Secrets To Scaling Your Ecommerce Brand

Send us a textInsights on various promotion strategies including organic sharing across social platforms, utilizing email and SMS lists for re-engagement, exploring partnerships with other brands, and leveraging paid ads, especially video ads, for maximum impact.In this episode, Jordan West discusses a powerful strategy for running giveaways using a tool called King Sumo. He reveals how this strategy can lead to going viral, gaining new subscribers and followers, and driving incredible results. Jordan takes you through the step-by-step process, sharing practical tips on how to set up and promote your giveaways to achieve maximum impact. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:Giveaways using King Sumo can help go viral and attract a significant number of new subscribers and followers.It's important to configure all integrations in the backend before starting a new giveaway.Duration for giveaways should be at least 2-3 weeks, and the prize offered should be substantial to attract attention and engagement.Collecting entries should ideally include asking for name, email, and phone number with consent and GDPR compliance.Organic promotion strategies involve sharing the giveaway on social media, reengaging with email and SMS lists, and potentially partnering with another brand for cross-promotion.Paid ads, especially video ads, can be highly effective for promoting the giveaway.Post-giveaway analysis is recommended to gather insights into the giveaway's performance and impact.Recommended Tools/App:KingSumo: https://kingsumo.com/ Facebook Pixel: https://www.facebook.com/business/tools/meta-pixel/ Zapier: https://zapier.com/ Klaviyo: https://www.klaviyo.com/ Chat GPT: https://chat.openai.com/  SendLane: https://www.sendlane.com/ Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/growMillion Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Send us a textGet insights on building productive, peer-to-peer relationships with agencies, and practical strategies for achieving positive outcomes.In this episode, Jordan West discusses the ins and outs of working with an agency. He delves into the importance of effective communication, setting clear expectations, and avoiding toxic behaviors that can hinder the agency-client relationship. Drawing from personal experiences, Jordan emphasizes the need for self-reflection and accountability in fostering successful partnerships with agencies. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:Overcommunicate and don't assume that the agency knows everything about your business.Provide specific goals and expectations instead of talking in generalities.Take responsibility for the agency-client relationship and look for areas of improvement within the brand if there have been issues with multiple agencies.Avoid bringing emotions and inflammatory language into the relationship with the agency.Recognize the need for personal and business development to become more effective in working with agencies.Utilize tools such as EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to evaluate the agency fit and core values alignment.Recommended Tools/App:EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System): https://www.eosworldwide.com/ Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/growMillion Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Send us a textExplore strategies for implementing warranties, the value of back-end products, and the importance of good customer service. In this episode, Jordan West and Mike Kaufman, Owner of ProTuff Products  shares his valuable insights on the power of warranties and guarantees in driving customer satisfaction and business growth. From extreme warranty offerings and product development strategies to the importance of efficient customer service and building trust. They also discuss the nuances of Amazon's terms of service and the potential gray areas related to the warranty registration process. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:Saying "yes" to customer requests and being liberal with warranties can have a positive impact on customer loyalty and business growth.Developing and offering back-end products can provide Amazon sellers with opportunities for premium pricing and enhanced customer loyalty.Automating claims processes can lead to a more efficient customer experience and contribute to building and maintaining trust.Offering believable but extreme warranty or guarantee terms can lead to positive customer experiences Flexibility in registration processes, incentivizing early registration, and not imposing strict time limits can positively impact customer retention.Recommended Tools/App:Manychat: https://manychat.com/ Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:Brand Fortress HQ Podcast: https://podcast.brandfortresshq.com/ Today’s Guest: Mike Kaufman, Brand Owner of ProTuff Products has a wealth of expertise in Amazon-centric strategies, having made the transition to Amazon approximately 12 years ago after originally starting out with AOL and working with an MLM company. He is an expert in the implementation and benefits of offering comprehensive warranty and guarantee programs to drive customer satisfaction, business growth, and product success. Connect and learn more about Mike and ProTuff Products:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/protuffproducts/ Website: https://www.protuffproducts.com/ Amazon ProTuff Products: https://www.amazon.com/stores/ProTuffProducts/ProTuffProducts/page/4135DC12-0CA1-428C-BD7B-1E504C405290 Brand Fortress HQ: https://brandfortresshq.com/ 

Send us a textExplore the impact of company acquisition, the challenges of maintaining vision alignment, and the dynamic nature of advertising strategies.In this episode, Jordan West and Alex Back, discuss the fascinating journey of building an e-commerce business in the furniture industry. From early successes and missed opportunities to the complexities of choosing the right e-commerce platform and the importance of personalized customer experiences. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:Building trust in the direct-to-consumer market is challenging and crucial for long-term success.Early investment in SEO and organic traffic can yield significant benefits, highlighting the importance of digital marketing strategies.The importance of scalable systems and processes in driving growth and navigating transitions within a company.Challenges and potential regrets can arise when the vision and creative direction of a company are questioned after an acquisition or during transitions.Today’s Guest: Alex Back, CEO and Founder of Couch.com has over 15 years of experience in the e-commerce and online retail industry, he is passionate about creating and scaling innovative solutions that cater to the needs and preferences of modern consumers. He’s currently building a state-of-the-art platform that helps consumers figure out how and where to buy a couch, a problem that has not been adequately addressed by the existing market players.Connect and learn more about Alex and Couch.com:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-back-49784435/ Email: alex@couch.com Website: https://couch.com/ Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/growMillion Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Send us a textActive engagement in TikTok shops and the significant impact it has on e-commerce and conversion rates for their business, highlighting the importance of adapting to new trends and technologies for business success.In this episode, Jordan West and Kelley Thornton, shares valuable insights into scaling their business into multiple eight figures. Kelley's journey from a side project in 2015 to the fully launched direct-to-consumer brand has led to remarkable growth, serving over 500,000 customers in 108 countries every month. Kelly shares insights into navigating capital markets, the significance of data-driven decision-making, and the cultural shift in male grooming, reflecting on the challenges and successes in the evolving landscape of the skincare industry.Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:The use of AI to predict return and revenue rates, highlighting the importance of tracking and adjusting spending based on daily intelligence for effective decision-making.The significance of hiring experts in specific disciplines to scale a business successfully.The value of trust and influence over monetary rewards, emphasizing the importance of vetting sponsors and building genuine interactions with the audience.The importance of men maintaining healthy routines, providing insights for businesses targeting male skincare and grooming products.Recommended Tools/App:Triple Whale: https://www.triplewhale.com/ North Beam: https://www.northbeam.io/ Lifetimely: https://www.lifetimely.io/ Polar Analytics: https://www.polaranalytics.com/ Tableau: https://www.tableau.com/ Fivetran: https://www.fivetran.com/ Snowflake: https://www.snowflake.com/ Today’s Guest: Kelley Thornton is a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background in business. He started his first company, a successful painting business, while still in university. This experience taught him valuable lessons in management, scheduling, and payroll. Following this, he spent 18 years working in sales, splitting his time between New York City and Chicago. Kelley's varied career has given him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the business world.Connect and learn more about Kelley and Tiege Hanley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleythornton-ceo-tiege-hanley/ Website: https://www.tiege.com/ 

Send us a textThe challenges and benefits of using 3PLs and omnichannel selling and the impact of new marketplaces like TikTok shops on e-commerce.In this episode, Jordan West and Pauline Shiu, share invaluable insights on efficient inventory management. From warehouse setup to the impact of operations on profitability. They explore the inefficiencies of managing inventory across multiple channels without a centralized source of real-time data, and the importance of warehouse mapping and pick-pack procedures. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:The significance of optimizing operations to avoid negative impacts on profit margins, brand reputation, and customer loyalty in the e-commerce industry.The potential impact of TikTok shops on e-commerce and the need for managing inventory for emerging platforms.Benefits of kitting solutions, bundles, and the difficulty of forecasting demand in e-commerce inventory management.The need for reliable and automated inventory management solutions for online marketplaces like Amazon.Recommended Tools/App:Zoom Clips: https://www.zoom.com/en/products/video-recording/ Finale Inventory: www.finaleinventory.com- use “upgrowth2024” code and get 20% off for the First 6 months Today’s Guest: Pauline Shiu is Vice President of Marketing with Finale Inventory, the platform trusted by thousands of brands as their inventory and operations management hub. With 20 years of experience in ecommerce and SaaS, she believes that the best software not only solves complex problems, but provides the right data at the right time to the team. Pauline lives in Maryland with her two small children and many houseplants. She loves being outside - on a walk, paddleboarding, or dining al fresco.Connect and learn more about Pauline and Finale Inventory:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulineshiu Website: https://www.finaleinventory.com/ 

Send us a textThe challenges of attracting top celebrity stylists to join the platform and how they managed to overcome these obstacles, providing unique insights for e-commerce store owners looking to connect with top talent.In this episode, Jordan West and Julie Floyd, share the journey of how she transitioned from being a bond trader and stay-at-home mom to launching a fashion and beauty platform that connects individuals with celebrity hair, fashion, and makeup stylists for personalized 1-on-1 appointments. She discusses the unique concept of StyldLife, the challenges and opportunities she encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the platform has evolved to cater to various needs beyond its initial scope. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:Be open to new opportunities and constantly look for areas to grow and expand the business.Embrace word-of-mouth marketing and consider the impact of current events on the business to adapt and grow.Listen and learn from others to gain valuable insights and perspectives.Utilize platforms like TikTok for marketing and communication to reach new audiences.Recommended Tools/App:Slack: https://slack.com/ Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese: https://www.audible.com/pd/Cutting-for-Stone-Audiobook/B002V0K23M Today’s Guest: Julie Floyd, Founder and CEO of StyldLife is a confident and independent woman who realized the importance of trusting her own instincts. She helps aspiring business professionals and students find their confidence by preparing them for the professional workplace and new settings. Connect and learn more about Julie and StyldLife:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-floyd-9706a928/ Email: jfloyd@styldlife.com Website: https://www.styldlife.com/ 

Send us a textTesting new strategies, even if they don't yield immediate success, provides valuable insights for future growth.In this episode, Jordan West shares the results of a recent experiment with a free plus shipping offer for one of their brands, Little and Lively. Join us as we delve into the details of this campaign and uncover the surprising findings. From customer acquisition costs to average order values, hear about the successes and challenges faced during this compelling experiment. Stay tuned as Jordan reveals the next steps in their strategy, from email win-back series to utilizing Instagram DM funnels. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:Testing new offers and marketing experiments is essential for learning and growth in ecommerce.It's important to analyze various metrics, such as attribution models and customer behavior, to understand the full impact of promotional offers.Experimenting with Instagram DM funnels and leveraging chatbots for customer engagement can be an effective way to attract and retain customers, especially in specific demographic segments.Keeping track of financial performance through cash flow and profit and loss statements is crucial for evaluating the impact of promotional campaigns on overall business profitability.The value of taking action, testing new ideas, and being open to learning from both successes and failures in ecommerce marketing.Recommended Tools/App:Lifetimely: https://www.lifetimely.io/Liverecover: https://liverecover.com/

Send us a textThe time to embrace TikTok Shops is now. With TikTok Shops, engaging content creators are not just influencers; they are revenue partners. In this episode, Jordan West dives deep into the world of TikTok shops and shares his belief that this platform is poised to revolutionize the direct-to-consumer industry. With insights gained from working with major brands, Jordan outlines a new approach to content sourcing and explains why TikTok shops will transform influencer marketing and customer acquisition. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:TikTok shops have the potential to revolutionize the direct-to-consumer industry.Leveraging TikTok shops can lead to influencer collaboration, content generation, and direct-to-consumer sales.The process requires intense pitch refinement, influencer negotiation, and content management.Businesses with established product-market fit and a willingness to iterate are best suited for TikTok shop integration.Recommended Tools/App:Refunnel: https://www.refunnel.com/Archive: https://archive.com/Social Snowball: https://socialsnowball.io/

Send us a textChallenges of launching a brand in 2024, the shift from agencies to in-house marketing, and the importance of customer retention alongside acquisition. In this episode, Jordan West and Morgan Logsdon, experienced marketer, discuss the challenges and benefits of bringing marketing functions in-house, exploring non-traditional distribution channels for product exposure, and the potential of launching a brand in 2024. They delve into customer acquisition and retention strategies, scaling approaches, the value of first-party attribution, and the complexities of attribution models. Listen and learn in this episode!Key takeaways from this episode:The significance of balancing customer acquisition and retention to fuel successful retention marketing.The importance of first-party attribution for understanding the full customer journey and making strategic decisions based on owned data.The potential challenges with customer acquisition and retention in the DTC world.Establishing a true brand identity, understanding the unique problem the product solves, and focusing on serving a specific community.Recommended Tools/App:Triple Whale: https://www.triplewhale.com/ AppSumo: https://appsumo.com/ Recommended Sites:Uline: https://www.uline.com/ Corkcicle: https://corkcicle.com/ Today’s Guest: Morgan Logsdon, Founder of Sixth House Marketing began her career in the startup world, taking on various roles as the company brought outsourced agencies in house. This led to valuable experience in direct-to-consumer marketing and product development. After working with other startups in growth and life cycle marketing, Morgan founded her own business, Sixth House Marketing. The company focuses on helping growth stage and pre-launch businesses go to market and scale, with a strong emphasis on branding.Connect and learn more about Morgan and Sixth House:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganmjenkins/ Website: https://www.sixthhousemarketing.com/