The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Steno.fm

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, SUBSCRIBE FOR UNBEATABLE ECOM RECON – Every Tuesday since 2014, host Kurt Elster shares the Shopify success stories that nobody tells you about, straight from the entrepreneurs living it. Subscribe for a raw look at what it really takes to succeed on Shopify.

Tue, April 15, 2025
700K YouTube Subs to Shopify Sales
Her fans call her "The Queen of Air Fryers." She gave away recipes. Her fans demanded a cookbook. One $15 PDF later, Cathy Yoder had a 5-figure launch weekend—and she hasn't looked back. With over 700K subscribers, Cathy built a content-powered Shopify business that turns viewers into superfans (and customers). In this episode, Cathy breaks down: How to use YouTube as your #1 lead-gen channel Building products based on comment section gold What flopped, what worked, and why done > perfect Integrating YouTube with Shopify for seamless sales If you're a creator, a merchant, or both—this is the funnel playbook you've been waiting for. Sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Boost AI Search & Filter – AI-powered search that converts Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me → ethercycle.com/apply See how we help stores grow → ethercycle.com/work Get my Shopify newsletter → kurtelster.com
Tue, April 08, 2025
Pit Viper: These Shades Print Money
Pit Viper isn’t for everyone. And that might be the secret to its success. It starts with a guy on a ski trip. His sunglasses break. So, naturally, he walks into a military surplus store, finds an old pair of ballistic glasses from the early 90s, and thinks, these are perfect. Fast forward a few years, and those surplus shades—once traded for beers and ski lifts—have turned into Pit Viper , a brand worth millions. But here’s the question: how do you build a business that doesn’t just sell sunglasses, but sells attitude ? A brand that’s loud, weird, and completely unignorable? Today on the show: Chris Garcin, CEO of Pit Viper , explains how they took what should have been a joke and turned it into a cult phenomenon . Links & Resources 🔗 Shop Pit Viper: www.pitviper.com 🎧 More stories like this: The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Work With Kurt 🚀 Want to grow your Shopify store? We help brands like yours increase conversions, improve UX, and drive more sales. 📩 Let’s talk: ethercycle.com/apply 🛠️ See how I’ve helped other brands: ethercycle.com/work 💡 Join my newsletter for no-BS ecommerce insights: kurtelster.com Connect with Kurt: 💬 Twitter: @kurtinc 📩 Newsletter: kurtelster.com Sponsors: 📈 Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels 🔥 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify 📬 Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps more Shopify merchants find the show!
Tue, April 01, 2025
Shopify Dev AMA: Store Spying, AI Tools, and Trends
Two Shopify Partners get real in an AMA packed with listener questions. Store spying tricks, AI fails, bold 2025 predictions, a garage full of jacked-up cars, and a sneak peek at their next app. What you’ll learn: How to spy on Shopify stores using public endpoints and browser tools What’s broken (and what’s promising) in Shopify’s new AI tools How devs actually use ChatGPT to write Shopify code Email marketing best practices, including double opt-in insights A look behind the scenes at a new Shopify app in development Sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Viralsweep – Run sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways: https://www.viralsweep.com/ Show Links: Liquid Weekly: https://liquidweekly.com/ Editions.dev: https://editions.dev/pages/editions-dev Tactical Baby Gear: https://tacticalbabygear.com/ Shopify AI Store Setup Tool: https://changelog.shopify.com/posts/ai-store-generator-tool Copy All URLs Chrome Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/copy-all-urls/djdmadneanknadilpjiknlnanaolmbfk?hl=en Store Leads: https://storeleads.app/reports/shopify Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me → https://ethercycle.com/apply See our client results → https://ethercycle.com/work Join my newsletter → https://kurtelster.com/
Tue, March 25, 2025
Lady Gaga’s on Shopify: Go Behind the Build
Lady Gaga has a new Shopify site. But this isn’t just a merch store. It’s a stage, a story, a digital home —built to evolve as fast as she does. Her team needed something different. A site that could change overnight and feel as immersive as her albums. So they went headless, partnering with Commerce-UI , a Shopify agency known for pushing boundaries. In this episode, Shopify Partner Michal Klim takes us inside the build: How Hydrogen and Oxygen power a site that never stands still. Why merch sales weren’t the top priority—and what was. Why a “conversion-first” mindset wouldn’t work here—and what did. It’s a story about what happens when a global superstar takes Shopify beyond ecommerce best practices. 🎧 Listen now on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is made by possible by our sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Address Validator – Reduce delivery address errors & costs Special thanks to our friends at Shopify and to our listeners. Show Links Lady Gaga’s Shopify Store – See the site in action Abracadabra! Building Lady Gaga's magical storefront experience on Hydrogen - Shopify Newsroom article Commerce-UI – The agency behind Lady Gaga’s Shopify site Shopify Hydrogen – Build headless commerce experiences Shopify Oxygen – Deploy Hydrogen storefronts on Shopify’s infrastructure Sanity CMS – Headless CMS used for editorial content Work with Kurt Want to optimize your Shopify store and grow your business? I help Shopify merchants like you increase conversions, streamline operations, and build standout online experiences . Apply to work with me: Ethercycle See how I’ve helped other brands: Recent Client Successes Get my best Shopify insights: Join My Newsletter Let’s make your Shopify store better, faster, and more profitable .
Tue, March 18, 2025
The Store That Won March Madness
Megan Smalley didn’t plan to build a powerhouse ecommerce brand. Scarlet & Gold started as a creative side project—until she got laid off. Fast forward 12 years, and Scarlet & Gold is one of the only women-owned businesses licensed for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) merch on Shopify. This March, their Shopify sales are up 74.2% year-over-year —with over 53.6% of those sales tied to March Madness merchandise . And here’s the kicker: 69.5% of their basketball sales come from just two NIL deals . So how did she do it? What makes NIL merch so powerful? And what’s it really like running an ecommerce business that lives and dies by game-day hype? That’s what we’re talking about today. 👉 Read more from Shopify’s newsroom: shopify.com/news/march-madness-entrepreneurs Links & Resources 🔗 Check out Scarlet & Gold → scarletandgoldshop.com 🔗 Need custom merch? → scarletandgoldcustom.com 📌 Sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Address Validator – Reduce delivery errors & costs 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube . 💡 Want to grow your Shopify store? Work with Kurt: Apply for a strategy session → ethercycle.com/apply See what we’ve built → ethercycle.com/work Get my best Shopify insights → kurtelster.com 👥 Join Our Private Facebook Group: Connect with other Shopify entrepreneurs → facebook.com/groups/UnofficialShopifyPodcast This is a story about ecommerce, sports, and the weird world of NIL merch. It’s about how one Shopify store turned athlete partnerships into real growth. And it’s about what happens when you take a risk—and it actually works.
Tue, March 11, 2025
10 Shopify Mistakes Killing Your Sales
Are you making one of these Shopify mistakes? If so, you’re losing sales. In this episode, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast host Kurt Elster teams up with Bold Commerce co-founder Jay Myers to reveal the top 10 mistakes that Shopify merchants make—some of which even big brands get wrong. From neglected checkouts to bloated main menus, they share simple, actionable fixes that can boost conversions and keep customers coming back. What You’ll Learn: The #1 checkout mistake that kills trust (and how to fix it in 60 seconds) Why most subscription models fail—and the secret to making them work The overlooked product page changes that increase add-to-cart rates Why your main menu is confusing customers (and how to fix it) How to stop relying on paid ads and build a business that lasts Links & Resources: Bold Commerce – Shopify apps for subscriptions, upsells, and more Subscription Death Curve – Jay Myers' SubSummit Keynote Shopify Markets – Sell globally from a single store Shopify Checkout Customization – How to brand your checkout Klaviyo – Email & SMS marketing for e-commerce Master & Dynamic – Premium headphones with long-form product pages Timbuk2 – Example of great product pages for bags Tactical Baby Gear – Niche brand with strong storytelling Clubhouse – Audio platform that rose to pandemic fame “Jobs to Be Done” (JTBD) – Product innovation concept by Clayton Christensen Seth Godin’s Blog – Marketing insights from Seth Godin Connect with Kurt: 💬 Twitter: @kurtinc 📩 Newsletter: kurtelster.com 🚀 Work with Kurt: ethercycle.com/apply Sponsors: 📈 Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels 🔥 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify 📬 Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways. 🎧
Tue, March 04, 2025
Fart-Proof Underwear? This Shopify Brand Says Yes
Imagine a world where your worst gas-related fears simply… disappear. No awkward moments, no subtle side-eye glances. Just peace, dignity, and activated carbon filters. That’s the world Collin White and his father set out to create when they launched Tootles , a Shopify store selling flatulence-filtering underwear. At first, people laughed. But then, they listened. Because for people with digestive issues, this isn’t a joke—it’s a solution. Today on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast , Collin joins Kurt to talk about building a business in a deeply niche market, convincing manufacturers that fart-proof underwear is, in fact, a real thing, and finding customers who need his product (but don’t necessarily want to talk about it). In this episode: ✔️ How Collin and his dad took Tootles from idea to reality ✔️ The science behind fart filtration (yes, it works) ✔️ Marketing a taboo product without making it a joke ✔️ How Tootles increases AOV with clever bundling ✔️ Why subscriptions aren’t always the answer for consumable products Farts are funny. Business is serious. And somewhere in the middle, there’s a Shopify success story worth listening to. Links & Resources 🔗 Tootles Website: WearTootles.com 🔗 Kurt’s Shopify Agency: Ethercycle.com 🔗 Judge.me (Review App Used by Tootles): Judge.me Sponsors 🔗 Cleverific: cleverific.com/unofficial 🔗 Zipify: zipify.com/KURT 🔗 ViralSweep: apps.shopify.com/viralsweep
Tue, February 25, 2025
Obvi’s Ron Shah on Fails, Exits & Lessons Learned
"You start with ‘there’s no way this is me.’ Then you question everything. Then, eventually, you realize—this really could be me." Ron Shah built Obvi into a $100M+ powerhouse, with $40M in top-line revenue in 2024. But not every business he touched turned to gold. Today, Ron gets brutally honest about two brands he started—Coffee Over Cardio and Paw Rangers—that didn’t go as planned. This isn’t your typical success story. Ron shares: Why success in one business doesn’t guarantee success in another The emotional toll of failure and the ego traps that cost him money How to know when to walk away, pivot, or double down What he’d do differently if he launched these brands today Most founders only share their wins. Ron is sharing his losses. And why, in hindsight, they might be even more valuable. Resources & Links Follow Ron on Twitter: @obviceo Check out Obvi: myobvi.com Listen to Ron’s podcast, Chew On This : Listen here coffeeovercardio pawrangers.com Sponsors Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work With Kurt Grow your Shopify store with me: ethercycle.com/apply Join my newsletter for Shopify insights: kurtelster.com 📩 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let us know what you think!
Tue, February 18, 2025
How a Twitter Account Became a Thriving Shopify Brand
“Rainier Watch started as me shouting into the void about whether the mountain was out. Now, it’s a brand in REI. Didn’t see that coming.” David Lindahl started Rainier Watch as a simple Twitter account—just a guy posting updates on whether Mount Rainier was visible that day. No business plan, no grand vision. Just a love for the mountain. But then people started following. They started asking for stickers. And suddenly, David found himself running an e-commerce brand. What began as a hobby turned into a business selling apparel, getting into retail stores like REI, and building a loyal community of outdoor enthusiasts. This week, we follow David’s journey—from side project to full-time business. How he scaled his Shopify store, navigated wholesale partnerships, and made every mistake possible before finally getting it right. Along the way, we look at what happens when an entrepreneur outgrows their own operation, the challenges of building a brand rooted in a specific place, and what it really takes to turn a passion into a sustainable business. Links 🛍 Shop Rainier Watch: https://shop.rainierwatch.com/ Sponsors 💡 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify: https://cleverific.com/unofficial 🚀 Zipify – Optimize your Shopify store with Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT 📍 Address Validator – Prevent shipping mistakes before they happen: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work with Kurt 🔹 Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply 📈 See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work
Tue, February 11, 2025
Reinventing Oral Care: The Slate Flosser Story
In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast , Brynn Snyder, co-founder of Slate Flosser, shares how she and her dentist husband tackled one of the most overlooked aspects of health—flossing. Together, they reimagined oral care with a product that could prevent gum disease, heart issues, and more. But flossing is just the beginning. This episode dives into their journey through a $194K Kickstarter campaign, battling knockoffs on Amazon, and scaling a Shopify store with sustainability and innovation at its core. Brynn reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating a physical product, why subscription models are key to recurring revenue, and how staying passionate can make or break your business. Flossing might not seem revolutionary—until you hear this story. Show Links Slate Flosser Kickstarter Campaign Slate Flosser on Amazon Sponsors Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work with Kurt Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work
Tue, February 04, 2025
Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community
Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community Daphné Eastmond ditched the CPA grind to create Frizz + Co, a brand that says screw the stigma and celebrates textured hair. From her raw startup struggles to her bold in-person events, Daphne shares how she’s making haircare personal—and real. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Daphne left accounting to launch Frizz + Co. How her personal hair struggles inspired a hero product. The scrappy marketing tactics that worked (and the ones that didn’t). How in-person events became her secret growth weapon. Lessons from bootstrapping, product seeding, and building a Shopify brand. Links Mentioned: Frizz + Co: https://frizzhair.co Connect with Daphne: Instagram @frizz.co Sponsors: Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Boost Filter & Search: https://apps.shopify.com/product-filter-search CTA: Subscribe for more Shopify insights and stories like this! [Insert subscription link]
Tue, January 28, 2025
Why Shopify’s Planet App is Good for Business (and the Earth)
“Why not try it? Planet is low-risk, easy to configure, and can have a meaningful impact on your brand and the planet.” Discover how Shopify Planet helps merchants make a positive environmental impact while boosting customer trust and conversions. David Vranicar, Shopify’s sustainability operations lead, explains how this innovative app enables carbon-neutral shipping with zero hassle. Learn how it works, why it benefits your business, and what it means for your customers. Show Links Shopify Planet: https://apps.shopify.com/planet Reach out to the Planet team: planet [at] shopify.com Sponsors: Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Boost Filter & Search: https://apps.shopify.com/product-filter-search Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work Join my newsletter for Shopify insights: https://kurtelster.com/ 🎙️ The Unofficial Shopify Podcast – Your go-to resource for actionable ecommerce insights.
Tue, January 21, 2025
Montana Knife Company: American-Made Knife Empire
What if your side hustle turned into an 8-figure brand selling out every week? Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DxGxZ20rfQI Montana Knife Company’s Brandon Horoho shares the journey from launching during COVID to building a global brand rooted in American manufacturing. Discover how MKC redefined success with transparency, customer engagement, and relentless marketing. Episode Highlights: Why MKC chose Shopify as their platform and how it drives their success. The secrets behind MKC’s 120+ consecutive weekly product sellouts. How owning your email list can outshine ad spend. Building a thriving direct-to-consumer brand in a competitive market. The challenges and rewards of investing in local manufacturing. What’s next for MKC: Pocket knives and a 50,000 sq. ft. facility. About Brandon Horoho: Brandon Horoho is the co-founder and CMO of Montana Knife Company, an American-made knife brand that has taken the DTC world by storm. With weekly product drops and an obsessive focus on quality, MKC has grown from a garage startup to an 8-figure powerhouse in just four years. Show Links Montana Knife Company: https://montanaknifecompany.com Follow MKC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanaknifecompany Work with Kurt: https://ethercycle.com/ Sponsors: Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work
Tue, January 14, 2025
Growing a Supps Brand to $70M in 2.5 Years
Devyn Merklin, former CMO of Livingood Daily, shares the raw truth behind scaling a supplement brand to $70M in annual revenue. From relentless testing to mastering Shopify funnels, Devyn provides a thoughtful analysis of the strategies that worked, the mistakes that taught valuable lessons, and how brands can apply these insights to their own growth journeys. Links People Devyn Merklin Dr. Blake Livingood Ezra Firestone Randall Pitch Russell Brunson Brands Hoonigan Livingood Daily Offset Smart Marketer Apps Printful ViralSweep Tools Kajabi ClickFunnels Services Flippa Empire Flippers BuyBizSell The XScale Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Boost Filter & Search Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, January 07, 2025
Avoiding CRO myths
“Look, if you redesign your grocery store and I can’t find the chicken or checkout clerk I like, I’m shopping somewhere else.” How do you turn clicks into customers without falling for CRO myths? Oliver Kenyon, CEO of ConversionWise, exposes the lazy habits holding Shopify stores back and shares proven strategies to boost sales. It’s all about clarity, problem-solving, and delivering customer value—no gimmicks, just real results. This episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your Shopify store into a revenue machine. Links Oliver Kenyon Oliver's ConversionWise Kurt Elster (Host) Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Boost Filter & Search Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, December 31, 2024
How This Athlete Built a $10M Sock Brand
"I wanted to create a product that could be the yoga pant for the foot." Rob Fraser, former pro cyclist and the founder of Outway, believes socks should do more than cover your feet. Drawing from his background in sport, Fraser has crafted a brand that blends durability with everyday style. In this episode, he shares the unlikely story of how a thousand-dollar loan sparked a $10 million business, tapping into the potential of a $50 billion market. What follows is a lesson in resilience, as Fraser discusses growth, innovation, and the quest to make socks worthy of serious consumer loyalty. Links: Rob Fraser – Founder of Outway, former pro cyclist and Canadian national team member Outway – Rob Fraser's sock brand Shopify – Platform Outway uses for their e-commerce site Shopify Bundles App – Used by Outway for product bundling Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, December 24, 2024
Why Mizzen+Main’s $100M Founder Left to Build a Baby Monitor
Kevin Lavelle’s got a knack for big ideas and starting fresh. First, he took on menswear with Mizzen+Main, bringing performance fabric to dress shirts and making them a hit with pro athletes and office rebels alike. Now he’s back with something new—a baby monitor. Yep, from dress shirts to baby tech. In this episode, he breaks down the whole journey: the wild beginnings, early mistakes, and how he built a brand from scratch, twice. It’s a sharp take on the wins, the losses, and why some ideas just stick around until you finally make them happen. Episode Highlights: How Kevin’s “aha” moment led to Mizzen+Main’s success. The surprising lessons from scaling a DTC menswear brand. Transitioning from clothing to tech: Why Kevin started Harbor. Kevin’s experience with early product mistakes and customer trust. The power of influencer partnerships and wholesale growth. How a Tim Ferriss podcast ad skyrocketed Mizzen+Main’s sales. What it takes to launch a product parents trust with their kids. Mentioned in This Episode Brands & Businesses Mizzen+Main Harbor Shopify Sage 50 Peachtree Epicor ERP Hawk Search Faire People Mentioned Tim Ferriss JJ Watt Phil Mickelson Damon John Simon Sinek Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the Show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Support the show by leaving a review and subscribing What’s Kurt Up To? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store Never Miss an Episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, December 17, 2024
Turning Scratched Lenses into 8 Figures
“We’re doing about 1,500 pairs a day… we’re gonna hit eight figures this year, probably next year for sure.” You know that favorite pair of sunglasses you can’t throw away? Brandon Dill turned that frustration into an 8-figure business. He’s the founder of Fuse Lenses, a brand built on bringing those scratched shades back to life. In this episode, we trace Brandon’s journey from side hustle to scaling a manufacturing business, built on curiosity, ingenuity, and a lot of hustle. But it’s not all smooth sailing—Brandon dives into the realities of cash flow struggles, seasonal peaks, and the surprising challenges of bootstrapping. And as his company grows, he reflects on what success truly means when passion becomes a job. Links Fuse Lenses - Replacement lenses for name-brand sunglasses Brandon Dill - Founder, Fuse Lenses Tech Stack: Shopify - E-commerce platform Klaviyo - Email marketing and SMS platform Attentive - SMS marketing platform Okendo - Reviews and ratings app for e-commerce stores Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Wed, December 11, 2024
Shopify’s New Customer Accounts
Tired of logging into five different portals just to make a return? Shopify says enough. Patrick Millegan joins Kurt Elster to talk about the new customer account extensions, designed to simplify logins, reduce support headaches, and make online shopping enjoyable again. It’s a step forward for UX that proves e-commerce should be easy for everyone. Links Get all the info on what's new: Shopify Editions Winter ’25 More people & links: Patrick Millegan (Senior Product Lead, Shopify) Kurt Elster (Host, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast) Keap Athletics Cleverific Shopify Flow Sufio Upro Shop Pay Hydrogen Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, December 10, 2024
Smart Marketer Live Recap
Mindset, AI, and ghost hunting— Smart Marketer Live wasn’t your typical marketing event. We break down the big ideas that got us thinking (and laughing) in Denver. You'll get an inside look at the conference, featuring attendee interviews that explore themes like artificial intelligence in business, strategic reinvestment, and the evolving role of mindset in small business success. Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, December 03, 2024
Building a Successful Shopify App & Community
Harshdeep Singh Hura didn’t just stumble into the Shopify partner community—he helped build it. In this episode, we meet the first-ever recipient of the Shopify Community Award, whose open-source projects now power nearly 8% of the app ecosystem. Harshdeep shares his 10-year journey, from hacking together iOS apps as a teenager to leading a full-service Shopify agency, and ultimately shifting his focus to empowering developers and merchants alike. We delve into the art of app development—where solving real problems beats engineering perfection—and explore how community, open-source contributions, and a touch of humor shaped Harshdeep’s path. Along the way, we hear tales of triumph, a few bumps in the road, and why one app is designed to show clown emojis to would-be copycats. Listen in for a conversation that goes beyond code to capture the heart of what it means to thrive in the Shopify ecosystem. Links harshdeephura.com Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 26, 2024
10,000 UX Audits Later: How Oddit Boosts Shopify Sales (Without Data or Meetings)
What if you could boost your Shopify sales without relying on data or endless meetings? Oddit's unconventional approach has turned heads—stripping away feedback loops, simplifying designs, and focusing on clarity above all else. Oddit co-founder Shaun Brandt joins to share his experience delivering over 10,000 UX audits, helping brands increase conversions by fixing the basics. 🎯 Episode Highlights: Why Oddit doesn’t rely on data for UX audits and what makes their approach work. The most common mistakes Shopify stores make with navigation and communication. How Shaun’s team has optimized over 10,000 stores using clear, actionable design improvements. Why simplifying the user experience drives more conversions. The anti-agency model Oddit uses and why it’s so effective. How Oddit helps brands increase conversions without endless meetings or feedback loops. The importance of clarity over cleverness in online store design. 👤 About Shaun Brandt: Shaun Brandt is the co-founder of Oddit, a UX design firm known for its unique approach to conversion optimization. With over 10,000 audits under their belt, Oddit helps Shopify merchants strip away the fluff and focus on what really matters: clarity and user experience. Shaun’s team specializes in delivering high-value audits without the typical meetings and feedback loops, offering merchants clear, actionable improvements that drive results. Show Links Oddit Oddit's Free Offer Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 19, 2024
From $800K to $26M: Depesh Mandalia’s Facebook Ads Story
“It’s truly magic. That’s the word I use internally to describe what we’re doing here.” What if you could turn $800K into $26 million in just 18 months—using nothing but Facebook ads? That’s exactly what Depesh Mandalia did. In this episode, he breaks down how he went from figuring out Facebook ads the hard way to running an agency that’s managed over $100 million in client revenue. Depesh doesn’t hold back on the real wins, the messy failures, and the lessons learned from scaling campaigns that most of us can only dream about. We dig into why creative is king, how to survive the iOS 14 apocalypse, and why scaling ads gets easier once you’ve cracked the code. Plus, there’s a surprising ad campaign involving a 1-star review that somehow… worked. Links SM Commerce – Depesh Mandalia’s digital marketing agency. Depesh Mandalia on LinkedIn – Connect with Depesh on LinkedIn. Brand-Driven Performance Marketing Method – Learn more about Depesh’s marketing approach. Lost My Name – The personalized children’s book company Depesh helped scale. Depesh’s Facebook Ads Scaling Guide – Get the inside scoop on scaling with Facebook ads. Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 12, 2024
The Black Friday Email Guide for Real-World Brands
“Honestly, I think my best customers don’t even look at the discounts. They get the email, see the new pants, and just say, ‘I want them.’” Black Friday: the annual marketing frenzy brands prep for all year. Kurt Elster sits down with Colby Kane of Aviator USA, who has a refreshingly different approach. No cringe sales gimmicks, just a smart, no-nonsense plan. Colby shares his early-access tactics, simple email flows, and why staying low-key can outperform loud, constant discounting. They dig into why subtle beats loud, how to run discounts without gutting brand value, and how a straightforward plan is the real power move. If you’re ready for a fresh, real-world approach to Black Friday, this episode’s your blueprint. Links Kurt’s Black Friday Email Planning Google Sheet : A ready-to-use holiday email calendar template Colby Kane (Guest) : Aviator USA Kurt Elster (Host) : Ethercycle Apps, Tools, and Services Mentioned: GovX : Military and first responder discount verification Klaviyo : Email marketing automation Happy Returns : Return management platform Redo (Return management with optional fee for package insurance) Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter
Tue, November 05, 2024
How Downpay Solves Payment Challenges | The Unofficial Shopify Podcast
"I can't stop talking about partial payment, apparently." – Diana Birsan Co-founder of Downpay and former Shopify Product Manager, Diana Birsan, joins us to break down how she built Downpay , the app that lets merchants offer partial payments for pre-orders, custom-made products, and more. It’s a potential game-changer for stores with long lead times and high-ticket items. Diana shares how she made the leap from a stable gig at Shopify to starting her own thing. Want to know how partial payments could boost your sales? This episode has the answers. Links Downpay Follow Diana Birsan on LinkedIn Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 29, 2024
How Shopify Built a Financial Hub to Empower Entrepreneurs
“It’s truly magic. That’s the word I use internally to describe what we’re doing here.” We chat with Vikram Anreddy, Head of Product for Finance at Shopify, about how Shopify is making money management way easier for merchants. Taxes, loans, cash flow—it’s all getting simplified with Shopify Finance, a one-stop shop for all your business finances. Vikram walks us through how this whole idea came about, what problems they’re solving, and what’s next. If managing your money has ever made you want to pull your hair out, this one’s for you. Plus, who knew taxes could be this easy? Links Shopify Bill Pay Shopify Balance Shopify Credit Shopify Capital Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 22, 2024
TikTok Shop Made This Stationary Store Go Viral
“Most brands just send out samples and then it’s done. We go the extra mile that 99% of brands do not do.” Building a multi-million dollar business typically involves more than wedding invitations and viral TikToks. Yet for Josh Hadley, it began precisely there. In this episode, he recounts the evolution of his e-commerce brand, Hadley Designs, from a niche stationery shop to an 8-figure operation navigating the complex terrain of Amazon and Shopify. The conversation with Kurt Elster explores how TikTok Shop became a surprising growth catalyst, offering a modern twist on the age-old challenge of acquiring customers. Hadley’s story offers a glimpse into the future of retail, where scaling hinges on the power of social media and the unpredictability of going viral. Tune in to hear how Josh took viral hits and turned them into a full-blown growth strategy Links Hadley Designs Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast The Seven-Step Process Entrepreneurs Should Use When Hiring New Talent The One Thing Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 15, 2024
PR Strategy for Shopify Stores
“PR is the highest leverage activity, and we’re not taught that because it’s easier to just create a reel and hope it goes viral.” In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we meet Gloria Chou, a PR coach on a mission to break down the barriers of traditional media. Gloria didn’t take the expected path into public relations—she reinvented it. She shares how she went from diplomat to helping small businesses earn coveted media spots in outlets like Forbes and The New York Times, using her unique CPR method for pitching. We explore the quiet power of PR, how to land a spot in a holiday gift guide, and why PR might just be the secret weapon for Shopify entrepreneurs looking to grow. Links Gloria's Gift Guide Gloria Chou: GloriaChouPR.com CPR Method Masterclass: GloriaChouPR.com/masterclass Instagram: @GloriaChouPR Help a Reporter Out (HARO): helpareporter.com Skimlinks: skimlinks.com Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 08, 2024
SHOP CAMPAIGNS: Deep Dive
Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/djnSFyBsB7M We explore Shopify’s latest updates to simplify customer acquisition through its Shop Campaigns tool. Host Kurt Elster talks with Shopify's Andrius Baranauskas, Product Director for Shop Campaigns, Shopify's not-so-secret weapon for getting new customers on autopilot. Later, Nathan Onesian, Director of Ecommerce from melin, and Nick Daniels, Senior Ecommerce Manager, from OluKai spill how Shop Campaigns turned into their secret weapon for scaling fast. Key Takeaways: What is Shop Campaigns and how it simplifies customer acquisition The power of Shop Cash to incentivize purchases New features to win backlapsed customers with incentives on Shop Real-world success stories from top Shopify brands Guests: Andrius Baranauskas , Product Directorat Shopify Nathan Onesian , Director of Ecommerce at melin Nick Daniels , Senior Ecommerce Manager at OluKai Links: Shop Campaigns [Shop Campaigns video] ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rddSHVroIcc ) Shop.app Melin OluKai Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into growing your Shopify store! Sponsors: Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Omnisend: http://your.omnisend.com/Unofficialshopifypodcast Never miss an episode: Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/tusp Join Kurt's newsletter: https://kurtelster.com/ Help the show: Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnofficialShopifyPodcast/ Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/unofficial Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/tusp What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle: https://ethercycle.com/work/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ethercycle Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store: <a
Tue, October 01, 2024
Meet $100M+ Chubbies Co-Founder Kyle Hency
“I’m a builder. I want to be building a team, building an exceptional product, and competing every day.” Kyle Hency had a simple goal: create a brand that speaks authentically to men like him. What started as a fun idea among friends quickly grew into Chubbies, a $100M+ brand known for its short shorts and unapologetic personality. In this episode, Kyle reflects on the early days of experimenting with marketing, the challenges of scaling, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. We explore how he transitioned from building Chubbies to co-founding Loop Returns, and now, his latest venture, GoodDay Software, an ERP solution for Shopify merchants. It’s a journey of reinvention, risk, and relentless pursuit of creating something new—while keeping things fun. Show Links GoodDay Software Chubbies Loop Returns Kyle’s favorite book: That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn and Twitter Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 24, 2024
Top Pickleball Creator's Video Content Strategy
"Our number one best-selling product… it’s called the Dink Master." Enhance Pickleball's Connor Hance shares his incredible journey from college tennis player to the leading content creator and entrepreneur in the fast-growing world of pickleball. 🎯 Episode Highlights: Connor's transition from tennis to pickleball during the pandemic. How Connor’s first product sold over $1,000 a day on Amazon. The viral content strategy that grew his YouTube channel to 100 million views. Building a six-figure business without paid advertising. Insights into product development and scaling an e-commerce brand. Connor’s advice on leveraging social media to drive brand growth. The importance of learning from industry experts and peers. 👤 About Connor Hance: Connor Hance, a former D1 tennis player for UCLA, stumbled into the world of pickleball during the pandemic. What started as a casual interest quickly turned into a thriving business. Today, Connor is known as the #1 content creator in the pickleball community, with his brand Enhance Pickleball dominating both on Amazon and across social media platforms. From his early days taping pickleball courts at his parents’ tennis facility to launching a successful line of pickleball products, Connor’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and smart content strategy. Show Links Enhance Pickleball ViewStats MentorPass Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 17, 2024
How a Reddit Post Led to a $5M Skincare Brand
Hear how Austin Beals hacked his way out of a chronic skin condition to create Dermazen, a skincare brand that’s bringing in $5 million a year. No investors, no BS— just one man’s obsessive quest to relieve his own seborrheic dermatitis symptoms that turned into a product line changing lives. Austin talks about bootstrapping with a small SBA loan, leveraging niche Reddit communities, and the guerilla marketing tactics that propelled his brand into the big leagues. This is the blueprint for turning your personal problems into a game-changing business. Show Links Dermazen r/sebderm Disrupter School Vocal Video Insta: @austinthebeals Insta: @dermazenco SBA Loans Google & YouTube App Shopify Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 10, 2024
Inside the Shadowy World of Returns Fraud
Tackle the increasingly troubling issue of returns fraud in the e-commerce world. As return fraud rises, this once-overlooked issue is now a major concern for online retailers. You'll learn how fraudsters are gaming the system and the wild, often unnoticed, methods they're using to rip off small businesses. Brace yourself for a journey into the less-talked-about side of your shopping cart. Join us as we explore the critical steps needed to combat this growing challenge. Show Links nofraud.com - check out their blog which has resources on return fraud, covering all the different types & prevention strategies Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 03, 2024
Boost Conversions with Build Grow Scale’s CRO Tips
“Most Shopify themes are built by developers to create an online store catalog, not a converting funnel.” In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Kurt Elster talks with Matthew Stafford, the CEO of BuildGrowScale, about finding success in e-commerce. Stafford, who went from selling t-shirts to mastering conversion rate optimization (CRO), shares his journey and offers practical advice for Shopify store owners. He discusses how to boost conversion rates, improve site speed, and create better user experiences. Whether you’re an experienced store owner or just starting out, Stafford’s insights will help you navigate the challenges of online retail and achieve lasting success. Tune in for a mix of compelling stories and actionable tips that can transform your e-commerce business. Show Links BuildGrowScale Microsoft Clarity Lucky Orange Persuasion by Robert Cialdini Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 27, 2024
Goodsellas: Why Movie Spoof Ads are Total Genius
Step into the rebellious side of marketing with this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Molly Pittman from Smart Marketer joins to rip up the rulebook on conventional advertising. We dive into the creation of "Goodsellas," a grassroots, "Goodfellas"-inspired commercial that flips traditional marketing on its head. Their conversation reveals the intricacies of creating a commercial that’s not just a spoof, but a smart, cost-effective marketing strategy. This episode is more than just a behind-the-scenes glimpse; it’s an invitation to reconsider the power and potential of creative thinking in the digital marketplace, challenging listeners to think differently about the intersection of commerce, culture, and creativity. Show Links Goodsellas The Adfather w/ Ezra Firestone Big Lebowski Back to The Future of Paid Ads Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 20, 2024
Insider Tips on Buying & Selling Shopify Stores
"Buying a business is so much faster than building one and so much safer if you buy big enough." Also on YouTube: youtu.be/BuDtoDsC4tA Get the inside scoop on buying and selling Shopify stores from Gregory Elfrink at Empire Flippers. From the highs of a $13 million payday to the lows of emotional burnout, Gregory spills the secrets and dirty truths of the business game. Gregory, with over eight years of experience, shares valuable insights on the benefits of acquiring an established business, essential steps for preparing a store for sale, and key factors influencing business valuation. If you're ready to play big and cash in, this episode is your backstage pass to the raw, unfiltered realities of the e-commerce hustle. Show Links Empire Flippers Empire Flippers Valuation Tool Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 13, 2024
Inside Shopify’s Major Checkout Upgrade
Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fIDw3fvPPgI Unpack the intricacies of Shopify's Checkout Extensibility— a feature poised to revolutionize online commerce. Michael Elmgreen, Shopify's Product Director, discusses the rationale behind this upgrade, enhancing security and streamlining customization. Blake Waldron provides a developer's-eye view of the migration, shedding light on the nuanced challenges and opportunities it presents. Brett Fish navigates the complex terrain of data layer implementation, ensuring that critical marketing integrations remain intact. \ With global commerce evolving, this episode offers a sophisticated look at the future of digital checkouts, where efficiency and innovation converge. Show Links Shopify Help Center: Checkout Extensibility Shopify App: Checkout Blocks (recently acquired by Shopify!) Checkout Extensibility Upgrade Shopify Help Center: Customer Events Convert Digital Checkout Components - They're offering 30% off any plan for 12 months to listeners through that landing page! Tag Hero Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 06, 2024
Building a Sustainable Activewear Brand from Scratch
Reprise Activewear founder Mary Bemis takes us through her incredible journey from launching a Kickstarter campaign to building a sustainable activewear brand that has caught the attention of Self Magazine and The View. She opens up about the gritty realities of bootstrapping—dealing with shady manufacturers, losing thousands, and balancing a day job while building her brand. This episode is a deep dive into the world of sustainable fashion, offering inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference. Listen in to hear how Mary turned her passion for a healthier lifestyle into a thriving business. Show Links Reprise Activewear Functional Fabric Fair Reprise on Kickstarter IG:repriseactivewear IG:@maryb612 Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 30, 2024
The Declining Churn Fallacy
Get ready for a deep dive into what really makes customers stick around or peace out. Professor Daniel McCarthy unravels the myths around churn rates and why a low number isn't always a high-five moment for businesses. If data drives your decisions, this episode is an indispensable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of subscription businesses. Show Links Retention Spreadsheet PPT Deck YouTube Video Series: First Video (One Segment Model) Second Video (Two Segment Model) Third Video (Beta Geometric Model) LinkedIn: Daniel McCarthy Twitter: @d_mccar Churn Fallacy Paper Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 23, 2024
How Dapper Boi is Smashing Fashion's Gender Limits
Vicky Pasche, a Shark Tank alum and co-founder of Dapper Boi, reveals how a personal quest for authenticity led to the creation of a groundbreaking apparel line. Dapper Boi's innovative apparel line challenges traditional fashion norms by offering all-gender, size-inclusive clothing. Vicky discusses her journey from personal struggle to entrepreneurial success, touching on the brand's origins, its pivotal appearance on Shark Tank, and its commitment to fostering inclusivity in fashion. Explore how Dapper Boi has navigated industry challenges and cultivated a loyal customer base through a distinct business model that emphasizes authenticity and body positivity. Join us to understand the impact of socially conscious entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving fashion industry. Tune in to this inspiring episode to grasp how passion and perseverance can revolutionize an industry. Subscribe for more stories of innovation and transformation in the ecommerce world. Show Links Dapper Boi Kickstarter Dapper Boi on Shark Tank Show Her The Money documentary Kiwi Size Chart app Couture Technologies IG:@meet_the_pasches Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 16, 2024
Unlocking Shopify Flow
Unlocking Shopify Flow: Automation Insights with Paul Nuschke & Matti Pihlainen In this bonus episode we dive deep into the world of Shopify Flow with two remarkable guests. Paul Nuschke, the Senior Product Lead at Shopify, and Matti Pihlainen, a successful merchant who implemented Flow at Full Cycle, join us to explore the power of automation in e-commerce. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Shopify Flow: What it is and how it can transform your business. Key features and recent updates in Shopify Flow. Matti Pihlainen's success story with Full Cycle. Practical applications and creative uses of Shopify Flow. Getting started with Shopify Flow: Tips and best practices. Troubleshooting common issues and maximizing Flow’s potential. Future developments and exciting new features in Shopify Flow. About Paul Nuschke: Paul Nuschke is a leading figure at Shopify, responsible for the development and growth of Shopify Flow. With a passion for automation and efficiency, Paul has dedicated his career to creating tools that empower merchants to streamline their operations. Before joining Shopify, Paul had a diverse career in tech, contributing to several groundbreaking projects and innovations. His insights and expertise have made him a sought-after speaker and a respected voice in the e-commerce community. About Matti Pihlainen: Matti Pihlainen is a pioneering merchant and the owner of Full Cycle, a successful bike shop in Ottawa. Matti has creatively leveraged Shopify Flow to automate and optimize various aspects of his business, resulting in significant time savings and operational efficiency. His hands-on experience and innovative approach offer invaluable insights for other merchants looking to harness the power of Shopify Flow. Sponsors Zipify Cleverific If you enjoyed this episode, please review and subscribe for more insights into the world of e-commerce and Shopify. Don’t forget to check out our previous episodes and follow our guests on social media for the latest updates and tips. Additional Resources: Shopify Flow Paul Nuschke on LinkedIn Full Cycle The Unofficial Shopify Podcast
Bonus · Fri, July 12, 2024
Chalet Nursery’s Shopify POS Implementation
Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DcptOEqEACw Join Kurt Elster, host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, as he sits down with Lawson Thalmann, CTO of Chalet Nursery, to discuss how they’ve transformed their family business with Shopify POS. Lawson shares insights into their journey from legacy systems to cutting-edge retail technology. Guest Background: Lawson Thalmann, CTO of Chalet Nursery, has been at the forefront of integrating technology into the family business. Started by his great-grandfather in 1917, Chalet Nursery is a local institution in Wilmette, Illinois. Lawson joined the business officially seven years ago, bringing a tech-savvy approach to retail operations. His first major project was moving their sales online with Shopify, a groundbreaking move for the garden center industry. Lawson’s passion for innovation has kept Chalet Nursery ahead of the curve, from mobile POS systems to advanced UI extensions. Visit Chalet Nursery: chaletnursery.com Shopify POS: shopify.com/pos
Tue, July 09, 2024
Mastering Shopify App Development
Sit down with the insightful Mat De Sousa, a trailblazing Shopify app developer whose creations, Wide Bundle and Wide Review, have generated enviable annual recurring revenues. His story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that flourishes within the Shopify community and serves as inspiration for anyone looking to innovate in this space. Listen in as we explore the art of transforming a simple idea into a thriving Shopify app. By honing in on customer pain points, asking the right questions, and targeting niche markets, we unravel how app developers can create solutions that resonate with users, save time, and conserve resources, all while paving the way for a successful product launch. Show Links Apps by Mat De Sousa Mat's Twitter Mat's LinkedIn Mat's Newsletter Mat's YouTube The Wide Company Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Bonus · Fri, July 05, 2024
Shopify Magic Media Editor
Mary Bemis, the founder of Reprise Activewear, shares her experience using Shopify’s Magic Media Editor and its AI features. Guest Background: Mary Bemis founded Reprise Activewear six years ago, starting with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Her brand focuses on sustainability, using plant-based materials to create high-quality activewear. Despite bootstrapping her business, Mary has grown Reprise into a notable brand in the sustainable fashion industry. She leverages her hands-on approach to handle everything from website building to product fulfillment, making her an exemplary figure for aspiring entrepreneurs. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Shopify's Magic Media Editor and its AI features. How Reprise Activewear transitioned from Kickstarter to Shopify. The impact of the Magic Media Editor on Mary's workflow. Tips and tricks for using the AI tools effectively. The benefits of Shopify's support and educational resources. How the Magic Media Editor saves time and money. Creative uses of AI for ecommerce marketing. Guest Background: Mary Bemis founded Reprise Activewear six years ago, starting with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Her brand focuses on sustainability, using plant-based materials to create high-quality activewear. Despite bootstrapping her business, Mary has grown Reprise into a notable brand in the sustainable fashion industry. She leverages her hands-on approach to handle everything from website building to product fulfillment, making her an exemplary figure for aspiring entrepreneurs. Links: repriseactivewear.com Shopify Magic
Tue, July 02, 2024
Editions.dev 2024 Trip Report
Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mi3iKmZBxRE We’ve got all the highlights from the Shopify Editions.dev conference in Toronto. With exclusive insights from Harley Finkelstein, Shopify's president, we unpack the exciting upcoming updates designed to keep the Shopify intuitive admin interface effortless for all merchants, big and small. Show Links editions.dev Shopify Editions | Summer '24 Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 25, 2024
Is Faire is a Must-Have for Wholesale?
"Faire really helps us connect and buy wholesale merchandise, and it's cheaper than trade shows." Discover how 'FAIRE really helps us connect and buy wholesale merchandise,' as Emily Grey of Flourish Market explains the transformative effects of integrating Faire with Shopify, a B2B platform for retailers to buy products for their shops. Emily offers key insights into pricing strategies and tackles common wholesale challenges. Learn how leveraging Faire can transform your retail business. Tune in for actionable advice on optimizing your e-commerce setup through Faire and Shopify. Show Links Faire Shopify Help Docs: Faire wholesale marketplace Wholesaling to Boutiques: The Podcast Flourish Market emilygreyco.com Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 18, 2024
Affiliate Marketing's New Content Code
Get the inside scoop on how to revolutionize your affiliate content game. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Dive into the strategies that are setting today's affiliate marketers apart from the pack. Forget what you thought you knew about affiliate marketing; it's not just bloggers and review sites anymore. We're talking influencers, social media creators, and yes, even your own customers turning into affiliate powerhouses. Noah breaks down the nuts and bolts of setting up a modern affiliate program. We dive into the mechanics and the mindset needed to turn your customers into your biggest advocates. Think about it: customers who love your brand can now champion it, and get a piece of the pie too. And if you're wondering how TikTok fits into this puzzle, we've got you covered. Noah shares insights on leveraging this platform to manufacture virality through short-form content, a strategy that's as intriguing as it is effective. But wait, there's more. We tackle the nuances of tracking sales, using landing pages effectively, and why engagement with smaller influencers might just be your golden ticket. Tune in to unravel the secrets of modern affiliate marketing and discover how you can turn your e-commerce store into a magnet for both customers and affiliates. Show Links Social Snowball apps.shopify.com/social-snowball Influencer Marketing Guide TikTok Creator Guide Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 11, 2024
Slumberkins: From Craft Fairs to Shark Tank
Also available with video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-qxIqPtAYhE Join us as we explore the journey of Kelly Oriard and Kaylee Christensen, founders of Slumberkins, an emotional wellness brand dedicated to fostering children's self-esteem and mindfulness. Learn how these educators-turned-entrepreneurs brought Bigfoot and Sloth to life and navigated high-stakes environments like Shark Tank and the Silicon Valley Bank crash. Discover how their focus on transparency, authenticity, and community support transformed challenges into opportunities, leading to a TV show with the Jim Henson Company. Tune in to hear their practical strategies for building a resilient brand in the children's market and how they balance creativity and business. Subscribe now for insightful stories and actionable advice. Show Links slumberkins.com Slumberkins on AppleTV The Toys That Made Us Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 04, 2024
Shopify & SEO Tactics
Join us with SEO expert Jason Berkowitz as we dissect e-commerce SEO. We're cutting through the noise of AI content and zeroing in on standout strategies. It's all about making your site visible online, illustrated by a case study on an outdoor sports gear brand. We're not just talking SEO basics; we're giving you actionable strategies for Shopify stores to turn browsers into buyers. We go beyond headings, exploring how articles can drive traffic to products. Plus, we're unpacking the real deal with SEO tools and Shopify's role in e-commerce. Tune in for insights that could transform your digital strategy. Episode Highlights: Jason’s Journey in SEO - From a self-proclaimed SEO weirdo to the founder of Break the Web. Evolution of SEO - How SEO strategies have changed from 2009 to today. Impact of AI on SEO - Navigating the challenges and opportunities AI presents to search engine optimization. Common SEO Frustrations - Addressing the common annoyances and misconceptions in SEO. Effective Keyword Research - Tools and techniques for finding the right keywords. On-Page vs. Off-Page SEO - Understanding the balance and importance of both. Link Building Strategies - Practical tips for earning quality backlinks. Guest Background: Jason Berkowitz has been a prominent figure in the SEO industry since 2009. As the founder and SEO Director of Break the Web, he has helped numerous DTC brands enhance their online presence. Known for his transparent and results-driven approach, Jason has been a trusted advisor to in-house marketing teams, helping them navigate the complexities of SEO. Outside of his professional achievements, Jason is passionate about demystifying SEO and making it accessible to all. Website LinkedIn Twitter -- Additional Resources: Tools Mentioned: Break The Web SEO Agency Screaming Frog Ahrefs SEMrush SiteBulb Moz Statista Google Trends SEO Manager Wiki: The Semantic Web Rich Results Test</a
Tue, May 28, 2024
Buying Over Building a Business
"It's just a hell of a lot easier to optimize a business than to start something from scratch." Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbVh1J1sOEQ Drew Sanocki has a knack for transforming struggling businesses into profitable ventures. In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, host Kurt Elster taps into Drew's extensive experience to uncover the strategies that have driven his success. With over two decades in e-commerce, Drew shares why he often opts to buy businesses rather than starting from scratch. He reveals how this approach allows him to leverage existing assets and customer bases for quick wins and sustainable growth. Drew also gives listeners a peek into the key tactics that have helped him revive and profit from these acquisitions. If you’re looking to shake up your marketing strategy or simply want a fresh perspective on growth, this conversation is for you. Show Links nerdmarketing.com postpilot.com Drew Sanocki Sponsors Zipify Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 21, 2024
Katanas, Candy, & a Billion Views
Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DFUi5Cq8Yuo We're slicing deep into the world of e-commerce with Isaac Medeiros, the man behind MiniKatana and Kanpai Foods. After using TikTok to sell out of his swords, he's become bearish on the platform and gone all in on YouTube Shorts. Isaac's ingenious marketing on YouTube Shorts has racked up a billion views and millions of subscribers. More recently, Isaac has built a manufacturing facility in LA and begun producing his own line of candy called Kanpai Foods. It's a tale of adaptability, understanding market dynamics, and seizing opportunities that others might miss. Get ready to unwrap layers of insights, from viral content creation to the real pains of launching a consumer goods brand. Show Links minikatana.com Kanpai Foods @theisaacmed Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 14, 2024
Glam-Aholic: From Blog to $50M Fashion Brand
Detroit's Mia Ray took her passion for fashion from a blog to a $50M Glam-aholic empire Watch: https://youtu.be/OqGQTRpjuJQ From her roots in Detroit, Mia dishes on turning a passion for fashion into a flourishing lifestyle empire, all while keeping it real and relatable. We dive into the highs and lows of building a brand, the game-changing role of social media, and how staying true to yourself can be your biggest asset in business. Expect unfiltered insights and raw stories from the frontline of building a business against all odds. Show Links Glam-Aholic Lifestyle IG: @miaray Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 07, 2024
The Business of Star Wars Nostalgia
Could you turn your geeky hobby into a thriving business? In this week’s episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we follow Mike Freeman, the mastermind behind Fourth Moon Toys, as he shares his transformative journey from a casual Star Wars collector to the owner of a booming online and retail business. Drawing on his experiences from the early days of internet trading to launching a niche market venture on Shopify, Mike reveals the challenges and triumphs of turning a passionate hobby into a successful enterprise. Tune in to discover how community engagement and a steadfast commitment to authenticity have shaped his business ethos and hear Mike’s insights on the evolving landscape of collectibles. Whether you're a collector, a Star Wars enthusiast, or an entrepreneur at heart, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersections of nostalgia, commerce, and innovation. Key Takeaways Niche Knowledge is Power : Mike's deep understanding of Star Wars collectibles, down to the most minute details, has set Fourth Moon Toys apart in a competitive market. Community Engagement is Crucial : Actively participating in the collector community not only enhances credibility but also fosters a loyal customer base. Authenticity Builds Trust : Rigorous authentication processes ensure that customers receive genuine collectibles, solidifying trust and encouraging repeat business. Flexibility in Business Models : Transitioning from an online-only model to embracing physical retail can open new avenues for growth and customer interaction. Long-term Vision : Like Shopify's approach to business, focusing on long-term relationships and reputation over quick profits is vital for sustainable success. Show Links 4th Moon Toys Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt
Tue, April 30, 2024
Chatbots Aren't Dead: How AI Is Selling Backpacks
We're talking AI chatbots as a top of funnel marketing medium with Recycled Firefighter founder Jake Starr. Jake spills the tea on turning his unique products (recycled firehose American flags!) into a digital sensation earning 20,000 email subscribers monthly, thanks to his new chatty AI sidekick. Dive into the fun and quirky world of Jake's creation 'Josh' the sales bot, and uncover how AI is the secret sauce to customer engagement and skyrocketing sales. It's a blend of old-school crafting meets new-school tech. If you're looking for a new top of funnel strategy to engage prospective customers, this is it. Show Links jakestarr.ai GoHighLevel ManyChat RecycledFirefighter ZappyChat Klaviyo PostScript Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 23, 2024
Streamlining SEO on Shopify
Did you know over 60% of online experiences start with a search engine? In e-commerce, visibility in these search results is crucial for success. This episode dives into SEO Tools & Tactics for Shopify. Joining us is experienced SEO professional Patrick Rice, who shares the strategies and tools he uses with his Shopify clients. We delve into the practical use of tools like SEMrush, Matrixify, and ChatGPT, exploring their impact on online store visibility. Patrick provides valuable insights on selecting the right keywords and effectively optimizing product pages. Tune in to enhance your store's SEO. This conversation is your stepping stone to improved online presence. Show Links Patrick Rice Co. SEMRush Matrixify ChatGPT ChatGPT in Google Sheets™ and Docs™ YouTube: Shopify SEO Tutorial (2024) How To Optimize Your Store With ChatGPT Screaming Frog Sponsors Zipify Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 16, 2024
Quiz Funnel Strategies
What if the simple act of asking your customers the right questions could transform your e-commerce store? From segmenting audiences to personalizing product recommendations, guest Chanti Zak shows how quizzes can do more than just engage—they can drive sales and deepen connections. Join us as we uncover the hidden power of quizzes in the digital marketplace, where every answer can lead to a new discovery about your business and your customers. Show Links ChantiZak.com Octane Interact Jones Road Quizzes Chanti's Quizzes Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 09, 2024
Cashflow Tips from an Ecom CFO
"The financially sound & successful e-commerce businesses are lean as long as they can be. They keep costs down and are just careful." – Matt Putra Unlock the secrets to a more secure financial future with guidance from fractional CFO Matt Putra, whose expertise in cash flow management is a lifeline for e-commerce businesses swimming in unpredictable waters. Together with Matt, we dissect the strategies that can help you avoid cash emergencies and achieve sustainable growth. From negotiating with suppliers like a seasoned diplomat to harnessing the power of financing, we've got your back on the voyage to fiscal stability. Show Links Eightx.co Matt on LinkedIn Lifetimely TripleWhale QuickBooks Outway Socks Kick Further Shopify Capital ClearCo (Clearbanc) Sellers Fi Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 02, 2024
From Code to Craft: Rustic & Main's Rise
When Mike Yarbrough swapped his software development hat for a craftsman's apron to manage carpal tunnel syndrome, he didn't just mend his physical ailments—he forged a new path as an entrepreneur. Rustic & Main sprouted from his love for woodworking, evolving from a garage project into a bustling hub where historic materials are transformed into rings with stories. This episode peels back the curtain on Mike's favorite creations, like the Muir ring and the USS North Carolina battleship teak ring, offering a peek into the soulful process of preserving history through jewelry. As Mike and his wife navigated the choppy waters of business expansion, they discovered that their personal journey mirrored the growth of their brand. From grappling with parking headaches to embracing Lean principles, their small venture expanded its roots, outgrowing the confines of their home and stretching into a full-fledged team. Learn how they dealt with the pandemic's financial whirlwinds, navigated the challenges of working remotely, and kept their marriage strong while steering the Rustic & Main ship through uncharted waters. Stepping into the world of e-commerce and custom development, Mike's tale continues with innovative twists that have shaped the customer experience at Rustic & Main. Discover the woodworking ambiance of their ring-making studio and how non-traditional approaches to jewelry making have disrupted the market. Mike's journey is a testament to the power of ingenuity in craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of a vision that marries rustic charm with entrepreneurial finesse. Join us for this inspiring conversation, chock-full of insights for both aspiring artisans and seasoned business owners alike. Show Links rusticandmain.com The Lean Startup zapier.com EOS Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Finale Inventory Growth Collective Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Cha
Tue, March 26, 2024
How Chubbies Built a Menswear Movement
"We were the luckiest people in the world to be able to do this stuff." Full Video Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fEUf9MTXk4c This week, I'm joined by Preston Rutherford, co-founder of the Chubbies Shorts empire that's been redefining men's fashion with a splash of retro and an avalanche of fun since 2011. Preston, a Stanford grad with a knack for spotting gaps in the fashion world, shares how a simple idea of retro shorts spiraled into a nationwide trend. Preston walks us through the early days of selling shorts right out of a backpack, the evolution of Chubbies' identity, and the power of community in brand building. But it's not all smooth sailing. Preston gets real about the challenges of seasonality in fashion, the pitfalls of over-reliance on direct response marketing, and the emotional rollercoaster of building and selling a brand. So, slip into your favorite shorts, whether it’s the weekend or not, and let's get down to business with Preston Rutherford’s insights. Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories like this. Show Links chubbiesshorts.com loopreturns.com Preston on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 19, 2024
eCommerceFuel Live 2024
In this episode, we're heading to the vibrant and bustling eCommerceFuel Live 2024 in New Orleans. Join me, Kurt Elster, for raw, unscripted conversations with some of the biggest names in eCommerce. Get ready to hear from Brett Curry of OMGcommerce, Elaine Eason at QuietLight, Eulalie Cook from Tadpull, Jimmy Kim of Sendlane, and the incredibly talented copywriter Lianna Patch. We'll also dive into insights with Taylor Holiday from Common Thread Collective, among other notable guests. This episode is all about getting to the heart of eCommerce - the unfiltered, real-world experiences and strategies from those who breathe life into this industry every day. So, tune in and get ready to absorb wisdom and stories that you won't find anywhere else. Highlights: Exclusive, unscripted interviews with eCommerce experts A deep dive into the unpolished, real side of the eCommerce world Insights and stories from top industry professionals Show Links ECF Live Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 12, 2024
Insights for European eCommerce Success
Listen in as we tackle the intricate world of e-commerce internationalization, with a particular focus on the contrasting landscapes between North America and Europe. I'm joined by David Simoas, an expert in the field hailing from the Czech Republic, who shares his rich experience navigating through the complex terrain of culturally diverse European markets. We dissect the ease of conducting e-commerce in the States and how it starkly differs from Europe's language barriers, currency variations, and a maze of regulations that could befuddle even the most seasoned entrepreneurs. Venturing across borders in the digital marketplace brings a slew of unique challenges and solutions that we unravel in our conversation. David and I exchange insights on the necessity of localizing content, from sales messaging to adapting to cultural norms and payment methods that vary from one country to another. We highlight the effectiveness of translation tools and AI in bridging communication gaps, ensuring your online store resonates with international audiences. Whether it's dealing with credit cards, bank transfers, or local payment peculiarities, this chat lays out the essentials for a smooth cross-border e-commerce operation. Rounding off our discussion, we dive into Shopify's journey of capturing the European market amidst strict privacy laws and regional preferences for homegrown digital solutions. David offers a unique perspective on the hesitation surrounding platform adoption like Shopify, sharing strategies to shift the e-commerce mindset in favor of such versatile tools. From the value of local expertise to the surprising impact of marketing budgets, we cover all bases, offering valuable advice to merchants eager to make their mark in Europe's dynamic e-commerce landscape. Join us for a wealth of knowledge and practical tips from the frontline of international digital commerce. Show Links Shopify Translate & Adapt Sounds Good Agency David on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at E
Tue, March 05, 2024
Troop's Mushroom Supplement Success
When the world turned upside down, Jake Mellman and Stephanie Moyal found resilience in an unexpected place: the humble mushroom. Their spirited discussion with us captures the essence of their company, Troop, which crafts delightful functional mushroom gummies. Through their narrative, we learn how the global shift in health consciousness and Jake's personal aftermath of a ski accident converged with Stephanie's entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the birth of a brand that's not just about supplements but about seizing opportunity in the face of adversity. Timestamps (00:00) The Rise of Mushroom Supplements (06:43) From Mushroom Enthusiasts to Business Owners (17:22) Sourcing and Extracting Quality Mushrooms (30:21) Strategies for Shopify Store Success (45:20) Mastering Social Media Marketing and Troop Show Links Troop - Use code UNOFFICIAL20 ReBuy Live Recover Russell Bronson's DotCom Secrets Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 27, 2024
Let's Sell Some Trucker Hats
We take on the challenge of revamping a trucker hat Shopify store from the ground up. Our team member and e-commerce maven, Jessie Goodell, brings her real-world experience managing her ecom brand for outdoor trucker hats to the table. Listen in as we dissect the transition from Amazon to Shopify, and discuss website improvements in a quest for online store over marketplace sales. Stay tuned as we gear up for future episodes where we'll measure the success of our efforts and strategize on lifecycle email marketing and beyond, all while appreciating Jesse's invaluable contributions to this e-commerce adventure. Timestamps (03:43 - 05:03) Rebranding Challenges on Amazon (07:22 - 08:12) Amazon Listing Struggles and Promotions (16:10 - 17:13) Product Variants and Shopify Integration (22:35 - 24:23) Website Homepage Re-Design Suggestions (33:00 - 34:03) Improving Product Listing User Experience (38:54 - 39:56) Maximizing Product Listing Content (42:35 - 43:51) Product Origins and Manufacturing Changes (45:33 - 46:18) Professional Photo Shoot for Content Creation Show Links 44noutdoor.com 44N on Amazon Refresh theme by Shopify The UpFlip Podcast Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 20, 2024
Shopify Themes: Selection & Insider Tips
A Shopify theme is not just about making your store look good... it's the backbone of your customer's shopping experience. There is a lot of functionality baked into it, and as a result, your bottom line may also be tied to which theme you pick. Marcus Seoighe of Clean Canvas, and ex-Senior Theme Partners Manager at Shopify, joins us to unpack how the right theme can elevate customer experience & drive your bottom line. In this episode, we delve into the evolution of Shopify themes & how staying fresh is crucial for your digital storefront. It's a deep dive into what makes themes succeed & how the partnership community at Shopify pushes boundaries for merchants. Chapters: From Shopify to Clean Canvas Themes and Evolution of Platforms Shopify vs. Non-Shopify Themes Limitations and Versatility of Shopify Themes Considerations for Choosing a Premium Theme Exploring Extensibility and Theme Usage Expertise, Products, and a Competition Our conversation isn't just theory; it's loaded with practical advice. From choosing the right theme to understanding premium offerings, we cover the factors that matter most to your e-commerce success. Show Links CleanCanvas Shopify Themes The UpFlip Podcast Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 13, 2024
Sharma's Success Secrets
Nik Sharma, the brains behind Sharma Brands, has gone from freelance hotshot to the head honcho of a major digital agency that's a big deal in the CPG world. Nik walks us through how Sharma Brands evolved, bringing everything in-house. Think of it as a digital shopping mall, where each floor offers a new, top-notch service to boost your brand's online presence. Highlights (00:00) Sharma Brands and the DTC Evolution (08:34) Cutting Through the Noise (16:10) Brand Building and Content Creation (30:18) Retail Sales and DTC Technology (34:44) E-Commerce Strategies and Missed Opportunities (44:10) Learn More About Nick Sharma Nik dishes out his playbook on e-commerce success. He talks about the importance of testing your market, crafting content that clicks, and building a killer team. We explore tech tools that can give your business a leg up, like subscription optimization and creating landing pages that hit the mark. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your digital branding toolkit with insights from a top expert in the field. Show Links Nik's newsletter Sharma Brands Jolie Judy Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 06, 2024
Shopify Editions Winter '24
Join Kurt Elster and a panel of Shopify experts as they delve into the Shopify Editions Winter '24 announcements. Our panelists, including Kim Samuelsen, Jay Larson, and John Festa, break down the latest Shopify features and updates, offering a deep dive into the new 2000 variant limit, combined product listings, B2B enhancements, and the transformative power of AI in e-commerce. These updates are the tools you need to keep your brand ahead of the curve. This episode's a deep dive into all that and more, with insights from folks who really know their stuff. Worth a listen for anyone looking to stay sharp in this space. Show Links Shopify Editions | Winter '24 Half Helix Tomorrow The UpFlip Podcast Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU Intelligems Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 30, 2024
Google Ads Strategies for Shopify
Listen in as Menachem Ani, a Google Ads expert with two decades of experience, joins to explore Google Ads and the current best practices for Shopify merchants seeking to amplify their e-commerce growth. We're talking Performance Max, Demand Gen campaigns, and the nitty-gritty of integrating Google with Shopify. We delve into advanced tactics for segmenting campaigns, the art of crafting killer product titles, and leveraging audience signals to make your ads pop. Chapters (00:00) Google Ads (09:45) Google Performance Max and Demand Generation (17:59) Crowdfunder and Google Ads (25:14) Google Ads and ROI for Success (28:43) Optimizing Google Ads and Customizing Feeds (36:18) Google Ads Tactics and Optimization The future of Google Ads is knocking, with automation and YouTube Shorts taking the front seat. Menachem drops some serious knowledge on feeding the system with data for optimal results and shares tips for conquering the ever-changing landscape of Google Ads. If you're ready to elevate your Google Ads game, this is the episode you don't want to miss. Show Links JXT Group Keyword Planner eCommerce ROAS Calculator Google & YouTube Shopify app Product feed apps Menachem's article on SearchEngineLand JXT's guide to Performance Max linkedin.com/in/menachemani Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Etherc
Tue, January 23, 2024
From Festival Romance to $5M Fashion Brand
Sit down with Donal Breslin from Nomad the Label. This isn't your run-of-the-mill fashion brand story. Picture this: a music festival romance turns into a full-blown e-commerce venture. Donal and his partner Louisa didn't just fall in love; they built a brand around it. Nomad's all about that linen life – think bohemian, think sustainable, think comfort. Chapter Timestamps (00:00) Exploring Nomad the Label's Linen (04:57) Building a Successful Fashion Brand Lessons (18:53) The Importance of Data-Driven E-Commerce Management (31:06) Sustainability and Expansion in International Markets (43:49) Ambitious Growth Plans for Nomad Label Donal walks us through their leap from market stalls to the digital world. Their strategy? Top-notch service, no discounts, all integrity. This team knows their customer and they cater to her with a mix of heartfelt content and sharp business sense. As we wrapped up our chat, it was clear that for Donal and Louisa, it's about more than clothes; it's about crafting a way of life that mirrors the comfort and ease their brand embodies. Listeners with a penchant for fashion, and those curious about turning passion into a thriving business, will find this episode a source of inspiration and a treasure trove of savvy business acumen. Show Links Nomad the Label Loop Returns StoreHero Splice Airrobe Refundid Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 16, 2024
Creating Ads that Connect in the Attention Economy
In this episode, we're getting real with Jacques Spitzer, the advertising guru from Raindrop Agency. He's here to break down how storytelling in ads can do more than just catch your eye – it can open wallets. We're tracing Raindrop's path from its first big win with Dr. Squatch to crafting campaigns for Native. Jacques gets into the brainy side of things, explaining how emotions drive buying decisions and how that can lead to an ad being more memorable than your last birthday party. Chapter Timestamps (00:00) Creating Profit-First Advertising Campaigns (16:16) The Power of Advertising and Authenticity (25:44) Connected TV Ads Potential Understanding (32:02) Evolution of Video Content and Advertising Show Links Raindrop Find Your Why Laundry Sauce Never Split The Difference MNTN Connected TV Jacques on Twitter Jacques on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 09, 2024
How a Firefighter Mastered Marketing
Johnny Hickey, former New York firefighter turned digital marketer, tells us what he's learned jumping into ecommerce in 2018 and learning on the job. He gives us the lowdown on the essentials – focus on user experience and keep your email marketing game strong. He's candid about the ad game too, comparing the heavyweights: Google and Facebook Ads. His advice? Sometimes you need a pro to take a swing at those Facebook Ads. The real deal with Johnny is his approach to learning and adapting. He's all about experimenting and not being afraid to call in the cavalry when things get too technical. For those grappling with Pinterest Ads, TikTok Ads, and the ever-elusive SEO, Johnny's experiences are like finding a lighthouse in a storm. Chapter Timestamps (00:00) Transitioning From Firefighter to E-Commerce Entrepreneur (09:32) Launching a Mask Business in 2020 (19:45) Marketing Strategies and Trade Show Success (26:41) Maximizing Revenue With Email and Facebook (40:11) Frustrations With Google, Pinterest, and TikTok (47:42) Advice and Influence on Shopify Site Show Links Fado Perfect White Tee Four Hour Work Week Sam Baldwin / KeyCommerce FastLane Forum Uptime Traffic Secrets Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt</a
Tue, January 02, 2024
Optimizing Shopify Themes: Redesign or Just Refine?
As we approach 2024, the mantra for every Shopify store owner should be 'Build Better, Grow Faster'. But how do you turn this mantra into reality? Today, we're zeroing in on the theme 'Build a Better Store for 2024'. We're dissecting the critical shifts in e-commerce and how they impact your store's future. With us is Chase Clymer, a Shopify savant from Electric Eye. He's the brains behind successful store transformations and is here to share his playbook for e-commerce excellence. Chase dives into why embracing Shopify Online Store 2.0 is a game-changer, discussing its customization capabilities and how it aligns with consumer expectations in 2024. From conducting thorough code audits to prioritizing user experience, Chase lays out actionable strategies to refine your store. We explore the power of customer feedback and the underrated art of split testing in driving conversions. As 2024 looms, the challenge is clear: innovate or stagnate. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone aiming to build a better Shopify store in the coming year. Hit subscribe for more e-commerce wisdom that will help you lead the pack in 2024. Building a better store starts here. Show Links Electric Eye Agency Honest Ecommerce Podcast Zapier IntelliGems Shoplift Unbound Merino 2Bobs Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel <a href="https:/
Tue, December 26, 2023
Post-Holiday Profit Strategies
Many e-commerce ventures hit a sales dry spell right after the holiday cheers fade. But what if Q1 could be more than just a slump? In today's episode, we're turning conventional wisdom on its head, exploring how Q1's challenges can be flipped into profitable opportunities – welcome to the world of 'Q5'. Our guest expert is Michael Epstein, a seasoned pro in the e-commerce arena with 25 years under his belt. As the strategic brain behind PostPilot, Michael's blend of SaaS savvy, agency acumen, and e-commerce expertise makes him the perfect navigator for today's deep dive. Key Insights: Unveiling how Q1 can be a mini-Christmas for the right products. Mastering the art of juggling operational expenses with profit maximization. A close look at the ever-shifting terrain of e-commerce and how to capture customer interest. The strategic use of Direct Mail in a predominantly digital marketplace. Smart advice for smaller brands on growth trajectory and timing for diversifying marketing efforts. Don't forget to subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, leave a review if you loved the episode, or tell a friend. We appreciate you. Show Links PostPilot USPS Informed Delivery Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 19, 2023
Scaling Skincare: Bushbalm's Rise
In this Unofficial Shopify Podcast episode, we sit down with David Gaylord, the mastermind behind Bushbalm Skincare. From his Shopify days to leading a skincare revolution, David reveals the art of growing a business from its online roots to retail success. He emphasizes the crucial roles of web design and ongoing marketing refinement. David's journey with Bushbalm, Ottawa's fastest-growing company, serves as a playbook for Shopify entrepreneurs, highlighting the virtues of patience and strategic growth in e-commerce. Expect a straight-to-the-point, insightful discussion, tailor-made for those looking to make their mark in the digital marketplace. Show Links https://bushbalm.com/ [ https://bushbalm.ca/pages/ottawas-bushbalm-dragons-den] (Bushbalm on Dragon's Den) https://www.replo.app/ Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 12, 2023
Breaking Down a Black Friday Blowout
Today we're dissecting a Black Friday bonanza. Join us as Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus, a previous guest and a Shopify Plus success story, takes us behind the scenes of their record-breaking Black Friday. With a cool million in a single week, Sean's insights are nothing short of gold dust for anyone in the e-commerce space. Sean reveals the nitty-gritty of their promotional strategies, from tiered discounts to email campaigns, and how they leveraged Shopify's capabilities to maximum effect. We dive deep into the psychology behind consumer discounts, the importance of strategic planning, and how a shift in promotional tactics led to a 40% increase in revenue. Sean's candid sharing of their journey – from a non-promotional stance to a finely-tuned Black Friday strategy – provides invaluable insights. If you're looking to understand the impact of well-crafted promotions and strategic preparation on e-commerce success, this is a must-listen episode. Show Links Shock Surplus Sean's Previous Episode: "Dropshipping $30M in Auto Parts" Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 05, 2023
Inside 2023's Black Friday Surge
Black Friday 2023 wasn't just big – it was record-breaking, with Shopify merchants alone pulling in a whopping $4.1 billion in sales. Dive deep into the Black Friday frenzy, dissecting the data and sharing real-world insights from the Shopify ecosystem. From Adobe Analytics to Shopify's own press release, we cover it all. Key Highlights: The Economic Indicators: We discuss how various reports and our own client data reflect a strong economic trend. The Spending Paradox: Despite economic complaints, real dollar spending is significantly up. We explore this interesting dichotomy. Shopify's Performance: A look into Shopify's platform data, revealing a 22% increase in sales and insights into top-selling countries. Client Case Studies: Insights from our client experiences, including standout performers and the power of strategic platform migration. Marketing Insights: We cover successful Black Friday strategies, including blended ROAS numbers, PPC ad resurgence, and the evolving landscape of online sales. Website Design Discussions: Tackling the perennial debate over homepage carousels and hero images, we propose alternative strategies for effective homepage design. Audience Q&A: Responding to AMA questions from our Facebook group, we discuss customer communication strategies, effective marketing for budget-conscious businesses, and much more. Show Links Shopify merchants drive record-high $9.3 billion in Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales Adobe 2023 Holiday Shopping Trends Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Clean Size Charts: Shopify Size Chart App StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show</h2
Tue, November 28, 2023
Dropshipping $30M in Auto Parts
Imagine scaling a business from $3 million to $30 million in a vertical that's as competitive as it gets. Today's episode is a deep dive into the world of dropshipping automotive parts—a tale of triumph that stretches from the roots of eBay to the heights of a multimillion-dollar business. Joining us is Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus, to tell us how he propelled his brand from modest beginnings to a dropship titan that cornered the market in 2020. We'll unpack the journey of a brand that's not only thrived but dominated, dissecting the blend of tech-savviness, market understanding, and the audacious spirit needed to excel. Sean's story is one of precision growth and the art of capitalizing on market opportunities, from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to mastering the Facebook ad landscape. Expect to gather a trove of actionable advice, from leveraging education as a powerful marketing tool to the nitty-gritty of data management with a product catalog that would make a librarian weep. We'll explore how Shock Surplus has built a robust community by fostering genuine connections with their audience, leading with education, and backing it up with expertise. Hear how authenticity in content creation and customer education has established Shock Surplus as a trusted authority in a niche market. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at scaling an e-commerce business, a must-listen for any entrepreneur aiming for the stars. Hit subscribe, and leave a review if you love what you're hearing. It's about growth, not just in sales but in knowledge. Tune in, turn it up, and take your store to the next level. Show Links shocksurplus.com Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See ou
Tue, November 21, 2023
The Analog Film Entrepreneur
We sit down with Paul McKay, the man behind Analogue Wonderland, who's turning back the clock on photography while keeping his feet firmly in the present. He left a decade-long corporate gig to dive into something more soulful. We’re talking about the allure of analog in a digital world and how Paul is making that magic accessible. We dig into community building, the ins and outs of marketing in this unique niche, and even touch on how AI is tiptoeing into the realm of the retro. It's all about balancing yesterday's tangible joys with today's digital conveniences. Tune in for a trip through the complexities of harmonizing the old with the new. Show Links Analogue Wonderland Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 14, 2023
Gas Monkey's Sweepstakes Strategy
Today's guest is Craig Martens from Gas Monkey Garage, and we're peeling back the layers on the art of sweepstakes marketing. Craig shares the blueprint for running these promotions legally and their surprising effect on business growth. He talks customer engagement, conversion secrets, and positions sweepstakes as a potential game-changer for your online store. Packed with real scenarios and savvy advice, this is a conversation that cuts through the noise of typical marketing chatter. Show Links Gas Monkey Garage SharedSweeps ViralSweep Fast N' Loud Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics. Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 07, 2023
Riding Vinyl's Revival
We're diving deep into the vinyl revival with Mark Poppen, the man behind Funky Moose Records. If you've ever wondered why vinyl records are outselling CDs or how to make a dent in the eCommerce world, this chat's for you. Mark shares how he rode the wave of vinyl's resurgence and built an eCommerce empire. We delve into the nitty-gritty—from SEO tactics to dealing with suppliers and why sometimes, you've got to trust your gut over the data. Mark even spills the beans on how he navigated a near-crisis with a key distributor. It's a laid-back chat with serious insights. Don't miss it. Show Links funkymooserecords.ca storehero.ai The Sit Down Podcast MooseFest Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 31, 2023
From Shopify to Store Owner
Imagine spending eight years shaping products inside Shopify's hallowed halls, only to step out and run your own store. That's Daniel Patricio's story. He left Shopify start his own store, Bull and Cleaver. But here’s the twist— Daniel's journey took an unexpected detour when Apple's iOS 14 update shook the landscape. Together, we'll explore this new conversion rate normal, take a sneak peek into the future of online storefronts, and share some insider tips. Show Links Bull & Cleaver Abra Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 24, 2023
News, Q&A, & Pro Tips
New episode this week and its a fun one. Listener-favorite Paul Reda is back in the co-host chair, always spicy. We’re kicking off with some fresh-off-the-press news and updates in the Shopify world. Then, we'll let you in on what we've been working on. Got questions? Good, because we're diving into a Listener Q&A segment where we answer your questions. Throughout, we're handing you some practical Black Friday advice. Show Links Montana Knife Company Triple 60 Navage @ShopifySupport tweet Ethercycle Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 17, 2023
Product Pre-Launch Planning
In this episode, Kurt Elster sits down with Vance, a crowdfunding expert, to explore the strategies behind successful Kickstarter campaigns. From understanding your target audience to refining your product presentation, Vance's advice is a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're new to crowdfunding or already running a Shopify store, this conversation will inspire you to take your ideas to the next level. Join the crowdfunding adventure now and learn the secrets to launching with confidence! Show Links Launch Accelerated Blueprint (Course by Vance) Kickstarter Indiegogo Crowdfunder Content-Based Networking (Book by James Carbary) Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 10, 2023
Q4 Holiday Promo Playbook
As the year winds down, pumpkin spice aromas fill the air and holiday sales are everywhere. So, how do companies make the most of this bustling season? Molly Pittman, CEO of SmartMarketer, joins us to unravel the complexities of holiday marketing. She explains why the fourth quarter, or Q4, is both a golden opportunity and a challenging time for businesses. Molly walks us through a detailed plan that starts with pre-Black Friday strategies and goes all the way to New Year's resolutions. The key takeaway? With solid planning, focused efforts, and a touch of creativity, the holiday season can be extremely profitable for your business. Show Links Brands and apps mentioned: Smart Marketer Shopify Boom! Hoonigan Easy Gift app Shopify Product Bundles Viral Sweep Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 03, 2023
The Email Automation Blueprint
What makes a store more than a marketplace but a community? The answer might be sitting in your inbox. With insights from Laura Palladino, we explore how the right email strategy can turn one-time buyers into lifelong customers. In this episode, we demystify the elements that make an email campaign truly resonate. Show Links Smart Marketer Courses BOOM oVertone Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 26, 2023
The Candy Hackers
Today, we step into the world of Adama Nesil, the creator of Candy Hackers. In a landscape dominated by sugary, processed treats, Adama has managed to carve a niche with gluten-free and dairy-free candies. But this is more than a story of culinary innovation. It’s about how a mother turned dietary restrictions into an advantage, capturing not just the palate but also the imagination of her audience. From her modest kitchen to TikTok fame and even to the corridors of a renowned UK chocolate factory, this episode explores the sweet blend of creativity, resilience, and smart business. Show Links candyhackers.com Crowdfunder Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 19, 2023
Ask Us Anything
Also on YouTube: youtu.be/LZlbfPiEYYY This week, Kurt and Paul tackle a series of questions from real Shopify merchants. The specter of Black Friday is upon us, but the message is clear: prepare, don't panic. The conversation shifts to the pros and cons of one-page checkouts and dives deep into the world of Google Analytics. If you're an international seller, the topic of duties and taxes will be of particular interest. And for the bootstrappers out there, the episode closes with indispensable advice on growing without a hefty ad budget. Show Links Google Sales Channel Elevar Duties and import taxes DHL Duty and Tax Calculator Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 12, 2023
Decoding Effective PPC Ads
Jessie Healy Spent $20 Million on Digital ads, Here's What's Working In 2023 Sit down with Jessie Healy, a digital advertising veteran with a focus on e-commerce. Jessie, whose agency oversees $20 million in digital advertising, discusses the subtle art of crafting an ad that resonates. She also offers a nuanced perspective on the role of algorithms, the pitfalls of over-optimization, and why a one-size-fits-all approach to advertising doesn't work. But she also brings something more: an understanding that behind every click, every metric, there's a human making a choice. It's a conversation that goes beyond tactics to explore what really makes consumers click, literally and metaphorically. Show Links Webtopia Jessie on LinkedIn Jessie on Twitter Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 05, 2023
Salty Britches
In today's episode, we meet Amy Tucker, the founder of Salty Britches, a skin care line. Amy begins her journey with a straightforward aim: to make her son's ocean trips enjoyable and chafe-free. As we follow her from her kitchen to scaling challenges and Shopify dashboards, we see how solving a simple problem can take unexpected turns. Fast forward, and she's navigating the complexities of co-packers, military contracts, and even winter skin relief. This episode isn't just a lesson in entrepreneurship; it's about the intricacies of human need, the power of relationships, the surprising pathways of invention, and the unanticipated lessons you learn along the way. Show Links Salty Britches McKevlin's Surf Shop James Lawrence (Iron Cowboy) LegalZoom Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 29, 2023
Profit, Contribution Margin, & Growth
What's behind the profit margin? Kurt Elster and Thomas Gleeson take a reflective look at e-commerce, dissecting common mistakes and revealing the path to understanding real profits. It's a conversation about numbers, but also about strategy, innovation, and the road to success. A must-listen for those seeking clarity on calculating profits. Show Links Store Hero - Unofficial Shopify Podcast listeners get a 20% discount and monthly calls for 3 months with the founders. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Not on Shopify? Start your free trial Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 22, 2023
Mastering ManyChat Marketing
Today on the show, a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of chatbots. Kurt Elster sits down with Liziana Carter, navigating through the winding lanes of ManyChat's storied past, from its 24-hour glory days to its more restrained present. But beyond the tech, there's a bigger question: In a world racing towards automation, where does the human touch fit? And how do you strike the balance between the convenience of a bot and the nuance of a human? Plus, some sound advice for anyone wading into these digital waters. This is a story of technology, of change, and, most importantly, of finding the human in the machine. Show Links GROW AI LinkedIn Dialogflow Klaviyo Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 15, 2023
Profit Over Panic: Braxley's Comeback Story
See it on YouTube: youtu.be/cQXHEJOPgfc Ever wondered how an accidental idea can morph into a thriving business? To find out, we're thrilled to have Braxton Manley, the innovative founder of Braxley Bands, sharing his entrepreneurial journey with us today. Braxton unfolds his unique journey from repurposing socks into Apple watch bands to establishing a successful DTC brand. He delves into his evolving product design philosophy, his knack for enhancing perceived product value, his approach to brand collaborations, and his exciting future plans. If you found Braxton's journey inspiring and enlightening, hit the subscribe button to never miss an episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Stay tuned, stay inspired! Show Links braxley.co Peace. Love. Hormones. Chisel Gum apps.shopify.com/tiktok Sendlane Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 08, 2023
Shopify Editions Summer ’23
Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ioGVduoPnPM Every six months, like clockwork, Shopify unveils its latest offerings. This summer's Shopify Edition is here, brimming with innovative features designed to help businesses of all sizes thrive. Join us as we unpack the contents of the latest Shopify Edition, a biannual event that showcases Shopify's latest and greatest features. We'll discuss how Shopify is expanding subscriptions access, facilitating product bundling, and more. Tune in as we untangle the threads of the latest Shopify narrative. Show Links Shopify Editions Summer ’23 Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 01, 2023
Creating Profitable Influencer Relationships
Ever wondered how to make the most of influencer partnerships without breaking the bank? Tomer Hen, founder of Switch Supplements and a recognized Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, has the answers. Uncover the power of product seeding and how to build authentic partnerships with influencers, even on a budget. Learn the art of engaging influencers with value-driven offerings, rather than cash payments. Tomer's expert advice will guide you through the process of identifying the right influencers for your brand and fostering lasting connections. Discover the secrets behind turning influencer love into real revenue, and get ready to revolutionize your approach to influencer marketing. For more tips and strategies from industry leaders, subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast today. Show Links Switch Supplements Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 25, 2023
Optimizing Price for Profits
Video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ISSTJFIUd8w Get ready to unlock the secrets of pricing optimization with data enthusiast and serial entrepreneur, Byron Myers. This episode delves into Byron's journey to transform e-commerce businesses by harnessing the power of data-driven pricing strategies. From understanding price elasticity to navigating segmented pricing, Byron lays out the steps to boost profitability. He also takes us behind the scenes of his wildly successful venture, GlimmerWish, purveyors of mermaid and unicorn themed hair care. Hungry for more insights into business growth and success? Don't wait, subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast today and step into the future of ecommerce. Show Links GlimmerWish profitprofessor.io - 50% discount, use code KURT Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 18, 2023
A Tennis Pro Turned Bag Entrepreneur
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rM2dQwDZe5U We talk with Jack Oswald, a former professional tennis player turned entrepreneur. Oswald speaks candidly about designing a better sports bag, leveraging customer feedback and in-person interactions to improve the product. He highlights the effectiveness of short story videos, quizzes, and personal customer interactions in driving sales. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their product design, customer engagement, and sales strategy. Show Links canchabags.com - Use code TECHNASTY15 IndieGoGo: The Cancha Bag Tolstoy Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 11, 2023
Mic Drop: JZ Mic's Marketing Masterclass
Youtube Interview: https://youtu.be/ZOxFs99yHuA Ever wondered how to grow a niche brand into a global force? On this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we hear from Andris Zemmers, marketing director at JZ Microphones about the success their high-ticket product lines have seen in 10 countries. Dive into the strategies that drove JZ's growth - from lead magnets to audience targeting, email sequences, and more. Hear how strategic partnerships with influencers, personalized customer service, and new product lines are propelling JZ further in their industry. Don't miss out on this episode for practical tips and a relatable experience. Show Links JZ Microphones Andris' YouTube Channel Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 04, 2023
Shopify Subscription App Selection
Jump into the sea of subscription apps with the guidance of our guest Andriy Rudnyk. He breaks down the common mistakes when picking an app and forecasts the future of subscription apps. Plus, discover his number one advice for growing your subscription business – it’s all about your most valuable subscribers. Tune in and boost your business strategy. In this episode, we'll cover: Picking the right subscription app among a sea of choices. When to consider a subscription program for your product. The evolution of legacy subscriptions apps like Recharge and Bold Commerce. The top-rated subscribe-and-save apps. The future of the subscription app market. Show Links GSA Best Starters: Timo , Subify , Ongoing Subscriptions Best Subscribe & Save: Loop , Stay.ai , Skio Best Build a box: Awtomic App Store: Good Subscription Optimizer Andriy on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Elevar - Never miss another conversion with Elevar’s server-side tracking. Enhance Klaviyo flow performance 2-3x. Plans from $0 a month + 15-day free trials on all plans. Theme Updater Plus: Vault - Effortlessly back up and quickly restore your Shopify Store Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Su
Tue, June 27, 2023
Making the World's First Creatine Gummy
One life-changing realization transformed him from a SpaceX employee to a pioneering entrepreneur… We have Dylan Menter, the brain behind Bear Balanced and the world's first Creatine gummies, on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast this week. Dylan recounts his unusual path to entrepreneurship, highlighting how determination and self-teaching led to the mastery of Google Ads. He also provides valuable insights into harnessing the right resources, maximizing outputs with minimum input, and his plans for breaking into the retail market. To learn more about Dylan's entrepreneurial journey and gain actionable business advice, subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. See the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QVNS5G3M4yA Additional Resources Bear Balanced Pickle Power USPTO Solutions 8 YouTube = Google Ads tutorials Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 20, 2023
Mastering Kickstarter for Product Launches
Delve into the world of Kickstarter and learn how Shopify merchants can use it to launch products and build an audience. Khierstyn Ross, Chief Brand Builder at Launch and Scale, joins us to explain... TIMESTAMPS [00:03:40] Kickstarter: Crowdfunding for new product inventory. [00:07:06] Knockoffs are a real online threat. [00:12:49] Kickstarter helps launch and boost audience reach. [00:16:50] Storytelling justifies crowdfunding to existing customers. [00:19:43] Pre-launch: build audience for Kickstarter success. [00:23:33] Paid ads lead to qualified email list. VIP funnel. [00:27:36] Preparing for launch by herding customers. [00:33:41] Over communicate to avoid Kickstarter campaign errors. Show Links launchandscale.co Kickstarter Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 13, 2023
Unraveling eCommerce Accounting for Shopify Merchants
Join us on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast as eCommerce accounting expert Wayne Richard shares financial strategies for Shopify store owners. Learn common mistakes, efficiency metrics, sales tax nexus complexities, and money-saving tips. Wayne also advises on choosing the right accountant and emphasizes the importance of setting aside profits for unforeseen expenses. Supercharge your store's finances with insights from Wayne Richard in this accounting-packed episode! Show Links Bean Ninjas Bench (Referral Link) Gusto a2x ecommercefuel Profit First Wayne on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 06, 2023
Secrets from a $100M Ecom Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Nick Mertz on Challenges of E-commerce, In-House Operations, and Hiring the Right People. Today's episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast brings you Nick Mertz, the reclusive yet unstoppable e-commerce juggernaut behind $100 million in revenue. This unstoppable entrepreneur has generated over $100 million in revenue with ventures like Rugged Apparel, Adam's Polishes, and Pins & Aces. How does he do it? Discover his strategies for hiring, in-house operations, and mastering growth. Timestamped overview [00:01:21} Podcast featuring successful e-com entrepreneur Nick, discussing challenges and successful ventures, including Leno's Garage. [00:04:38} Started e-com business in college selling survival bracelets, sold it after a few years. [00:08:59} Starting an e-commerce business does not require a lot of money. Differentiation is key to success in a competitive market. Validating the idea is important before starting. [00:12:21} Stick with it, have grit, and don't expect overnight success. One mannequin company survived the 2008 recession while 90% of competitors went out of business. Some products have TikTok booms, but persistence is necessary to turn it into a business. [00:13:50} Two successful products: beer sleeve and liquor stick, with a focus on innovation and marketing. Dealing with copycats involves legal action. [00:20:39} Small brand collab with Bud Light - no license, no royalty, just make cool stuff and use it. Unlimited beer sent. Those brand collabs legitimized the brand leading to other collabs. Some licensed stuff, like NCAA. [00:24:38} Starting as a side project, Pins and Aces grew to become a real business by hiring key people while maintaining a fun culture. Hiring slowly and firing quickly is important for building a strong team. [00:27:19} Employees have equity in the company and a bonus program; giving opportunities for growth leads to retention. [00:33:55} DIY approach has drawbacks like lost packages, missing inventory, shipping wrong item, but offers personal touch and control over shipping experience. [00:38:58} New products, collaborations, growing brands, relaunching Hooga Lab, and moving to a new building. [00:41:33} Stay focused on your product and niche, even if it doesn't sell immediately. Grinding it out for at least 6 months can lead to success. Show Links Pins & Aces ADAM's Blue Ocean Strategy NASA Regulations for Merchandising Requests Sponsors <
Tue, May 30, 2023
News & Updates: May 2023
We discuss a range of topics from technical problem-solving to the impact of AI and automation. We explore how to enhance your ecommerce business with alternative strategies such as live shopping, and Shopify's new performance-boosting URL change. We also dive into the use of Chat GPT for writing and the importance of domain names in the present-day landscape. Tune in to gain insights on how to improve your online store and stay up-to-date with the latest ecommerce trends. TIMESTAMPS [00:04:46] Exploring the relevance of.com domain names [00:15:00] Shopify Changing URL Strategy for Faster Loading [00:21:53] ChatGPT struggles to accurately determine month-end dates [00:25:47] Uncovering the Syntax of ChatGPT [00:31:57] Facebook's New Shopping Rules [00:37:18] Unconventional E-commerce Strategies Show Links Shopify's Free Domain Name Generator & Ideas ICANN Shopify: Changes to Asset URLs ChatGPT Jasper TechCrunch: Instagram and Facebook will force their checkout experience on Shops soon PostPilot Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel <a href=
Tue, May 23, 2023
The Magic of Forever Transactions
Explore the world of subscription models and their potential pitfalls. From losing profits from your best customers switching to the subscription model to ensuring that customers are not abusing the service, we discuss how experimentation and testing is needed to find the ideal customer and mitigate these risks. We also look at how retention strategies, market research, and ease of cancellations play a key role in the success of subscription-based businesses. Featuring expert advice on how to match customer goals with added value offerings, set expectations, and price effectively, this episode offers invaluable insights for all business owners. We also take a deep dive into Netflix's customer-centric approach and how their focus on retention is crucial to their success. Tune in to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and create meaningful recurring revenue. Timestamps [00:03:24] The Customer Centricity of Netflix [00:06:31] "The Importance of Easy Subscription Cancellations" [00:12:15] "LinkedIn: Connecting Across Generations and Industries" [00:20:50] "Keeping it simple: Avoiding subscription pitfalls" [00:25:27] "Unlocking the Benefits of Subscriptions - Coffee, Wine, Seltzer" [00:29:26] Maximizing Retention Rates for Subscription Services [00:37:00] "Expert Tips for Testing Subscription Models" [00:40:09] "Small Businesses' Advantage: Knowing Customers for Success" Show Links robbiekellmanbaxter.com linkedin/robbiekellmanbaxter Book: The Forever Transaction Book: The Membership Economy Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review
Tue, May 16, 2023
Crowdsourcing the Future of Lab Gear
Get ready to put on your lab coat and nerd out with the founder and CEO of Genius Lab Gear, Derek Miller, on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Derek spills the beans on his journey from making stickers to creating the world's best lab coat. But that's not all - he's taking a unique approach to launching his latest product by crowdsourcing the design and crowdfunding the manufacturing of lab coats with his community of fans. and creating a carbon-neutral with Shopify Planet. So grab your pipettes and get ready to learn this proven pre-order launch process. Show Links geniuslabgear.com GLG's Lab Coat Project free SEM Rush course Derek followed Crowdfunder: Pre‑Order Promos PollUnit poll maker Superfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, And Build a Successful Business Shopify Planet Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 09, 2023
Happy Bulge: Swimming Through The Waves of Success
On this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Kurt Elster speaks to Jeremy Bradley, the founder of Happy Bulge Swim Co. Jeremy started his company in April 2019 and by August 2020 was pivoting to e-commerce due to global shutdowns cancelling events. With tongue-in-cheek puns and wordplay, Jeremy recounts his journey from radio host in Hollywood, to bestselling author, and now successful clothing business owner. He shares strategies for success such as appreciation for customers and content creation with focus on seasonality and being reactive. Other topics discussed include customer conversions, creativity and experimentation, understanding one's audience, and more. Tune into this episode to get all the details about Jeremy's journey with Happy Bulge! Show Links Happy Bulge Swim co. Buff Boy Brewing Co. @happybulge Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 02, 2023
Sustainable Shopping through Advocate Apparel
Join host Kurt Elster and his guest, Dr. Patrick Rynne, for an episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Dr. Rynne is the founder of Waterlust—a brand that creates “advocate apparel” like UV-protective leggings and rash guards. Plus, their collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants celebrates Paramount's sustainability efforts while honoring Stephen Hillenberg’s legacy as a marine science educator. Hear what Dr. Rynne has to say about sustainable fashion, incremental improvement approaches, product traceability and carbon neutrality. Find out why transparency and customer education are so important to Waterlust—and how they use Shopify to empower their mission. Tune into this inspiring episode now. Show Links Waterlust Eco Enclose Shopify Planet app Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 25, 2023
Ride Your Ride
Listen in as Kurt Elster catches up with Brian De Groodt about his inspiring journey creating an innovative line of personalized custom cycling components for cyclists all around the world. Hear the story of how Dispatch was born after an investment in a bicycle frame manufacturer (Siren Bicycles) and get tips on key strategies that this solo founder uses. Show Links dispatch.bike use code TECHNASTY15 Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 18, 2023
From Edible Cookie Dough to Ecommerce Success
Sit down with Erica Rankin, the founder and CEO of Bro Dough, a plant-based, protein-infused, edible cookie dough company based out of Canada. Erica shares her journey from launching Bro Dough in 2019 to growing her following across multiple platforms to over 260K. As a successful ecommerce entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, Erica also offers insights into navigating food manufacturing challenges and the importance of having a good manufacturing partner. Show Links brodough.ca growwitherica.com Erica on LinkedIn TikTok/@brodoughcanada Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 11, 2023
Captivate the Right Customers
In this episode, we discuss how to unlock lower acquisition costs, retention, and profitability by captivating the right type of customers. Scott Cunningham shares his five-part offer stack formula for Shopify merchants. Learn how to understand your customer, use hooks to grab attention, create a relatable narrative, differentiate with brand attributes, and craft a value proposition that converts leads into loyal customers. Listen in as Scott offers insights gained from managing millions of dollars in digital advertising spend and driving 20-40% of all sales through email marketing. Show Links [ https://www.sociallite.ca/] (Social Lite) Merchant Mastery Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 04, 2023
Unlocking the Power of Customer Lifetime Value
Ecom Businesses often rely on Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) to stay profitable, but the correct formula can be hard to calculate. Fear not! Mr. Daniel McCarthy is here with his expertise in statistical methodology and contemporary empirical marketing problems - which he published extensively on – ready to share why CLTV needs special attention from businesses and how they should go about doing it right. Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime by learning more from an accomplished academic who's taken home numerous awards for research excellence. Show Links Dan's youtube Dan's spreadsheet Business Insider Theta Theta Blog Emory Course Dan's website Dan's twitter Dan's linkedin Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 28, 2023
Shopify Editions: NEW Online Store Features
Tune into The Unofficial Shopify Podcast for all the goods on the biggest updates and features coming to Shopify. From one-page checkout to AI integration to quality of life improvements, they'll tell you which ones are worth paying attention to stay ahead of the competition. Checkout Enhancements & One Page Option Shop Promise & Expected Delivery Dates AI-integrated Shopify Magic Meta Objects & Quality of Life Improvements and more! Show Links Shopify Editions | Winter ’23 Shopify Checkout Shopify Supply Checkout Extensibility Shop Promise badge Shop App Chatbot demo Introducing AI-Generated Product Descriptions Powered by Shopify Magic Search & Discovery Metaobjects Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 21, 2023
Building a Viral Fashion Accessory: The Ponyback Hat
Have you heard about the revolutionary Ponyback Hat? Tune in to this episode to hear from its founder, Stacey Keller, about the inspiration behind this innovative fashion accessory and how it went viral on social media. Building a successful business involves more than just having a great product idea – it requires navigating manufacturing and marketing challenges too. Discover how she turned her idea into a viral sensation and built a community-driven brand and why it has become so popular among fashion-savvy consumers. Show Links ponybackhats.com tiktok.com/@ponyback instagram.com/ponybackstyle Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 14, 2023
Making Social Media Magic with Disney Dan's Proven Approach
Sit down with YouTube content creator Dan Becker (AKA Disney Dan) to discuss the power of storytelling in content marketing, tips for creating engaging social media content, and how to build a strong personal brand that resonates with your audience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your content marketing strategy to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples from someone who's been there, and grown YouTube channel to 300K subscribers. Show Links Youtube/@DistoryDan TikTok/@disneydanyoutube DisneyDan's LinkTree Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 07, 2023
Lume Cube's Journey
Join us as we explore how Lume Cube became the leading brand in personal lighting for creators and innovators. Though COVID-19 hit them hard, their team was able to quickly adapt and increase demand for their products. By 2021, Lume Cube was reaching sales milestones of $5 million/month. Riley Stricklin, the Co-Founder & CEO behind this success story joins us on this episode to discuss how they innovated and invested to become an 8-figure empire. Tune into hear their inspiring story and get ready to level up your content creating game. Show Links LumeCube 20% off with code UNOFFICIAL (good until May 1st 2023) Cordless Ring Light Pro LumeCube Kickstarter (2014) Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 28, 2023
Top-Converting Landing Pages
Creating Shopify landing pages is essential to success as an online store. In this episode, you'll learn how to create pages that look great and help you boost your return on advertising spend (ROAS). You can only tweak ad creative in Business Manager for so long before you're rearranging deck chairs on the titanic. Landing pages are key - today we've got someone who's built 300 of them and he's going to talk us through it all. Logan Grasby is The Director of Product at Appstle and the Co-founder of Conversion Pages. Logan has deep ecommerce experience from building a Shopify brand from the ground up, to scaling a Shopify Plus brand to 8 figures as the Ecommerce Lead at Inspired Go. In 2022 he founded Conversion Pages which has built over 300 landing pages for ecommerce brands to date. Show Links Conversion Pages - $500 off your first landing page with Conversion Pages Webflow Clarity @logangrasby Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 21, 2023
Twitter for Entrepreneurs: How to Grow Your Network
"Twitter is like the sweatpants of social media." Twitter can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, but not in the same way as other social media platforms. In this episode, you'll hear how to grow your network and make the most of Twitter's potential as an entrepreneur. We're joined by JK Molina. After successfully exiting his SaaS Tweet Hunter for $1.4 million dollars, he now coaches people on how to monetize their Twitter audience. Show Links Tweet Hunter @OneJKMolina @kurtinc Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 14, 2023
SELLING ART ONLINE: How Jon Chase Built a Career
Get your creative juices flowing this week on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast with Jon Chase: master artist & online entrepreneur. From his roots with Famous Stars & Straps to becoming art director for HOONIGAN and now back selling art again with Shopify, Jon has an inspiring story about how he built a career out of creativity. Show Links jonchasestudios.com instagram.com/jchase7452 Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 07, 2023
Ask Me Anything: January '23
In this AMA episode, we're tackling your listener questions. Learn our insights on ChatGPT and get an inside look at what questions you should be asking yourself come 2023. We'll also give tips on how window shoppers can join your email list as well as provide advice if you've been thinking about migrating from WordPress to Shopify. Plus- are Shopify Functions a yes or no for us? Tune-in this week and find out all that plus more! Show Links NYT: Ken Block, Rally Driver and YouTube Stuntman, Dies at 55 Jasper - AI Copywriter Shopify Functions overview Facebook Group: Unofficial Shopify Podcast Insiders Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 31, 2023
How Merci Handy's Gone Global with Shopify and Stranger Things
Interview with Louis Marty, co-founder and CEO of Merci Handy. In this episode, Louis discusses his experience building and growing a successful eCommerce business overseas, before expanding into North America. He shares his journey from building a custom website and creating a viral video, to discovering Shopify and eventually making the switch. Louis also discusses the challenges he faced along the way, and how he ultimately overcame them to achieve success. Show Links Merci Handy US Drop - Instagram Automation Louis on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 24, 2023
Why Your Personal Brand Matters (And How To Build One)
"Personal branding leads the right people to you." This episode is all about PERSONAL BRANDING FOR ENTREPRENEURS. To discuss it, we're joined by Sigute Zitikyte. Sigute is a personal brand and business coach who believes that being multi passionate is your superpower. She's been doing this over a decade, helping mission driven companies, including Shopify, expand their reach through partnerships and community. She's now on a mission to empower ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs through personal branding. Show Links Sigute's Newsletter SiguteZitikyte.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 17, 2023
Maximizing Retention: Tactics for Reducing Subscription Churn
In this episode, we discuss the subscription business model and how to make it successful on Shopify. Our guest is Andriy Rudnyk, founder of Good Subscription Agency, who shares his insights on common mistakes brands make with subscriptions, the difference between good and bad subscription strategies, and advanced tactics for boosting subscriber conversions and reducing churn. We also discuss the growth of subscription businesses in eCommerce and the lessons that can be learned from the SaaS industry. Show Links Good Subscription Agency - Get $595 off your first month with GSA. SUBTA The Forever Transaction Cheese Grotto Awtomic Skio Rodeo Smartrr Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 10, 2023
How an Iconic Flask Revived an 1890s Housewares Brand Online
Our guest today acquired a business, grew it from $90,000 in sales to $2 million, and created a category selling luxury flasks in the process. We're joined by CEO of Jacob Bromwell, Sean Bandawat the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of luxury flasks and kitchenware, established in 1819. GUEST BIO: Sean Bandawat is a second generation entrepreneur and real estate investor. Mr. Bandawat embarked on his business career by acquiring Jacob Bromwell®, an iconic home goods company nationally recognized as the oldest housewares manufacturer in the United States, founded in 1819. The revival of the Jacob Bromwell® brand began in college when he developed a business plan that set out to completely transform and revitalize the troubled company which was once a household name. His bold turnaround plan proved successful, and in 2020 Jacob Bromwell® was recognized by Shopify as being in the top 1% of its highest growth e-commerce retail stores. Additionally, since his acquisition, Jacob Bromwell® has received global media attention in nearly every major news publication, including Inc., The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Martha Stewart Living, Esquire, People, and more. Show Links jacobbromwell.com - Use code KURT Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 03, 2023
How a Subscription Box Biz Got a Netflix Show
We all love subscriptions, the allure of recurring predictable revenue is too hard to pass up. They're hard to get right. We need an experienced subscription veteran who's been there and can tell us what what works and what's a waste of time. John Roman, CEO of subscription box companies BattlBox and Carnivore Club, joins us to go deep on how to do subscriptions right. You'll hear: How to pitch vendors What working with Netflix is really like Example metrics for subscription businesses Strategies to reduce churn How they sold the company for eight-figures Did I mention that they sold a show to Netflix? Show Links Battlbox Carnivore Club Netflix: Southern Survival Recharge Churnbuster Websiteclosers LinkedIn OnlineQueso Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Venntov , makers of SEO Manager , Order Lookup , and ClockedIn Retention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment Revenue Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 27, 2022
Can Cashback Rewards Save Ecommerce from Discount Addiction?
Here's how I shop from a new brand. I see an ad on Facebook, I click through, if the site is on Shopify and looks legit, maybe I'll buy. When I do buy, I'm going to wait until I'm on my desktop so that I can use a browser extension to painlessly check for coupon codes and apply the best one. Every single time. The bigger the discount, the bigger the dopamine hit, the more likely I am to buy. That's the truth. I can only do this because I know brands are just as addicted to coupon codes as Iam. We're joined by Oren Charnoff, Cofounder and CEO, at Fondue based in Tel Aviv. Fondue just raised $11m to replace every coupon code with CashBack. Prior to cofounding Fondue, Oren was on the founding team at Hanaco Ventures, a now $1.5B VC fund based in TLV and NY. Oren is a long time listener, first time caller into the podcast! Show Links GetFondue - Let them know you heard about it on the podcast. Honey - Automatic coupon codes via a browser extension Loop Returns - "Loop helps Shopify's best brands optimize return costs, retain more revenue, and prevent return losses." Negative Underwear - "Negative is underwear that fits your life - effortless bras, underwear, thongs and loungewear." Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 20, 2022
BUILDING A CULT(URE) OF COMMUNITY
"Business, like life, is about how you make people feel. It's that simple, and it's that hard." –Daniel Meyer Authenticity & community are buzzwords we here often when discussing brand marketing in 2022, but what does community look like? Caitlin Teed, a creative marketer who helped make Shopify's community what it is today, discusses her experience with community-building and her career in eCommerce tech. Show Links caitlinteed.com The Culting of Brands Twitter/@caitlinteed Instagram/@caitlinteed Amlings Cycle - Kurts first Shopify build. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 13, 2022
AI Chat Funnels: Bots are back, are they better?
In 2016, Facebook opened up messenger bots. And in 2017, it felt like we hit peak chat bots. We didnt hear about them as much in 2019, but that doesnt mean they ever went away, and now there is a resurgence of chat bots. I love automation and AI, so let's revisit chat bots! At the very least, you’ll benefit from this talk if you want to use Instagram to get more sales. At the most, you’ll learn how to 2-10x your sales on Instagram. Natasha Willis is the co-founder of School of Bots, where she has helped train over 14,000 businesses how to use AI Chat Funnels to grow revenue. Her expertise comes from generating more than $30 million in sales for clients like Foundr, ClickFunnels, and Mindvalley. Natasha has spoken at 160+ events alongside influencers like Gary Vaynerchuk and Richard Branson, and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and more. Show Links School of Bots ManyChat @natashatwillis - DM her 'kurt' to see it in action Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 06, 2022
Picking the Perfect Shopify Theme
"Which theme should I use for a store that sells..." is a common question from Shopify merchants. With 97 themes currently in the Shopify Theme Store, thousands mores floating around the web, and very few of them made to the same standard, what's the right answer? How do you go about picking a theme? What about custom themes? That adds infinite variability. To discuss it, we're joined by Cofounder of Up at Five & Design Packs, Trudy MacNabb. She's run her Shopify agency Up at Five for seven years, and has worked with clients such as WWF, Canada Learning Code, and Jenny Bird. She has a deep knowledge of both front-end and back-end development (she used to be a mainframe developer!) and is a driving force behind the Shopify app Design Packs. Show Links Up at five Shopify Themes Code Shopify Design Packs - Get an extra free section! Install the Design Packs app for free to get our standard free sections. For a limited time, choose an additional section to add for free. Send the name of the section and the promo code KURT through the in-app contact form and we'll grant you full access. Details: Available until January 15th, 2023. Does not apply to templates. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 29, 2022
Postal Petals Disrupts Floral Industry
The great lockdown of 2020 seems like a lifetime ago. At that time, a lot of took on hobbies. Some of us baked. I made a lot of homemade pizza. Today's guest also picked up a pandemic hobby, and then, unlike my homemade pizza, she turned it from a passion to a business. Talia Boone, founder of Postal Petals, a store that sells “do it yourself” flower arrangements shares her journey from sports marketing to entrepreneurship, and we'll find out just how tough - but not impossible - it is to break into some industries. TALIA'S BIO: Postal Petals Founder & CEO, Talia R. Boone, enters the floral industry after a groundbreaking career in sports, entertainment and social impact. She brings with her over 15 years of experience in brand strategy, communications, marketing, public relations, promotions, sales and strategic partnerships. In addition to Postal Petals, she is the Managing Director of INTER:SECT, a tactical solutions agency that serves as a catalyst for pioneering ideas, collaboration and creative opportunities that exist at the intersection of sports & entertainment, business, technology, consciousness, culture and the arts. Talia’s passion to help drive efforts to achieve long-standing, systematic social justice spills over into anything she does and that includes Postal Petals, where messages encouraging consumers to register to vote and highlighting the frequent injustices against underrepresented communities can be found throughout the brand’s site and its social media platforms. A native of a Los Angeles suburb, Talia is a graduate of San Diego State University where she earned a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. Talia is an advocate of civic engagement and collective social change as well as a lover of facts, experiences, art, culture and of course flowers. Show Links Postal Petals Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review <a href="https://
Tue, November 22, 2022
How ‘Made With Local’ Scaled with Values
Made with Local started as a simple farmer’s market table and is now a B-Corp certified food provider available at stores across Canada–but it’s still baked at home (that is Dartmouth, Nova Scotia!), by locals with local ingredients. Founder & CEO Sheena Russell is on a mission to inspire mindfulness and conscious consumption through community connection, storytelling, and food. A Certified B Corp, Sheena and her team at Made with Local are committed to creating delicious snacks that have social impact, baked-in. Show Links Made with Local Flower Cart Group B Lab Pulp & Wire - Female-founded natural CPG agency Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 15, 2022
How Harley Finkelstein Went From Shopify's Earliest User to its President
This episode is also available on YouTube: youtu.be/eyGIORYpio4 Before Harley Finkelstein was President of Shopify, he was one of their first customers, selling t-shirts on a Shopify store sixteen years ago. In 2010, he joined the company as a "jack of all trades" and now serves as its president. Today, Shopify as a platform is the second largest online retailer in the U.S., and Harley is once again a merchant selling on Shopify. In this episode, Harley opens up to us to share his origin story, why ecommerce is an outdated term, what he's most proud of at Shopify, and where he thinks he could have done better. Show Links @harleyf Firebelly Tea Shopify Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 08, 2022
2022 eCommerce Trends Report
Ecommerce Fuel community leader Andrew Youderian joins us to discuss the results of his 2022 ecommerce trends report gathered directly from store owners like you. We'll give you a unique, detailed look at what trends are shaping the eCommerce landscape and, ultimately, your business. GUEST BIO: Andrew Youderian is the Founder of eCommerceFuel, a community for 7- and 8-figure brand owners. I'm a member, its a high quality community. Also a podcast host of Ecomm Fuel, and early inspiration for After a few years in the investment banking world, Andrew decided he’d had enough and decided to quit and start his first eCommerce business. He has since sold numerous eCommerce stores over the years and loves geeking out about eCommerce, investing, finance, marketing and community. Show Links 2022 eCommerce Trends Report eCommerceFuel.com eCommerceFuel Podcaster Tw: @youderian Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 01, 2022
Automating Real UGC on TikTok
How a 12-month-old platform, Bounty, is merging influencers and loyalty for efficient customer acquisition GUEST BIO: Abe started Bounty in November 2021 following Apple’s iOS 14.5 privacy updates that turned the advertising industry upside down. He previously co-founded two direct to consumer brands, but due to the product categories, couldn’t run Facebook ads. Instead, he focused on working with influencers and creators to drive growth. When the privacy updates drove digital advertising to an inflection point, Abraham leveraged his learnings in the new advertising landscape to create a new scalable channel to help brands drive growth. Show Links Bounty Twitter: @abewolke Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 25, 2022
Maximizing CLTV this Q4 w/ SMS & Email
This panel was originally recorded live during Commerce Accel 2022, and is syndicated on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast with permission from conference organizer Kunle Campbell. We find ourselves in a challenging retail and economic environment this year, the stakes have never been higher, and consumer psychology and behavior is adjusting rapidly to new market realities. Throughout the next 40 minutes, this group of messaging and customer lifetime value maximization experts will give you the step-by-step on what you need to do as a brand to adjust your marketing to changing consumer psychology, and give you the best practices that top brands are using already in response to changing market conditions. Panelists: Reinis Krumins , co-founder of agencyJR, an eCom email marketing agency working with your favorite 7 & 8 figure brands. His team has generated over $30,000,000 in email sales in the past 3 years. Tracey Wallace , Director of Content Strategy at Klaviyo, where her team helps to educate SMB and MM ecommerce brands on how to grow more efficiently with email and SMS, yes, but also how to build their own audiences, increase lifetime value and build a legacy brand that outlasts any economic headwinds. Previously, she was the Editor-in-Chief at BigCommerce, and even started her own DTC brand to test out the theories and advice her writers were giving. Tracey comes from a long line of educators, and is focused on helping business leaders have more successful impact at their organisations. Lindy Crea , VP of Partnerships at Recharge, the leading subscription management solution, helping ecommerce merchants of all sizes launch and scale subscription offerings. Lindy leads the team responsible for Recharge’s all-star partner network. Show Links commerceaccel.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review <a href="https://link.chtbl
Tue, October 18, 2022
AMA OCTOBER
The 9th installment of our popular AMA series. In this Ask Me Anything episode sourced from our listeners, we discuss... Free resources to get you prepped for BFCM App recommendations for promos Plus data, design, and business decisions.
Tue, October 11, 2022
DEAR META ADS BUYER, YOU'RE NOT ALONE
If you're struggling with Facebook ads, you’re not crazy and you’re not alone. Social media advertising is not what it once was, and neither is Q4. This new landscape is really, really hard. Guest Bio: Andrew runs Foxwell Digital, where he not only advises companies on their marketing strategies and overseas digital ad campaigns on behalf of clients, but he also runs a community of 400 digital marketers from beginner to expert, which collectively spends over $100M per month on Facebook and Instagram. Show Links Foxwell Digital Northbeam TripleWhale Blog: Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns Octane AI David Herrmann TikTok Ads Webinar with Cody Plofker Direct Mail: PostPilot Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 04, 2022
Maximize Your Paid Ads with Google Performance Max
Performance MAX campaigns are HOT right now. This super campaign type combines ALL of Google's channels into one campaign - Search Ads, Shopping Ads, Display Ads, Gmail Ads and YouTube ads all in one. We're seeing amazing early results and believe this will be a game changer for eCommerce brands. To break it down, we're joined by Google Premier Partner Brett Curry. Brett is the CEO of OMG Commerce, a digital marketing agency, Google Premier Partner and Amazon Ad Partner. Brett is the host of two leading eCommerce podcasts - Spicy Curry and eCommerce Evolution Podcast highlighting what’s new and what’s next in eCommerce. He and his team manage Google, YouTube, and Amazon ad campaigns for growing eCommerce brands. They’ve worked with an impressive array of brands including NATIVE, Boom by Cindy Joseph, Monin, Organifi, Madison Reed and many more. He's a frequent speaker on top industry stages like Traffic & Conversion Summit, Social Media Marketing World, SellerCon, IRCE and more. Show Links OMG Commerce YouTube Ad Examples Guide How to Create Google Shopping Ads for Your Store Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 27, 2022
Reach Your Audience Without Paid Ads
Do you feel like you're burning money at the altar of Facebook while Zuckerberg builds a VR empire? Are you earning break even ROAS, and hoping ad prices don't rise any further? If you are, that's not uncommon. In August, I was at Ecommerce Day in LA, and heard their keynote speaker say "Facebook and Google's entire business model is to take credit of sales that were already going to happen." And then he convinced me that was true. Joining us today with some unconventional wisdom on building a better marketing plan for your brand is Rand Fishkin. Rand Fishkin is cofounder and CEO of SparkToro, makers of fine audience research software. Rand's Bio: In 2018, Rand started SparkToro with Casey Henry and published, with Penguin/Random House, Lost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Field Guide to the Startup World. Rand previously co-contributed to two books: Art of SEO, and Inbound Marketing & SEO. He’s been profiled in the Seattle Times, featured in Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, named to BusinessWeek’s 30 Under 30, written about in Newsweek, The Next Web, the Inc 500, and hundreds of other publications. He is, however, most proud of his prominent appearances in Geraldine’s first book, All Over the Place. Geraldine and Rand are also small investors in TinySeed Accelerator, LegUp, TeamSportz, Techstars Seattle and Backstage Capital. Show Links SparkToro SurveyMonkey Lost and Founder Virtual Confernece: Spark Together Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe t
Tue, September 20, 2022
Reviving Revo Sunglasses
If you're a little older than me, you may remember a particularly cool pair of sunglasses that was famous for using NASA satellite tech in their lenses and for being the first real activewear sunglasses in the 80s. I'm talking about REVO sunglasses. Our guest today is Cliff Robinson, CEO of Revo. Cliff has fashion in blood. You see, he was born into fashion, his family’s nearly century old business designs, manufactures, sells and distributes high-quality designer brand eyewear right in my home state of Illinois. Today we're going to discuss the journey from an old school family business licensing other people's names to becoming a brand owner, and the learnings that come along with this shift in business strategy. Show Links Revo Sunglasses - Discount for listeners - use code KURT for 20% off on revo.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 13, 2022
Growing Cat Backpacks into a 7-Figure Biz
Today's guest co-founded the #1 cat travel brand in the world. You read that right. We're joined by Emily Miethner from travelcatshop.com, now the #1 cat travel brand in the world, and a fast-growing, global 7-figure DTC brand serving catstomers in 75+ countries. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Emily manages influencer marketing, SMS and email marketing, organic digital content, retail, product development, and partnerships. She's been featured on Good Morning America, in-studio on Cheddar TV Live, and in The New York Times, Wall Sreet Journal, Vice, U.S. News, Vogue, Fast Company, and more, and on 20+ podcasts. Show Links Travel Cat IG/ @yourcatbackpack Linkedin/ emilymiethner Stray (game() Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 06, 2022
Content Marketing isn't a Campaign
Today's guest is Jake Karls, a co-founder at chocolate factory & DTC brand Mid-Day Squares. Jake's job goal is to grow their brand by building genuine relationships – with investors, buyers, journalists, and their 80-person team. He's done that with a content marketing approach that he describes as "starring in our own reality TV show" that includes real life therapy sessions and inspiring others to be unapologetically themselves. Though Jake was recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist this year, his self-proclaimed “greatest accomplishment” was learning how to be confident in himself. Show Links middaysquares.com IG/ @middaysquares Jake Karls on LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 30, 2022
Unlocking Customer Experience Mindset
Today's guest is Nick Disabato, a conversion rate optimization consultant who believes "Ecommerce isn’t a video game. It’s relationships with real people, at scale." In this episode, we'll learn how his customer-focused mindset has helped in improve conversion rates and shift company cultures at the same time for his clients. You'll hear: Design Mindset & Cognitive Biases Customer Phone Interviews Scary Tests, Tools, and where to start Through his consultancy, Draft, Nick Disabato conducts research-driven optimizations of online stores, so they can grow without needing to increase their ad spend. Rather than running the usual marketing playbook, Nick uses design research as the fundamental tool for optimization. He also wrote design best-sellers Cadence & Slang and Value-Based Design . Show Links Draft - Nick's design consultancy @nickd's twitter rant Google Optimize - Split Testing tool Store Design - Nick's new mini how-to guide Hotjar - Heatmapping tool Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 23, 2022
The Business of Games
Scott Brown & Tim Swindle are the creators of PaddleSmash, a new outdoor active game that combines elements of Pickleball and Spikeball. Scott Brown is the co-founder of Marbles: The Brain Store, a retail concept focused on building better brains through play, which eventually grew to 40 stores, a website, a catalog business and a proprietary product division. Tim Swindle created Utter Nonsense, an entertaining card game that was quickly carried by several retailers and ultimately within all 1,800 Target stores. Utter Nonsense was acquired in 2017 by private equity backed, PlayMonster. What did the learn and where are they going? Today is all about product development in the toys & games space. Show Links PaddleSmash Tina Seelig: Can We Control Our Own Luck? Kickstarter: Utter Nonsense Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 16, 2022
Be Your Brand’s Best Publicist
Today's topic is PR... PR or "earned media" is very attractive. Authentic content and engagement that you dont have to pay for. Its like SEO for press. Sounds great? So why isn't everyone doing it? Because it's hard and expensive. As the host of a moderately successful podcast, I get a lot of pitches from PR firms and they're mostly awful. Or we've had clients hire PR firms and feel like they flushed $10K/mo down the toilet. So how do you do it right? Like many things, the answer might be Do It Yourself, at least at first. The attraction is clear. Who wouldn't want to be featured in Wirecutter, GQ, Engadget, Techcrunch, Forbes, CNN, Wall Street Journal, or even huge YouTube channels like iJustine. Our guest today has, and he's going to tell us how to do it. Our guest today has been doing PR for eight years as part of his role at NOMAD GOODS. We're joined by listener & recurring guest Chuck Melber. During his tenure at Nomad he has established a strong foundation in advertising, email marketing, affiliate marketing, PR, and influencer marketing. Show Links NOMAD Cision Streak Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 09, 2022
Q&A: Shopify Store Strategy
Our popular 'Ask Us Anything' series continues We open with news of a ponzi scheme, then answer your burning questions. We discuss: Maximizing your advertising dollars Shopify's share price Building the perfect ecom team and more_!_ Show Links Overhyped & Under-Regulated: Zadeh Kicks, the Sneaker Arbitrage that Cost Customers Millions Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 02, 2022
Building a Baked Goods Brand with a Mission
A cookie brand born in Farmer's Markets discovers their mission after a chance encounter with the lead singer of Imagine Dragons. This is the story of Wunderkeks, an Austin-based baked goods company specializing in cookies, and building safe spaces with those baked goods. We're joined by Hans Schrei, co-founder of Wunderkeks. Show Links Wunderkeks Wunderkeks: About Us IG: @wunderkeks_atx Republic.com/wunderkeks Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 26, 2022
Shopify Editions Summer 2022 Recap
Move over Unite, the big announcements are now happening twice a year with Shopify Editions, Shopify’s new semi-annual showcase. CEO Tobi says, “With Shopify Editions, we’re sharing our big bets and latest innovations in commerce so that those ambitious enough to try their hand at entrepreneurship can start and scale faster than ever before.” There's a lot to explore, every time I revisit Editions, I find something I missed before. In this episode, we'll talk through the announcements we're most excited about. Show Links Shopify Editions B2B on Shopify Checkout Extensibility Discount Combinations Metafields Shopify Functions Planet by Shopify Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 19, 2022
Immutable Laws of Conversions
In this episode, our guest packages more than a decade of knowledge and experience into just a handful of immutable laws that can help savvy brands convert more visitors into buyers. We're joined by Jon MacDonald, founder of The Good, a conversion optimization firm that has helped globally-recognized brands like Nike, Adobe, Xerox, and The Economist exceed their ambitious growth goals. Show Links Opting In To Optimization - use code GOODFRIENDS thegood.com jonmacdonald.com Google Optimize Amazon Mechanical Turk Wikipedia: Mechanical Turk - Trivia! Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 12, 2022
No Shortcuts: Lessons from 13 Years in Online Marketing
Our guest today didn't know what he didn't know when he started an apparel brand in 2009, and only grew to dislike it the more successful he became, so he eventually exited the business in 2017 to focus on digital marketing. Today, he's a go-to expert on Facebook ads, with a lot of unconventional opinions, and a no BS approach that's refreshing in the marketing space. That's the kind of experience we can benefit from. We're joined by Jason Portnoy, owner of JPORT Media, a 7-figure agency that has generated over $150M in revenue for their clients. Show Links jportnoy.com JPORT Media WaPo: US consumer confidence slumps to lowest level in 16 months Perfectly Mentored Podcast Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 05, 2022
Selling Your Online Business
Learn the Four Pillars of Value Which deal types are available (its more than just cash) As interest rates rise, why you want to be SBA qualified Why you want to use accrual accounting to clean up your books Elaine is an advisor at Quiet Light where she helps online-based businesses exit. She has a background in e-commerce and a track record of success in online business. She started her first profitable eCommerce business on Etsy in 2009 and has built 3 more businesses since, including a content site, an online subscription service, and a multi-million dollar fitness eCommerce brand that she exited through Quiet Light before joining their team as an advisor. Show Links Quietlight - They offer free business valuations and help with exit planning for online business owners. Anyone interested can contact Elaine at elaine@quietlight.com . Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 28, 2022
Split Testing Product Prices
"Addressing prices once every year or two isn't going to work anymore." You've probably already invested time testing and analyzing your sales funnel, but have you ever tested your pricing? How did you determine the pricing on your site? It was a best guess, right? With all the changes in the last year - iOS & FB, supply chain disruptions, inflation - pivoting to a margin focus is so important. The days of just focusing on the top line are over. In today's episode, we learn from a price testing expert if you should optimize revenue and profit for the traffic you have by split testing your pricing. Its not right for everbody, and its more than just prices. It’s shipping, returns, discounts, subscription savings, etc. There may be a lot of low hanging fruit. We're joined by Drew Marconi, CEO of Intelligems, a price-testing and margin optimization product for e-commerce brands. Prior to starting Intelligems, he built Dynamic Pricing systems at Via Transportation, and was a manager at McKinsey & Company beforehand. He has a degree in Economics & Education Policy. Show Links Intelligems - A/B Test your pricing on your Shopify store. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 21, 2022
The Most Controversial Way to Get Subscribers
In this episode: An email insider exposes how to acquire the email addresses of anonymous website visitors who don't make a purchase or fill out a form. You read that right. But is it even legal? And if so, what are the risks and ROI? Our guest should know, after all he's an email marketing veteran with a successful exit under his belt. We're joined by Adam Robinson, founder and CEO of GetEmails, which he's bootstrapped to 10m ARR in 24 months with six people. Prior to GetEmails, Adam was the founder/CEO of Robly Email Marketing, which was bootstrapped and he exited for 8 figures to private equity in 2020. Show Links getemails.com - We'll give you 25% off for the first 3mo ... just use the offer code UNOFFICIAL when you sign up. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 14, 2022
No Best Practices: 7 Surprising Split Tests
Most business owners would agree that data-driven decisions are preferable, so why then are we all overlooking split testing when making design decisions? In this episode, we talk through seven interesting split tests and the implications of their results. With one big caveat: there are no best practices... Show Links Google Optimize Tuffy Rhodes' 3HR Opening Day Baymard - Readability: The Optimal Line Length Character counter Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 07, 2022
Useful Google Tools for Your Store
Google offers many free and excellent tools for business owners, but knowing which ones to invest in, and what to do with can be intimdating. Our guest today talks us through a low-stress, high impact approach to optimizing for Google's business tools that applies to nearly any store. (If you haven't setup Google Search Console yet, listen to this episode.) Which of Google's free tools should you always use? Which Google Search Console warnings actually matter? (It cries wolf!) The opportunity of Rich Results Data Ilana Davis is a Shopify Superhero who works with e-commerce shops to remove friction from the buying process. She’s the owner of JSON-LD for SEO, a Shopify app that gets you more organic traffic through Rich Results. Ilana rescues websites to attract more visitors, provide better SEO, and increase conversion rates at a fraction of the cost of a full redesign. Show Links Google Search Console Google Merchant Center JSON-LD for SEO ilanadavis.com Rich Results Test Get a free structured data audit by emailing support@ilanadavis.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 31, 2022
SEO & Content Strategy Simplified
Long time SEO expert and Shopify Partner Rhian Beutler returns to the show with updates to tell us... the SEO & content strategy every store should employ the right approach to Meta title & description tags How to take advantage of Google's Natural Language Processing push Plus an update on the global supply chain. Show Links Moz CopyAI OpenAI’s API for GPT-3 Double Your WDW Otter.ai Google Search Console Shopify Supply MVMT Govalo rhianbeutler.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 24, 2022
Q&A: Shopify Feature & Strategy Update
In this Ask Us Anything episode, we discuss new features and answer your burning questions. What's new at Shopify: Audiences Delivery Dates SFN + Deliverr And your questions: When to upgrade your plan The importance of being a HYPE BEAST Metafields impact on SEO Conversion Rate Factors And more Show Links Shopify Audiences Estimated Delivery Dates at Checkout Shopify acquires Deliverr Shop Promise Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 17, 2022
Understanding Influencer Product Seeding
In today's episode, we learn a sane and accessible influencer marketing strategy that has worked for brand and big small: product seeding. We're joined by Cody Wittick, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Kynship, an influencer marketing agency. Prior to co-founding Kynship, Cody worked at QALO, the brand that created the silicone wedding ring, where he built out a robust influencer program of 500+ influencers, all through the foundation of seeding. This included contracting thousands of micro-influencers in a variety of industries to produce monthly UGC and organic posts, while also working with household names such as Lebron James, Jason Aldean, Mike Trout, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Show Links Kynship QALO Meta for Creators TikTok Creator Marketplace MightyScout Rev Kapwing Kynship App: Influencer Seeding Kynship's Influencer Course Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 10, 2022
Tools to Get Your Money Right
In this episode, we hear how Shopify merchants can better manage their business finances, and increase conversion at checkout. Our guest today is Tui Allen, a Product Director at Shopify, overseeing financial solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses. This includes Shopify Capital (available to merchants in the US, UK, and Canada) which provides merchants with timely access to funds to help their businesses grow, simplifying the tedious processes found at traditional banks. Since its launch in 2016, Shopify Capital has provided more than $3 billion in funding to merchants worldwide. With over 20 years of experience in the software and technology sector, Tui Allen has a track record of leading product development not just for Shopify, but also global financial ERP, CRM and payment solutions for several Fortune 100 companies. Show Links Shopify Balance Shopify Protect Shopify Capital Accelerated checkouts / dynamic checkout buttons Shop Pay ShopPay Installments Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 03, 2022
Undoing Headless
In episode 400 , we heard from veteran ecom investor Drew Sanocki that he'd acquired oVertone Haircare along with ecom powerhouse influencer Ezra Firestone. In today's episode, our recent hire Tom Siodlak talks us through the behind the scenes experience of working with Ezra and the oVertone team on migrating the site from headless back to native Shopify with a custom theme. He reveals the premium theme we used as a framework, his thoughts on developing custom Shopify themes, design process, Online Store 2.0's impact, and more. Show Links oVertone Haircare Focal by Maestrooo Turbo Theme by Out of The Sandbox Ethercycle Crowdfunder Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 26, 2022
Custom Theming a Multimillion Lifestyle Brand
In episode 235 , we heard how SHITI Coolers started with $400 in parody stickers back in 2016 and by 2019 had grown into a seven-figure lifestyle brand. Today, they're back on the show to discuss their next phase of growth, beginning with a custom theme and rebranding effort. Not just any custom theme, when we built with them and launched less than 24 hours before recording this episode. Show Links shiticoolers.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 19, 2022
Easy Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business
We discuss the top mistakes to avoid early in your entrepreneurial journey. Look, when you start something new, you don't know what you don't know. It's easy to make a lot of mistakes early on that become obvious to you only later with experience. I know this because I've been through it. I've engaged in all of the mistakes we're about to discuss. Show Links oVertone Govalo AMP by Shop Sheriff Post Pilot - The Godfather offer! They'll build the first campaign for you and send them. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 12, 2022
Lessons from 20 Years of Ecommerce
Serial entrepreneur Drew Sanocki shares his career learnings after starting, buying, running, or selling numerous ecommerce businesses. Notable quotes: "You make most of your money on the exit." "Buying a business reduces the risk... its the ultimate shortcut" "Valuations change over time. Growing ecommerce businesses can sell for 5-8x EBITDA" We discuss: Selling furniture as one of the earliest dropshippers in 1999 The specifics on buying oVertone Haircare with Ezra Firestone What makes a business attractive as a purchase The importance of retention marketing Show Links oVertone AutoAnything DuoPlane Powerful by Patty McCord #341 - RFM Segmentation with Juliana Jackson Post Pilot - The Godfather offer! They'll build the first campaign for you and send them. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 05, 2022
AMA: What's Working in 2022
In this Ask Me Anything episode sourced from our listeners, we discuss... Alternatives to Shopify and Google Analytics TikTok Strategy What do successful brands do differently? Is SEO still viable? What's one thing around the corner no one is talking about yet? Which 3 eComm strategies that just don't work like they used to? Meta Shops (FB/IG)... Should Shopify merchants have checkout on their owned Shopify store, or, Meta Checkout (In-app checkout)? The NEW Shopify Customers View sections Google PageSpeed Fallout Return Management Apps Show Links Shopify Flow oVertone Kno Commerce Triple Whale Better Reports Report Pundit Shopify Customer Segmentation Shopify Email Marketing Loop Returns Aftership Narvar Post Pilot Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 29, 2022
Becca Davison of UnbuckleMe
We're joined by Becca Davison, co-inventor of UnbuckleMe, an innovative, patented tool that makes it easy to open kids’ car seat buckles. She's a Shark Tank alum who experienced the most unusual event in the Shark Tank: all five Sharks were interested in investing in and partnering with UnBuckleMe. When Becca's mom Barb offered to help out with childcare, they identified a problem, and Barb was uniquely positioned to solve it. Fast forward 5 years later, UnbuckleMe is a top selling product on Amazon with over 6k reviews, available at Target, Walmart, buybuyBABY and loved by parents & grandparents across the country. Show Links UnbuckleMe - Take 15% off with code podcast15 Kickstarter: UnbuckleMe Safe in the Seat Klaviyo Attentive Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 22, 2022
Starting a Ghost Pepper Honey Brand
Our guest today is a serial entrepreneur who shuns the hustle & grind and instead focuses on enjoying the journey of starting a business. "I have had many ups and downs but one night I had a dream about my grandfather and hot honey and the name heart soul heat all came into focus." We're joined by Raoul Benavides, founder of Heart Soul Heat, a purveyor of ghost-pepper infused honey. "As someone with a big entrepreneurial spirit and roots in Mexican food culture, I want to incorporate the best of my family’s legacy into some new products that I could share with everyone." Show Links Heart Soul Heat - KURT20 for 20% your first order Podcorn PRX Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 15, 2022
Conversion Copywriting (and how Humor Helps, Maybe)
In this episode originally recorded live for a virtual audience at The Future of Ecommerce , we talk with conversion copywriter Lianna Patch about how to improve your store's copywriting and maybe even add a dash of humor. TAKEAWAYS: What are some easily fixable copy mistakes (AKA copy-tunities) you'd like to see more stores address? What's the difference between conversion copy and direct response copy? What are some non-metric based ways to measure your copy's effectiveness? Where's the best place for store owners to try using humor in their copy? Show Links Punchline Convresion Copywriting Original Future of Commerce episode EcommerceTech Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 08, 2022
Migrating to Shopify
In this episode, we talk through migrating to Shopify: things to watch out for, and experienced advice on how to make the most of migrating to Shopify. Our expert guest contributors are: Stewart Knapman who joins us from New Zealand where he is a Merchant Solutions Engineer at Shopify. Before moving to Shopify he spent the last decade working as a Shopify partner and Plus Expert helping merchants get the most out of the platform. Karl Meisterheim, author of the Liquid Weekly newsletter, and an Ethercycle team member currently working on a migration from Magento to Shopify. Show Links Docs: Migrate to Shopify Transporter App Matrixify - Shopify Data Bulk Import Export Update & Migrate Liquid Weekly Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with us to grow your store.
Tue, March 01, 2022
Kelley Higney of Bug Bite Thing (Shark Tank Update)
Since creating Bug Bite Thing in 2017, Kelley has been a "Mom on a Mission" to offer the most effective chemical-free solution for insect bite relief worldwide. In 2013, Kelley Higney moved from California to Florida, only to discover the horror of living with mosquitoes. Her daughter suffered from constant mosquito bites. After many failed attempts using creams and trying home remedies, Kelley discovered a little-known tool that uses suction to help remove insect saliva/venom from under the skin. Kelley was amazed to find that the product worked and also offered instant relief. The company gained nationwide recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with over 40,000 reviews. Kelley is a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and Forbes Business Council. She has received several awards, including ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business 2021. She resides in South Florida with her husband, Richard, and their daughters, Leah and Lilly. Show Links Bug Bite Thing ZenDesk Klaviyo Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 22, 2022
Building Community Through Challenges
Alicia Reynoso began selling online 7 years ago and has since built and exited an 8-figure brand on Amazon and Shopify. It wasn't until she launched her free 60 Day Challenge that she was able to grow a hyper engaged community around her brand. With this challenge and community of super fans, Alicia was able to scale their business, increase their customer lifetime value, generate an endless amount of UGC and differentiate themselves from the competition. Show Links Alicia's challengemakers.com Ezra's Blue Ribbon Mastermind Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 15, 2022
How a Dad Started a Kids' Clothing Line in 2020
Kyle Hale spent a year teaching himself to draw so he could start Ambitious Kids, a T-shirt company for children. His designs have a retro midwestern vibe that has a way of sparking conversations. Still early in his journey, Kyle is open about the struggles he's faced starting his brand, and the lessons he's learned in the process. Show Links Ambitious Kids DesignPickle - Gig economy design service Bluebird Group - Retail services agency Canva Placeit Dribbble Broken Record with Rick Rubin The Social Media Marketing Podcast GoodUI Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 08, 2022
Why These Teddy Bears are Exclusively Wholesale
How a family business selling teddy bears, Plush in a Rush, went from a regional traveling salesperson venture to a nationwide wholesale e-commerce store. Yes, this store is exclusively wholesale, and thriving. Having sold online for nearly 20 years, owner Todd Steinberg has a lot of unexpected and practical advice to share from his experiences. Show Links plushinarush.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 01, 2022
The Future of Ecommerce
We discuss our own key takeaways Shopify's extensive Future of Ecommerce Industry Report for 2022 to arm you with the ecommerce trends, insights, and advice you need to succeed in 2022. Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z26-lJ6GKPsdash Show Links The Future of Commerce: Industry Report (2022) - Download Shopify’s complete Future of Commerce report for yourself. Or get just Shopify's Future of Ecommerce report Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 25, 2022
AMA: Metafields, Online Store 2.0, & more
Also available in glorious HD video on YouTube: Show producer Paul Reda returns to from paternity leave and he's on fire with hot takes in this AMA episode. We answer your burning ecommerce questions. Today's themes are metafields, theming, and Online Store 2.0. Show Links Shopify Balance Shopify and JD.com unlock world’s largest ecommerce market for merchants Help Doc: Displaying metafields on your online store Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 18, 2022
Ben Knegendorf's High-Ticket Dropshipping Approach
How a Walmart forklift driver with no ecommerce experience started (and sold) a series of successful dropshipping businesses. In this episode, Ben lays out his practical and repeatable approach to building legitimate high-ticket dropshipping businesses all while breaking through limiting beliefs and mindsets. Show Links the3dprinterguy.com empireflippers.com Gary Vee shoptinyhouses.com https://www.shoptinyhouses.com/ standingdesknation.com dropshipbreakthru.com DropShipPodcast Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 11, 2022
Sprinkler Nerd Says, "Dropshipping's Not Dead"
In 2004, Andy Humphrey took the $108 he'd saved and turned it into $10,000 profit in 6 months selling Christmas lights on SuperTwinkle.com while working full-time as a distributor account manager. Fast forward >> today he sell millions online tactfully optimizing SprinklerSupplyStore.com and blazing trails with wholesale distributors. Along the way, you may have seen him on ABC's, Shark Tank (ECOMOWER, 2011), or working with irrigation technology, helping hundreds of contractors & distributors embrace the digital transformation and improve their business. With almost two decades of experience, Andy has a tremendous understanding of what it takes to succeed as an online entreprenuers. Show Links TreeKeeperBag.com Sprinkler Supply Store Inventory Integration App: DuoPlane Content Site Example: Double Your WDW andyhumphrey.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Back up your store with Rewind Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Privy: The Fastest Way To Grow Sales With Email & SMS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 04, 2022
How Braxley Bands sold 200K+  Watch straps
How a design student bootstrapped a watch strap business with $20 and a sock, cultivated a loyal repeat customer base, and ultimately sold over 200,000 watch bands starting from a dorm room in Texas. Our guest today is Braxton Manley, founder of Braxley Bands, a lifestyle brand combining style and function to make insanely comfortable Apple Watch bands. What he began working on for a random class project in 2016 has since gotten out of hand and on over 200k wrists. Show Links Braxley Bands - Text KURT to 85709 for 20% off! PoolSuite Postscript Klaviyo Fuel Made Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 28, 2021
Banned From Facebook, SEO Saves Store
Good SEO and content strategy can help ecommerce store owners be less reliant on paid traffic. Do you rely on paid ads to get traffic? What happens if you get banned from running ads or traffic dries up? That's exactly what happened to today's guest. Without Facebook and Google ads to generate traffic, he had to figure out an SEO strategy to replace the lost traffic to his eBike store. The solution? Study affiliate marketers and apply their strategies to ecommerce. Show Links ebikegeneration.com Four Hour Work Week Niche Pursuits Podcast Answer the Public Ecom SEO Formula Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 21, 2021
How a Plush Toy Earns This Couple Six Figures
Jonathon and Maria Denholm have invented a new way for teachers to manage their classrooms with an adorable product they call Your Teacher's Pet Creature. In this episode, Jonathon shares their journey going from "having no clue what I was doing" to running a 6-figure Shopify store with a completely new product alongside his wife, all while juggling two kids and a full-time job. You'll hear the steps they took to go from idea to product to making a positive difference in education all while working towards financial independence. Show Links yourteacherspetcreature.com - Use code TECHNASTY at checkout for 15% off sitewide Upwork Kickstarter App: Beprofit ‑ Profit Analytics App: Candy Rack — One Click Upsell App: Digital Downloads Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 14, 2021
3PL ShipBob Sees Strong Black Friday Fulfillment
According to Shopify sales data, "merchants on Shopify generated peak sales of nearly $3.1 million per minute at 12:02 PM EST on Black Friday, and merchants crossed $1 billion in sales by 4:00am EST, four hours earlier than Black Friday in 2020." Now we have to get all that product delivered. In 2020, that was a problem. Is it an issue this year? CMO of ShipBob, Casey Armstrong, joins to tell us. The global 3PL ships millions of orders per month for over 7,000 brands across a network of 30 fulfillment centers worldwide. They track and publish carrier fulfillment data which they'll share with us in this episode. After a BFCM breakdown, we discuss common questions around outsourcing fulfillment, and the future of fulfillment. Show Links ShipBob ShipBob Carrier Data Black Friday, but make it epic: Shopify merchants break records with $2.9 billion in sales Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 07, 2021
How CROSSNET reinvented volleyball on Shopify
In today's show, CROSSNET co-founder & CMO Chris Meade tells us how he bootstrapped the world’s first four way volleyball game into a 8 figure business in 4 years. CROSSNET is sold in over 2,500+ retail stores, has been played in 10,000 schools, and has even aired on ESPN. In this episode, Chris is candid about his journey, and lays out the struggles and tactics that led to their success. Show Links crossnetgame.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 30, 2021
Conversion Copywriting
In our last chat with Rishi (AKA the Shopify product page guy), we talked about why product pages are important ( https://unofficialshopifypodcast.com/episodes/rishi-rawat ). It was one of our most popular 2021 episodes. So I invited Rishi back. This time we dug into how to rewrite the product description so it connects with the psychology of your shopper. Rishi has been experimenting with conversion ideas for the last 13 years. He’s discovered a 9 point conversion copywriting ( https://www.frictionless-commerce.com/blog/conversion-copywriting-checklist/ ) framework. Frictionless Commerce (Rishi’s company) specializes in helping Shopify sites improve product page conversions by 20% in 90 days. They A/B test to prove their ideas make you more money. PS: they are probably the only digital marketing agency that I know of who takes inspiration from a 130-year-old Sears catalog ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DlxvIV2810lgDsw0CQLgxVyhVea6PMzE/view?usp=sharing ). WANT MORE? Rishi also has a weekly buyer psychology newsletter: https://www.frictionless-commerce.com/JOIN Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 23, 2021
How Inclusivity & Community Sells Apparel
Our guest is Adam Greenberg, one of the co-founders and CMO of ONE BONE, a size inclusive brand for the hard-to-fit man. He’s a morning show radio host on Virgin Radio in Montreal, Canada, and he used to tour as an MC (TB1) in an EDM DJ duo (1DAFUL). While he was on tour across North America, he had to custom make his own clothing because finding something that looked as good as it fit, was very hard to come by. Now, the group of partners at ONE BONE are attracting tons of people with a solution; fun, friendly and accessible marketing, and thousands of people who become loyal and passionate ambassadors. Show Links onebonebrand.com Kurt's Fave T-shirt The "Michael" Waffle Tee Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 16, 2021
The Facebook ROAS Death Spiral
This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2O8th50rMbM If you advertise on Facebook (or other ad platforms) you need to understand Media Efficiency Ratio (MER) vs. Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and how to think about advertising incrementally. Why Facebook Ads reporting on ROAS is broken. If you’re pulling back on Facebook ads as a result, you're hurting your business. Switching to a different metric based on the two cold-hard facts of your business (money leaving your bank and money going into your bank) can get you back on track and scaling profitably again. Our guest today is William Harris, founder of Elumynt, a growth agency for Shopify stores. In the last 9 months, they've helped six clients get acquired, with the largest selling for a whopping $800M. Show Links William's Agency: Elumynt Article: The Facebook ROAS Death Spiral: Fix it Now — or Lose Your Shopify Store Article: https://elumynt.com/facebook-ads-ios14-roas/ Twitter: @wmharris101 Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Bonus · Thu, November 11, 2021
Dynamic Commerce with Shopify's Hydrogen
Hear from Ilya Grigorik at Shopify about the latest with Hydrogen, Shopify’s new React-based custom storefronts framework. At Shopify Unite 2021 last summer, Tobi Lütke demo'd a new quick-start toolkit for store development called Hydrogen. It looked cool, seeing Tobi demo it made me want it, but truthfully I didn't understand it. Should I have FOMO? Because I think I do. We're going full tech nerd in this one, my friends. This episode is for the developers or those major retailers thinking about their store's infrastructure. Ilya Grigorik, Principal Engineer at Shopify, joins us to discuss this new tooling and give us some insight into Shopify's vision for the future of commerce. Show Links shopify.dev/hydrogen YouTube: Hydrogen Coding Demo with Tobi Lütke | Shopify Unite 2021 Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 09, 2021
(What to do) When Inventory Runs Out
In this episode, Rhian Beutler and Kelly Vaughn join us to discuss the state of the supply chain and the economy in Q4, what that means for your store, and what you can do to avoid "dead ends" on your site and "save Christmas for your customers." Show Links Bloomberg: 2021 Gift Cards Expected to Surge Amid Shortages Book: The New Abnormal The Economist: America Inc and the shortage economy App store: Govalo Govalo Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 02, 2021
Steal Ezra Firestone's 2021 Million Dollar Holiday Blueprint
Learn the strategies master marketer Ezra Firestone is using this year for his 8-figure ecommerce brand. Show Links Smart Holiday Bootcamp Zipify Pages Smart Marketer Boom Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Bonus · Thu, October 28, 2021
How Mrs. Elster gets 500+ visits/day from Google
In this bonus episode, Julie Elster (AKA Mrs. Unofficial Shopify Podcast) describes the free content strategy and "feedback loop" she's implemented on her Shopify store to generate 550 qualified organic visits daily to her store, all without using paid traffic or tools. Show Links Double Your WDW Holiday Email Guide Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 26, 2021
Your 2021 Black Friday Facebook Ads Strategy
We're taking a deep dive into Facebook ads strategy. We're talking what we're seeing working, and sane strategies you can use in your campaigns. You'll learn a three stage strategy to set your Facebook ads funnel up for success this holiday season. Our guest today is Kurt Bullock, founder of ecommerce marketing agency the Produce Department, and our strategic Facebook ads partner. Show Links KB's Free BFCM Strategy Guide ProduceDept SuperMetrics Promote a discount using a shareable link Facebook: Google Analytics URL Builder Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 19, 2021
Holiday Email Marketing Tips & Prep
Joining us to discuss Pre and Post BFCM Email Marketing Strategies is Chase Diamond, an experienced email marketer who has sent over one billion emails resulting in $75 million in email attributable revenue. We learn: Dialing in messaging for 2021 Improving deliverability (to offset lowered open rates) Why testing your offers is your biggest opportunity The optional Klaviyo snippets you probably forgot to install Our guest today is Chase is currently a Partner at Structured — a top ecommerce marketing agency, where he runs the email team. A few of our previous and current clients include: Orgain, The Chive, Original Grain, and Crossnet. Show Links chasedimond.com The Ultimate BFCM Email Marketing Playbook by Chase Dimond - Use code KURT for 30% off. Klaviyo Docs: How to Create an "Added to Cart" Event for Shopify The Very Good Bra @ecomchasedimond Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 12, 2021
How a FB Ads expert bootstrapped from 0–$100K
In this episode, we talk to an experienced Facebook marketer Mojca Zove who started her first real online store in 2020, and then bootstrapped it to 100k in 6 months. The number of things she learned along the way is priceless. Her store, Your Soul Time , sells crystals and natural incense. Almost a year later their house is packed with inventory and they’re opening their first brick & mortar store and looking to scale beyond the local market. We learn: How she got her first sales without paid ads What she learned about good and bad packaging Why she's not participating in Black Friday Her post-iOS14.5 Facebook advice Show Links Your Soul Time Stamped.io Super Spicy Media Twitter: @mojcamars Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 05, 2021
Supply Chain Snags' Merchant Impact
In this episode, we discuss the global supply chain disruption affecting US store shelves. Turns out the mega ship got stuck in the Suez Canal was nothing compared to this. Why are limits on toilet paper back in stores? How many container ships are sitting in the water outside of Long Beach right now? Why does Amazon want to legalize weed? Turns out all of these things are related to supply chain disruptions. That's one epic traffic jam and it shows no signs of letting up before the holidays. As ecommerce professionals, what are we gonna do about it?
Tue, September 28, 2021
Connected Retail: Bridging Offline & Online Stores
This episode is for you if... You have retail locations (or are considering it) then you'll want to hear at least the first 20 minutes of this "Connected Retail" discussion with an experienced insider. OR you have a Shopify store and a Point-of-Sale but they don't talk, then you'll want to listen to the whole episode. Lots of industry analysis and insight in this one from our guest Kevin McKenzie, the CEO of SKU IQ. Aside from saving owners a ton of time avoiding the end of day double data entry across to systems that don’t normally connect, Kevin has a seriously impressive resume. As Chief Digital Officer at Westfield, he oversaw the development of all digital strategy and omni-channel initiatives. Before that, he was Sr VP of CNET Shopping. Show Links SKU IQ Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 21, 2021
Donations, Not Discounts
In this episode, Shopify merchants will hear about the problems with discounting, how the modern consumer is changing, and one innovative way you can adapt. As co-founder and CEO of Givz, Andrew Forman is helping Shopify merchants drive sales without discounts, while reaching an increasingly socially-aware demographic. Prior to Givz, Andrew was treasurer for a nonprofit, where the pains of accepting donations drove him to start Givz. Show Links Givz.com/unofficial - Get 3 months free lolibeauty Charity Navigator Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 14, 2021
BFCM: Predictions for Your Promotions
For our upcoming Black Friday merchant survey, we asked what questions you wanted to be included. In this episode, we're predicting the answers to those questions before we conduct the survey. Questions like... What's better: Free Gift with Purchase or flat discount rates? Do you buy extra inventory or clear out distressed inventory? What's Plan B if your BFCM sales don't meet your goals? Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 07, 2021
Headless 101
On today's show, we're getting a crash course on Headless Ecommerce. Our guest today is uniquely suited to the task, having led a headless Shopify migration for a top 100 Shopify Plus store, and most recently joining headless solution provider Shogun. Show Links Shogun Frontend NOMAD - 15% off full priced and in stock gear on nomadgoods.com with code 'unofficial' Reese's LinkedIn Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 31, 2021
BFCM: Prepping for this Holiday Season
If you're going to have the best holiday selling season ever, you need to have a plan in place starting now. But what's that look like? What do we prioritize? In this episode, we'll talk through phase 1 of your Best-Black-Friday-Ever plan by laying the strategic groundwork you need to succeed. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. ama-online-store-20 Title Q&A: Online Store 2.0 Summary When should you upgrade? Description In this Ask Us Anything episode, we answer listener questions. When should I upgrade to Online Store 2.0? What's headless ecommerce? The new metafields: What are they? How would I use them? What are you doing differently with FB Ads since the Apple privacy update? How to structure content for landing pages How to promote subscriptions Establishing free shipping minimums ...and more. Somewhat more. Most of it is even Shopify related. Show Links Resources: OOTS: "Is My Theme Compatible With Online Store 2.0?" All of the Announcements From Shopify Unite 2021 Screencast: Online Store 2.0 Demo To
Tue, August 24, 2021
Your Data is Probably Bad
Everyone likes to say they make data-driven decisions, fewer actually do, and even fewer are making those decisions with good data. As more and more Shopify businesses drill into making data driven decisions having the proper foundation is imperative. I have Rich Hannah from RHUX analytics here. One of our mutual clients has been working with him and was really impressed. Hot takes: Shopify's Google Analytics native integration is imperfect Size speed doesn't matter as much as you think If you go headless, your data is going to brek. Prior to starting his own agency, Rich was the former lead analytics engineer for lululemon and consulted for brands like Nordstrom, Major League Soccer, Zendesk, Starbucks, Tesla and others.
Tue, August 17, 2021
What matters for the future of ecommerce
Kurt Elster, Emmett Shine, and Lisel Welden work with DTC brands on the daily, respectively, so you’d think they’ve heard and seen it all. From Domino's self-driving cars to Walmart’s plan to be fully self-checkout by the end of 2021, to virtual fitting rooms debuting at a time when a lot of Americans really just want to get back into the mall (you get the picture)-- we want to know their takes on what's upcoming in ecommerce. On the panel: Emmett Shine, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Pattern (FKA Gin Lane) Lisel Welden, Advisor, CMO, Board Director | Former Nike, Lyft & Bleacher Report Kurt Elster, your Unofficial Shopify Podcast host Moderated by Andrew Jones, Route's Marketing Director This panel was originally recorded for Route Connect, an Ecommerce Conference Show Links Route Connect Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 10, 2021
July Recap: The Summer Slump
Paul and Kurt recap and discuss July's ecom buzz: Klaviyo's new features Headless Hotness The Summer Slump Paul's Beef(s) with Kurt Our favorite Online Store 2.0 feature Show Links Klaviyo Product Event Screencast: Online Store 2.0 Demo Shogun Frontend Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 03, 2021
Discount Code Abuse: Protecting Your Profits
In this episode, we'll pull back the curtain on how coupon extensions work, and reveal new data showing how they really impact key performance metrics like average order value and cart completion. How do coupon extensions like Honey and Capital One Shopping get the discount codes that they share in their apps? When a coupon extension is present in a user's browser, how does that impact attribution? What is the impact that coupon extensions have on average order value and cart completion? If a merchant is doing affiliate marketing, what should they know about coupon extensions and how they affect affiliate fees? Kathleen is VP of Marketing at clean.io, where she's on a mission to help ecommerce brands grow profits and make smarter marketing decisions by improving the effectiveness of their discount strategies. Prior to joining clean.io, Kathleen spent 11 years as the founder and CEO of a digital marketing agency where she advised hundreds of companies on go-to-market and digital marketing strategies. Show Links cleanCART - 14-day free trial clean.io Honey Capital One Shopping Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 27, 2021
Q&A: Online Store 2.0
In this Ask Us Anything episode, we answer listener questions. When should I upgrade to Online Store 2.0? What's headless ecommerce? The new metafields: What are they? How would I use them? What are you doing differently with FB Ads since the Apple privacy update? How to structure content for landing pages How to promote subscriptions Establishing free shipping minimums ...and more. Somewhat more. Most of it is even Shopify related. Show Links Resources: OOTS: "Is My Theme Compatible With Online Store 2.0?" All of the Announcements From Shopify Unite 2021 Screencast: Online Store 2.0 Demo Tools: Zipify Pages Shogun Frontend Stores: Asutra Beardbrand Black Diamond Coatings Huckberry KeySmart NOMAD Tactical Baby Gear Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe
Tue, July 20, 2021
Zuly Matallana of Tiara (Dragon's Den Update)
For more than 15 years Zuly Matallana worked in large multinational companies to develop businesses by successfully leading teams to monetize market opportunities. Now, Zuly is translating the skills she gained to become a successful entrepreneur. It started when Zuly recognized the need for a product to help busy women keep their hair dry while showering. Consequently, she found an opportunity to introduce a sustainable Shower Cap in a space traditionally dominated by single-use plastics. The TIARA Shower Cap has not only been successful worldwide but has also gained a lot of media attention. Here are some highlights: • Zuly “faced the fire” at Canada’s CBC TV Hit series Dragons’ Den securing a deal with Manjit and Jim. • Gift Pick GMA 2019 • Spoke about her business to more than 3 million people on The View. • In 2020, deemed a Must Have by Allure TIARA’s newest haircare innovation, The Night Cap, sold out in less than 30 minutes. This gave Zuly the confidence to spearhead the brand. She is now innovating a line of functional products for women – with sustainability in mind. Show Links TIARA - 10% Discount with the Code TIARALOVE Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 13, 2021
Two Stores & a Full-time Job
Ryan Tarver, a serial entrepreneur with a full-time job, joins us to discuss the realities of what it’s like to start a LLC, design a brand, and launch two shops while having a full time job, a toddler, a newborn, and way too many hobbies in the middle of a global pandemic. We discuss: The importance of brand identity The case for co-founders Tools to stay organized Balancing perfectionism vs "just launching" What they did when Facebook traffic didn't convert Show Links bambinobikes.com - Use code UNOFFICIAL15 2 A.M. Baby - Use code UNOFFICIAL15 Asana Out of The Sandbox Turbo Theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 06, 2021
Lots of traffic but no sales?
In-store marketing & merchandising are the basics of eCommerce but something that is missed often. Our guest today won the 2020 Shopify Commerce Awards with her app ModeMagic by Mason. She's conducted interviews with over 2,000 merchants, discovering their biggest pain point is "Lots of traffic but no sales." In this episode, we'll learn what are the basics of in-store marketing - where merchants typically go wrong, and how to do better. Born in a small town in north east India, grown up across India followed by working in San Francisco, Toronto & India, Kaus has thrived as a global citizen. These experiences have made her very empathetic and helps her connect to small business owners across the globe. Kaus leads an all-star girls team, mentors women developers & storytellers across the world and is focused on creating a maker first culture. Show Links ModeMagic Sale Booster - Free 1 month-trial on ModeMagic Sale Booster app on the Shopify App Store... for all Unofficial Shopify Podcast listeners! Use the code MERCHME while upgrading your plan. The Fascination Harry's [@kmanjita}twitter.com/kmanjita Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 29, 2021
Shopify Unite 2021 Recap
Working from home looked good on Shopify because this year's Unite announcements are the most featured-packed yet. So much is changing that they're calling it "Online Store 2.0" In this episode, we recap the highlights with a focus on what matters for merchants. Show Links Shopify Unite Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 29, 2021
Using Pre-Orders to Grow Inventory
Manufacturing your own goods is expensive, and can be even more expensive when you manufacture in the U.S. In this episode, Sarah Resnick, founder of Gist Yarn, tells us how she's used pre-ordering to fund our inventory growth. Sarah started her career as a community and union organizer, and made the switch to small business when she helped to run a cut and sew factory in 2016. Show Links Gist Yarn Weave Podcast Booster Product Filter & Search Klaviyo Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 22, 2021
The Boneheaded Mistakes We've All Made Running Online Businesses
Steve Chou and his wife Jennifer built a seven-figure business... and made a lot of mistakes along the way. We all have! This episode isn't about successes, it's about the stuff everybody (myself included) gets wrong when starting out. MyWifeQuitHerJob's Steve Chou co-hosts this joint episode to discuss the boneheaded mistakes we've all made running online businesses. Show Links Twirly Girl Brian Dean's Core Web Vitals research Pickfu ShipScout Hotjar Bumblebee Linens Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 15, 2021
Converting Your First Customers
Customer acquisition costs are more expensive than ever, so how can small brands acquire their first customers without spending big on paid traffic? Our guest today has a practical approach to that problem most brands can implement today. How can a brand get customers if they don't have a budget for ads? Why should brands invest in BFCM planning when it's so far off? What are big brands doing that small brands can replicate? Val Geisler is the Customer Evangelist at Klaviyo. Prior to joining the Klaviyo team, Val was an email marketing consultant for B2B and B2C brands. Because she's obsessed with improving how brands and customers connect, Val loves digging into the best ways to use different channels to make lasting connections. And memes. Val loves a good meme, too. Show Links Episode 223: Getting Customers for Life through Email Curie Deodorant Val on Twitter: @lovevalgeisler House of Wise Blum Klaviyo Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 08, 2021
Your Most Important Page is Product
Through vigorous testing over a decade long ecommerce career, today's guest has come to a conclusion: the product is the most important page on the whole site, and he's got outside-the-box wisdom on how to optimize it. Show Links Frictionless Commerce Rishi on LinkedIn zingermansbakehouse.com jpeterman.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 01, 2021
How a Former Hockey Player Found Spikey Success
Paul de Jersey wants you to lie on what looks like a bed of nails. If you think this is unusual, so did he when he first experienced a spikey acupuncture mat, but it works. It worked so well that he eventually began selling his own spike mats on Shopify, and even appeared on Dragon's Den to pitch the idea. Born and raised in Vancouver, Paul de Jersey is a former Division 1 hockey player turned entrepreneur. This is the story of his journey founding Aku, a line of premium self-care products with over $1m in sales. It wasn't easy though– Paul shares his struggles and successes with us in this episode. Show Links akuspike.com - Use code KURT at checkout for 20% off your products. Aku's Dragons Den Pitch Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 25, 2021
AMA: Improving Conversions & User Experience
Addressing large drop-offs at checkout Best navigation style for large catalogs Pagination vs infinite scroll a "back to basics" checklist for a $1M/y merchant What's the best way to advertise for conversion please? What to do when PPC traffic doesn't convert Tips and tricks with Turbo. Structuring your homepage in a new store Managing burnout when you can't take a vacation Setting up wholesalers for success Core web vitals?? Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 18, 2021
How Community & Story Bootstrapped KinkyCurlyYaki to Success
Vivian Kaye describes herself as "Oprah + Gary Vee" and that's a pretty good description. Her presence and genuine desire to continuously learn and grow while keeping it REAL quickly made her a personality who transcended the title of Founder and CEO. In this episode, she tells us how she started a premium textured hair extension brand for Black women, and then grew it to a million dollars without paid ads. Show Links KinkyCurlyYaki Shopify Prep School @itsviviankaye Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 11, 2021
How Kettle & Fire Scaled Affiliate Relationships to 7-figures
In this episode, you'll hear How Kettle & Fire scaled their affiliate and partnerships programs to 7-figures in revenue. We'll talk through best practices + actionable tactics. The tools to identify influencers How to get big influencers' attention The difference between affiliate and ambassador programs What are you paying for? Defining influencer deliverables and typical costs Creating a VIP experience for brand ambassadors Top 3 Most Successful Channels Our guest today is Jack Meredith, VP of Marketing at Kettle & Fire, one of the fastest growing brands in the health & wellness consumer goods space. He was employee #1 and played an instrumental role in taking the brand from zero to 8 figures in revenue. Aside from his day job, Jack also consults for DTC brands on all things marketing and growth. Show Links Kettle & Fire Dovetale Sparktoro Magellan AI dtcplaybooks.com - SOPs, tools, templates, and video trainings made by and for ecommerce pro's. - Use code KURT to get 20% off your order. Tw: @jvmeredith Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, May 04, 2021
Is your developer faking your PageSpeed score?
Everyone wants a better PageSpeed score. So when a client came to us with unusually good PageSpeed scores in a theme we set up last year, we wanted to know how they achieved it so we could replicate the results. Had a random developer seemingly cracked the code for theme performance optimization for Shopify? Finding out took days of research, and what we found shocked us. Show Links PageSpeed Insights Store Speed Anxiety Regulator Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 27, 2021
Selling The Best Cotton Candy You Will Ever Taste
Head Mutha Fluffa Therese Dozier, founder of LUV SPUN, turned her events based cotton candy business around in 2020 by moving her Artisanal Candy Floss to Shopify. LUVSPUN provides a unique flavor experience beyond the pink or blue cotton candy you’re used to. Their branding is fun, edgy, and their 200 flavors are unique and fantastic. LUVSPUN is more than just candy floss. It was founded to teach kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder that they can create their own future success through entrepreneurship and that they are completely capable of carving out their own space in this world and that their differences should be celebrated. Show Links LUVSPUN - Use code SHOPIFY15 for 15% off order. IFundWomen of Color In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and the Love You Want @luvspunfloss Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 20, 2021
6 Ecommerce Myths Holding You Back
Misinformation is spewed left and right about nearly everything in eCommerce and it’s driving us insane. In this joint episode, fellow ecom coach and podcast host Austin Brawner joins the show to dispel the top six ecommerce myths we encounter with merchants every day. If you’ve been a long-time listener of the podcast, you know that Austin is a trusted recurring guest and in this episode, we’re hoping to put a nail in the coffin of six costly eCommerce myths. Tune in as we set the record straight on Google PageSpeed, website design and copywriting, work ethic and so much more. Episode Highlights: Myth #1: You need to diversify your traffic Myth #2: Google PageSpeed is crucial to getting more sales Myth #3: You have to be the first to do everything Myth #4: If a “big” business is doing it, it must be right Myth #5: Hustle and grind is the key to business success Myth #6: People don’t read on the internet Show Links @a_brawn austinbrawner.com EcommerceInfluence Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 13, 2021
How to Spot Fake Influencers
In this episode, we break down influencer marketing for ecommerce with a Shopify merchant that used influencer marketing to launch their weighted blanket in 2017 with influencers including Kourtney Kardashian. Guest Corey Turner is candidly breaks down: The positives & negatives of influencer marketing for a DTC brand How to spot fake influencers What metrics to look for when picking an influencer. Breaking down the metrics of a couple well known influencers Corey Turner lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two kids (Henry, 3 and Avery 1). After graduating Northeastern University in 2009, he joined a startup with friends dropshipping mattresses. In 2013, they sold to MattressFirm. From 2013 to about 2016, they ran MattressFirm's ecommerce division. Late 2017, BlanQuil was launched just in time for the peak hype in weighted blankets. Show Links Blanquil Grin.co Privy Klaviyo Faded.biz Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 06, 2021
Growing Your Store [Merchant Q&A]
In this episode, we answer questions from Shopify merchants in our Facebook group. We discuss... Analyzing Heatmaps When to outsource your marketing Inventory forecasting Top Klaviyo Flows Collections as SEO honeypots Mobile Collections: Is one or two columns best? ...And more! Like Paul's pizza dough recipe. Links Mentioned ebikegeneration.com Matsuda.com Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 30, 2021
Six Sane Ways to Optimize Your Product Detail Page
In this episode: What are the most common mistakes that Shopify store owners make with their product pages? What steps can store owners take to figure out if their product page needs help? What things are you seeing on stores that makes you filled with rage? (note from josh: I'm only halfway kidding with this. I've seen such an uptick in terrible user experience on stores. Between a cookie popup, email popup, chat slide out, etc. we are ruining new users experience) Our guest today is Josh Frank, Founder & Head of Optimization at Test Triggers, Josh has helped countless eCommerce businesses boost their revenue with conversion optimization. Running close to a thousand A/B tests have helped Josh to distill the true optimization tactics from the b.s. Show Links Test Triggers Copyhackers: Copywriting Formulas CXL Tactical Baby Gear Product Detail Page Snoo Product Detail Page Crutchfield 'Drone' Product Detail Page Caraway Product Detail Page Freedom Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/et
Tue, March 23, 2021
Love Is: How Chrissie Lam Empowers Female Artisans
We talk to SharkTank alum Chrissie Lam about her Love Is Project journey. How Chrissie created the original love bracelet in Kenya, transformed a personal photo project to a viral social media campaign and then launched it as e-com brand. Show Links Love Is Project Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 16, 2021
Optimizing the Customer Journey by Exiting the Ecommerce Echo Chamber
Juliana Jackson, AKA The CLV Lady, Juliana is one of the principal architects of the Customer Value Optimization Category, a ground-breaking innovation framework for ecommerce companies that identifies the most important customers segments thanks to the RFM model, understanding behavioral patterns that need to be addressed in order to prioritize what matters to improve profitability and customer loyalty for ecommerce brands. She also has some unconventional opinions about ecommerce and its echo chamber problem. Why RFM segmentation is more important than CLTV What to ask your customers in an interview Why is ecommerce a sausage fest Show Links Effective Customer Segmentation through RFM Analysis Wikipedia: RFM (market research) HBR: Jobs to Be Done Juliana on LinkedIn App: Reveal by Omniconvert Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 09, 2021
Preparing Your Facebook Ads for iOS14
Apple says they're "standing up for users." Facebook says an upcoming prompt in Apple's iOS 14 is bad for small businesses. Regardless of which side you think if self-serving here, if you advertise on Facebook, you need to understand what's happening because you have some homework to do to prepare. Show Links ProduceDept Zuckerberg wants to “inflict pain” on Apple Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, March 02, 2021
How Tacticalories Sells Out Weekly
Casey Bard had a decent side hustle on Shopify and a full-time job... until he got a call from his boss letting him know that he no longer he had a job because the company leadership may be going to jail. That was the turning point where Casey knew his Shopify side hustle had to become his full-time income. This is the story of how Tacticalories Seasoning Company came to be. Takeaways: How asking "what's really me?" formed the business Why you're GAF (give a fuck) score is important How they grew 4x in 2020 through product launches Why tattoo artists make great label designers Show Links Tacticalories Huckberry Zipify Pages @tacticalories Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 23, 2021
Scaling Your Store AMA, Part II
Today we're doing a follow-up to our popular AMA from our Facebook group, Unofficial Shopify Podcast Insider's. We answer your questions, such as: Developing your positioning (without confusing customers) Finding newsletter content that works for you Why Paul always wears minor league t-shirts The #1 mistake Paul sees merchants make What to do when you’re just straight up uninspired Adding dynamic personalization to Shopify How to find cross-sell opportunities The one thing all new merchants should knew What does Kurt's customer survey contain? Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 16, 2021
How TikTok Revitalized This Pandemic-fatigued Merchant
In June 2019, Cesar Torres joined us to share the unusual story of how he turned a merch store for his sci-fi book series into a fitness leggings brand with a big impact on LGBTQ+ fans of the brand. Then, the pandemic hit and he experienced what we all did: the crushing desperation of not knowing what's going to happen. He understandably became increasingly demoralized... until he found his voice again through TikTok and Twitch. It's a compelling, unusual, and ultimately inspiring story from a lovely person. Cesar is the author of two sci-fi book series: The Coil and How to Kill a Superhero. He is also the CEO and Designer of LED Queens fitness apparel, which is a direct spinoff from both of his book series. He earned his journalism degree at Northwestern University and a computer science masters degree at DePaul University. He's currently based out of Chicago. Show Links LED Queens - Cesar says to check it out on Mobile for the best coupon via SMS. JULY 2ND, 2019 E228 with Cesar LED Queens Gaming (@ledqueens_gaming) | TikTok LED Queens Gaming on Twitch Cesar's top 3 app picks: Privy , Smile.io , Return Magic , Fraud Killer Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our rece
Tue, February 09, 2021
How to Scale Your Store [Q&A]
Today we're doing an AMA from our Facebook group, Unofficial Shopify Podcast Insider's. We answer your questions, such as: Tips for growing Shopify store from six to seven figures. Benchmarks for gross margin for successful e-commerce stores What should you look for in a web developer for redoing websites? ...and more. Always more. Such as, "How much did Kurt lose on GameStonk?" Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, February 02, 2021
How Two Strangers Partnered to Sell $1mm in Jerky
After leaving his 20-year engineering career to become a local marketing consultant, Dustin Riechman discovered a jerky so good that he decided to pitch a relative stranger on a business partnership that resulted in $1mm in sales in two years. The mindset that gave him the confidence to quit his job Keys to building realtionships with potential business partners How they launched with grassroots marketing efforts How having parallel local and national strategies worked well The power of podcast appearances (and how it got their products into WalMart) Show Links FireCreek Snacks - Use code UNOFFICIAL for 15% and free shipping PGA Merchandise Show Loox ReferralCandy Rich Dad, Poor Dad Bold Recurring Orders Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 26, 2021
How Travel Apparel Brand Aviator Survived 2020
Colby Kane, owner and founder of Aviator, discusses how the 2008 recession shaped his business, how he's survived the current pandemic, and what he expects will happen in 2021. Colby is a designer and art director who started out in the fast-paced world of NY Fashion as an art director at Macy’s. He moved to LA in order to build something different, find a balance between work and family, and give back to his community. Show Links Aviator Klaviyo Postscript Growave Social Media Marketing Podcast In Conversation Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 19, 2021
When a Pandemic Pauses Your Business
Julie Elster (as in Mrs. Elster) joins us again for a candid update on how 2020 impacted her travel business, hosted on Shopify. Show Links DoubleYourWDW.com Past Episode: My Wife Started a Shopify Store! Past Episode: How Julie Elster Generates 10,000 Organic Visitors Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 12, 2021
The Most Common CRO Blind Spots
Returning for his fourth appearance is Nick Disabato, ecommerce conversion rate optimization wunderkind. On today's episode: an airing of grievances around merchant's approach to conversion rate optimization. We talk through the common mistakes in methodology & management, and your top missed opportunities. Show Links Draft Baymard Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, January 05, 2021
New Year's Resolutions for your Shopify Business
Now through January we’ll see an influx of new listeners. (Welcome!) We asked our new listeners, "what’s your number one question as you grow your Shopify store?" And to our established merchants, we asked, "what do you wish you knew when just starting out?" Today, we’ll talk through the top comments and turn those into actionable New Year's business resolutions. Sponsors Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus". Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 29, 2020
Stumped by SMS? Ask the Expert.
Worried mobile messaging will annoy your customers? Not if you do it right. We ask SMS marketing consultant Arri Bagah listener submitted questions like... What do people really want when they sign up for SMS? Should we get into SMS if we’re not based in North America? How often to mass broadcast? Arri Bagah became an expert in the mobile messaging space and is invited to speak at large conferences including Traffic and Conversions Summit, and Conversations Conference and DTC DAY. Arri is the founder of Conversmart, and served in the US Army. Show Links Conversmart - Request a Free Email or SMS Marketing Consult from Arri State of DTC Text-Message Marketing (2020 Edition) Personal Mastery Podcast Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 22, 2020
How a Tesla Accessory Store Built a Cult Fanbase
When I bought our first electric vehicle earlier this year, I did what a lot of new car buyers do and went accessory shopping. It was not long before I started seeing ads for aftermarket accessory vendor Abstract Ocean, and reading about them on forums. Our guest today is Peter White, co-founder of Abstract Ocean. In 2013, Peter and his wife picked up their first Tesla. Aside from being the spark for Abstract Ocean, it proved completely life-changing (cue the Tesla grin - even now, years later, driving is a pure and utter joy - despite traffic). Show Links AbstractOcean - 15% off any purchase when you useuse code UNOFFICIAL The 2013 Forum Post that started it all SentiOne Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 15, 2020
Shipageddon, Cyber Monday, & Simulated Chicken
In this episode, we discuss Shipageddon Season and the Cyber Monday that broke shipping. Then a Nuggs teardown– They're "the Tesla of chicken." Show Links ShipBob's Shipping Carrier Data NUGGS Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 08, 2020
The Future of Ecommerce
As ecommerce professionals, what did we learn from 2020? And what happens in 2021? Those are the questions I posed to a number of a clever ecommerce industry folks. Entreprenuers like: Harley Finkelstein, Shopify Eric Bandholz, Beardbrand Marnie Consky, Thigh Society Ezra Firestone, Smart Marketer Ilana Davis, Shopify Expert & Website Rescuer Steve Chou, My Wife Quit Her Job Nick DiSabato, Draft Austin Brawner, Brand Growth Experts Val Giesler, Fix My Churn Andrew Youderian, EcommerceFuel Rhian Beutler, Venntov Anne Thomas, Shop Critique Ben Jabbawy, Privy This episode is a fire hose of valuable insights, tips, and trends. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, December 01, 2020
Black Friday 2020 Data Download
From the start of Black Friday in New Zealand through the end of Black Friday in California, Shopify merchants saw a 75% increase in sales from Black Friday in 2019. By 8:00am EST, merchants on Shopify collectively had crossed $1 billion in sales. “We’re thrilled with the Black Friday sales generated by the businesses on Shopify. In just a single day, merchants around the world produced more than 80% of the sales of the entire holiday shopping weekend last year,” said Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify. Let's unpack that. Show Links Overlander Black Friday sees record online as US shoppers stay home BFCM Live Map Shopify Announces Record Global Black Friday Sales of $2.4 Billion KeySmart Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 24, 2020
Building a DTC Matcha Business with No Ad Spend
We talk to a cookbook author who turned his experience living in Japan into a Shopify store focused on selling the best quality matcha possible. Eric is the founder and chief evangelist at Breakaway Matcha. He's also an author, ghostwriter, editor, cooking instructor, and private chef. For 16 years, he lived and worked in Japan, where he took deep dives into all things matcha, food, literature, arts, and culture. Eric is the author of three cookbooks: The Breakaway Cook, The Breakaway Japanese Kitchen, and Eric's Kitchen. He lives and works in Marin County, CA. Show Links Breakaway Matcha Community HiutDenim Cart2Cart Matcha Quiz Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 17, 2020
What Every Merchant Should Know About Theme Development
In this episode, we'll talk to one of the most experienced Shopify theme developers on the planet: Anne Thomas. You'll learn... how to audit your theme for performance the common pitfalls to avoid with your theme learning enough development to be dangerous a user testing crash course Anne Thomas is an experienced web developer who has helped create some of the best Shopify themes in the market. She spent almost 5 years at Out of the Sandbox as the Technical Director working on themes such as Turbo and Flex. Her knowledge of the Shopify platform runs deep and she's recently started her own company, Shop Critique, where she works directly with merchants to help them makeover their shops and make sure they are using their themes and apps in the best ways possible. Show Links Shop Critique Out of The Sandbox Coding with Jan - YouTube freeCodeCamp Lynda Baymard Institute SiteInspire 2020 Holiday Email Guide Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 10, 2020
This Master Tea Blender Shifted Their Family Business Online, Selling Seven-Figures
Third-generation Master Tea Blender Emeric Harney joins us to discuss the online success of their 37-year-old family tea business, Harney & Sons. Harney & Sons is a tea company that is committed to "making quality tea an everyday luxury." Key Takeaways: How they leverage their brand story How to power product discovery with 300 varieties of tea What its like running a store with 50+ apps Why they're fighting for inclusive messaging Links Mentioned Harney.com Hot Cinnamon As The Tea Steeps Podcast Nosto - On-site Personalization Aimtell - Push Notifications Harney's Theme Better Reports Report Pundit Pingdom Tools The Hemp Division Emeric's IG: @emericharney Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, November 03, 2020
Thigh Society: How One Woman Sells 7-Figures of Anti-Chafing Underwear
Marnie Consky is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Anti-Chafing Champion of Thigh Society (US) , a niche undergarment brand offering moisture-wicking, breathable, and discreet boxer brief underwear for women. Thigh Society prevents inner thigh chafing while providing modesty coverage and is on a body-positive mission to normalize this common skin issue while helping women love their thighs at any size. Key Takeaways: How she bootstrapped a million dollar business starting with just $8K CAD as a risk-averse solopreneur Why starting with retail wholesale helped her get started online Why you should start with one product (and how to better forecast inventory) Marnie grew Thigh Society to a six-figure business while working a demanding full-time job before deciding to focus exclusively on building the business in late 2016, and has grown it to 7 figures since. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Marnie worked for organizations in Toronto, Canada including Accenture, the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, and the Rotman School of Management (MBA school) in a variety of strategic talent management roles. Links Mentioned Thigh Society (US) - Use code UNOFFICIAL at checkout to save 15% on your order Thigh Society (CA) Draft - Marnie's conversion rate optimization consultant [Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh]( https://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446576220/ref=sr_1_1 ? Maker's Row - For anyone looking for resources to start an apparel business Toronto Fashion Incubator E-Lists & Guidebooks The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing 2PMl - Marnie's favorite free weekly newsletter Company of One by Paul Jarvis - Marnie's book recommendation Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’
Thu, October 29, 2020
Black Friday 2020 Facebook Marketing Strategies
In this episode, you'll learn a three stage strategy to set your Facebook ads funnel up for success before and during Black Friday. Facebook Ads are more expensive than ever, and Black Friday is going to bring the muppets out of the woodwork which will drive costs up even more. You'll the hear answers to: Your 2020 FB Ads Strategy Which promos were the most successful in 2019 When to use Campaign Budget Optimization A 2019 FB Ads Postmortem 2020 BFCM Considerations Show Links BFCM Strategy Guide Tw: @kurtbullock ProduceDept.co 2020 Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2020 Holiday Email Guide This episode made possible by Rewind Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 27, 2020
Choosing, Changing, & Maintaining Your Shopify Theme
Out of The Sandbox's Sean Campbell joins us to discuss all things theme related: When & how should you upgrade or change themes What to consider in a new theme Behind the scenes of the Shopify Theme Store the "New Online Store Editor Experience" How to expedite support tickets Sean is a Shopify Theme project manager with 6+ years of experience helping agencies, partners, and merchants navigate the Shopify ecosystem. With a focus on Out of the Sandbox Themes, Sean possesses in-depth knowledge and experience from the perspective of shoppers, merchants, theme developers, and agencies. Links Mentioned Out of The Sandbox - Use code KURT20 at checkout to get 20% off Flex or Turbo Reunite 2020: Everything we announced and exclusive updates from Shopify Plus - Discusses Sections Everywhere Using the Page.details Template Theme Updater App Merchant Collective Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 20, 2020
Maximizing Revenue on Black Friday through Financing & More
In this episode: Increasing average order value with financing, a new sexy store, and your Black Friday prep crash course. Show Links 2020 Holiday Email Guide Sezzle - My Sezzle referral code is SZXRLQJ. When you use it, you'll get one month free, no strings attached. Vex Clothing Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 13, 2020
Steal Ezra Firestone's Million Dollar Black Friday Blueprint
In 2018, Ezra Firestone generated $700K over Black Friday, with $100k alone on Thanksgiving for his Shopify store BOOM by Cindy Joseph. This year he plans do 30% more and he's going to tell us exactly how. Master Marketer Ezra Firestone breaks down the exact Black Friday and holiday email campaigns he'll be running this year. You'll learn: Ezra's content marketing strategy Why to set up pre-sale campaigns Best times to send email Every single app in every Ezra's store Show Links Ezra's 2019 podcast ever Money Talks Series Email on Acid Smart Email Marketing 2.0 Ezra on Instagram Zipify Pages Smart Marketer Boom Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 06, 2020
How Nomad Goods Drives Seven-figures Revenue Through Klaviyo
Nomad Goods' Chuck Melber joins us to tell us in details what he's doing in Klaviyo to generate seven-figures worth of revenue annually. Key Takeaways: "A clean list is a well-delivered list" How to segment abandoned cart flows for personalized content The right ratio of plain text vs HTML emails The most important thing to split test Chuck started his post college life working in the world of ecommerce and marketing and quickly made the leap into the realm of UX/ID. Over the course of a few years he was privileged to consult on projects with companies like GoPro, Mozilla, and LG. Thanks to retail experience he brought a unique perspective regarding consumer electronics and a desire to make navigating the world a simpler, more enjoyable experience. In 2015 Chuck returned to marketing, advertising, and growth with a broader appreciation for aesthetics and usability. During his tenure at Nomad he has established a strong foundation in advertising, email marketing, affiliate marketing, PR, and influencer marketing. When not working, you can find Chuck adventuring, fishing offshore, or in the kitchen. Links Mentioned Nomad Goods - Use code UNOFFICIAL for 20% in-stock goods until October 1st. Klaviyo Tinuiti Tone SMS Recovery Nomad Sticker Pack Kurt's Vinyl Plotter Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
Tue, September 29, 2020
Manufacturing Authenticity: From Sneaker Drops to Shinola Saving Detroit
We discuss: The ethics of financing solutions Launching your products like Yeezy Rumors: An update on Native Checkout Integrations News: A Shopify data leak, and a Shopify Partner arrested by the FBI Are Nikkola, Madewell, and Shinola authentic brands? And then we test drive the Shinola store. Links Mentioned How Madewell Bought And Sold My Family's History - BuzzFeed PageSpeed Anxiety Tool NS8 co-founder Adam Rogas charged with securities fraud The Real History of America's Most Authentic Fake Brand - Inc Shinola Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 22, 2020
How Stephanie Morimoto Built a Wellness Brand So Good Venus Williams Invested
Stephanie Morimoto is the owner and CEO of Asutra, a natural beauty company so good that customer Venus Williams approached them to get involved. Asutra offers over 50 organic, natural products – from natural solutions to help with pain relief and sleep to skincare to bath & body – for people who invest in self-care. Asutra is woman-owned and women-led; 77% of their team are people of color; and 100% of their staff would recommend Asutra as a great place to work. Key Takeaways: How a "luck sail" led to the purchase of Asutra Why she shifted from Amazon to DTC on Shopify The double edged sword of selling in national retail chains The unexpected way Venus Williams got involved How a social mission impacted their hiring process Stephanie is an enthusiastic board member of Equality Illinois, which advocates for LGBTQ rights; and Naturally Chicago, which creates an ecosystem for natural products companies to thrive. In her spare time, she’s an avid urban gardener who grows everything from tomatoes to lilacs. Links Mentioned Asutra Pointer Creative Product Recommendations: Spray Pain Away Magnesium Oil , Chill Pain Away CBD Magnesium , Menthol Pain Cream , Melt Pain Away Body Butter Purpose Workforce Web Savvy Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel<
Tue, September 15, 2020
DTC Darlings: Is Gymshark worth $1.4 Billion?
We discuss: An Income Store court case update AWAY Travel has a sale, DTC Twitter takes notice GymShark's billion dollar valuation And then we tear down the Gymshark store. Links Mentioned Income Store Receivership Attorneys Quitting? (Income Store Update) Emilia Gardner's Income Store YouTube Playlist AWAY Travel Is Gymshark worth $1.4 Billion? Reflecting on My Failure to Build a Billion-Dollar Company, Part 2 - Sahil Lavingia, Gumroad’s founder, shares what he’s learned along the way about strategy, product, and growth GymShark Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 08, 2020
How Nomad Goods Went from $150K on Kickstarter to $20mm on Shopify
Noah Dentzel is Co-Founder and CEO of Nomad. Nomad launched in 2012 on Kickstarter with their first product, ChargeCard, a USB cable the size and shape of a credit card designed to keep your phone charged on the go, a "jumper cable" for your phone. Key Takeaways: The great mindset advice (provided by a Zoltar fortune telling machine) What goes into a successful Kickstarter, and how its changed Why they're proudly omni-channel Why its worth listening to a few bad ideas Nomad dreams up and builds out award-winning modern, minimalist accessories for smartphones and smartwatches. They've successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter (2012), Indiegogo (2013) and CircleUp (2014) and sell direct to consumer on their Shopify-powered site as well as through select retail and distribution partners in the US and globally. Links Mentioned Nomad Goods Kickstarter: ChargeCard NOMAD Sticker Pack Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, September 01, 2020
Q&A: PageSpeed, Plus, Preparing for Q4
This episode is available as a video interview on YouTube: youtu.be/S3-9NZ1OLV8 In this listener Q&A episode aimed at optimizing for Q4, we discuss: Which cart type is best What we're doing differently this Black Friday The problem with PageSpeed Klaviyo Email Flow & Campaign tips How to promote without discounting And we close with a breakdown of when Shopify Plus makes sense. Links Mentioned Kurt's MAME Cabinet Herb'n'Eden Interview Etsy: Paul's Maltese Falcon GymShark GymShark Page Speed Pingdom Tool Holiday Email Guide Story Brand (Kurt called it Brand Story in the show, that's wrong.) Shopify Plus Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Thu, August 27, 2020
Unlearn Everything: Developing Your Success Mindset
This bonus episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is presented by Rewind . The secret to productivity & success isn't a system, it's a mindset. Metalsmith and entrepreneur Megan Auman returns to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast to discuss how she's cultivated an "investment mindset" and the power of mindset in business. Key Takeaways: How to take a vacation as a entrepreneur Don't be so hard on yourself Cultivating mindfulness How to make big financial decisions Megan Auman is a jewelry designer, metalsmith, educator and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in selling art through a variety of channels. In addition to running her eponymous jewelry line, she is the founder of Designing an MBA, which features business thinking for artists and makers, and Artists & Profit Makers, an online mentorship community. A best-selling CreativeLive instructor, her designs have been featured in Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens, Cooking Light and on top-rated blogs like Design*Sponge. Her newest class, Sell Without Shame, helps artists and makers find and articulate the value in their work. Links Mentioned meganauman.com Designing an MBA IG: @meganauman Sponsors Rewind Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 25, 2020
How Herb'N Eden Marketed Their Way to Sold Out Success
Quinton Lewis sells soap. A lot of soap. So much soap that customers wait weeks for their order to be produced. And he only started in the last few years. Quinton is the co founder of Herb'N Eden. He is currently the head of Marketing & Operations at Herb'N Eden. In this episode, we'll walk through his journey, including a detailed overview of their content marketing strategy. Links Mentioned Herb'N Eden Herb'N Eden Brand Story IG: @herbneden Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 18, 2020
Q4, USPS, Themes, & Joe Biden's Teeth
Also available in live hi-def action on YouTube: youtu.be/khPjZKvOPhs In this episode: Our Q4 BFCM predictions What's up with USPS? KeySmart's Andy Bedell talks switching themes and we teardown the official Joe Biden merch store Links Mentioned Forbes: Trump Admits To Blocking USPS Funding Over Mail-In Voting KeySmart Joe Biden store Oculus Quest VR Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, August 11, 2020
How a Better Brand Voice Built an 8-figure Business
Alex Brown has been launching e-commerce companies for over 5 years, starting with multiple successful crowdfunding campaigns (like Coolbox which ended up on ABC’s Shark). He is best known as CoFounder of the viral hit Dollar Beard Club. DBC hit $10M in their first year with no performance marketing or affiliate help, and has gone on to become a scalable and globally known brand with over 300M video views. You'll learn: Is crowdfunding still relevant? The one thing that makes or breaks product launches How a video-first strategy launched their brand The conditions for virality The three questions to ask yourself to build an incredible brand story What to do when you feel overwhelmed Since exiting Beard Club, Alex has been advising multiple companies and speaking around the world on branding and content marketing. He currently runs the first e-commerce brand accelerator program for brands on pace for 8+ figures, and is an advisor to NGO’s helping building entrepreneurial ecosystems. Show Links Ecommerce Rockstars CoolBox Kickstarter The Beard Club This is Marketing (Book) Evolved Enterprise (Book) Ecommerce Rockstars Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors This episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.
Tue, August 04, 2020
Get Your Money Right: Bookkeeping, Profitability, & Pre-orders
In this episode, we discuss listener-suggested topics: bookkeeping, profitability, and pre-orders. And then we tear down the official LEGO store. Links Mentioned Bench ShipScout Crowdfunder Product Filter & Search LEGO Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 28, 2020
How Melita Cyril Achieved Six-figure Sock Sales & Social Impact
A recovering banker and management consultant, Melita Cyril had her eyes (and ears) open for different entrepreneurial ideas during her maternity leave. When her baby boy suffered from eczema and she struggled to find the right socks for his sensitive feet, she started Q for Quinn - a company that sells gentle, comfortable socks for the entire family. We talk through: Her journey as a "mompreneur" of a family apparel brand Strategies to increase AOVs, despite selling a low priced item Why and how she incorporated social impact into her mission How she get early traction Melita is a mom of two kids and in addition to running Q for Quinn, she is also a children’s book author. Melita holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and a BSc (Hons) Economics from the London School of Economics. Links Mentioned Q for Quinn - Use code KURTSPECIAL to save 15% on socks (because everyone can use more comfortable socks.) Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 21, 2020
Things that Annoy Merchants: Lawsuits, PageSpeed, & Blogging
We discuss what an accessibility lawsuit costs, why Google PageSpeed is our Emperor Palpatine, building better blog pages in Shopify, and finally we tear down the official Minor League Baseball store. Links Mentioned Brickloot LEGO LED Kits Paul's favorite light bulbs Kurt's Merino Wool Apparel Kurt's Favorite Jeans Rev Tim Hipp, freelance transcription Pingdom Tools DoubleYourWDW SmallPetSelect The Beard Mentor Blog Minor League Baseball Store SnowCommerce Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, July 14, 2020
Steal Beyoncé's Instagram Strategy
From planning & scheduling your content for Instagram to what does and doesn't work in 2020, our guest today lays out a complete strategy to organic Instagram marketing that anyone can use to market their Shopify store starting today. We finish the episode with answers to your top Instagram questions. Our Instagram expert in this episode is Leslie Eugene. Over the years, she's developed a reputation for helping fashion & beauty online brands build communities around their product or services that convert their audience into paying customers and brand evangelists. While social media plays a vital role in that conversion, there’s another distinctive key that makes all the difference in her success: her passion for great social media marketing. Your questions answered: What’s the drawback in switching to a business account on Instagram - how much organic reach do you lose? What are the top 3 things small business should be doing on social that they probably aren’t? How often would you recommend posting in IG stories? How should an Ecom Store social media strategy change over the course of the store's maturity e.g pre-launch, launch, growth, maturity, etc. When does it make sense for a business to hire for organic social media? Does high engagement on your page reduce ad costs? Links Mentioned Pretty Haute Planoly Iconosquare @miaray , @iamminglee - Examples of great Instagram accounts Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? <l
Tue, July 07, 2020
The Web has an Accessibility Problem
In today's episode: Why now may be a good time to upgrade your theme The broken promises of accessibility and what to do about it And finally an Away Travel teardown that goes off the rails Links Mentioned KeySmart Turbo Changelog The Ship of Theseus CORSA Performance AccessiBe Away Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 30, 2020
Carbon Fiber Kickstarters: Building a Disruptive Manufacturing Business on Shopify
After raising $164,775 on Kickstarter, this husband & wife team is disrupting carbon fiber manufacturing. You'll the hear answers to: How they raised $164,775 on Kickstarter to start their business How a revenue share agreement empowered their business The exact influencer outreach strategy they used How niche group buys are growing their manufacturing business Gabriel Mountjoy is a graduate of the Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering Department in San Luis Obispo, CA. He and his wife, Ann Mountjoy, founded Common Fibers in 2013 after invention of a carbon fiber hinge. For the past six years they have developed composite products for the automotive, aerospace, medical, construction, and consumer goods industries. With two patents, they are building a passionate team that will continue to disrupt the composites industry and change how manufacturing is currently done. Links Mentioned Kickstarter Carbon Fiber Wallet Campaign (2014) Book: How to shoot video that doesn't suck Gabe's wallet store: Common Fibers - 30% off with code ETHERCYCLE at checkout Refersion CFGroupBuy Crowdfunder Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/seo-m
Tue, June 23, 2020
Your Menu Sucks: Navigation Optimization Made Simple
In this episode, we discuss: Kurt's run-in with a Karen How to optimize your main menu navigation for higher conversions A spicy website teardown of Chicago condiment institution Marconi Foods Links Mentioned Main Menu examples: KeySmart , Hoonigan , Proven Winners Direct Teardown: Marconi Foods Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 16, 2020
Crowdfunding $380k for a Better T-shirt
Years ago, Dan Demsky wanted to buy a merino wool t-shirt for travel to lighten his load... and he couldn't find one. It haunted him. He knew this product should exist, and after a business coach told him he shouldn't do it, he spent 18 months on research and development that resulted in a crowdfunding campaign that raised $380K USD. That brand was Unbound Merino, purveyors of quality merino wool clothing. Today, Unbound Merino is a multi-million dollar global brand selling in over 100 countries. Its not all puppies and roses: they had positioned the brand as a travel accessory, impacting their sales in a pandemic world. Key Takeaways: The grassroots campaign strategy that drove their initial success The difference between publishing and launching your store How the pandemic has created a new mentality for their business Links Mentioned UnboundMerino IndieGogo: Unbound Merino - The ultimate travel hack Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, June 09, 2020
Black Lives Matter
In this episode, we have an uncomfortable and necessary conversation about racism. If you disagree with anti-racism or feel that this conversation doesn't belong in our show, then unsubscribe. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, and countless others should be alive. Links Mentioned National Bail Fund Network Bombas Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Thu, June 04, 2020
How a University Student Started a 7-Figure Vintage Clothing Business
Through his love of vintage clothing, Rory Westbrook founded True Vintage out of his bedroom while still a student at the University of Portsmouth. Growing quicker than he could have anticipated, True Vintage has consistently doubled their annual revenue year-over-year since inception. Using a combination of digital marketing strategies (including brand collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger and Urban Outfitters) Rory and the True Vintage team have built an engaged instagram following of over 300,000 people. Links Mentioned True Vintage Shoppex - Receive a 15% discount when you book a demo and quote KURT in the sign 􏰀up process. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors This episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.
Tue, June 02, 2020
Launching a Journal to Make Men Stronger
In this episode, you'll hear how a designer and entrepreneur from the UK turned a personal tragedy into a compelling story and business that has helped thousands of men live better lives. Ollie Aplin is the co-founder of MindJournal, the global men's journaling movement a mission to help guys feel happier and healthier. We ask him: Why journaling and why journaling for men? Why launch on Kickstarter? (Building a community and validation was key) How did you overcome the fear of putting yourself out there and taking a risk both emotionally and financially? What lessons have you learned about yourself, or entrepreneurship since launching in 2016 The one piece of advice you would give to other entrepreneurs who are thinking about launching a new business or product in 2020 Links Mentioned Kickstarter Mindjournals - Use code KURT20 to get 20% off your first Journal IG: @ollieaplin Do Purpose by David Hieatt Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, May 26, 2020
Re-Unite Recap
This episode is also available with video on YouTube . Last week at Shopify Re-Unite, a webinar keynote, Shopify's leadership team revealed new and upcoming features. Paul and I attended and will give you the run down today. After that, we do a teardown of Pit Vipers, a store that is equal parts impressive and ridiculous. Links Mentioned Carcaine Supply Proven Winners Direct Shopify Re-Unite Re-Unite Recap Pit Vipers Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Thu, May 21, 2020
Why Revenue is a Vanity Metric (and what to watch instead)
Using accounting as a useful business tool is harder than it sounds. Most of us don't really know what we should be looking at or how to interpret it. In today's episode, you'll learn some counter-intuitive wisdom and financial truths you can start using immediately to accelerate you light years ahead of the competition. Key Takeaways: How cash conversion cycle (CCC) is the most important key performance indicator for your finances The biggest financial challenges merchants face Which financial metrics you should be actively monitoring How to be smarter about discounting Avoiding the common mistakes Ecommerce merchants make with their finances Our guest today is Jason Andrew, a chartered accountant, founder, and business advisor to high-growth businesses. His accounting firm, SBO.Financial, focuses on helping Ecommerce businesses with their numbers, ranging from bookkeeping and financial control to profit and cash flow maximisation strategies. In 2019, Jason published an entrepreneurial accounting book, Stark Naked Numbers, which he describes as "the 4-hour work week of business finance." Links Mentioned Book: Stark Naked Numbers SBO Financial LinkedIn: @jason-andrew The Personal MBA Book: All Marketers are Liars Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ethercycl
Tue, May 19, 2020
King Kong Apparel: Selling 60,000+ Gym Bags on Shopify
Stefan Gehrig, a former Research Scientist, started King Kong Apparel in 2011 when he was heavily involved in the still-niche sport of CrossFit. Since then, starting with a single (relatively crappy) gym bag he has scaled to a Shopify Plus store that sells tens of thousands of bags, backpacks and meal prep bags per year. We talk: How they built a community of brand evangelists What they'd do differently starting over The most underestimated component of success How their quiz Oh, and you'll never guess where they got their mascot from. It's wild. King Kong bags are widely known for their toughness, durability and functionally and have grown with the sport of CrossFit, and branched out into other fitness markets. Links Mentioned King Kong Apparel The 4-Hour Workweek (For the two of you haven't read it yet) Pickzen - Quiz App Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, May 12, 2020
Everyone's Going Online: 2020's Ecommerce Boom
The world is changing, and a core part of that change is everyone and everything finally getting online. Ecommerce is booming. Let's talk through it: We discuss Shopify's Q1 2020 financial report The wild projects we're working on right now Predictions Shopify's newest features Our number one Facebook ads tip from a man who spends $30K/day on ads AN ALLBIRDS TEARDOWN!! Links Mentioned Shopify's Q1 2020 financial report Shopify Re-Unite Virtual Shopify Meetup Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Thu, May 07, 2020
Comedy in Commerce: Help Customers Love You More
In this episode, Shopify merchants will hear how they could be better using humor in their marketing copy (especially email!) to improve conversions. How humor boosts conversions How to approach voice of customer research How can store owners and marketers write funnier copy without offending customers or coming off the wrong way? How do you know you're succeeding with humor? What are some big opportunities most brands overlook when creating their email automations? Lianna Patch is a conversion copywriter and comedian whose greatest dream is to make your customers pause, smile, and click (in that order). She’s written copy for Freshbooks, Manly Bands, LifeStraw, and The Contract Shop, among other delightful clients, and regularly speaks at ecommerce and software conferences around the world. Links Mentioned Punchline Copy SNAP Copy SNAP Copy's free Voice of Customer Research Kit @punchlinecopy Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors This episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.
Tue, May 05, 2020
The Fundamental Truths of Million Dollar Ecom Brands
Our guest today has a long track record with ecommerce: both successes and failures. We're joined by Ryan Daniel Moran, founder of Freedom Fast Lane and Capitalism.com, to discuss what he believes are the fundamental appraoches that create the enduring ecommerce success stories. Key Moments: How the Income Store affected him Why the pandemic can be good for you The dangers of short term decisions What most entreprenuers get wrong when scales 7-figure businesses Ryan's product & audience formulas for success As a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and investor, Ryan's main focus is on creating lifestyle freedom --- helping people create lasting businesses and investing the profits, while enjoying a higher quality of life, and working less. In addition to operating, selling, and investing in multiple million dollar ecommerce brands, Ryan is best known for his work at Freedom Fast Lane - where he leads "The Tribe" and helps entrepreneurs develop their business plan, get results rapidly, and invest for passive income. In The Tribe, he is responsible for creating 100+ millionaires, many of which occurred in 12 months or less following his philosophies on creating products people want, marketing them profitably, and creating life-long customers and brand evangelist. Ryan's mission is to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to create jobs, contribute to the economy, and uplift their families and local communities to create a better world. Links Mentioned Capitalism 12 Months to $1 Million: How to Pick a Winning Product, Build a Real Business, and Become a Seven-Figure Entrepreneur Kindle Edition Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/tus
Tue, April 28, 2020
Listener Q&A: Marketing & Retention Edition
In this listener Q&A episode, we answer nine merchant's pressing questions regarding marketing their Shopify stores. We even try something new and call a few experts on the phone to get their answers. Tik Tok: is it time? Starting a loyalty program SEO Apps VS DIY SEO VS Using a consultant for SEO What gear, setup and software do you use to do remote podcast with video? Pros and cons of affiliate programs What to do with 15,000 visitors a month and barely any sales A sane beginner's approach to Facebook Ads Which reviews app to choose (and structured metadata) And lastly a thought exercise: "What are the top 3 things you would do to grow your following/list if starting a new store from scratch on a low budget of say around $200/month." Plus Paul reveals the terrible secret his refrigerator has been hiding, and Kurt wears makeup. Links Mentioned Klaviyo's Coronavirus Daily Insights Smile Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, April 21, 2020
Shopify SEO: Lessons from the #1 SEO App Developer
Today we're joined by long-time Shopify Partner and SEO app developer Rhian Beutler to discuss your SEO questions. In this Shopify SEO Crash Course, you'll hear the answer to: Do those ‘seo’ apps really work? The latest Google Algorithm changes you need to know What does Mobile Indexing First mean for your store? How to approach Google's technical recommendations What happens if you have to pause your business online? How long should my alt tags be? Is there such a thing as them being too long? What are best practices for image alt tags? Do I really write for accessibility or do I stuff keywords? How do you research keywords to target based on your niche? What does optimizing for a keyword really mean? How much time should I spend creating content vs building backlinks? Links Mentioned Venntov Moz Official Google Webmaster Blog Tw: @searchliaison A Beginner's Guide to Google Search Console - Moz Moz Blog Image Compression Tools: Kraken , ImageOptim Google Keyword Planner Hemingway App Tw: @rhiankatie Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our <a href=
Tue, April 07, 2020
Brian Dean's Shopify SEO Strategy
As we look for more ways to generate quality organic traffic to our stores, SEO will come to mind. In this episode, you'll will hear how to get more search engine traffic to your store. We're joined by an SEO Expert who has been called an "SEO genius" by Entrepreneur.com and a "brilliant entrepreneur" by Inc Magazine. If you've read the Backlinko blog or watched their YouTube channel, you'll recognize today's guest, Brian Dean. Brian's going to tell us: How to create awesome ecommerce content How to use Authority Sculpting to boost rankings to product and category pages How to rank above Amazon (yes, its possible!)
Thu, March 26, 2020
Surviving & Thriving in Uncertain Times
Today we're joined by a Business owner sharing experience of surviving 3 recessions in 25 years. This episode is about actionable advice. What's the upside of a recession, if any? What strategies do you advise for surviving a downturn in the economy for any business? What are the biggest mistakes stores & businesses are going to make during the pullback? What's different about this downturn from the others? Dave is the founder of Recapture, an abandoned cart and email marketing solution for Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento. He's also the co-host of Rogue Startups podcast talking about his entrepreneurial journey, and he runs Big Snow Tiny Conf West, a small web business mastermind-style conference with skiing. Links Mentioned Headscape @daverodenbaugh Recapture - 60 Day Trial Rewind - Backup your store, automatically Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Rewind
Tue, March 24, 2020
The Fashion Designer Bringing Latex from Beyonce to Consumers
On this episode, we're joined by Laura Petrielli-Pulice, a fashion designer who has designed for celebrities and icons of art and culture including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Dita Von Teese. Her clothing has graced the pages of highly respected fashion magazines such as Vogue, W, Interview Magazine, and more. Pulice was also runner-up on the Bravo fashion competition show Styled to Rock hosted by Rihanna. Today, you can buy her clothing from her Shopify store, but her first website went live 20 years ago. In today's episode, we'll walk through her journey. Links Mentioned Vex Clothing *NSFW IG: @vexclothing *NSFW Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, March 10, 2020
Casting a Voice for Your Brand
Your story is the ultimate way to create an emotional connection with your customers so that they not only become raving fans, they share your story with their friends. In this episode, professional sitcom writer and showrunner Michael Jamin will teach you how to find your mission statement, create your customer avatar, cast a "voice" for your brand, then how to apply that to your marketing so you're always telling one, cohesive brand story. You'll hear: Why you shouldn't "fake it 'til you make it" What makes a great mission statement? How to create my customer avatar? How to "cast" a spokesperson to "speak" to your customer How to apply it all this to your branding Michael Jamin has been a professional sitcom writer/showrunner for 25 years. His many credits include King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, Beavis & Butthead, Rules of Engagement, Wilfred, Maron, Brickleberry and many others. By applying his knowledge of storytelling to his wife's clothing line, TwirlyGirl, they grew it into a multi-million dollar company. Michael's branding videos were so successful on Facebook, that several companies asked him to share his marketing expertise. That's how CardboardRocketships came to be. It's a website that offers instruction on how to tell your brand story. Links Mentioned Michael's site, CardboardRocketships Michael's Branding Videos TwirlyGirl Episode 195: "How to Tell Your Brand's Story With Help from a Professional Screenwriter" The Story Course J. Peterman Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors <a href="https://promo.boldcommerce.com/ethe
Tue, February 25, 2020
Make Your Website Accessible (and Avoid Lawsuits‎)
In this episode, we learn what it means to have an accessible website, why you should care, and how you can benefit. You'll hear the answers to: What does an accessible website mean? Is that the same thing as the ADA? What can merchants get out of having an accessible website? Doesn’t Shopify take care of web accessibility for me? Ilana Davis works with Shopify merchants to remove friction from the buying process. By keeping web accessibility top of mind, she’s able to create effective websites that attract more visitors, provide better SEO, and increase conversion rates. In order of discussion: axe - Web Accessibility Testing Extension for Google Chrome Shopify Accessibility for themes Does my website have to be compliant with ADA? IlanaDavis.com Tw: @ilanadavishr IG: @ilanadavis Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Special Listener Offer from Ilana: When you mention The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, you’ll receive 15% off a Website Rescue. Complete my interest form before 2/29/20. Must purchase by 3/30/20. A Website Rescue allows us to salvage your e-commerce store for a fraction of the cost of a full redesign. If your planning a redesign in 2020, don’t redesign your store. Rescue it! More info: https://www.ilanadavis.com/website-rescues What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days <a href=
Tue, February 11, 2020
A Shiti Story: $1mm/yr Rebranding Coolers
“We had no idea writing the word “SHITI” on a napkin and taping it to an old cooler would have such a following behind it” In 2016, Trevor and Austin Zacny founded SHITI® Coolers with a basic mission: To keep using that same damn Coleman with the rusted lid and squeaky hinges in hope there were more people out there just like them. A simple SHITI sticker was enough to represent the lifestyle they had been living for years. This is the journey of a brand that started wiuth $400 in parody stickers back in 2016 and by 2019 had grown into a seven-figure lifestyle brand. Show Links SHITI Coolers - (Use code UNOFFICIAL10 for 10% off.) App: BACK IN STOCK Backpack Cooler @shiti_coolers Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, February 04, 2020
[Q&A] PPC Traffic & Sales Funnels
In today's listener Q&A episode, you asked, we answered: Should you advertise on Pinterest? What's the deal with financing apps? Remarketing strategies with a new store What is the best sales funnel for a high ticket item? How to launch into another market SEO for products with variants ...and more. Links Mentioned Sezzle - Use referral code SZXRLQJ to get one month free, no strings attached. WorkMacro Bold Returns Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, January 28, 2020
Focus on Fun & Profit: What a Firefighter Learned Selling Thousands of Wallets
Jake Starr, a former firefighter, started Recycled Firefighter in 2013 when he noticed decommissioned fire hoses being thrown into the landfill, took some home, and turned it into an iPad case he sold on Etsy. "I feel bad for whoever bought it." Today, Jake's Shopify Plus store has sold thousands of wallets, backpacks, tool rolls and more made from recycled canvas fire hose material. He owes his success in part to the Every Day Carry community on Instagram where he has nearly 100,000 followers. In this candid interview, Jake joins us in studio to discuss his journey, what he's learned, and why he's chosen to keep his business intentionally small, bootstrapped, and fun. Links Mentioned RecycledFirefighter.com IG: @RecycledFirefighter Snapseed Every Tool's a Hammer by Adam Savage Four Hour Work Week The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Company of One Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, January 21, 2020
An Alleged $75 million Ponzi Scheme
Last Spring, a listener invited me to lunch with the Courtrights, a couple who ran a business that invested in Shopify stores– hundreds of Shopify stores– and offered a guaranteed rate of return to investors. On January 14th, the SEC announced that, "it filed an emergency enforcement action and obtained a temporary restraining order and asset freeze against Illinois resident Kenneth D. Courtright, III and his company, Todays Growth Consultant Inc., in connection with an alleged Ponzi-like scheme that raised at least $75 million from more than 500 investors throughout the United States and abroad." Let's unpack that. Links Mentioned SEC Statement Chicago Tribune: SEC freezes assets of suburban owner of The Income Store, allegedly a $75 million Ponzi-like website investment scheme Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, January 14, 2020
Serial Success on Shopify
Our guest today is Thomas "Tommy" Tartaglia, the self-described World's Okayest Exerciser, who sold more than $100k in t-shirts with "World's Okayest Exerciser" printed on it last year on Shopify. You'll hear: Why Amazon is a double-edged sword How offline events helped jumpstart their business The synergistic warehouse space they established How planning was game changing for Tommy's success (and how you clone it) Tommy's practical approach to mindfulness Where you should start with a new business Thomas Tartaglia has a bunch of degree's from various colleges, a significant amount of time in the Military, and a handful of years trying to figure out E-Commerce. He relies on other people to make himself look good. Tune in for more details! Resources Tango Charlie Apparel Recon Rings Tacticalories BestSelf SELF Journal How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Si
Tue, January 07, 2020
Generating Traffic & Revenue in 2020
In this Listener Q&A episode, we talk: Post-purchase email marketing Content strategies when you can't run ads Migrating sales from Amazon to Shopify Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Get powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform Try Bold Product Upsell, free trial Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkout Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Mon, December 30, 2019
Manufacture Your Product: Finding the Right Factory Partner
One of the hardest parts of ecommerce entrepreneurship is manufacturing your first product, but as retail and technology has changed, it's also become easier than ever. Today we'll pull back the curtain on finding a manufacturer with a man who has decades of experience. Our guest today, Charles Kaliman, has helped big box retail stores launch new brands and find manufacturing supply chains. He collaborated in launching brands such as I.N.C., Structure, Everlast, and Gant. You'll hear: Finding the right factory partner Mistakes to avoid How to vet a factory Why a great factory can help you finance How digitization and changing retail has disrupted and democratized manufacturing Why you should work backwards What we can learn from Kim Kardashian's shapewear line Charles has been in leadership positions holding operational responsibility at major retailers and brands. Charles’ international experience has provided him with a deep understanding of a dynamic and ever-changing global manufacturing base. He developed relationships with leading global vendors and travelled extensively to factories in Asia, India, Bangladesh, Central America and the USA. Show Links Kaliman Consulting MAGIC Trade Show National Retail Federation Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager <a href="https://ww
Mon, December 23, 2019
Creating a Socially-conscious Fashion Brand at 22
Emily Jaime is the designer and founder of YIREH. She started the brand early in 2014 (when she was 22 years old!), without a background in fashion or business. She has built her online boutique with the desire to not only design functional and easy to wear clothing for women, but to also empower and encourage them to live their best lives. Show Links YIREH - Use code UNOFFICIAL for 15% off your order. Book: Building a StoryBrand IG: @YIREH_ Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, December 17, 2019
Differentiate or Die
Today's guest has twenty years of ecommerce experience and believes that "You can't survive as a commodity dropship retailer. You have to differentiate or Amazon will eat your lunch. If not today, then tomorrow." In this episode, he'll tell us how he differentiated Karmaloop and more. You'll hear: Lessons learned running a nine-figure brand acquired from AutoZone The simple strategies that Drew used to save KarmaLoop from extinction How to easily leverage direct mail to grow your business In 2013, Drew founded his first company, DesignPublic.com, with $500 cash. Today he's the CEO of nine-figure vertically integrated brand AutoAnything. In between, he's saved Karmaloop, got Teamwork to eight figures, and built a variety of software and retail businesses. In order of discussion: AutoAnything.com Traction 80/20 Rule Karmaloop Kettle & Fire Teamwork Ecommerce is a Bear PostPilot - Get 15% off your first purchase with code KURT15 Nerd Marketing Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, December 10, 2019
BFCM Post-Mortem 2019
This episode is also available on YouTube . Shopify merchants broke records with $2.9+ billion in worldwide sales over Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. In this episode, we unpack the biggest shopping week of the year. You'll hear: Typical Facebook Ads ROAS stats How our biggest clients performed And our key takeaways for our successful BFCM in 2020 Links, in order of discussion: Cyber Week 2019 Statistics Infographic Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Tue, December 03, 2019
Turning Handmade Wallets into a Million Dollar Business
Ryan Popoff founded a leather goods company after learning leather working as a creative outlet. Bootstrapped and run solo in 2013, Ryan is now leading a team of 12 full-time craftspeople in a 1,400 sq. ft. workshop in British Columbia. Popov Leather makes handmade leather goods like wallets, belts, watch straps, notebook covers, and more. They're made to order, reasonably priced, and have turned thousands of customers into devoted fans. In this episode, you'll learn: How to use Etsy to validate ideas Practical tips for effective photography A straightforward influencer strategy and how to know when to hire Popov Leather is the quintessential rural small town success story. A hobby turns into a micro business following spousal encouragement which then turns into a thriving fast-growth business. Six years after its first sale, Popov Leather today YOR revenue growth as more than 90% of their production is shipped to satisfied international customers. Show Links Popov Leather @popovleather Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, November 26, 2019
2020 Presidential Shopify Store Teardowns
This episode is available on YouTube. Watch now: https://youtu.be/mjeP1M5cgEg Its too late to change anything on your store now this close to Black Friday, so instead, lets do something fun and talk about politics. In today's episode: How Presidential Candidates Maximize eCommerce Sales We'll compare the Shopify stores of President Trump's 2020 campaign, and four Democratic presidential candidates, to see where they could improve and what they did right. Listener note: While politicians are the subject of our teardown, we have entirely avoided political issues. Nothing about this episode should be considered political commentary. Fight the urge to send us your political opinions. Please. In order of discussion: Trump Buttigieg Yang Sanders Warren Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager
Thu, November 21, 2019
Turning iPhones Into Hollywood Cameras and Revenue
First we'll hear Dave's journey from Hollywood Producer to High School teacher to international mobile filmmaking seller. At the end of the episode, Dave gives us the crash course on how you can radically improve the quality of video you're producing with the iOS device you already have. Stick around for the end to learn how to win giveaway our iOgrapher Multi Case for mobile phones and the iOgrapher Flexible tripod! x3! Links Mentioned ioGrapher Cmd-P Dave's About Page Shapeways 3D Printing Kickstarter: iOgrapher Support Case for iPad Mini Switcher Studio App VidCon YouTube Convention AgoraPulse Social Media Tool TubeBuddy FILMIC Pro Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. This episode made possible by Rewind
Tue, November 19, 2019
How to Establish a Successful Jewelry Brand
Megan Auman is a jewelry designer, metalsmith, educator and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in selling art through a variety of channels. In this episode, Megan reveals how she built her own high-end handmade jewelry business, what it takes to sell art and handmade products online, and the mistakes artists make when selling online. You'll learn: Where to steal free time from The problem with Etsy for makers The steps you should take today if starting from scratch A sane content strategy Why you need a strategy for making money today, and another for money long-term. In addition to running her eponymous jewelry line, she is the founder of Designing an MBA, which features business thinking for artists and makers, and Artists & Profit Makers, an online mentorship community. A best-selling CreativeLive instructor, her designs have been featured in Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens, Cooking Light and on top-rated blogs like Design*Sponge. Show Links Megan's Shopify store Book: How to Break With Your Phone Book: Digital Minimalism NY NOW Course: Market Your Selfie MeganAuman.com Megan's new book: Try It & See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days <a href="https://outofthesandbox.com/collections/themes/products/turb
Thu, November 14, 2019
Lessons Learned from 7-figure SMS Marketing
After early success in 2017 with SMS while working at Lumee - Kim Kardashian's favorite selfie case - Jeremy Horowitz went all in on SMS marketing. You'll hear: The advantage of personalizing SMS for your clients How to get a 95% SMS open rate and 25% clickthrough rate on your SMS Getting started with SMS in 30-minutes What to absolutely NOT to do with SMS New Buzzword: "Owned Channels" The most effective way to grow an SMS list Easy tactics for BFCM, advanced tactics Jeremy has been working in the eCommerce space for 5 years building both eCommerce brands and tools for eCommerce companies. He currently runs an agency and podcast of the same name – Messenger Mastermind – where he works with 7-Figure eCommerce companies to build out their Owned Channels (Email, SMS, Push Notifications, Facebook Messenger, and Facebook Groups) to drive more profitable revenue growth. Previously, Jeremy was LuMee's (aka Kim Kardashian's favorite selfie case) eCommerce Manager where he owned the DTC experience of LuMee.com and built tripled the Revenue generated from Email year over year. In addition he also built the SMS, Messenger and Push programs to drive a combined 6-Figures in Revenue per year. Links Mentioned Download the Messenger Mastermind Launch Optimization PDF Messenger Mastermind Podcast - Jeremy's Podcast Messenger Mastermind - Jeremy's Agency Lumee - Merchant example Jeremy's Podcast episode on more advanced tactics in SMS. PostScript SMSBump Retention Rocket SMS in Klaviyo Chubbies - Sign up for their newsletter for inspiration Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle <
Tue, November 12, 2019
Black Friday Hot Takes & SEMA Take Aways
You asked, we answered: "So Kurt if you were to start a store what niche would you start in?" "You mentioned the importance of building an email list- any practical ideas for how to get people to sign up?" "Timing for social media posts for holidays. Aka when to release your Black Friday deal on social." "What to budget for your one day ads on social for black Friday, etc." "What type of ads should we run for BF? How can the ads be aligned with the emails per Ezra’s email campaign?" Plus Kurt goes to SEMA to rub elbows with a few celebrities. Links Mentioned Holiday Email Guide SEMA Nerd Marketing Buffer Tailwind Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Thu, November 07, 2019
Your 6-figure Product Launch Blueprint
Ever wonder the best time and day to promote a product or sale? Or what strategy to use to get orders all day long? In this episode, 7-figure Shopify merchant Mark Arruda breaks down the exact strategy he's using. You'll hear: How Etsy made (and almost broke) Mark's business Risks around trademarks What to do when Facebook ads get too expense How to focus on profitability Mark's next level launch strategy Why you should never do a weekend launch The ideal day to launch a product Mark is the founder and CEO of Constantly Varied Gear, co-host of the Messenger Mastermind Podcast and an avid community builder and marketer. Show Links Download: Mark's Product Launch Blueprint Constantly Varied Gear Mark's podcast: Messenger Mastermind Podcast Recommendation: Ecommerce Influence Podcast Recommendation: Business Lunch Podcast Recommendation: Perpetual Traffic ManyChat Klaviyo Octane.ai PostScript PushOwl Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. This episode made possible by Rewind
Tue, November 05, 2019
Shockingly Good Customer Service
In this episode, 7-figure merchant Tyler 'Sully' Sullivan from Bombtech Golf teaches us his approach to customer service and how his focus "is shocking customers with amazing service so price and repeat orders are a given." You'll hear: How a Facebook Group drives 100x ROI Why customer service can let you double or triple your prices Why revenue is a vanity number Examples of how to wow your customers In 2018, BombTech Golf sold 170,000 golf clubs resulting in mid seven figure revenue with just three employees and a four hour work week. Tune in for more details! Resources Bombtech Golf - Sully's Shopify store Klaviyo - Sully's preferred email marketing automation platform EcomGrowners - Sully's agency Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Thu, October 31, 2019
Your 2019 Black Friday Facebook Ads Strategy
In this episode, you'll learn a three stage strategy to set your Facebook ads funnel up for success before and during Black Friday. Facebook Ads are more expensive than ever, and Black Friday is going to bring the muppets out of the woodwork which will drive costs up even more. You'll the hear answers to: A 3-stage approach to Facebook Ads success on Black Friday How to plan your budget Setting your site up for success Why you should try Dynamic Ads for Broad Audiences (DABA) Links Mentioned BFCM Strategy Guide Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. This episode made possible by Rewind
Tue, October 29, 2019
Listener Mailbag: Conversion Rate Secrets, Pop-up Optimization, and More
In this episode, we open with a deep dive into conversion rates across devices and traffic sources, and how you can apply that info to your store. This episode is also available as a video interview on YouTube . You'll the hear answers to: When looking at mobile vs desktop conversion rates, what is the expected drop off on mobile? What app do your best stores use for returns/exchanges on Shopify? How to scale creative. Why use Privy if we are using Klaviyo? Is there a step by step process you use to test product pages to optimize for conversions? How do you suggest you make your business stand apart from the others in a saturated market? How to choose which apps make the cut and which ones don’t? Ways to improve signups from pop-up forms by using data? Any 'outside the box' Black Friday promotion ideas? Links Mentioned Shopify Behavior Reports Content 10x Book Bold Returns Manager Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Fri, October 25, 2019
Get 99% open rates – affordably – by leveraging this channel
We've seen SMS drive 20x ROI for our clients, but Shopify merchants have been slow to adopt SMS marketing. If you've been ignoring SMS as a channel, this episode addresses the common objections and risks around SMS marketing, and breaks down how to run SMS as a successful channel for your store. You'll learn: Why SMS gets a 99% open rate The objections, rules, and regulations to know when texting customers How to build your SMS lists (and monetize them in the process) How to run successful text campaigns Using SMS for customer service Mihail is the founder and CEO of SMSBump, Shopify's first texting marketing platform. He has 8+ years worth of eCommerce experience and has worked with brands such as Facebook, MasterCard, Amazon Pay, Google, Square etc. Show Links SMSBump.com SMSBump in the Shopify app store Merchant to watch: Fashion Nova Special offer: EMail mike@smsbump.com and mention The Unofficial Shopify Podcast for white glove onboarding Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Tue, October 22, 2019
The Wriggler: Launching a New Product with No Experience
Aileen McCauley is a mom to two kids, a school psychologist and, together with her husband James, is co-creator of The Wriggler, which is the first portable changing pad for babies and toddlers who wriggle during diaper changing. Aileen and James created The Wriggler after experiencing the problem with their own little one. When they couldn't find a solution, James, who is a part-time teacher and part-time stay-at-home dad, borrowed a sewing machine, learned to sew and came up with a solution that returned diaper changing to the calm, predictable experience it had once been. Still in its first year in business, The Wriggler is now a multi-award winning changing pad that has been called a 'sanity saver' and a 'miracle mat' by the many independent parent product testers who have reviewed it. You'll hear: How they went from idea to product in 18 months How did you generate awareness about The Wriggler / marketing strategy? What have been some highlights of your first year in business? How has the journey on both stores differed? How Aileen's shot their most succesful video ad on an iPhone The launch formula they used Show Links The Wriggler (US) - Use code unofficial for 30% your Wriggler mat. The Wriggler (UK) Perpetual Traffic (Podcast) Ecom Crew (Podcast) Ecommerce Influence (Podcast) Contagious (Book) Wizard of Ads (Book) Tipping Point (Book) Launch (Book) Bold MultiCurrency (App) Geolizr (App) Bold Cashier (App) FOMO (App) Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our <a href="https://etherc
Tue, October 15, 2019
Shopify vs. Shopify Plus [Listener Mailbag]
In today's episode we open with ecommerce news, Shopify feature updates, and some lingering questions from Klaviyo:BOS. This episode is also available as a video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S-9CqspYpDM Your questions, answered: Customer retention techniques Strategies to increase conversion rates from blog visits How often should you be emailing customers? And and at what point do you go for the sale? How to think about migrating to Shopify Plus What's the best app/solution for wholesale Plus Kurt survives the #onechipchallenge. Links Mentioned Paqui One Chip Simon Gilt News Google Shopping News Shipping Profile Docs Shopify Multi Currency Kurt's Guide to Plus Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, October 08, 2019
$38 million in 10 Weeks Selling Hover Boards
Today's guest has had tremendous adventures in ecommerce – from managing Jack Threads' 16-million person list to earning $38mm in 10 weeks selling hover boards – and today he's going to share it all with us. The first twenty minutes of this episode are possibly the most value-packed show we've ever recorded. You'll hear: The exact exit intent strategy they're using with Privy and Klaviyo Why a Repeat Nurture Series could be your most overlooked flow How kicking subscribers off their list is driving revenue Why best subject line could be "a deal to good to pass up" The case for plain text How to ensure your emails land in the inbox Using Google Trends to find seven-figure product ideas Josh writes, "My career has taken an interesting path over the past 16 years, from accounting to digital marketing, I have seen it all. After 7 years into my career, I finally realized I was not enjoying my day to day life as a public accountant and was given an opportunity to become the Controller to one of the clients. This was my first introduction to e-commerce and marketing. After 6 months into my Controller position, I was able to skim the surface into marketing and quickly became hooked! From this point, I began my transition out of accounting and solely into digital marketing. I was given opportunities from a variety of well-known streetwear brands such as Jack Threads and Black Pyramid and multiple freelance projects, which really allowed me to hone my craft and accelerate each brands revenue. I am currently the Digital Marketing Director at Amerex Group." Links Mentioned Amerex Group Privy Klaviyo Nosto @jbehr919 Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube <a href="https://ethercycle.com/appl
Tue, October 01, 2019
Live from Klaviyo:BOS Conference 2019
On September 25th & 26th, Kurt went to Boston to attend Klaviyo:BOS Conference 2019. You'll hear interviews with real merchants using Klaviyo to own their marketing and grow their business, plus learn the new features coming to Klaviyo. Described as, "the ultimate experience to take your ecommerce marketing to the next level. It’s where the brightest industry leaders, fastest-growing brands, and expert product specialists come together to share real-world examples and actionable strategies that’ll help you own the entire customer experience and grow your brand." Show Links Klaviyo:BOS Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Fri, September 27, 2019
Set up Klaviyo Like a Pro
Want to know what's working for us with Klaviyo right now? We turn to ecommerce marketing wizard Kurt Bullock to get an update and learn the exact blueprint he uses to achieve 20% revenue increases for Shopify merchants. First we'll discuss some quick wins for existing Klaviyo users, and then we'll walk through You'll learn: When & how to use split-testing in emails to maximize revenue Three examples of Klaviyo quick wins you can implement today How and why to segment Which must-have automation workflows to start with Step-by-step how pro's set up Klaviyo accounts Grab a notepad and tune-in 'cause this one is full of actionable advice. Show Links Register your Klaviyo account Example store: Ballistic Fabrication Kickbox Tw: @kurtbullock 5 Data-Backed Best Practices for Email Subject Lines How to Craft Email Subject Lines that Drive Open Rates ProduceDept Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. This episode made possible by Rewind
Tue, September 24, 2019
How Ezra Firestone plans to make a million dollars on Black Friday (with this exact blueprint)
In 2018, Ezra Firestone generated $700K over Black Friday, with $100k alone on Thanksgiving for his Shopify store BOOM by Cindy Joseph. This year he plans do 30% more and he's going to tell us exactly how. Master Marketer Ezra Firestone breaks down the exact Black Friday and holiday email campaigns he'll be running this year. You'll learn: Ezra's content marketing strategy Industry gossip Why to set up pre-sale campaign Ezra's ten email Black Friday strategy Best times to send email How to setup landing pages for holiday promos Show Links Ezra on Instagram Shopify buys 6 River Systems Zipify Pages Smart Marketer Boom Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, September 17, 2019
[Q&A] 9 Worries from Merchants Prepping for Q4
In this listener mailbag episode, you'll hear nine questions from merchants preparing for Black Friday: How to manage your app addiction The power of SMS marketing When to update your product descriptions Considerations when selling on Amazon and Shopify The top mistake merchants make on Black Friday Multi Currency in a nutshell Should you block site traffic from other countries? Plus: Kurt terrifies his children, and Paul kills Moby Dick. Show Links Retention Rocket SMSBump Pingdom Tools The Truth About Google PageSpeed Insights for Shopify Bold Multi Currency Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, September 10, 2019
How a Fashion Designer Started a Niche Brand At 21
Rivky Itzkowitz is a 24 year old fashion designer living in NYC. As a practicing Orthodox Jew, she was frustrated at not being able to find modest special occasion wear that actually fit, so she set out to create her own. This episode is about the inspiring journey of hardship and success that came next. You'll learn: How to have the best relationships with your retailers Why wholesale may be the best way to start a business The differences in how to market wholesale vs. retail Her company, Impact Fashion is the only size inclusive modest special occasion fashion line on the market. Every style is fitted to perfection and is available in sizes 2-24 because there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be. Her wholesale line is stocked in over 25 boutiques nationwide. In September 2018 she launched the B2C arm of her company on Shopify, impactfashionnyc.com. Tune in for more details! Show Links ImpactFashionNYC - Use code UNOFFICIAL on impactfashionnyc.com for free shipping with purchase IG: @impact.fashion.nyc Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, September 03, 2019
Homepage Design Made Simple
Who else wants lower bounce rates and higher conversion rates from visitors to their homepage? We discuss: Should your homepage be a squeeze page? What in Turbo theme should be tweaked to improve the mobile experience? What content should go on the home page? Is HERO a must? Should the value prop be the hero image headline? Should your homepage be a branded experience or a long form sales page? Plus Kurt develops an unnatural love for leather goods, and Paul lays out what niche he'd start a store in. Show Links Popov Leather The Contract Shop Skyline Socks The Greek (not Latin) phrase that's the origin of "call a spade a spade" Welsh Otter Shipping Countdown Timer app Motiv Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, August 27, 2019
How Tactical Baby Gear Scaled to Seven-Figures
Shopify Plus merchant Tactical Baby Gear is disrupting the booming world of baby products — estimated this year to produce more than $11 billion in revenue worldwide — by specializing in military-style baby gear. Founder Beav Brodie and COO Alex Alexander Kristoff join us to discuss their seven-figure success. We'll find out: Why you should want to fire your customer service people Why they believe in business partnerships The candid challenges they've faced Beav's social media & content marketing strategy ...and more in this candid interview. Tune in for more details! Show Links Tactical Baby Gear Beav Brodie Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, August 20, 2019
The Boring Ways Seven-Figure Stores Got There
You'll hear the answers to: With all the shiny toys available for merchants, how should you prioritize them? If someone feels totally overwhelmed as a merchant, what’s the one thing they should hire out to alleviate the stress? What's the formula to determine product pricing? Are there good methods for testing different price points with your customers? How do you properly split test multiple ad creatives for a new product, prior to launching conversion campaigns? Plus Kurt gets a new jacket, and Paul knows who shot JFK. Show Links Headed to Klaviyo Boston ? Unofficial Shopify Podcast listeners get $300 off by using code UnofficialShop300 at checkout. Kurt's rad denim jacket , a gift from Pak Rat Ink . Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, August 13, 2019
Boredwalk: How a Husband & Wife Team Grew a 'Cult' T-shirt Business
Creative husband and wife team Matt Snow and Meredith Erin, owners of Boredwalk T-Shirts, take us through their entrepreneurial journey building a cult of customers around their lifestyle apparel brand. You'll hear: Why you should embrace the suck The one tactic that helped me them gain early sales Why they hate Amazon The customer-centric content-first marketing strategy that has grown their business Why you should start a podcast now These artists-turned-ecommerce professionals produce clever original graphic goods, including apparel, accessories, and decor items. Known for their dark humor and sharp wit, Meredith and Matt have created a corner of the internet where fellow misanthropes can laugh at the world and themselves. Tune in for more details! Show Links BoredWalk The Boredwalk Podcast Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, August 06, 2019
Have Your Best Black Friday Ever by Starting Now
Instead of waiting until November to take action, let's discuss what you can do right now to put your store in the best possible position to capitalize on Black Friday sales. You'll hear: high ROI traffic options other than paid Facebook, Instagram or google the best way to get featured in places like Buzzfeed converting lookers into buyers! Top conversion rate optimizations techniques for product pages. Plus Kurt sees Weird Al, and Paul needs his ear drops. Show Links RockAuto - Example of a successful site left intentionally dated Adam's Polishes Quick Detail Spray - Great example of a PDP Turbo - Use Code PODCAST20 to save 20% off the purchase price of Turbo. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Fri, August 02, 2019
[BONUS] Effective Facebook Ad Funnels for 2019
Want to know what's working with Facebook ads right now? We turn to ecommerce marketing wizard Kurt Bullock to learn the exact blueprint he uses to achieve 10x returns on ad spend. You'll learn: The exact strategies & tactics working for us right now Specific examples of targeting new customers The hot ad formats to try now What's new: Broad Match Dynamic Product Ads and strategy for September's campaign budget optimization requirement Grab a notepad and tune-in 'cause this one is full of actionable advice. Show Links Download KB's FB ads blueprint: ProduceDept Kurt Bullock's brother's store: Ballistic Fabrication Canva Over (iOS) Videoshop (iOS) Boomerang (iOS) GorillaPod Tw: @kurtbullock Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. This episode made possible by Rewind
Tue, July 30, 2019
Maximizing Your Facebook Ad Budgets
Facebook ads are getting increasingly competitive and expensive– and it's not stopping anytime soon. That's scary for those of us that rely on Facebook ads to power their business and their income. In this episode, social media advisor Andrew Foxwell talks us through tactics to make Facebook ads a more reliable part of your business. You'll hear: Why Facebook ad costs are rising How to recognize and overcome facebook ad fatigue What mandatory Campaign Budget Optimization (CBO) means for you Why social proofing is an algorithmic game changer How to accelerate engagement on your ads Since co-founding Foxwell Digital in 2012, Andrew Foxwell and his wife Gracie have worked with hundreds of businesses, non-profits, and organizations to launch, optimize, and manage more than $10 million in Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns. Andrew's past & present clients include Square, Eventbrite, Fitbit, Blenders Eyewear, Pura Vida Bracelets, Bryan Anthonys, Grand Ole Opry, and more. Andrew regularly teaches training courses with Jon Loomer on various topics such as Facebook Analytics, Business Manager, Dynamic Ads, Scaling, and much more. Andrew is also the co-host of the Ecommerce Influence podcast and has been featured in the New York Times, TechCrunch, and various other print/online publications. Tune in for more details! Resources Andrew's consulting site: Foxwell Digital FB Training Ads: Jon Loomer Twitter: @andrewfoxwell FB Group: eCommerce Heavyweights Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors <a href="http://affiliate.bolda
Tue, July 23, 2019
Optimize Everything
In this listener mailbag episode, you'll hear the answers to: What is the biggest factor conversion rate? Where should you send cold traffic? What should go in a email welcome series? What are typical image requirements for Shopify product photography? and what to do if you have a cash-eating monster business Plus Julie gets a surprise, we geek out about cars, and Kurt disappoints Paul. Show Links Adam's Polishes Old School Shirts Orglamix Cats Trailer Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, July 16, 2019
How Chubbies Built a Shorts Empire with Content Marketing
What happens creativity and comedy empowers your business? Weekend shorts purveyor Joey Avery, the Ecommerce Content Manager at Chubbies, will tell us what's working when building a shorts empire, and reveal solid gold advice on finding your brand's voice and entertaining your customers. You'll learn: The origins of the Chubbies brand voice and messaging Why they hired a comedian with no marketing experience to handle content The power of creative culture Chubbies exact email and social media strategies Chubbies lifecycle email strategy advice on how to start your own podcast After starting his career in Cape Town, South Africa Joey Avery brought his positive and energetic brand of comedy to San Francisco and received the Jimmy Gunn award for Best Newcomer to the Bay Area comedy scene. He was recently honored by the SF Chronicle as one of the Bay Area's Comics to catch. Joey appeared on Fox and AJ+ as well as in the San Francisco Sketchfest Comedy Festival and the San Diego Sun God Music and Arts Festival. He hosts the Chubbies Podcast, the Pier 69 podcast, and creates content for Chubbies Entertainment. Show Links Chubbies Klaviyo Looker Iconosquare The Chubbies Podcast Twitch Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days <a href="https://outofthesandbox.com/collections/themes/products/turbo-theme-portland
Tue, July 09, 2019
Profitable & Durable: Staying Small in Business
In this episode, we talk about why we choose to stay small, and the tools we use to maximize efficiency and profits. Ultimately, our goal is to build a business that supports the life we want. A life that lets us enjoy time with our families. We’re running a small business by choice. We don’t want to spend our days managing employees. Instead, we want to treat our time as a scarce resource and invest in helping others build businesses for the lives they want too. Show Links Adam's Polishes Kurt on Instagram Book: Company of One Zapier Bench TextExpander TubeBuddy Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Fri, July 05, 2019
[BONUS] Using YouTube Ads to Drive Awareness & Sales
In this episode, you'll learn how to use YouTube Ads to grow your brand and drive sales from recurring guest Brett Curry, CEO of OMG Commerce, a digital marketing agency and Google Premier Partner. You'll hear: What does YouTube advertising look like? Who is a good candidate for YouTube ads? How do the YouTube ad types work? Keys to a good YouTube ad How to retarget store visitors with YouTube ads In addition to running OMG Commerce, Brett is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Google Shopping published by Shopify. He is also the host of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast highlighting what’s new and what’s next in eCommerce. He and his team manage Google, Amazon, and YouTube ad campaigns for over 100 growing brands. His insights into Amazon and Google Advertising have been featured on stage at top industry events like IRCE, Seller Summit, and Social Media Marketing World. His articles are featured on leading industry sites like Shopify, Big Commerce, and Search Engine Journal, and he’s a frequent guest on top marketing podcasts like Ecommerce Fuel, Perpetual Traffic, Social Media Examiner and many more. Tune in for more details! Show Links Brett's Agency: OMG Commerce Brett's Article: How I Recovered 2,328 Abandoned Shopify Carts With YouTube Ads Harmon Brothers Book recommendation: Tested Advertising Methods Book recommendation: Ogilvy on Advertising Grammarly Video: Brett's YouTube Ad Tips Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube
Tue, July 02, 2019
Sci-fi Books & Rad Leggings
On this show, we've found a common pattern to merchants' entrepreneurial journeys on Shopify. This is not one of those stories. This is the journey of Cesar Torres who turned a merch store for his sci-fi book series into a fitness leggings brand with a big impact on LGBTQ+ fans of the brand. You'll hear: What Cesar learned working at the Wirecutter How listening to customers pivoted his business to success How an uncommon journey led to uncommon success Cesar is the author of two sci-fi book series: The Coil and How to Kill a Superhero. He is also the CEO and Designer of LED Queens fitness apparel, which is a direct spinoff from both of his book series. He earned his journalism degree at Northwestern University and a computer science masters degree at DePaul University. He's currently based out of Chicago. Tune in for more details! Resources Cesar's site: LED Queens Wirecutter Cesar's books: The Coil and How to Kill a Superhero Instagram: @LEDQueens App: Returnly App: Smile App: Privy Cesar's personal site: CesarTorres.me Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save
Wed, June 26, 2019
Is Apple Business Chat The Future of E-Commerce?
If this show had a mantra, it might be, "People buy from people, not brands." There is no personal commerce channel than conversational commerce. Today, Shopify and Apple announced that Shopify Merchants can now use Apple's Business Chat, a tremendously powerful new way for organizations to connect with customers directly from within Messages. Previously only available to Fortune 500 business like 1800Flowers and Home Depot, it's now available today for your Shopify store. That's exciting, but what does it mean for your business? To find out, we're joined by Shopify's Director of Product, Michael Perry. You'll learn: The game changing feature coming to Shopify Ping How to improve your customer relationships (and build a competitive moat around your business) Why you can't ignore conversational commerce How to use chat to 3x conversion rates up Michael Perry founded Kit, which was acquired by Shopify in 2016. He's now Director of Product at Shopify, and fiercely passionate about conversational commerce and its potential for the future of ecommerce. Show Links Shopify Ping Tw: @michaelperry Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
Tue, June 25, 2019
Your Shopify Unite 2019 Recap
Last week Shopify announced their most ambitious features to date at the fourth annual Shopify Unite partner conference. Paul and I attended, and break it down for you here. How Shopify is going after Amazon Why it's going to be easier than ever to manage your store And why Shopify is now the entrepreneurship operating system Show Links Shopify Blog: Everything Announced at Shopify Unite 2019 Shopify Unite Shopify Fulfillment Network Shopify Plus Blog: Unite 2019: New Tools to Unlock Meaningful Customer Experiences Kurt's Unite Notes What's new on Shopify? These are the notes I took during the Shopify Unite keynote: Online store: Site-wide sections Apps can add sections Product pages have parent and child templates Content portability: all content lives outside theme, simplifying theme changes Native video & 3-D support on product pages Check-out app extensions for native integrations of things like subscriptions Multi-currency checkout rolling out to all merchants Multi-language API for native localized content POS: Tap & chip case for mobile orders. Apple store like experience. Printed with a custom logo. Cart extension apps. Entirely redesigned POS interface Native “buy online pick up in store” Admin: New “shipping profiles” to assign product-specific shipping rules. Order editing!!! Plus: All new interface: centralized view of multiple stores Multistore dashboard for customers, orders, Flow automation, etc Future: cloning & store sync Multi-store staff managed in one place Apps: Command line interface tool to make dev easier Shopify App Bridge: one library to rule them all, and create more embedded apps GraphQL improvements mean faster apps More stable apps because of API versioning. (Keeps apps from breaking when the API changes.) Shopify Fulfillment Network: 2 days to deliver 99.9% order accuracy Multichannel support Custom packaging & branding Returns/exchange support Now: Merchants of every size. (10-10,000 orders/day) Later: Merchants of every size. (3-30,000 orders/day) Beta complete, apply for early access at shopify.com/fulfillment When: Most updates had a timeline of "Available later this year" Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts <
Trailer · Fri, June 14, 2019
New to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast?
The journey of an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It takes more than just grit and determination to succeed - it takes a willingness to do things differently. That's where The Unofficial Shopify Podcast comes in. Hosted by long-time Shopify Partner Kurt Elster, this podcast is a no holds barred discussion of ecommerce growth strategy & tactics. With over two million downloads, we bring together the world's most successful Shopify entrepreneurs to share their secrets to success. But make no mistake, this ain't your average hustle & grind business bro podcast. The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is for those who are creating businesses that are stable, unapologetically modest, and profitable. Businesses that will provide for our families and grant us better lives for years to come. We keep overhead low and structure our businesses to provide stable revenue whenever possible. Because we're fighting against big brands with unlimited budgets, we have to do things smarter. And that's exactly what we do on this show - learn from each other, share our experiences, and help each other succeed. So if you're ready to take your Shopify store to the next level, join us on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Together, let's get paid. New episodes every Tuesday - don't you dare miss it. Subscribe now before it's too late.
Tue, June 11, 2019
Forming Successful Business Partnerships
In this listener mailbag episode, you'll hear: The hardest decisions we've ever made in our business Why Kurt thinks retail arbitrage is better than dropshipping Why business partnerships are sexless marriages and a spirited debate on toilet paper Show Links Spotify: The Golden Age of Industrial Musicals - The 1960s, Vol.1 App of the week: Bonjoro BioBidet Supreme BB-1000 Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, June 04, 2019
Six-figure Info Product Sales with Christina Scalera
Four years ago, today's guest found herself dreaming of pursuing a more creative path, and she started to look for alternatives to her in-house legal job. She explored everything from teaching yoga to becoming a freelance graphic designer to opening an Etsy shop. In the process, she ended up coming full circle by creating a business that brought the benefit of her legal training to help her fellow creatives. Joining us is Christina Scalera, the attorney turned ecommerce entrepreneur behind The Contract Shop, a contract template store for creative entrepreneurs, wedding professionals, and coaches. In this candid episode, Christina walks us through her journey from how she made her first sale four years ago up to today where her annual sale now does six-figures. You'll learn: How she found her business idea by accident The exact method that launched her store with $4K in pre-orders How she scaled that success to drive business growth Tune in for more details! Show Links The Contract Shop Nick's Consultancy: Draft Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, June 04, 2019
Capitalizing on the CBD Gold Rush
Today's guest put his money where his mouth is when he joined ecommerce incubator Chillest Capital to launch and manage direct to consumer brands selling things like premium beef jerky, CBD supplements, and more. You'll learn: The legality of CBD Why CBD is so hot right now How a lifestyle brand is an acquisition channel Working around advertising limitations for sensitive advertising The dangers of high-risk payment gateways Andy has worked in eCommerce across several different categories and brands from fast scaling start-ups to enterprise level brands such as Proactiv and Coca-Cola. Prior to Co-Founding Holiday, a Chillest Capital portfolio company, he served as Chief of Stuff at Brand Value Accelerator and as a project manager at Gotham Alpha. His passion lies in driving innovation and growth within organizations looking to adapt to the ever-changing digital world. Show Links Chillest C-Star Provisions Beef Jerky Holiday CBD Gummies LinkedIn: Dylan Whitman BVAccel LinkedIn: Andy Muntean RetentionRocket Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking
Tue, May 28, 2019
Listener Mailbag: Paul Punches the Monkey
In today's listener mailbag episode, we discuss topics and questions chosen by you. You'll learn: How the shadiest internet villains illicitly advertise How to advertise when you can't use Facebook or Google How to make Shopify Plus make money for you and the "must have" mostly-free apps for your store Show Links “What’s Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Metafilter: Where was the effing monkey? Klaviyo Bold Brain Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, May 21, 2019
HOONIGAN: Building a Lifestyle Brand
According to Wikipedia, Hoonigan Industries is "an apparel brand for auto enthusiasts." According to its 20 million fans, it's an car culture movement. Either way, they're on Shopify Plus, and have an incredible story to share starting back in the 2000's when co-owner and rally driver Ken Block appeared on BBC show Top Gear and filmed the hit YouTube video "Gymkhana 2", making the most viral video of 2009. You'll learn: The origin story of Hoonigan, Gymkhana, and Ken Block. The authentic content that got them to an audience of 20million people and three daytime Emmy nominations What's changed in social media and the one thing that will separate you Ron Zaras is a man who has somehow snuck his way into the ranks of automotive media. Starting life as an automotive journalist (read: intern) directly out of college working for 0-60 magazine, he learned that he could sustain a living telling automotive stories - and has been attempting to do so ever since. After an 8 year stint working directly for Ken Block under the Hoonigan Racing Division banner, he moved over to the Hoonigan Industries home base in Long Beach, California to help evolve their marketing in both media and apparel segments. Tune in for more details! Show Links HOONIGAN - RZARAS2042 for 20% off at Hoonigan.com! GYMKHANA TWO Garage Garage: Racecar Bed Scumbag Labs: Steer Left, Turn RIGHT?? Opposite Steering Jeep Melts Our Brains! Instagram: @roncar Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.</l
Tue, May 14, 2019
The Problem with Google PageSpeed Insights
Websites should be fast. No one is arguing about that. What constitutes fast has somehow been perverted by an anxiety-inducing score assigned by the cruel mistress known as Google PageSpeed Insights. In this episode, we throw Google PageSpeed in the bonfire. You'll learn: Why Google PageSpeed Insights is an awful boogeyman that needs to be stopped A sane approach to making your website faster When to upgrade Shopify plans and strategies to setup your main menus correctly (again) The boys get extra salty in this one. Tune in for more details! Show Links Pingdom Tools Crush.pics Paul's website - It gets a perfect PageSpeed score. Shopify Pricing Kurt's Shopify Plus breakdown Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Fri, May 10, 2019
[BONUS] How Agency Owner Kelly Vaughn Builds Seven-Figure Stores
At the age of 24, she quit her job to freelance full time— and in her first year, she earned $137,000. Joining me in studio is Kelly Vaughn, founder of all-female Shopify agency The Taproom. Kelly will tell us how she got her start, and how she helps high-growth Shopify stores go from six to seven figures. You'll hear: The tactics Kelly uses to scale stores from six to seven-figures Recommendations for a successful subscription service What successful merchants do that others don't Kelly's advice for staying competitive in the fashion & apparel niche Kelly Vaughn is a Shopify Expert and founder of The Taproom Agency, a Shopify marketing agency rooted in Atlanta. Kelly and her team have helped hundreds of Shopify merchants build wishful marketing strategies, map out customer journeys that convert, and provide the insight, experience, and tools businesses need to keep growing. When she doesn't have her nose in a Macbook, Kelly is traveling across Europe with her 9.8/10 husband, experimenting with new gin and tonic combos, and putting on all her sweaters at once because she just loves sweaters SO MUCH. Tune in for more details! This episode is made possible through a sponsorship from Rewind. Rewind creates a daily, automatic backup of your Shopify store – protecting your most valuable online assets. Recover from small mistakes and huge disasters in minutes. Start your free trial. Show Links thetaproom.com Tw: @kvlly Kelly's Newsletter ReCharge Klaviyo Smile Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on <a href="https://www.youtube.co
Tue, May 07, 2019
How Julie Elster Generates 10,000 Organic Visitors
Last fall, my wife started a Shopify store and told us the struggle is real in a podcast episode. It became one of our all-time top ten episodes. On May 14th, she returns to the show to update us Just six months after launching her first Shopify store, we check in with Julie Elster about her experience. She'll tell us what's worked, what hasn't, and the content marketing strategy that's generating 10,000 monthly views without any paid traffic. We'll find out: what’s working & what’s not, a Pinterest strategy that works how to lose money with influencers her simple but effective content marketing strategy and her best lead magnet Julie Elster is the owner of the Disney World-planning brand Double Your WDW , which she started in September 2018. Tune in for more details! Show Links Double Your WDW Instagram: @DoubleYourWDW Tailwind WorkMacro Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, April 30, 2019
Split Tests That Win: How to Start Optimizing Your Shopify Store
In this episode recorded in front of a live audience, CRO Wunderkind Nick Disabato will teach you his exact methodology for winning 67.2% of split-tests over the past five years. Through his consultancy, Draft, Nick conducts research-driven optimizations of online stores, so they can grow without needing to increase their ad spend. Rather than running the usual marketing playbook, Nick uses design research as the fundamental tool for optimization. He also wrote design best-sellers Cadence & Slang and Value-Based Design. Tune in for more details! Show Links Nick's Slides and Notes Nick's Consultancy: Draft Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, April 23, 2019
Getting Customers for Life through Email
In this episode, you'll learn how the customer experience extends beyond support tickets. Automated emails, on-site messaging, and even the 'from:' name in your emails impact the overall experience more than you might realize. You'll hear: How a welcome series can make or break your brand The business case for personal branding When not to send promo emails The email framework that will make you more money. Val Geisler is ridiculously obsessed with email. An Email Marketing Conversion Copywriter and Strategist, Val spent over a decade on the inside of companies from non-profits to 7-figure businesses to tech startups. She brings her background in content creation, customer experience, and digital strategy to her incredible clients every day. Email isn't dead, and Val is here to help you bring yours back to life. Tune in for more details! Resources Val's free Dinner Party Strategy download Val on Twitter: @lovevalgeisler Messaging examples: RecycledFirefighter , Outdoor Voices ValGeisler.com FixMyChurn.com Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager<
Tue, April 16, 2019
Turning Shopify Analytics into Actionable Insights
You can use Shopify's analytics and reports to learn about your sales and customers in great detail. Or you can tear hair out, create unnecessary panic, and make rash decisions. In this episode, we'll break down a sane approach to your Shopify analytics complete with example benchmarks for your key performance indicators. You'll hear: Which stats measure the health of your store Ranges for conversion rate, AOV, and RCR Kurt's KPI-based approach to analytics What successful brands get right Tune in for more details! Show Links Chicago Shopify Plus Meetup JavaHouse Klaviyo Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, April 09, 2019
From 0 to $4 Million with Physical Product Licensing
At 53, Paul Miller began his private label business on Amazon in 2015 selling headphone headbands called CozyPhones. Two years later, he had grown his brand to $4 million in annual revenue. So what happened in between? Paul locked in a licensing deal with Nickelodeon that skyrocketed his brand he received advice from a friend to pursue licensing for his products. After a deep-dive into the world of licensing, and surrounding himself with a team of experts, he has executed multiple license agreements as both a licensee and licensor. You'll hear: How licensing changes the game for online sellers How Paul went from zero to $4 Million in less than 4 years How do you take your business to the next level through licensing? • Starting over at 53 - it’s not always easy but it’s worth it Tune in for more details! Resources Paul's Free Course: Licensing Roadmap for E-commerce Entrepreneurs Paul's brand: CozyPhones Licensing.org Licensing Expo LinkedIn: Paul Miller Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2019 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify
Tue, April 02, 2019
MailChimp & Shopify Break Up– Now What?
In the wake of the Shopify x MailChimp breakup, we're talking nothing but email in this episode. You'll hear: What's going on behind the scenes with MailChimp Your options now What drives good open rates A practical intro to segmentation How to clean your list Which email automations drive revenue Plus Paul talks some trash. Tune in for more details! Show Links New site launch: Hoonigan Racing Shopify Meetup MailChimp Integration Workarounds Klaviyo Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, March 26, 2019
Being Profitable
Revenue is a great vanity metric, but profit gets you paid. In today's episode, we talk through a simple strategy to get yourself profitable, then brainstorm practical tactics to boost profits. We ask the expert: What is the biggest reason why most stores can't scale? What is the biggest opportunity for most store owners that they don't take advantage of? How do you know if you can hire someone? How much should you be spending on marketing? How do you identify your best customers? Austin is the host of the Ecommerce Influence podcast and the founder of Brand Growth Experts. He works with established ecommerce brands to define their marketing strategy, scale their advertising, and hire the team needed to get to the next level. Tune in for more details! Resources Brand Growth Experts Book: Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! Book: Profit First Example: Pura Vida Monthly Club Ecommerce Influence Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?”
Tue, March 19, 2019
How to Run Heatmaps, Facebook Groups, & Your First Store
In this listener-inspired episode, we break down the answers to your questions. You'll hear: How to use Hotjar's free plan to easily conversion rate optimize your store Build your tribe with a Facebook group Options to reduce risk when sourcing products for your first store Plus: Paul drops hot takes, and Kurt invents a new creative compound insult. Tune in for more details! Resources Meetup Hoonigan Case Study Hotjar Facebook Group Oberlo Review us on iTunes Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, March 12, 2019
Google Ads Success in 2019
Google ads is more complex than ever before. Truthfully, it's downright scary if you don't know what you're doing, and an exceptional good way to lose money. Yet if you do know what you're doing, it can generate huge sums of wallet-out ready to buy customers to your store. So what do the experts know that we don't? We ask the expert your questions: Best tool/app to automate the set up and optimization of Google Ads? Top tips for budget efficiency Any interesting or new displays that google are introducing? How to optimize the google smart shopping app for Shopify How do you start a campaign from scratch properly? What's the number one mistake people make with Google Ads? What's a reasonable budget to see results with Google Shopping ads? Learn: What's new for Google Ads in 2019 Laser targeting your audience segments to stop wasting money Rules of success for testing ads (and the mistake most people make) How to track phone sales Tom Bukevicius is a Principal at SCUBE Marketing, E-Commerce marketing agency delivering results through PPC & CRO. Tom’s motto is “Magic bullets are for losers. Execution is key.” Tune in for more details! Resources Scube Marketing Google Shopping App Adalysis - Google Ads Optimization, Management & Testing Tool Spreadsheet: Shopify Objective Calculator 3 Ways You Could be Unknowingly Wasting Ad Budget Optimize Your Google Shopping Campaign Structure for Success The Ultimate Guide to No-Pain Copywriting - or, Every Copywriting Formula Ever Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unofficial-shopify
Tue, March 05, 2019
Myth Busting, Finding Your Voice, and Growth Hacks
In our second listener mailbag episode, we answer three topics chosen by you. You'll hear: Myth Busted: Debunking popular merchant myths How to find your blogging voice Growth Hacks: What the big boys are doing that you can too Plus, why Kurt made drama with the CEO of Simplecast Tune in for more details! Resources Apple Support: Use your voice to enter text on your Mac Chicago Brick Oven Apple Support: How to record the screen on your iPhone The Brain Audit Hotjar Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, February 26, 2019
Bringing The Ultimate Gym Sneaker to Market
Chief Everything Officer and footwear designer Darin Hager couldn’t find the sneaker style he craved at retail. His own designs were hindered by the corporate footwear brands he designed for day in and day out for over 10 years. So in 2008 he set out on his own create his own sneaker brand. Learn The mindset that drove Darin to entrepreneurship How Darin leveraged his unfair advantages The dark side of selling in big box stores How video games (and licensing) helped Daren sell more Tune in for more details! Resources Heyday Footwear - SPECIAL OFFER: Use code 'UNOFFICIAL' and save on your first pair of HEYDAY sneakers Book: The New Rules of Retail Darin's theme: Shoptimized Theme App: ShipTimer App: FOMO Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days <a href
Tue, February 19, 2019
Building a Business for the Life You Want
In our first listener mailbag episode, you told us what to discuss, and we deliver. You'll hear: Podcasting 101: learn everything you need to know to start your own podcast in 10 minutes How to grow your business from day 1 without pay-per-click ads Why calling bootstrapped businesses a “lifestyle business” is offensive Tune in for more details! Resources Kurt's recommended mic: Blue Yeti Famebit - YouTube's Influencer Marketing Engine Medium: Licensing Roadmap for E-commerce Entrepreneurs Julie Elster's website: Double Your WDW Our Podcast Setup Kurt and Paul's mic's: Shure SM7B Preamp/Processor: dbx 286s Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Hosting: Simplecast Free Editing Software: Audacity Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2019 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsor
Tue, February 12, 2019
Pop-up Profits: Actionable Tactics from Collecting 100 million Emails
Learn the current state of on-site conversions from Privy founder Ben Jabbawy. After capturing over 100 million emails with Privy, Ben Jabbawy reveals: The most effective pop-up campaigns (that you probably aren't running) the dirty secret about checkout abandonment emails and what they're doing with $4.25M in funding Ben is the founder of Privy, the leader in on-site conversions for Shopify stores. Through Ben’s leadership, he has helped grow Privy to support over 300,000 marketers in 180 countries. His data-driven approach to lead capture and on-site personalization has helped brands like Leesa Mattress, The Beatles, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and now you. Tune in for more details! Resources Privy's guide to cart abandonment Coupon code UNOFFICIAL gets 20% off any Privy premium plan for 3 months. Valid for new subscriptions only. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a
Tue, February 05, 2019
Building Perfect Product Pages
Building on our last discussion of the "perfect homepage" we move onto the next step in the sales funnel: Product Detail Pages. In this episode, Paul and Kurt break down tested & proven product detail page elements you should use to maximize your own conversions. Tune in for more details! Resources Tactical Baby Gear Chicago Brick Oven WalMart Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, January 29, 2019
Actionable Analytics: Setting up Google Analytics for Shopify
Most of us have Google Analytics running on our stores. But what are we doing with that? And is it reporting correctly? In this episode, we'll learn how to turn Google Analytics into a powerful business tool. Founder & Head of Optimization at Test Triggers, Josh Frank walks us through start to finish an actually useful Google Analytics strategy. Josh has helped countless eCommerce businesses boost their revenue with conversion optimization. Running close to a thousand A/B tests have helped Josh to distill the true optimization tactics from the b.s. We'll find out: How to set up your Analytics correctly so your data is clean Why Google Analytics and Shopify report differently and what to do about it Why Google Data Studio is a GAME CHANGER. What you should actually be doing with your Analytics tool Tune in for more details! Resources Google Analytics Audit Tool by Online Metrics How to Remove Referral Spam in Your Google Analytics 22 Best Practices for Your Google Analytics Views Google Data Studio Device Experience Mining for Ecommerce Conversion Josh's Free Bonus Resources for Getting Started Test Triggers, Josh's Consultancy Special Offers from our Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Recapture: Shopify's best abandoned cart recovery, over $65,000,000 recovered for stores just like yours. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an
Tue, January 22, 2019
Building The Perfect Homepage
You can think of your Shopify store's homepage as the storefront of your store. Just because someone walks by, doesn't mean they're going to come in and shop. You have to to present an alluring storefront to your customer to coax them down your sales funnel. In this episode, Paul and Kurt break down the tested & proven homepage layout you should use to maximize your own conversions. Paul and Kurt discuss: The strategy to use when thinking about your homepage's layout Why each element has a job (and what it is) The right way to setup your image carousel How to implement "safety nets" and why you may be suffering from I-arrhea Tune in for more details! Resources Tactical Baby Gear Leno's Garage Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ran
Fri, January 18, 2019
Klaviyo Update: Beyond Black Friday [BONUS EPISODE]
In this brief bonus episode with Klaviyo's senior marketing manager, Alicia Thomas, you'll learn: What seven and eight figures brands are doing differently with their email marketing What you can do to get ahead with email marketing Several upcoming events to grow your business Links mentioned: Klaviyo's Docuseries: Beyond Black Friday Klaviyo:BOS - Use code KURT100 to save $100 on your registration Meet Kurt, Paul, and other Shopify Merchants on the 31st in at our Shopify Meetup.
Tue, January 15, 2019
The $700K Sale: Steal These Strategies
Shopify wunderkind Ezra Firestone walks us through his $700K holiday sale. DONT MISS THIS EPISODE. We'll find out: How 14,573 of their most engaged subscribers generated the most revenue The breakdown of the holiday email strategy, which they used to build excitement and generate sales The Holiday ad campaign generated a 10x return on ad spend Why they opted for a simple, to-the-point landing page design this year (and why it was effective) The exact way they optimize their product detail page And more! Tune in for more details! Resources BOOM by Cindy Joseph Zipify SmartMarketer Great product photo example: Harry's Ezra's product detail page example Ezra's Holiday Sales Training Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days
Tue, January 08, 2019
How to Lose Tens of Thousands of Dollars Starting an Online Business
Every year around this time, we see an influx of new people to our community looking to add to their income by starting an ecommerce business. According to a recent article in the Atlantic, "many people turn to a growing number of self-proclaimed experts promise they can teach anyone how to make a passive income selling cheap Chinese goods in the internet's largest store. Not everyone’s getting rich quick." Paul and Kurt discuss: Why it's easier to get scammed than you think How to protect yourself What to do instead Tune in for more details! Resources How to Lose Tens of Thousands of Dollars on Amazon Book: Profit First FB Group: Shopify Entreprenuers Blue Ribbon Mastermind Podcast: The Dream Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free f
Wed, January 02, 2019
Bigger isn't Better: Why Staying Small is The Next Big Thing in Business
Paul Jarvis joins us to explain why he believes the real key to richer and more fulfilling work could be to not create and scale something into a massive corporation, but rather, to work for yourself, determine your own hours, and become a (highly profitable) and sustainable company of one. Paul is the author of Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing For Business. He’s worked with professional athletes like Steve Nash and Shaquille O’Neal, corporate giants like Microsoft and Mercedes-Benz, and entrepreneurs with online empires like Danielle LaPorte and Marie Forleo. Currently he teaches popular online courses, hosts several podcasts and develops small but mighty software solutions. Find out Paul's answers to: What are some specific prompts that will help us question growth (so that we’re not blindly growing)? Do you think the philosophies of “staying small” can reinforce self-limiting beliefs? Could it be holding someone back from their potential? Can upper-limits actually be a good thing? Why is resilience so important for companies (or companies of one)? Tune in for more details! Resources Company of One Paul Jarvis' newsletter Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?”
Wed, December 26, 2018
Can You Design Your Way To Success?
Wrapping up the year, my business partner (and producer of this show) Paul Reda joins me to discuss his experiences as a Shopify theme developer with ten years of experience. We'll find out: The dark truth about ecommerce design How you could be over-optimizing your store And how to approach theme performance Tune in for more details! Resources Tactical Baby Gear Sand Valley Golf Ethercycle Paul Reda Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager Outsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr
Tue, December 18, 2018
How an ER Doc Built a Soap Company in 9 Months
This is the story of how a lemonade stand became turned into a successful skincare line. In less than one year, today's guest began manufacturing all-natural soap, sold out of their first 5,000 units on Amazon, gained hundreds of positive reviews for their nine-item catalog, and launched a Shopify store. All while working full-time as an ER physician with kids. It's with those kids that our story starts. After raising $3,000 in the National Lemonade Day Program in Houston to help support an orphanage in India, they sought out to explore entrepreneurship as a family... Tune in for more details! Resources iHeart Nature iHeart Nature on Amazon Jump For Joy Lemonade Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme I
Tue, December 11, 2018
Lessons from Growing Two 8-figure Companies
Tom Ness is co-founder and former CMO of Truth Nutra and former CMO at Kinobody, and has since left both companies to pursue his new venture, Rugged Naturals - a natural personal care product brand for men. Tom is a self-taught, self-starter with a passion for building companies that create a positive impact. He has helped scale two companies from inception to nearly 8 figures in revenue apiece, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. We'll find out: The hallmarks of a brand with 8-figure potential Why selling in spite of your website represents a tremendous opportunity How one book (Ask) was a game-changer for their business Tom's "opportunity checklist" for identifying great businesses What to focus on when scaling (and the number one problem faced by most marketers) Tune in for more details! Resources Kinobody Truth Nutra Ask by Ryan Levesque The ONE Thing RuggedNaturals Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify does
Tue, December 04, 2018
10 Million Views: How to Tell Your Brand's Story With Help from a Professional Screenwriter
You already know the importance of sharing your brand’s story. I've told you over & over on this show, "People buy from people, not brands." Your story is the ultimate way to create an emotional connection with your customers so that they not only become raving fans, they share your story with their friends. Unfortunately, no one tells you HOW to write your story. Worse yet, most marketing experts don’t even know what a story is. Our guest today demonstrates this to hilarious effect on yours truly. Michael Jamin has been a professional sitcom writer since 1996. His many credits include Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead, Out of Practice, Wilfred, Rules of Engagement, Brickleberry, and Tacoma FD. He’s also served as Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer of Maron, Glenn Martin DDS and Rhett & Link’s Buddy System. In his spare time, Michael runs marketing for TwirlyGirl, a unique line of girls clothing started by his wife, Cynthia. By applying his sitcom writing and producing skills to their marketing videos, Michael has helped grow TwirlyGirl into a multi-million dollar brand. We'll find out: How Micheal went from Hollywood to Ecommerce The branding mistake we all make starting out How to tell your story What IS and ISNT story? Elements of a great brand story The importance of details to your story How to find your brand’s unique voice. How to craft entertaining Product Descriptions What to do if you Why video quality isn’t nearly as important as writing quality. Tune in for more details! Resources TwirlyGirl - A unique line of girls clothing started by Michael's wife, Cynthia Michael's Guide to eCommerce Branding - For those who want to improve their storytelling skills. Cardboard Rocketship - A boutique marketing agency that specializes in creating funny videos that sell. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Ku
Tue, November 13, 2018
How to Prevent Fraud & Chargebacks
Get a glimpse into the silent crime wave that cost the US economy $16 billion last year: credit card fraud. We'll find out: How fraudsters get ahold of your customers' personal info The various fraud schemes criminals use (this is fascinating) How chargebacks work How to protect yourself Tune in for more details! Resources NoFraud NoFraud in the App Store SPECIAL OFFER: 20% off for your first three months of service when you mention The Unofficial Shopify Podcast at the end of your trial Recommended Reading: Kingpin by Kevin Poulsen - "How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground" App: Fraud Filter by Shopify Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Special Offers from our Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Improve your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager <li
Tue, October 30, 2018
Black Friday Advertising: Your 5-Phase Blueprint
In last week's episode, Kurt Bullock walked us through tips and strategies to maximize our Facebook ad budgets before the holidays. This week we build on that conversation and learn the five-phases of holiday advertising and example offers and audiences to run during the holidays. Our guest today is Karan Jassar, founder and CEO of Socioh, a social media marketing service for Shopify stores looking to optimize Facebook & Instagram ads and retargeting. Before Socioh, Karan worked for Yahoo for on all advertising systems, even playing a role in building their new search marketing system (think Adwords but for Yahoo/Bing search). That experience gave him in-depth technical knowledge of advertising and how it works on the inside. Now he works on the other side helping merchants be more successful with their advertising efforts. Karan has a Master's Degree in Computer Science from USC with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence so you know he knows what's up. We'll find out: Quick wins to boost ad conversions The new Facebook catalog option that will boost your creative The number one frustration sellers face (and what to do about it) The five-phase approach to exponentially boost your revenue Example ad campaigns to run during each phase of the holidays Tune in for more details! Resources 2018 Holiday Season: 8 proven ad campaigns you can start today Sign up here before 20th Nov to claim an exclusive offer for listeners of the Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with K
Tue, October 23, 2018
Black Friday Advertising: Preparing Your Facebook Ads for #BFCM
Get your products on your customer's minds (and wishlists) this year without blowing a fortune on Facebook ads. Kurt Bullock joins us to discuss the tactics & strategies you need to know to maximize your Facebook ads before, during, and after Black Friday. Kurt Bullock is the founder of ecommerce agency ProduceDept, our exclusive marketing partner at Ethercycle for nearly three years. We'll find out: What's different about Facebook ads marketing during the holidays vs any other time of year? The one hack to keep budgets in line going into the holidays The one ad placement you need to run (and why to run multiple placements) Budgeting strategies What percentage to set your lookalike audiences to The ad calendar blueprint to maximize your Tune in for more details! Resources Facebook Holiday Prep Checklist Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme <a href="htt
Tue, October 16, 2018
What's New in Klaviyo
Klaviyo is the most recommended email marketing platform for Shopify merchants. In this episode, we hear what features are new in Klaviyo that you should implement before the holidays. Plus we discover the interesting views on marketing that Klaviyo's company culture has produced. Jake is the Director of Product at Klaviyo. Jake has been working in marketing since he was one, when his parents started an advertising agency. He started going grey at age 9 — draw your own conclusions! He is an eternal optimist and has dedicated his career to helping businesses who are short on bandwidth, budget or expertise market like the most sophisticated brands on earth and grow incredibly fast. He prioritizes his family, then Klaviyo, then golf. We'll find out: Why Klaviyo's new form builder is the best out there How to leverage the power of "progressive profiling" to increase conversions How the Klaviyo team studied their own friendships to build more relevant tools Klaviyo's investment in dynamic web personalization How you can submit feature requests to Klaviyo (that actually get heard, considered, and implemented) Why Klaviyo is in the business of helping you send less email , not more Tune in for more details! Resources Don't have a Klaviyo account yet? Get one free at klaviyo.com Klaviyo Blog: AI-Powered Customer Lifetime Value Klaviyo on LinkedIn Klaviyo is offering free BFCM Strategy Assessments to get you prepared for the Holiday Season. Our email marketing and e-commerce experts at Klaviyo will work to understand your current strategy and give you a customized recommendation to drive better results this Holiday season. Go to klaviyo.com/bfcm to sign up for your free assessment. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes Wha
Tue, October 09, 2018
Cowbucker: Starting a Hat Revolution
Today we're hearing from the co-founder of Cowbucker, inventor of "the Bucker," a hat that's part trucker lid and part cowboy brim. According to them, it's "probably mankind's greatest invention." Here's the wild part: they have sold close to 50,000 of them since launching in October 2014. In today's episode, Derek shares his journey with us, and tells what he's learned along the way. We'll find out: How they sold their 144 units as their first order... with only a prototype The unfair advantages that propelled their early success After that initial success, how they scaled by repeating the same success Derek's advice for running a successful Kickstarter How Cowbucker drove traffic to their Shopify store Tune in for more details! Resources Cowbucker - Use code KURT25 to get 25% off your Cowbucker hat. (Good from 10/9/18 to 10/16/18) Kickstarter Campaign: Cowbucker Presents the Bucker Book Recommendation: Traction by Gino Wickman Book Recommendation: Marketing That Works by Leonard M. Lodish App Recommendation: Tidio Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-boot
Thu, October 04, 2018
My Wife Started a Shopify Store! (BONUS EPISODE)
Less than one month after launching her first Shopify store, I interview Julie Elster about her experience so far. Julie Elster is the owner of the one-month old Disney World-planning info-product empire Double Your WDW . In 2015, she achieved viral success among freelancers when she started (and just ended) Just Tell Julie , an accounts receivable service. We'll find out: what’s working & what’s not, her marketing plan, the unexpected reaction from family and friends, her unfair advantages, why she had to blow up her last business, ...and more in this candid interview in our pajamas. Tune in for more details! Resources Double Your WDW Instagram: @DoubleYourWDW Contest Opt-in Page Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days Save 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Sho
Tue, October 02, 2018
Holiday SEO: Leverage the Holiday Search Traffic Spike
It's not too late to drive additional revenue with holiday SEO. And it's easier than you think. In this episode, we walk through each step of the holiday SEO planning process in detail. We'll learn how to engage in thoughtful keyword research, create optimized content for the season, and even the right way to link to your holiday content properly. Dale Bertrand runs Fire&Spark, an ecommerce marketing agency in Boston, MA. His clients include Citizen Watch, Ministry of Supply, Makerbot, Raymond Weil and Bulova. He has two decades of experience applying his graduate school work in artificial intelligence to digital marketing. Dale started his career building high-performance computing systems for the National Security Agency. Now, Dale is a specialist in search engine marketing, online advertising and analytics. In his spare time, Dale enjoys tennis, skiing and urban adventures with his two kids. We'll find out: How to find and target effective keyword phrases How to best create holiday landing pages in Shopify (without spending hours on writing) How and why to market your holiday pages year-round The minimum viable strategy for Holiday SEO Tune in for more details! Resources Fire&Spark Google Keyword Planner Keyword.io Dale's Holiday Season SEO article Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me w
Tue, September 18, 2018
$500k/mo in 4 hours/week: The Story of BombTech Golf
Want to do seven-figures in revenue and work four hours a week? How about getting there in two years? Today's guest has done just that. He's sold 170,000 golf clubs resulting in $6.3 million revenue last year with just three employees and a four hour work week. We're joined by BombTech Golf's Tyler 'Sully' Sullivan who shares with his story, what's worked, what hasn't, and how you can emulate his success in your own store. Early on, I would make videos that were terrible, but I put my face to the brand and made it personal. Attaching myself to the brand was one of the key reasons why I was able to scale up the business. You'll Learn The mindset shifts that enabled Sully's success How community engagement was pivotal to building going from zero to seven figure Sully's advice on how to vet a fulfillment center How delegating everything in his business led him to a 4-hour work week and increased sales Why design doesn't matter as much as you think. How doing email really well has been critical to their success (and the three tips that have driven their success) Why personal branding is necessity Tune in for more details! Resources BombTech Golf Klaviyo Case Study Sully's amazing about page Ecom Growers - Sully's email marketing consulting business. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. <
Tue, September 11, 2018
How To Use Facebook Messenger To Sell Online
Learn how Facebook Messenger marketing with chatbots gets My Wife Quit Her Job's Steve Chou incredible results that blow email marketing out of the water. Steve's getting: Open rates 5X better than email Click through rates 8X better than email Revenue per subscriber 3.5X better than email Steve lays out his success for us. Steve runs an ecommerce store with his wife at BumblebeeLinens.com where he's tested chatbots in the wild . In addition, he runs the popular blog and podcast MyWifeQuitHerJob where he teaches others how to start a profitable ecommerce business. You'll Learn Why the quality of messenger subscribers is better than email The easiest way to get messenger subscribers How Steve uses chatbots to answer customer service inquiries How to not violate Facebook's Messenger Terms of Service The amazing way to improve your Facebook Ads' effectiveness with Messenger How to mix Facebook Messenger with email Tune in for more details! Resources Steve's Facebook Messenger Marketing for Ecommerce post The Ultimate Guide To Messenger Marketing and Facebook Chatbots ManyChat Bumblebee Linens My Wife Quit Her Job. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootc
Tue, August 28, 2018
6072 Subscribers in 14 Days: How to Run a Giveaway
Do giveaways work? Are they an an effective strategy for both growing your email list and increasing your sales? Yes! In a published study from ColorIt.com, giving away $447 dollars worth of product resulted in: 6072 Email Subs 6176 Tweets 5000 FB Likes 2500 More Twitter followers 159 Orders During The Contest 85 Orders After Contest Ended $3.47 Per New Customer Acquired What's the secret? In this episode, My Wife Quit Her Job's Steve Chou reveals the exact step-by-step giveaway strategy to grow your email list and increase your sales. Shopify merchants will hear how giveaways are an effective strategy for both growing your email list and increasing your sales Steve runs the popular blog and podcast MyWifeQuitHerJob where he teaches others how to start a profitable ecommerce business. In addition, he runs an ecommerce store with his wife at BumblebeeLinens.com and an annual conference called the Sellers Summit. His latest business venture is GoBrandWin which is a platform that facilitates group giveaways for brands. You'll Learn What to give away Strategies to promote giveaway When not to run a giveaway Steve's exact Facebook ad & email strategy Tune in for more details! Resources https://gobrandwin.com/ [https://gobrandwin.com/advertise/](Apply For GoBrandWin's Next Giveaway) https://mywifequitherjob.com/ [https://apps.shopify.com/viralsweep](Viral Sweep) Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt
Tue, August 21, 2018
Proven Abandoned Cart Email Tactics
Approximately 70% of your customers will abandon their carts... if you're lucky. That's why the most profitable email marketing workflow you can possibly run is an abandoned cart sequence. In today's episode, we'll cover the best practice four email sequence guaranteed to help you re-engage customers and recover revenue. After that, we'll talk through three out of the box ideas that are proven to work. Adii Pienaar, founder of Conversio, joins us today to explain. Prior to Conversio, Adii was co-founder of WooThemes/WooCommerce, where he made his early entrepreneurial mistakes while learning about building software for ecommerce stores. You'll Learn The current state of abandoned carts in ecommerce The best practices for abandoned cart sequence you need to implement today Three out-of-the-box ideas to test in your sequences Tune in for more details! Resources https://conversio.com/ - Email marketing and reviews for your store. https://kickbox.com/ - Email list hygiene service [https://adii.me/](Adii's blog) Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Prod
Tue, August 14, 2018
Don’t be a Vending Machine: Going Beyond Rewards to Build Loyalty
Is your business just a vending machine? And is that vending machine on fire? Consider this: Facebook ad costs have gone up substantially since last year. CPM’s have increased on average 35% since last quarter. If a significant portion of your qualified traffic is coming from paid traffic, your business is actively on fire. Today's guest thinks so, but he's got some ideas on how to solve it. In today's episode, you'll learn how going beyond basic rewards programs can help you stop discounting and start building a community of loyal customers. Steve Deckert is the founder of Smile.io. They power reward programs for 20,000 merchants across the globe. Use Smile.io to reward your customers for completing profitable actions. You'll Learn Why your store maybe a vending a machine (and what to do instead) How to build a VIP program How to reward customers for micro actions like writing reviews Tune in for more details! Resources https://smile.io/ - Sign up for the Smile basic plan or above & mention the Unofficial Shopify Podcast, and get one free Smile app integration. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors <a href="http://affiliate.boldapps.net/apps/product-upsell?ref=ethercycl
Tue, July 31, 2018
Bulletproof Your Store: How to Protect Yourself from Data & Security Disasters
In this episode, we’re talking about how to bulletproof your online store from data disasters and security issues that are more common than you think. Mike Potter joins us to discuss. He’s the co-founder and CEO of Rewind.io, an online backup service for SaaS apps. His company is trusted by thousands of ecommerce merchants to backup their Shopify and BigCommerce stores. There’s a saying that entrepreneurs like to move fast and break things. To that, Mike Potter would say: “go ahead and break things - just make sure you have a backup.” Since launching Rewind in 2015, he’s talked with hundreds of merchants who really did break their store - whether it was their fault or not - and helped them get their site back to normal. Having experienced data loss himself, Mike is passionate about helping small businesses to better protect their data and digital assets. You'll Learn The state of backups in Shopify Top 3 risks to your store How to mitigate those risks Best practices to lockdown your store Backing up your store manually and automatically Tune in for more details! Resources Get an exclusive extended 45-day free trial of Rewind 1Password Increase Shopify Security With Two Factor Authentication Backups and duplication Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapte
Tue, July 24, 2018
AR, VR, & 3D: Changing The Way We Shop
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are no longer the stuff of science fiction. Apple and Google's mobile operating systems already ship with software components to support AR, hardware prices for VR are rapidly dropping, and the industry is expanding. VR, AR, and 3D is already here and even in use today by merchants on the bleeding edge of technology. Soon 3D and virtual reality could be seamlessly embedded into your Shopify store. (And it'll cost less than you think.) In this episode, you'll hear about how AR & VR will change how we shop, and come away with inspiration on how these new technologies can provide more engaging experiences for their buyers. Daniel Beauchamp, Shopify's Augmented and Virtual Reality team lead, joins us to discuss it. Daniel’s team explores how these technologies change the way we shop and run our businesses, both today and in the future. You'll Learn What's the difference between AR and VR? How is AR / VR going to change the way we shop? How will merchants be able to use this tech on Shopify? Are these technologies only consumer-facing? How can merchants use it? Tune in for more details! Resources Magnolia Market on the iTunes App Store - Built with the Shopify Mobile Buy SDK and ARKit, you can easily preview a selection of products in your home in incredible detail. Tapcart - Turn your Shopify store into an iPhone app Fashion Nova on the iTunes App Store Medium: Shopify VR - Experiments, thoughts, and lessons learned from Shopify’s VR team. Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on
Tue, July 17, 2018
Global Ecommerce: How to Go International & Expand Your Reach
(Video of this episode is available on YouTube .) Everyone's looking for the silver bullet to grow their business. Growing globally through internationalization is may just be the only way to get that big win. It's a scary proposition. International expansion sounds like it should be wrought with challenges and complexities. Joining us to discuss it is marketing wunderkind Andy Bedell. In this episode, he teaches us the exact step-by-step process he developed while helping grow KeySmart into a top 100 Shopify store and Facebook advertiser using internationalization. You'll Learn When & why go international (there are two reasons that surprised me) How to decide if your product is a good fit Tackling shipping The free "MVP" solutions to tackle currency conversion How this year's newest Shopify features will make it easier & better than ever Exactly how to approach Facebook ads What should scare you about not going international Tune in for more details! Resources Translate My Store Langify Multi-Currency for Shopify Payments Local Payment Methods for Shopify Payments Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send
Tue, July 10, 2018
PostedProtein: Bootstrapping from 0 to £250K+
Today's guest did what some people will tell you is impossible. From his kitchen, he built an ecommerce business from 0 to £250K+ in 2 years in a saturated market without borrowing money. UK-based entrepreneur Tom Brown joins us to discuss the journey, mindset, and tactics that helped him build a successful business selling protein bars online. You'll Learn How Tom got his first customers with zero money on social media Which apps were most effective in scaling their business The mindset that's empowered his continued growth How he leverages the Shopify ecosystem The surprisingly simple way he raises cash on demand Tune in for more details! Resources Tw:@SimplyTom IG:@TomWBrown Podcast: The Tom Brown Audio Show Site: postedprotein.co.uk Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn what's Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?” Sponsors Try Bold Product Upsell free for 90 days <a href="https://outofthesandbox.com/collections/themes/products/tu
Tue, June 26, 2018
Scaling Your Store Up: How to go from $500K to $100MM
When you first start your business, that first sale is a big deal. It's proof that your idea is valid. The excitement wears off and the second sale just isn't as exciting. It quickly becomes a game of chasing the dragon to repeat that success high. Maybe it's your first 100 orders, or your first $100K. Either way, the only way to maintain the high of achievement is to keep scaling. There's a lot of information on how to go from 0 to $100K in a business, but what separates the six figure businesses from the nine-figure businesses? To find out, we look to an ecommerce expert consultant that's worked with many of the top Shopify stores in the world (including MVMT, Dr. Axe, and Kettle and Fire) to define a growth strategy, scale their advertising, and hire the team necessary to get to the next level. Austin Brawner joins us to reveal the growth secrets his consultancy, Brand Growth Experts, uses to help established ecommerce companies scale up while remaining profitable. Austin also hosts the fantastic Ecommerce Influence Podcast, where Andrew Foxwell and he share advanced traffic and conversion strategies for fast-growing online brands. You'll Learn What's the big difference between Shopify brands that scale up and ones that don't? How to scale through delegation? The key performance indicators that determine if you can scale The levers to pull to scale your store Why is it so tough to scale? What are the downsides of scaling up? The dark side of mentor stores Tune in for more details! Resources Brand Growth Experts Ecommerce Influence Podcast Dean Jackson Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/
Tue, June 19, 2018
Powerful & Practical Content Marketing
Rounding up our four-part series this quarter on content marketing, in this episode, we discuss practical approaches on building relationships with content marketing (and several mistakes you're probably making.) By creating a content marketing plan, publishing videos, blogs, and even Facebook Live, you'll gain consistent branding, amplified online exposure, and real relationships with your customers so that you can sell more, more often. Joining us to discuss all things content & social is super-powered serial entrepreneur Lyndsay Philips. She's the CEO & Founder of Smooth Sailing Business Growth & Smooth Business Growth Podcast. She leads a rock star team to support entrepreneurs who are seeking fast-paced business growth but finally have come to the realization that they can’t do it alone, do it all, and do it well. You'll Learn Refresher: what content marketing is and what strategies are working today? The biggest mistakes you're probably making when posting content on social media The dating approach you can use to build relationships with customers through social media Leveraging video right now - how do we get more engagement and stronger relationships using this marketing strategy? Plus: Kurt gets excited about chatbots & FB Live. Tune in for more details! Resources Social Media Roadmap ManyChat Be Live Smooth Business Growth Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of
Tue, June 12, 2018
Becoming Known: The Case for Personal Branding
In today's episode, you'll learn how to sell more, more often with personal branding, an often overlooked strategy that lets you sell person to person at scale by sparking that human connection. Two reasons: People buy from people, not brands. As a business owner, you are your own best brand ambassador. We're joined by recurring guest, good friend, and master of his own brand, Kai Davis. Kai Davis is an Ecommerce and Shopify Marketing Expert. He helps Shopify store owners sell more, more often to their best customers. Want to learn how to sell more, more often? Visit DoubleYourEcommerce.com and sign up today to learn more. You'll Learn What is personal branding? Why is personal branding important to build trust? How is personal branding different than normal branding? How to craft your personal story (the easy way) Why Kurt peacocks in his camo blazer (and you should too) Great inspirational examples of personal branding Tune in for more details! Resources DoubleYourEcommerce.com Rev.com iOS app: Videoshop Example: Ezra Firestone Example: Ramit Sethi Example: John Cronin Example: Beav Brodie Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample c
Tue, June 05, 2018
Bricks & Clicks: Serial Entrepreneur Dan Cox’s Journey from Retail to Online
Ever meet those entrepreneurial super heroes who can do it all? Today's guest definitely falls into that category. After double majoring in Business and Economics, Dan Cox fell back on his love for athletics and nutrition and started opening up 5 nutrition stores in Las Vegas and Southern California. Seeing a gap in the market, Dan then also started developing his own all natural Supplement lines which he sold online through laser-focused branded websites. His Shopify stores include MetCon® for endurance athletes, Detox Tea Caps™ for and fat burning, and most recently Wellthy™, a health essential And lifestyle supplements. The drive for Dan's own lines came from his interested in providing the cleanest, most effective, all natural products that filled voids in the market. Oh, and on top of that, he still runs his brick & mortar stores, travels regularly, and has appeared in two primetime network reality TV shows. You'll Learn The mindset question that jumpstarted Dan's journey Dan's surprising outlook on retail How a brick & mortar experience compares to online And how Dan was able to step away from his business for a month to participate in a primetime network reality TV show Tune in for more details! Resources MetCon Wellthy StitchLabs IG: @danielgcox Tw: @dangcox Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerc
Tue, May 29, 2018
GDPRmageddon: What U.S. Merchants Need to Know
As of May 25th, 2018, the European Union requires companies of all sizes to take steps to help secure personal data rights and more generally protect that data. (And if you don't comply, that'll be a 20 million euro fine.) But what does it mean for US stores? You will hear about it, and it will impact you, but to what degree? Joining us to decipher the law's impact on US merchants is Dave Rodenbaugh. Dave runs an email marketing service with European customers who necessitated he figure out GDPR fast or risk losing them. Dave is the founder of Recapture, an abandoned cart and email marketing solution for Shopify and Magento. He's also the co-host of Rogue Startups podcast (https://roguestartups.com) talking about his entrepreneurial journey, and he runs Big Snow Tiny Conf West (https://bigsnowtinyconfwest.com), a small web business mastermind-style conference with skiing. You'll Learn What is GDPR? How is GDPR going to impact my store? Why should I care if I'm from the US? What are the biggest things that I need to change about my store to get ready? Tune in for more details! Resources Shopify's GDPR overview Recapture in the app store Twitter: @daverodenbaugh Recapture.io Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at <
Tue, May 22, 2018
Shopify Unite 2018 Recap: Now What?
Last week, you heard the firsthand announcements from Unite attendees on-site at Toronto. Today, you'll get caught up on what’s new & improved from Shopify, what it means for your store, and how to avoid being overwhelmed. Joining us to break it down are fellow Shopify Partners and agency owners Ross Beyeler of GrowthSpark and Alex O'Byrne of We Make Websites. You'll learn our takes on: Overall themes & sentiment Connectors for Shopify Flow Fraud Protection Marketing Dashboard Multi-Currency Local Payments POS Dynamic Checkout New Discounts Ping Sound like a lot? It is! (And it's not even everything that was announced. ) It's easy to get overwhelmed, so we'll break it down where you should put investing resources. Tune in for more details! Resources Unite 2018: Everything We Announced and How it Will Simplify, Automate, and Accelerate Your Global Growth WeMakeWebsites GrowthSpark Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?”
Tue, May 15, 2018
Live at Shopify Unite 2018
This week we have a special Shopify Unite edition of the show in which we cover many of the announcements from Unite last week by interviewing the attendees on-site. In early May, Shopify Partners from around the world gathered together in Toronto for the 3rd annual Unite conference: a three-day event to discuss all things Shopify, commerce, and technology. And they announced a ton of stuff. Rather than have me tell you about it, we put together lightning interviews with twenty attendees (including Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke) to find out what's most impactful coming out of Unite. Resources Unite Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?”
Tue, May 08, 2018
Behind The Scenes at Jay Leno’s Garage
Having a celebrity-endorsed brand and a great product must be like easy mode for ecommerce, right? Maybe not. In today's episode, we learn the behind-the-scenes story on how Jay Leno began selling a complete line of car care products. We're joined by Chris Walters, the Director of Marketing at Jay Leno’s Garage. You'll Learn What's it like working for a celebrity brand? What's Jay driving these days? How did they get involved with Jay Leno? Which marketing channels are moving the needle on their business? Tune in for more details! Resources Jay Leno's Garage Jay Leno's Garage on YouTube Shopify Plus Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn’t?”
Tue, May 01, 2018
Finding your True Fans & Brand Advocates
In this episode, you'll hear about some of the best ways find brand advocates because your affiliate program (or customer referral program) is only as good as its advocates! Arlen Robinson is a seasoned business owner and co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software which gives businesses the opportunity to setup and manage their own affiliate and customer referral programs. He should know, he's been doing it for 20 years. Arlen also hosts the weekly Ecommerce Marketing Podcast in which he interviews marketing experts (such as yours truly) about successful ecommerce marketing strategies. Together, we lay out a strategy for identifying your brand advocates, and reaching out to them. You'll Learn Who are the top brand advocates today? When looking for high profile brand advocates, should they have a minimum number of followers? What are the best ways to reach out to influencers? Tune in for more details! Resources 15-day Free trial of Omnistar Referral Software Ecommerce Marketing Podcast Izea Traackr OpenInfluence Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn Sho
Tue, April 24, 2018
Customer Service Strategy: Surviving the Worst Customer Situations
In this episode, we're talking customer service. Great customer service can make or break your brand, and your sanity. Joining us to discuss it is a self-proclaimed provider of excellent customer service for the past 20 years, fellow podcast host Dave Rodenbaugh. Dave is the founder of Recapture, an email marketing and abandoned cart solution for Shopify and Magento. He's also the co-host of the Rogue Startups podcast chronicling his journey as a single-founder startup. As if that weren't enough, Dave even runs BigSnow TinyConf West, a business mastermind and ski getaway for small web businesses. Passionate about customer service, eCommerce and small business. You'll Learn How is everyone doing support wrong today? Live chat-- is it worth it? What are the worst things we can say to customers when they contact us for support? What's the most important thing we can do to improve customer support? How to deal with toxic customers Tune in for more details! Resources [Recapture]https://recapture.io) - Mention The Unofficial Shopify Podcast for a free 60-day trial Recapture in the Shopify app store Rogue Startups podcast BigSnow TinyConf West Gorgias.io Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at <a href="http://ecommerce-bootcamp.com/" title="Ecommerce Bootcamp - The S
Tue, April 17, 2018
How-to: Automated Email Follow-up Campaigns Made Easy
In this episode, we're talking sales automation. Specifically, how to use simple email sales funnels to automate the process of converting website visitors into new customers & repeat buyers. Catherine Langman joins us to discuss. She's the Founder and CEO of the Productpreneur Marketing. Her passion is to help entrepreneurs with eCommerce businesses businesses to be more successful and in control, by helping them to attract their ideal customers and sell more products online - on autopilot. Having previously launched, built and sold an award-winning business eCommerce business herself, and combined with a career in branding and digital design agencies, Catherine has extensive professional experience in product development, brand communications and online marketing for product-based businesses. As a marketing consultant, Catherine has helped her clients to achieve massive growth in their own businesses. You'll Learn What is a sales funnel? What do we mean by automation? How to attract new people to your list with unconventional lead magnets How a three email sequence converts new subscribers into customers How a four email post-purchase customer service sequence ensure happys customers Tune in for more details! Resources Steal Catherine's automated email follow-up system to sell more products in your ecommerce store. catherinelangman.com Productpreneur Marketing Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's boo
Tue, April 10, 2018
Grow & Convert with Content Marketing
In this episode, you'll learn how to use content marketing to get traffic to your store, specifically, when it works, when it doesn't, and patterns we've noticed in successful content. The warm and knowledgeable Devesh Khanal joins us to discuss it. Devesh runs Grow & Convert, a content marketing agency producing magazine quality, in-depth blog content for companies. He's full of practical advice that anyone can implement to drive more qualified traffic to their store. I asked him... What are the different types of "content marketing" that ecommerce store owners could do? Are there ecommerce stores or brands where you think content marketing isn't a good idea? For blog content, how should you come up with ideas of what to write? Who should you hire to do this for you? Should the owner do it themselves? Tune in for more details! Resources Grow & Convert Rev BuzzSumo SurveyMonkey Hotjar Qualaroo Google Keyword Planner Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com <a href="https://ethercycle.com/sh
Tue, April 03, 2018
Copywriting Decoded: How to Turn Copy into Conversions
Why is copywriting so hard? It took me years to figure it out. The answer is likely mindset. There are a few mental hurdles you need to get over if you're going to write effective web copy that converts. (And you should, optimizing copy can do more for your conversion rate than any other tactic.) To help us break it down, fellow podcaster David Garfinkel joins us. David mentors business owners and professional copywriters to go from good to great! Many of his clients have created websites, sales letters, and ads that have made millions, both for themselves and others. David's the author of the bestselling book "Breakthrough Copywriting," and has written copy himself that has made millions of dollars. His all-time record was a sales letter for a six-person company that generated $40 million in sales. David also hosts the popular Copywriters Podcast. You'll Learn If you’re new to copywriting, what are the key things you need to know to make your copy convert? If you have copy that’s not converting now, what can you do to get it working? If you have copy that’s converting and you’d like it to work better, what can you do to improve conversions? What are some resources (free, as well as lower investment and higher investment) a marketer can use to become better at putting together copy that converts? Tune in for more details! Resources Breakthrough Copywriting: How To Generate Quick Cash With The Written Word Copywriters Podcast High Speed Copywriting (DVD and workbook seminar) Have David critique your copy Garfinkel Coaching Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride</
Tue, March 27, 2018
Launching Lean & Quick: Building Nimble Sites with Galen King
In this episode, you'll learn how to think about launching lean, staying nimble, and growing fast! Galen King from O.G. Shopify agency Lucid joins us to discuss a practical strategic approach to launching new brands on Shopify. Galen King is the founder and creative director of Lucid, a small digital agency with offices in New Zealand and New York City. One of the first Shopify Partners, he's been dabbling with Shopify since 2006 and have designed and built many stores as well as side-projects—both on Shopify and elsewhere. You'll Learn Why Galen thinks you should probably start with this one free theme The danger of 3rd party themes Where to invest resources How far ahead should you plan? And how should you approach it in a practical way? How does "authentic storytelling" fit into the lean launch plan? How important is design? When launching a new site on Shopify, what should you focus on? Tune in for more details! Resources Lucid Debut Theme Venture Theme Bootstrapify Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 20, 2018
Good Design with Chris Pointer: How to approach Shopify Themes
For many merchants, design is the single hardest part of setting up and running a Shopify store. Chris Pointer of Pointer Creative has 16+ years of design experience. His agency works exclusively on Shopify and has produced custom themes for the NY Times, Death Wish Coffee, and others. In this episode, he teaches us how to approach design, communicate what we want to designers, and when & why to go totally custom. You'll Learn Why design matters and what makes it hard How to make talking about design easier Ways to work better with a designer or agency When & why to go custom and what it'll cost Tune in for more details! Resources Pointer Creative Custom Theme Example: Power On, Power Off Commerce Cream Design Gallery Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 13, 2018
B2B eCommerce MasterPlan: How to Scale Your Business with Wholesale eCommerce
Whether you're a wholesaler looking to start selling to your customers online, a manufacturer wanting to increase the orders coming through your website, or an online retailer looking to branch out into B2B sales, today's episode will take you through the key considerations to making B2B eCommerce a success for your business. Today's guest, Chloë Thomas, is an eCommerce expert focused on eCommerce strategy and marketing, to help eCommerce people make better decisions as they build their path to success. Author of several books, keynote speaker, advisor, and host of the eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast. Her latest book is an Amazon.com bestseller – B2B eCommerce MasterPlan: How to make Wholesale eCommerce A key part of your business to Business Sales Growth. You'll Learn What is B2B eCommerce, and why should we care? How does B2B vs B2C mindset differ? How does B2B vs B2C website differ? Who is this an opportunity for? How can you be successful in B2B eCommerce? Tune in for more details! Resources First 2 chapters of B2B eCommerce MasterPlan for free: eCommerceMasterPlan.com Ramp T-shirts Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 06, 2018
The Beard King: How a Hairy Sink Launched a 7-figure Business
If coming up with a good product idea is hard, then turning it into a successful brand is harder. Nicholas Galekovic, the entrepreneur behind Beard King, joins us to discuss a journey that went from his bathroom, to Shark Tank, to a viral-success product that has resulted in a seven-figure business in less than five years. In today's episode, Nicholas Galekovic walks through his journey bootstrapping for "sink share" with his flagship product, the Beard Bib. You'll Learn The "ah-ha" moment where he found his problem and how a competitor almost stopped him before he started. How he launched his product on Instagram and the 20 million views of viral success that followed. How he got on SharkTank and what they're looking for. Why Beard King is equal parts lifestyle brand and product company. Why Amazon is the wild west of ecommerce The Beard King's advice for aspiring entreprenuers Tune in for more details! Resources Beard King Shark Tank Story Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 27, 2018
Is dropshipping dead? What successful dropshippers know
"Is dropshipping dead?" That was one of the most common questions I got toward the end of the last year. Here's the thing– I don't know! Is it? Why are you asking me? There are certainly people more suited to answer this than me. To find out, we're talking to Tomas Slimas, Chief Marketing Officer at Oberlo. He should know– Oberlo users have dropshipped more than 100 million products during the last 24 months. In today's episode, you'll learn the answer, as well as what it takes to become a successful dropshipper, and even how dropshipping can scale your existing store. You'll Learn Is dropshipping dead? What successful dropshippers know What advantages does drop shipping have? How do you choose which products to sell? Are there specific risks to dropshipping? How can Oberlo help you build and even scale your store? Tune in for more details! Resources Oberlo Tomas on Twitter Tomas on LinkedIn Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 20, 2018
Game of Bluff: Your Internet Law & Copyright Infringement Primer
Doing business online without retaining an Internet lawyer is the equivalent of playing Russian Roulette– things tend not to end well. The days of the Internet being the Wild West are long gone. The empire is striking back! You need an experienced Internet attorney to guide you through the ever-growing collection of newly enacted laws and regulations governments are launching to address online legal issues. In this episode, Richard Chapo, a business lawyer with a sense of humor and 25 years of experience, walks us through business entity formation, copyright and trademark registration and enforcement, DMCA compliance, and the one thing you need to know about your Privacy Policy. You'll Learn When starting, choosing between sole proprietorship, S-Corp, or LLC. Why the S-corp and LLC just became more attractive as business models. The importance of a CPA How do you use the DMCA to keep people from stealing your content? What does a lawsuit cost? How to tackle copyright infringement when it goes overseas When infringement can be a positive What you need to know about your Privacy Policy Tune in for more details! Resources SoCalInternetLawyer.com Hiscox Insurance Bench Shopify DMCA Notice & Takedown Procedure Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Bonus · Wed, February 14, 2018
Marriage for Entrepreneurs with Julie Elster (Valentine's Day Bonus)
Ever wonder what it's like to be married to an entrepreneur? Or how a self-employed couple make it work and what the potential pitfalls may be? My wife and I both are business owners who work together, and we make it work, but not without a few key considerations. In this bonus episode, my wife and I discuss our unconventional relationship from our bedroom. You'll learn The one trick to know when to make your side hustle your full-time job How self-employed couples make it work When businesses let accounts receivable ruin them (and what to do about it) Resources JustTellJulie.com @Julie_Elster Kurt & Julie's "wedsite" Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter or Facebook . Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 13, 2018
Sourcing: How to find the right factory for your product idea
If you've ever had a brilliant million dollar idea for a product, you've wondered, "How do I get it manufactured?" To do that, you'll need to find a manufacturer who will work with you. And that's where the nightmare starts for many entrepreneurs. That's when you discover that for most people it's a web of miscommunications, middlemen, and missed deadlines. So how do you do it right? How do you avoid the pitfalls that have befallen so many crowdfunded products? Our guest today has brought dozens of products to market, run three ecommerce companies (sold one), and been a part of projects on Kickstarter raising over seven figures. Nathan Resnick joins us today from his new company, Sourcify, a platform that makes manufacturing easy. Having helped hundreds of companies manufacture products around the world, Nathan is going to discuss with us how to find, vet, and build a relationship with a factory so that you can turn your idea into a real product. Learn: How to vet a factory Nathan's approach to dropshipping How to build relationships with factories And why you may be in competition with factories in the near future Tune in for more details! Links Mentioned: Sourcify Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter or Facebook . Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 06, 2018
Automating the Ultimate Customer Service Experience
As you grow your business, you'll soon need to start delegating things. First is usually fulfillment, and soon after is customer support. So how do you get customer support off of your plate while providing an amazing experience for your customers? The answer might be automation. I first met today's guest while speaking at the Day With Shopify tour, and immediately knew that he'd made something special. Romain Lapeyre joins us today to discuss customer support automation. After all, he cofounded a customer support automation platform, raised $1.5 million, and niched down on Shopify in the process. Their product, Gorgias, helps Shopify merchants manage all their support requests in one place, and automatically respond to common questions. You'll Learn Why is customer support important? How can you automate customer service right now? How do you automate it without angering customers? Should merchants try to automate all of their support? Where is the limit? Tune in for more details! Resources Gorgias.io Gorgias in the Shopify App Store Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter or Facebook . Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, January 23, 2018
Validating & Scaling Your Shopify Store using Amazon FBA
The hardest part of building a brand is often attracting an audience. After all, if no one has heard of you, how will you sell to them? That’s why it’s been no surprise to me that over the last two years, I’ve helped quite a few successful Amazon sellers expand onto Shopify. Starting in a marketplace like Amazon customers find you more easily, and rapidly validate your product-market fit. Once validated, you can then leverage Amazon to grow your Shopify store. But it’s not all roses and sunshine. There are some issues too. Today’s guest is a successful Amazon seller, Shopify merchant, and former Amazon FBA consultant. Noah Deligio will tell us, form his personal experience, how best to leverage both Amazon and Shopify for your business. You'll learn: What is Amazon FBA? How can you leverage both platforms? What are the pitfalls of Amazon vs Shopify? Resources How to Sell on Amazon Using Shopify Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter or Facebook . Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, January 16, 2018
How KeySmart Made $1.3 Million on a Product Launch
When starting out with your store, most folks struggle to get their first sale. Then, if you do find your product-market fit, and get traction in your niche, you set your sites on growing to your first million dollars in revenue. And if you can get there, you’d feel pretty great. Now what if I told you our guest today got to a million dollars in revenue in a few months on a single new product launch with pre-orders. Pretty wild, right? On today’s episode, we’ll pull back the curtain on this monumental success. Andy Bedell is the head of marketing for KeySmart, one of Shopifys largest e-commerce stores. He is an experienced advertiser and email marketer with over $20 million in revenue under his belt. In addition to KeySmart, Andy has consulted advertising agencies, other eCommerce stores, and several Kickstarter campaigns. Before entering the eCommerce world he ran advertising for the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education department. You'll learn: How they got into a partnership with Tile How Andy approached business development through partnerships How did the crowdfund model helped with their campaign The pros & cons of crowdfunding on your Shopify store vs going with Kickstarter Tune in for more details! Resources KeySmart Pro Product Page Crowdfunder KeySmart FB Video Ads Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter or Facebook . Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Read a free sample ch
Tue, January 09, 2018
New Year, New Ads: Facebook Ads Best Practices for 2018
You already know Facebook is the #1 acquisition channel for your online business. We’re seeing clients with 4-6x returns on ad spend using Facebook ads. But Facebook is a rapidly evolving platform. It seems like new features are being added every day. So what should we ad types and features should you be looking to use to grow your Shopify store as we start 2018? Joining us to discuss is Facebook ads guru Mojca Zove. Mojca is a Facebook Ads expert, author, and international speaker. Her work focuses on helping multimillion-dollar businesses generate more leads and increase profits with a carefully developed Facebook Advertising Strategy, so they can devote their time to other aspects of their business. She’s also the author of the Facebook Ads Manual: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started and the creator of The Facebook Ads Academy . Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: The essential Facebook Ads Strategy for an ecommerce business Facebook’s most important new features for merchants The best ad types for Shopify stores Links Mentioned: Get Mojca’s free Facebook ads email course Super Spicy Media Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, December 26, 2017
The Future of Dropshipping: Automating Licensed Apparel
On Shopify, fashion & apparel is the largest vertical. It’s always one of the most difficult. One threat fashion retailers face is purchasing too much inventory. The solution that many merchants choose to avoid inventory issues is dropshipping. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and easy… depending on the products you want to send. If you’re looking for licensed products like pop culture apparel, it can be challenging to find authentic goods to sell. That’s where Hingeto’s MXED comes in. MXED allows you to quickly and easily sell officially licensed pop culture products within your Shopify store. It’s a game changer. Leandrew Robinson, co-founder of Hingeto, joins us to talk inventory risk, the future of drop shipping, and Marshawn Lynch. Hingeto builds tech solutions to help clothing retailers grow their sales without inventory risk. Early customers included PacSun and Marshawn Lynch's Beastmode. Before Hingeto, Leandrew helped 500 fashion brands make 1/2 a billion in revenue, in his 6 year stint as founder of flash sale site PLNDR.com & Chief Strategy Officer of Karmaloop. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: How running a flash sale site showed him the problem with fashion inventory What to do if you bought too much inventory? How a new app can add real licensed to product to your store in a few clicks. (This is a game changer.) How Leandrew gained Marshawn Lynch’s Beastmode as client Marshawn Lynch’s most admirable quality as an entrepreneuer. How long is too long to hold inventory Links Mentioned: Hingeto MXED App Beast Mode Apparel Drive More Sales with a Same-Day Shipping Countdown Timer Give customers another reason to buy with our simple to use, professional-looking shipping countd
Tue, December 19, 2017
Growing Your List & Revenue With Pop-ups
We’ve talked often on this show about the importance of emails. But leveraging emails as a marketing channel requires having a list of customers and prospects to send those emails to. So what do you do? The answer is pop-ups. In this episode, we discuss best practices and benchmarks for pop-ups with the founder of popular pop-up app Privy, Ben Jabbawy. Through Ben’s leadership, he has helped grow Privy to support over 200,000 marketers in 180 countries. His data-driven approach to lead capture and on-site personalization has helped brands like UNIQLO, The Beatles, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and now you. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: The gap in your funnel that’s fixed by pop-ups The difference between advanced pop-ups and a basic pop-up Use cases, offers, and stats for pop-ups How to use pop-ups without angering Google The #1 factor that affects conversion rate The most effective formats and triggers for pop-ups Links Mentioned: Privy Academy Privy for Shopify Drive More Sales with a Same-Day Shipping Countdown Timer Give customers another reason to buy with our simple to use, professional-looking shipping countdown timer. ☞ Start your free 7-day trial
Tue, December 12, 2017
Using Emotion to Optimize Conversions With Talia Wolf
As founder and chief optimizer at GetUplift, Talia Wolf uses emotion, customer-centric research and persuasive design to generate more revenues, leads and sales for businesses. Recently listed as one of the most influential experts in conversion optimization, Talia is a conversion optimization specialist, trainer and keynote speaker. Today she’ll teach us her emotional targeting methodology and why it works so well in increasing conversions. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: The emotional targeting methodology to increase conversions Why best practices suck The trap of copying competitors How to profile customers Why we buy The myths of conversion rate optimization Why color psychology is total rubbish Links Mentioned: GetUplift.co CRO Resources The Complete List of Psychological Triggers DIY Landing Page Optimization Worksheet @taligw Live Training Drive More Sales with a Same-Day Shipping Countdown Timer Give customers another reason to buy with our simple to use, professional-looking shipping countdown timer. ☞ Start your free 7-day trial
Tue, November 14, 2017
Hire Better: How to Build a Dependable Tech Team
As your store grows, you will inevitably have to hire freelancers, consultants, or employees for your tech team. It can be an intimidating process that leaves you struggling to keep projects on track. You don’t have to learn how to be a great manager the hard way. Our guest today wants to help you level up faster. Marcus Blankenship gets paid to coach overwhelmed technical managers. He's managed a variety of teams and is going to talk us through how to hire better. Today’s episode will leave you feeling dramatically more confident and capable in hiring for your Shopify team, and you’ll see better performance from your team. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: The number one mistake store owners make when hiring freelancers What red flags to work for? Why we’re more forgiving at the beginning of the relationship What’s the most important attribute to look for when hiring a freelancers? When to use a “reset conversation” How to set expectations The questions to ask to ensure a project goes well Why questions are a part of any professional doing their job responsibily How can you be sure you won’t get screwed How & why to avoid The Winner’s Curse Links Mentioned: MarcusBlankenship.com Join Marcus' list and learn how to manage with his free newsletter Recommended Reading: Crucial Conversations Recommended Reading: Humble Inquiry 2017 Ecommerce Holiday Email Marketing Guide Are you putting off creating a holiday email marketing plan because planning emails is a chore? In this no-fluff executive summary, you'll learn every opportunity to send holiday emails, how to write subject lines that get opened, how many emails to send to maximize revenue, and
Tue, November 07, 2017
$1 million in Year 1: Selling Tutorials on Shopify with RGG EDU
One of the most successful Shopify businesses I've run across doesn't sell any physical goods at all. They sell digital goods and did $1 million in revenue in their first year. Joining us to share his journey is Gary Martin, the co-founder of RGG EDU, a documentary based production company that specializes in the most comprehensive photography & Photoshop tutorials in the world. After turning down a lucrative job opportunity on Apple's Cupertino software development team, Gary decided to launch his own career in photography and never work for anyone again. Within a few years, he again made the dramatic decision to ditch client services and instead go on a journey to create the world's best and highest quality educational content. Three years after launching their store on Shopify, they are recognized as one of the premier educational resources for photography. We are in 150 countries worldwide, have the best photography podcast on the internet, and get to travel the world and learn from the best photographers in the world. Listen now... — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: How they use conferences and the “Netflix effect” to create content marketing How having a clear position statement helped drive their business Why having a business partnership has worked to grow their business How they marketed their first products successfully on social media The advantages of joint venture products Exactly how they automate product delivery Gary's advice for all Shopify store owners Links Mentioned: RGG EDU The RGG EDU Podcast Calendly Conversio FetchApp SurveyMonkey <a href="https://rggedu.com/pro
Tue, October 31, 2017
Make Your Own Luck: How Doug Geiger Built a Durable Business
In 2012, Doug Geiger stole his wife’s crockpot, bought $400 worth of lanolin while already in debt, and powered through his own self-doubt and anxiety to start his beard care company. Today, Doug’s products can be found in over 150 stores nationwide. Doug is not only the founder of Can You Handlebar he is the driving force behind the company and its myriad endeavors. Having found success with Can You Handlebar, Doug does what he can when he can to encourage that success in others. In this episode, he walks us through both his journey and his mindset for success. If you’re looking for the secret sauce to building a durable business that supports the life you want, you’ll want to hear what Doug believes is a realistic & sustainable approach to achieve that dream. Listen now. Then join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group and comment with your biggest “Ah-ha” moment or take away from this episode, and you could win $150 in Can You Handlebar products ! — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: Doug’s mindset for success How Doug went from idea to product “If you can’t tap into your virtue, then tap into your vices” How Doug powered through anxiety and self-doubt The mistakes Doug made in their first two years (and how you can avoid them.) The first way he created working revenue for the business How he got his products in hundreds of stores nationwide. How to make your success inevitable Links Mentioned: Can You Handlebar Kurt’s Shopify Case Study Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday Shop Can You Handlebar’s products and use KURTSDISCOUNT to get 15% off </l
Tue, October 24, 2017
Overwhelmed: How to be More Productive & Less Stressed
Do you feel overwhelmed? In discussions and surveys from Shopify store owners and listeners of this show, we’ve learned one thing: you feel overwhelmed. That’s the number one answer to the question, “What’s the number one problem you’re facing with your Shopify store right now?” In today’s episode, I sat down with an author who was instrumental in the success of my business. You’ve heard me recommend Sean D’Souza’s book, The Brain Audit, has been frequently on this show, and it was my honor to learn Sean’s approach to productivity. Speaking with him, it became clear that he’s as disciplined as he is relaxed. His mindset to overcoming overwhelm is both inventive and actionable. Sean takes three months of vacation every year and yet is one of the most productive people I’ve met. Whether you’re feeling stressed or just plain stuck, Sean’s advice could change the way you’re building your business and even living life. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: Why being busy isn’t a status symbol How rest can improve your productivity Why you need downtime built into your work & life Recognizing the difference between being overwhelmed & distracted Sean’s “Bare Minimum” approach to projects Setting triggers instead of alarms The importance of accountability Why do people fail Links Mentioned chronologically: The Brain Audit: Free Excerpt Sean’s Website, Psycho Tactics Check out Sean’s podcast, The Three-Month Vacation Podcast 2017 Ecommerce Holiday Email Marketing Guide Are you putting off creating a holiday email marketing plan because planning emails is a chore? In this no-fluff executive summary, you'll learn every opportunity to send holiday emails, how to write su
Tue, October 10, 2017
Growth Multipliers: Steal These Email Campaigns
If you listen to this show, you probably doing some email marketing for your Shopify store. One problem: so does everyone else. It's tough to stand out, and it's certainly tough to innovate with new campaign ideas that achieve meaningful results. In today's episode, we'll do some outside the box thinking to build growth into your ecommerce email campaigns. Joining us to discuss it is Shanelle Mullin from Shopify. She’s a content creator who helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses faster. She's a jill-of-all-trades marketer with a 10-year background in content marketing and optimization. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: What are the ecommerce growth multipliers and why do they matter? The formula for increasing with revenue without spending more on traffic How to increase average order value How to increase customer lifetime value A data-driven approach to email marketing Four email campaigns you can start running today Links Mentioned chronologically: 4 Little-Known Ecommerce Email Campaigns You Can Steal to Grow Faster Drew Sanocki’s Need Marketing Bold Apps Product Upsell Bold Brain 9 Google Analytics Custom Reports by the Experts Klaviyo Free Trial @Shanelle_Mullin Shanelle’s Shopify Articles Black Friday is around the corner Are you prepared? Adding email marketing automation to your store can help
Tue, September 26, 2017
Beef Jerky, Gaming, & $100K: The JerkyXP Story
The archetypal internet startup story is this: two room mates start a website out of their dorm room, and rapidly become so successful, going to college doesn't even make sense anymore. I've yet to meet anyone who fit that mold, until now. Six years ago, Max Zitney and his twin brother, Zach, started selling beef jerky with $1,200 and a website from their Ohio State University apartment as college sophomores. In 2015, JerkyXP was selected as one of 20 Chase Mission Main Street grant recipients (from more than 30,000 applicants) to receive $100,000. Six months ago, they sold their business to focus on a new B2B ecommerce venture. So how did they do it? What happened between then and now? In this episode, Max lays out their journey and the exact strategies they used to the grow (and exit) their business. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: How they bootstrapped an ecommerce business from a college apartment The exact strategy they used to turn Twitter followers into buyers The hidden fees to watch out for when choosing a 3PL Why they switched to Facebook Live for social media promotion When they knew to sell their business Links Mentioned chronologically: JerkyXP @JerkyXP @JackTheCEO Ships-a-Lot Black Friday is around the corner Are you prepared? My done-for-you Facebook Sales Funnels can help make this your best holiday season ever: ☞ https://ethercycle.com/pricing/facebook-sales-funnel/
Tue, September 19, 2017
Shopify Flow: How-to Automate Everything
If you’ve ever worked with me on something, then you know I love automation. All kinds of automation. My house is loaded with home automation gadgets, and my business has been built on marketing automation. Why? Because it saves time, keeps me efficient, and is all-around convenient. Automation never sleeps. Which is why at last year’s Shopify Unite, there was one feature announcement in particular that piqued my interest. We were shown a new feature that would allow you to create automation workflows right in your Shopify admin. It was called Flow, and I was very excited to try it. Adding automation to your business represents a potentially tremendous revenue boost for ecommerce stores. Research shows that business automation leads to more productivity and higher revenues. On September 18th, Flow left beta and was published publicly in the Shopify App Store for any Plus customer to use. But should you use it? What can you do with it? To find out, we’ll talk to two people on both sides of the table about their Flow experience. First, we’ll hear from David Moellenkamp, the Director of Product at Shopify Plus, about how they’ve built Flow to solve the problems of Shopify’s highest volume merchants (and what their vision for Flow is long-term.) Then we’ll hear from Michelle Frey-Tarbox, the backend guru at Shinesty who will tell us about her experience with Flow and how it helped her as she operationally supported Shinesty’s brand growth from launch to $5M in 3 years. If you aren’t exploring automation now, you’re going to be outpaced quickly by competitors. In this episode, we’ll learn how to use Shopify Flow’s automation can make your everyday processes wildly more efficient. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: What is ecommerce automation? What is Shopify Flow? What are some of the benefits of Flow? How is Flow delivering on ecommerce automation? What are some examples of Flow? What are some of the r
Tue, September 05, 2017
The Business of Fashion: Using Personas & Calendars to Grow
If there’s one industry that’s harder than most to market, it’s fashion. Why is it so intrinsically difficult to market a fashion store? And if we know why, what can we do about it? Joining us to break it down is Jacklyn Deans. Jacklyn Deans is the Founder and Principal eCommerce Consultant at Flash + Color. Flash + Color helps Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle brands establish and expand their businesses online. With over 15 years of eCommerce and Digital Marketing experience, she advises brands on how to exponentially increase sales, boost engagement, and create loyal customers. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: What are the top mistakes Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle eCommerce businesses make? Why & how you NEED to create great buyer personas? Jacklyn’s secret for getting market research for free. Why is it so important to make a Marketing Calendar for your business? What are the elements of a good marketing Calendar? Links Mentioned chronologically: Jacklyn’s Flash & Color IBISWorld Mintel Reports Jacklyn’s Free Buyer Persona Worksheet Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, August 22, 2017
Small Data: How to Increase Revenues with Customer Research
In the last several years, big data has been a buzzword. But big data is just that: big. It can be overwhelming. Today we’re going to talk about small data: customer research. Customer research is vital to high-impact marketing. Let’s say you’ve found something gone awry in your Google Analytics. A page that underperforms, what do you do about it? That’s where Customer Research and “small data” can be immensely valuable. Josh Frank of TestingTriggers.com joins us today to talk us through it. For years, Josh has been been working with eCommerce companies to optimize their websites for higher revenue using a blend of marketing and technical expertise to improve conversion rates. Josh formerly headed up ecommerce teams and worked to pioneer testing cultures within organizations. Now, he works exclusively on getting eCommerce stores more profit through profitable customer research and a/b testing. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: What is customer research? The simplest approach to start with customer research What to look for (and what to do with) your research What’s holding you back from doing customer research Josh’s favorite tool for customer research Example site polls to run Links Mentioned chronologically: TestTriggers.com Kurt’s Order Confirmation Template Hotjar Josh’s user research templates and scripts Hotjar extended 90-day trial @joshfrank Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send y
Tue, August 15, 2017
Sourcing the Future: How One Man Brought Smart Jackets to Market
It’s 2017, forget about flying cars, where are our smart clothes? Today’s guest is making smarter clothes Peter Netzel of Kelvin Techstyles joins us today to discuss his journey. He drops a megaton knowledge bomb regarding sourcing and manufacturing products through Alibaba. If you’ve ever considered having a product manufactured, but didn’t know where to start, Peter makes it sound easy. Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: Peter’s advice for “frugal innovation” Why limitations can create innovation The false constraint holding you back Realistic manufacturing options for entreprenuers Why Peter did the opposite of Kickstarter How to source product with a “shotgun approach” Where to be careful when working with manufacturers The different types of manufacturers Optimizing your Amazon ranking Links Mentioned: Kelvin Techstyles Kelvin Techstyles on Amazon Alibaba Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, August 08, 2017
Embracing Video: How Tactical Baby Gear Grew 5x with Video
If this show had a mantra, it might be "People buy from people, not brands." I've certainly said it enough times because I believe firmly in the power of selling H2H, human to human. I've seen solopreneuer stores try so hard to make themselves look bigger than they are, and we see right through it. Hey, I did the same thing when I started my own business eight years ago. But one of the turning points that leveled up our business was when I got out in front of as the face of the brand. It's something I've seen as a common characteristic of successful online brands And today's guest does a great job at it. He was on our show last summer as well after moving his store onto Shopify and experiencing explosive growth after a successful free plus shipping campaign. Now he's back to update us how his business grown in the last year through his personal video content marketing Joining us today is Beav Brodie from Tactical Baby Gear. Beav developed Tactical Baby Gear and brought it to market in 2013 using Instagram as a platform to promote and sell it initially. He came from a 15 year career as a custom car builder and knew some, but very little about e-commerce, and had to learn everything on his own The results have been extraordinary Listen now. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: Beav’s approach to video Why you shouldn’t sell directly How to know what content to provide Why it builds trust & loyalty Why you should build a reputation, not a personal brand What you need to get started How to keep it real (and why it matters) Why you need to get out of your own What gear to use (and why you should buy a mic first) Beav’s answer to the number one question he gets to work/life balance Links Mentioned: Tactical Baby Gear <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TacticalBabyGear
Tue, July 25, 2017
4X Your Black Friday Emails with Segmentation
Last week we heard from Kaleigh Moore on ecommerce trends that will optimize your store in preparation for Black Friday One of the suggestions from that episode that got most excited was the idea of a buyer’s guide– specifically having customers segment themselves into new vs returning customers by offering a buyer’s guide on the home page. That’s a simple but powerful example of customer segmentation. Right now, nearly all websites treat all visitors the same. But our customers aren’t the same. If we can segment them based on their interests and actions, then we can personalize their experience, and make our marketing much more relevant to them. To discuss the realities of personalization, is RightMessage founder Brennan Dunn. RightMessage is a software company that helps bring on-site personalization to the masses. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: What is segmentation and why do we care? The Facebook Ads tactic to improve segmentation The Black Friday segmentation strategy Brennan used to 4x his sales with no list growth How to start implementing segmentation in Shopify How segmenting can improve your reports Brennan’s one high-value takeaway for store owners Links Mentioned: RightMessage $100 off The Personalization Masterclass DoubleYourFreelancing Don't Make Me Think Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Full Transcript:
Tue, July 18, 2017
eCommerce Trends You Need to Boost Sales Before Black Friday
The year is half over, which means the holidays will be upon us before we know it. The summer, right now, is the time to start preparing for the holidays. One way to prepare is to look at what’s working for other ecommerce retailers and cherry pick those ideas for your own brand. Joining us to discuss several actionable example of revenue-boosting trends is Kaleigh Moore. Kaleigh is a freelance writer specializing in eCommerce. Since 2013, she's been working with various eCommerce platforms and publications like Inc. Magazine and Entrepreneur to highlight the best practices, new data, and rapid growth associated with online sales. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: Top trends for ecommerce What your product page needs to convert What to do when products go out of stock How to increase Average Order Value The importance of segmentation and buyer’s guides Which trend to start with Kaleigh’s one tip for store owners Links Mentioned: Recycled Firefighter Product Page While Supplies Last Madewell KaleighMoore.com @kaleighf Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, July 11, 2017
How to Get Better Traffic, Free with Semantic Data
Everyone wants better ranking but that’s not really what they want. Stores want more traffic. They want that because it leads to sales. Sales is what really matters. All of SEO is just a marketing channel to get more visitors who turn into customers. The main FIX for SEO is better rankings What if there was a way to get more sales with the existing rankings you already have? How? By convincing more searchers to click on your search listings. More clicks == more traffic == more sales. What we’re talking about today is a search enhancement in Google called Rich Snippets, specifically Product Rich Snippets. They enhance your existing search results with more data and pixels. Eric Davis joins us today to walk us through it in easy to understand terms. Eric is founder of Little Stream Software, which helps Shopify entrepreneurs customize their Shopify stores using public and private Shopify Apps. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: Why we should invest in structured data What structured data does How it affects your appearance in search results When and why Google might rewrite your title and descriptions What Google’s motivations are Which rich snippets are available to help you sell more When you may not want to use semantic markup And how to test for it and use it in your store today How to get in touch with Eric for a free review of your structured data Links Mentioned: Newsletter: Eric’s Daily Shopify Tips Google Structured Data Testing Tool <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/json-ld-for-seo/?utm_source=unofficial-shopify-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_
Tue, June 20, 2017
The Vivian Lou Story: How One Mom Quit Her Job to Sell Insoles on HSN
In speaking with Shopify entrepreneurs, there are definite patterns that appear in successful stores A common one is having a product that solves a pain or problem for people Today’s guest sells one product that solves a literal pain and has been tremendously successful doing so If you’ve ever worn high heels, you know there are designed for style over comfort That’s where Vivian Lou comes in. Vivian Lou is a brand that promises to allow women to wear high heels four times longer without pain. Joining me is Vivian Lou’s president, Abby Walker. Abby’s entrepreneurial journey started 3 years ago after she picked up the phone and asked one simple question. She launched her company as a hobby business (while being a full time working mom of two kids.) Since then, her flagship product - an insole for high heels - has been featured in O! Magazine, Real Simple and USA TODAY. It’s also been featured on The View and is sold on HSN. In May 2016, she quit her full-time job to pursue her dream and has covered her lost corporate salary (and then some) since November 2016. In today’s episode, Abby will explain her journey and the mindset shifts that enabled her success. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: How Abby frames selling How she found her product idea Her journey from side hustle to full-time job How she got on HSN (and what that relationship looks like) Why she uses a long-form sales page (and how it converts) Abby’s success tips for new entreprenuers Links Mentioned: Vivian Lou - Use code UNOFFICIAL at checkout to save 20% off (Good through July 2017) HARO Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at <a href="http://ecommerce-bootcamp.com/" title="Ecommerce Bootc
Tue, June 13, 2017
Pad & Quill: How an Award-winning Business Started With $1,200
If you own a tablet or iPad, you’ve probably shopped for a case for it. And if you bought a case for it, did you ever run across beautiful leather cases that looked like books? If so, you and I have the same taste. Pad & Quill makes those luxurious cases. Our guest today is Brian Holmes, President, and owner of Pad & Quill. He started the business in 2010 with his wife, Kari. It was a desire to create exceptionally crafted luxury accessories (rather than profits) that motivated Holmes when he chose to start the business with a budget of just over $1,000. Pad and Quill is the tale of a shop formed with bookbinders, carpenters, a painter and a working mom coming together to create beautiful handmade iPad/iPhone cases, leather bags, and other dry goods. In this episode, we dive into his seven-year journey in ecommerce and discover what he’s learned along the way. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn: How Pad & Quill got started Their direct approach to launching the brand Why you should embrace your passion The advantage of lifetime warranties How to Brian pitches the press The golden rule that governs Brian’s marketing Why he moved from Magento to Shopify Plus And his advice for entrepreneurs Links Mentioned: PadAndQuill - Use coupon code BHAPPY10 to get 10% off any product Shopify Plus Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Transcript Kurt: Hello, and welcome back to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. I'm your host, Kurt Elster, recording from Ethercycle headquarters; about 10 minutes from O'Hare
Tue, May 30, 2017
How to Take Your Email Marketing to the Next Level
In April during our Unite coverage, I had dinner with Carson McComas, the owner of Shopify Plus agency Fuel Made, and we got to talking about our mutual love of marketing automation, and specifically Klaviyo. Now, if you’re not using Klaviyo, that’s okay. Don’t tune out, hear me out. Carson mentioned to me that they were having great success with Klaviyo to the point where they were pushing the limits of ecommerce email marketing automation. I immediately knew I had to have the rest of the conversation on this show. So I emailed Carson, and here’s what he said: “Would love have Lisa on with you. She's the bomb and knows email marketing and Klaviyo like a pro. She's generated some pretty incredible ROI for our clients like Beardbrand.” Lisa heads the email marketing department at Fuel Made, she specializes in Klaviyo Email Marketing, and she knows it like the back of her hand. She's looked through 100's of Klaviyo accounts, helping clients add tens of thousands of dollars in automated monthly revenue by setting up their triggered marketing. In this episode, LIsa Oberst is going to walk this through the very same Klaviyo email marketing automation campaigns she's used to add huge value to Shopify stores like BeardBrand. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Work with Kurt — Learn how: Why and how to start with email marketing What to do before starting with email marketing The three typical lead magnet formats Lisa uses, and how to brainstorm Lead Magnets that capture emails The safe & polite way to offer your opt-in The 3-step approach to pop-ups The basic segmentations you must have The 4-step email cart abandonment email that converts The uncommon email that converts at 9% for BeardBrand Lisa’s one-tip from Links Mentioned: Get Lisa’s Email Marketing Checklist! <a href="https://www.klaviyo.
Tue, May 09, 2017
The Pet Care Card: How a 21-year-old Built a Six-figure Business
Your pets are a part of your family, but when the adults go to work, and the kids are at school, your pets are left home alone. So what happens to them if something happens to you? That's what a 21-year-old AJ Montoya wondered. So one day he decided to solve the problem by designing a credit card sized card with his emergency contact info. That way if he were ever in an accident, sick or injured and unable to return home to care for his pet, the card would be seen in his wallet, alerting those around you that your pet needs care. Now AJ sells that same card (and more) on thepetcarecard.com– and business is good. Quit your job good. Hire your family to work for you good. And on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, he's going to tell us how it happened, and what you should do differently. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn how: He looked to his own life to find a pain to solve They validated without having a product They got their initial sales He made the switch from side hustle to full-time Shopify storeowners He used automation to free up his time And the things he wished he could change Links: PetCareCard GraphicRiver AJ’s Facebook Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Thu, May 04, 2017
Shopify Unite 2017 Pt.3
Part three of our special Shopify Unite edition of the show in which we cover many of the announcements from Unite last week by interviewing the attendees on-site. On April 20th, a thousand Shopify Partners from around the world gathered together in San Francisco for our 2nd annual Unite conference: a two-day event to discuss all things Shopify, commerce, and technology. And they announced a ton of stuff. There was something for everyone announced: new payment options, Shopify Plus features, app APIs, new theme toolkits, and more. Rather than have me tell you about it, we put together lightning interviews with twenty attendees (including Shopify COO Harley Finkelstein) to find out what's most impactful coming out of Unite. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Links: Everything We Announced at Unite 2017 (And What It Means For Merchants) Shopify Unite 2017 Youtube playlist Accelerate Checkout With Shopify Pay Introducing Launchpad: Time Saving Automation for Major Events, Campaigns, and Sales Introducing Wholesale: Your Next High Growth Sales Channel Meet the New Chip & Swipe Reader for Shopify POS Custom Storefronts - Building Commerce Anywhere <a href="https://www.s
Wed, May 03, 2017
Shopify Unite 2017 Pt.2
Part two of our special Shopify Unite edition of the show in which we cover many of the announcements from Unite last week by interviewing the attendees on-site. On April 20th, a thousand Shopify Partners from around the world gathered together in San Francisco for our 2nd annual Unite conference: a two-day event to discuss all things Shopify, commerce, and technology. And they announced a ton of stuff. There was something for everyone announced: new payment options, Shopify Plus features, app APIs, new theme toolkits, and more. Rather than have me tell you about it, we put together lightning interviews with twenty attendees (including Shopify COO Harley Finkelstein) to find out what's most impactful coming out of Unite. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Links: Everything We Announced at Unite 2017 (And What It Means For Merchants) Shopify Unite 2017 Youtube playlist Accelerate Checkout With Shopify Pay Introducing Launchpad: Time Saving Automation for Major Events, Campaigns, and Sales Introducing Wholesale: Your Next High Growth Sales Channel Meet the New Chip & Swipe Reader for Shopify POS Custom Storefronts - Building Commerce Anywhere <a href="https://www.sho
Tue, May 02, 2017
Shopify Unite 2017 Pt.1
This week we have a special Shopify Unite edition of the show in which we cover many of the announcements from Unite last week by interviewing the attendees on-site. On April 20th, a thousand Shopify Partners from around the world gathered together in San Francisco for our 2nd annual Unite conference: a two-day event to discuss all things Shopify, commerce, and technology. And they announced a ton of stuff. There was something for everyone announced: new payment options, Shopify Plus features, app APIs, new theme toolkits, and more. Rather than have me tell you about it, we put together lightning interviews with twenty attendees (including Shopify COO Harley Finkelstein) to find out what's most impactful coming out of Unite. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via Email Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Links: Everything We Announced at Unite 2017 (And What It Means For Merchants) Shopify Unite 2017 Youtube playlist Accelerate Checkout With Shopify Pay Introducing Launchpad: Time Saving Automation for Major Events, Campaigns, and Sales Introducing Wholesale: Your Next High Growth Sales Channel Meet the New Chip & Swipe Reader for Shopify POS Custom Storefronts - Building Commerce Anywhere <a href="https://www
Tue, April 25, 2017
Free Up Your Business: Delegating & Hiring with Connor Gillivan
Many Shopify store owners are bootstrapped solopreneurs, which means you’re handling everything in your business. As your business grows, you may want to delegate tasks, to give yourself free time to do focus on more valuable things, or maybe you just want to work less. The first time you hire is the scariest. Where do you start? How do you train people? How should you hire? To answer these questions and more, we’re joined by Connor Gillivan, author of Free Up Your Business: 50 Secrets to Bootstrap Million Dollar Companies , founder of FreeeUp.com , and a veteran ecommerce entrepreneur who has sold over $20 million on Amazon. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: How Connor went from college dorm room entrepreneur to selling over $20 million on Amazon How he took that experience and leveraged it to build FreeeUp, online hiring marketplace for eCommerce business owners, with over 1,000 customers. How Shopify store owners can utilize remote freelancers to stay focused on what they do best and make their operations more efficient. Connor’s process for how store owners can remove tasks from their plate, surround themselves with experts, and keep pushing the company forward with their expertise. And why it’s okay to take a trial and error approach Links: FreeeUp.com - company Connor's Personal Blog Free Up Your Business: 50 Secrets to Bootstrap Million Dollar Companies Connor's Facebook Connor's Twitter Connor's LinkedIn Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, April 18, 2017
Urbain: How a 20-year-old Entrepreneur from Minneapolis Earns a 3x ROI on Facebook
Logan Ketterling is a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Minneapolis who combined his passions for fashion, storytelling, and online marketing to launch a successful jewelry business. Logan's brand Urbain creates unique pieces from places of significance such as historic sites or local hotspots. Since the launch, Logan has worked hard to get awareness about his unique products. Using Facebook Ads, Logan has built profitable funnels to get a customer aware, engaged, and active in his business. Some of these funnels returning 2 to 3 times ROI using unique audiences and tons of research to build an onramp to a new brand in a crowded space. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: The exact steps in his Facebook sales funnel How Logan targets prospective customers His long-term wins with Facebook advertising The mistakes he would have changed in his journey Links: Urbain Message Logan on LinkedIn Logan's 'About' Landing Page Zipify Pages Free Facebook Ads Funnel FREE Consultation with Logan Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, April 11, 2017
Ecommerce SEO in 2017: Smart Marketing Strategies from John Doherty
Free traffic from Google through SEO can be a pillar of success for your Shopify store. Unfortunately, SEO advice is often general, not actionable, and sometimes wrong. As a result, it's tough to find 'real' experts. Today we're talking with John Doherty about ecommerce-specific tactics to grow your organic search traffic. John is the founder of GetCredo.com, a company that connects great companies with the right marketing expert for their needs. He's also a freelance digital marketing consultant. In the past, he ran growth marketing at Trulia Rentals, marketing for HotPads.com, and worked for SEO agency Distilled in New York City. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: The highest-leverage things ecommerce stores can do for SEO (that many get wrong) How long does SEO take to work? The right way to think about SEO when getting a new project/site off the ground How to compete against the big players like Amazon and Zappos When you should hire out for SEO? Links: Ecommerce Marketing Guide GetCredo.com for Shopify How long does SEO take to work? KeywordTool.io Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, April 04, 2017
Shopping Cart Migration: Planning Your Move to Shopify
Today on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast we’re talking about migrating to Shopify If you already have an ecommerce website or are using a different ecommerce platform for your business, it is important to make sure that your product information and other content make it over to Shopify. Ross Beyeler, a Shopify Plus expert, specializes in migrations, and joins us today to walk us through what a successful migration looks like. Ross is the Founder and CEO of Growth Spark, an agency that provides strategy, design and development services to e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 2008, Growth Spark has completed over 350 projects with brands including Bose, Newbury Comics, Johnny Cupcakes, BottleKeeper and many more. During that time, the firm has also received awards from Interactive Media Awards, Internet Retailer and BusinessWeek. Ross is a proud alum of Babson College where he occasionally guest lectures on topics including e-commerce, design and entrepreneurship. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: Why do people migrate to Shopify? Which platforms are migrating to Shopify? How long does it take and what does it cost? How should you approach your migration project? What are the key components to a successful project that are often overlooked? How do you migrate data and why is it so hard? What can't you import? What are the technical aspects of a migration? What to expect with search engine ranking and optimization? Links: Growth Spark Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 28, 2017
Getting People Talking About Your Brand (Even if you're not an Influencer)
Pop-Quiz: Which marketing channel is the most effective and costs the least? Answer: Word of mouth. Today, David Fallarme joins us in this actionable episode to discuss the essentials behind successful word of mouth marketing. David currently heads up marketing for ReferralCandy, a Shopify app that gives your store a referral program. David's background includes making viral Facebook games played by millions, and he uses that experience to help ecommerce stores increase their sales with word of mouth. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: How to get hundreds of people talking about your store when you launch, even if you aren't an influencer The most common beginner mistakes everyone makes when setting up referral program How to refine your positioning to increase likelihood of people talking about you How offering social status to your buyers is a powerful motivator Links: Get $50 towards ReferralCandy Export LinkedIn Connections Streak CRM Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 21, 2017
Writing Effective Sales Copy with Sean McCabe
You may have a great product, but it's not going to sell itself. If you can’t convince someone your product is the right one for them, it doesn’t matter how good it is. Nobody’s going to buy. Maybe you can relate: You launched and nobody bought— or only made a few sales. You launched and nobody cared at all. Crickets. You launched but sales plummeted immediately after. Would it surprise you to hear the solution to all these problems is writing? It ALL starts with writing. Crafting the right message is critical. Writing effective sales copy is an incredibly valuable skill. That's why I've brought Sean McCabe on talk with me about writing effective sales copy. Sean is an entrepreneur who writes over a million words a year on business, and has helped tens of thousands of students build and grow sustainable businesses with his courses on copywriting, pricing, and marketing. He knows what he’s talking about! After today's episode, you should be able to sell MORE of what you sell by learning to write effective sales copy. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Links: Free Audience Building Course Sean Wes Sean Wes Podcast Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 07, 2017
Fueled by Death: How Death Wish Coffee Earned a Spot In The Super Bowl
In 2012, Death Wish Coffee Co. was started in a small coffee shop in Saratoga Springs, NY. Founder, Mike Brown, saw a need for coffee that was both strong and delicious to serve his groggy, morning customers. After creating the perfect blend of beans and combining it with his unique roasting technique, the 'World's Strongest Coffee' was born. Today, thousands of people trust Death Wish Coffee to wake them up and keep them going every day. In 2015, we won Intuit’s ‘Small Business Big Game’ competition, which gave us a 30- second commercial spot during the Superbowl. Since then, their business has grown every day allowing them to reach more coffee drinkers than ever before and invest in tremendous marketing efforts. They were the official coffee sponsor of New York Comic Con, they’ve sponsored Nascar Driver Ty Dillon, and they’ve had the opportunity to support amazing charities like the Special Olympics with their products. Today we're going to talk with their founder, Mike Brown, to hear his story and how he's made sure the Death Wish brand fits into every aspect of their fans' lives. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Links: Death Wish Coffee @MikeBrownDWC Death Wish Coffee Superbowl Commercial: Storm's a-Brewin Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 28, 2017
How Peter Friis crowdfunded more than $200K without Kickstarter
Let me warn you now: you'll want to have a notepad ready before listening to this episode, because it may be our most actionable ever. Peter Friis is CEO and co-founder of ESSIO, the world's first aromatherapy diffuser for your shower. He recently had a major breakthrough in their conversion rate by designing an entirely new landing page using industry best practices and directing traffic to this page instead of their website. The results? A 665% lift in add to carts and 494% lift in conversion rate overall. This was great until they ran out of all their stock (because their CPAs were so low). They decided tp take the same landing page and convert it into a crowdfunding page where people could effectively get in line (and get a great discount) by pre-ordering. Mind you, they did this all outside of Kickstarter and without the framework of a traditional crowdfunding platform. Over the course of 3 months, they sold more than $200K worth of product and were nearly sold out again when their new inventory arrived. On today's show, we dive into Peter's story and the ins & outs of what they did and how others can replicate their success. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: How they came up with the idea as a family Peter's method for validating the idea for $100 How he gets so much PR, and how to create the perfect pitch How we got his product on Good Morning America The breakthrough that enabled his Facebook ads success The elements of a successful product video And finally, the techniques that 5x'd their conversion rates Links: EssioShower.com Peter's Landing Page Zipify Crowdfunder App Pick Peter's Brain on Clarity.fm PRVolt Free Guide
Tue, February 21, 2017
Peter Keller: Growing a Crossfit Store Explosively Without Paid Ads
Peter founded Fringe Sport out of his garage in 2010 and grew it to 7 figures in revenue in 18 months. Now he is CEO of Fringe Sport, focused on bringing Great Products with Great Prices and World Class Customer Service to WODers and weightlifters. He has one problem though: his friends think he's crazy for his most recent marketing decision... — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: The market research tactic he used when starting his business The three pillars of his current marketing strategy How he's made customer service culture more than just lip service And the biggest mistake he wish he could change Links: FringeSport Recommended Reading: The Lean Startup Recommended Reading: Ogilvy on Advertising Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, January 17, 2017
Embracing Controversy: How This Bikini Startup Went Viral
Of all the store owners I hear from with thoughts on finding & engaging customers on social media, Candice Galek, CEO and Founder of Bikini Luxe is by far one of the most impressive. In under two years, she took her Shopify store from her living room in Miami Beach to a warehouse and a team of more than 40 employees worldwide all while amassing a social media following of more than 250,000. In today's episode, Candace pulls back the curtain on her humble beginnings, tremendous growth, and her contrarian approach to social media. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: The importance of face time How she grew her following to 250K people Her approach to social media How to get influencers to sell for you How she went viral on LinkedIn for a 20% boost in sales Links: Bikini Luxe Is This Appropriate For Linkedin? The Hustle Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, December 20, 2016
We Built a Shopify App for Fun & Profit
One of the best things about Shopify is its extensibility and the ecosystem that goes along with it. Recently we released our first (and currently only) Shopify app, and wanted to share that experience with you. It turns out it’s surprisingly easy to custom apps for a store’s private use, and almost as easy to monetize those apps in the Shopify app store. Jeremy Green, who developed Crowdfunder App with us, joins us to discuss the experience. Jeremy Green is a software architecture consultant specializing in Ruby on Rails and Ember for SaaS applications. He's the founder of Remarq.io and CloudHdr.com . He's an active contributor to the Oklahoma tech scene through his involvement with Techlahoma , Code for Okc , and OkcRuby . — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: How long it took What to budget Difficulty level How apps work within Shopify What the approval process is like Links: Crowndfunder App Jeremy Green Remarq.io Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, December 13, 2016
Sell More with Email Autoresponders
Klaviyo's Chad Vanags joins us to explain just how easy it's become to use data-driven personalization in your email marketing to make more money on autopilot. He breaks down what email flows consistently make the most money, and what the best practices to use when implementing those workflows. Currently the head of agency training at Klaviyo, Chad teaches how to successfully implement email flows for immediate success. Previously, he was the co-founder of the agency Ecommerce Influence where he worked with brands like MVMT Watches, Tipsy Elves, Stance Socks, Blenders Eyewear, and many more. He was also the producer and co-host of the Ecommerce Influence podcast. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: The easy tips Chad has for ecommerce stores looking to get ahead this season The specific tactics or trends that are really helping to improve targeting for ecommerce stores The most successful emails that stores should be sending Links: Try Klaviyo Free Today
Tue, December 06, 2016
Expanding your Ecommerce Business on Amazon with Kiri Masters
Kiri is the CEO and founder of Bobsled Marketing, an Amazon marketing agency that has changed the way businesses sell and promote their products in the online marketplace. The agency was launched in 2015, following Kiri’s own entrepreneurial efforts on Amazon with her own brand, I Like That Lamp. Trying and testing tools and strategies with her own brand, Kiri realized that many product businesses would benefit greatly from being Amazon, but have neither the time or experience to properly launch their products there. At the core of Bobsled Marketing’s success is a self-designed, self-tested, comprehensive process that Kiri created to launch and optimize product listings on Amazon with a clear objective: to drive maximum revenue through the channel. To-date, this same process has been replicated by the Bobsled Marketing team for over 200 products across most product categories on Amazon. Bobsled Marketing had humble beginnings. In July 2015, Kiri was doing piecemeal freelancing projects for consumer goods companies who needed help with maintaining and growing their sales on Amazon. Soon, she took her business to a whole new level. Kiri identified an overlooked opportunity amongst crowdfunded brands, which needed to quickly develop sales & distribution channels after their Kickstarter campaign ended. This niche approach has boosted Bobsled Marketing into one of the go-to Amazon marketing agencies for established brands in less than a year, offering new opportunities, both for new businesses and for digital professionals looking for the right company to harness their extraordinary analytical skills. Kiri’s company grew to more than 10 staff, and manages 7 figures per month in sales on the Amazon marketplace for more than 30 clients. These clients now range from crowdfunded hardware startups and large European manufacturers to a billion-dollar consumer brand. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: Why should brands consider launching their products on Amazon? What are the top things that brands do wrong when they launch on Amazon? What does Amazon cost? What does that get? Links: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/129
Thu, December 01, 2016
Profitable Facebook Ads & Audiences Decoded with Kurt Bullock
Facebook is giving us more ways than ever to quickly and inexpensively generate custom audiences. As a busy store owner, learning to navigate Facebook's myriad of advertising options effectively can be a time-consuming endeavor. Kurt Bullock joins us to discuss Facebook's new options, and you can use them to set up a sales funnel that segments and targets customers through their relationship with your brand. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: Learn why interest target isn’t every effective How to reach the right people on Facebook The new Facebook Custom Audiences available The top of funnel ad type that converts best Links: Free Download: Custom Audiences That Increase Sales Our Facebook Sales Funnel Offering producedept.co kurtbullock.com Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Transcript Kurt Elster: Today, I've got none other than Kurt Bullock, slightly confusing we have the same first name. He's a Shopify marketing master who specializes in Facebook ads. I noticed because he's been working with me for the last several months fulfilling a lot of our projects and doing an extraordinary job. I'm really excited to have him here with us. Anyway, we're going into it. We're recording live from Ethercycle Headquarters outside Chicago. I'm your host, Kurt Elster. Kurt, thank you for joining us. Kurt Bullock: Good morning, Kurt. Kurt Elster: How're you doing? Bullock: I am doing great. Kurt Elster: Diving right into it, Facebook ads and Shopify, we know Facebook ads are great way to drive new traffic, qualify custo
Tue, November 01, 2016
Get Wallet-out Google Shopping Traffic with Brett Curry
Google Shopping ads are one of the leading traffic sources that can give you the ultimate edge. This hidden gem is often overlooked by store owners (and your competition.) Brett Curry, author of The Ultimate Guide to Google Shopping, joins us to walk through setting up profitable product listing ads. Brett Curry is the CEO of OMG Commerce. Brett started his first marketing agency in 2003 and launched his first search engine marketing campaign in 2004. After some early big wins, Brett was hooked. Now he leads a team of SEO and SEM professionals serving ecommerce clients. Brett is also the host of the eCommerce Evolution podcast aimed at bringing you what's new and what's next in the world of eCommerce. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: Why is Google Shopping such a powerful channel for most online merchant? What are some common Google Shopping mistakes you see merchants making? What are some quick win tips for better Google Shopping results? Links: The Ultimate Guide to Google Shopping Google Shopping for Merchants Google Shopping App OMGcommerce [eCommerce Evolution](http://ecommerceevolution.com/"eCommerce Evolution") Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, October 25, 2016
A/B Testing: Is it a 'sack of money' button?
What's a good conversion rate? One that's better than last month. But how did you get there? Nick Disabato has built a career on research-focused A/B testing. Over the past year, he's helped Shopify Plus store KeySmart achieve extraordinary success. He joins us today to discuss that journey and how you can improve your store 5% monthly with his approach to split testing. "Never forget: focusing on your customers brings you more customers. Are you focused on helping your customers, or are you focusing on what your coworkers want?" — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: How testing makes you money What makes a successful test Testing's impact on design Why testing defangs your internal debates Links: Draft The A/B Testing Manual nickd.org Visual Website Optimizer Hotjar Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Transcript Kurt: 00:06 Before we continue, I wanted to share a quick tip from our sponsor, Referral Candy. We'll find out what's working, then do more of that, so look at your top sales channels and then double down. It's the 80 20 rule and action. For many stores, word of mouth is a top channel, but how do you double down on the word of mouth? Check out Referral Candy - increase word of mouth sales by giving your store a refer a friend program. They're giving you guys 50 bucks to get started with it. Just go to Kurtelster.com/referralcandy to get started. Kurt: 00:37 Hello and welcome to this episode of the Unofficial Shopify Podcast. I'm your host, Kurt Elster, agency owner, Ethercycle, author of the Ecommerce Bootcamp, and a lot of other things. Find out more on Kurtels
Tue, October 11, 2016
Violent Little Machine Shop: Morale Patches & a Mindset for Success
Today's guest runs the least politically correct store we've come across, and we love it. Yanne Root, founder of Violent Little Machine Shop, has made a business out of inappropriate morale patches. In this episode, we talk about Yanne's individual journey, what makes his business successful, "the voice" he presents to customers, and the mindset he uses to stay successful. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Links: Violent Little Machine Shop @ViolentLittle ReWork , 4 Hour Work Week Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, September 20, 2016
From the Detroit Tigers to Shirt Maker: Steven Fisher's Story
In this episode we're talking to Steven Fisher, Co-Founder and CEO at State & Liberty Clothing Company, about his journey and meteoric rise to success. Prior to founding the company, Steven graduated from the University of Michigan and worked for the Detroit Tigers in data analytics. After being disappointed and frustrated with all other dress shirts on the market, Steven and co-founder Lee launched State & Liberty Clothing Company in January of 2015. By focusing on fit, feel and a professional look, they've have created the best dress shirt on the market for the athletically built. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: Why you should sell a product that you want to use How to validate products with your friends The social strategy that skyrocketed sales Steven’s #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Links: State and Liberty Instagram: @stateandliberty Use coupon code "unofficial" to take 10% off any shirt order. Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, September 06, 2016
Tactical Diaper Bags & Side Hustles with Beav Brodie
"You can play video games all day if you want, but I'm busting my ass, I want to build an empire." That's what Beav Brodie told me about his journey building his Shopify store TacticalBabyGear.com, an amazing niche store selling tactical-style diaper bags for today's dad. (I know I'm buying one.) Dads are actively dedicating themselves more than ever to their children’s upbringing these days. While a generation ago tackling a diaper change may have scared off many a dad, these days dealing with a baby’s messy habits is frequently a team endeavor. This co-parenting is a beautiful new norm that extends beyond loaded diapers -- it's a world in which parents find themselves in the trenches of child rearing together. So why are diaper bags still designed as if the wife will be the only one carrying them? — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: The journey Beav took in starting his business The exact Instagram Strategy he used to grow And his favorite app to run their growing store Links: https://tacticalbabygear.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tacticalbabygear/ https://www.facebook.com/TacticalBabyGear/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, August 23, 2016
Optimizing for Retention & Repeat Purchases with Eric Davis
Building a base of loyal and repeat customers is a top goal of many Shopify stores. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find what characteristics these valuable customers share so stores end up with weak, generic customer retention plans which lose them customers. Instead, by focusing on three key metrics for your repeat customers in your retention plan, you can keep those customers loyal and grow your store's revenue. Eric Davis joins us to walk through why what key metrics we should be checking, and why. He's suited to discuss it as his consultancy, Little Stream Software, helps ecommerce entrepreneurs customize their Shopify stores using public and private Shopify Apps. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Join The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group — Learn: Why your repeat purchase rate is an excellent measure of your future success How to calculate your repeat purchase rate and average order values Why defining the path of your ideal customer can help you evaluate marketing and retention tactics Why focusing on repeat customers can have an out-sized ROI impact on your revenue Links: Eric's free course on repeat customer metrics: http://www.littlestreamsoftware.com/l/unofficial-shopify/ Repeat Customer Insights App: http://apps.shopify.com/repeat-customer-insights http://www.littlestreamsoftware.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlestreamsw Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, July 12, 2016
Cross-sells & Upsells with Ezra Firestone of SmartMarketer
Ezra says, "If you have a business driven by the ad model, you MUST understand upsells, cross sells... it's what's allowed us to grow to $1.5million/month." Ezra Firestone is a partner in BOOM! by Cindy Joseph and the company’s head of digital marketing. He runs a private network of eCommerce websites and regularly consults for companies across the U.S and Canada. He is the founder/creative director of SmartMarketer, an information hub for do-it-yourself entrepreneurs. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Learn: Conversion bonuses your site needs to have The difference between cross sell and upsell The right way to do cross sell How Ezra sets up post purchase upsells Ezra reveals all of his stats including his email revenue and the product you’ll never guess he sold in 2009 Links: https://smartmarketer.com/ https://zipify.com/ http://www.boombycindyjoseph.com/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, July 05, 2016
Designing Products & 3D Printing with Dorian Ferrari
What's the best product to sell? Your own! Most people have likely had an idea for a product they'd like to make, but that's all they have: an idea. We don't know what to do next. In today's episode, I talk to product designer Dorian Ferrari about what exact steps to take to go from idea to reality, how much it'll cost, and what pitfalls to watch out for. Dorian Ferrari helps inventors and small businesses take their concepts to prototype or production ready 3D models. With 20 years of experience, his clients come from all over the consumer product spectrum from toys to phones. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Learn: Going from concept to prototype Hiring a product or mechanical designer The difference between prototypes to mass manufactured What to bring to your product designer How much to budget for your prototype Where & how to get 3D prints made Pitfalls of entering the manufacturing stage and mass production How design for 3D printing is different than design for manufacturing. Best ways to bridge your prototype and production. Links: http://www.catzdesignfarm.com/ http://www.3dprintingcrashcourse.com/ http://www.shapeways.com/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Sat, July 02, 2016
Listener Mailbag: "What are 5 must have plug ins / apps?"
In this listener mailbag episode, I discuss the must have apps for your Shopify store. As you'd expect, it's opinionated, but only five minutes. Have a question you'd like answered? Subscribe to my newsletter at http://kurtelster.com then reply to any email, and let me know what question you'd like answered. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, June 28, 2016
Market Research Made Easy with Joe from BluShark Straps
Ever experience a crappy product and think, "I can do that better!" That's what happened to Joe Scarpati. When faced with a nylon watch strap that didn't meet his expectations, he decided to do something about it. But not before some research to ensure his success. Joe’s background is in market research, which he has leveraged to offer watch enthusiasts a better nylon watch strap through his company, BluShark. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Learn: Learn why the most successful sites have only a few SKUs. Why the most successful stores figure out a mathematical formula on how to market. How to turn your angriest customer into raving fans What are the future big opportunities of ecommerce? FirstName’s #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Product number doesn’t matter, Links: BluShark Email Joe Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, May 24, 2016
No Bull Marketing & Making Money Online with Matt Giovanisci
Can you build a profitable brand by ignoring all that online marketing bullshit? Today's guest, Matt Giovanisci, believes you can, and intends to prove it. Matt is the creator of Swim University and a co-founder of Listen, Money Matters, a personal finance podcast that gets more downloads in a day as The Unofficial Shopify Podcast gets in a week. He also recently started MoneyLab, a series of documented experiments in making money online. Matt candidly shares his story of success building Swim University – an online resource site for swimming pool and hot tub owners that earns him six figures annually. Oh, and he once rapped about his podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnH4CSg-gR8 — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Learn: Matt’s “one stop shop” concept for content marketing The reaction your visitors should have when they land on your site How humor enables better marketing Why & how to write for people, not Google The importance of a single sentence Matt #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Links: http://www.moneylab.co/ https://twitter.com/mattgiovanisci/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, May 03, 2016
How Andy Bedell Tripled Revenue With Facebook Video Ads
"The first time we ran video ads, sales immediately tripled." Andy has been running PPC ads for a while, but struck gold about a year ago with Facebook video ads. After just 2 weeks of running video ads he was able to triple the revenue of a large Shopify store. Now he has set up thousands of ad campaigns, and he has discovered a formula for telling good stories that make great video ads. He spills the beans on that formula so you can make profitable Facebook video ads for your Shopify store. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Learn: Learn why the most successful sites have only a few SKUs. Best practices for video ad The formula for crafting effective video ads The optimal length for a video ad Which tools can make video ads easily And the one thing most video advertisers get wrong Links: Andrew's Course: http://www.fbvideocourse.com FB Best Practices for Video: https://m.facebook.com/business/news/updated-features-for-video-ads Plainly Simple Studios: https://www.plainlysimplestudios.com/ TUSP Exclusives Get any Bold App free for two months I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, April 26, 2016
Jay Myers: What Successful Shopify Storeowners Know
Jay Myers is one of the co-founders of Bold Commerce. He has a long history in ecommerce and uses that to help build some of the best apps on Shopify. Currently he heads up marketing at Bold, and works very close with the product team. With 22 apps in the app store, and a staff of one hundred, Jay Myers and the Bold Apps team has learned a lot about ecommerce. Jay had some online retail shops that he built on the Shopify platform, but Jay wished they could do a little more for him. After all, Shopify is a brilliant, efficient, and easy to use platform for selling your goods, but Jay wanted to do more. Big surprise. He wanted to market directly to his shoppers while they were on his website and make more sales. Lucky for Jay, Shopify allows developers to create plugins, add-ons, and applications and put them in their App store for all to use. But Jay also found that most third party developers were creating apps for managing the back end of your store and nothing really existed to help market products on the front end, help customers buy more, and help retailers sell more. So Jay called up a couple friends of his who were very well versed in eCommerce software design and pitched them the idea of building some apps for his store that they could then also put in the Shopify App Store and provide to other store owners. These gentlemen became the ownership team of the Bold Innovation Group, Shopify's leading app developer. With tens of thousands of app installs, Jay has learned firsthand what makes some stores succeed. In this episode, we learn what separates successful stores from the rest of the pack. — Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS — Learn: Learn why the most successful sites have only a few SKUs. Why the most successful stores figure out a mathematical formula on how to market. How to turn your angriest customer into raving fans What are the future big opportunities of ecommerce? Links: TUSP Exclusive: Get any Bold App free for two months Recommended reading: Hug Your Haters https://twitter.com/jasonnmyers https://twitter.com/bold_commerce Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your samp
Tue, April 05, 2016
John McIntyre: Automating Email Campaigns To Win Customers
Email marketing can be HUGE for ecommerce stores and online retailers. Problem is, most companies do it wrong. Or they just don’t do it at all. Joining us to unpack email marketing is John McIntyre. John McIntyre is the founder of ReEngager, a done-for-you ecommerce email marketing agency. ReEngager helps ecommerce companies increase total sales by 15-30% with email marketing. He is the host of The McMethod Email Marketing Podcast, one of the highest-rated marketing podcasts on iTunes. John has a knack for getting world-leading marketers, copywriters and entrepreneurs onto his podcast, and this has lead to the wild success of the show. Since 2012, John has helped thousands of business convert more customers online by implementing a variety of email marketing and email copywriting strategies. Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Learn: How to set up an abandoned cart sequence that works How to keep an email list warm and gradually move them closer to making a purchase What to expect from email marketing John #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Links: https://www.ometria.com/ http://www.reengager.com/podcast/ http://www.themcmethod.com/category/podcast/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 29, 2016
Nate Murray: The Mindset to 42 Shopify Stores
"We all have the currency of time that we can't get back, so where do we invest it?" Nate Murray is the founder of Merchline. Merchline is "Official Online Storefront Fulfillment Provider & Screenprinter to the band/artist/apparel line industries." Started in 2001, Merchline now operates a whopping 42 Shopify storefronts on behalf of artists like Skrillex, Christina Perry, Reach Records, and more. Nate has taken the DIY ethic and applied it with astonishing success to his business. Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Learn: The mindset that empowers Nate's success Why to stop analyzing and start shipping How to combat the Amazon Effect Nate’s #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Links: http://merchline.com/ https://twitter.com/everynewday https://unicornfree.com/just-fucking-ship/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 22, 2016
Rand Fishkin on SEO for Ecommerce Websites
One of the most misunderstood aspects of any online business is SEO. (And that’s for several reasons that I could do an episode on alone but I won’t.) Instead, we talk to a guest that I’m honored to have, Rand Fishkin Rand Fishkin uses the ludicrous title, Wizard of Moz. He's founder and former CEO of Moz, co-author of a pair of books on SEO, and co-founder of Inbound.org. Rand's an unsaveable addict of all things content, search, & social on the web, from his multiple blogs to Twitter, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn, and a shared Instagram account. Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Learn: Why Wikipedia talks about his mustache How he would market an ecommerce business Which is more important: on-site SEO vs backlinks How should eCommerce stores deal with duplicate content? Is performance important? Why four star reviews are better than five star reviews The _one_ piece of eCommerce SEO misinformation out there you need to know Rand's #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Links: Rand blogs at https://moz.com/ Rand will answer your questions on Twitter: https://twitter.com/randfish Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, March 08, 2016
How Beardbrand Built a Better Business by Building Community
We talk with Eric Bandholz of Beardbrand on how we went from community to business. Growing slowly and organically at first, and eventually blowing up into a bearded sensation that's sparked copycats and inspired thousands. "At Beardbrand, we're trying to change the way the world views beards." Eric is a self-described "husband, father, entrepreneur, world traveler, ancap, designer and founder of BeardBrand." Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Learn: How to use content marketing Why to focus on improving your customer's life better Why to help your customer become a better version of themselves FirstName’s #1 tip for The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Links: http://www.beardbrand.com/ https://twitter.com/bandholz Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 23, 2016
Mindzai: How to Start a Designer DIY Toy Business
"If I was 95 and selling toys, would I be happy? Yea!" -Chris Tsang on finding your passion Chris Tsang is the founder of Mindzai, a designer toy store and toy design company. Chris started his company in his bedroom 3 years ago and has since grown his business into 2 brick and mortar shops in Canada and now expanding into the US Market. In addition, after 2 successful Kickstarter campaigns, he’s moving quickly into toy manufacturing and wholesale distribution. Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS We discuss... Why you should go to conventions The importance of email lists Why to sell to existing lists Why not to make your emails overly polished Why you should think about making your own product The personality traits of successful entrepreneurs Contact Info: http://www.mindzai.com http://facebook.com/mindzaicreativeshop http://instagram.com/mindzai Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 16, 2016
Jake Starr: The Recycled Firefighter
Jake Starr, a 12 yr veteran firefighter, always enjoyed making his own gear by hand. He worked with leather and fashioned gear that included backpacking hammocks. After joining the Louisville fire department, Jake’s need to create handmade goods would not go extinguished. A few years ago his department was getting ready to replace older hoses. He asked his Chief if he could take some of the discarded hoses to create iPad sleeves and explore other ideas. After working long shifts at the Firehouse, he would head home and put in work from behind a sewing machine. Learn: How Instagram Photography and a great story fueled his marketing and growth How small-scale manufacturing can lead to large scale profits When to source a US Manufacturer Dealing with copycats and following your passion Links: Check out http://www.RecycledFirefighter.com and be sure to to follow @RecycledFirefighter on Instagram. Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, February 09, 2016
Stitch People: Building a Tribe
"We don't know anything about marketing." That's what one entrepreneurial couple with a successful niche store and growing community of brand evangelists told me. They may think they know nothing about marketing, but they're actually doing everything right. This is one of our favorite episodes because it's jam-packed with great advice from regular folks. Lizzy and Spencer both quit their day jobs work full time on Stitch People. With two books already out and several more in the design queue, Stitch People is becoming a common name in the contemporary cross-stitch market. Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Links: Check out Stitch People online: http://stitchpeople.com or follow them on http://instagram.com/stitchpeople and http://facebook.com/stitchpeople to see what authenticity in marketing looks like. Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, January 26, 2016
Drunk User Testing with Richard Littauer
Richard is the brains and the stomach behind The User Is Drunk, a site set up a few months ago to help people learn just how their site looks to a drunk person. Here is his process: Richard gets drunk, looks at your website, and tries to give advice about how it could be better while he pretends to be a normal user. Richard and I talk a bit about his story and what you can do today to make your site just that much better for drunk — and, more importantly, sober — users. More about Richard Littauer: He's a developer, UX designer, and digital nomad. His clients include the MIT Media Lab, Hubspot, and VWO. Currently, he lives in Boston, and enjoys writing and reading emails and haiku. He writes a weekly newsletter, available on his website at burntfen.com. Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Show Links http://theuserisdrunk.com/ http://burntfen.com/ https://tinyletter.com/richlitt http://drunkusertesting.com/ Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, January 19, 2016
Neil Patel: Triple Your Email Opt-In Rate with Lead Magnets
Our topic today is using lead magnets to triple your email opt-in rate! An important topic because every online entrepreneur is in the business of list building. But that old opt-in form in your footer won’t collect much of anything these days. As marketers, though, we evolve with the times, and our tactics evolve, too. We began to offer free products such as e-books, courses, checklists, and videos for anyone who signed up to our lists. These are called lead magnets because they attract leads. And it worked. Joining this episode is Neil Patel, founder of KISSmetrics, Crazy Egg, QuickSprout & Hellobar. Neil was named one of the top 10 marketing experts by Forbes, called a top influencer by the Wall Street Journal, and was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Obama. See Neil's best performing lead magnet (and subscribe yourself) at http://neilpatel.com/blog/ Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast on Stitcher Subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast via RSS Free Guide I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp , absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com
Tue, January 05, 2016
Customer Retention: How to Keep Customers Coming Back
To build a sustainable ecommerce business, getting customers to buy should only be the start of a much longer relationship. Retaining customers (and turning them into brand evangelists) is the secret of revenue maximization that the big boys have known for years. Ross Beyeler of Growth Spark joins us today to discuss how to achieve prolonged success with your Shopify business. You'll learn the 5 Stages of Customer Retention: Support Loyalty Advocacy Analytics Automation And the best tools to capitalize on those stages. A graduate of Babson College, Ross Beyeler has been an active entrepreneur in the technology space since 2005 with experience ranging in digital marketing, business development and strategic management. In 2007, Ross co-founded For Art's Sake Media, Inc., a technology company servicing the art industry, where he led the organization through its seed funding, team building and product launch. In December 2008, Ross went on to start Growth Spark, a design and technology consultancy focused on helping eCommerce and B2B service companies become more efficient and more profitable. Since it's founding, Growth Spark has completed over 225 projects and led Ross to a 2010 nomination as one of BusinessWeek's Top 25 Entrepreneurs under 25. Ross can be reached through http://growthspark.com/ or Twitter: https://twitter.com/rbeyeler Show Links: https://apps.shopify.com/help-scout https://apps.shopify.com/sweet-tooth http://www.olapic.com/ https://apps.shopify.com/klaviyo-email-marketing https://apps.shopify.com/lumiary https://apps.shopify.com/nosto-personalization-for-shopify
Tue, December 29, 2015
Alex O'Byrne: 100 Orders on the First day
Alex O'Byrne recently launched the new Negative Underwear website, which took an astonishing 100 orders on the first day alone, followed by 7000 unique visits in just 5 days. A fantastic achievement that any ecommerce entrepreneur would be thrilled with. Alex pulls back the curtain and discusses the strategies necessary to achieve those results... and they're surprisingly grassroots. Alex O'Byrne is a Shopify Expert and co-founder of the UK's top-rated e-commerce agency WeMakeWebsites. He speaks regularly on the topic of marketing and e-commerce for design-led retailers and organizations such as the London College of Fashion and Startup Weekend. His agency, WeMakeWebsites builds beautiful and effective online stores for creative retail companies. Show Links: http://wemakewebsites.com/ https://twitter.com/alwaysmaking
Tue, December 22, 2015
Entrepreneur's Journey: How Diana House Started an Industry
Diana is an authenticity driven entrepreneur who is constantly seeking, creating, developing, growing and learning. She is passionate about business, personal development, wellness, travel, spirituality, productivity and maximizing her time and life to live exceptionally across all facets: faith, relationships, business and health. Being very unsure of her career path in her youth, she became even more unclear after completing law school. Pushed to find her passions she started her first company Tiny Devotions Inc. after taking a sabbatical in Bali post-graduating. Being keen to identify niches – Diana literally started an industry with her company selling mala beads and intentional accessories. Now with hundreds of competitors, Tiny Devotions founded in 2009 is still the innovative leader in the space. Having come from a very entrepreneurial family, the buzz of business, startups and deals is part of her DNA and a constant adventure no matter where she is in the world on her extensive travels with her husband. Hear our journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Show Links: http://www.tinydevotions.com/ http://www.dianahouse.com/ https://twitter.com/dianahouse_ PS: I want to send you a sample chapter of Ecommerce Bootcamp, absolutely free. Get it at http://ecommerce-bootcamp.com/
Tue, December 15, 2015
Masterminds: The Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon
I owe much of my business success to my Mastermind group– I credit being in a mastermind with boosting my revenue 10x. So what is a Mastermind, how do they work, and why or how should you join one? To answer that question, Kai Davis and Jonathan Stark join Kurt to discuss their own mastermind experiences. Jonathan Stark is a mobile strategy consultant who helps senior executives transition their business to mobile. Jonathan is the author of three books on mobile and web development, most notably O'Reilly's Building iPhone Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript which is available in seven languages. His Jonathan's Card experiment made international headlines by combining mobile payments with social giving to create a "pay it forward" coffee movement at Starbucks locations all over the U.S. Kai Davis is an Outreach Consultant in Eugene, Oregon, who helps bootstrappers, product creators, self-funded startups, and single founder companies grow their audience and promote their best products and content. He connect with influencers and finds opportunities to expose your best products and content to their audience. Show Links https://mastermindjam.com/ https://expensiveproblem.com/ http://doubleyouraudience.com/
Tue, December 08, 2015
Small Business Accounting 101: Hiring a Bookkeeper
The year is almost over, and that means one thing: time to get your books in order! With running a business, you already know you need to stay on top the accounting that goes along with running a store. Joining us in this episode is Donnie Cooper of LessAccounting, to discuss why and how to make bookkeeping nothing like going to the dentist. You'll learn: The difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper (and when to use each) Why you want a bookkeeper What's a minimum viable company When and how do you owe taxes What to do when you're late on taxes Why not to ignore the IRS The secret to success: outsource anything you're not great at and why you should "just take next steps." If you'd like to automate your accounting with a real life bookkeeper, reachout to Donnie at http://lessaccounting.com/autopilot
Tue, November 24, 2015
Make Stuff Happen: The Power of Side Projects
Joining us is friend and colleague Keir Whitaker. Keir works at Shopify as their Designer Advocate. Like us, he's also had a lot of side projects. In this episode we discuss: What's a side project, why have one? The importance of projects. I have many, some worked, most didn't, and all were lessons learned Using Shopify to launch an MVP and validate a side project. How despite all the advances in technology, good business is still about personal relationships (and conferences are the fast track to those) Sign up for Keir's newsletter at: http://keirwhitaker.com/newsletter/ (Oh! And check out Kurt's new website --> http://kurtelster.com/ and while you're there, join the Insider's List, we've got some exciting things coming up you won't want to miss.)
Tue, November 17, 2015
Get Specific: The Power of Positioning
Want to stop competing against Amazon and everyone else? Consultant Philip Morgan will teach us how to use hyper-specific positioning to make that happen. In this episode, you'll hear how to position your business in a way that leads to higher conversion rates and better customers. Get Philip's free crash course on positioning - https://philipmorganconsulting.com/free-positioning-crash-course - Though focused at dev shops, the knowledge is still useful. (Oh! And check out Kurt's new website --> http://kurtelster.com/ and while you're there, join the Insider's List, we've got some exciting things coming up you won't want to miss.)
Tue, November 10, 2015
Get Real with Paul Jarvis: Being Authentic in Marketing
Joining our episode is special guest Paul Jarvis, a self-described freelancer evangelist who teaches creatives & freelancers how to make their businesses work on their own terms. Paul's worked with companies like Microsoft, Yahoo and MTV, plus entrepreneurs with massive digital empires, including Danielle LaPorte, Alexandra Franzen, Marie Forleo and Kris Carr (and a whole bunch of amazing folks in between). He applied what he learned in his web design work to writing, and grew his audience from zero to releasing a bestseller, just a year-and-a-half after writing his first book. His words now appear in every major business publication and reach over 100,000 people every month. Those are the numbers and facts. But, Paul's goal isn’t to earn millions or become a bullshit thought leader; it’s to do work that matches his internal compass and provide real value. Defining success on his own terms has made him who he is, and that's what we're going to discuss: the importance of finding your authentic voice and using it in your business. Sign up for Paul's Newsletter at https://pjrvs.com/signup and join 16K+ others reading his weekly articles about freelancing, life and creativity. (Oh! And check out Kurt's new website which was inspired by Paul's! --> http://kurtelster.com/ and while you're there, join the Insider's List, we've got some exciting things coming up you won't want to miss.)
Tue, November 03, 2015
Word of Mouth Marketing: How To Build a Profitable Refer-a-Friend Program
"A trusted referral is the Holy Grail of advertising." - Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO Why doesn't everybody do referral marketing, then? Why isn't it more popular? Because referral marketing is notoriously hard to execute properly. It requires a significant investment of time, energy and resources. It requires commitment. It requires a quality product that's worth talking about. It requires great incentives, effective communications, and the system has to be functionally watertight, or you'll have unhappy customers. In this episode, we talk with ReferralCandy CEO Dinesh Raju how to get it right. He shares what he's learned from running thousands of referral programs for merchants, retailers and businesses of all sizes, across all verticals. We'll discuss every single detail, from the incentive structures to how to effectively communicate them to your advocates. Add A Refer-A-Friend Program To Your Shopify Store: http://pages.referralcandy.com/InterviewPodcast.html Oh! And check out Kurt's new website --> http://kurtelster.com/ and while you're there, join the Insider's List, we've got some exciting things coming up you won't want to miss.
Tue, October 20, 2015
Gavin Ballard: Finding the Right Apps for Your Store
If you've ever run a Shopify store you've almost certainly taken a stroll through the Shopify App Store and installed some of the Apps on offer. But what are Shopify Apps, really? And how can store owners make sure they pick reliable, well-developed Apps that provide a measurable return on investment? In this episode we talk to Gavin Ballard, founder at Disco and author of Mastering Shopify Themes and Mastering Shopify Apps , about all things Shopify Apps, including: The "problem first" approach to finding Apps that deliver value; How to evaluate the reliability and quality of Apps in the App Store; Two things to watch out for when taking on board App recommendations; The benefits of having a custom application built, and how to find a professional developer to build it. If you enjoy this episode, USP listeners can grab a FREE copy of Disco's Shopify App Handbook, which covers the above material and more, from https://www.discolabs.com/handbook/?code=usp. Links: Mastering Shopify Themes: http://gavinballard.com/mastering-shopify-themes/ Mastering Shopify Apps: http://gavinballard.com/mastering-shopify-apps/ Useful Gifts: https://www.usefulgifts.org/ Screenflow: http://www.telestream.net/screenflow/overview.htm
Thu, October 15, 2015
Ready for Christmas? Holiday Ecommerce Tips & Tricks [BONUS]
We've got a mini bonus episode for you on getting your store ready for the holidays! The holidays are a stressful time. Your in-laws fly in for a long visit, the weather is lousy, you spend more than you anticipated on gifts, and you can feel yourself coming down with a cold. For 72 hours or more, your life turns into a bad sitcom. Oh, and if you're reading, you're probably also a retailer. On top of the personal drama, you’re facing a single day that may make or break your entire fiscal year: Black Friday. That’s actually why it’s called Black Friday. It’s the day that a retailer’s books go from red (operating at a loss) to black (operating at a profit). With the holidays around the corner, let's talk about how we can make the most out of the holidays with the highest degree of success – and the lowest degree of stress. So tackling a full-site redesign in October is probably out of the question. While it might work, it’s too risky. Instead of gearing up for a huge project, let’s focus on some quick wins that you can implement to prep now to prep your store before Black Friday and the holidays.
Tue, October 06, 2015
3 Mindset Shifts to Double Your Business
After a brief hiatus, we're back with season 2 of TUSP! Last month, I spoke at The Double Your Freelancing Conference that took place in Norfolk. It gave me the opportutinity to pick the brains of a lot of great people, and now I want to to share that information with you. In this episode, Kai Davis, who spoke with me at the conference, joins me to discuss what key takeaways we got from the conference. You'll learn the mindset shifts we uncovered at Double Your Freelancing Conference from our fellow speakers. You'll be inspired to take action, apply a new direction to your own businesses, and strive for productivity and focus. You know, all the things that make you more money. Links: Kurt's DYFC Retrospective The Traffic Manual Website Teardowns
Mon, August 31, 2015
Liston Witherill: Research & Copywriting Secrets for Massively Boosting Conversions
Have you wondered why your store doesn’t get more conversions? There are two types of businesses: 1) the kind that intimately understand their customers, and 2) the kind that shoot aimlessly and occasionally hit the target. Both types of businesses may succeed for a while, but let’s face it: the second type of business isn’t sustainable. You know that talking to your customers is the the only way to know them, but it’s one of those things that slips to the bottom of your to-do list. That’s okay. In this episode we talk to Liston WItherill of Good Funnel to find out: Why don’t people get more excited about my business? Why aren’t I getting more sales from my website? How do I answer objections, right in the copy that I write? How do I improve my onsite conversion rates by at least 30%? Liston is here to help you resonate with your audience to get more leads and conversions. In other words, we can answer these pressing questions for you. Liston Witherill is an online marketer and Chief Creative at Good Funnel. He helps tech and info businesses understand their customers to sell more. He studies copywriting, persuasion, pricing, positioning and automation to help businesses hit the hockey stick - or at least come close. After serving as Director of Marketing for a $10M company, Liston declined their CMO position to instead pursue his own business. He has a MS in Environmental Science and a BA in Political Science and Economics. He’s an environmentalist and hiphop artist, too - but that’s a different story. Learn more about Liston at http://goodfunnel.co/ and be sure to sign up for his email course.
Mon, August 24, 2015
Social Media Strategy For Dummies
New store owners often look to social media to kickstart their marketing efforts, yet rarely succeed. To help break the social mediocrity that most brands engaged in, we talked with Mojca Marš from http://superspicymedia.com/ about how to achieve it. Mojca Marš consults with companies on the use of social media, email marketing and content marketing. Since social media is her passion, and she loves to communicate with people and create active communities around great brands/companies.
Mon, August 17, 2015
Business Brokers: How to buy or Sell my Shopify Store?
Ever wonder how to buy or sell a website? We did, so we talked to David Newell, an experienced business broker. David is Brokerage Director at FE International. Starting out as an banker, he moved online to use his transaction experience for website brokerage. At FEI, he spends his time speaking with buyers, executing deals and working on raising industry standards to encourage more investments. In 2014 he closed more than $6M in sales and wrote a book on buying internet businesses for investors new to the space. Useful links: Buyer Guide: http://feinternational.com/buyerguide/ Advanced Buyer Guide: http://feinternational.com/advancedbuyerguide Valuing businesses: http://feinternational.com/blog/how-do-you-value-an-online-business/
Mon, August 10, 2015
"How do I SEO my Shopify store?" For Dummies
Yesterday I spent the whole day at the Shopify Retail tour. They'd invited me, along with a few other folks, to answer questions about Shopify and Ecommerce from existing and potential Shopify customers. From 10am until 4:30pm, I talked to a diverse and interesting lot of folks. But every single person asked me some variation of one universal question: "how do I SEO?" I get why they're asking. If your site appears at the top of google searches for a variety of things related to your products, you'll have loads of traffic. And potentially you didn't pay for it, if only you could crack the code on SEO! If only you knew the magic formula of H1 and alt tags to make the google machine happy. But that's not realistic. It's at best an attempt to game a hugely complex and constantly changing algorithm into giving you traffic you don't deserve. I say you don't deserve it because you're trying to cheat the system. Instead, let's come up with a real strategy that works. Step 1: Let's forget about obsessing over html. If you're using a new premium theme from a good developer like Pixel Union or Out of The Sandbox then you've already done 99% of everything you need to support technical SEO efforts. Open graph, schema markup, etc. All there and done. Don't waste more time and money on this because you'll never get a good ROI out of it. Let's face facts: google engineers are smarter than you. Step 2: on site SEO. Google wants what your customers want: relevant, valuable content. You have to write articles, guides, interviews, and all the other valuable content you enjoy on other sites. My most successful Shopify Plus couldn't care less about SEO. Instead of fussing with alt tags, he hired three writers to produce great blog content for him. It only costs $1200/mo which is way cheap for the ROI he gets. Here's the best part: he never worries about writing the perfect SEO copy, because he's instead creating on-topic and relevant articles. You can do the same thing. Write on your own or hire someone. I already know your objection: "Kurt I'm a lousy writer and I can't afford a writer." I've got a hack for you that I use. Dictate your articles using the text to speech already built in to your device. Macs are great at this. Then send it to a copy editor. I pay $30/article on average for copy editing. Step 3: off-site SEO. Links to your site from sites with a similar audience are massively important. (Note: The spammy blog comment links you buy from a snake oil salesman SEO pro for $500/mo are the opposite of this.) Here's where we need to again forget about SEO; start thinking like a public relations firm. The best SEO strategy I've ever seen is PR outreach. Find blogs, forums, YouTube channels, and Instagram rockstars who are in your niche. Now email them. Email them and offer them free product in exchange for an honest review. This is a numbers game but it's the only way you'll get relevant links wi
Mon, July 27, 2015
Don't Break The Chain: A Guide to Customer Lifecycle Marketing
What happens when a new visitor hits your website? They don't buy. And that's okay! In this episode, we skip the guest interviews, and instead Paul and Kurt talk through the strategies and tactics involved in building trust with customers. The Chain: Anonymous visitor Engaged prospect Cart abandoner Buyers Repeat buyer Brand evangelist You'll learn to visualize your relationship with your customers and the tactics we recommend to turn anonymous visitors into brand evangelists.
Mon, July 13, 2015
Step on The Gas: Jordan Gal on Building Successful Ecommerce Businesses
Jordan Gal is the Co-Founder and CEO of CartHook , an effective abandoned cart recovery solution. CartHook tracks and captures the email addresses of visitors going through your checkout process. When a visitor abandons a purchase, an automated email campaign is triggered that is designed to bring the customer back to the site to complete the purchase. CartHook customers are recovering an average of 10% to 20% of abandoned carts and boosting revenue by up to 15%. Previously he was the Co-Founder of YCA Shops which operated a network of niche ecommerce stores. That company grew quickly and was acquired in mid-2009, so Jordan knows a thing or two about successful ecommerce. On top of that, he hosts the popular Bootstrapped Web Podcast. So what we're saying is Jordan knows a thing or two about ecommerce, and optimization in general. He joins us today to share his experience, and in particular, two powerful anecdotes about learning from your customers that you won't want to miss. Be sure to check out CartHook as well as follow Jordan on Twitter .
Thu, May 28, 2015
Josh Highland: Shopify Empire
Josh Highland Giese Better known as Josh Highland, owns and operates Venntov.com, a software and services company focused on the Shopify platform. Venntov.com has been a certified Shopify Expert since 2011 and has assisted hundreds of Shopify shop owners. Josh has literally written the book on SEO for Shopify stores. We talk to him about what that means and why you should care. You'll want to take notes for this episode. You can get his book from http://shopifyempire.com/ Learn more about Josh at http://joshhighland.com/ or even hire him at https://venntov.com/
Thu, May 07, 2015
Zach Weiss, worn&wound, Affordable Watch Strap King
Zach is a lifelong watch collector and has the stash of scratched up Swatches to prove it. He holds a B.A. from Bard College in Studio Arts and a Masters of Design in Designed Objects from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a working product, graphic and packaging designer, he views watches as the perfect synergy of 2D and 3D design: the place where form, function, fashion and mechanical wonderment come together. He has even had some viral success with his own ORBO digital watch concept. Having started a hugely successful watch blog, worn&wound has also launched an equally successful watch strap and accessory store. All of the items offered at the worn&wound shop are developed by the worn&wound team with the goal of creating products of superior quality and affordable price. Further, they're proud to say that all worn&wound watch straps and original products are designed and manufactured in the USA. Read their blog at http://www.wornandwound.com/ and grab one of their watch straps at http://shop.wornandwound.com/ PS: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes and write a review. iTunes is all about reviews!
Tue, February 10, 2015
Following Your Passion & Making the Jump
This week we talk with Jeff Sheldon from Ugmonk. It all started with a simple idea – design fresh high-quality unique items. Just one month after Jeff had graduated college, married his high-school sweetheart, moved to Burlington, VT, and started a full-time design job, he found myself brainstorming about launching his own brand centered around a love for typography and minimal design: Ugmonk. What started as an outlet for my passion and entrepreneurial experiment quickly grew into much more than just selling a few shirts. Listen and find out how Jeff went from full-time agency employee to full-time Shopify store owner and clothing designer. Check out Ugmonk and pick up some finery for yourself. (I know I've got my eye on those waxed canvas bags. I love the patina waxed canvas develops with use.) PS: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes and write a review. iTunes is all about reviews!
Mon, February 02, 2015
United Pixelworkers: A Post Mortem
This episode is a little bit different in that we talked to the owner of a closed but beloved Shopify store called United Pixelworkers. UPW sold a collection of niche t-shirts for graphic designers and web workers in general, each themed as a local labor union. They were great, and we even have one. If you'll join the three of us for 40 minutes of value-packed advice, Nathan shares with us his story and drops some great advice... How to market yourself using the law of reciprocity How to borrow an audience and trade up the chain The advantage of pre-orders flash sales and why you have to be shameless. You can follow Nathan on Twitter, and check out his current venture Cotton Bureau – A curated online community for high quality t-shirts. Seriously high quality. We found ourselves drooling over half of them. PS: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes and write a review. iTunes is all about reviews!
Wed, October 15, 2014
How One Man Quit His Job To Sell Wallets Featured in GQ
Ever dream of quitting your 9-5 job to do your own thing? How about manufacturing your own product and selling it direct to consumer? That's what Kyle Bardouche did. But get this, he launched 7 different products in 3 months. That's crazy, right? It gets crazier. Kyle was selling his products on Etsy, and ended up in GQ. Most people would be happy with that level of success, but Kyle then cracked the code on Instagram advertising. It's a great story, filled with actionable marketing advice, and loaded with inspiration. Give it a listen and be sure to checkout Amos and especially their whiskey wallets . PS: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes and write a review. iTunes is all about reviews!
Thu, September 11, 2014
Michael DiMartini, Everest Bands creator, talks Kickstarter success
Michael DiMartini from Everest Bands come on the show to chat and share his success with us. He's gone from failed businesses to two successful Kickstarter campaigns and an amazing product line sold through Shopify. Michael doesn't just sell watch bands. He sells literally the best rubber watch strap made- and it's for a Rolex. We discuss: What Everest Bands is all about (it's more than just swiss rubber) What goes in to a successful Kickstarter The ROI of Facebook likes What it takes to be a luxury brand The Apple Watch Michael's favorite watch And his single best tip for Shopify store owners. Check out Everest Bands Shopify store or their Facebook campaign . PS: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes and write a review. iTunes is all about reviews! Full transcript [opening music] Announcer: This is the Unofficial Shopify Podcast with Kurt Elster and Paul Reda, your resource for growing your Shopify business, sponsored by Ethercycle. Kurt Elster: Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Unofficial Shopify Podcast. I'm your host Kurt, and with me is my business partner and co-host Paul. Paul Reda: Welcome. Hello. Kurt: Joining us today is Michael DiMartini from Everest Bands. He is one of our favorite clients, a Kickstarter success, a manufacturer and a Shopify store owner. Michael, it's around 3:30 there in St Loius, what are you up to? Michael DiMartini: Well, if it was Friday, I'd be drinking a cold one. Kurt: There you go. Michael: Obviously, I am excited to do this first inaugural podcast with you guys and really appreciate it. Super excited to talk more about our company and Shopify and the great job that you guys have done for us. Kurt: Thank you. Tell us a little bit about Everest Band. What's an Everest Band? Michael: About two and a half years ago, my partners and I came up with an idea for a rubber Rolex replacement watch strap. Now, two years later, we had a successful Kickstarter with our first rubber strap. We are on our second version now, made in Switzerland. Just recently, last month, we had our second successful Kickstarter for a leather strap. It was a wonderful experience. Thank God for Kickstarter. Kurt: [laughs] This band is made in Switzerland, huh? Michael: Yeah. Our rubber strap is entirely made in Switzerland, rubber-wise. We actually have a steel oyster link that is attached to it and we coat that with a coating called DLC, diamond-like coating. That is actually from here on the US. Kurt: I think, I and a lot of people, we have ideas. We're like, "Oh, we got this great idea for a thing." Making a thing is h

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