AM/PM Podcast

Learn how to master Amazon flat files, optimize listings, protect your catalog, and avoid common backend pitfalls in this deep dive into the fundamentals of selling on Amazon. Vanessa Hung, a powerhouse in the Amazon-selling sphere, joins us to share her transformative journey from Venezuela to becoming a key figure in the Amazon-selling space. Our conversation kicks off with the serendipitous connections made through Clubhouse, a platform that became a lifeline for Amazon sellers during the pandemic. Vanessa's story is not just about her ascension in the Amazon community but also a testament to the power of collaboration and the unexpected friendships that have shaped her career. Her expertise in Amazon flat files and backend processes gives sellers essential tools to optimize their listings and master the platform's intricacies.   We dive into the often-overlooked world of Amazon flat files, exploring their pivotal role in catalog management and listing optimization. Vanessa sheds light on how flat files, with their access to hidden attributes, can significantly enhance product listings beyond the limitations of Seller Central's user interface. Her dedication to demystifying these tools through education and content creation has empowered countless sellers, particularly women, to excel in e-commerce domains traditionally dominated by technical challenges. From maintaining product catalog integrity to navigating Amazon's systems, Vanessa's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to secure a competitive edge.   Our discussion also covers the strategic importance of Amazon's Brand Registry and catalog management tactics to safeguard product listings. Vanessa shares her expertise in troubleshooting common issues with flat files, emphasizing the significance of the category listing report and the nuances of partial versus complete updates. We touch on the vulnerabilities within Amazon's system, how sellers can protect their listings from unauthorized changes, and the promising role of AI in simplifying data management. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting, this episode offers many strategies to enhance your Amazon selling journey. In episode 444 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Vanessa discuss: 00:00 - Amazon FBA Ecosystem Insights and Growth 06:11 - Entrepreneurial Growth & Realizations 12:26 - Tech Interest and Gender Stereotypes 13:20 - Empowering Women in E-Commerce Excel 16:32 - Navigating the Tech Industry's Gatekeepers 18:06 - Utilizing Amazon Flat Files for Optimization 19:14 - Importance of Category Listing Report 24:33 - Maximizing Product Listing Attributes 27:59 - Protecting Product Information on Amazon 29:55 - Amazon Brand Registry Catalog Privileges 43:32 - Amazon Listing Troubleshooting With Flat Files 45:19 - Maximizing Amazon Catalog Management Success 48:50 - Optimizing Amazon Listings With Flat Files 55:55 - Improve Listing Rank With Unconventional Methods 56:19 - Amazon Catalog Management Strategies 1:00:31 - Foundational Catalog Management for AI 1:04:21 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

In this episode, Oana Padurariu joins us to geek out on Amazon’s AI tools, PPC, and SEO—breaking down 7+ Amazon programs and how to optimize your strategy using each one.   What can Amazon's AI technologies teach us about optimizing e-commerce strategies for the future? Join us as we unravel this intriguing question with our guest, Oana Padurariu, a dynamic PPC and SEO strategist. Oana takes us on her personal voyage from Romania to Italy, shedding light on her passionate shift from Google AdWords to Amazon's advertising ecosystem. Her unique insights into shopper psychology and indexation reveal the synergy between PPC and SEO, while her enthusiasm for Amazon's scientific advancements showcases her dedication to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce.   Accountability emerges as a key theme as we discuss building long-term professional relationships in the world of Amazon PPC. We compare the merits of hiring seasoned professionals versus nurturing fresh talent, driven by the urgency of specific roles. The conversation moves to Amazon's new audience-targeting capabilities and how AI is revolutionizing intent-based marketing. From customer profiles to AI-driven personalization, discover innovative strategies for enhancing shopping experiences and boosting conversion rates.   The dialogue further delves into Amazon's AI evolution, exploring groundbreaking technologies that are redefining product recognition and SEO. Learn about exciting tools like Cosmo, AVEN, and Tron, as well as AI frameworks like Rufus and Olympus, which are transforming search and recommendation systems. We wrap up with a look at the advancements in voice AI technologies, setting the stage for a thrilling future in e-commerce. This episode is packed with insights and strategies for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in Amazon's complex ecosystem.   In episode 443 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Oana discuss: 00:00 - Exploring Amazon PPC and AI Optimization 10:34 - Effective Learning Strategies for Amazon PPC 12:45 - Building Relationships Through Accountability 16:36 - Excitement Around Amazon's Audience Targeting 17:13 - Targeting Audiences With AI Analysis 21:44 - Sharing Amazon Algorithm Discoveries 26:34 - Understanding SEO and Amazon Algorithms 31:41 - The Impact of AI on Amazon Businesses 34:59 - Amazon's Evolution Through AI Technology 35:53 - Evolution of Amazon's Algorithm 42:33 - Comparison of COSMO and Rufus 43:24 - Optimizing Amazon AI Product Recommendations 48:21 - Product Recommendation Analysis With Olympus 51:23 - Optimizing Amazon AI and Voice Search 53:08 - Future of Search Tools 59:32 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Rob Hahn, Chief Operating Officer of Pattern and former Amazon executive, shares insider secrets to e-commerce success. He reveals three essential strategies for brands to thrive on Amazon without losing control. Delve into how advanced logistics and AI are revolutionizing the marketplace, including insights from Amazon's trajectory in building its own delivery system. Rob also discusses the blend of tech investment and operational mastery essential for scaling businesses today. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to dominate the e-commerce landscape!

Kate Bray, an inspiring entrepreneur who transitioned from nursing to e-commerce, shares her journey of launching a groundbreaking women’s health product. She discusses the innovative strategies that helped her achieve impressive early sales, including leveraging TikTok for marketing and pre-orders through Shopify. Kate dives into the importance of addressing taboo health issues and connecting with consumers on a personal level. Additionally, she highlights the challenges of fostering a vibrant remote company culture while navigating the dynamic landscape of e-commerce.

Pat O’Neill, an e-commerce veteran managing Amazon accounts for brands like Zesty Paws, shares his extraordinary journey from retail arbitrage to a 9-figure business. He discusses essential lessons in branding and financial management while navigating the pet supplement market's challenges. The importance of building genuine relationships with consumers and leveraging AI for enhanced branding is highlighted. Pat also emphasizes the emotional commitments pet owners make, revealing how this impacts market growth and marketing strategies.

Learn how to scale your Amazon business with systemization! Michal Specian shares insights on hiring, building processes, and growing beyond the $1M mark. Don’t miss this episode! Join us as we explore the Amazon seller journey of Michal Specian, who transformed his initial $5,000 investment into a thriving eight-figure brand. Michal shares his experiences of overcoming language barriers while attending university in Prague, launching his first Amazon product in the US sports category, and partnering with Miles to create a successful kitchen and dining brand. Discover how their Czech-inspired glassware brand expanded into European markets, utilizing Amazon's Pan-EU program, and learn about the strategies Michal employed for systemization, team building, and scaling his business effectively. As we shift focus, Michal reflects on his post-exit experiences and future strategies, highlighting the lessons learned from finalizing a business deal in the Canary Islands. Hear about his transition from the Amazon business model to consulting on internal operations, leveraging his background in economics and systems thinking. We discuss the evolving landscape of launching an e-commerce brand today and the importance of diversifying sales channels beyond Amazon. This chapter provides valuable insights into maintaining negotiation leverage and strategically selling a business. Finally, we explore transformative business mindsets and the future of AI in business. Michal emphasizes the importance of working on your business rather than in it, sharing tips on systemization, mindset shifts, and delegation. Listen as we discuss how AI is reshaping business operations, with potential applications in customer service and logistics, and how it can enhance productivity and efficiency. With practical strategies for systemizing businesses and insights into the exciting potential of AI, this episode offers a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs aiming for growth and operational freedom. In episode 439 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Michal discuss: 00:00 - Amazon Seller's Journey to 8-Figure Exit 02:23 - E-Commerce Experience and Launch Location 05:52 - Successful Sale to Aggregator Bid War 08:08 - Post-Exit Reflections and Future Strategies 12:42 - Evolving E-Commerce Brand Strategy 16:16 - Prioritizing Balance and Enjoyment in Business 21:35 - Transforming Business Mindsets and Systems 26:21 - Role of Supply Chain Manager in Business 30:00 - eCommerce Hiring Challenges and Strategies 32:36 - The Future of AI in Business 39:08 - Global Success Stories in E-Commerce 40:41 - Business Growth and Systemization Strategies 42:21 - Motivating Through the Growth Process 46:13 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Geek out on Amazon PPC with Mike Frekey! Learn data-driven ad strategies, AI’s impact on advertising, and tips for optimizing campaigns to boost your Amazon sales. 🚀 Amazon advertising expert Mike Frekey takes center stage in this episode, sharing his wealth of experience from Amazon PPC agency industry leaders like IGG and Perch. His journey through the world of Amazon advertising for over 100 brands underscores the importance of data over creativity in crafting successful strategies. Mike details the collaborative efforts with data scientists at Perch to create robust advertising campaigns using sponsored products, brands, and display ads, all while emphasizing the crucial role of numbers in spotting growth opportunities and fine-tuning advertising efforts. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the meticulous process of auditing Amazon accounts to spotlight top-selling products and optimize ad spend across various types and placements. Mike breaks down the significance of understanding conversion rates and differentiating between brand and non-brand targets to maximize incremental sales potential. By utilizing brand analytics and search query performance data, he highlights how to effectively assess market positioning and address product issues that may impact performance more than the advertising strategies themselves. Adding a forward-looking dimension, Mike explores the evolving landscape of Amazon's PPC offerings and the burgeoning role of AI in advertising. He shares his enthusiasm for Amazon Marketing Cloud audiences and budding avenues like sponsored TV, while candidly pointing out challenges such as audience targeting limitations and conversion tracking hurdles. Wrapping up, Mike imparts strategic wisdom on launching products on Amazon, from risk management to harnessing social proof, illustrating how to use Amazon's first-party data for long-term success. This episode promises a comprehensive look at mastering the art of Amazon advertising, all seasoned with Mike's unique insights and expertise. In episode 438 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Mike discuss: 00:00 - Data Nerd's Amazon Advertising Strategies 02:39 - Amazon Marketing Strategies and Data Analysis 06:11 - Agency Age and Automation vs. Humans 09:03 - Analyzing Amazon Advertising Strategies 12:26 - Gender-Specific Product Line Analysis 16:33 - Amazon PPC Strategies and Attribution Challenges 18:40 - Amazon Bid Boosting Challenges 25:06 - Campaign Monitoring and Analysis Priorities 27:33 - Impact of AI on Amazon Advertising 29:15 - Future of AI in Amazon Advertising 31:41 - AI Transformation in Workforce 35:38 - Amazon Algorithm 39:31 - Amazon Advertising Launch Strategy Tips 41:59 - Product Reviews for Amazon Success 47:15 - Networking and Event Promotion on LinkedIn 48:30 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Shivali Patel shares her journey from aspiring med student to e-commerce expert, plus FBA tips, AI insights, and a 7-day challenge to find winning products. Don't miss this episode! What if you could transform your career from the traditional paths to the flexible world of digital entrepreneurship? Join us for a captivating conversation with Shivali Patel, who shares her unconventional journey from aspiring medical student to a thriving Amazon seller and brand evangelist for Helium 10. Discover how Shivali's pivot into the e-commerce space began with dropshipping and evolved into a passion for creating self-help content through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Shivali's story is a testament to the vast opportunities within the digital economy and the power of strategic career changes. As Shivali recounts her fascinating transition from beauty queen to Helium 10 evangelist, we explore the dynamic realm of e-commerce software. Uncover the unique strengths of tools like Helium 10 that enhance the seller's experience, driven by Shivali’s expertise in marketing and communications. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes and highlights the competitive edge Helium 10 provides to sellers navigating the digital landscape. Shivali also shares practical strategies for Amazon sellers, including a seven-day challenge designed to find profitable products using Amazon FBA, while emphasizing the importance of perseverance and community support in overcoming initial hurdles. We also venture into the world of networking and knowledge-building, where Shivali discusses the value of attending industry events and engaging with professional communities for growth. Learn about the role of AI tools in book publishing and the future of AI in e-commerce, offering insights into creating and selling products in a rapidly evolving market. With actionable advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to thrive in the competitive world of Amazon selling and beyond. In episode 437 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Shivali discuss: 02:12 - Interview on Content Creation Collaboration 07:55 - Entrepreneurial Journey 10:48 - From Beauty Queen to Helium 10 Evangelist 11:07 - Perspective Shift From User to Ambassador 19:30 - 7-Day Challenge for Amazon FBA Sellers 22:31 - KDP Metadata Training and Replays 27:20 - Building Relationships and Resources for Sellers 29:47 - Investing in Knowledge and Connections 31:05 - Mastermind Events and Networking ROI 35:44 - Exploring Opportunities With Amazon KDP 36:38 - Navigating KDP and Book Publishing 42:52 - Optimizing Book Cover Design for Conversions 45:56 - Future of AI and Amazon 51:17 - Shivali's Ultimate Life Goals 53:29 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Master Amazon PPC with Mansour Norouzi of Incrementum Digital! Discover data-driven ad strategies, AI insights, and expert tips to optimize your campaigns for growth.  Amazon advertising expert Mansour Norouzi, Director of Advertising at Incrementum Digital, shares his transformative journey from civil engineering in Iran to becoming a pivotal figure in the Amazon PPC space. Join us as Mansour unravels his unique experiences in Amazon PPC optimization strategies and his role at Incrementum Digital. He highlights the challenges of restricted U.S. travel and how these hurdles have shaped his career, emphasizing a strategic shift towards location independence and e-commerce.   We navigate the rapidly changing landscape of Amazon advertising, exploring how it has evolved to match, and sometimes surpass, the capabilities of giants like Google. Mansour dives into the advanced functionalities of the Amazon Marketing Cloud, a tool that grants advertisers an unprecedented level of customer interaction insights. This episode also addresses the transformative role of AI in marketing, balancing skepticism with the benefits of AI in streamlining tasks and enhancing client relations while underscoring the irreplaceable need for human strategic input.   Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of managing PPC campaigns, including common pitfalls and expert advice on optimizing budgets and campaign structures. Mansour candidly discusses the importance of maintaining a balanced organic and paid sales ratio, offering a roadmap for achieving sustainable growth. As a bonus, Mansour and Kevin also tease upcoming content from the Billion Dollar Seller Summit Iceland and an exciting future episode featuring Shivali Patel from Helium 10, ensuring our listeners stay ahead in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. In episode 436 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Mansour discuss: 00:00 - Amazon PPC Strategies With Mansour 06:43 - Scaling Supplement Brands Through Advertising 09:46 - Marketing Passion Project 11:24 - Evolving Amazon Advertising Strategies 15:44 - Amazon Marketing Cloud Audience Customization 25:28 - Future Impact of AI in Amazon PPC 30:26 - Generative AI Tools for Video Production 33:04 - AI Improving Agency Selection Process 35:25 - Amazon Advertising and Client Management 37:06 - Client Growth Incentives and Compensation 40:23 - Amazon Advertising Services and Brand Management 43:15 - Amazon PPC Campaign Optimization Strategies 50:58 - Grouping Keywords by Volume and Intent 54:45 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Amazon fees, tariffs, and rising costs are squeezing cash flow. In this episode, we dive into funding options and smart financial strategies to keep your Amazon business growing strong. What if there were a way to finance your Amazon business without falling into the traps of traditional loans and predatory cash advances? Our latest episode of the AM/PM podcast promises just that, with insights from our special guest, Nadav Gorlicki of CapEc, who has charted an incredible journey from IT to Amazon entrepreneurship. Nadav shares his firsthand experiences in navigating the financial challenges that Amazon sellers face today, especially as rising fees and costs make sustaining a business more difficult than ever. He reveals the strategic financial solutions that CapEc provides, which are designed to align perfectly with sellers' ROI and cash flow, offering a viable path for sustainable growth. Starting an Amazon business is no small feat, especially if you're working with a limited budget. Managing cash flow effectively can mean the difference between success and failure. We discuss various strategies to overcome the long lead times before sales begin to pay off, and the critical decisions around funding options like loans versus equity investments. Nadav introduces alternative financing solutions that allow sellers to maintain inventory without the burden of personal guarantees or credit checks, thus preserving their ownership stakes. His insights are a game-changer for anyone looking to build a resilient and profitable e-commerce business. But let’s not forget the bigger picture—while financial success is important, it shouldn’t overshadow life’s simple pleasures. In a thought-provoking segment, we reflect on the importance of balancing work with experiences that truly enrich our lives. From spending time with family to enjoying the moment, we encourage you to remember what truly matters beyond the balance sheets. Tune in to this enlightening episode with Nadav Gorlicki and uncover strategies that could transform your e-commerce journey while keeping life’s joys in perspective. In episode 435 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Nadav discuss: 00:00 - The Challenge of E-Commerce Financing 07:42 - Rise of Specialized Companies in Selling 13:38 - Navigating Amazon Startup Financing 18:08 - Benefits of Partnership With Amazon Seller 19:00 - Sustainable Amazon Seller Financing Options 27:22 - Analyzing Product ROI for Business Success 32:26 - Effective E-Commerce Financing Strategies 36:08 - Financing New Product Launches 44:06 - Revolutionizing E-Commerce Financing Solutions 44:53 - Changing Amazon Industry Success Rates 50:34 - Understanding Payment Terms and ROI 53:04 - Finance Your Growth With CapEc 54:42 - Remembering Life Beyond Money 54:49 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom