Ep 44 | The Future of eCommerce: Choice-Driven Experiences with Amiel Shapiro, VP of Data & Insights at Eko
Jul 20, 2021
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In this insightful discussion, Amiel Shapiro, VP of Data & Insights at Eko, shares his journey from the Israeli Special Intelligence Unit to leading data initiatives at a tech startup. He highlights the importance of choice-driven experiences in the future of eCommerce, showcasing how major brands like Walmart have improved engagement through innovative data strategies. Amiel emphasizes the need for a cultural transformation towards data-driven decision making and the role of storytelling in enhancing customer connections. Personalization and interactive video content are the keys to revolutionizing online shopping.
Amiel Shapiro emphasizes that cultivating a data-driven culture is essential for organizations to effectively harness data as a strategic asset.
The integration of choice-driven video content has proven to significantly enhance user engagement, exemplified by Walmart's 40% increase in 'add to cart' actions.
Deep dives
Amil Shapiro's Journey in Data
Amil Shapiro's career in data began in a special intelligence unit within the Israeli Defense Force, where he honed his skills in data science before the term was widely recognized. After pursuing a degree in statistics and operational research, he transitioned from software development to product management in the booming Israeli tech industry. Shapiro joined Echo over eight years ago to lead the product team and later established the data and insights department to unlock the hidden value in the company's data, focusing on enhancing marketing and consumer acquisition strategies. His experience highlights the necessity of dedicated effort and resources to effectively leverage data, turning it into a strategic asset for the organization.
Echo's Innovative Platform
Echo is a tech startup that creates choice-driven video content, aiming to enrich user engagement by allowing viewers to participate in the narrative of the videos they watch. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear video format, promoting interactive experiences akin to 'choose your own adventure' stories. With a commitment to e-commerce, Echo is innovating by developing discovery engines that personalize the shopping experience and facilitate consumer engagement through real-time interaction with expert hosts. This unique method of blending video content with consumer choices offers a new dimension to online shopping that stands out in a crowded digital marketplace.
Data-Driven Culture in Marketing
Shapiro's establishment of the data and insights department was pivotal in driving a culture of data-driven decision-making within Echo. By integrating data analytics with marketing efforts, the department focuses on optimizing customer experiences and measuring the impact of various engagement strategies. The team collates insights from consumer research, analyzing preferences and behaviors to refine marketing tactics and develop data products for partners. This evolution illustrates the critical role of data in shaping effective marketing approaches and how it can be leveraged to foster a results-driven mindset across an organization.
Success of Partnership with Walmart
Echo's partnership with Walmart exemplifies the power of choice-driven experiences in enhancing customer engagement and driving sales. By integrating interactive video content on Walmart's product pages, Echo has significantly increased user engagement, with experiences yielding 40% more 'add to cart' actions compared to traditional linear videos. Notably, the 'Paint Finder' tool achieved an exceptional 20% shop intent rate, highlighting how choice-driven interactions can lead to genuine consumer interest in purchasing. This partnership showcases how innovative approaches to e-commerce can meet evolving consumer expectations and capitalize on the growing digital marketplace.
In Episode 44 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Amiel Shapiro, VP of Data & Insights at Eko, where they discuss how choice-driven experience will play a major part in the future of eCommerce and Digital Retail, which includes;
How his Data journey started in the Israeli Special Intelligence Unit
The transition from being a creative-driven organisation to being a results-orientated organisation
The cultural transformation that occurred to achieve that
Why the power of choice is key in the future of retail/eCommerce
How major global brands are utilising these methods
How they identified Data & Analytics champions within the organisation
Why it’s the responsibility of the Data Leader to drive the data-driven culture
How they used the companies’ creative resources to articulate better stories internally
The importance of communication in driving cultural change
How they’ve helped Walmart create a choice-driven shopping experience, online
What does that actually mean for Eko’s Data & Analytics team, day-to-day
Why choice-driven experience is personalisation on-the-go
How they helped Walmart to achieve a 40% increase in “go to cart” in comparison to linear videos
What the future of eCommerce will look like and the role of Data & Analytics within it
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