

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast
Kurt Elster, Paul Reda
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 52min
Streamlining SEO on Shopify
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.

Apr 16, 2024 • 43min
Quiz Funnel Strategies
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.

4 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 46min
Cashflow Tips from an Ecom CFO
"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.

Apr 2, 2024 • 51min
From Code to Craft: Rustic & Main's Rise
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.

Mar 26, 2024 • 45min
How Chubbies Built a Menswear Movement
"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.

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.