AM/PM Podcast

In this episode, get ready to unlock Amazon PPC insights with our expert guest. Discover creative ad strategies, advanced tactics, and future trends shaping e-commerce success. Want to unleash the power of Amazon PPC while keeping your entrepreneurial spirit alive? Join us in an engaging conversation with Chris Rawlings, the mastermind behind Sophie Society. Chris shares his journey from a curious kid in a solar-powered home to a leading figure in e-commerce, blending fun with business success. Learn how the aggregator boom shifted the landscape, and explore Chris's unique strategies for navigating Amazon's complex advertising world with both expertise and humor.   Kevin and Chris also reflect on their unconventional paths to success, sharing anecdotes like the time Chris inadvertently carried a full-size sword at an industry event, breaking local laws. These stories highlight the value of independent thinking and creative problem-solving in entrepreneurship. From the challenges of scaling Juno Launch amidst changing review practices to the lessons learned from misaligned investor expectations, his experiences underscore the importance of resilience and adapting to adversity.   Finally, we unpack the exciting evolution of Amazon marketing, including the rise of AI and creative content. Chris discusses his dynamic five-day PPC event that transforms sellers into experts. They also venture into the future of Amazon search, predicting shifts towards intent-based, AI-driven strategies. Whether you're a seasoned seller or new to the game, gain insights on aligning products with market demand and leveraging creative ads to capture attention. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge for anyone navigating the ever-evolving world of e-commerce. In episode 434 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Chris discuss: 00:00 - Amazon PPC and Business Fun 02:21 - E-Commerce Industry Success and Failure 07:07 - Unconventional Upbringing Shapes Entrepreneurial Journey 10:09 - Impact of Isolation on Mindset 14:50 - Lessons Learned From Entrepreneurial Failure 21:28 - Authenticity in Teaching and Testing 26:01 - Navigating the Amazon Sales Market 27:07 - Advanced Amazon PPC Five-Day Challenge 32:01 - Leverage Creative for Amazon Success 32:23 - Effectiveness of TV Ads for Brands 36:00 - Effective Marketing Strategy for Long-Term Success 36:58 - Future of Amazon Search and AI 44:29 - PPC Challenge Sophie Society

In this episode, we’re going to talk about everything financing, some of the pros and cons of taking actual lending or advances for your business, and everything in between. What if securing financing for your e-commerce business didn't mean sacrificing control or facing exorbitant interest rates? Russell Walraven from 8Fig joins us to unpack financing solutions that respect your business's autonomy and potential. We explore the tailored working capital options 8Fig offers to online sellers on major platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Walmart. Russell also shares 8Fig's leap into SaaS, crafted to fuel seller growth and success, while addressing the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Navigating the murky waters of Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) can be daunting, but we're here to shed light on this alternative financing avenue. Through personal anecdotes, we unravel the differences between MCAs and traditional loans, highlighting the risks and aggressive collection tactics that can ensue in cases of default. Discover the flexibility of new MCA products designed specifically for Amazon and e-commerce sellers, alongside insights on securing subsequent funding without fully paying down existing amounts. Choosing between lending and equity financing is a pivotal decision for any entrepreneur, and we dissect this complex dynamic to help you make informed choices. Learn about the advantages of retaining full business ownership through loans with companies like 8Fig, versus the prolonged involvement of equity investors. We also delve into the process of pre-qualifying for loans without impacting your credit score and the importance of building a financial partnership founded on trust and understanding of e-commerce dynamics. Whether you're in the throes of financial challenges or planning ahead, this episode equips you with practical advice to secure fair and effective funding for your online business. In episode 433 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Russell discuss: 00:00 - Financing Options for E-Commerce Sellers 07:24 - Flexible E-Commerce Supply Chain Solutions 10:16 - Alternative Financing Options for E-Commerce 16:11 - Marketplace Payment Enforcement Strategies 20:57 - Lending vs. Equity in Business Ownership 22:31 - Lenders and Stacking Loans Discussion 25:51 - E-Commerce Seller Funding Process 28:38 - Managing Seller Sizes and Deal Sizes 34:08 - No Origination Fees for Financing 35:34 - Navigating E-Commerce Financing Options 39:57 - E-Commerce Focus in Business Research

Unlock massive traffic with affiliate marketing! In this episode, our guest reveals how to connect with influencers, land top blog features & drive millions in sales for your Amazon business. Richie Carreon from Levanta graces our latest episode to unpack the fast-paced world of affiliate marketing, sharing his extensive expertise in ad tech and marketing technology. As we weave through this insightful conversation, Richie lays out how platforms like Levanta are bridging the gap between e-commerce sellers and influencers, creators, and major publications. Discover the transformative power of automating these connections to supercharge traffic and revenue, particularly during high-stakes sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We also dive into the magic of Amazon's affiliate traffic, revealing tricks to boost your product's organic search rankings and maximize your return on ad spend (ROAS). Uncover the untapped potential of passing along Amazon's brand referral bonus to entice creators and elevate your offers in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re a seller aiming to streamline administrative burdens or a creator seeking the perfect product fit, Richie shares how to effectively navigate this dual-sided marketplace of 7,000+ vetted influencers. Rounding off our episode, we highlight the human element in affiliate marketing and podcasting — building relationships that go beyond mere transactions. By nurturing genuine connections with podcast hosts and influencers, you can foster trust and drive organic promotion. Richie emphasizes the critical role of appreciation in these partnerships amid rising competition and skepticism toward traditional advertising. Join us for a transformative discussion that underscores the strategic use of affiliates and the immense power of relationships in today's marketing landscape. In episode 432 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Richie discuss: 00:00 - Affiliate Marketing Strategies With Richie Carreon 03:52 - Affiliate Marketing Success Stories 08:24 - Leveraging Amazon Affiliate Benefits 15:07 - Innovative Affiliate Marketing Strategies 18:51 - Affiliate Marketing and Advertising Strategies 20:45 - Newsletter Advertising With Beehive Platform 22:53 - Maximizing Ad Inventory Sales 26:24 - The Power of Affiliate Marketing 30:48 - Building Relationships for Affiliate Success 32:16 - Building Business Relationships Through Sponsorship 35:03 - Amazon Sellers Membership Pricing and Expansion 39:02 - Competition for High Base Rate 42:38 - Exploring Diversification in E-Commerce 47:33 - Kevin King’s Words of Wisdom

Navah Hopkins, a seasoned e-commerce advertising expert with a background in teaching, dives into the dynamic world of digital marketing. She shares her journey and discusses the integration of SEO, PPC, and AI, revealing strategies to maximize platform reach. Navah highlights common advertising pitfalls, the evolution of consumer engagement, and the importance of data interpretation. Additionally, she emphasizes the untapped potential of video advertising and innovative techniques like call tracking in transforming brand narratives.

In this episode, we cover creative packaging, premium pricing, sustainability, and unboxing strategies to boost consumer perception and e-commerce success. Transform your brand's presence with the power of packaging! Join Kitty Lai, a seasoned expert in design and branding, as she shares her journey from a young worker in a packaging factory to designing for iconic brands like Ted Baker and Cath Kidston. Discover how effective packaging can elevate your product, enhance brand recognition, and even lead to viral success. Kitty unpacks the secrets behind choosing the right packaging materials and designs that captivate customers and communicate value.    Imagine turning a simple kitchen knife, initially priced at $30, into a premium product that sells for $129 just by changing its packaging. Kevin King and Kitty Lai explains how strategic design changes can justify higher prices and improve product perception. Dive into the world of e-commerce and learn how market research can uncover customer willingness to pay more for perceived value. Kitty emphasizes sustainability, nudging brands towards recyclable and reusable options that resonate with today’s environmentally-conscious consumers.   For those looking to expand from e-commerce to retail, Kitty offers invaluable insights into selecting and sourcing packaging that aligns with your brand's identity and customer expectations. She discusses the art of the unboxing experience, where simplicity and thoughtful design can transform customer satisfaction into loyalty. Whether you're an Amazon seller on a budget or a growing brand, Kitty's guidance on maintaining design consistency and leveraging creative packaging will inspire you to surprise and delight your customers. In episode 430 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Kitty discuss: 00:00 - The Importance of Packaging for Branding 03:23 - Career Path in Design Industry 06:02 - Evolution of Design Trends 11:31 - The Impact of Packaging Design 14:11 - Importance of Branding and Packaging 22:19 - Packaging Strategies for Amazon Businesses 27:08 - The Value of Presentation in Marketing 29:48 - Enhancing Customer Experience Through Packaging 31:19 - Packaging Design and User Experience Importance 34:01 - The Power of Packaging Extras 37:39 - Creative Packaging Solutions for Clients 39:57 - Packaging Design and Brand Consistency 45:29 - Importance of Brand Consistency 47:07 - Impacts of Creative Packaging Design 49:39 - Exploring Creativity in Brand Marketing 50:57 - Maximizing Packaging Impact 51:45 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Join Alina Vlaic, an expert in Amazon ranking strategies and founder of AZ Rank, as she reveals insider tips to boost your product visibility on Amazon. Discover the key elements of crafting effective listings and targeting the right keywords. Alina discusses the evolution of Amazon's ranking algorithms and highlights the growing significance of AI, particularly the tool Rufus, in optimizing listings. Delve into the creative strategies needed to stand out in a saturated market while reflecting on the dynamic Romanian e-commerce scene.

Kick off the New Year with us as we sit down with John Aspinall, a leading influencer in the Amazon space and brand evangelist for PickFu. Together, we navigate the evolving dynamics of social media and explore strategies for effectively leveraging platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. John shares his insights on using PickFu to test images and pricing, while addressing common misconceptions about Amazon as a source of passive income. We reflect on the shift from get-rich-quick schemes to more sustainable business models, alongside the aspirations of the younger generation, who are increasingly drawn to becoming influencers and creators in today's digital economy.   In a captivating discussion, we contemplate the potential acquisition of TikTok, with Amazon rumored as a possible buyer, and consider the implications of such a purchase without TikTok's unique algorithm. We trace TikTok's evolution from its Musical.ly origins to a powerhouse of creative content that rivals other social platforms. By examining the rise and fall of creative platforms like Vine, we offer insights into the future of content creation and the potential regulatory challenges that may arise for TikTok. Join us as we weigh the possibilities and potential outcomes for TikTok's future.   As we continue our exploration of social media strategies, we get into the nuances of optimizing content across various platforms. We discuss the effectiveness of Instagram Reels, Snapchat's transformation, and the challenges of maintaining a professional presence on Facebook. With John Aspinall, we explore the art of LinkedIn engagement, emphasizing authenticity and the risks of automation. Finally, we examine how tools like the Helium 10 Audience tool powered by PickFu enhance consumer research and product presentation strategies on Amazon, offering a comprehensive look at how brands can better understand customer behavior and optimize their social media presence. In episode 428 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and John discuss: 00:00 - Social Media Influencer Dynamics and Trends 06:18 - Influencers Impact in China and U.S 11:18 - The Future of TikTok Algorithm 13:17 - Evolution of Short Video Platforms 14:37 - Social Media Platform Dynamics and Strategies 24:20 - Maximizing Visibility Through Impressions 26:05 - LinkedIn Strategy for Brand Growth 30:49 - Optimizing Polling Strategies With PickFu 34:53 - Proper Targeting for Marketing Success 41:10 - Understanding Customer Behavior Through Split Testing 41:23 - Pricing Strategy Experiment Results 45:42 - Product Presentation Strategies for Amazon Success 46:43 - Packaging Strategies for Amazon Success 49:31 - Importance of Clickable Hero Image 54:41 - Maximizing ROI With Market Research 55:56 - Newsletter Strategy and Dream 100 58:28 - The Mystery of Newsletter Selection  1:00:47 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Rafay MH, a TikTok marketing expert and founder of Theuptik.com, dives into the dynamic world of TikTok and its implications for Amazon sellers. He discusses three potential futures for TikTok and shares his journey from Australia to Dubai. The conversation highlights TikTok's innovative algorithm that democratizes content creation and its raw style that drives engagement. Rafay emphasizes building meaningful relationships with TikTok creators and employing effective content strategies to boost brand visibility and sales in the evolving digital landscape.

Shan Shan Fu, a former tech professional turned e-commerce entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey from selling PPE to launching a clothing line on Amazon. She dives into navigating high return rates and tariffs, offering innovative strategies for profitability in tough markets. The discussion touches on the freedom of remote work while living in enchanting places like Medellin, Colombia, and the benefits of community in Austin's vibrant entrepreneurial scene. Shan Shan also highlights the role of platforms like YouTube in her self-education journey within the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

In this episode, our guest shares her journey in the pet industry, from creative financing to Amazon success, networking in think tanks, and launching her brand on Nordstrom.   Join me as I sit down with Julie Napolitano, a dedicated pet lover and entrepreneur who has carved out a unique path in the pet industry with her Amazon private-label dog brand. Listen in as Julie recounts her transition from a corporate career to launching her own direct-to-consumer business on Shopify, driven by a passion for providing quality products for pets. We'll explore her experiences with innovative financing methods, including bootstrapping and securing grants, and discuss the pivotal role that events like the 7-Figure Seller Summit in Japan and the Market Masters Think Tank have played in shaping her journey.   In this episode, Julie shares the trials and triumphs of launching her brand, Pup Wax, on Amazon and the lessons learned from navigating the platform's complexities. From participating in Target's pet accelerator program to addressing the challenges of product compliance, Julie's story is a testament to persistence and adaptability. We'll discuss the importance of building trust with pet parents and the unique marketing strategies needed to stand out in the competitive pet supplement market.   Finally, Julie reflects on the transformative impact of expert think tanks and the value of networking at in-person events. Her journey underscores the significance of building meaningful relationships and the benefits of continuous learning and adaptation in business. As we wrap up, we'll highlight Julie's latest achievements, including her product launch on Nordstrom's national online platform, and discuss the importance of pursuing goals with passion and creativity. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of resilience and community in entrepreneurship.   In episode 425 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Julie discuss: 00:00 - Julie Napolitano's Pet Brand Journey 06:18 - From Shopify To Amazon 12:36 - Innovative Calming Dog Toy Development 12:45 - Bonding With Dogs in Modern Society 18:48 - Trend of Pet Adoption and Bonding 21:28 - Marketing Challenges in Pet Industry 24:20 - Marketing Strategies for Pet Owners 27:35 - Amazon Brand Funding Strategies 29:02 - Bootstrapped Entrepreneur Secures Multiple Grants 30:53 - Tory Burch Fellowship Program Benefits 36:34 - Business Growth Through Market Masters Think Tank 42:56 - Product Success and Future Planning 45:44 - Networking Benefits Beyond Virtual Events 47:45 - Trade Show Discussion and Retail Opportunities 50:55 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom