The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

"It's just a hell of a lot easier to optimize a business than to start something from scratch."Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbVh1J1sOEQ​​Drew Sanocki has a knack for transforming struggling businesses into profitable ventures. In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, host Kurt Elster taps into Drew's extensive experience to uncover the strategies that have driven his success. With over two decades in e-commerce, Drew shares why he often opts to buy businesses rather than starting from scratch. He reveals how this approach allows him to leverage existing assets and customer bases for quick wins and sustainable growth. Drew also gives listeners a peek into the key tactics that have helped him revive and profit from these acquisitions. If you’re looking to shake up your marketing strategy or simply want a fresh perspective on growth, this conversation is for you.Show Linksnerdmarketing.compostpilot.comDrew SanockiSponsorsZipifyFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DFUi5Cq8YuoWe're slicing deep into the world of e-commerce with Isaac Medeiros, the man behind MiniKatana and Kanpai Foods. After using TikTok to sell out of his swords, he's become bearish on the platform and gone all in on YouTube Shorts. Isaac's ingenious marketing on YouTube Shorts has racked up a billion views and millions of subscribers. More recently, Isaac has built a manufacturing facility in LA and begun producing his own line of candy called Kanpai Foods. It's a tale of adaptability, understanding market dynamics, and seizing opportunities that others might miss. Get ready to unwrap layers of insights, from viral content creation to the real pains of launching a consumer goods brand.Show Linksminikatana.comKanpai Foods@theisaacmedSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

Detroit's Mia Ray took her passion for fashion from a blog to a $50M Glam-aholic empireWatch: https://youtu.be/OqGQTRpjuJQFrom her roots in Detroit, Mia dishes on turning a passion for fashion into a flourishing lifestyle empire, all while keeping it real and relatable.We dive into the highs and lows of building a brand, the game-changing role of social media, and how staying true to yourself can be your biggest asset in business.Expect unfiltered insights and raw stories from the frontline of building a business against all odds.Show LinksGlam-Aholic LifestyleIG: @miaraySponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

Could you turn your geeky hobby into a thriving business?In this week’s episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we follow Mike Freeman, the mastermind behind Fourth Moon Toys, as he shares his transformative journey from a casual Star Wars collector to the owner of a booming online and retail business. Drawing on his experiences from the early days of internet trading to launching a niche market venture on Shopify, Mike reveals the challenges and triumphs of turning a passionate hobby into a successful enterprise. Tune in to discover how community engagement and a steadfast commitment to authenticity have shaped his business ethos and hear Mike’s insights on the evolving landscape of collectibles. Whether you're a collector, a Star Wars enthusiast, or an entrepreneur at heart, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersections of nostalgia, commerce, and innovation.Key TakeawaysNiche Knowledge is Power: Mike's deep understanding of Star Wars collectibles, down to the most minute details, has set Fourth Moon Toys apart in a competitive market.Community Engagement is Crucial: Actively participating in the collector community not only enhances credibility but also fosters a loyal customer base.Authenticity Builds Trust: Rigorous authentication processes ensure that customers receive genuine collectibles, solidifying trust and encouraging repeat business.Flexibility in Business Models: Transitioning from an online-only model to embracing physical retail can open new avenues for growth and customer interaction.Long-term Vision: Like Shopify's approach to business, focusing on long-term relationships and reputation over quick profits is vital for sustainable success.Show Links4th Moon ToysSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

We're talking AI chatbots as a top of funnel marketing medium with Recycled Firefighter founder Jake Starr. Jake spills the tea on turning his unique products (recycled firehose American flags!) into a digital sensation earning 20,000 email subscribers monthly, thanks to his new chatty AI sidekick. Dive into the fun and quirky world of Jake's creation 'Josh' the sales bot, and uncover how AI is the secret sauce to customer engagement and skyrocketing sales. It's a blend of old-school crafting meets new-school tech. If you're looking for a new top of funnel strategy to engage prospective customers, this is it.Show Linksjakestarr.aiGoHighLevelManyChatRecycledFirefighterZappyChatKlaviyoPostScriptSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

Did you know over 60% of online experiences start with a search engine? In e-commerce, visibility in these search results is crucial for success.This episode dives into SEO Tools & Tactics for Shopify. Joining us is experienced SEO professional Patrick Rice, who shares the strategies and tools he uses with his Shopify clients.We delve into the practical use of tools like SEMrush, Matrixify, and ChatGPT, exploring their impact on online store visibility. Patrick provides valuable insights on selecting the right keywords and effectively optimizing product pages.Tune in to enhance your store's SEO. This conversation is your stepping stone to improved online presence.Show LinksPatrick Rice Co.SEMRushMatrixifyChatGPTChatGPT in Google Sheets™ and Docs™YouTube: Shopify SEO Tutorial (2024) How To Optimize Your Store With ChatGPTScreaming FrogSponsorsZipifyFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

What if the simple act of asking your customers the right questions could transform your e-commerce store? From segmenting audiences to personalizing product recommendations, guest Chanti Zak shows how quizzes can do more than just engage—they can drive sales and deepen connections. Join us as we uncover the hidden power of quizzes in the digital marketplace, where every answer can lead to a new discovery about your business and your customers.Show LinksChantiZak.comOctaneInteractJones Road QuizzesChanti's QuizzesSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

"The financially sound & successful e-commerce businesses are lean as long as they can be. They keep costs down and are just careful." – Matt Putra Unlock the secrets to a more secure financial future with guidance from fractional CFO Matt Putra, whose expertise in cash flow management is a lifeline for e-commerce businesses swimming in unpredictable waters. Together with Matt, we dissect the strategies that can help you avoid cash emergencies and achieve sustainable growth. From negotiating with suppliers like a seasoned diplomat to harnessing the power of financing, we've got your back on the voyage to fiscal stability.Show LinksEightx.coMatt on LinkedInLifetimelyTripleWhaleQuickBooksOutway SocksKick FurtherShopify CapitalClearCo (Clearbanc)Sellers FiSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

When Mike Yarbrough swapped his software development hat for a craftsman's apron to manage carpal tunnel syndrome, he didn't just mend his physical ailments—he forged a new path as an entrepreneur. Rustic & Main sprouted from his love for woodworking, evolving from a garage project into a bustling hub where historic materials are transformed into rings with stories. This episode peels back the curtain on Mike's favorite creations, like the Muir ring and the USS North Carolina battleship teak ring, offering a peek into the soulful process of preserving history through jewelry.As Mike and his wife navigated the choppy waters of business expansion, they discovered that their personal journey mirrored the growth of their brand. From grappling with parking headaches to embracing Lean principles, their small venture expanded its roots, outgrowing the confines of their home and stretching into a full-fledged team. Learn how they dealt with the pandemic's financial whirlwinds, navigated the challenges of working remotely, and kept their marriage strong while steering the Rustic & Main ship through uncharted waters.Stepping into the world of e-commerce and custom development, Mike's tale continues with innovative twists that have shaped the customer experience at Rustic & Main. Discover the woodworking ambiance of their ring-making studio and how non-traditional approaches to jewelry making have disrupted the market. Mike's journey is a testament to the power of ingenuity in craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of a vision that marries rustic charm with entrepreneurial finesse. Join us for this inspiring conversation, chock-full of insights for both aspiring artisans and seasoned business owners alike.Show Linksrusticandmain.comThe Lean Startupzapier.comEOSSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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.

"We were the luckiest people in the world to be able to do this stuff."Full Video Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fEUf9MTXk4cThis week, I'm joined by Preston Rutherford, co-founder of the Chubbies Shorts empire that's been redefining men's fashion with a splash of retro and an avalanche of fun since 2011. Preston, a Stanford grad with a knack for spotting gaps in the fashion world, shares how a simple idea of retro shorts spiraled into a nationwide trend.Preston walks us through the early days of selling shorts right out of a backpack, the evolution of Chubbies' identity, and the power of community in brand building. But it's not all smooth sailing. Preston gets real about the challenges of seasonality in fashion, the pitfalls of over-reliance on direct response marketing, and the emotional rollercoaster of building and selling a brand.So, slip into your favorite shorts, whether it’s the weekend or not, and let's get down to business with Preston Rutherford’s insights. Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories like this.Show Linkschubbiesshorts.comloopreturns.comPreston on LinkedInSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUIntelligemsNever 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.