eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection
Steve Hutt | Shopify and eCommerce Expert
Running a Shopify store? You already know success isn't about finding the right app—it's about knowing which strategies actually work at your specific stage of growth.
I'm Steve Hutt, and I've lived every level of the ecommerce journey—from eBay Power Seller shipping products myself to Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with the teams at Tentree, Dr. Squatch, Bulletproof Coffee, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, MUD/WTR, Bokksu, and many more.
Here's what makes this podcast different: I've been on both sides of the table.
6+ years working inside Shopify gave me access to what's coming before most merchants know it exists. Building and scaling my own businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination—insider access plus real operator experience—gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Since 2016, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 420 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I sit down with operators, developers, and experts who share what's actually moving the needle right now—not theory, but patterns I've seen work consistently across dozens of brands at multiple stages.
Whether you're launching your first store or scaling past seven figures, every episode gives you stage-aware strategies you can implement this week. We cover Shopify apps and best practices, digital marketing and retention tactics, AI and automation tools, as well as operations and logistics that reduce overwhelm while building lasting customer loyalty.
You'll discover how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique, and you'll hear real founder stories—including lessons from my own journey and insights from 400+ industry leaders who've been exactly where you are.
This isn't content for content's sake. It's the insight you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's succeeded at every level, helped hundreds of others do the same, and has the pattern recognition to show you what actually works at your current stage.
Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join 30,000+ merchants in the eCommerce Fastlane community through our podcast, newsletter, blog, and forthcoming book "Thriving with Shopify."
Steve Hutt
DTC Founder | Podcast Host
Find Us Online
Website: eCommerceFastlane.com
Newsletter: FastlaneInsider.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shutt
X: x.com/stevenhutt
Instagram: instagram.com/ecommercefastlane
Email: steve@ecommercefastlane.com
I'm Steve Hutt, and I've lived every level of the ecommerce journey—from eBay Power Seller shipping products myself to Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with the teams at Tentree, Dr. Squatch, Bulletproof Coffee, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, MUD/WTR, Bokksu, and many more.
Here's what makes this podcast different: I've been on both sides of the table.
6+ years working inside Shopify gave me access to what's coming before most merchants know it exists. Building and scaling my own businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination—insider access plus real operator experience—gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Since 2016, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 420 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I sit down with operators, developers, and experts who share what's actually moving the needle right now—not theory, but patterns I've seen work consistently across dozens of brands at multiple stages.
Whether you're launching your first store or scaling past seven figures, every episode gives you stage-aware strategies you can implement this week. We cover Shopify apps and best practices, digital marketing and retention tactics, AI and automation tools, as well as operations and logistics that reduce overwhelm while building lasting customer loyalty.
You'll discover how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique, and you'll hear real founder stories—including lessons from my own journey and insights from 400+ industry leaders who've been exactly where you are.
This isn't content for content's sake. It's the insight you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's succeeded at every level, helped hundreds of others do the same, and has the pattern recognition to show you what actually works at your current stage.
Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join 30,000+ merchants in the eCommerce Fastlane community through our podcast, newsletter, blog, and forthcoming book "Thriving with Shopify."
Steve Hutt
DTC Founder | Podcast Host
Find Us Online
Website: eCommerceFastlane.com
Newsletter: FastlaneInsider.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shutt
X: x.com/stevenhutt
Instagram: instagram.com/ecommercefastlane
Email: steve@ecommercefastlane.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 12, 2024 • 44min
Navigating A Cookie-Less World: Future-Proof Your Ecommerce Strategy With Ben Zettler Of Zettler Digital
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, we're sitting down with Ben Zettler, the founder and CEO of Zettler Digital, to discuss current digital marketing strategies and tactics that are effective for DTC brands. Ben, an expert with Klaviyo, will share insights on building brands and enhancing customer engagement. We'll talk about list building, opt-in processes, and using incentives in marketing. Additionally, we'll examine changes in data management, the effects of iOS updates, and how to adapt to a cookie-less world.As we explore Ben's journey with Shopify and his rise to becoming a Plus Certified Agency Partner, we'll highlight the success stories that have influenced his agency's focus on site optimization, owned marketing, and advertising management. Whether you're a small startup or a scaling enterprise, this episode offers great insights to help you move the needle for your business.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 5, 2024 • 30min
The Unexpected Hero In Ecommerce: Noibu's Game-Changing Error Fixing Platform With Dan Wardle
Welcome back to another insightful episode of eCommerce Fastlane, your pitstop for learning, growing, and thriving in the fast-paced world of online retail. I'm your host, Steve Hutt, and as always, thank you for tuning in.Today, in episode 322, we'll be diving deep into the high-stakes universe of eCommerce optimization with a very special guest. Joining us is Dan Wardle, VP of sales at Noibu, a revolutionary platform dedicated to enhancing your online store's performance from under the hood.If you've ever been curious about how technical snags in your eCommerce site could be silently killing your sales and ad impact, buckle up. Dan is here to unravel the mystery of hidden errors and technical impediments that lurk beneath the sleek interfaces of our digital storefronts.So, whether you're a seasoned eCommerce expert or just starting to carve out your digital niche, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thrilling stories that you won't want to miss. Rev up, and let’s accelerate down the fastlane of eCommerce innovation together!Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2024 • 47min
Dream To Domain: The Strategic Acquisition And Growth Of Couch.com With Alex Back
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane! In today's episode, we sit down with Alex Back, the CEO and founder of Couch.com, to unravel his entrepreneurial journey and the fascinating story behind acquiring the Couch.com domain.Join us as we unpack into the intricacies of the online furniture market and discover how Couch.com has positioned itself as a trusted source for consumers. Alex sheds light on the significance of providing comprehensive information on selecting and maintaining couches, ensuring customers make informed decisions.We also dive into the innovative ways Couch.com is leveraging AI, technology, and strategic partnerships to scale its operations and enhance the customer experience. Alex highlights the effectiveness of running co-branded giveaways as a unique method to engage with consumers and build brand loyalty.This episode is packed with insights and strategies that are shaping Couch.com's trajectory in the competitive world of e-commerce. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the experiences and strategic decisions that are driving Couch.com's success.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 21, 2024 • 34min
The Profit-Boosting Power Of Claiming Refunds On Late Deliveries With Matt Lessard Of Buster Fetcher
In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, Steve Hutt sits down with Matt Lessard, co-founder of Buster Fetcher, to dive deep into the world of logistics and how brands are claiming refunds for late package deliveries.Matt shares insights into Buster Fetcher's solutions for automating the process of claiming refunds and discusses the importance of holding carriers accountable for late deliveries. They also touch on the future of the Buster Fetcher brand and its service offerings for the logistics industry. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the value of automated refund processes and share tips for effectively managing package tracking numbers.Join us as we explore the impact of logistics on e-commerce businesses and the potential benefits of utilizing platforms like Buster Fetcher.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
Shopify Growth Secrets: Leveraging Intelligent Demand Planning For Success With Bahadır Efeoğlu From Fabrikator
Thriving with Shopify: Fabrikator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2024 • 33min
Bloomreach and Ecommerce Evolution: AI-Powered Personalization for Exceptional Customer Experiences With Raj De Datta Of Bloomreach
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane! In today's episode, host Steve Hutt is joined by a special guest, Raj De Datta, the CEO and co-founder of Bloomreach.Together, they discuss the world of AI and its impact on ecommerce, sharing insights on how AI can enhance customer experiences and drive business growth. They discussed the challenges and potential solutions related to AI, the evolution and benefits of using Bloomreach, and the importance of personalized shopping experiences.Raj also shared his entrepreneurial journey, his book "Digital Seeker," and how Bloomreach is revolutionizing personalized product recommendations using AI. They also explored the role of AI in ecommerce business strategy and its impact on direct-to-consumer brands.This episode offers valuable insights for businesses looking to leverage AI and deliver personalized customer experiences.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2024 • 40min
Revolutionizing Customer Acquisition: SimplicityDX's Impact on Shopify Marketing Efficiency With Charles Nicholls
Welcome back to eCommerce Fastlane, where we're dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and brands thrive in the world of ecommerce.In today's episode, we're joined by Charles Nicholls, the co-founder and CEO of Simplicity DX, a company focused on reducing customer acquisition costs in the Shopify ecosystem while improving the overall customer experience. Charles discusses the challenges faced by brands in the ever-evolving digital landscape and explores how Simplicity DX addresses these issues.From the impact of Apple's privacy policy on customer targeting to the growing influence of social media in product discovery and purchasing, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help brands navigate and succeed in ecommerce.So stay tuned as we dive deep into the world of customer acquisition costs, digital experiences, and the evolving face of ecommerce with our special guest.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2024 • 47min
Winning Strategies: How AdScale's AI Tech Transforms eCommerce Advertising With Mati Ram
Welcome to another episode of Ecommerce Fastlane! In this installment, we deep dive into the world of ad optimization and AI-driven campaigns with Matty Ram, the CEO of AdScale.Matty unravels the evolution of their advertising techniques and the creation of AdScale to help brands enhance their ads with AI technology. We explore the platform's features for DIY customers and AdScale Plus, its ability to optimize campaigns using AI, and a special offer for our listeners.Join us as we uncover AdScale's capabilities in revolutionizing ad performance and driving business growth.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2024 • 25min
Adjusting Your E-commerce SEO Strategy To Focus On Organic Revenue, Not Just Traffic With Andrew Maff Of BlueTuskr
Welcome to another episode of Ecommerce Fastlane! In today's show, we dive deep into the world of ecommerce marketing with our special guest, Andrew Maff, the founder and CEO of BlueTuskr.Andrew shares some valuable insights on the power of leveraging omnichannel marketing strategies for Shopify brands, and the importance of diversifying your business channels. He also discusses the innovative use of AI tools for SEO and content creation, and how BlueTuskr differentiates itself by offering a full-service marketing approach. Andrew also provides an exclusive offer for our listeners - a bundle of ecommerce marketing reports.Stay tuned to learn how you can access these valuable resources. This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies that you won't want to miss!Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2024 • 49min
Stay Ahead of the Competition: Mastering Data Feed Optimization With Jacques van der Wilt Of DataFeedWatch
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane! In today's episode, we dive into the world of data feed optimization with our special guest, Jacques van der Wilt from DataFeedWatch.Join us as we explore the importance of optimizing product feeds for different channels and how it can significantly impact your advertising campaigns. From the benefits of AI-powered analysis to the power of custom labels and optimizing product titles, Jacques shares valuable insights and strategies to maximize your return on advertising spend.We also discuss the expanding landscape of advertising channels, including emerging platforms like TikTok, and the role of high-quality images in boosting visibility and conversions. Don't miss out on this jam-packed episode filled with actionable tips and real-world examples from the experts at DataFeedWatch.Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.TwitterLinkedInFacebookFor more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
