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
Nov 14, 2024 • 39min
Beyond The Platform: Dylan Lam’s Strategies For Leveraging External Momentum On Amazon
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, my guest is Dylan Lam, the Founder of Omirank.In this episode, Dylan shares his expertise on the “art of unconventional launch” and reveals his unique approach to Amazon selling that turns traditional ecommerce wisdom on its head.The Challenge with Traditional Amazon SellingDylan addresses the common pitfall of relying solely on tools like Helium 10 and Jungle Scout, revealing why 70% of sellers fail without proper validation. He introduces a comprehensive 4-step validation process essential for successful product launches.Throughout our conversation, we explore:The four crucial steps of product validationBuilding brand presence outside AmazonLeveraging external momentum for platform dominanceStrategic use of Kickstarter for community buildingManaging rising PPC costs effectivelyCapitalizing on TikTok Shop opportunitiesWhether you’re an Amazon seller, Shopify merchant, or multichannel retailer, this episode offers valuable insights to help you validate, launch, and scale your products successfully. 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.
Nov 12, 2024 • 50min
Safeguarding Your Brand: Strategies To Combat Online Counterfeiting
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, my guest is Stanley Ference is the Founding Principal Attorney at Ference and Associates.In this episode, Stanley shares his expertise on protecting your brand from counterfeiters and intellectual property theft, addressing three critical areas:Patents and TrademarksOnline Marketplace ProtectionSocial Media EnforcementStanley shares strategies for safeguarding intellectual property rights, combating counterfeits, and maintaining brand integrity in the digital marketplace. He introduces effective legal approaches for both startups and established brands facing counterfeiting challenges.Throughout our conversation, we explore:Understanding different types of intellectual property protectionCombating counterfeits on online marketplacesAddressing social media counterfeiting challengesImplementing effective enforcement strategiesManaging international intellectual property rightsLeveraging legal tools for brand protectionWhether you're a startup founder or an established brand owner, this episode offers crucial insights to help protect your intellectual property and maintain your brand's integrity in the digital marketplace. 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.
Nov 7, 2024 • 58min
Navigating The Future Of UGC And Influencer Marketing
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, my guest is Danil Saliukov the Co-Founder and CEO Of Insense.In this episode, Danil shares his expertise on navigating the evolving landscape of digital advertising and creator commerce, particularly focusing on:Privacy Changes Creator Economy TikTok ShopDanil shares strategies for adapting to iOS privacy updates, leveraging user-generated content, and maximizing opportunities in the creator economy. He introduces various creator compensation models and explains how brands can effectively partner with creators in today's digital landscape.Throughout our conversation, we explore:Adapting to iOS privacy changes in digital advertisingUnderstanding the evolution of creator commerceMaximizing TikTok Shop opportunitiesManaging creator content rightsImplementing hybrid compensation modelsWhether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or marketing expert, this episode offers valuable insights to help you improve your content strategy and enhance customer acquisition for your Shopify-powered brand. 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.
11 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 30min
Authentic Connections: How Nift Is Changing The DTC Landscape
Elery Pfeffer, the CEO and Founder of Nift, revolutionizes customer engagement with his innovative gifting platform. He discusses breaking away from traditional advertising, leveraging first-party data for deeper connections, and the importance of strategic gifting in an era of rising acquisition costs. Elery shares insights on maximizing impulse buying through smart marketing and the power of partnerships beyond conventional platforms like Meta and Google. His strategies are valuable for any Shopify merchant looking to enhance customer loyalty and diversify their marketing efforts.
10 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 54min
From Concept To Customer: Printful's Blueprint For POD Excellence
Valts Feldbergs, Senior Partnerships Lead at Printful, dives into the evolution of Printful from Startup Vitamins to a leader in print-on-demand fulfillment. He discusses how brands can harness this model for expansion while maintaining sustainability. Topics include leveraging eco-friendly materials, enhancing customer support, and streamlining merchandise management, especially for creators and YouTubers. Valts shares success stories, highlighting the transformative potential of integrating Printful with platforms like Shopify.
Oct 29, 2024 • 43min
Mastering Global Address Verification: Loqate's AI Technology Is Transforming eCommerce Delivery
In this discussion, Alex Bryan, Customer Success Manager at Loqate, dives into the intricacies of eCommerce delivery through advanced address verification technology. With expertise in international market expansion, he shares strategies to enhance customer experience while reducing fraud. Topics include navigating diverse international address formats, the impact of AI in data accuracy, and compliance with GDPR and CCPA. Entrepreneurs can learn how to optimize their Shopify checkouts and improve delivery operations to boost international sales.
Oct 29, 2024 • 39min
Shopify Finance Unveiled: Transforming Money Management For Online Merchants
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Vikram Anreddy serves as the Head of Product for Financial Services at Shopify.In this episode, Vikram shares insights on how Shopify is transforming ecommerce financial management through its comprehensive suite of tools including Shopify Balance, Shopify Capital, Shopify Credit, Shopify Bill Pay, and Shopify Tax. He reveals strategies for extending cash flow, simplifying financial operations, and accelerating business growth.Throughout our conversation, we explore:Accessing faster payouts and high-yield business accountsLeveraging data-driven funding solutionsStreamlining financial management in one central hubSimplifying tax compliance and reportingOptimizing cash flow with flexible payment optionsWhether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or marketing expert, this episode offers valuable insights into improving your financial operations and driving growth for your Shopify-powered brand.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 25, 2024 • 47min
The Future Of Ecommerce Is Video: How Vimmi Is Transforming Shopify Stores
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Eitan Koter, is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi.In this episode, Eitan shares his expertise on leveraging video commerce to drive sales and enhance customer engagement, addressing key challenges in modern ecommerce:Video Commerce Evolution Live Shopping Innovation Multi-Channel IntegrationThroughout our conversation, we explore:Implementing shoppable videos to boost conversion ratesCreating successful live shopping eventsLeveraging TikTok and social media for commerceUsing AI-driven recommendation enginesMaximizing video analytics for business growthWhether you’re a Shopify merchant, marketer, or brand owner, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your video commerce strategy and drive revenue 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.
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.
