The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

Julie Elster (as in Mrs. Elster) joins us again for a candid update on how 2020 impacted her travel business, hosted on Shopify.Show LinksDoubleYourWDW.comPast Episode: My Wife Started a Shopify Store!Past Episode: How Julie Elster Generates 10,000 Organic VisitorsSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email [email protected] and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Try Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Returning for his fourth appearance is Nick Disabato, ecommerce conversion rate optimization wunderkind.On today's episode: an airing of grievances around merchant's approach to conversion rate optimization.We talk through the common mistakes in methodology & management, and your top missed opportunities.Show LinksDraftBaymardSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email [email protected] and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Try Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Now through January we’ll see an influx of new listeners. (Welcome!)We asked our new listeners, "what’s your number one question as you grow your Shopify store?"And to our established merchants, we asked, "what do you wish you knew when just starting out?"Today, we’ll talk through the top comments and turn those into actionable New Year's business resolutions.SponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - (To get an unadvertised gift, email [email protected] and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".Try Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Worried mobile messaging will annoy your customers? Not if you do it right.We ask SMS marketing consultant Arri Bagah listener submitted questions like...What do people really want when they sign up for SMS?Should we get into SMS if we’re not based in North America?How often to mass broadcast?Arri Bagah became an expert in the mobile messaging space and is invited to speak at large conferences including Traffic and Conversions Summit, and Conversations Conference and DTC DAY. Arri is the founder of Conversmart, and served in the US Army.Show LinksConversmart - Request a Free Email or SMS Marketing Consult from ArriState of DTC Text-Message Marketing (2020 Edition)Personal Mastery PodcastSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

When I bought our first electric vehicle earlier this year, I did what a lot of new car buyers do and went accessory shopping. It was not long before I started seeing ads for aftermarket accessory vendor Abstract Ocean, and reading about them on forums.Our guest today is Peter White, co-founder of Abstract Ocean. In 2013, Peter and his wife picked up their first Tesla. Aside from being the spark for Abstract Ocean, it proved completely life-changing (cue the Tesla grin - even now, years later, driving is a pure and utter joy - despite traffic).Show LinksAbstractOcean - 15% off any purchase when you useuse code UNOFFICIALThe 2013 Forum Post that started it allSentiOneSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this episode, we discuss Shipageddon Season and the Cyber Monday that broke shipping. Then a Nuggs teardown– They're "the Tesla of chicken."Show LinksShipBob's Shipping Carrier DataNUGGSSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

As ecommerce professionals, what did we learn from 2020? And what happens in 2021?Those are the questions I posed to a number of a clever ecommerce industry folks.Entreprenuers like:Harley Finkelstein, ShopifyEric Bandholz, BeardbrandMarnie Consky, Thigh SocietyEzra Firestone, Smart MarketerIlana Davis, Shopify Expert & Website RescuerSteve Chou, My Wife Quit Her JobNick DiSabato, DraftAustin Brawner, Brand Growth ExpertsVal Giesler, Fix My ChurnAndrew Youderian, EcommerceFuelRhian Beutler, VenntovAnne Thomas, Shop CritiqueBen Jabbawy, PrivyThis episode is a fire hose of valuable insights, tips, and trends.SponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

From the start of Black Friday in New Zealand through the end of Black Friday in California, Shopify merchants saw a 75% increase in sales from Black Friday in 2019. By 8:00am EST, merchants on Shopify collectively had crossed $1 billion in sales.“We’re thrilled with the Black Friday sales generated by the businesses on Shopify. In just a single day, merchants around the world produced more than 80% of the sales of the entire holiday shopping weekend last year,” said Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify.Let's unpack that.Show LinksOverlanderBlack Friday sees record online as US shoppers stay home BFCM Live MapShopify Announces Record Global Black Friday Sales of $2.4 Billion KeySmartSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

We talk to a cookbook author who turned his experience living in Japan into a Shopify store focused on selling the best quality matcha possible.Eric is the founder and chief evangelist at Breakaway Matcha. He's also an author, ghostwriter, editor, cooking instructor, and private chef. For 16 years, he lived and worked in Japan, where he took deep dives into all things matcha, food, literature, arts, and culture. Eric is the author of three cookbooks: The Breakaway Cook, The Breakaway Japanese Kitchen, and Eric's Kitchen. He lives and works in Marin County, CA.Show LinksBreakaway MatchaCommunityHiutDenimCart2CartMatcha QuizSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this episode, we'll talk to one of the most experienced Shopify theme developers on the planet: Anne Thomas.You'll learn...how to audit your theme for performancethe common pitfalls to avoid with your themelearning enough development to be dangerousa user testing crash courseAnne Thomas is an experienced web developer who has helped create some of the best Shopify themes in the market. She spent almost 5 years at Out of the Sandbox as the Technical Director working on themes such as Turbo and Flex.Her knowledge of the Shopify platform runs deep and she's recently started her own company, Shop Critique, where she works directly with merchants to help them makeover their shops and make sure they are using their themes and apps in the best ways possible. Show LinksShop CritiqueOut of The SandboxCoding with Jan - YouTubefreeCodeCampLyndaBaymard InstituteSiteInspire2020 Holiday Email GuideSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Third-generation Master Tea Blender Emeric Harney joins us to discuss the online success of their 37-year-old family tea business, Harney & Sons. Harney & Sons is a tea company that is committed to "making quality tea an everyday luxury."Key Takeaways:How they leverage their brand storyHow to power product discovery with 300 varieties of teaWhat its like running a store with 50+ appsWhy they're fighting for inclusive messagingLinks MentionedHarney.comHot CinnamonAs The Tea Steeps PodcastNosto - On-site PersonalizationAimtell - Push NotificationsHarney's ThemeBetter ReportsReport PunditPingdom ToolsThe Hemp DivisionEmeric's IG: @emericharneySponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Marnie Consky is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Anti-Chafing Champion of Thigh Society (US), a niche undergarment brand offering moisture-wicking, breathable, and discreet boxer brief underwear for women. Thigh Society prevents inner thigh chafing while providing modesty coverage and is on a body-positive mission to normalize this common skin issue while helping women love their thighs at any size.Key Takeaways:How she bootstrapped a million dollar business starting with just $8K CAD as a risk-averse solopreneurWhy starting with retail wholesale helped her get started onlineWhy you should start with one product (and how to better forecast inventory)Marnie grew Thigh Society to a six-figure business while working a demanding full-time job before deciding to focus exclusively on building the business in late 2016, and has grown it to 7 figures since. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Marnie worked for organizations in Toronto, Canada including Accenture, the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, and the Rotman School of Management (MBA school) in a variety of strategic talent management roles.Links MentionedThigh Society (US) - Use code UNOFFICIAL at checkout to save 15% on your orderThigh Society (CA)Draft - Marnie's conversion rate optimization consultant[Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh](https://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446576220/ref=sr_1_1?Maker's Row - For anyone looking for resources to start an apparel businessToronto Fashion Incubator E-Lists & GuidebooksThe Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing2PMl - Marnie's favorite free weekly newsletterCompany of One by Paul Jarvis - Marnie's book recommendationSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this episode, you'll learn a three stage strategy to set your Facebook ads funnel up for success before and during Black Friday.Facebook Ads are more expensive than ever, and Black Friday is going to bring the muppets out of the woodwork which will drive costs up even more.You'll the hear answers to:Your 2020 FB Ads StrategyWhich promos were the most successful in 2019When to use Campaign Budget OptimizationA 2019 FB Ads Postmortem2020 BFCM ConsiderationsShow LinksBFCM Strategy GuideTw:@kurtbullockProduceDept.co2020 Holiday Shipping Deadlines2020 Holiday Email GuideThis episode made possible by RewindNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Out of The Sandbox's Sean Campbell joins us to discuss all things theme related:When & how should you upgrade or change themesWhat to consider in a new themeBehind the scenes of the Shopify Theme Storethe "New Online Store Editor Experience"How to expedite support ticketsSean is a Shopify Theme project manager with 6+ years of experience helping agencies, partners, and merchants navigate the Shopify ecosystem. With a focus on Out of the Sandbox Themes, Sean possesses in-depth knowledge and experience from the perspective of shoppers, merchants, theme developers, and agencies.Links MentionedOut of The Sandbox - Use code KURT20 at checkout to get 20% off Flex or TurboReunite 2020: Everything we announced and exclusive updates from Shopify Plus - Discusses Sections EverywhereUsing the Page.details TemplateTheme Updater AppMerchant CollectiveSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this episode:Increasing average order value with financing,a new sexy store,and your Black Friday prep crash course.Show Links2020 Holiday Email GuideSezzle - My Sezzle referral code is SZXRLQJ. When you use it, you'll get one month free, no strings attached.Vex ClothingSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In 2018, Ezra Firestone generated $700K over Black Friday, with $100k alone on Thanksgiving for his Shopify store BOOM by Cindy Joseph.This year he plans do 30% more and he's going to tell us exactly how.Master Marketer Ezra Firestone breaks down the exact Black Friday and holiday email campaigns he'll be running this year.You'll learn:Ezra's content marketing strategyWhy to set up pre-sale campaignsBest times to send emailEvery single app in every Ezra's storeShow LinksEzra's 2019 podcast everMoney Talks SeriesEmail on AcidSmart Email Marketing 2.0Ezra on InstagramZipify PagesSmart MarketerBoomSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Nomad Goods' Chuck Melber joins us to tell us in details what he's doing in Klaviyo to generate seven-figures worth of revenue annually.Key Takeaways:"A clean list is a well-delivered list"How to segment abandoned cart flows for personalized contentThe right ratio of plain text vs HTML emailsThe most important thing to split testChuck started his post college life working in the world of ecommerce and marketing and quickly made the leap into the realm of UX/ID. Over the course of a few years he was privileged to consult on projects with companies like GoPro, Mozilla, and LG. Thanks to retail experience he brought a unique perspective regarding consumer electronics and a desire to make navigating the world a simpler, more enjoyable experience.In 2015 Chuck returned to marketing, advertising, and growth with a broader appreciation for aesthetics and usability. During his tenure at Nomad he has established a strong foundation in advertising, email marketing, affiliate marketing, PR, and influencer marketing.When not working, you can find Chuck adventuring, fishing offshore, or in the kitchen.Links MentionedNomad Goods - Use code UNOFFICIAL for 20% in-stock goods until October 1st.KlaviyoTinuitiTone SMS RecoveryNomad Sticker PackKurt's Vinyl PlotterSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

We discuss:The ethics of financing solutionsLaunching your products like YeezyRumors: An update on Native Checkout IntegrationsNews: A Shopify data leak, and a Shopify Partner arrested by the FBIAre Nikkola, Madewell, and Shinola authentic brands?And then we test drive the Shinola store.Links MentionedHow Madewell Bought And Sold My Family's History - BuzzFeedPageSpeed Anxiety ToolNS8 co-founder Adam Rogas charged with securities fraudThe Real History of America's Most Authentic Fake Brand - IncShinolaSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Stephanie Morimoto is the owner and CEO of Asutra, a natural beauty company so good that customer Venus Williams approached them to get involved.Asutra offers over 50 organic, natural products – from natural solutions to help with pain relief and sleep to skincare to bath & body – for people who invest in self-care.Asutra is woman-owned and women-led; 77% of their team are people of color; and 100% of their staff would recommend Asutra as a great place to work.Key Takeaways:How a "luck sail" led to the purchase of AsutraWhy she shifted from Amazon to DTC on ShopifyThe double edged sword of selling in national retail chainsThe unexpected way Venus Williams got involvedHow a social mission impacted their hiring processStephanie is an enthusiastic board member of Equality Illinois, which advocates for LGBTQ rights; and Naturally Chicago, which creates an ecosystem for natural products companies to thrive. In her spare time, she’s an avid urban gardener who grows everything from tomatoes to lilacs.Links MentionedAsutraPointer CreativeProduct Recommendations: Spray Pain Away Magnesium Oil, Chill Pain Away CBD Magnesium, Menthol Pain Cream, Melt Pain Away Body ButterPurpose WorkforceWeb SavvySponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

We discuss:An Income Store court case updateAWAY Travel has a sale, DTC Twitter takes noticeGymShark's billion dollar valuationAnd then we tear down the Gymshark store.Links MentionedIncome Store ReceivershipAttorneys Quitting? (Income Store Update)Emilia Gardner's Income Store YouTube PlaylistAWAY TravelIs Gymshark worth $1.4 Billion?Reflecting on My Failure to Build a Billion-Dollar Company, Part 2 - Sahil Lavingia, Gumroad’s founder, shares what he’s learned along the way about strategy, product, and growthGymSharkSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Noah Dentzel is Co-Founder and CEO of Nomad. Nomad launched in 2012 on Kickstarter with their first product, ChargeCard, a USB cable the size and shape of a credit card designed to keep your phone charged on the go, a "jumper cable" for your phone.Key Takeaways:The great mindset advice (provided by a Zoltar fortune telling machine)What goes into a successful Kickstarter, and how its changedWhy they're proudly omni-channelWhy its worth listening to a few bad ideasNomad dreams up and builds out award-winning modern, minimalist accessories for smartphones and smartwatches. They've successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter (2012), Indiegogo (2013) and CircleUp (2014) and sell direct to consumer on their Shopify-powered site as well as through select retail and distribution partners in the US and globally.Links MentionedNomad GoodsKickstarter: ChargeCardNOMAD Sticker PackSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

This episode is available as a video interview on YouTube: youtu.be/S3-9NZ1OLV8In this listener Q&A episode aimed at optimizing for Q4, we discuss:Which cart type is bestWhat we're doing differently this Black FridayThe problem with PageSpeedKlaviyo Email Flow & Campaign tipsHow to promote without discountingAnd we close with a breakdown of when Shopify Plus makes sense.Links MentionedKurt's MAME CabinetHerb'n'Eden InterviewEtsy: Paul's Maltese FalconGymSharkGymShark Page SpeedPingdom ToolHoliday Email GuideStory Brand (Kurt called it Brand Story in the show, that's wrong.)Shopify PlusSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

This bonus episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is presented by Rewind.The secret to productivity & success isn't a system, it's a mindset. Metalsmith and entrepreneur Megan Auman returns to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast to discuss how she's cultivated an "investment mindset" and the power of mindset in business.Key Takeaways:How to take a vacation as a entrepreneurDon't be so hard on yourselfCultivating mindfulnessHow to make big financial decisionsMegan Auman is a jewelry designer, metalsmith, educator and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in selling art through a variety of channels. In addition to running her eponymous jewelry line, she is the founder of Designing an MBA, which features business thinking for artists and makers, and Artists & Profit Makers, an online mentorship community. A best-selling CreativeLive instructor, her designs have been featured in Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens, Cooking Light and on top-rated blogs like Design*Sponge. Her newest class, Sell Without Shame, helps artists and makers find and articulate the value in their work.Links Mentionedmeganauman.comDesigning an MBAIG:@meganaumanSponsorsRewindNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Quinton Lewis sells soap. A lot of soap. So much soap that customers wait weeks for their order to be produced. And he only started in the last few years.Quinton is the co founder of Herb'N Eden. He is currently the head of Marketing & Operations at Herb'N Eden.In this episode, we'll walk through his journey, including a detailed overview of their content marketing strategy.Links MentionedHerb'N EdenHerb'N Eden Brand StoryIG:@herbnedenSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Also available in live hi-def action on YouTube: youtu.be/khPjZKvOPhsIn this episode:Our Q4 BFCM predictionsWhat's up with USPS?KeySmart's Andy Bedell talks switching themesand we teardown the official Joe Biden merch storeLinks MentionedForbes: Trump Admits To Blocking USPS Funding Over Mail-In VotingKeySmartJoe Biden storeOculus Quest VRSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Alex Brown has been launching e-commerce companies for over 5 years, starting with multiple successful crowdfunding campaigns (like Coolbox which ended up on ABC’s Shark). He is best known as CoFounder of the viral hit Dollar Beard Club. DBC hit $10M in their first year with no performance marketing or affiliate help, and has gone on to become a scalable and globally known brand with over 300M video views.You'll learn:Is crowdfunding still relevant?The one thing that makes or breaks product launchesHow a video-first strategy launched their brandThe conditions for viralityThe three questions to ask yourself to build an incredible brand storyWhat to do when you feel overwhelmedSince exiting Beard Club, Alex has been advising multiple companies and speaking around the world on branding and content marketing. He currently runs the first e-commerce brand accelerator program for brands on pace for 8+ figures, and is an advisor to NGO’s helping building entrepreneurial ecosystems.Show LinksEcommerce RockstarsCoolBox KickstarterThe Beard ClubThis is Marketing (Book)Evolved Enterprise (Book)Ecommerce RockstarsNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one.Subscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleTake a ride with Kurt on YouTubeApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsThis episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.

In this episode, we discuss listener-suggested topics: bookkeeping, profitability, and pre-orders.And then we tear down the official LEGO store.Links MentionedBenchShipScoutCrowdfunderProduct Filter & SearchLEGOSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

A recovering banker and management consultant, Melita Cyril had her eyes (and ears) open for different entrepreneurial ideas during her maternity leave. When her baby boy suffered from eczema and she struggled to find the right socks for his sensitive feet, she started Q for Quinn - a company that sells gentle, comfortable socks for the entire family.We talk through:Her journey as a "mompreneur" of a family apparel brandStrategies to increase AOVs, despite selling a low priced itemWhy and how she incorporated social impact into her missionHow she get early tractionMelita is a mom of two kids and in addition to running Q for Quinn, she is also a children’s book author. Melita holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and a BSc (Hons) Economics from the London School of Economics.Links MentionedQ for Quinn - Use code KURTSPECIAL to save 15% on socks (because everyone can use more comfortable socks.)SponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

We discuss what an accessibility lawsuit costs, why Google PageSpeed is our Emperor Palpatine, building better blog pages in Shopify, and finally we tear down the official Minor League Baseball store.Links MentionedBrickloot LEGO LED KitsPaul's favorite light bulbsKurt's Merino Wool ApparelKurt's Favorite JeansRevTim Hipp, freelance transcriptionPingdom ToolsDoubleYourWDWSmallPetSelectThe Beard Mentor BlogMinor League Baseball StoreSnowCommerceSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

From planning & scheduling your content for Instagram to what does and doesn't work in 2020, our guest today lays out a complete strategy to organic Instagram marketing that anyone can use to market their Shopify store starting today. We finish the episode with answers to your top Instagram questions.Our Instagram expert in this episode is Leslie Eugene. Over the years, she's developed a reputation for helping fashion & beauty online brands build communities around their product or services that convert their audience into paying customers and brand evangelists. While social media plays a vital role in that conversion, there’s another distinctive key that makes all the difference in her success: her passion for great social media marketing.Your questions answered:What’s the drawback in switching to a business account on Instagram - how much organic reach do you lose?What are the top 3 things small business should be doing on social that they probably aren’t?How often would you recommend posting in IG stories?How should an Ecom Store social media strategy change over the course of the store's maturity e.g pre-launch, launch, growth, maturity, etc.When does it make sense for a business to hire for organic social media?Does high engagement on your page reduce ad costs?Links MentionedPretty HautePlanolyIconosquare@miaray, @iamminglee - Examples of great Instagram accountsSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In today's episode:Why now may be a good time to upgrade your themeThe broken promises of accessibility and what to do about itAnd finally an Away Travel teardown that goes off the railsLinks MentionedKeySmartTurbo Changelog The Ship of TheseusCORSA PerformanceAccessiBeAwaySponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code KURT20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

After raising $164,775 on Kickstarter, this husband & wife team is disrupting carbon fiber manufacturing.You'll the hear answers to:How they raised $164,775 on Kickstarter to start their businessHow a revenue share agreement empowered their businessThe exact influencer outreach strategy they usedHow niche group buys are growing their manufacturing businessGabriel Mountjoy is a graduate of the Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering Department in San Luis Obispo, CA. He and his wife, Ann Mountjoy, founded Common Fibers in 2013 after invention of a carbon fiber hinge. For the past six years they have developed composite products for the automotive, aerospace, medical, construction, and consumer goods industries. With two patents, they are building a passionate team that will continue to disrupt the composites industry and change how manufacturing is currently done.Links MentionedKickstarter Carbon Fiber Wallet Campaign (2014)Book: How to shoot video that doesn't suckGabe's wallet store: Common Fibers - 30% off with code ETHERCYCLE at checkoutRefersionCFGroupBuyCrowdfunderNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one.Subscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleTake a ride with Kurt on YouTubeApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsTry Bold Product Upsell free for 90 daysSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify themeImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerOutsource your Shopify customer service with Simplr

In this episode, we discuss:Kurt's run-in with a KarenHow to optimize your main menu navigation for higher conversionsA spicy website teardown of Chicago condiment institution Marconi FoodsLinks MentionedMain Menu examples: KeySmart, Hoonigan, Proven Winners DirectTeardown: Marconi FoodsSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Years ago, Dan Demsky wanted to buy a merino wool t-shirt for travel to lighten his load... and he couldn't find one. It haunted him. He knew this product should exist, and after a business coach told him he shouldn't do it, he spent 18 months on research and development that resulted in a crowdfunding campaign that raised $380K USD.That brand was Unbound Merino, purveyors of quality merino wool clothing. Today, Unbound Merino is a multi-million dollar global brand selling in over 100 countries.Its not all puppies and roses: they had positioned the brand as a travel accessory, impacting their sales in a pandemic world.Key Takeaways:The grassroots campaign strategy that drove their initial successThe difference between publishing and launching your storeHow the pandemic has created a new mentality for their businessLinks MentionedUnboundMerinoIndieGogo: Unbound Merino - The ultimate travel hack SponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this episode, we have an uncomfortable and necessary conversation about racism.If you disagree with anti-racism or feel that this conversation doesn't belong in our show, then unsubscribe.George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, and countless others should be alive.Links MentionedNational Bail Fund NetworkBombasSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager

Through his love of vintage clothing, Rory Westbrook founded True Vintage out of his bedroom while still a student at the University of Portsmouth. Growing quicker than he could have anticipated, True Vintage has consistently doubled their annual revenue year-over-year since inception.Using a combination of digital marketing strategies (including brand collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger and Urban Outfitters) Rory and the True Vintage team have built an engaged instagram following of over 300,000 people.Links MentionedTrue VintageShoppex - Receive a 15% discount when you book a demo and quote KURT in the sign 􏰀up process.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsThis episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.

In this episode, you'll hear how a designer and entrepreneur from the UK turned a personal tragedy into a compelling story and business that has helped thousands of men live better lives.Ollie Aplin is the co-founder of MindJournal, the global men's journaling movement a mission to help guys feel happier and healthier.We ask him:Why journaling and why journaling for men?Why launch on Kickstarter? (Building a community and validation was key)How did you overcome the fear of putting yourself out there and taking a risk both emotionally and financially?What lessons have you learned about yourself, or entrepreneurship since launching in 2016The one piece of advice you would give to other entrepreneurs who are thinking about launching a new business or product in 2020Links MentionedKickstarterMindjournals - Use code KURT20 to get 20% off your first JournalIG:@ollieaplinDo Purpose by David HieattNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager

This episode is also available with video on YouTube.Last week at Shopify Re-Unite, a webinar keynote, Shopify's leadership team revealed new and upcoming features. Paul and I attended and will give you the run down today.After that, we do a teardown of Pit Vipers, a store that is equal parts impressive and ridiculous.Links MentionedCarcaine SupplyProven Winners DirectShopify Re-UniteRe-Unite RecapPit VipersSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Using accounting as a useful business tool is harder than it sounds. Most of us don't really know what we should be looking at or how to interpret it.In today's episode, you'll learn some counter-intuitive wisdom and financial truths you can start using immediately to accelerate you light years ahead of the competition.Key Takeaways:How cash conversion cycle (CCC) is the most important key performance indicator for your financesThe biggest financial challenges merchants faceWhich financial metrics you should be actively monitoringHow to be smarter about discountingAvoiding the common mistakes Ecommerce merchants make with their financesOur guest today is Jason Andrew, a chartered accountant, founder, and business advisor to high-growth businesses. His accounting firm, SBO.Financial, focuses on helping Ecommerce businesses with their numbers, ranging from bookkeeping and financial control to profit and cash flow maximisation strategies.In 2019, Jason published an entrepreneurial accounting book, Stark Naked Numbers, which he describes as "the 4-hour work week of business finance."Links MentionedBook: Stark Naked NumbersSBO FinancialLinkedIn: @jason-andrewThe Personal MBABook: All Marketers are LiarsSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsThis episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.

Stefan Gehrig, a former Research Scientist, started King Kong Apparel in 2011 when he was heavily involved in the still-niche sport of CrossFit. Since then, starting with a single (relatively crappy) gym bag he has scaled to a Shopify Plus store that sells tens of thousands of bags, backpacks and meal prep bags per year.We talk:How they built a community of brand evangelistsWhat they'd do differently starting overThe most underestimated component of successHow their quizOh, and you'll never guess where they got their mascot from. It's wild.King Kong bags are widely known for their toughness, durability and functionally and have grown with the sport of CrossFit, and branched out into other fitness markets.Links MentionedKing Kong ApparelThe 4-Hour Workweek (For the two of you haven't read it yet)Pickzen - Quiz AppNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager

The world is changing, and a core part of that change is everyone and everything finally getting online.Ecommerce is booming. Let's talk through it:We discuss Shopify's Q1 2020 financial reportThe wild projects we're working on right nowPredictions Shopify's newest featuresOur number one Facebook ads tip from a man who spends $30K/day on adsAN ALLBIRDS TEARDOWN!!Links MentionedShopify's Q1 2020 financial reportShopify Re-UniteVirtual Shopify MeetupSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this episode, Shopify merchants will hear how they could be better using humor in their marketing copy (especially email!) to improve conversions.How humor boosts conversionsHow to approach voice of customer researchHow can store owners and marketers write funnier copy without offending customers or coming off the wrong way?How do you know you're succeeding with humor?What are some big opportunities most brands overlook when creating their email automations?Lianna Patch is a conversion copywriter and comedian whose greatest dream is to make your customers pause, smile, and click (in that order).She’s written copy for Freshbooks, Manly Bands, LifeStraw, and The Contract Shop, among other delightful clients, and regularly speaks at ecommerce and software conferences around the world.Links MentionedPunchline CopySNAP CopySNAP Copy's free Voice of Customer Research Kit@punchlinecopyNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsThis episode was made possible by Ecom Growers - In eCommerce, the difference between great and good email campaigns is hundreds of thousands of dollars Ecom Growers is an agency that figured it out so you don’t leave any sales on the table.

Our guest today has a long track record with ecommerce: both successes and failures. We're joined by Ryan Daniel Moran, founder of Freedom Fast Lane and Capitalism.com, to discuss what he believes are the fundamental appraoches that create the enduring ecommerce success stories.Key Moments:How the Income Store affected himWhy the pandemic can be good for youThe dangers of short term decisionsWhat most entreprenuers get wrong when scales 7-figure businessesRyan's product & audience formulas for successAs a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and investor, Ryan's main focus is on creating lifestyle freedom --- helping people create lasting businesses and investing the profits, while enjoying a higher quality of life, and working less.In addition to operating, selling, and investing in multiple million dollar ecommerce brands, Ryan is best known for his work at Freedom Fast Lane - where he leads "The Tribe" and helps entrepreneurs develop their business plan, get results rapidly, and invest for passive income.In The Tribe, he is responsible for creating 100+ millionaires, many of which occurred in 12 months or less following his philosophies on creating products people want, marketing them profitably, and creating life-long customers and brand evangelist.Ryan's mission is to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to create jobs, contribute to the economy, and uplift their families and local communities to create a better world.Links MentionedCapitalism12 Months to $1 Million: How to Pick a Winning Product, Build a Real Business, and Become a Seven-Figure Entrepreneur Kindle EditionSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

In this listener Q&A episode, we answer nine merchant's pressing questions regarding marketing their Shopify stores. We even try something new and call a few experts on the phone to get their answers.Tik Tok: is it time?Starting a loyalty programSEO Apps VS DIY SEO VS Using a consultant for SEOWhat gear, setup and software do you use to do remote podcast with video?Pros and cons of affiliate programsWhat to do with 15,000 visitors a month and barely any salesA sane beginner's approach to Facebook AdsWhich reviews app to choose (and structured metadata)And lastly a thought exercise: "What are the top 3 things you would do to grow your following/list if starting a new store from scratch on a low budget of say around $200/month."Plus Paul reveals the terrible secret his refrigerator has been hiding, and Kurt wears makeup.Links MentionedKlaviyo's Coronavirus Daily InsightsSmileSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Today we're joined by long-time Shopify Partner and SEO app developer Rhian Beutler to discuss your SEO questions.In this Shopify SEO Crash Course, you'll hear the answer to:Do those ‘seo’ apps really work?The latest Google Algorithm changes you need to knowWhat does Mobile Indexing First mean for your store?How to approach Google's technical recommendationsWhat happens if you have to pause your business online?How long should my alt tags be? Is there such a thing as them being too long?What are best practices for image alt tags? Do I really write for accessibility or do I stuff keywords?How do you research keywords to target based on your niche?What does optimizing for a keyword really mean?How much time should I spend creating content vs building backlinks?Links MentionedVenntovMozOfficial Google Webmaster BlogTw:@searchliaisonA Beginner's Guide to Google Search Console - MozMoz BlogImage Compression Tools: Kraken, ImageOptimGoogle Keyword PlannerHemingway AppTw:@rhiankatieSponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

As we look for more ways to generate quality organic traffic to our stores, SEO will come to mind.In this episode, you'll will hear how to get more search engine traffic to your store.We're joined by an SEO Expert who has been called an "SEO genius" by Entrepreneur.com and a "brilliant entrepreneur" by Inc Magazine.If you've read the Backlinko blog or watched their YouTube channel, you'll recognize today's guest, Brian Dean.Brian's going to tell us:How to create awesome ecommerce contentHow to use Authority Sculpting to boost rankings to product and category pagesHow to rank above Amazon (yes, its possible!)

Today we're joined by a Business owner sharing experience of surviving 3 recessions in 25 years. This episode is about actionable advice.What's the upside of a recession, if any?What strategies do you advise for surviving a downturn in the economy for any business?What are the biggest mistakes stores & businesses are going to make during the pullback?What's different about this downturn from the others?Dave is the founder of Recapture, an abandoned cart and email marketing solution for Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento. He's also the co-host of Rogue Startups podcast talking about his entrepreneurial journey, and he runs Big Snow Tiny Conf West, a small web business mastermind-style conference with skiing.Links MentionedHeadscape@daverodenbaughRecapture - 60 Day TrialRewind - Backup your store, automaticallyNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsRewind

On this episode, we're joined by Laura Petrielli-Pulice, a fashion designer who has designed for celebrities and icons of art and culture including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Dita Von Teese.Her clothing has graced the pages of highly respected fashion magazines such as Vogue, W, Interview Magazine, and more.Pulice was also runner-up on the Bravo fashion competition show Styled to Rock hosted by Rihanna.Today, you can buy her clothing from her Shopify store, but her first website went live 20 years ago.In today's episode, we'll walk through her journey.Links MentionedVex Clothing *NSFWIG:@vexclothing *NSFWNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platformTry Bold Product Upsell, free trialSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify theme - Use code PODCAST20 at checkoutImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager

Your story is the ultimate way to create an emotional connection with your customers so that they not only become raving fans, they share your story with their friends.In this episode, professional sitcom writer and showrunner Michael Jamin will teach you how to find your mission statement, create your customer avatar, cast a "voice" for your brand, then how to apply that to your marketing so you're always telling one, cohesive brand story.You'll hear:Why you shouldn't "fake it 'til you make it"What makes a great mission statement?How to create my customer avatar?How to "cast" a spokesperson to "speak" to your customerHow to apply it all this to your brandingMichael Jamin has been a professional sitcom writer/showrunner for 25 years. His many credits include King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, Beavis & Butthead, Rules of Engagement, Wilfred, Maron, Brickleberry and many others. By applying his knowledge of storytelling to his wife's clothing line, TwirlyGirl, they grew it into a multi-million dollar company.Michael's branding videos were so successful on Facebook, that several companies asked him to share his marketing expertise. That's how CardboardRocketships came to be. It's a website that offers instruction on how to tell your brand story.Links MentionedMichael's site, CardboardRocketshipsMichael's Branding VideosTwirlyGirlEpisode 195: "How to Tell Your Brand's Story With Help from a Professional Screenwriter"The Story CourseJ. PetermanNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one.Subscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsTry Bold Product Upsell free for 90 daysSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify themeImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta Manager

In this episode, we learn what it means to have an accessible website, why you should care, and how you can benefit.You'll hear the answers to:What does an accessible website mean?Is that the same thing as the ADA?What can merchants get out of having an accessible website?Doesn’t Shopify take care of web accessibility for me?Ilana Davis works with Shopify merchants to remove friction from the buying process. By keeping web accessibility top of mind, she’s able to create effective websites that attract more visitors, provide better SEO, and increase conversion rates.In order of discussion:axe - Web Accessibility Testing Extension for Google ChromeShopify Accessibility for themesDoes my website have to be compliant with ADA?IlanaDavis.comTw:@ilanadavishrIG:@ilanadavisNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one.Subscribe wherever you get your podcastsSpecial Listener Offer from Ilana: When you mention The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, you’ll receive 15% off a Website Rescue. Complete my interest form before 2/29/20. Must purchase by 3/30/20. A Website Rescue allows us to salvage your e-commerce store for a fraction of the cost of a full redesign. If your planning a redesign in 2020, don’t redesign your store. Rescue it! More info: https://www.ilanadavis.com/website-rescuesWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.SponsorsTry Bold Product Upsell free for 90 daysSave 20% on Turbo, a blazing fast Shopify themeImprove your shop’s search engine ranking with Venntov SEO Meta ManagerGet powerful marketing automation with Klaviyo's revenue-driving email platform