

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

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.

Aug 20, 2024 • 57min
Scaling A Skincare Brand: Insights On Transparency, Innovation, and Social Commerce With Breanna Greenberg
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, we’re delighted to chat with Breanna Greenberg, Vice President of Marketing of Stratia.Breanna is an expert in digital marketing with an inspiring career journey, starting from her roots as a social media manager in Los Angeles to leading marketing for Stratia, an innovative, science-based skincare brand.In this episode, we dive into how technology has simplified content creation and business operations, making it feasible even for lean teams. Stratia's unique transparency and science-forward approach to skincare have enabled them to thrive organically, gaining traction through word-of-mouth and platforms like Reddit, without relying on formal marketing for the first five years.Breanna shares insights on leveraging TikTok to acquire new customers, particularly millennials, and discusses the impact of copycat products on the beauty industry. We also explore the importance of building strong marketing teams characterized by resilience, passion, and optimism, and leading with kindness and transparency.She reflects on valuable lessons from her tenure at Henkel, including setting effective team guidelines and the critical importance of product quality. She also offers practical tips on customer retention, discusses overcoming low TikTok follower counts, and provides strategies for preparing for the holiday shopping season.Stay tuned to learn about emerging trends like personalization and AI in e-commerce, and discover how these tools can benefit your business.Don't miss this episode if you're looking to elevate your e-commerce strategies and learn from a forward-thinking leader in the beauty industry!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.