The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

Many e-commerce ventures hit a sales dry spell right after the holiday cheers fade. But what if Q1 could be more than just a slump?In today's episode, we're turning conventional wisdom on its head, exploring how Q1's challenges can be flipped into profitable opportunities – welcome to the world of 'Q5'.Our guest expert is Michael Epstein, a seasoned pro in the e-commerce arena with 25 years under his belt. As the strategic brain behind PostPilot, Michael's blend of SaaS savvy, agency acumen, and e-commerce expertise makes him the perfect navigator for today's deep dive.Key Insights:Unveiling how Q1 can be a mini-Christmas for the right products.Mastering the art of juggling operational expenses with profit maximization.A close look at the ever-shifting terrain of e-commerce and how to capture customer interest.The strategic use of Direct Mail in a predominantly digital marketplace.Smart advice for smaller brands on growth trajectory and timing for diversifying marketing efforts.Don't forget to subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, leave a review if you loved the episode, or tell a friend. We appreciate you.Show LinksPostPilotUSPS Informed DeliverySponsorsFree 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.Loop 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.

In this Unofficial Shopify Podcast episode, we sit down with David Gaylord, the mastermind behind Bushbalm Skincare. From his Shopify days to leading a skincare revolution, David reveals the art of growing a business from its online roots to retail success. He emphasizes the crucial roles of web design and ongoing marketing refinement. David's journey with Bushbalm, Ottawa's fastest-growing company, serves as a playbook for Shopify entrepreneurs, highlighting the virtues of patience and strategic growth in e-commerce. Expect a straight-to-the-point, insightful discussion, tailor-made for those looking to make their mark in the digital marketplace.Show Linkshttps://bushbalm.com/[https://bushbalm.ca/pages/ottawas-bushbalm-dragons-den](Bushbalm on Dragon's Den)https://www.replo.app/Not on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 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.Loop 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.

Today we're dissecting a Black Friday bonanza. Join us as Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus, a previous guest and a Shopify Plus success story, takes us behind the scenes of their record-breaking Black Friday. With a cool million in a single week, Sean's insights are nothing short of gold dust for anyone in the e-commerce space.Sean reveals the nitty-gritty of their promotional strategies, from tiered discounts to email campaigns, and how they leveraged Shopify's capabilities to maximum effect. We dive deep into the psychology behind consumer discounts, the importance of strategic planning, and how a shift in promotional tactics led to a 40% increase in revenue.Sean's candid sharing of their journey – from a non-promotional stance to a finely-tuned Black Friday strategy – provides invaluable insights. If you're looking to understand the impact of well-crafted promotions and strategic preparation on e-commerce success, this is a must-listen episode.Show LinksShock SurplusSean's Previous Episode: "Dropshipping $30M in Auto Parts"Not on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 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.Loop 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.

Black Friday 2023 wasn't just big – it was record-breaking, with Shopify merchants alone pulling in a whopping $4.1 billion in sales.Dive deep into the Black Friday frenzy, dissecting the data and sharing real-world insights from the Shopify ecosystem. From Adobe Analytics to Shopify's own press release, we cover it all.Key Highlights:The Economic Indicators: We discuss how various reports and our own client data reflect a strong economic trend.The Spending Paradox: Despite economic complaints, real dollar spending is significantly up. We explore this interesting dichotomy.Shopify's Performance: A look into Shopify's platform data, revealing a 22% increase in sales and insights into top-selling countries.Client Case Studies: Insights from our client experiences, including standout performers and the power of strategic platform migration.Marketing Insights: We cover successful Black Friday strategies, including blended ROAS numbers, PPC ad resurgence, and the evolving landscape of online sales.Website Design Discussions: Tackling the perennial debate over homepage carousels and hero images, we propose alternative strategies for effective homepage design.Audience Q&A: Responding to AMA questions from our Facebook group, we discuss customer communication strategies, effective marketing for budget-conscious businesses, and much more.Show LinksShopify merchants drive record-high $9.3 billion in Black Friday-Cyber Monday salesAdobe 2023 Holiday Shopping TrendsNot on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Clean Size Charts: Shopify Size Chart AppStoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop 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.

Imagine scaling a business from $3 million to $30 million in a vertical that's as competitive as it gets. Today's episode is a deep dive into the world of dropshipping automotive parts—a tale of triumph that stretches from the roots of eBay to the heights of a multimillion-dollar business.Joining us is Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus, to tell us how he propelled his brand from modest beginnings to a dropship titan that cornered the market in 2020.We'll unpack the journey of a brand that's not only thrived but dominated, dissecting the blend of tech-savviness, market understanding, and the audacious spirit needed to excel.Sean's story is one of precision growth and the art of capitalizing on market opportunities, from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to mastering the Facebook ad landscape.Expect to gather a trove of actionable advice, from leveraging education as a powerful marketing tool to the nitty-gritty of data management with a product catalog that would make a librarian weep.We'll explore how Shock Surplus has built a robust community by fostering genuine connections with their audience, leading with education, and backing it up with expertise.Hear how authenticity in content creation and customer education has established Shock Surplus as a trusted authority in a niche market.Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at scaling an e-commerce business, a must-listen for any entrepreneur aiming for the stars.Hit subscribe, and leave a review if you love what you're hearing. It's about growth, not just in sales but in knowledge. Tune in, turn it up, and take your store to the next level.Show Linksshocksurplus.comNot on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 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.Loop 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.

We sit down with Paul McKay, the man behind Analogue Wonderland, who's turning back the clock on photography while keeping his feet firmly in the present. He left a decade-long corporate gig to dive into something more soulful. We’re talking about the allure of analog in a digital world and how Paul is making that magic accessible. We dig into community building, the ins and outs of marketing in this unique niche, and even touch on how AI is tiptoeing into the realm of the retro. It's all about balancing yesterday's tangible joys with today's digital conveniences. Tune in for a trip through the complexities of harmonizing the old with the new.Show LinksAnalogue WonderlandSponsorsFree 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.Not on Shopify? Start your free trialNever 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.

Today's guest is Craig Martens from Gas Monkey Garage, and we're peeling back the layers on the art of sweepstakes marketing. Craig shares the blueprint for running these promotions legally and their surprising effect on business growth. He talks customer engagement, conversion secrets, and positions sweepstakes as a potential game-changer for your online store. Packed with real scenarios and savvy advice, this is a conversation that cuts through the noise of typical marketing chatter.Show LinksGas Monkey GarageSharedSweepsViralSweepFast N' LoudSponsorsFree 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.StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Not on Shopify? Start your free trialNever 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 diving deep into the vinyl revival with Mark Poppen, the man behind Funky Moose Records. If you've ever wondered why vinyl records are outselling CDs or how to make a dent in the eCommerce world, this chat's for you. Mark shares how he rode the wave of vinyl's resurgence and built an eCommerce empire. We delve into the nitty-gritty—from SEO tactics to dealing with suppliers and why sometimes, you've got to trust your gut over the data. Mark even spills the beans on how he navigated a near-crisis with a key distributor. It's a laid-back chat with serious insights. Don't miss it.Show Linksfunkymooserecords.castorehero.aiThe Sit Down PodcastMooseFestSponsorsFree 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.Not on Shopify? Start your free trialNever 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.

Imagine spending eight years shaping products inside Shopify's hallowed halls, only to step out and run your own store. That's Daniel Patricio's story. He left Shopify start his own store, Bull and Cleaver.  But here’s the twist— Daniel's journey took an unexpected detour when Apple's iOS 14 update shook the landscape. Together, we'll explore this new conversion rate normal, take a sneak peek into the future of online storefronts, and share some insider tips.Show LinksBull & CleaverAbraSponsorsFree 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.Not on Shopify? Start your free trialNever 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.

In this podcast, they discuss fresh-off-the-press news and updates in the Shopify world, answer listener questions in a Q&A segment, and provide practical Black Friday advice. They also mention sponsors and resources for Shopify users.