The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

Devyn Merklin from X-Scale brings a fresh perspective on e-commerce growth. He challenges conventional wisdom about customer acquisition, revealing why lowering ad costs can be a mistake. Devyn shares success stories, including how gamification skyrocketed one brand’s subscription revenue. He discusses the surprising benefits of ‘ugly’ websites and emphasizes empathetic customer journey optimization. The conversation also covers effective giveaway strategies and common pitfalls, providing valuable insights for e-commerce brands looking to thrive.

Jayden Clark, an entrepreneur behind the thriving dropshipping venture Woodlark Garden Luxury, shares his journey from building a seven-figure business to selling it for £500K. He discusses the overwhelming pressures of success, his strategic SEO and ad campaigns, and the mental toll of rapid growth. A surprising 90-minute massage became pivotal in his decision-making. Jayden emphasizes the importance of mental health, emotional resilience, and community support for entrepreneurs, showcasing the creation of 'Founders Clubhouse' as a resource for new business owners.

Curtis Matsko, founder of Portland Leather Goods and owner of North America's largest leather factory, shares his unconventional path to becoming a top Shopify store. He reveals his company's impressive growth trajectory and the importance of controlling every aspect of production to achieve high customer loyalty. Curtis shares insights on the impact of inventory on advertising costs, explores the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship, and discusses strategies to navigate economic challenges while building a loyal customer base.

Colby Stevens, the mastermind behind Shine Supply, built a $7M detailing brand at just 23. He shares how he utilized Instagram ASMR videos and authentic storytelling to amass 80,000 organic followers without spending on ads. Colby discusses their unique review incentive system that fosters social proof and the powerful community they've created around their brand. Plus, he explains why they turned down millions from Amazon, emphasizing a commitment to integrity and genuine customer relationships.

Bryant Garvin, marketing lead at Ozlo Sleep and former CMO of Groove Life, shares insights on creating viral marketing success and performance branding. He discusses the groundbreaking pre-order strategy that helped launch Ozlo without shipping a single product. From his experience with Purple Mattress to scaling Groove Life, Bryant reveals secrets behind effective video marketing and upselling tactics. He emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement and innovative sleep technologies, showcasing how these strategies lead to substantial growth and customer connection.

Matt Bahr, founder of Fairing and ex-Master & Dynamic, dives into the insights gained from 20 million post-purchase surveys. He reveals why last-click attribution is outdated and shares the one crucial question brands need to ask. Bahr discusses the rise of new advertising channels like AppLovin and connected TV, as well as the power of zero-party data for improved segmentation. Brands like Bombas and Thrive leverage surveys for actionable feedback, transforming their marketing strategies and boosting customer engagement.

Shaun Brandt, co-founder of Oddit and a UX expert, shares his insights on improving Shopify store performance. He identifies seven common mistakes, such as poorly organized menus and intrusive pop-ups, that hinder conversions. Shaun emphasizes the importance of user experience and transparent pricing, while offering actionable solutions for both small businesses and larger brands. He also explores innovative promotional strategies to increase customer loyalty and highlights the significance of simplicity in design to enhance brand identity.

In this discussion, Jason Berkowitz, an SEO expert from Break the Web, cuts through the noise surrounding AI SEO solutions that often lack credibility. He emphasizes that effective SEO still reigns supreme despite the influx of flashy, AI-driven gimmicks. Jason shares valuable insights on adapting SEO strategies to leverage new technologies while navigating client misconceptions about AI. The conversation also highlights the importance of structured data, optimizing content, and maintaining human oversight in marketing to ensure meaningful connections with customers.

Sara Olsher, Founder of Mighty + Bright, transformed her personal challenges of divorce and a breast cancer diagnosis into a thriving Shopify business that helps individuals navigate tough life circumstances through visual tools. She discusses how she started with a handmade calendar for her toddler and scaled her brand organically, driven by customer feedback rather than ad spending. Sara also shares her viral success on TikTok, illustrating the power of community engagement and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

Ray Reddy, Shopify's VP of Retail, drives innovations in the Point of Sale system to empower local businesses. He unveils exciting new features in POS V10, including faster checkouts and split fulfillment options. The episode highlights the importance of customization and user-friendly interfaces, enhancing customer experiences. Reddy elaborates on tools like Cleverific that simplify order management and reduce support issues. This blend of technology and retail aims to make in-person selling smoother and more efficient.