Episodes
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Welcome to the Product Powerhouse Podcast! I'm Erin Alexander, your host. In this episode, we’re exploring how to choose the perfect Shopify theme in 2024.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding how Shopify themes workWhy you need to look for essential features instead of focusing on how the theme looksHow to find inspiration for your websiteThe biggest differences between the free Dawn theme and premiums theme in the Shopify theme storeTools for customizing your theme for your brandA list of my personal favorite themesFor a list of all the apps and themes I mentioned visit this blog post.
Get your first month of Shopify for only $1*
Additional Resources:
DIY Shopify - Create an amazing Shopify website.Join our Product Powerhouse Community on Facebook for more support and insights.Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this exciting episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast, Erin chats with the incredible Tara Sutton, owner of Everything Done to a T. Tara shares her inspiring journey of building a successful online boutique that specializes in personalized, giftable items. From the early days of making Lego bags to navigating the challenges of running a full-time business, Tara’s story is filled with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Tara Sutton and Everything Done to a TThe evolution of Tara's business over the past decadeTransitioning from a full-time corporate job to full-time entrepreneurshipNavigating the challenges when her husband was laid offStrategies for maintaining a consistent social media presenceThe importance of trusting your gut in business decisionsPractical tips for beginners in the business worldConnect with Tara Sutton:
Instagram: everything.done.to.a.tTikTok: everything.done.to.a.tWebsite: www.everythingdonetoat.comAdditional Resources:
Link to Tara’s Sports Mom CollectionErin’s top tips for marketing without social mediaJoin the Ultimate Product PartyThank You for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice on the Product Powerhouse Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
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In this episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast, host Erin Alexander reflects on attending the 'The Ultimate Product Party' business conference in Orange County, California. She shares her top takeaways and valuable lessons learned including the importance of attending in-person events, and the joy of connecting with fellow product-based business owners.
The Ultimate Product Party Find Your New Biz Bestie At The Ultimate Product Party podcast episode with Cat + Allison Getting Your Small Business in Gift Guides with Allison Carter Growing a Sustainable Product Business with Tracy Matthews
Highlights include meeting speakers, the importance of showing up authentically in your business, working smarter, not harder, and the philosophy of 'take what you need and leave the rest.'
Links mentioned in this episode:Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast, host Erin Alexander introduces us to Leah Keggi, the talented designer behind CoastL Studio. Leah's modern beach lifestyle brand is inspired by coastal living and brings a touch of vacation to everyday life, even if you're miles away from the beach. She specializes in art licensing, allowing other businesses to purchase and use her beautiful designs on their products.
Erin and Leah dive deep into the world of art licensing, discussing what it is, how to get started, and how it can be a fantastic stream of revenue for artists and business owners. They share insights and tips on finding your niche, identifying potential licensing opportunities, and building relationships with companies interested in licensing your art.
Leah shares her journey as an artist, starting from her childhood love for arts and crafts to discovering her passion for surface pattern design. She talks about how she got started in licensing her designs, the role of print-on-demand sites like Spoonflower and Redbubble, and the importance of contracts and trust in the licensing process.
Throughout the conversation, Erin and Leah emphasize the importance of perseverance, dedication, and finding joy in the creative process. They encourage listeners to embrace the fun aspects of their artistic journey while also tackling the necessary tasks that may not be as exciting. Leah reminds us that success in art licensing takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant.
Whether you're an artist looking to monetize your creations or a business owner seeking unique designs for your products, this episode will inspire you to explore the world of art licensing and discover the endless possibilities it offers. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join Erin and Leah as they delve into the exciting realm of art licensing on the Product Powerhouse Podcast.
Links mentioned:
Sketch Design Repeat
Art Licensing with Mabel Tan Facebook group
Connect with Leah:
CoastL Studio website
InstagramSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast, Erin discusses the Shopify Email app and its potential benefits for business owners. She shares her own experience with email service providers and highlights why she decided to create a course on using the Shopify Email app.
The Shopify Email app is an email service provider available to all Shopify users.It allows users to create email marketing campaigns, automation, and send various types of emails such as newsletters, welcome sequences, thank you messages, and abandoned cart reminders.Having both an inbox and an email service provider is essential for effective email marketing.The Shopify Email app is a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget, as it offers up to 10,000 free emails per month.While the app may not have all the advanced features of other platforms, it is a great choice for beginners or those who find other platforms overwhelming.Users can customize email templates and integrate the app with other tools on their Shopify store.Erin announces her new course on using the Shopify Email app, which covers setup, branding, creating campaigns and automations, managing audiences, and more.
Here are the key takeaways from this episode:Links Mentioned:
Shopify Email App
Shopify Help Center
Erin's new Shopify Email CourseSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
Do you ever doubt yourself? Don't worry, you're not alone! I chatted with Chantal Dempsey, an award-winning mindset and confidence coach, and she assured me that self-doubt is something we can overcome.
Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence is possible for everyoneChanging perspective and focusing on strengths can help build confidenceThe subconscious mind plays a crucial role in self-doubt and can be accessed and reprogrammedPractical techniques, such as celebrating wins and setting achievable goals, can boost confidenceNeuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy are effective tools for building confidenceBuilding trust in oneself is key to overcoming self-doubtAnchoring positive feelings to a song can help maintain confidence in challenging situationsConnect with Chantal Dempsey:
Website
Instagram
LinkedInSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
Welcome back to the Product Powerhouse Podcast! In this episode, host Erin Alexander opens up about her hiatus from podcasting, reflecting on where she's been and what she's been up to over the past 6 months. It's a refreshingly honest and vulnerable listen, as Erin shares her struggles and realizations that led to her return.
The decision to pause the podcast to focus on creating new content.The impact of changes in her work environment on her energy and passion for her business. The realization that she needs back-and-forth interaction, like podcast interviews, to fuel her passion and energy.Updates on client projects, including the launch of two websites and her focus on VIP days.Exciting upcoming events, such as the Product Powerhouse Summit and business trips to California and Vegas.
The main topics covered in this episode:As Erin wraps up the episode, she expresses gratitude for her listeners' support and excitement about the fresh, engaging content she has lined up for the rest of 2024. Despite the challenges, she's back and ready to fuel your product-based business with valuable insights, interviews, and educational resources. Thank you for tuning in and be sure to join her for the next episode!
Sign up for the Product Powerhouse Summit waitlist!Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse podcast, we have a special guest, Ruthie Sterrett, the founder of The Consistency Corner, a content management agency for small business owners.
Ruthie shares her expertise in content strategy and marketing, with a background in corporate retail marketing for over 15 years, Ruthie has developed a systematic approach to building successful content strategies. She discusses the importance of consistency and offers valuable tips on attracting, nurturing, and converting audiences through your long-form content. From quarterly content planning to utilizing different platforms effectively, Ruthie's insights are sure to empower entrepreneurs looking to elevate their marketing game.
Key topics and takeaways:
Mapping out campaign themes for product-based businessesLong form content for attracting new customers and nurturing existing onesCommitting to a consistency that can be maintainedRepurposing long form content into other formatsConnect with Ruthie Sterrett:
Website
Podcast
Instagram10 Ways to Get More Eyes on Your Business
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In today's episode, we dive deep into the various wholesale options available on Shopify. Whether you're a seasoned shop owner or just starting, understanding how to integrate wholesale into your Shopify store can significantly boost your business. We’ll explore three main methods: using discount codes, leveraging wholesale apps, and creating separate wholesale stores. Plus, we share a pleasant surprise review from Emily at Wholesale in a Box, and essential tips for onboarding and nurturing your wholesale customers.
In this episode, we will cover:
- The three main wholesale options on Shopify- Pros and cons of each option
- Considerations for customer experience and cost
- The host's guest interview on Wholesaleinabox.com
- A positive review of the DIY Shopify course
Thank you for joining us on Product Powerhouse. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for more actionable strategies to supercharge your product-based business. And remember, you're not alone in this journey - we're here to help you become a true product powerhouse.
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast, host Erin Alexander welcomes back Grace Hayden, a seasoned e-commerce expert and successful businesswoman. Grace shares her journey of building and selling e-commerce businesses, including her renowned Turkish towel company. Discover the insights and strategies she uses to create businesses with the intent to sell and how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial journey. From understanding profitability and pricing to knowing your target market and the five essential pillars of retail, Grace’s expertise is invaluable.
Key Topics:
Grace’s background in retail and e-commerceThe concept of businesses as sellable assetsBuilding a business with an exit strategyImportance of profitability and pricing strategiesIdentifying and understanding your target marketThe five Ps of retail: Product, Person, Price, Place, PromotionPractical advice for e-commerce and creative entrepreneursThe benefits of in-person events for gaining customer feedbackConnect with Grace Hayden:
Website
Start an E-commerce Business From Scratch book on Amazon
TikTok
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast, host Erin Alexander dives into the critical steps for launching your Shopify store, whether you're starting from scratch, switching platforms, or simply redesigning an existing site. These tips will help ensure your store is set up for success and ready to attract customers from day one. Tune in to discover how planning ahead, focusing on customer experience, and prioritizing marketing can make a significant difference in your e-commerce journey.
Key Topics:
Launching a new Shopify storeRedesigning or moving an existing storeImportance of planning and preparationEnhancing customer experienceEffective marketing strategiesKey Takeaways:
Plan Ahead: Do thorough research, gather necessary content, and have a clear plan before building your store to avoid a cookie-cutter outcome.Customer Experience: Focus on providing a seamless and trustworthy shopping experience to boost customer confidence and sales.Prioritize Marketing: Dedicate significant effort to marketing your store to drive traffic and generate sales, as building the store is just the beginning.Need help designing a killer Shopify store? Check out DIY Shop(ify) - a self-study program to help you create an amazing Shopify website!
If you have questions or want to talk more about this, join our Product Powerhouse Community on Facebook. It’s a free group of almost a thousand shop owners who are passionate about their products, just like you. We’d love to see you there!
Thank you for tuning in! If you found these tips helpful, please share this episode and leave a review. Until next week, happy selling!
Useful Links:
DIY Shop(ify) CourseEssential Elements for Your Homepage Why We Love ShopifyShopify Launch Checklist 14-Day RoadmapProduct Powerhouse Community on FacebookSubscribe & Review:
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the Product Powerhouse Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help others find our show.
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of Product Powerhouse, host Erin Alexander welcomes Sarah Verheyen from Merish Books, a bookkeeping and CFO services provider for creative entrepreneurs.
This episode offers valuable advice and practical tools for product-based business owners to take control of their finances and ensure long-term success.
- Erin shares her personal experience and Sarah encourages getting creative to make money.
- The Profit First system is recommended for business owners.- A cash flow planner tool helps with financial planning and overview.
- Separate bank accounts for different expenses can prevent accidental spending.
- Bookkeeping and regular financial check-ins are crucial for success.
Sarah's insights and tips provide a roadmap for product-based business owners to navigate their finances wisely. By implementing strategies like the Profit First system, utilizing a cash flow planner tool, and prioritizing bookkeeping, entrepreneurs can gain a clearer understanding of their financial health and make informed decisions. Don't let bookkeeping hold you back from running a successful business. Join Erin Alexander and Sara Verheyen on this helpful episode of Product Powerhouse and take control of your business finances today.
Connect with Sara:
Website
Instagram
Cash Flow Planner - use code "PODCAST30" to save 30%!
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
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Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse WebsiteSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of Product Powerhouse, host Erin Alexander reflects on the valuable lessons learned from running her business for 7 years. She shares insightful anecdotes and personal experiences that highlight the importance of celebrating success, surrounding oneself with a supportive network, and being resilient in the face of challenges. Erin emphasizes the need to adapt in the ever-changing entrepreneurial world and to trust one's instincts. Additionally, she encourages listeners to embrace the journey and enjoy the process of entrepreneurship.
Main topics covered in this episode:
- The power of celebrating success and overcoming self-criticism
- The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people
- The value of being flexible and adaptable in business
- Learning from mistakes and viewing them as opportunities for growth
- Embracing persistence and resilience in pursuit of one's dreams
In conclusion, Erin Alexander expresses gratitude for her journey in entrepreneurship and the valuable lessons she has learned over the past 7 years. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and apply the lessons shared in this episode. Through embracing celebration, support, adaptability, learning from mistakes, and persistence, Erin believes that listeners can find success and fulfillment in their own businesses. Don't miss this thoughtful and inspiring episode that sheds light on the realities of running a business and provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse WebsiteSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of Product Powerhouse, host Erin Alexander chats with Canva expert Brenda Cadman about the benefits of an organized Canva account. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
- Cluttered workspace results in a poorer quality product as creators become frazzled looking for everything. Having a clean and organized workspace in design tools like Canva leads to a clarity of focus and faster creation.
- Specializing in a particular tool or area of expertise can make it easier to get referrals. Brenda Cadman shares how she developed a high level of expertise in Canva that most people do not have.
- The lost cost of disorganization can hinder productivity and opportunities for profitable work. Brenda provides tips and strategies for organizing your Canva account to improve your content creation efficiency.
Don't wait any longer to get organized and improve your content creation process with these tips and strategies from Brenda and Erin. Head over to the podcast episode now to learn more!
CONNECT WITH BRENDA:
Brenda's Website
Canva Organization Roadmap
How to use Canva Facebook Community
Canva Support Hub
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
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Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse WebsiteSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse podcast, host Erin Alexander chats with Kate De Palma from Scented Designs all about the world of collaborations in business, discussing the benefits, challenges, and important considerations to keep in mind when working with other makers or small businesses.
On this episode we cover …
Importance of building relationships before collaboratingCreative ways to collaborate with other makers and businessesKnowing when to turn down opportunities Failed collaborations and legal protectionThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!
Learn more about Erin and how I help product-based business owners at Product Powerhouse.
CONNECT WITH KATE DE PALMA:
Website -Save 15% with the code POWERHOUSE
InstagramCONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse WebsiteSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse podcast, host Erin Alexander is joined by Denisa Parker, founder of Kind & Ivy Design Studio, to discuss the importance of product packaging and how to create memorable and stand-out packaging for your products.
Join me at the The Ultimate Product Party happening in Nashville this May! Come to learn new strategies for growing your product-based business, connect with other product makers and sellers, and have the most fun you’ve ever had on a “work trip.” Sign up today and I'll see you there!
On this episode we cover …
The role packaging plays in creating a memorable unboxing experience.Why investing in packaging is crucial for small businesses.Understanding your target audience and aligning your packaging with their preferences.The importance of consistency and branding.The significance of sustainability in product packaging.The benefits of incorporating sustainability into your brand identity.Throughout the episode, Denisa shares her expert insights and provides valuable advice on creating memorable packaging that will not only resonate with your target audience but also differentiate your products from the competition.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!
Learn more about Erin and how I help product-based business owners at Product Powerhouse.
CONNECT WITH DENISA:
Ivy and Kind
InstagramCONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
UNFILTERED - New subscriber only podcast for $3/month
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse WebsiteSupport the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
In this episode of the Product Powerhouse podcast, our host discusses the importance of having a well-designed product page and shares 10 essential elements for increasing conversions.
On this episode we cover …
The ten must have items you need to include on your product pagesWhy you need each item and how they help conversionsOptional items you might want to have on your product pages depending on your product typesOptimizing your product pages with these 10 must-haves will not only increase your conversions but also create a more satisfying shopping experience for your customers.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!
Learn more about Erin and how I help product-based business owners at Product Powerhouse.
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
UNFILTERED - New subscriber only podcast for $3/month
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
This is the 150th episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast and we are talking about dealing with customer service mindfully as a small business owner!
Join me at the The Ultimate Product Party happening in Nashville this May! Come to learn new strategies for growing your product-based business, connect with other product makers and sellers, and have the most fun you’ve ever had on a “work trip.” Sign up today and I'll see you there!
On this episode, host Erin Alexander discusses the importance of mindful customer service and how to maintain composure when dealing with difficult customers.
Balancing between meeting customer needs and maintaining personal boundaries for excellent customer experiences.Tips for staying composed, active listening, and empathy in resolving conflicts.Fostering better connections with customers through presence, focus, and a positive mindset.Prioritizing self-care, having a support system, and seeking professional help when needed.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or any of the other 150 episodes, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!
Learn more about Erin and how I help product-based business owners at Product Powerhouse.
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:
UNFILTERED - New subscriber only podcast for $3/month
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
Are you a creative product-based entrepreneur who struggles with keeping track of all the moving pieces in your business?
The Product Powerhouse Summit kicks off April 18-20! Get your free ticket to this 3 day online event that will help you build, grow, and scale your product-based business. GET YOUR TICKET HERE
In episode 149 of the Product Powerhouse podcast, we chat with Carley Zuercher, the founder of Canapy, a project management app designed specifically for creative product-sellers who need a home base for all the things happening in their business.Carley shares her insights on running multiple businesses as a multi-passionate entrepreneur. She discusses how she embraces her creative flow and makes her own rules, rather than feeling constrained by traditional labels.
Then dive into the story of how Carley created Canapy to help solve the project management challenges faced by many product-based business owner who are creating customized products. She shares her inspiration for the app, as well as some of the key features that make it unique. And some spoilers about new features she has lined up.
If you're a creative product maker looking for tips on managing your projects more efficiently or interested in the journey of a successful app creator, then this episode is for you. Tune in now to learn from Carley's experiences and insights!
Related Episode - How to Set Business Goals that Actually Feel Good with Carley Zuercher
CONNECT WITH CARLEY:
Canapy
TwoCan
Instagram
Life is full of things that occupy your mental space. Ensure that every customer and every order meets timelines and deadlines using Canapy. Sign up for a free account.
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:UNFILTERED - New subscriber only podcast for $3/month
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website -
Episode 148 of the Product Powerhouse podcast, hosted by Erin Alexander, is all about marketing strategies for small business owners in 2023.
Repurposing and reusing content is the way to go if you want to make the most out of your limited resources.Personalization and segmentation in marketing are crucial for connecting with your target audience.Diversifying your marketing strategies is also important, so you're not putting all your eggs in one basket.Values-based marketing is becoming more popular, as consumers are more conscious about the companies they support.Improving customer experience on your website can help build customer loyalty and keep people coming back for more.
Here are the key takeaways:This episode is packed with lots of valuable insights for small business owners looking to up their marketing game.
CONNECT WITH ERIN ALEXANDER:UNFILTERED - New subscriber only podcast for $3/month
Facebook Community
Instagram
YouTube
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website
Support the show
Connect with Erin:
Product Powerhouse Community
Instagram
DIY Shopify Course
Product Powerhouse Website - Show more
