AM/PM Podcast

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.

Julie Napolitano, a passionate pet entrepreneur, discusses her unique journey in the pet industry with insights into innovative financing and the intricacies of building her dog brand, Pup Wax. She shares her experiences transitioning from corporate life to direct-to-consumer sales, emphasizing the importance of networking at industry events like the 7-Figure Seller Summit in Japan. Julie also addresses the challenges of product compliance and retail strategies while highlighting the significance of trust and relationships in marketing to pet owners.

Join us in this episode as we sit down with a seasoned patent IP lawyer, who shares his knowledge on protecting Amazon sellers from counterfeiters and intellectual property violators. Stan Ference, a seasoned patent IP lawyer with a fascinating transition from electrical engineering, joins us to share his expertise on protecting e-commerce sellers, especially those navigating the complexities of Amazon. Stan sheds light on the often-misunderstood responsibility of brand owners versus Amazon in policing counterfeit products. Since 2018, he's witnessed significant shifts in the e-commerce landscape, revealing the evolving challenges and highlighting the urgency for sellers to take the reins in safeguarding their intellectual property. Engage with Stan’s personal anecdotes and insights, as he uncovers critical strategies for those aiming to protect their brands in a bustling global market.   Throughout the episode, we explore the nuanced intricacies of intellectual property rights, focusing on trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Stan offers a historical perspective on trademarks, demystifying the distinctions between design and utility patents, and their vital roles in protecting innovations. He provides practical advice on overcoming hurdles faced by inventors on platforms like Amazon and crowdfunding sites, where knockoffs are rampant. From early publication requests to expedited applications, Stan emphasizes the importance of timely filings to shield imagery and product listings from unauthorized use, ensuring entrepreneurs can safeguard their creative assets effectively.   Our discussion extends into the global realm of IP protection, dissecting how differing international trademark rules can impact businesses. Stan shares the unique challenges posed by China's "first to file" approach, alongside Amazon's evolving trademark processes and the significance of its transparency program in combating counterfeiters. Through captivating case studies and stories, Stan highlights the profound consequences of intellectual property disputes, from jeopardized business deals to the unauthorized sale of Simpsons-themed merchandise. This episode is a vital resource for Amazon sellers and digital creators striving to protect their intellectual property rights and secure their businesses’ futures against counterfeit threats. In episode 424 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Stan discuss: 00:00 - IP Protection for Sellers on Amazon 04:57 - Amazon's Accountability for Intellectual Property 10:24 - Enforcing Brand Rights on Amazon 13:37 - Intellectual Property Overview 15:09 - Intellectual Property Strategies for Amazon Sellers 18:05 - Water Balloon Invention Story 23:41 - Global Trademark Protection Overview 24:15 - Amazon Sellers IP Protection Strategies 27:27 - Amazon Transparency Program and Trademark Registration 31:34 - Trademark Renewal Requirements and Deadlines 40:01 - Global IP Protection and Branding Strategies 46:30 - Protecting Your Brand From Knockoffs 57:10 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Carrie Miller, an expert in e-commerce and a key player at Helium 10, shares her journey from revitalizing a struggling skateboard brand to mastering Amazon strategies. She emphasizes the importance of community and the entrepreneurial spirit sparked by her father's influence. The conversation dives into emerging trends in the skateboarding industry and the challenges of traditional retail amidst electric board innovations. Carrie also discusses effective online marketing tactics and the vital role of networking in today's e-commerce landscape.

In this episode, learn how to choose the right Amazon agency! This episode reveals tips on agency selection, hiring practices, and what to expect from a high-quality agency. Join Kevin as he welcomes Pasha Knish to explore the vibrant world of Amazon agencies. Pasha, an experienced agency leader, shares his journey from being an Amazon seller to managing a full-service agency. We discuss the nuances of agency operations, including effective communication with Amazon sellers and the importance of authenticity in business relationships. Pasha provides valuable insights on choosing the right agency and hiring the right team members, all while highlighting the rewarding experience of hosting a podcast and gaining inspiration from seasoned service providers.   Discover the evolving landscape of Amazon agencies as we examine industry changes since 2011, including the rise of software tools that have transformed agency operations. We discuss the diverse motivations behind starting an agency, from genuine expertise to opportunistic ventures, and the current challenges of demonstrating expertise and reliability to clients. Emphasizing data-driven insights, we explore the necessity of building trust and ensuring effective service delivery in a competitive environment, and we share real-life examples of agency owners navigating these challenges.   Lastly, we discuss strategies for agency growth, the trend of agency roll-ups, and exit strategies for agency owners. Learn about the creative deal structures that allow aggregators to acquire agencies without upfront costs and the benefits of partnering with an agency. We also highlight the importance of building quality agencies for long-term success, maintaining a strong company culture, and balancing client relationships. For those interested in expanding their knowledge, we recommend checking out Pasha's podcast, "The Agency Operator," and invite you to sign up for Kevin’s upcoming Billion Dollar Seller Newsletter webinar for more insights. In episode 422 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Pasha discuss: 00:00 - Inside the Amazon Agency World 03:56 - Podcasts Inspire Action and Growth 06:42 - Long-Term ROI and Building Relationships 12:30 - Navigating the Amazon Agency Landscape 16:07 - Challenges of Selling on Amazon Agencies 20:11 - Quality and Management of Virtual Assistants 22:23 - Building Quality Agencies for Long-Term Success 28:42 - Agency Growth and Exit Strategies 32:31 - Fully Built Out System for Success 38:09 - Advantages of Agency Business Model 40:39 - Acquiring and Growing Amazon Agencies 42:29 - Opportunities and Challenges in Agency Acquisitions 46:29 - Building Trust in Agency Success 48:18 - Agency Growth Strategies and Optimization 53:28 - Exploring Diverse Business Perspectives 54:20 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom