.
• KenshoosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPaid media platform partner for cross-channel advertising and bid management.
• Marin SoftwaresecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPaid media management platform partner for enterprise advertising management.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Coalition Technologies: Coalition Technologies is a top-tier Shopify Plus and Magento agency offering design, development and digital marketing. It directly overlaps with Digital Operative's Shopify Plus / Magento 2 development, CRO and SEO practices for ecommerce-native brands.
• SmartSites: SmartSites is a digital marketing agency offering SEO, PPC, web design, and ecommerce development. Both companies compete for similar mid-market brand customers on website development and performance marketing services.
• BlueSwitch: BlueSwitch is a Magento and Shopify Plus agency that provides ecommerce development, digital marketing and CRO services for consumer brands. Matches Digital Operative on core platform development and digital marketing services.
• LYFE Marketing: LYFE Marketing is a digital marketing agency offering social media marketing, PPC, SEO, email marketing, and CRO services. Overlaps significantly with Digital Operative in serving mid-market ecommerce and consumer brands.
• Wpromote: Wpromote is a full-service digital marketing agency offering SEO, paid media, content, email and ecommerce services. Like Digital Operative, it serves mid-market and enterprise consumer brands across multiple channels, with similar integrated strategy-to-execution delivery.
• Disruptive Advertising: Disruptive Advertising is a digital agency specializing in paid media, SEO, and conversion rate optimization for ecommerce and SaaS brands. Directly comparable to Digital Operative's CRO-driven, performance-marketing practice.
• Lounge Group (formerly The Iconic): Lounge Group is a Shopify Plus agency partner that offers Shopify development, custom apps, replatforming, and CRO services to enterprise DTC brands. Comparable to Digital Operative on its core Shopify Plus-led platform specialization.
• Tinuiti: Tinuiti is a large performance-marketing agency covering paid search, paid social, SEO, CRM/lifecycle, and Amazon. Both it and Digital Operative compete for mid-market and enterprise consumer brand marketing budgets, especially on Amazon Marketing Services and CRO.

Others

• Pacvue (by Helium 10): Pacvue is an enterprise Amazon advertising and retail media platform, listed by Digital Operative as a partner. While not a direct agency competitor, it is an adjacent enabling technology used by DO and peers for Amazon Marketing Services work.

Broad incumbents

• 85SIXTY: 85SIXTY is the digital marketing agency that acquired Digital Operative in 2020/2021. As the parent organization it operates a broader digital marketing portfolio while Digital Operative continues to operate as a brand within 85SIXTY focused on ecommerce enablement.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/digitaloperativ
• Facebookfacebook.com/digital.operative.agency
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/digital-operative-inc-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Digital Operative Inc