EP 020 - Kelly Vaughn on Lessons From Building A 7 Figure Agency, Launching a Shopify App, and More
Mar 9, 2022
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Kelly Vaughn, founder of 7 figure agency Taproom and upcoming Shopify app, Govalo, shares lessons on agency growth and launching a new app. Topics include childhood obesity prevention, experiences in coding, working with clients on Shopify Plus stores, favorite implementations, building custom apps, measuring success, bootstrapping vs VC backed companies. Follow Kelly on Twitter and check out her Shopify app and taproom website.
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) like leads and conversions can lead to more productive work and better time management.
Embracing change and being willing to take risks is crucial for entrepreneurship.
Being selective with clients and saying no can lead to better financial results and improved work experience.
Deep dives
The Tap Room's KPIs and the Importance of Efficient Workflow
The speaker discusses the various key performance indicators (KPIs) that are monitored in the Tap Room. They emphasize the importance of tracking metrics such as leads and conversions, showcasing how higher close rates and efficient workflows can lead to more productive work and better use of time. The example shared is how increasing rates and close rates resulted in less time spent on introductory calls and rejected proposals, allowing for more focus on essential tasks.
Kelly Vaughn's Journey from Academia to Shopify Development
Kelly Vaughn is a guest on the podcast, sharing her unique background and transition from academia to entrepreneurship. She started coding at a young age and developed a passion for building websites and customizing online stores. Kelly's interest in childhood obesity prevention, as well as her expertise in psychology and public health, shaped her journey. She ultimately found her passion in Shopify development and started her own agency, Tap Room. The podcast episode highlights the importance of embracing change and being willing to take risks in entrepreneurship.
The Potential of Digital Gifting and the Innovation behind Gavalo
The guest, Kelly Vaughn, introduces Gavalo, a new gift card app for Shopify. She explains the limitations of traditional gift card systems and how Gavalo addresses those issues. Gavalo enables users to send personalized gift cards with custom messages and schedule future delivery. The app also offers analytics to track gift card usage and encourage customers to make use of their gift cards, thereby increasing average order values. Kelly emphasizes the rising demand for gift cards, not just for special occasions, but also for spontaneous gifting. She explores the untapped potential of digital gifting and how it provides a personal touch to the gifting experience.
Importance of Knowing What You Want
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the importance of knowing what you want. The speaker highlights that there are two types of people in this regard: those who don't know what they want and those who know what they want but it's the wrong thing to want. The speaker gives an example of a client who insisted on their own idea despite the expert's opinion, resulting in a negative user experience. It is emphasized that knowing what you want, but also being open to expert advice, can lead to better outcomes.
The Power of Saying No and Choosing Quality Clients
Another key point discussed is the importance of saying no and choosing quality clients. The speaker shares their experience running an agency and highlights that saying no can be a game-changer. By reaching a point of financial stability, where you can choose who to partner with, you can avoid problematic clients and focus on partnering with great ones. The speaker explains that this shift not only improves the overall work experience, but also leads to better financial results as you can focus on high-value partnerships. The speaker also mentions the challenges and complexities of managing client expectations and the benefits of being selective.
Today we brought on the fabulous Kelly Vaughn, founder of 7 figure agency Taproom and upcoming Shopify app, Govalo. Kelly shares hard-earned lessons on agency growth that will save you lots of time and frustration on your own journey, as well as what it's like launching a brand new app from the ground up. Get your notebook out - this is a good one!
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