Episodes
-
Arv is the Director of Product at GroupBy. He is a passionate entrepreneur currently responsible for product management. Arv has over eight years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including five years with WorleyParsons.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:45] Intro[01:21] Driving revenue with better product discovery[02:40] Scaling search for retailers with high SKU counts[03:31] Adapting to modern, conversational search queries[05:58] Better product details for user-friendly browsing[08:30] Avoiding AI errors with human-guided review[09:55] Guiding users with smart sorting options[11:46] Product variations using smart automation[13:02] Shopper trust through respectful customization[14:09] Automating reorders with helpful reminders[15:05] Preventing bounce rates with smart stock management[16:32] Clear shipping times to boost purchase confidence[17:11] advanced analytics for more effective action[18:34] Using best-in-class apps as your brand grows[20:17] Recognizing evolving trends in ecommerce technology[21:24] Product search with AI-driven recommendations[23:01] GroupBy for enhancing your retail experienceResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeProduct discovery platform powered by Google Cloud Vertex AI search for retail groupbyinc.com/Follow Arv Natarajan linkedin.com/in/arvnatarajan/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Kevin Tighe is the Founder & CEO of San Diego based Beachly Brands (acquired) which is the leading subscription retailer of beach apparel and accessories. Under Kevinâs leadership, Beachly has been twice selected to the INC 500 â INC Magazineâs annual list of the fastest growing private companies in America.
Kevin recently joined Retention Brands where he serves as COO of the portfolio which includes Birchbox, Beachly and Alltrue. Kevin is a passionate entrepreneur, startup mentor and non-profit volunteer. Born in Washington DC, Kevin migrated to the West Coast to attend the University of Southern California.
While at USC, he started his first business and has been a serial entrepreneur ever since. He has over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, eCommerce, subscription commerce, and entrepreneurship.
Kevin is among the select few who qualify as both a visionary and integrator. This quality gives him the unique ability to dream big and then distill his vision into an actionable and achievable plan.
Kevin serves on the Board of Directors of Sustainable Surf, a non-profit focused on promoting and restoring ocean ecosystems. He also serves on the Board of Directors of San Diego Sports Innovators.
During his free time, you will likely find Kevin at the beach with his family or in the ocean; surfing, paddle boarding or racing outrigger canoes.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:42] Intro[01:35] Building on past ventures and learning[02:16] Finding business inspiration back from the ocean[03:44] Testing concepts with real-world validation[04:52] Assessing margins for sustainable ventures[06:00] The allure of recurring revenue in business[08:31] Leveraging Facebook ads to grow audience[10:28] Pivoting to womenâs market after strong demand[11:57] Referrals from womenâs online engagement[13:10] Episode sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems[16:23] testing market feedback before acquisition[18:09] Stepping into a new role post-acquisition[19:47] Handling distressed acquisitions[21:35] Building repeatable processes across brands[22:45] Focusing on key growth channels for maximum impact[24:25] Embracing the itch to constantly build and innovate[26:07] Learning and growing in new market opportunities[27:04] BUBS Naturals for supplements and wellnessResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeBeach lifestyle subscription boxes beachly.com/A customizable box of premium beauty products birchbox.com/Curated collection of ethical and eco-friendly products alltrue.com/A capital partner that understands your business retentionbrands.com/Supplements for overall wellness bubsnaturals.com/Follow Kevin Tighe linkedin.com/in/kevinptighe/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Episodes manquant?
-
Sergio Tache is the Founder and CEO of Dossier, a perfume house for the next generation, where French craftsmanship meets innovation, enabling universal access and self-expression for the many.
With Dossier, Sergio helps to set a new standard within the industryââremoving pretenses, like the designer brand name tax and use of elitist marketing practices, namely celebrity endorsements, that drive up luxury fragrance prices.
Dossier aims to help customers focus on a productâs quality, not a desired perception. All Dossier products are made in France, just without the price gouging. Sergio launched the company with its now-hero collection of Dossier Impressions, a collection of designer-inspired fragrances available for 70-85% less.
With their success, he leveraged the companyâs learning from experience to develop Dossier Originals (a collection of in-house exclusive fragrances) and Dossier Home (a line of room diffusers and candles with scents from customer-favorite Impressions).
As of 2024, Tache has successfully helped the company expand outside of the U.S. to Mexico, Canada, and Australia and acquired Amazon and Walmart as retail partners. Before building Dossier, Tache held several CEO roles within the digitally-native beauty spaceââworking within the haircare and skincare industries after leaving the finance industry.
Sergio holds an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with his Masterâs and Bachelorâs degree from Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (in Belgium, where he grew up).
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:41] Intro[01:54] Challenging unfair high margins in beauty products[02:53] Blending craftsmanship with affordability[03:37] Finding the right perfume supplier[05:18] Validating concepts without overspending[06:51] Redefining luxury perfume with accessible choices[07:59] Navigating MLQs and supplier roadblocks[10:16] Embracing boring execution for long-term success[10:44] Episode sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems[13:56] Mastering go-to-market strategies for growth[14:58] Focusing on what works for your brand[15:49] Executing clear product messaging for success[17:00] Avoiding the shiny object syndrome[19:04] Managing cash flow in startup struggles[20:15] Understanding the urgency of financial planning[21:46] Finding value in mentorship for entrepreneurs[22:36] Choosing between self-funding and VC support[24:02] Emphasizing daily reviews of key financials[25:15] Simplifying ecommerce with key formulas[26:20] The power of boring but effective execution[27:08] Explore Dossier and connect with SergioResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFair-priced French perfumery crafted for the next generation dossier.co/Follow Sergio Tache linkedin.com/in/sergiotache/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Jenn Harper is a beacon of innovation in beauty and philanthropy. Sheâs not just a name in the beauty industry; she's a revolution. An award-winning social entrepreneur and international speaker, Jenn is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmeticsâa brand that has gracefully painted the ideals of sustainability and inclusion onto a global canvas.
From its inception in 2015, Jenn has nurtured Cheekbone Beauty into a B. Corp Certified force, now gracing the shelves of Sephora Canada and 550 JCPenney locations across the USA.
Jenn's journey with Cheekbone began as a digitally native, direct-to-consumer brand that took pride in its commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting Indigenous communities. Her formidable leadership made sure Cheekbone stood out not only for its stunning products but also for its ethical backboneâit became a symphony of transparency, philanthropy, and support for women and youth.
To date, over $250,000 have been donated to philanthropic causes, testament to Cheekbone's core values. Cheekbone's prestige has been hard-earned.
In 2019, Jenn Harper made a confident appearance on Canada's Dragon's Den, the nation's equivalency of Shark Tank. While she turned down offers, her unwavering resolution steered Cheekbone towards exponential growth.
Regularly sought after for her insights, Jenn weaves her narrative as both a woman and a representative of North America's Indigenous peoples, substantiating the importance of these values in today's business ecosystem.
In 2022, she was listed among the 100 Women of Influence by Entrepreneur Magazineâa list graced by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. And importantly, in 2023, Jenn was conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University. This honorary degree recognized her unwavering dedication to community betterment and adamant endeavors in championing sustainability.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:40] Intro[01:26] Shaping a business inspired by social impact[02:51] Navigating ecommerce highs of 2015 and 2016[03:55] Imperfect launches of chasing perfection[05:04] Balancing ideals with realistic beginnings[06:40] Validating ideas before building products[07:19] Growing customer loyalty with transparency[09:15] Shifting focus from story to product performance[10:08] Building customer trust through action[11:11] Connecting with communities for brand growth[13:07] Understanding customers for tailored messaging [15:35] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems[18:47] Using media opportunities to boost Ecommerce[20:45] Focusing on local markets before expanding[21:56] Inspiration from great company success stories[22:47] Rewarding customers during the holiday season[24:04] Preparing for successful product launches ahead[25:10] Crafting authentic and digestible brand narratives[26:04] Creating exclusive bundles from customer insights[27:40] Connecting customers to ethical beauty choicesResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeIndigenous owned cosmetics brand cheekbonebeauty.com/Follow Jennifer Harper linkedin.com/in/jenn-harper-0b200a23/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Scott Ohsman has been working with brands for over 29 years in retail, online and has launched over 200 brands on Amazon.
Owning his own sales and marketing agency in the Pacific NW, is now VP of Digital Commerce for Quickfire LLC.
Scott has been a featured speaker at national trade shows and has developed distribution strategies for many top brands.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:41] Intro[01:42] Managing new and old podcast equipment[02:34] Building an Amazon career from the ground up[03:51] Navigating retail shifts over 18 years[04:48] Managing business through Amazonâs complexities[05:49] Supporting small brands in a tough market[08:24] Recognizing signs to branch into Amazon[09:17] Pushing organic content to stay competitive[10:45] Debunking the myth of overnight success[11:47] Evaluating margins before jumping on Amazon[14:11] Navigating Amazonâs tough commodity landscape[15:11] Focusing on hero items for better visibility[16:37] Spending wisely to boost product discoverability[17:46] Avoiding common pitfalls on Amazon listings[19:04] Safeguarding against Amazon's listing restrictions[19:53] Mastering conversion rates and traffic insights[20:54] Understanding the impact of UPC errors on listings[22:47] Preventing issues with initial product setup[23:16] Exploring services at Quickfire[24:23] Hiring smart for different business modelsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDigital commerce agency built brand first quickfirenow.com/ A show that covers brands, retail, e-commerce, digital advertising, Amazon, and more podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/always-off-brand/id1560745895Follow Scott Ohsman linkedin.com/in/scott-ohsman-861196a6/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Amanda is the Co-Founder and President of Dormify, the first to market retailer in the specialty dorm category. She founded Dormify as a college student after facing the challenges of trying to shop for her own college dorm room decor prior to her freshman year.
She and her mom, Karen, whoâs also the co-founder, worked together to create what is now the largest retailer of college dorm and apartment essentials, with nearly 900 college and university partners across the country and a thriving community of 1,500+ student ambassadors.
Over the last ten years, Amanda has scaled Dormify with strategic funding rounds to grow her company and team of now 40 employees. Amanda continues to serve as the company's President and visionary leader driving product development, retail expansion, and brand/creative.
Amanda was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018 and has been featured on GMA, The New York Times, and many others. She is a member of YPO and lives with her husband in NYC.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:44] Intro[01:45] Discovering an unmet demand in a niche sector[02:41] Tackling the lack of one-stop dorm room essentials[03:11] A business from personal college move-in struggles[04:41] Organic blog growth for early product validation[07:15] Using creative posters to test early Ecomm ideas[08:07] From idea to business incorporation in two years[08:45] Turning blog readers into active brand advocates[09:33] Personalized engagements with customers directly[10:45] Learning from customers to improve product[11:48] Episode sponsor: StoreTester[13:04] Episode sponsor: Intelligems[15:00] Evolving from home shows to pop-up shops[16:41] The challenge of aging customer demographics[17:42] Forming early relationships for customer acquisition[18:39] Creating original content for lasting inspiration[19:38] Evolving strategies to connect with Gen Z shoppers[20:42] Managing high SKU counts with drop-ship solutions[21:35] Staying ahead by continuously innovating designs[22:07] Establishing criteria for product success evaluation[23:08] Topnotch consumer experience with one-stop shopping[24:09] Leaning into imperfection for creative freedom[26:03] Dormify for all your styling needsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA one-stop shop of bedding decorative accessories, wall decor, storage, and more dormify.com/Follow Amanda Zuckerman linkedin.com/in/amandapaigezuckerman/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Amelia Trumble is the CEO and one of the three Founders of Retold Recycling. Amelia is an Australian native who moved to New York 15 years ago to work as an ecommerce professional.
While at Estee Lauder running ecommerce for MAC Cosmetics, she met her 2 Retold co-founders, Alan Yeoh and Noelle Sadler. Together the 3 ideated on starting a business that would do good things for the world and get them out of the corporate grind - after an âa-ha momentâ decluttering her closets, the idea for Retold was born.
A convenient and mail-based textile recycling service that diverts unwanted items away from landfills and recycles them sustainably! In addition to being the CEO of Retold, Amelia also consults on the side for businesses seeking ecommerce strategy - predominantly in the beauty, fashion and obviously, sustainability space.
Amelia now resides in LA with her 5 year old daughter, Alta!
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:45] Intro[02:04] Working your way up to Ecomm roles[04:05] Building a business from a personal need[04:56] Vetting a business idea through extensive research[06:34] Adapting processes to align with sustainable vision[07:28] Finding the right partners through persistence[09:34] Adapting returns labels for sustainable shipping[11:11] Ensuring cost-effective, trackable returns process[12:22] Integrating subscriptions with rewards and emails[13:07] Episode sponsors[16:21] Testing go-to-market strategies for audience growth[16:59] Exploring new traffic strategies beyond meta ads[18:01] From DTC to retail with strong customer support[18:43] Expanding into eco groceries and boutique retailers[19:44] Expanding retail vision after Shark Tank success[21:24] The real Shark Tank experience[22:15] Showcasing sustainability in holiday gift guides[23:04] Leveraging key eco moments for business growth[24:17] Creating toolkits for successful partner outreach[25:00] The real value of customer connection in Ecomm[25:50] Creating solutions from customer-driven insights[26:44] Enhancing user experience with new site updates[27:24] Declutter effortlessly and sustainablyResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeClothing recycling service to keep your clothes out of landfill retoldrecycling.com/Follow Amelie Trumble linkedin.com/in/ameliatrumble/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Matthew Holman is a leading expert in the ecommerce subscription industry, with extensive experience in optimizing customer experience, retention strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
He specializes in fractional subscription leadership, where he helps brands understand the complexities of subscriptions so that they can scale.
Matthew currently lives in Utah, where he enjoys time with family, running, movies, and the vibrant ecommerce community.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:41] Intro[01:44] Career shift: from shipping rates to subscriptions[02:51] Discovering passion thru solving client challenges[03:16] Supporting merchants with subscription products[03:57] Adoption & retention with app-based insights[04:53] Improving retention beyond subscription app offers[06:04] Collecting insights to improve subscription success[08:19] Creating quizzes to uncover customer needs [10:00] Storytelling in data capture for discounts[11:04] Impactful subscriptions with tailored messaging[12:22] Exploring innovative membership models for brands[13:56] Communication touchpoints to boost engagement[15:01] Redefining value in subscription offerings[16:53] Maximizing margins with product combos[18:36] Developing products for loyal subscribers[19:34] Analyzing consumer behavior around discounting[21:39] Understanding customer types for better retention[23:59] Leveraging customer feedback to reduce churn[24:56] Evaluating long-term value in subscription testing[25:54] Connecting feedback to design changes for growth[27:20] Creating impactful welcome series for retention[28:25] Enhancing order notifications for personal touch[29:26] Optimize your subscription program with The Subscription DocResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeA weekly dose to help you scale subscriptions thesubscriptiondoc.com/Follow Matthew Holman linkedin.com/in/holman-matthew/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
With over 10 years of experience in consumer marketing and digital transformation, Kelly Deen is passionate about creating and executing data-driven strategies that drive growth, loyalty, and innovation for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and entertainment brands.
As the Chief Commercial Officer/CMO at kencko, Kelly leads a world-class marketing team that is transforming the way people consume fruits and vegetables through smart, convenient, and sustainable products.
Since joining kencko in 2022, Kelly has been instrumental in expanding the company's presence into 16+ global markets, launching its first brand campaign, building a loyal and engaged customer base, and developing strategic partnerships with retailers and wholesalers.
Kelly has also leveraged my professional certifications in artificial intelligence (AI) and search engine optimization (SEO) to optimize our digital experience, marketing tech stack, and member experience team.
Kelly is motivated by kencko's mission to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and proud to be part of a company that is making a positive impact on people's health and the environment.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:44] Intro[02:14] Simplifying fruits and veggie smoothies[03:48] A mission to promote plant-based nutrition[05:05] kencko: making fruits and veggies accessible[07:29] Blending health solutions with the rise of D2C[08:29] Stepping in during D2C challenges and growth[09:23] The risks of meta dependency for growth[10:50] Cost-effective channels beyond meta for scaling[11:51] Overcoming todayâs meta-driven growth challenges[12:57] Episode sponsors[16:10] Balancing creativity & performance in paid marketing[17:59] Embracing patience in the growth process[18:29] Driving business strategy in a growth phase[20:31] Seizing opportunities & meaningful connections[21:31] Embracing risks & landing major retail partnerships[23:18] Asking the right questions for strategic partnerships[24:17] Building relationships to navigate retail challenges[25:08] Offering value-added services to engage customers[26:34] Launching a brand campaign to boost awareness[27:24] Trusting your gut & embracing fearless decisions[29:01] Accessible healthy living with kencko productsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFruits & veggies drinks and snacks https://www.kencko.com/Follow Kelly Deen https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydeen/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple PodcastsChase Clymer with Kelly Deen. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
As the CEO of Eric Javits, Dario Markovic has successfully generated over $50 million in revenue over the past four years, exclusively through eCommerce.
A visionary entrepreneur, Dario Markovic is also the founder of multiple companies, including a SaaS platform designed to help businesses grow organically.
Dario Markovic's innovative leadership and strategic foresight have consistently driven growth and success across diverse ventures.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:45] Intro[01:38] From retail to online survival during COVID[04:26] PR success into a business-saving opportunity[05:45] Implementing rapid ad strategies for fast wins[07:03] Slow, steady transitions to re-build online presence[08:17] Boosting sales by moving from Magento to Shopify[09:38] Testing digital ad strategies during the pandemic[10:54] Maximizing minimal ad budgets for major results[12:53] Episode sponsors[16:06] Doubling down on PR and affiliate marketing[18:16] Navigating challenges of rapid growth and scaling[20:31] Managing cash flow impacts during scaling [23:44] Considering logistics strategies for global reach[26:20] Navigating challenges of scaling advertising efforts[27:10] Starting anywhere to build your expertise[29:14] Explore luxury hats at Eric JavitsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeWomenâs designer hats, bags, and shoes ericjavits.com/Follow Dario Markovic linkedin.com/in/dario-markovic-2a326aa9/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Alexa Tietjen is the Content Director at Shoptalk, where she helps shape the annual Spring and Fall agendas and recruit speakers for both shows.
Prior to Shoptalk, she was a beauty editor at WWD, the fashion and beauty industry trade publication known as âthe fashion bible.â
She wrote about beautyâs business boom and the rise of the creator economy. She has appeared on Good Morning America for her work.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:47] Intro[01:54] Curating industry insights as a Content Director[02:49] Using past editorial expertise for content curation[03:59] Shoptalk: a community of retailers and innovators[04:51] Networking and learning at Shoptalk events[05:22] Creating a fall touchpoint for retail innovation[06:44] Exploring supply chain & in-store experience[07:25] Bringing women leaders to the forefront [08:24] Meeting industry peers for powerful networking[10:05] Handling massive networking opportunities[10:41] Diving into AI and retail media at Shoptalk Fall[12:24] Unified retail insights from top industry leaders[13:09] Practical tips to prepare for Shoptalk Fall[14:29] Welcoming all stages of retail to Shoptalk[15:36] Go to Shoptalk Fallâs website for more event infoResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOrganizers of the retailâs industryâs very best events fall.shoptalk.com/Follow Alexa Tietjen linkedin.com/in/alexatietjen/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Chris manages the business strategy, marketing, and financials of Perfect Herbs. Under his leadership, the company has grown revenue 50%+ year-over-year, transforming from a startup into a leading national brand.
If you're an entrepreneur who sells herbal products in North America, or who's interested in launching new herbal products, you can contact Chris at [email protected].
His company has licensed herbalists who can consult with you free of charge, make you samples to try, and help you launch your herbal product with high-quality herbs at a low cost, and with no minimum order quantities. Their customers call them "the greatest company they've ever worked with."
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:57] Intro[01:44] Identifying gaps in the herbal and natural markets[02:51] Targeting health practitioners via word of mouth[04:39] Gaining traction by being part of the community[06:42] Turning personal expertise into business success[07:45] Navigating growth with a fail-fast mindset[08:40] Experimenting with new products to validate markets[09:40] Leveraging tech for competitive business advantage[10:37] Episode sponsors[13:49] Offloading manual tasks through innovative tech[15:49] Transitioning from practitioners to retail markets[16:57] Mastering operational excellence for clients[18:30] Exploring multi-channel fulfillment strategies[19:55] Segmenting audiences for targeted marketing[21:13] Differentiating shoppers in diverse marketplaces[22:32] Standing out through authentic self-expression[24:08] Building friendly connections with customers[25:53] Perfect Herbs: for passionate herbal expertsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHigh-quality herbal medicine accessible & sustainable for healthcare providers perfectherbs.ca/Follow Chris Habib linkedin.com/in/chris-habib/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Alesia Klimau is the owner of Heart Printed, a custom photo magnet printing service. It is a family owned business proud to be manufacturing and shipping from Columbus, OH. They are all passionate about photography and are big fans of Instagram.
Founded in 2014, Heart Printed creates high quality custom photo magnets using the best materials and ink to print photo magnets. They are printed on high quality photo paper with vivid and bright colors, each magnet cut by hand.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:44] Intro[01:01] Creating personalized magnets from photos or art[01:58] Building an Instagram-inspired business[03:39] Balancing product development & marketing[04:55] Tapping big Instagram accounts for viral growth[06:23] Shutting down after marketing and overhead issues[07:44] Keeping the business dream alive through Etsy[09:28] Testing new magnet designs with upgraded quality[11:11] Episode sponsors[14:23] Etsy success to a stronger social media launch[15:34] Posting on TikTok to understand virality patterns[17:46] Adapting content for TikTok & Instagram audiences[18:51] Understanding social media for marketing success[20:39] Discovering formulas behind viral videos[22:18] Grabbing attention with effective video hooks[24:35] Capitalizing on audience reactions for growth[25:42] Heart Printed: get handcrafted photo magnetsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHandcrafted photo magnets heartprinted.com/Follow Alesia Klimau linkedin.com/in/alesia-klimau-60753769/Instagram instagram.com/heartprintedTikTok tiktok.com/@myheartprintedBook a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
CEO and Creative Director at SeaMonster Studios, Wes Buckwalter manages a small team of geniuses, keeps them paid, and fights for their rights as employees of what he hopes is the best job they've ever had. He advocates for the creativity of my employees and contractors, managing day to day operations, finance, and client relations.
SeaMonster Studios have delivered over 1500 websites to clients over the last 18 years. They are a proud Shopify Plus partner and have become a top-tier partner with several app developers within the Shopify ecosystem.
Wes started out in the trenches, designing and building websites before a small screen had ever been considered and have continued to champion and pioneer skills in the web and ecommerce fields that gave him a start in this industry.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:49] Intro[01:50] From early ecommerce venture to a thriving agency[03:19] Navigating the gray areas of ADA & WCAG guidelines[04:48] Balancing site compliance with brand aesthetics[06:06] Compliance as a continuous improvement process[08:08] Accessibility from different user perspectives[09:28] Starting accessibility with thorough site reviews[10:05] Preventing lawsuits with digital accessibility[11:25] Improving awareness on accessibility issues[12:19] Directing legal threats to small Ecommerce sites[14:02] The financial dynamics behind lawsuits[15:29] Parallels between tech fixes & construction audits[16:21] Addressing agency flaws by reviewing past work[17:14] Understanding varying WCAG compliance across states[18:34] Balancing agency & businessâ responsibility[19:47] Exploring limitations in automated accessibility [21:01] Managing compliance when stacking Shopify apps[22:07] Shopify's limits on compliance control[23:56] Using Shopify's flexibility while avoiding pitfalls[25:39] Combining AI tools and human testing for site fixes[27:26] Accessible Web for efficient compliance scanning[28:39] Restraints in plug-and-play accessibility tools[29:25] Critiquing overlay tools for accessibility issues[30:33] Image descriptions for better user navigation[31:56] Setting standards for product compliance & SEO[33:22] Free site review from SeaMonster StudiosResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFriendly, full-service digital agency offering data-driven strategy and development seamonsterstudios.com/Follow Wes Buckwalter linkedin.com/in/seamonsterwes/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Erin is the VP of Business Development at August, where she manages their retail, e-commerce, and B2B sales channels.
Prior to August she consulted with Deloitte at companies such as Twitter, Fitbit, and Silicon Valley Bank. Later joining Uber, Erin worked in growth and operational roles for four years, helping UberEats expand from 10 to over 600 cities.
She made the jump to August in April of 2022 when she was inspired by Augustâs mission.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:46] Intro[01:22] Finding and growing your audience before launching[03:40] Balancing edutainment and medical accuracy online[04:59] Using audience feedback as product validation[06:01] Championing sustainability with product quality[07:11] Acting on feedback to improve product design[08:07] Launching D2C with organic online momentum[09:26] Tapping into trends for impactful product drops[10:17] Defining relationships with customers and fans[11:14] Building trust through 10,000 baby steps online[12:45] Episode sponsors[15:57] Balancing profit and impact in brand decisions[17:28] Addressing tampon tax through collective effort[18:41] Communicating carefully and honestly[19:52] Staying transparent to avoid fear mongering[21:51] August: Fight period stigma with sustainable productsResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePeriod care brand on a mission to fight period stigma itsaugust.co/Follow Erin Burk linkedin.com/in/erineburk/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Kristen Pumphrey & Thomas Neuberger are the co-owners of California-based fragrance brand, P.F. Candle Co. and authors of âAt Home with Fragrance.â
Now a 63-person company, P.F. Candle Co. started as a one-woman Etsy shop in 2008 out of Kristenâs second bedroom. As fragrance experts, Kristen and Tom have scaled the business over the course of several years on their own with no formal business degree - DIY is at the core of everything they do.
Today, products are sold in thousands of stores worldwide and their two brick and mortar stores in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Despite the companyâs growth, P.F. Candle Co. still proudly makes their products in-house, pouring up to 3,500 candles a day all while modernizing the craft of candle making.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:45] Intro[01:32] From job loss to a creative business venture[02:45] Starting and finding success on Etsy[04:23] Switching platforms for cost savings[05:33] Scaling beyond Etsy artisan qualifications[06:10] Figuring out whatâs worth the purchase cost[07:12] Outgrowing Squarespaceâs limited customization[07:44] Leveraging social media to drive website traffic[09:15] Gaining online traction via retail partnerships[09:59] Episode sponsors[13:11] Managing sales mix changes during pandemic[13:56] A pro tip for women in business[14:58] From self-management to leading teams[16:49] Setting yourself apart to create business value[17:51] Finding motivation from team successes and growth[18:40] Preparing for competitive Ecommerce sales[20:20] Planning inventory for Black Friday, Cyber Monday[21:45] Evolving strategies from $1 million to $10 million[23:26] Prioritizing meaningful work over numbers[25:04] Face business challenges with creative fulfillment[26:09] Defining future goals for products and company[27:13] Get your scented soy candles at P.F. Candle Co.Resources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeFollow Kristen Pumphrey linkedin.com/in/kristenpumphrey/Follow Thomas Neuberger linkedin.com/in/thomas-neuberger-6180b5113/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Chris Timmer is the Chief Executive Officer of Linnworks. As a respected CEO and industry veteran, Chris brings three decades of leadership experience spanning sales, marketing and operations in supply chain management and software.
He is responsible for leading the companyâs overall operations, with direct oversight of sales, marketing, professional services, research, development and strategy.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:53] Intro[01:40] Understanding backend commerce operations[02:43] Leveraging Linnworks for marketplace connections[03:44] Integrating business processes with marketplaces[04:12] Tapping into multi-channel growth opportunities[06:13] Adapting strategies to business size and growth[07:43] Exploring MVPs on established marketplaces[08:56] Understanding customer personas through Amazon[10:17] Evolving with customers as they scale globally[11:32] Building a recognizable brand from ecommerce roots[12:23] Managing costs & scaling with automated solutions[14:02] From manual processes to scalable systems[15:07] Simplifying multi-marketplace management processes[16:07] Suggesting optimal marketplaces through analytics[16:45] Managing inventory with legal pads vs. software[18:26] Balancing vision with practical financial tracking[19:45] Customer relationships as part of brand ethos[21:03] Monitoring shifting customer buying experiences[22:26] Explore Linnworks with a demo requestResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOptimizing how Ecommerce works linnworks.com/Follow Chris Timmer linkedin.com/in/chris-timmer-019996/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Shawn brings over ten years of fashion retail experience to the table. He is the Co-Founder of Electric Eyeâour Shopify design and development agency, and a Partner at Feelâa brand studio where art meets commerce.
A specialist in design, Shawn has worked with the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Inc, Nike, Homage and Only NY. His time in the retail industry, from digital experience to product design, has exposed him to many facets within the business.
This has given him an undeniable ability to identify his clientsâ needs; guaranteed to provide a unique experience and to deliver increased engagement across all channels of your business.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:44] Intro[01:07] Overseeing design and development excellence[02:01] Prioritize impactful changes before Black Friday[04:07] Avoid site relaunch from hurting holiday sales[05:26] Straightforward discounts for holiday sales[06:33] Maintain clarity with daily Black Friday deals[07:19] Optimize gift cards for efficient holiday gifting[09:00] Offer direct gift sending for Q4 sales[10:41] Use data to craft effective product bundles[13:31] Create custom landing pages for holiday marketing[15:33] AIDA formula for landing page optimization[17:10] Episode Sponsors[20:23] Boosting revenue with upsells and cross-sells[22:14] Avoid overkill with subtle upsell placements[23:22] Strategize pre and post-purchase upsells effectively[25:05] Maximizing upsell tools within your theme[25:43] Implement app-based discounts for big sales[26:24] Refine image optimization and code efficiency[28:35] Improve mobile navigation and usability [31:00] Gaining insights from real users' interactions[32:47] Optimize sales with early split tests and feedback[34:24] Confirm remarketing pixels and data flow[35:22] Electric Eyeâs expertise for Black Friday prepResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeShopify expert design and development agency electriceye.io/A brand studio where art meets commerce feel.studio/Follow Shawn Khemsurov linkedin.com/in/shawnkhemsurov/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.comIf youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Rob Schutz is the founder of Snagged, where he helps entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses acquire premium domain names.
Rob is also co-founder of Ro, the DTC health platform, and employee #7 + former VP of Growth at Bark, where he helped grow the company from $0 to a $100M in run rate. He started his career in healthcare consulting, helping hospitals transition to digital EMRs.
Rob then started a daily deal company called Whatâs the Deal that he sold to kgb, where he transitioned to his career in marketing and user acquisition.
To date, Rob has snagged domains for Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Lyft co-founder John Zimmer, Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, Pinterest co-founder Ben Silberman, Capser co-founder Philip Krim, and many more.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:49] Intro[01:38] Pivoting from healthcare tech to digital marketing[02:33] Entering growth marketing with Bark in 2012[03:13] Navigating early paid search and social channels[04:03] Learning from early Facebook ad strategy mistakes[04:45] Tapping into Instagram communities for traction[05:33] Priorities that led to a new startup journey[06:23] Meeting co-founders with complementary skills[07:57] Starting Ro with a mission to break taboos[09:42] Adapting proven strategies to new health market[11:04] Overcoming hurdles with Google & Meta ad policies[12:37] Balancing confidence with product market challenges[13:54] Episode sponsors[17:07] Overcoming privacy policies in healthcare startups[19:23] Transitioning to domain expertise with Snagged[21:52] Establishing trust with high-value domain names[22:51] Balancing domain costs with business stage[24:03] Flexible domain deal structures and outcomes[26:14] Creative domain acquisition strategies with RobResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeIndustry leading domain services snagged.com/Follow Rob Schutz linkedin.com/in/robschutz/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
-
Nikita Vakhrushev has spent the last 7 years immersed in the digital marketing world. After starting his own ecom brand and quickly pivoting into the agency model, he found his place in ecommerce advertising services.
After amassing all the marketing skills needed to scale brands, he found great success in email and SMS marketing, which is what he specializes in today!
Now after working with over 100+ DTC brands, having the knowledge behind all marketing channels, but sticking with email as his bread and butter, Nikita has a unique perspective on how to get the most out of a brand's retention channels.
In This Conversation We Discuss:
[00:41] Intro[01:12] Transitioning from retail to agency building[02:49] Transforming solutions into paid expertise[03:27] Learning vs paying to get things done[04:26] Implementing DKIM & DMARC for email security[06:01] Maintaining deliverability with record updates[06:51] Steep learning curves in email configuration[08:04] Navigating DNS zone editor for email verification[09:47] Understanding dynamic and static domain settings[10:51] Navigating edge cases in complex DNS setups[11:46] Creating DMARC records for Shopify and Klaviyo[13:15] Adding DMARC & DKIM to improve email reach[15:07] Suppressing email addresses for better deliverability[17:54] Remove unengaged emails for domain reputation[19:11] Implementing effective list cleaning strategies[20:10] Focusing on email & SMS services across platforms[21:30] Signs you need to seek email marketing help[22:43] ASPEKT: Free audit for your email strategy[23:42] Keep track of your email open rates consistentlyResources:
Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeEmail marketing agency for Ecom and DTC brands aspektagency.com/Secure your domain dmarcian.com/ Follow Nikita Vakhrushev linkedin.com/in/nikita-v/If youâre enjoying the show, weâd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
- Montre plus
