The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

Oliver Kenyon, CEO of ConversionWise, shares his journey from chef to conversion rate optimization expert. He dismantles common CRO myths that hinder Shopify stores from thriving. Discover how clarity and understanding customer journeys can boost sales without gimmicks. Kenyon emphasizes the power of iterative testing and the importance of effective order management tools. With insights on leveraging AI for data analysis, he equips listeners with actionable strategies to enhance conversion rates and deliver real results.

Rob Fraser, founder of Outway and a former professional cyclist, shares his journey from athlete to entrepreneur. He discusses how a $1,000 loan launched a $10 million sock brand that transforms socks from mere commodities into cherished accessories. Fraser emphasizes the athlete's mindset of resilience in business, while detailing innovative sock features aimed at consumer loyalty. He also explores the shift in e-commerce toward sustainability and the importance of owning customer data to thrive in a competitive market.

Kevin Lavelle, founder of Mizzen+Main, shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching a successful menswear brand to creating a new, innovative baby monitor solution through his latest venture, Harbor. He discusses pivotal moments like his 'aha' inspiration, early setbacks with product quality, and the power of strategic partnerships. Lavelle reveals insights on transitioning industries and the creation of a night nanny service to support parents—making parenting a bit easier and emphasizing the importance of trust in new products for families.

Brandon Dill, Founder of Fuse Lenses, shares his journey from a small side hustle to a thriving business offering high-end replacement lenses for sunglasses. Discover how he turned a common frustration into an 8-figure venture, tackling cash flow struggles and seasonal peaks. He reflects on the essential transition to Shopify for scalability and updates on innovative lens technology, including AI-driven features. Brandon also debunks entrepreneurship myths, highlighting the dedication required to succeed in the challenging e-commerce landscape.

Tired of logging into five different portals just to make a return? Shopify says enough. Patrick Millegan joins Kurt Elster to talk about the new customer account extensions, designed to simplify logins, reduce support headaches, and make online shopping enjoyable again. It’s a step forward for UX that proves e-commerce should be easy for everyone.LinksGet all the info on what's new: Shopify Editions Winter ’25More people & links:Patrick Millegan (Senior Product Lead, Shopify)Kurt Elster (Host, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast)Keap AthleticsCleverificShopify FlowSufioUproShop PayHydrogenSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendHelp 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.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter

This recap dives into the intriguing and lively themes from a recent marketing conference. Explore the surprising intersections of mindset, AI, and even ghost hunting! Attendees share enlightening experiences, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration. Discover how mindset can shape entrepreneurial success and the significance of work-life integration. With a sprinkle of humor and unique insights, this discussion reveals fresh strategies for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.

Harshdeep Singh Hura, founder of Hura Media and a pioneer in the Shopify community, shares his inspiring 10-year journey from developing iOS apps to leading a full-service agency. He emphasizes the importance of community contributions, open-source projects, and solving real problems over engineering perfection. The conversation touches on self-service solutions for customers, challenges in app development, and the impact of recognition within the Shopify ecosystem. Plus, he shares a humorous take on dealing with copycats using clown emojis!

Shaun Brandt, co-founder of Oddit, a UX design firm that specializes in conversion optimization for Shopify stores, shares insights from delivering over 10,000 UX audits. He discusses how Oddit’s unique, data-free approach strips away fluff to focus on simplicity and clarity, helping brands boost sales effectively. Shaun highlights common pitfalls in navigation and communication, emphasizes the importance of a streamlined user experience, and reveals how their anti-agency model fosters actionable improvements without endless meetings.

Depesh Mandalia, a Facebook ads expert with two decades of e-commerce experience, shares his remarkable journey of scaling a business from $800K to $26M in just 18 months. He delves into the power of creative advertising and how he navigated challenges like the iOS 14 update. Depesh discusses the psychology behind successful ad campaigns, including a surprising strategy using a 1-star review. He highlights the importance of strategic reinvestment and the role of mentorship in entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights for aspiring marketers.

Colby Kane, founder of Aviator USA, discusses innovative strategies for Black Friday marketing. He emphasizes a refreshing approach that prioritizes genuine engagement over loud discounting. Colby shares his insights on early-access tactics and simple email flows that cultivate loyal customers who value quality over promotions. The conversation reveals how subtle marketing can outperform traditional sales gimmicks, demonstrating that staying low-key, yet strategic, is essential for maintaining brand integrity and maximizing consumer interest.