
The Unofficial Shopify Podcast
NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, SUBSCRIBE FOR UNBEATABLE ECOM RECON – Every Tuesday since 2014, host Kurt Elster shares the Shopify success stories that nobody tells you about, straight from the entrepreneurs living it. Subscribe for a raw look at what it really takes to succeed on Shopify.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 4min
eCommerceFuel Live 2024
In this episode, we're heading to the vibrant and bustling eCommerceFuel Live 2024 in New Orleans. Join me, Kurt Elster, for raw, unscripted conversations with some of the biggest names in eCommerce. Get ready to hear from Brett Curry of OMGcommerce, Elaine Eason at QuietLight, Eulalie Cook from Tadpull, Jimmy Kim of Sendlane, and the incredibly talented copywriter Lianna Patch. We'll also dive into insights with Taylor Holiday from Common Thread Collective, among other notable guests. This episode is all about getting to the heart of eCommerce - the unfiltered, real-world experiences and strategies from those who breathe life into this industry every day. So, tune in and get ready to absorb wisdom and stories that you won't find anywhere else.Highlights:Exclusive, unscripted interviews with eCommerce expertsA deep dive into the unpolished, real side of the eCommerce worldInsights and stories from top industry professionalsShow LinksECF LiveSponsorsFree 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.

Mar 12, 2024 • 40min
Insights for European eCommerce Success
Listen in as we tackle the intricate world of e-commerce internationalization, with a particular focus on the contrasting landscapes between North America and Europe. I'm joined by David Simoas, an expert in the field hailing from the Czech Republic, who shares his rich experience navigating through the complex terrain of culturally diverse European markets. We dissect the ease of conducting e-commerce in the States and how it starkly differs from Europe's language barriers, currency variations, and a maze of regulations that could befuddle even the most seasoned entrepreneurs.Venturing across borders in the digital marketplace brings a slew of unique challenges and solutions that we unravel in our conversation. David and I exchange insights on the necessity of localizing content, from sales messaging to adapting to cultural norms and payment methods that vary from one country to another. We highlight the effectiveness of translation tools and AI in bridging communication gaps, ensuring your online store resonates with international audiences. Whether it's dealing with credit cards, bank transfers, or local payment peculiarities, this chat lays out the essentials for a smooth cross-border e-commerce operation.Rounding off our discussion, we dive into Shopify's journey of capturing the European market amidst strict privacy laws and regional preferences for homegrown digital solutions. David offers a unique perspective on the hesitation surrounding platform adoption like Shopify, sharing strategies to shift the e-commerce mindset in favor of such versatile tools. From the value of local expertise to the surprising impact of marketing budgets, we cover all bases, offering valuable advice to merchants eager to make their mark in Europe's dynamic e-commerce landscape. Join us for a wealth of knowledge and practical tips from the frontline of international digital commerce.Show LinksShopify Translate & AdaptSounds Good AgencyDavid 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.

Mar 5, 2024 • 47min
Troop's Mushroom Supplement Success
Discover how Troop, a company crafting mushroom gummies, emerged from a ski accident and health consciousness shift. Learn about sourcing quality mushrooms, Shopify success strategies, and mastering social media marketing. Explore the journey of mushroom enthusiasts turned entrepreneurs, overcoming adversity to build a thriving brand.

Feb 27, 2024 • 48min
Let's Sell Some Trucker Hats
We take on the challenge of revamping a trucker hat Shopify store from the ground up. Our team member and e-commerce maven, Jessie Goodell, brings her real-world experience managing her ecom brand for outdoor trucker hats to the table. Listen in as we dissect the transition from Amazon to Shopify, and discuss website improvements in a quest for online store over marketplace sales. Stay tuned as we gear up for future episodes where we'll measure the success of our efforts and strategize on lifecycle email marketing and beyond, all while appreciating Jesse's invaluable contributions to this e-commerce adventure.Timestamps(03:43 - 05:03) Rebranding Challenges on Amazon(07:22 - 08:12) Amazon Listing Struggles and Promotions(16:10 - 17:13) Product Variants and Shopify Integration(22:35 - 24:23) Website Homepage Re-Design Suggestions(33:00 - 34:03) Improving Product Listing User Experience(38:54 - 39:56) Maximizing Product Listing Content(42:35 - 43:51) Product Origins and Manufacturing Changes(45:33 - 46:18) Professional Photo Shoot for Content CreationShow Links44noutdoor.com44N on AmazonRefresh theme by ShopifyThe UpFlip PodcastSponsorsFree 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.

Feb 20, 2024 • 43min
Shopify Themes: Selection & Insider Tips
A Shopify theme is not just about making your store look good... it's the backbone of your customer's shopping experience. There is a lot of functionality baked into it, and as a result, your bottom line may also be tied to which theme you pick.Marcus Seoighe of Clean Canvas, and ex-Senior Theme Partners Manager at Shopify, joins us to unpack how the right theme can elevate customer experience & drive your bottom line.In this episode, we delve into the evolution of Shopify themes & how staying fresh is crucial for your digital storefront. It's a deep dive into what makes themes succeed & how the partnership community at Shopify pushes boundaries for merchants.Chapters:From Shopify to Clean CanvasThemes and Evolution of PlatformsShopify vs. Non-Shopify ThemesLimitations and Versatility of Shopify ThemesConsiderations for Choosing a Premium ThemeExploring Extensibility and Theme UsageExpertise, Products, and a CompetitionOur conversation isn't just theory; it's loaded with practical advice. From choosing the right theme to understanding premium offerings, we cover the factors that matter most to your e-commerce success.Show LinksCleanCanvasShopify ThemesThe UpFlip PodcastSponsorsFree 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.

Feb 13, 2024 • 45min
Sharma's Success Secrets
Nik Sharma, the brains behind Sharma Brands, discusses the evolution of his company and shares insights on cutting through the noise in marketing. He emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and explores strategies for maximizing revenue and leveraging DTC tech tools. This podcast provides valuable tips and tricks for boosting your brand's online presence.

Feb 6, 2024 • 44min
Shopify Editions Winter '24
Join Kurt Elster and a panel of Shopify experts as they delve into the Shopify Editions Winter '24 announcements. Our panelists, including Kim Samuelsen, Jay Larson, and John Festa, break down the latest Shopify features and updates, offering a deep dive into the new 2000 variant limit, combined product listings, B2B enhancements, and the transformative power of AI in e-commerce.These updates are the tools you need to keep your brand ahead of the curve. This episode's a deep dive into all that and more, with insights from folks who really know their stuff. Worth a listen for anyone looking to stay sharp in this space.Show LinksShopify Editions | Winter '24Half HelixTomorrowThe UpFlip PodcastSponsorsFree 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.

Jan 30, 2024 • 46min
Google Ads Strategies for Shopify
Listen in as Menachem Ani, a Google Ads expert with two decades of experience, joins to explore Google Ads and the current best practices for Shopify merchants seeking to amplify their e-commerce growth. We're talking Performance Max, Demand Gen campaigns, and the nitty-gritty of integrating Google with Shopify. We delve into advanced tactics for segmenting campaigns, the art of crafting killer product titles, and leveraging audience signals to make your ads pop.Chapters(00:00) Google Ads(09:45) Google Performance Max and Demand Generation(17:59) Crowdfunder and Google Ads(25:14) Google Ads and ROI for Success(28:43) Optimizing Google Ads and Customizing Feeds(36:18) Google Ads Tactics and OptimizationThe future of Google Ads is knocking, with automation and YouTube Shorts taking the front seat. Menachem drops some serious knowledge on feeding the system with data for optimal results and shares tips for conquering the ever-changing landscape of Google Ads.If you're ready to elevate your Google Ads game, this is the episode you don't want to miss.Show LinksJXT GroupKeyword PlannereCommerce ROAS CalculatorGoogle & YouTube Shopify appProduct feed appsMenachem's article on SearchEngineLandJXT's guide to Performance Maxlinkedin.com/in/menachemaniSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.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.

Jan 23, 2024 • 46min
From Festival Romance to $5M Fashion Brand
Sit down with Donal Breslin from Nomad the Label. This isn't your run-of-the-mill fashion brand story. Picture this: a music festival romance turns into a full-blown e-commerce venture. Donal and his partner Louisa didn't just fall in love; they built a brand around it. Nomad's all about that linen life – think bohemian, think sustainable, think comfort.Chapter Timestamps(00:00) Exploring Nomad the Label's Linen(04:57) Building a Successful Fashion Brand Lessons(18:53) The Importance of Data-Driven E-Commerce Management(31:06) Sustainability and Expansion in International Markets(43:49) Ambitious Growth Plans for Nomad LabelDonal walks us through their leap from market stalls to the digital world. Their strategy? Top-notch service, no discounts, all integrity. This team knows their customer and they cater to her with a mix of heartfelt content and sharp business sense.As we wrapped up our chat, it was clear that for Donal and Louisa, it's about more than clothes; it's about crafting a way of life that mirrors the comfort and ease their brand embodies. Listeners with a penchant for fashion, and those curious about turning passion into a thriving business, will find this episode a source of inspiration and a treasure trove of savvy business acumen.Show LinksNomad the LabelLoop ReturnsStoreHeroSpliceAirrobeRefundidSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.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.

Jan 16, 2024 • 41min
Creating Ads that Connect in the Attention Economy
In this episode, we're getting real with Jacques Spitzer, the advertising guru from Raindrop Agency. He's here to break down how storytelling in ads can do more than just catch your eye – it can open wallets. We're tracing Raindrop's path from its first big win with Dr. Squatch to crafting campaigns for Native. Jacques gets into the brainy side of things, explaining how emotions drive buying decisions and how that can lead to an ad being more memorable than your last birthday party.Chapter Timestamps(00:00) Creating Profit-First Advertising Campaigns(16:16) The Power of Advertising and Authenticity(25:44) Connected TV Ads Potential Understanding(32:02) Evolution of Video Content and AdvertisingShow LinksRaindropFind Your WhyLaundry SauceNever Split The DifferenceMNTN Connected TVJacques on TwitterJacques on LinkedInSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.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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