Episodes
-
“It’s truly magic. That’s the word I use internally to describe what we’re doing here.”
What if you could turn $800K into $26 million in just 18 months—using nothing but Facebook ads? That’s exactly what Depesh Mandalia did. In this episode, he breaks down how he went from figuring out Facebook ads the hard way to running an agency that’s managed over $100 million in client revenue. Depesh doesn’t hold back on the real wins, the messy failures, and the lessons learned from scaling campaigns that most of us can only dream about.
We dig into why creative is king, how to survive the iOS 14 apocalypse, and why scaling ads gets easier once you’ve cracked the code. Plus, there’s a surprising ad campaign involving a 1-star review that somehow… worked.
LinksSM Commerce – Depesh Mandalia’s digital marketing agency.Depesh Mandalia on LinkedIn – Connect with Depesh on LinkedIn.Brand-Driven Performance Marketing Method – Learn more about Depesh’s marketing approach.Lost My Name – The personalized children’s book company Depesh helped scale.Depesh’s Facebook Ads Scaling Guide – Get the inside scoop on scaling with Facebook ads.SponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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. -
“Honestly, I think my best customers don’t even look at the discounts. They get the email, see the new pants, and just say, ‘I want them.’”
Black Friday: the annual marketing frenzy brands prep for all year. Kurt Elster sits down with Colby Kane of Aviator USA, who has a refreshingly different approach. No cringe sales gimmicks, just a smart, no-nonsense plan. Colby shares his early-access tactics, simple email flows, and why staying low-key can outperform loud, constant discounting. They dig into why subtle beats loud, how to run discounts without gutting brand value, and how a straightforward plan is the real power move. If you’re ready for a fresh, real-world approach to Black Friday, this episode’s your blueprint.
LinksKurt’s Black Friday Email Planning Google Sheet: A ready-to-use holiday email calendar templateColby Kane (Guest): Aviator USAKurt Elster (Host): EthercycleApps, Tools, and Services Mentioned:
GovX: Military and first responder discount verificationKlaviyo: Email marketing automationHappy Returns: Return management platformRedo (Return management with optional fee for package insurance)SponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendHelp 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.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter -
Missing episodes?
-
"I can't stop talking about partial payment, apparently." – Diana Birsan
Co-founder of Downpay and former Shopify Product Manager, Diana Birsan, joins us to break down how she built Downpay, the app that lets merchants offer partial payments for pre-orders, custom-made products, and more. It’s a potential game-changer for stores with long lead times and high-ticket items. Diana shares how she made the leap from a stable gig at Shopify to starting her own thing. Want to know how partial payments could boost your sales? This episode has the answers.
LinksDownpayFollow Diana Birsan on LinkedInSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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. -
“It’s truly magic. That’s the word I use internally to describe what we’re doing here.”
We chat with Vikram Anreddy, Head of Product for Finance at Shopify, about how Shopify is making money management way easier for merchants. Taxes, loans, cash flow—it’s all getting simplified with Shopify Finance, a one-stop shop for all your business finances. Vikram walks us through how this whole idea came about, what problems they’re solving, and what’s next. If managing your money has ever made you want to pull your hair out, this one’s for you. Plus, who knew taxes could be this easy?
LinksShopify Bill PayShopify BalanceShopify CreditShopify CapitalSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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. -
“Most brands just send out samples and then it’s done. We go the extra mile that 99% of brands do not do.”
Building a multi-million dollar business typically involves more than wedding invitations and viral TikToks. Yet for Josh Hadley, it began precisely there. In this episode, he recounts the evolution of his e-commerce brand, Hadley Designs, from a niche stationery shop to an 8-figure operation navigating the complex terrain of Amazon and Shopify. The conversation with Kurt Elster explores how TikTok Shop became a surprising growth catalyst, offering a modern twist on the age-old challenge of acquiring customers. Hadley’s story offers a glimpse into the future of retail, where scaling hinges on the power of social media and the unpredictability of going viral. Tune in to hear how Josh took viral hits and turned them into a full-blown growth strategy
LinksHadley DesignsEcomm Breakthrough PodcastThe Seven-Step Process Entrepreneurs Should Use When Hiring New TalentThe One ThingSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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. -
“PR is the highest leverage activity, and we’re not taught that because it’s easier to just create a reel and hope it goes viral.”
In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we meet Gloria Chou, a PR coach on a mission to break down the barriers of traditional media. Gloria didn’t take the expected path into public relations—she reinvented it. She shares how she went from diplomat to helping small businesses earn coveted media spots in outlets like Forbes and The New York Times, using her unique CPR method for pitching. We explore the quiet power of PR, how to land a spot in a holiday gift guide, and why PR might just be the secret weapon for Shopify entrepreneurs looking to grow.
LinksGloria's Gift GuideGloria Chou: GloriaChouPR.comCPR Method Masterclass: GloriaChouPR.com/masterclassInstagram: @GloriaChouPRHelp a Reporter Out (HARO): helpareporter.comSkimlinks: skimlinks.comSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/djnSFyBsB7M
We explore Shopify’s latest updates to simplify customer acquisition through its Shop Campaigns tool.
Host Kurt Elster talks with Shopify's Andrius Baranauskas, Product Director for Shop Campaigns, Shopify's not-so-secret weapon for getting new customers on autopilot.
Later, Nathan Onesian, Director of Ecommerce from melin, and Nick Daniels, Senior Ecommerce Manager, from OluKai spill how Shop Campaigns turned into their secret weapon for scaling fast.
Key Takeaways:
What is Shop Campaigns and how it simplifies customer acquisitionThe power of Shop Cash to incentivize purchasesNew features to win backlapsed customers with incentives on ShopReal-world success stories from top Shopify brandsGuests:
Andrius Baranauskas, Product Directorat Shopify
Nathan Onesian, Director of Ecommerce at melin
Nick Daniels, Senior Ecommerce Manager at OluKaiLinks:
Shop Campaigns[Shop Campaigns video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rddSHVroIcc)Shop.appMelinOluKaiDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into growing your Shopify store!
Sponsors:
Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURTCleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficialOmnisend: http://your.omnisend.com/UnofficialshopifypodcastNever miss an episode:
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/tusp
Join Kurt's newsletter: https://kurtelster.com/Help the show:
Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnofficialShopifyPodcast/
Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/unofficial
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/tuspWhat's Kurt up to?
See our recent work at Ethercycle: https://ethercycle.com/work/
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ethercycle
Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store: https://ethercycle.com/apply -
“I’m a builder. I want to be building a team, building an exceptional product, and competing every day.”
Kyle Hency had a simple goal: create a brand that speaks authentically to men like him. What started as a fun idea among friends quickly grew into Chubbies, a $100M+ brand known for its short shorts and unapologetic personality. In this episode, Kyle reflects on the early days of experimenting with marketing, the challenges of scaling, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. We explore how he transitioned from building Chubbies to co-founding Loop Returns, and now, his latest venture, GoodDay Software, an ERP solution for Shopify merchants. It’s a journey of reinvention, risk, and relentless pursuit of creating something new—while keeping things fun.
Show LinksGoodDay SoftwareChubbiesLoop ReturnsKyle’s favorite book: That Will Never Work by Marc RandolphConnect with Kyle on LinkedIn and TwitterSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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. -
"Our number one best-selling product… it’s called the Dink Master."
Enhance Pickleball's Connor Hance shares his incredible journey from college tennis player to the leading content creator and entrepreneur in the fast-growing world of pickleball.
🎯 Episode Highlights:
Connor's transition from tennis to pickleball during the pandemic.How Connor’s first product sold over $1,000 a day on Amazon.The viral content strategy that grew his YouTube channel to 100 million views.Building a six-figure business without paid advertising.Insights into product development and scaling an e-commerce brand.Connor’s advice on leveraging social media to drive brand growth.The importance of learning from industry experts and peers.👤 About Connor Hance:
Show LinksEnhance PickleballViewStatsMentorPassSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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.
Connor Hance, a former D1 tennis player for UCLA, stumbled into the world of pickleball during the pandemic. What started as a casual interest quickly turned into a thriving business. Today, Connor is known as the #1 content creator in the pickleball community, with his brand Enhance Pickleball dominating both on Amazon and across social media platforms. From his early days taping pickleball courts at his parents’ tennis facility to launching a successful line of pickleball products, Connor’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and smart content strategy. -
Hear how Austin Beals hacked his way out of a chronic skin condition to create Dermazen, a skincare brand that’s bringing in $5 million a year. No investors, no BS— just one man’s obsessive quest to relieve his own seborrheic dermatitis symptoms that turned into a product line changing lives. Austin talks about bootstrapping with a small SBA loan, leveraging niche Reddit communities, and the guerilla marketing tactics that propelled his brand into the big leagues. This is the blueprint for turning your personal problems into a game-changing business.
Show LinksDermazenr/sebdermDisrupter SchoolVocal VideoInsta: @austinthebealsInsta: @dermazencoSBA LoansGoogle & YouTube AppShopifySponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendNever 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. -
Tackle the increasingly troubling issue of returns fraud in the e-commerce world. As return fraud rises, this once-overlooked issue is now a major concern for online retailers. You'll learn how fraudsters are gaming the system and the wild, often unnoticed, methods they're using to rip off small businesses. Brace yourself for a journey into the less-talked-about side of your shopping cart. Join us as we explore the critical steps needed to combat this growing challenge.
Show Linksnofraud.com - check out their blog which has resources on return fraud, covering all the different types & prevention strategiesSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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. -
“Most Shopify themes are built by developers to create an online store catalog, not a converting funnel.”
In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Kurt Elster talks with Matthew Stafford, the CEO of BuildGrowScale, about finding success in e-commerce. Stafford, who went from selling t-shirts to mastering conversion rate optimization (CRO), shares his journey and offers practical advice for Shopify store owners. He discusses how to boost conversion rates, improve site speed, and create better user experiences. Whether you’re an experienced store owner or just starting out, Stafford’s insights will help you navigate the challenges of online retail and achieve lasting success. Tune in for a mix of compelling stories and actionable tips that can transform your e-commerce business.
Show LinksBuildGrowScale
Microsoft Clarity
Lucky Orange
Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
SponsorsZipify
Cleverific
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. -
Step into the rebellious side of marketing with this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Molly Pittman from Smart Marketer joins to rip up the rulebook on conventional advertising. We dive into the creation of "Goodsellas," a grassroots, "Goodfellas"-inspired commercial that flips traditional marketing on its head. Their conversation reveals the intricacies of creating a commercial that’s not just a spoof, but a smart, cost-effective marketing strategy. This episode is more than just a behind-the-scenes glimpse; it’s an invitation to reconsider the power and potential of creative thinking in the digital marketplace, challenging listeners to think differently about the intersection of commerce, culture, and creativity.
Show LinksGoodsellasThe Adfather w/ Ezra FirestoneBig LebowskiBack to The Future of Paid AdsSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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. -
"Buying a business is so much faster than building one and so much safer if you buy big enough."
Also on YouTube: youtu.be/BuDtoDsC4tA
Get the inside scoop on buying and selling Shopify stores from Gregory Elfrink at Empire Flippers. From the highs of a $13 million payday to the lows of emotional burnout, Gregory spills the secrets and dirty truths of the business game. Gregory, with over eight years of experience, shares valuable insights on the benefits of acquiring an established business, essential steps for preparing a store for sale, and key factors influencing business valuation. If you're ready to play big and cash in, this episode is your backstage pass to the raw, unfiltered realities of the e-commerce hustle.
Show LinksEmpire FlippersEmpire Flippers Valuation ToolSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever 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 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fIDw3fvPPgI
Unpack the intricacies of Shopify's Checkout Extensibility— a feature poised to revolutionize online commerce.
Michael Elmgreen, Shopify's Product Director, discusses the rationale behind this upgrade, enhancing security and streamlining customization.Blake Waldron provides a developer's-eye view of the migration, shedding light on the nuanced challenges and opportunities it presents.Brett Fish navigates the complex terrain of data layer implementation, ensuring that critical marketing integrations remain intact. \With global commerce evolving, this episode offers a sophisticated look at the future of digital checkouts, where efficiency and innovation converge.
Show LinksShopify Help Center: Checkout ExtensibilityShopify App: Checkout Blocks (recently acquired by Shopify!)Checkout Extensibility UpgradeShopify Help Center: Customer EventsConvert DigitalCheckout Components - They're offering 30% off any plan for 12 months to listeners through that landing page!Tag HeroSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever 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. -
Reprise Activewear founder Mary Bemis takes us through her incredible journey from launching a Kickstarter campaign to building a sustainable activewear brand that has caught the attention of Self Magazine and The View. She opens up about the gritty realities of bootstrapping—dealing with shady manufacturers, losing thousands, and balancing a day job while building her brand. This episode is a deep dive into the world of sustainable fashion, offering inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference. Listen in to hear how Mary turned her passion for a healthier lifestyle into a thriving business.
Show LinksReprise Activewear
Functional Fabric Fair
Reprise on Kickstarter
IG:repriseactivewear
IG:@maryb612
SponsorsZipify
Cleverific
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. -
Get ready for a deep dive into what really makes customers stick around or peace out. Professor Daniel McCarthy unravels the myths around churn rates and why a low number isn't always a high-five moment for businesses. If data drives your decisions, this episode is an indispensable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of subscription businesses.
Show LinksRetention SpreadsheetPPT DeckYouTube Video Series:First Video (One Segment Model)Second Video (Two Segment Model)Third Video (Beta Geometric Model)LinkedIn: Daniel McCarthyTwitter: @d_mccarChurn Fallacy PaperSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever 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. -
Vicky Pasche, a Shark Tank alum and co-founder of Dapper Boi, reveals how a personal quest for authenticity led to the creation of a groundbreaking apparel line.
Dapper Boi's innovative apparel line challenges traditional fashion norms by offering all-gender, size-inclusive clothing. Vicky discusses her journey from personal struggle to entrepreneurial success, touching on the brand's origins, its pivotal appearance on Shark Tank, and its commitment to fostering inclusivity in fashion. Explore how Dapper Boi has navigated industry challenges and cultivated a loyal customer base through a distinct business model that emphasizes authenticity and body positivity. Join us to understand the impact of socially conscious entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving fashion industry.
Tune in to this inspiring episode to grasp how passion and perseverance can revolutionize an industry. Subscribe for more stories of innovation and transformation in the ecommerce world.
Show LinksDapper BoiKickstarterDapper Boi on Shark TankShow Her The Money documentaryKiwi Size Chart appCouture TechnologiesIG:@meet_the_paschesSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever 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. -
Unlocking Shopify Flow: Automation Insights with Paul Nuschke & Matti Pihlainen
In this bonus episode we dive deep into the world of Shopify Flow with two remarkable guests. Paul Nuschke, the Senior Product Lead at Shopify, and Matti Pihlainen, a successful merchant who implemented Flow at Full Cycle, join us to explore the power of automation in e-commerce.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Shopify Flow: What it is and how it can transform your business.Key features and recent updates in Shopify Flow.Matti Pihlainen's success story with Full Cycle.Practical applications and creative uses of Shopify Flow.Getting started with Shopify Flow: Tips and best practices.Troubleshooting common issues and maximizing Flow’s potential.Future developments and exciting new features in Shopify Flow.About Paul Nuschke:
Paul Nuschke is a leading figure at Shopify, responsible for the development and growth of Shopify Flow. With a passion for automation and efficiency, Paul has dedicated his career to creating tools that empower merchants to streamline their operations. Before joining Shopify, Paul had a diverse career in tech, contributing to several groundbreaking projects and innovations. His insights and expertise have made him a sought-after speaker and a respected voice in the e-commerce community.About Matti Pihlainen:
Sponsors
Matti Pihlainen is a pioneering merchant and the owner of Full Cycle, a successful bike shop in Ottawa. Matti has creatively leveraged Shopify Flow to automate and optimize various aspects of his business, resulting in significant time savings and operational efficiency. His hands-on experience and innovative approach offer invaluable insights for other merchants looking to harness the power of Shopify Flow.Zipify
Cleverific
If you enjoyed this episode, please review and subscribe for more insights into the world of e-commerce and Shopify. Don’t forget to check out our previous episodes and follow our guests on social media for the latest updates and tips.
Additional Resources:
Shopify FlowPaul Nuschke on LinkedInFull CycleThe Unofficial Shopify Podcast -
Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DcptOEqEACw
Join Kurt Elster, host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, as he sits down with Lawson Thalmann, CTO of Chalet Nursery, to discuss how they’ve transformed their family business with Shopify POS. Lawson shares insights into their journey from legacy systems to cutting-edge retail technology.
Guest Background: Lawson Thalmann, CTO of Chalet Nursery, has been at the forefront of integrating technology into the family business. Started by his great-grandfather in 1917, Chalet Nursery is a local institution in Wilmette, Illinois. Lawson joined the business officially seven years ago, bringing a tech-savvy approach to retail operations. His first major project was moving their sales online with Shopify, a groundbreaking move for the garden center industry. Lawson’s passion for innovation has kept Chalet Nursery ahead of the curve, from mobile POS systems to advanced UI extensions.
Visit Chalet Nursery: chaletnursery.com
Shopify POS: shopify.com/pos
- Show more
