The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

Kurt Elster, Paul Reda
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Jul 11, 2023 • 40min

Mic Drop: JZ Mic's Marketing Masterclass

Youtube Interview: https://youtu.be/ZOxFs99yHuAEver wondered how to grow a niche brand into a global force? On this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we hear from Andris Zemmers, marketing director at JZ Microphones about the success their high-ticket product lines have seen in 10 countries. Dive into the strategies that drove JZ's growth - from lead magnets to audience targeting, email sequences, and more. Hear how strategic partnerships with influencers, personalized customer service, and new product lines are propelling JZ further in their industry. Don't miss out on this episode for practical tips and a relatable experience.Show LinksJZ MicrophonesAndris' YouTube ChannelSponsorsFree 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.
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Jul 4, 2023 • 42min

Shopify Subscription App Selection

Jump into the sea of subscription apps with the guidance of our guest Andriy Rudnyk. He breaks down the common mistakes when picking an app and forecasts the future of subscription apps. Plus, discover his number one advice for growing your subscription business – it’s all about your most valuable subscribers. Tune in and boost your business strategy.In this episode, we'll cover:Picking the right subscription app among a sea of choices.When to consider a subscription program for your product.The evolution of legacy subscriptions apps like Recharge and Bold Commerce.The top-rated subscribe-and-save apps.The future of the subscription app market.Show LinksGSABest Starters: Timo, Subify, Ongoing SubscriptionsBest Subscribe & Save: Loop, Stay.ai, SkioBest Build a box: AwtomicApp Store: Good Subscription OptimizerAndriy on LinkedInSponsorsFree 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.
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Jun 27, 2023 • 42min

Making the World's First Creatine Gummy

One life-changing realization transformed him from a SpaceX employee to a pioneering entrepreneur…We have Dylan Menter, the brain behind Bear Balanced and the world's first Creatine gummies, on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast this week.Dylan recounts his unusual path to entrepreneurship, highlighting how determination and self-teaching led to the mastery of Google Ads. He also provides valuable insights into harnessing the right resources, maximizing outputs with minimum input, and his plans for breaking into the retail market.To learn more about Dylan's entrepreneurial journey and gain actionable business advice, subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.See the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QVNS5G3M4yAAdditional ResourcesBear BalancedPickle PowerUSPTOSolutions 8 YouTube = Google Ads tutorialsSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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Jun 20, 2023 • 43min

Mastering Kickstarter for Product Launches

Delve into the world of Kickstarter and learn how Shopify merchants can use it to launch products and build an audience. Khierstyn Ross, Chief Brand Builder at Launch and Scale, joins us to explain...TIMESTAMPS[00:03:40] Kickstarter: Crowdfunding for new product inventory.[00:07:06] Knockoffs are a real online threat.[00:12:49] Kickstarter helps launch and boost audience reach.[00:16:50] Storytelling justifies crowdfunding to existing customers.[00:19:43] Pre-launch: build audience for Kickstarter success.[00:23:33] Paid ads lead to qualified email list. VIP funnel.[00:27:36] Preparing for launch by herding customers.[00:33:41] Over communicate to avoid Kickstarter campaign errors.Show Linkslaunchandscale.coKickstarterSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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Jun 13, 2023 • 45min

Unraveling eCommerce Accounting for Shopify Merchants

Join us on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast as eCommerce accounting expert Wayne Richard shares financial strategies for Shopify store owners. Learn common mistakes, efficiency metrics, sales tax nexus complexities, and money-saving tips. Wayne also advises on choosing the right accountant and emphasizes the importance of setting aside profits for unforeseen expenses. Supercharge your store's finances with insights from Wayne Richard in this accounting-packed episode!Show LinksBean NinjasBench (Referral Link)Gustoa2xecommercefuelProfit FirstWayne on LinkedInSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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Jun 6, 2023 • 44min

Secrets from a $100M Ecom Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur Nick Mertz on Challenges of E-commerce, In-House Operations, and Hiring the Right People.Today's episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast brings you Nick Mertz, the reclusive yet unstoppable e-commerce juggernaut behind $100 million in revenue. This unstoppable entrepreneur has generated over $100 million in revenue with ventures like Rugged Apparel, Adam's Polishes, and Pins & Aces. How does he do it? Discover his strategies for hiring, in-house operations, and mastering growth.Timestamped overview[00:01:21} Podcast featuring successful e-com entrepreneur Nick, discussing challenges and successful ventures, including Leno's Garage.[00:04:38} Started e-com business in college selling survival bracelets, sold it after a few years.[00:08:59} Starting an e-commerce business does not require a lot of money. Differentiation is key to success in a competitive market. Validating the idea is important before starting.[00:12:21} Stick with it, have grit, and don't expect overnight success. One mannequin company survived the 2008 recession while 90% of competitors went out of business. Some products have TikTok booms, but persistence is necessary to turn it into a business.[00:13:50} Two successful products: beer sleeve and liquor stick, with a focus on innovation and marketing. Dealing with copycats involves legal action.[00:20:39} Small brand collab with Bud Light - no license, no royalty, just make cool stuff and use it. Unlimitedbeer sent. Those brand collabs legitimized the brand leading to other collabs. Some licensed stuff, like NCAA.[00:24:38} Starting as a side project, Pins and Aces grew to become a real business by hiring key people while maintaining a fun culture. Hiring slowly and firing quickly is important for building a strong team.[00:27:19} Employees have equity in the company and a bonus program; giving opportunities for growth leads to retention.[00:33:55} DIY approach has drawbacks like lost packages, missing inventory, shipping wrong item, but offers personal touch and control over shipping experience.[00:38:58} New products, collaborations, growing brands, relaunching Hooga Lab, and moving to a new building.[00:41:33} Stay focused on your product and niche, even if it doesn't sell immediately. Grinding it out for at least 6 months can lead to success.Show LinksPins & AcesADAM'sBlue Ocean StrategyNASA Regulations for Merchandising RequestsSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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May 30, 2023 • 45min

News & Updates: May 2023

We discuss a range of topics from technical problem-solving to the impact of AI and automation. We explore how to enhance your ecommerce business with alternative strategies such as live shopping, and Shopify's new performance-boosting URL change. We also dive into the use of Chat GPT for writing and the importance of domain names in the present-day landscape. Tune in to gain insights on how to improve your online store and stay up-to-date with the latest ecommerce trends.TIMESTAMPS[00:04:46] Exploring the relevance of.com domain names[00:15:00] Shopify Changing URL Strategy for Faster Loading[00:21:53] ChatGPT struggles to accurately determine month-end dates[00:25:47] Uncovering the Syntax of ChatGPT[00:31:57] Facebook's New Shopping Rules[00:37:18] Unconventional E-commerce StrategiesShow LinksShopify's Free Domain Name Generator & IdeasICANNShopify: Changes to Asset URLsChatGPTJasperTechCrunch: Instagram and Facebook will force their checkout experience on Shops soonPostPilotSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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May 23, 2023 • 44min

The Magic of Forever Transactions

Explore the world of subscription models and their potential pitfalls. From losing profits from your best customers switching to the subscription model to ensuring that customers are not abusing the service, we discuss how experimentation and testing is needed to find the ideal customer and mitigate these risks. We also look at how retention strategies, market research, and ease of cancellations play a key role in the success of subscription-based businesses. Featuring expert advice on how to match customer goals with added value offerings, set expectations, and price effectively, this episode offers invaluable insights for all business owners. We also take a deep dive into Netflix's customer-centric approach and how their focus on retention is crucial to their success. Tune in to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and create meaningful recurring revenue.Timestamps[00:03:24] The Customer Centricity of Netflix[00:06:31] "The Importance of Easy Subscription Cancellations"[00:12:15] "LinkedIn: Connecting Across Generations and Industries"[00:20:50] "Keeping it simple: Avoiding subscription pitfalls"[00:25:27] "Unlocking the Benefits of Subscriptions - Coffee, Wine, Seltzer"[00:29:26] Maximizing Retention Rates for Subscription Services[00:37:00] "Expert Tips for Testing Subscription Models"[00:40:09] "Small Businesses' Advantage: Knowing Customers for Success"Show Linksrobbiekellmanbaxter.comlinkedin/robbiekellmanbaxterBook: The Forever TransactionBook: The Membership EconomySponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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May 16, 2023 • 53min

Crowdsourcing the Future of Lab Gear

Get ready to put on your lab coat and nerd out with the founder and CEO of Genius Lab Gear, Derek Miller, on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Derek spills the beans on his journey from making stickers to creating the world's best lab coat. But that's not all - he's taking a unique approach to launching his latest product by crowdsourcing the design and crowdfunding the manufacturing of lab coats with his community of fans. and creating a carbon-neutral with Shopify Planet. So grab your pipettes and get ready to learn this proven pre-order launch process.Show Linksgeniuslabgear.comGLG's Lab Coat Projectfree SEM Rush course Derek followedCrowdfunder: Pre‑Order PromosPollUnit poll makerSuperfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, And Build a Successful BusinessShopify PlanetSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.
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May 9, 2023 • 54min

Happy Bulge: Swimming Through The Waves of Success

On this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Kurt Elster speaks to Jeremy Bradley, the founder of Happy Bulge Swim Co. Jeremy started his company in April 2019 and by August 2020 was pivoting to e-commerce due to global shutdowns cancelling events. With tongue-in-cheek puns and wordplay, Jeremy recounts his journey from radio host in Hollywood, to bestselling author, and now successful clothing business owner. He shares strategies for success such as appreciation for customers and content creation with focus on seasonality and being reactive. Other topics discussed include customer conversions, creativity and experimentation, understanding one's audience, and more. Tune into this episode to get all the details about Jeremy's journey with Happy Bulge!Show LinksHappy Bulge Swim co.Buff Boy Brewing Co.@happybulgeSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Venntov, makers of SEO Manager, Order Lookup, and ClockedInRetention.com: Reclaim 5-10x Abandonment RevenueLoop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for ShopifyNever 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.

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