

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

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.

Aug 15, 2024 • 42min
Boost Your Shopify Store Growth: Lessons In Tax And Finance Strategy
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, we’re excited to have Alan Chen, co-founder of FreeCashFlow. With over 20 years of expertise in tax, accounting, and financial services, Alan is dedicated to helping e-commerce businesses thrive.In this episode, Alan will explore the complexities of international expansion for online stores, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax compliance and financial management. He shares an insightful story of a client who faced significant challenges due to lapses in international tax registration, underscoring why meticulous bookkeeping is essential for sustainable growth.Alan provides actionable advice on leveraging financial tools like QuickBooks and Xero to streamline business operations. He also discusses the nuances of international tax treaties and business structuring to facilitate growth and maximize profitability.You’ll gain insights into how AI and automation can enhance operational efficiency and customer service. Also discussion around strategies for diversifying suppliers and implementing dynamic pricing to stay competitive. Alan’s invaluable tips will help you future-proof your business and maintain profitability in a rapidly evolving market.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 8, 2024 • 23min
Data-Driven Marketing: Insights From Temi Agbede on Scaling eCommerce Brands
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, we’re excited to have Temi Agbede advisor and a fractional marketing executive at T. Blacksmith Consulting.Temi is an advisor and fractional marketing executive at T. Blacksmith Consulting. She's worked with big names like Estee Lauder, Lord and Taylor, and S'well.Temi shares her journey in eCommerce, from its early days to now. She talks about what she's learned and the strategies that work best. Her experience is valuable for all kinds of brands, big and small.In this episode, we cover important topics like full-funnel marketing and using data to make smart choices. Temi also gives tips on how to keep up in the fast-changing world of online selling.Whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for years, this episode has advice you can use right away. Temi's insights will help you grow your online store and stay ahead of the competition. Don't miss out on this chance to learn from a true expert in eCommerce!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 8, 2024 • 35min
Unlocking $12 Trillion Opportunities: Shopify’s Game-Changing B2B Initiatives
Welcome to another episode of eCommerce Fastlane. Today, we’re excited to have Mani Fazeli, VP of Product at Shopify.In this episode, we'll dive into Shopify's big moves in the B2B world. Mani will walk us through how Shopify has grown its B2B offerings since 2016-2017. We'll learn about the huge $12 trillion opportunity Shopify is tapping into with cool new features. These include custom payment terms, connections to business software (ERP), and special B2B online stores.Mani will also tell us about Shopify's new Collective platform. This helps merchants team up and share inventory more easily.We'll talk about how younger business buyers want to shop differently now. Mani explains how Shopify can bring together regular online stores (DTC) and business sales (B2B) in one place. This saves money and makes things simpler for merchants.You'll hear success stories from real brands like Brooklinen and Lulu and Georgia. They've used Shopify's B2B tools to grow their businesses in exciting ways.Whether you're already using Shopify Plus or just starting out, this episode is packed with great info. You'll learn how to use Shopify's latest B2B tools to help your business grow.So tune in and find out how Shopify can take your online store to the next level!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.


