The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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.

Anne Thomas, co-founder of DesignPacks, dives into Shopify's AI-driven features unveiled at Editions.dev 2025. Ezra Firestone, founder of Smart Marketer, discusses the implications of a global cart and the evolving e-commerce landscape. Karl Meisterheim, author of Liquid Weekly, highlights the integration of AI for app development and theme customization. They explore challenges and innovations, including Shopify's push for enhanced site quality and user experience. Expect a blend of humor and insight as they navigate the future of commerce together!

What if your Shopify brand could sell 16 million cans and hit $28M in its first full year? Aaron Nosbisch did just that with BRĒZ, a microdose drink brand that taps into the decline of alcohol, the rise of wellness, and a smarter ecommerce playbook. In this episode, he breaks down the entire journey—from ignored category to household name.Show LinksAaron Nosbisch: https://twitter.com/AaronJNosbischBRĒZ: https://drinkbrez.comLucyd: https://www.wearelucyd.comSponsors:Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyViralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways.Work with Kurt:Grow your Shopify store: https://ethercycle.com/applyJoin the newsletter: https://kurtelster.com/Subscribe for more Shopify founder stories.

Jonathan Strauss, the founder of Neven Eyewear and former CMO of Freestyle Watches, shares how a lost pair of sunglasses turned into a multi-million dollar eyewear brand through innovative BOGO offers. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping a Shopify store, the impact of shifting Meta ad strategies, and the importance of adaptability in e-commerce. Additionally, he highlights the significance of customer trust, operational efficiency, and new product features like 360-degree views that enhance engagement.

Jeff Oxford, an e-commerce SEO expert and founder of 180 Marketing, shares crucial insights for Shopify merchants in 2025. He discusses how AI tools are reshaping SEO strategies and why some pricing strategies might harm rankings. Jeff emphasizes the importance of high-quality, original content over keyword stuffing, and provides actionable tactics for managing collection pages and diagnosing traffic drops. Listeners will also learn how to enhance Average Order Value with upsell strategies and the effective use of internal linking.

Kurt Bullock, an ad strategist from Produce Dept, specializes in enhancing Meta Ads for e-commerce. He reveals how Meta’s new AI-driven ad system, Andromeda, is changing targeting and scale. Discover the shift towards creative content and algorithm-driven strategies allowing lesser-known brands to thrive. Kurt discusses the importance of machine learning for optimizing ads based on shopping behavior and the integration challenges of AI in maintaining brand consistency. Insightful tips on engaging diverse audiences make this an essential listen for Shopify merchants.

Lucy Jeffrey, founder of Bare Kind and Candid Founders, shares her captivating journey from banking to building an eco-friendly sock empire. She reveals how she transformed Bare Kind into a B2B success on Faire, emphasizing the power of content creation for client acquisition. Lucy also discusses the challenges of scaling, especially during seasonal sales, and the surprising success of ditching paid ads for profitability. Tune in for insights on sustainable business practices and the balancing act of managing multiple ventures—plus how one turtle sock sparked it all!