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 from my garage, to co-founding and scaling VisionPros.com (an optical DTC startup) through to a successful exit, then spending 6+ years as a Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with 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, scaling, and successfully exiting my own ecommerce businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination of insider access plus real operator experience gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Since 2018, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 430 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I chat 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 dig into Shopify apps, digital marketing, retention tactics, AI tools, and the operational stuff that actually reduces overwhelm—while building customer loyalty that lasts.
You'll learn how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique. You'll also hear real founder stories, including lessons from my own journey building and exiting a DTC brand, plus insights from guests across 430+ episodes who've been exactly where you are.
This isn't content for content's sake. It's what you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's built, scaled, and exited—and helped hundreds of others do the same.
Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join thousands of founders and marketers 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 from my garage, to co-founding and scaling VisionPros.com (an optical DTC startup) through to a successful exit, then spending 6+ years as a Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with 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, scaling, and successfully exiting my own ecommerce businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination of insider access plus real operator experience gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Since 2018, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 430 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I chat 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 dig into Shopify apps, digital marketing, retention tactics, AI tools, and the operational stuff that actually reduces overwhelm—while building customer loyalty that lasts.
You'll learn how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique. You'll also hear real founder stories, including lessons from my own journey building and exiting a DTC brand, plus insights from guests across 430+ episodes who've been exactly where you are.
This isn't content for content's sake. It's what you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's built, scaled, and exited—and helped hundreds of others do the same.
Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join thousands of founders and marketers 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
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.
Jan 23, 2024 • 29min
Affordable Influence: How MavenReach is Democratizing Brand Awareness With Esther Kim
On today's episode of eCommerce Fastlane, host Steve Hutt dives into the world of influencer marketing with Esther Kim, the CEO of Maven Reach.Esther shares her insights and expertise in micro influencer marketing and how Maven Reach is changing the game for direct-to-consumer brands. She reveals the importance of authenticity and connection in influencer marketing, and dispels some common myths in the industry.Esther also shares a real-life success story of a Shopify brand that experienced significant revenue growth through Maven Reach's influencer campaigns. Finally, Esther is offering an exclusive deal for eCommerce Fastlane listeners interested in tapping into Maven Reach's services.Tune in for a deep dive into the future of influencer marketing and insights on leveraging micro influencers for brand 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 • 32min
Chase Harmer's Wishes: Crafting a New Narrative in Charitable Giving
In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, host Steve Hutt welcomes Chase Harmer, founder of Wishes, a platform revolutionizing charitable giving and transparency in donations.Chase shares his entrepreneurial journey and invaluable lessons learned, emphasizing the significance of successful and replicable processes in business operations. He unpacks Wishes' unique features, including tax deductibility, cash back incentives, and transparency, positioning it as a powerful tool for e-commerce brands looking to incorporate charitable options into their business. Also discussed are Wishes' upcoming expansion plans, its differentiation from competitors like GoFundMe, and its potential to disrupt the industry. Get ready for a deep dive into the transformative potential of Wishes and its impact on the e-commerce landscape.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 • 48min
How To Offer Amazon Prime Style Shipping On Your Shopify Store With Manish Chowdhary Of Cahoot
In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, host Steve Hutt welcomes Manish Chowdhary, the founder and CEO of Cahoot, an innovative ecommerce order fulfillment and multichannel platform.Manish shares the founding story of Cahoot and its mission to optimize commerce and save time and money for merchants and consumers. He discusses how Cahoot's technology, driven by generative AI and ChatGPT, is revolutionizing the ecommerce fulfillment landscape, making decisions faster, smarter, and proactively identifying and rectifying errors. The episode dives into Cahoot's unique approach and business model, offering solutions for affordable, fast delivery, omnichannel fulfillment, and international shipping.Manish also shares a success story of how Cahoot helped Cali's Books overcome multichannel fulfillment challenges. Steve and Manish explore the critical role of AI in fulfillment and how it's ingrained in Cahoot's DNA and technology.Join us as we explore how Cahoot is reshaping the future of ecommerce fulfillment and the impact it's creating for merchants worldwide.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.
