The Unofficial Shopify Podcast: Entrepreneur Tales

Kurt Elster, Paul Reda

NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, SUBSCRIBE FOR UNBEATABLE ECOM RECON – Explore the world of ecommerce entrepreneurship with a focus on the Shopify platform. Each episode features interviews with successful ecommerce entrepreneurs & experts sharing their experiences building businesses. Join host Kurt Elster and his guests as they share their stories and learn from each other's successes and challenges. read less
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Inside 2023's Black Friday Surge
Há 4 dias
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 LinksShopify merchants drive record-high $9.3 billion in Black Friday-Cyber Monday salesAdobe 2023 Holiday Shopping TrendsNot on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 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 AppStoreHero - 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 episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Dropshipping $30M in Auto Parts
28-11-2023
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 Linksshocksurplus.comNot on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 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 episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
The Analog Film Entrepreneur
21-11-2023
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 LinksAnalogue WonderlandSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Riding Vinyl's Revival
07-11-2023
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 Linksfunkymooserecords.castorehero.aiThe Sit Down PodcastMooseFestSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Product Pre-Launch Planning
17-10-2023
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 LinksLaunch Accelerated Blueprint (Course by Vance)KickstarterIndiegogoCrowdfunderContent-Based Networking (Book by James Carbary)SponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Q4 Holiday Promo Playbook
10-10-2023
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 LinksBrands and apps mentioned:Smart MarketerShopifyBoom!HooniganEasy Gift appShopify Product BundlesViral SweepSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
The Candy Hackers
26-09-2023
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 Linkscandyhackers.comCrowdfunderSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Ask Us Anything
19-09-2023
Ask Us Anything
Also on YouTube: youtu.be/LZlbfPiEYYYThis 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 LinksGoogle Sales ChannelElevarDuties and import taxesDHL Duty and Tax CalculatorSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Decoding Effective PPC Ads
12-09-2023
Decoding Effective PPC Ads
Jessie Healy Spent $20 Million on Digital ads, Here's What's Working In 2023Sit 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 LinksWebtopiaJessie on LinkedInJessie on TwitterSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Salty Britches
05-09-2023
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 LinksSalty BritchesMcKevlin's Surf ShopJames Lawrence (Iron Cowboy)LegalZoomSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop 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 trialNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Mastering ManyChat Marketing
22-08-2023
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 LinksGROW AILinkedInDialogflowKlaviyoSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Profit Over Panic: Braxley's Comeback Story
15-08-2023
Profit Over Panic: Braxley's Comeback Story
See it on YouTube: youtu.be/cQXHEJOPgfcEver 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 Linksbraxley.coPeace. Love. Hormones.Chisel Gumapps.shopify.com/tiktokSendlaneSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Creating Profitable Influencer Relationships
01-08-2023
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 LinksSwitch SupplementsSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Optimizing Price for Profits
25-07-2023
Optimizing Price for Profits
Video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ISSTJFIUd8wGet 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 LinksGlimmerWishprofitprofessor.io - 50% discount, use code KURTSponsorsFree 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 StoreLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.