
eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection. I’m Steve Hutt, your experienced guide and host, here to help you unlock real, sustainable growth for your Shopify store by blending the best of automation with the power of authentic customer relationships.
Since 2016, eCommerce Fastlane has been the weekly pit-stop for ambitious DTC founders and marketers. With over 1.5 million downloads and 400+ episodes, this show is your trusted resource for:
- Proven Shopify strategies, apps, and best practices that drive measurable results
- Digital marketing tactics and retention playbooks that balance AI with genuine human touch
- Real-world founder stories and lessons learned from my own journey and 400+ interviews with industry leaders
- Deep dives into emerging tech (AI, AR/VR, automation) and how to use it without losing your brand’s soul
- Operations, logistics, and customer experience solutions that reduce overwhelm and foster loyalty
Each week, I sit down with Shopify partners, marketing experts, and successful store owners who share what’s actually working right now—no fluff, just actionable, battle-tested strategies.
Whether you’re launching your first store or scaling past seven figures, you’ll walk away from every episode with at least one practical idea you can implement immediately.
Ready to thrive in today’s fast-paced ecommerce world—growing smarter, not just faster? Hit subscribe and join thousands of merchants building customer-centric, future-proof brands with eCommerce Fastlane.
Let’s unlock your store’s true potential—together.
Steve Hutt
x-Shopify - DTC Founder - Podcast Host
Website: eCommerceFastlane.com
Newsletter: FastlaneInsider.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shutt
X: x.com/stevenhutt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecommercefastlane
Email: steve@ecommercefastlane.com
Latest episodes

Oct 25, 2024 • 31min
Scaling Smarter: The Hire Odesa Approach To Building Elite Remote Tech Teams
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Val Narodetsky, the founder and CEO of Hire Odessa.In this episode, Val reveals how Shopify brands can access elite Ukrainian tech talent while achieving significant cost savings:Up to 70% lower costs14-day placement timeTop 1% of tech talentVal shares strategies for connecting US and Canadian companies with Ukraine’s best developers, implementing AI solutions, and scaling Shopify operations efficiently. He introduces Hire Odessa’s unique vetting process that ensures both technical excellence and cultural fit.Throughout our conversation, we explore:Accessing elite Ukrainian tech talent for Shopify developmentImplementing AI and machine learning solutions cost-effectivelyManaging remote tech teams across time zonesBuilding resilient development teams in challenging circumstancesLeveraging both permanent and flexible staffing solutionsWhether you’re a Shopify merchant looking to scale, or a brand seeking AI expertise, this episode offers valuable insights into accessing global tech talent efficiently. 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.

Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 7min
Expert Tips For Ecommerce Excellence: A Deep Dive With AbsoluteWeb
Georgiy Slobodenyuk, Director of Technology at AbsoluteWeb, dives into Shopify's customization and migration strategies. With over a decade in ecommerce, he reveals why 90% of AbsoluteWeb’s clients favor Shopify. Georgiy discusses real-world success stories, debunks misconceptions about the platform, and explains the power of Shopify Flow for automation. He shares tips for preparing for the holiday rush, including insights about AI's impact on ecommerce. His practical advice aims to empower brands to scale effectively in a competitive landscape.

Oct 3, 2024 • 30min
Leveling The Playing Field: AI Solutions For Shopify Ecommerce Growth And Efficiency
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Parag Mamnani, Founder and CEO of Webgility.In this exciting episode, we’re diving deep into the world of AI and its transformative impact on eCommerce. Parag, with his two decades of industry experience, shares invaluable insights on how AI is reshaping the landscape for D2C brands.We’ll explore a range of crucial topics, including:Practical strategies for businesses to thrive in an AI-driven environmentDebunking common myths surrounding AI in eCommerceHow Webgility’s new AI-powered solutions are leveling the playing field for smaller eCommerce businessesBut that’s not all! We’ll also unpack advanced operational techniques, such as:Automating accounting and operations for eCommerce businessesSeamlessly integrating with QuickBooks and NetSuiteEliminating manual data entry and reducing inventory issuesParag will introduce Webgility’s innovative platform, which processes a staggering 87 million transactions annually for over 20,000 businesses. As a special treat for our listeners, he’ll provide insights into how these tools can help Shopify stores sharpen their competitive edge.Throughout our conversation, we’ll examine Parag’s unique perspective on the challenges brands face when implementing AI and his practical approach to overcoming them. You’ll leave this episode armed with actionable advice that you can implement immediately to accelerate your eCommerce business growth.This is your opportunity to learn how AI can transform your eCommerce operations, reduce manual work, and provide actionable insights. Don’t miss out on this chance to revolutionize the way you run your Shopify store! 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.

Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 15min
Unlock Explosive E-commerce Growth With Rapid 2X
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Sabir Semerkant, founder of Growth by Sabir.In this exciting episode, we’re diving deep into powerful strategies to supercharge your online store, just in time for the incredibly important Q4 holiday season. Sabir, a seasoned expert in eCommerce growth, shares his invaluable insights on optimizing your website for peak performance.We’ll explore a range of crucial topics, including:– Enhancing website speed and user experience– Streamlining your app ecosystem for maximum efficiency– Perfecting mobile optimization– Leveraging AI for improved search engine rankingsBut that’s not all! We’ll also unpack advanced customer engagement techniques, such as:– Crafting personalized customer communications– Implementing effective retention strategies– Making incremental improvements for exponential growthSabir will introduce his groundbreaking Rapid 2X program, designed to potentially double your sales in just 21 days. As a special treat for our listeners, he’s offering an exclusive deal you won’t want to miss.Throughout our conversation, we’ll examine real-world case studies of businesses that have achieved remarkable growth using these methods. You’ll leave this episode armed with actionable advice that you can implement immediately to accelerate your eCommerce business growth. In addition to these strategies, Shopify store owners can explore various tools and platforms to enhance their sales and customer loyalty. For a deeper dive into how solutions like Okendo and ReConvert can improve your e-commerce performance, check out our comprehensive guide on e-commerce tools and platforms.This is your opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s finest.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.

Sep 24, 2024 • 42min
Aligning People, Processes, And Systems: Ecommerce Scaling Strategies With Melissa Coventry
Melissa Coventry, VP of Operations at RoseSkinCo, shares her expertise in aligning people, processes, and systems for scaling e-commerce businesses. She tackles the challenges of rapid growth, emphasizing effective delegation and fostering a culture of transparency. Melissa introduces her unique 'expense value graphing' method for prioritizing projects and discusses the importance of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Listeners will learn how to leverage data analytics for strategic decision-making and enhance customer lifetime value.

Sep 19, 2024 • 24min
Streamlining Success: How Linnworks Is Revolutionizing Commerce Operations
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Peter Van der Westhuizen, the Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Lead for North America at Linnworks.We’re thrilled to dive into the exciting world of multi-channel selling and explore how social media is revolutionizing online shopping. You’ll discover how Linnworks is empowering brands, particularly those on Shopify, to elevate their ecommerce game and achieve new heights of success.With his wealth of experience in the ecommerce landscape, Peter is here to share invaluable insights that will transform your business. From mastering inventory management to boosting customer loyalty and staying ahead of the curve, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re gearing up for the BFCM rush or planning for the future of online retail, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 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.

Sep 12, 2024 • 54min
Shopper Approved: Unlocking The Secret To Higher Conversions With AI And Sentiment Analysis
Welcome back to eCommerce Fastlane. I’m your host, Steve Hutt, and today we’re diving into a crucial topic for every online business: customer reviews and ratings.We all know how critical reviews are when shopping online. They build trust and help us make buying decisions. But are you making the most of your customer feedback? That’s where our guests from ShopperApproved come in.Joining us today are Scott Brandley, CEO, and DJ Sprague, CMO of Shopper Approved. They’re here to share game-changing strategies for leveraging customer reviews to boost sales and improve search rankings.You’ll learn:– Why being a Google and Bing review partner matters– How to turn customer feedback into a powerful marketing tool– The secret to getting more authentic reviewsWhether you’re just starting or looking to take your established store to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights 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.

Aug 29, 2024 • 40min
Unleashing AI For BFCM: Attentive’s Game-Changing Strategies
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, We have a special guest, Keri McGhee, the CMO of Attentive.In this episode, we'll delve into Attentive's innovative use of AI to enhance customer retention and drive revenue growth, especially during crucial periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.We'll explore how Attentive's mobile-first approach, using phone numbers as unique identifiers, empowers brands to deliver tailored messaging and improve the shopping experience. Keri will share success stories, including the impressive growth of wellness brand Ollie, and discuss the robust compliance and security standards that set Attentive apart. Plus, we'll uncover the rich resources available for marketers, from webinars to case studies, and the exciting new integrations within the Shopify ecosystem.Stay tuned as we dive into how Attentive's AI tools are helping brands personalize communication, boost ROI, and navigate the evolving landscape of data privacy and increasing acquisition costs. Whether you're a big brand or a mid-market business, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of SMS marketing. Let's get started!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.

Aug 27, 2024 • 25min
From Cartier To Conscious Fashion: Alexia Dubois’ Journey In Revolutionizing Kids’ Style
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Alexia Dubois, The Founder & Owner of Amour.Amour is a brand that’s making a splash by bringing high-quality European children’s clothing to American families.Alexia’s journey is fascinating. She worked for big names like Cartier and Tommy Hilfiger, where she led important projects and global campaigns. But when she moved to the U.S., she noticed something was missing in the children’s clothing market. That’s what inspired her to start Amour.In this episode, we’ll dive into Alexia’s story, from her corporate jobs to starting her own business. We’ll explore the challenges she faced and what she learned about bringing European fashion trends to American customers. Alexia is passionate about quality, ethics, and sustainability, and we’ll hear how she keeps these values at the heart of her business.We’ll also talk about some practical stuff, like how to build a community around your brand, balancing online and in-store sales, and growing a business while staying true to sustainable practices. Whether you’re into fashion, running an online store, or just curious about how to make a business more eco-friendly, you’ll find something interesting here.So, let’s jump in and get inspired by Alexia’s amazing story and her practical advice for succeeding in the world of online shopping.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.

Aug 22, 2024 • 40min
The Future Of Ad Spend: Why Prescient AI Attracted $10M To Transform Ecommerce Brands
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Mike True, the Co-founder and CEO of Prescient AI.In this episode, Mike explains how Prescient leverages historical spending data and advanced AI technologies to optimize marketing budgets beyond the usual platforms like Facebook and Google. He will share insights into Prescient AI’s solutions for tackling complex challenges such as data privacy, accurate sales attribution, and creating sophisticated media mixes, tailored specifically for eCommerce businesses earning over $10 million annually.Mike underscores the importance of tracking time-series data and details the “halo effect,” where advertisements on one platform elevate sales on another. We’ll explore the transition from traditional marketing strategies to multi-touchpoint approaches in the digital age.During the conversation, Mike shares a compelling case study on HexClad, illustrating the tangible benefits of Prescient’s solutions. He also highlights the seamless onboarding process enabled by pre-built integrations and sophisticated AI models. Additionally, Mike addresses how Prescient adapts to the emerging data privacy landscape, including Apple’s iOS updates and Google’s cookie policy changes.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.