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
Nov 1, 2021 • 47min
Sell More, Work Smarter, And Future Proof Your Growth Strategy With A PIM
In today’s episode, my guest is Jon Marsella, the Founder and CEO of Jasper PIM. They are an eCommerce acceleration tool that helps Shopify merchants to quickly organize, automate and syndicate their product information accurately, saving time, reducing errors, and increasing sales velocity. Today you’ll learn why it’s imperative to have a single source of truth for product data.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYWhat is a PIM (Product Information Management).Why successful Shopify brands use a PIM as a source of product truth.How product information management assists in merchandising a store.When does a Shopify brand know when the time is right to consider a PIM.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDJasperJasper PIM Shopify AppJasper Case StudiesCONNECT WITH JASPEREmail: info@jasperpim.comFacebook: facebook.com/jasperproductinformationmanagementTwitter: twitter.com/jasperPIMLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jasperpimEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by the Rewind App. This should be the first thing you install on your Shopify store to protect against human error, misbehaving apps, or collaborators gone bad. It's the trusted backup solution for over 100,000 businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 1, 2021 • 37min
Hidden Opportunities To Drive Bigger ROI From Your Discount And Coupon Strategy
In today’s episode, my guest is Kathleen Booth the CMO of Clean.io. They have a Shopify app called cleanCART that helps online retailers build more profitable discount strategies and protect their user experience, brand and revenue by controlling the ways that coupon extensions interact with their websites.We have been taught to believe that coupon extensions (like Honey) drive incremental revenue, but research shows they reduce average order value and conversion rates, all while claiming credit for sales they had little or no part in driving.It's time to protect your margins and increase average order value so let's jump in and learn more about this amazing technology.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow to build a more profitable discount strategy for your brand.The serious problems with coupon leakage and abuse.What is coupon hygiene and why you need to implement a “single source of truth” for discount codes.Reframe everything you've been taught to believe about the impact of coupon extensions like Honey.CONNECT WITH CLEAN.IOEmail: hello@clean.ioFacebook: facebook.com/CleandotioTwitter: twitter.com/Clean_ioYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCV5-0aFt1_uCrmHjYn8g7sQLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/11705925EPISODE SPONSORThis episode is brought to you by Omnisend, makers of sophisticated omnichannel marketing automation tools for sales-driven Shopify brands that have outgrown generic email marketing platforms. Engage your customers and boost your sales with dynamic emails, text messages, web push notifications, Facebook Messenger, and retargeting ads on Facebook and Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 25, 2021 • 41min
Get Access To Capital, Proprietary Technology And The Greatest Minds In Growth And Operations
In today’s episode, my guest is Allan Fisch the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Moonshot. Moonshot Brands buys and grows Shopify and Amazon businesses. They assist founders that think their brands have touched the ceiling by giving them access to capital, proprietary technology and the greatest minds in growth and operations. They also give founders a seat at the table to continue building alongside the Moonshot team. This gives the ability to continue profiting and receiving the significant upside from the future growth of their brands.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow Shopify store owners can achieve a fast and lucrative exit from their business.Why a founder deserves the upside in the future growth of the brand they created.Lessons you can learn about building a company and getting acquired.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDMoonshot BrandsMagneto BoardsCONNECT WITH MOONSHOTEmail: info@moonshotbrands.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/moonshotbrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/65281006 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxF1umKhwBw EPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization for Shopify brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 23, 2021 • 37min
Optimize Your Shopify Thank You Page And Unlock An Additional 8% In Revenue
In today’s episode, my guest is Eric the Co-Founder of StilyoApps, the company best known for their wildly popular ReConvert App. ReConvert is an app that helps merchants generate more revenue by implementing 1-click upsell funnels integrated into the Shopify checkout, including a drag & drop interface for the thank you page with 16 different widgets.This is a great conversation with tons of learnings. Make sure to listen through to the end to get access to an exclusive listener-only bonus too!WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYThe strategic importance of the Shopify order confirmation page.Benefits of a post purchase funnel paired with a one-click upsell flow.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDReConvert Shopify AppReConvert 60-Day Free Trial - Thanks Eric!LucydCONNECT WITH RECONVERTEmail: care@reconvert.ioFacebook: facebook.com/groups/ReConvertInstagram: instagram.com/stilyoappsYouTube: youtube.com/c/StilyoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/stilyoappsEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by the Rewind App. This should be the first thing you install on your Shopify store to protect against human error, misbehaving apps, or collaborators gone bad. It's the trusted backup solution for over 100,000 businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 22, 2021 • 44min
Livestream’s Next Wave: 1:1 Live Shopping Increases Conversions 7X
In today’s episode, my guest is Tyler Murray, the Co-Founder and CTO from GhostRetail. They have built the world’s first 1:1 live video shopping platform that provides a complete in-store experience online.It enables Shopify retailers to tap into a new revenue stream from a personalized, guided, and seamless web-based shopping experience. It takes the live shopping consumers love to the next level, extending it from discovery through checkout with integrations that create a seamless experience.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow to humanize your brand with real sales associates and influencers through 1:1 live video shopping.How GhostRetail is providing a new sales channel that eliminates the barriers to making an online purchase.Leverage your existing retail space to service more customers, expanding your location's reach and increasing revenue per square foot.Empower your staff or remote employees to sell from the comfort of their own homes or capture sales during off-hours.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDGhostRetailBook a demo with GhostRetailCONNECT WITH GHOST RETAILEmail: info@ghostretail.comInstagram: instagram.com/ghostretailTwitter: twitter.com/GhostRetailLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ghostretailEPISODE SPONSORThis episode is brought to you by Omnisend, makers of sophisticated omnichannel marketing automation tools for sales-driven Shopify brands that have outgrown generic email marketing platforms. Engage your customers and boost your sales with dynamic emails, text messages, web push notifications, Facebook Messenger, and retargeting ads on Facebook and Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 22, 2021 • 52min
Progressive Shopify Brands Know The Future Of Retail Marketing Is Omnichannel
In today’s episode, my guest is Brent Spicer the CEO and Co-Founder of Marsello. They are a customer marketing platform that helps omnichannel retailers bridge the gap between their sales channels, through a seamless integration of marketing tools. You'll learn how to turn visitors into customers and customers into repeat customers.Marsello has everything a Shopify brand needs to capture in-store and online visitors' details, motivate them to shop, and then bring them back again and again.Finally, you can create the omnichannel customer experience you want that will increase customer retention and spend.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYWhat is omnichannel marketing and how is it impacting the future of retail.What cross-channel marketing opportunities are available to Shopify brands.How marketplaces and social media impact a brands awareness, consideration, and conversions.The benefits of a seamless experience both in-store and online.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDMarsello.comMarsello Shopify AppShopify Plus Certified App Partner - The first New Zealand company to achieve this! Congrats!Marsello Success StoriesFree Premium Onboarding for eCommerce Fastlane listeners - Thanks Spice!MerrellCONNECT WITH MARSELLOEmail: hi@marsello.comFacebook: facebook.com/MarselloAppTwitter: twitter.com/marselloappVimeo: vimeo.com/marselloYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCgszSa_tNxA_lEpieFHMXbALinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/marsello-appEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization for Shopify brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 20, 2021 • 53min
Ditch Support Tickets And Differentiate Through Radically Personal Customer Service
In today’s episode, my guest is Mike McCarron the VP, Sales and Strategic Alliances of Gladly. They are a service platform that treats customers like people, not tickets, which allows agents to communicate seamlessly across all channels. It's referred to as "radically personal" customer experience.Gladly centers customer service around the person, not a case, which gives agents full visibility of customers in a single view.The world’s most innovative DTC Shopify brands like Andy Swimwear, Chubbies Shorts, Allbirds, and Rothy’s use the Gladly platform to develop lifelong customer relationships, not one-off experiences. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYThe benefits to having more personalized and human interactions with your customers.The customer disconnect with an endless mess of duplicate support tickets.Why customer expectations have changed on how they engage with brands.How to scale delightful customer experiences through AI and human interaction.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDGladly.comGladly Shopify AppIdeas and advice for modern customer serviceMake the switch to Gladly and get 3 months free - Thanks Mike!CONNECT WITH GLADLYEmail: hi@gladly.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/GladlyIncTwitter: twitter.com/gladlyYouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvdksboXf9wkfr1TcROnxALinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gladly-inc EPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by the Rewind App. This should be the first thing you install on your Shopify store to protect against human error, misbehaving apps, or collaborators gone bad. It's the trusted backup solution for over 100,000 businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 17, 2021 • 45min
Get Exponential Growth Opportunities With Strategic Conversion Rate Optimization
In today’s episode, my guest is Justin Christianson the Co-Founder and President of Conversion Fanatics. They are a full-service conversion and experience optimization company. They assist Shopify-powered brands to grow and scale through strategic testing to help understand the wants and needs of site visitors.This is a great conversation with tons of learnings about following the data and iterating until you find the winning elements.Make sure to listen through to the end to get access to a free copy of the Justins book: How To Double Your Customers, Sales and Profits With A/B Testing.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYWhy conversion rate optimization is only one part of the equation to improve marketing performance.Why revenue per visitor is an important KPI to monitor and improve.Why you need to test fast and often to effectively grow and scale.Why qualitative and quantitative data analysis is required to find the key areas of improvement.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDConversionFanatics.comHow To Double Your Customers, Sales and Profits With A/B Testing - Get a free copy - Thanks Justin!CONNECT WITH CONVERSION FANATICSEmail: hi@conversionfanatics.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/conversion-fanaticsFacebook: www.facebook.com/conversionfanaticsInstagram: www.instagram.com/conversionfanaticsTwitter: twitter.com/convfanatics YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOhpXTAcZG2iGTizT7ddRwwEPISODE SPONSORThis episode is brought to you by Omnisend, makers of sophisticated omnichannel marketing automation tools for sales-driven Shopify brands that have outgrown generic email marketing platforms. Engage your customers and boost your sales with dynamic emails, text messages, web push notifications, Facebook Messenger, and retargeting ads on Facebook and Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 16, 2021 • 40min
Social Proof Is One Of The Most Powerful Reputation Multipliers For A Shopify Brand
In today’s episode, my guest is Matt Hollingsworth the Chief of Staff of Stamped.io. They are a Ratings and Review app and also a Loyalty and Reward solution.They help Shopify brands to leverage UGC (user-generated content) and loyalty programs to grow and scale a brand’s retention efforts.Let's jump in and learn more about Stamped and how they are assisting Shopify brands (at scale) to improve conversion rates while building a community of fans and repeat customers.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow to build meaningful connections with your customers.Why user generated content drives authentic product recommendations.How to transform your Instagram into shoppable galleries and retargeted ads.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDStamped.ioStamped.io Reviews & UGC Shopify AppStamped.io Loyalty & RewardsShopify Plus Certified App PartnerStamped.io Listener Promotion - 25% Off On A Paid Plan For 6 Months - Thanks Matt!Get Into Stamped.io Faster With The Contract Buyout PlanCONNECT WITH STAMPEDEmail: hello@stamped.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stamped-ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stampedioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stampedhqTwitter: https://twitter.com/StampedHQYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7QkYSt6-PapBoDojlt_IQEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 11, 2021 • 40min
Beat The Competition And Turbocharge Your Growth With Trusted Accurate Data
In today’s episode, my guest is Ari Messer, the Co-Founder of Littledata. They are an analytics connector that helps Shopify brands get accurate data in the tools they already use.Littledata makes it ridiculously easy to connect sales, marketing and customer data. They empower thousands of data-driven Shopify stores to make better decisions to accelerate growth.Let's jump in and learn more about why the top DTC brands on Shopify choose Littledata.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow to finally have 100% confidence in your data accuracy.Why inaccurate data can derail your growth by sending you down the wrong decision-making path.What is first-party & zero-party data and why is it important today.How to audit and fix Google Analytics to ensure accurate tracking.How to get accurate marketing attribution including cross-domain and multi-currency.How to get accurate Facebook campaign tagging and campaign cost imported to Google Analytics.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDLittledata.ioLittledata Shopify AppLittledata / Segment.com Shopify AppHeadless Shopify TrackingTracking Subscriptions In Shopify's Unified CheckoutFree Analytics Audit + 30-Day Free Trial - Thanks Ari!Grind Coffee Case Study - The Brick & Mortar Pivot To Massive Online SuccessCONNECT WITH LITTLEDATAEmail: ari@littledata.ioLinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/littledataukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/littledataukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/littledataukTwitter: https://twitter.com/littledataukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnlh2ZmezclpJ2yfSncGLLwLittledataThis episode is brought to you by Attentive, the most comprehensive text message marketing solution for modern Shopify brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
