ProfitableSites is a solo Google Ads and SEO consultancy run by David Friend. Google Partner since 2013, 20+ years in search, and 96 × 5★ reviews from over a decade on PeoplePerHour. £2.5m+ annual ad spend currently managed.
Tracking-first
Nine out of ten accounts I audit have broken tracking. Whoever set it up didn't get it right. Until you can trust the numbers, nothing built on top of them is worth much.
Track / Fix / Scale
Track — fix the measurement first. GA4, GTM, conversion events, enhanced ecommerce for Shopify, call and form tracking for service businesses.
Fix — rebuild campaigns on clean data, structured around what actually sells and what actually makes the business money.
Scale — once paid is firing, layer in CRO, custom Shopify work, and SEO. Usually three to five months in.
Flagship case
A UK jewellery brand on Shopify taken from $0 to a $35M acquisition. Ranked #1 UK and #1 US for moissanite engagement ring keywords against legacy competitors including Charles & Colvard. Custom SEO — hand-built authority links, low volume / high quality.
Two lanes
Shopify ecommerce — owner-operated brands roughly £500K–£10M, UK and US.
UK service businesses — plumbers, electricians, security firms. Fast HTML sites on Cloudflare with proper tracking baked in, local SEO that ranks, and Google Ads built around local intent.
How I work
Solo. No account managers. No reports written by someone who hasn't seen the account. You work directly with the person running everything.
I started in SEO — head of SEO at a UK agency running 100+ clients before founding ProfitableSites in 2013 and switching to Ads-first by design. The SEO chops are still there, just second on purpose.
Get a free Google Ads audit →
Min project size
$1,000+
Hourly rate
$100 - $149 / hr
Employees
2 - 9
Locations
Braintree, England
Year founded
Founded 2013
1 Locations
Braintree , England
No have been added yet...
Pricing Snapshot
Min. project size
$1,000+
Avg. hourly rate
$100 - $149
/hr
Rating for cost
4.7
/5
What Clients Have Said
Profitable Sites offers competitive pricing, with project costs ranging from $1,500 to over $8,500 depending on the services. Clients appreciate the value for cost, noting significant improvements in online performance and communication. No specific pricing complaints were mentioned.
Profitable Sites improved MOT Academy's rankings to number one or two on Google and Bing for specific keywords, outperforming their previous SEO firm.
Successful Google Shopping Campaigns
Profitable Sites effectively managed Google Shopping campaigns, resulting in the most successful Black Friday & Christmas season for Baxter&Baxter. The company's professional service and exceptional communication were particularly noted.
Training and Knowledge Sharing
Profitable Sites not only delivered results but also trained clients on maintaining and updating their campaigns, providing long-term value through knowledge transfer.
Improvements in Website Traffic and Rankings
Innov8 Security saw a significant increase in new leads and higher Google rankings after Profitable Sites expanded and updated their website and optimized keywords.
Enhanced Social Media Presence
Big Bobble Hats saw increased sales and social media followers due to Profitable Sites’ ad optimization and social media campaigns. However, the client desired more frequent updates.
Responsive and Personalized Service
Multiple clients praised Profitable Sites for their responsiveness, availability, and personalized approach, ensuring direct communication and quick adjustments when needed.
Google Shopping Campaign for Luxury Accessories Retailer
Other IT Consulting and SI
Confidential
Nov. 2019 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"I will certainly be using Profitable Sites again when running my Google Shopping campaigns."
Jan 9, 2020
Director, Baxter&Baxter
Alexander Baxter
Verified
Retail
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
The team at Profitable Sites was hired to monitor and run various Google Shopping campaigns.
Profitable Sites exceeded expectations, creating a successful and profitable season for the retailer. Their top-notch communication style complemented their professional management style. Customers can expect an exceptional service.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
Baxter&Baxter are an online retailer or luxury men's accessories. I am the company director and my team worked with Profitable Sites to run our Google Shopping campaigns.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire Profitable Sites?
My team worked with Profitable Sites to run our Google Shopping campaigns.
What were your goals for this project?
Our goal was to monitor the performance of our Google Shopping campaigns.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?
We searched online for Google Adwords' certified partners.
Describe the project in detail.
We wanted to monitor the performance of our Google Shopping campaigns ahead of the festive period to ensure we were entering the period with our ads performing at their best.
What was the team composition?
We dealt with David, who offered a very professional service and exceptional communication.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We were very happy with the outcome of the project and the management of our Google Shopping campaign. We enjoyed our most successful Black Friday & Christmas ever due to the support from Profitable Sites.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Very professional service and exceptional communication.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Very professional service and exceptional communication. I was offered support and detailed answers to my questions. I will certainly be using Profitable Sites again when running my Google Shopping campaigns.
Are there any areas for improvement?
None.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Web Development and SEO for Security Company
Pay Per ClickSearch Engine Optimization
Confidential
June 2014 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Their personal service and availability whenever I need them to change anything stand out."
Oct 3, 2019
Owner, Innov8 Security
Dave Rogers
Verified
Information technology
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Profitable Sites redesigned and developed a website and they continue to provide updates. They added content to the site and worked on keyword optimization.
They’ve generated a significant increase in new leads through the website. Profitable Sites is an accessible team that responds quickly to service requests and they come up with helpful ideas.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the director of Innov8 Security installing electronic systems.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Profitable Sites?
We wanted to grow our online presence by improving our website and our ranking on Google search results.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
They expanded my website from a single page to multiple pages and they regularly update it. They’re always asking for photographs of projects we’ve done and customer reviews so they can add them to our site, which helps our Google ranking. They also worked on keyword optimization to help us rank higher locally within our industry.
What is the team composition?
I worked with their director, whom I’ve known for a long time. We’ve got a good relationship, so it’s easy for me to call him whenever I need something.
How did you come to work with Profitable Sites?
I worked with another company previously. I met up with their director and only then discovered his line of work. I realized that he could do a lot for me, so I started using his firm.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in June 2014 and the engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I receive Google Analytics every now and then, but I really know the site is working because I get a lot of work through it. I don’t advertise anywhere else. I don't pay for anything else. I'm literally just investing in them and what they do for us.
How did Profitable Sites perform from a project management standpoint?
I can get any changes I want straight away, and if I haven’t contacted them for a while, they’ll contact me and ask if I want something. They also suggest changes. The director always responds within 24 hours.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their personal service and availability whenever I need them to change anything stand out. They’re really easy to contact.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I can’t think of anything.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
It’s important to come in with your idea defined, but even if you don’t know, they can certainly help you. When I started, I didn’t know about how website work, so they’re very good at that side of things.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
PPC for Training Provider
Other Digital Marketing
Less than $10,000
Sep. 2016 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Profitable Sites has met our goals as expected."
Mar 20, 2017
Managing Director, Training Provider
Clive Matthews
Verified
Education
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Looking to extend their online presence, a training program solicited the services of Profitable Sites to improve their rankings on Google for certain keywords.
Profitable Sites produced very strong results. Some keywords are now ranking first and second in Google search results. Overall, they have a good understanding of the business, and their team is highly self-sufficient.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
MOT Academy is a provider of educational services, training people who wish to become Ministry of Transport (MOT) testers. I’m the managing director.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Profitable Sites?
We’re trying to get inquiries through the telephone or email and also extend to an outside Google search. We worked with another firm when we first started this company. The reason we couldn’t use Profitable Sites was because our competitor was using them. When they severed the connection with our competitor, we then took them on board.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We worked on the keyword searches and phrases in our industry, which were MOT training and MOT testing, including all of our competitor information as well. There were a number of campaigns Profitable Sites put together for us.
How did you come to work with Profitable Sites?
I used to work with them through a previous company. It was a noticeable difference when we migrated away from the previous firm. Profitable Sites knows more about what they’re doing than some of their competitors do.
How much have you invested with Profitable Sites?
We spend $499 to $624 a month with them on management fees and US $1561 to $1623 on Google ads.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in September 2016, and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
We are currently ranked number one or two on Google and Bing. We know our business fully. We can tell exactly what we want to pitch for and there’s a number of keywords we give them. Profitable Sites has more of an understanding of what we’re after than what the previous firm did. That’s what has pushed us up the ranks. We ranked three or four when we were using the previous firm. Profitable Sites has met our goals as expected.
How did Profitable Sites perform from a project management standpoint?
I get weekly reports from them. If I have any questions, I contact them and they make the changes that need to be made. I have one direct contact person and we communicate mostly through email and phone.
What did you find most impressive about Profitable Sites?
They do everything for us. They are very much a hands-on agency.
Are there any areas Profitable Sites could improve?
No. They do everything great.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"They always get back to me fairly quickly."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"They have not failed to meet a deadline yet."
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
"There are cheaper agencies but you get what you pay for."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
PPC/Social Media Marketing for eCommerce Retailer
Other Digital Marketing
Less than $10,000
Sep. 2016 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
4.5
Schedule
5.0
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They're friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and experts in what they do."
Mar 10, 2017
Owner, E-commerce Retailer
Ian Hockey
Verified
Other industries
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Hoping to drive more traffic to their site and improve their PPC, an e-commerce business partnered with Profitable Sites to create content, enhance their ads, and lead social media campaigns.
Profitable Sites has been instrumental in improving the e-commerce site's visibility. Online sales and social media followers have both increased. While they could provide more feedback on a regular basis, Profitable Sites is highly responsive and delivers strong results.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner of Big Bobble Hats. We sell bright, wooly, warm bobble hats online and at outdoor trade shows and events.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Profitable Sites?
We wanted to drive more traffic to our website and track each advertisement that we place on social media or Google. We were using another agency for a year, but I was not happy with their work.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Profitable Sites helped us find out which ads were working really well, tweaked them, and made them work even better. We needed to target customers that we knew were going to buy our product. Profitable Sites helped us to analyze keywords and provided social media updates for us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They made great campaigns to attract more followers on social media. They’re writing weekly blogs and adding events to social media so people know where we’re going to be.
How did you come to work with Profitable Sites?
I found David, the owner, on People Per Hour last year. While I was using the old agency, I contacted David to get a second opinion about my business. He came back to me very quickly with some suggestions and feedback. When I let the old agency go, I contacted Profitable Sites to help me.
How much have you invested with Profitable Sites?
We’ve spent $8,504 on their services.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in September 2016, and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
We’ve seen sales increase considerably this winter. Our online sales for January doubled this year compared to last year. We’ve done nothing differently except having a different agency working on our business. The work they’ve done increased our followers on our social media sites, and I’m very happy with the results we’ve gotten there.
How did Profitable Sites perform from a project management standpoint?
They manage the projects from start to finish with no issues. We communicated by email and phone calls. There are two resources working on our project from Profitable Sites. One works with the social media side and the other works on PPC.
What did you find most impressive about Profitable Sites?
Their responsiveness is really impressive. If something needs to be done quickly, they are able to deliver.
Are there any areas Profitable Sites could improve?
Sometimes, I have to prompt them to get into contact with me. I would like to get more feedback on a weekly basis on AdWords and how the campaigns are working. I want to know what’s going on in terms of research they’re doing and keywords, etc.
RATINGS
5.0
"They’re friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and experts in what they do."
Quality
4.5
Service & Deliverables
"I’m generally happy since the quality of service is fantastic. The level of communication is the only reason I dock them half a point."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"Any deadline we’ve set has been met."
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
"I’m not sure of everything they do."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"I have already recommended them. They’re perfect for our size of business.
PPC Campaign for Antiques Store
Other Digital Marketing
Less than $10,000
Dec. 2016 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Profitable Sites kept me up to date on what they were planning to do and why."
Mar 7, 2017
Owner, Driscrolls Antiques
James Driscoll
Verified
Other industries
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Profitable Sites set up a google analytics and shopping campaign for an antiques dealer and enhanced their pay per click strategy. The project was completed, but Profitable Sites still offers suggestions.
Since partnering with Profitable Sites, the antique dealer's site has experienced a boost in sales and traffic. Their quality score, Google's rating of the quality of keywords and PPC, also increased. Overall, the client felt they received more than they paid for.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
Driscolls Antiques Ltd. is a dealer of 17th-to-19th-century furniture in Clitheroe, United Kingdom.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Profitable Sites?
I wanted to get my PPC [pay-per-click] advertising to a decent standing and set up Google Analytics.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
The first thing I had Profitable Sites do was review my PPC campaign. I felt that it wasn't working brilliantly, and I had a low-quality score. Profitable Sites got my score up to 10, tweaked some of the site's links, and made some keyword research. My site had already been set up, but Profitable Sites got it working properly. They set up my Google Analytics profile, allowing me to track sales, and also set up my Google Shopping campaign, which focuses on pictures.
Profitable Sites' manager talked me through the process, explaining why he was taking each step. I was kept informed all the way through.
How did you come to work with Profitable Sites?
I had worked with their principal for SEO a few years ago while he was working for a different company. I came across Profitable Sites' page on a fluke, while researching agencies, and decided to give them a try.
How much have you invested with Profitable Sites?
The cost of Profitable Sites' work was around $1,500.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with Profitable Sites in December 2016. We launched just before Christmas and ended up having a hectic week as a result. We have completed the PPC project, but Profitable Sites keeps in touch with me for suggestions.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
Profitable Sites' work is actually working a bit too well. I need more staff for my business. Our sales have shot up.
We deal in expensive pieces and used to sell an average of 25 items per month. Since launching the campaign with Profitable Sites, we have been selling around 45 pieces per month, which is a huge difference. There has been a huge increase in the site's traffic as well.
How did Profitable Sites perform from a project management standpoint?
Profitable Sites was excellent in this respect. They finished everything that was promised quicker than they said they would. The results have been fantastic for me.
I dealt with a single person from Profitable Sites' team, although I know that there were others involved. We communicated through email and on the phone. Profitable Sites was rapid in responding to me whenever I had a problem or question.
What did you find most impressive about Profitable Sites?
Profitable Sites dealt with me on a one-to-one basis, so I didn't have to go through endless amounts of people. I've worked with other companies before, and they never informed me about the work being done. Profitable Sites kept me up to date on what they were planning to do and why.
Are there any areas Profitable Sites could improve?
No. I was happy with the service from start to finish.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"I was happy with everything done by Profitable Sites."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"The work was finished quicker than the estimated deadline."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"The amount of work done, compared to the cost, was amazing."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"I was happy with Profitable Sites' service from start to finish.
Outsourced PPC Strategy for Design Agency
Advertising
Less than $10,000
Mar. 2015 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They're honest and give good advice and feedback."
Mar 6, 2017
Director and Owner, By the Scruff
Stuart Edwards
Verified
Advertising & marketing
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Profitable Sites advises a digital design agency on expert strategies to boost traffic to their customers' sites. Their tactics include pay per click campaigns, keyword bidding, and profiles on Google Merchant.
They met all the key targets. The conversion rate is 2.5% and the number of visitors has improved by 300%. Profitable Sites has also trained the agency on how it can continuously update its strategies and target various key audiences. In all, they always deliver results, and within budget.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
By the Scruff is a digital design company that builds websites and provides digital marketing assets for clients. I’m the director and owner.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Profitable Sites?
We wanted to help boost traffic to particular customers. We also needed help managing our pay-per-click campaigns and Google Merchant profile. We had been managing these ourselves but we wanted an expert that would help us with the campaigns and get profiles set up properly.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Profitable Sites worked with us on a number of different clients. The main objective was to boost traffic and sales to a couple of sites we provide services for. They were able to give us advice on strategy and best practices in setting up the campaigns properly. We weren’t doing anything to boost sales before we started working with Profitable Sites. We wanted more sales traffic coming from Google Merchant, and they were able to advise us on the setup and optimized that profile in order to produce traffic. They also helped with keyword bidding and optimized costs and conversions. They’ve managed to set everything up so that it runs by itself. They do a monthly review and it seems to work well without us having to do much. We had been on Shopify before, and Profitable Sites recommended we use Google Merchant.
How did you come to work with Profitable Sites?
I know the owner, David, from a long time ago. They’ve done many projects for us. It helps to know someone on the team, but they’ve been able to deliver what we asked and they’ve been a good fit for our business.
How much have you invested with Profitable Sites?
We spent $2,448 on this project.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in March 2015, and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
They did what we expected. Visitor numbers have improved 300% and our conversion rate is 2.5%. They’re very knowledgeable and understand what targets we’re looking for and how to manage the budget properly. They’re honest and give good advice and feedback.
How did Profitable Sites perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re very responsive and get back to me the same day. Our main point of contact is David and we communicate by phone, Skype, and email.
What did you find most impressive about Profitable Sites?
They deliver results on their work and they don’t make promises they can’t keep. They’re also realistic about the campaigns they’re setting up for us. They teach us how to keep our campaigns up to date using new techniques and how to update keywords and target different audiences.
Are there any areas Profitable Sites could improve?
No.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"They get the job done and get results."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"They’ve always delivered what they said they could do and met all deadlines."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"I have recommended them many times already.
SEO for Real Estate Consultancy
Search Engine Optimization
Less than $10,000
Jan. 2018 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"Communication and overall results were very good."
Sep 13, 2019
Director, Navah Consulting
Jonathan Camus-Smith MRICS
Verified
Real estate
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Profitable Sites provide SEO services to improve rankings on both Google and Bing.
Website rankings on both platforms improved significantly. Profitable Sites communicated well.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
Director of Navah Consulting, a property consultancy.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire Profitable Sites ?
Rank better on Google / bing.
What were your goals for this project?
Rank better on Google / bing.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?
A recommendation.
Describe the project in detail.
David undertook various SEO strategies with a good overall result.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
My site now ranks a lot better on Google / bing.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Very good.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Communication and overall results were very good.
RATINGS
5.0
"Very good"
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"Very good."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"Very good."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"Very competitive."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"Yes
Showing 1-7 of
7 Reviews
Our Story
ProfitableSites is run solo by David Friend — Google Partner since 2013, 20+ years in search. I started at the UK's largest SEO firm, then ran 100+ clients as head of SEO at a UK agency. Founded ProfitableSites in 2013 and went solo by design. No account managers. No reports written by someone who hasn't seen the account. The person auditing your account is the person running it. That's the whole point — and why the work goes deeper than agency retainers usually allow.
Locations (1)
The Plaza Centre Rutherford Park, Horizon 120 Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7AUBraintree, EnglandCM77 7AU
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