

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

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.

Jan 9, 2024 • 49min
How a Firefighter Mastered Marketing
Johnny Hickey, former New York firefighter turned digital marketer, tells us what he's learned jumping into ecommerce in 2018 and learning on the job.He gives us the lowdown on the essentials – focus on user experience and keep your email marketing game strong. He's candid about the ad game too, comparing the heavyweights: Google and Facebook Ads. His advice? Sometimes you need a pro to take a swing at those Facebook Ads.The real deal with Johnny is his approach to learning and adapting. He's all about experimenting and not being afraid to call in the cavalry when things get too technical. For those grappling with Pinterest Ads, TikTok Ads, and the ever-elusive SEO, Johnny's experiences are like finding a lighthouse in a storm.Chapter Timestamps(00:00) Transitioning From Firefighter to E-Commerce Entrepreneur(09:32) Launching a Mask Business in 2020(19:45) Marketing Strategies and Trade Show Success(26:41) Maximizing Revenue With Email and Facebook(40:11) Frustrations With Google, Pinterest, and TikTok(47:42) Advice and Influence on Shopify SiteShow LinksFadoPerfect White TeeFour Hour Work WeekSam Baldwin / KeyCommerceFastLane ForumUptimeTraffic SecretsSponsorsFree 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.

Jan 2, 2024 • 53min
Optimizing Shopify Themes: Redesign or Just Refine?
As we approach 2024, the mantra for every Shopify store owner should be 'Build Better, Grow Faster'. But how do you turn this mantra into reality?Today, we're zeroing in on the theme 'Build a Better Store for 2024'. We're dissecting the critical shifts in e-commerce and how they impact your store's future.With us is Chase Clymer, a Shopify savant from Electric Eye. He's the brains behind successful store transformations and is here to share his playbook for e-commerce excellence.Chase dives into why embracing Shopify Online Store 2.0 is a game-changer, discussing its customization capabilities and how it aligns with consumer expectations in 2024.From conducting thorough code audits to prioritizing user experience, Chase lays out actionable strategies to refine your store. We explore the power of customer feedback and the underrated art of split testing in driving conversions.As 2024 looms, the challenge is clear: innovate or stagnate. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone aiming to build a better Shopify store in the coming year.Hit subscribe for more e-commerce wisdom that will help you lead the pack in 2024. Building a better store starts here.Show LinksElectric Eye AgencyHonest Ecommerce PodcastZapierIntelliGemsShopliftUnbound Merino2BobsSponsorsFree 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.

Dec 26, 2023 • 46min
Post-Holiday Profit Strategies
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.

Dec 19, 2023 • 50min
Scaling Skincare: Bushbalm's Rise
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.

Dec 12, 2023 • 48min
Breaking Down a Black Friday Blowout
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.