Ecommerce Evolution

In this milestone 300th episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, I've distilled the most impactful insights from recent top-performing episodes to help you prepare for eComm success in 2025. From AI marketing innovations to viral content secrets and customer psychology insights, these carefully selected takeaways represent the cutting edge of eCommerce strategy. This special edition delivers concentrated wisdom from industry leaders to help you stay ahead of the competition.Key Highlights:Why "out-of-the-box" AI is dead and how to create custom AI marketing hubs that deliver real results for your business.The truth about UGC in 2025: It's not dead, but the bar has been raised - learn what actually works now.Surprising insights about customer purchase timing: Why 60% of buyers take longer than a week to make their first purchase, and what this means for your marketing strategy.How Simple Modern built a half-billion-dollar brand on Amazon, and their replicable formula for category dominance.The "infomercial

When the pandemic left Garrett Goslin without his sommelier job, he turned his passion for pickleball into an innovative paddle company. Alongside childhood friend Kyle Goguen, CRBN Pickleball has emerged as a leading premium brand in one of America's fastest-growing sports. Their journey offers valuable lessons for any brand looking to build authentic community and stand out in a competitive market.Key Takeaways:Product Innovation & Customer Feedback: Learn how CRBN maintains its competitive edge by leveraging multiple feedback loops - from pro athletes to local ambassadors - and investing heavily in R&D to stay ahead of larger competitors.Building a Multi-Channel Brand: Discover their strategic approach to building a premium brand across direct-to-consumer, Amazon, and retail channels while maintaining consistent positioning and storytelling.Community-First Growth: Explore how CRBN built a powerful ambassador program without spending big marketing dollars, and why their grassroots approach helped th

No one is better suited to serve as an Amazon Ads evangelist than my friend, Jeff Cohen. Jeff is a founding member of Seller Labs and has been keynoting, exhibiting, and attending Amazon events for the last decade. If you've been to an Amazon event, you've probably seen him! Now he's serving as the official Amazon Ads Tech Evangelist.I wanted Jeff to join the podcast to talk about what's new and trending with Amazon Ads. This is important information even if you're not selling on Amazon. Amazon is now the 3rd largest digital ad platform behind Google and Facebook, and it's growing rapidly.Here's a look at what we cover:How vertical videos are improving shopping experiences and making ad performance better.What the new integration with Facebook means for shoppers.How Sponsored TV ads are democratizing TV advertising and utilizing Amazon's rich buyer signals.Prime Video Ads and what they could mean for your brand (and when to consider running them).Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC): what it is, and how and when

In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, we dive deep into the results of Amazon's Fall Prime Day 2024. Amazon experts Christine Shiloni and Jonathan Finkes unpack valuable insights, compare performance to previous events, and provide a strategic outlook for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Whether you're an established Amazon seller or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you maximize your Q4 sales.Key topics discussed:Fall Prime Day performance: A 57% average increase in sales compared to last year, with some brands seeing up to 300% growth.The impact of inflation on consumer behavior and pricing strategiesHow to leverage different types of Amazon deals (Lightning Deals, Prime Exclusives and coupons) for maximum visibility and sales.Strategies for navigating the condensed holiday shopping season, with five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.Critical dates and preparation tips for inventory management, including considerations for Ch

In this illuminating episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, I sit down with AI marketing expert Russ Henneberry to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in eCommerce. Russ shares invaluable insights on how we can leverage AI as a powerhouse marketing tool by creating customized AI marketing hubs. This episode is a must-listen for any eCommerce professional looking to stay ahead of the curve and harness AI's capabilities to drive business growth.Key topics covered:The concept of "AI marketing hubs" and how to build them using tools like Claude and ChatGPT.Strategies for fine-tuning AI models with your business data to dramatically improve outputs.The three key AI roles in marketing: Scribe (content creation), Optimizer (asset evaluation), and Strategist (big picture planning).Tips for crafting more effective AI prompts using the RTIF (Role, Task, Input, Format) framework.The future of AI in marketing, including predictions on how major tech companies will shape the landscape.Tune

In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, Brett Curry is joined by Michael Epstein to discuss the resurgence of direct mail as a powerful tool for eCommerce growthThey explore how direct mail is driving retention, building customer loyalty, and even serving as a successful acquisition strategy when used effectively. Throughout, Michael debunks common misconceptions about direct mail—highlighting its effectiveness when paired with data-driven targeting and other marketing channels.Here are some key takeaways from the episode:Direct mail for retention & loyalty: Learn how direct mail can enhance customer retention and build long-term loyalty, especially in today’s crowded digital landscape.Direct mail as an acquisition channel: Often overlooked, direct mail can be a highly effective cold acquisition strategy—if you target the right audience.The power of data in direct mail campaigns: By leveraging aggregated data, you can identify high-propensity buyers, refine your targeting, and even create look

In this episode, I sit down with Molly Pittman, CEO of Smart Marketer, to dissect the latest trends in eCommerce marketing. Drawing from her groundbreaking $600 million study in Facebook ad spend, Molly shares invaluable insights on crafting compelling offers, creating high-performing ad creatives, and optimizing landing pages for maximum conversions. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help eCommerce brands scale in today's competitive landscape.Key topics discussed:-The importance of diversifying your offer system to reach different segments of your market and scale beyond traditional eCommerce tactics.-Surprising findings on the effectiveness of image ads vs. video ads, and how to balance "native" vs. polished ad creatives.-The critical role of benefit-focused hooks in ad performance, with 88% of top-performing ads featuring clear hooks.-Strategies for streamlining landing pages and focusing on the most impactful messages to drive conversions.-How to build a data-driven creative production

In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, I sit down with Dean Brennan, CEO of Heart and Soil Supplements, to unpack the meteoric rise of this innovative health brand. From zero to $50 million in just three years, Heart and Soil has disrupted the supplement industry with its focus on nutrient-dense organ meats and regenerative farming practices. Dean shares invaluable insights on building a brand with passionate customers and maintaining profitability during rapid growth.Key topics discussed:• The power of organic growth and building an engaged audience before launch.• How premium packaging and high-quality ingredients can actually protect profit margins.• Strategies for creating compelling content that inspires and guides customers.• Structuring your week as a CEO to balance deep work and management responsibilities.• The importance of psychological barriers in health transformations and plans to build an ecosystem similar to Dave Ramsey's approach to personal finance.This episode is packed with ac

In this fast-paced episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, I sit down with Neil Twa, co-founder and CEO of Voltage, to discuss the future of Amazon selling. Neil, a brand owner, investor, and podcaster himself, shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the evolving Amazon landscape in 2024 and beyond. From AI-driven changes to brand-building strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice for sellers looking to stay ahead of the curve.Key topics covered:The impact of AI on Amazon's search algorithm, including the upcoming Cosmo engine and how it will revolutionize product discoveryAmazon SEO strategies for 2024, focusing on optimizing images, titles, and overall listing qualityThe importance of building a true brand on Amazon, moving beyond just being a sellerStrategies for profitable growth, including Neil's 20% EBITDA target and minimum $12 net profit per unit ruleThe future of Amazon selling, including the potential need for design or utility patents to defend against competitionWhether y

Dive deep into the minds of online shoppers with Jon MacDonald, founder and CEO of The Good, as he unpacks the psychological forces that shape e-commerce behavior. In this episode, Jon and I explore key insights from his new book, Behind the Click, offering actionable strategies for e-commerce brands to enhance their digital customer experience and boost conversions.Key topics discussed:Understanding the two types of online shoppers: 'satisficers' vs. 'maximizers,' and how to cater to bothThe critical questions customers ask themselves before making a purchase, including 'Does this company understand my problem?' and 'What does buying this product say about me?'How to create an emotional appeal that makes customers feel like they already own your productThe importance of post-purchase communication and why asking for reviews too early can backfireReal-world examples of successful e-commerce strategies, including Easton Baseball's 247% increase in online sales through a simple quizWhether you're a seasoned e-c

The best brands do things differently. Jimmy Kim has taken a unique approach to growing Sendlane from obscurity to becoming one of the fastest-growing ESPs on the market. As both a former brand owner and a current tech leader, Jimmy brings a fresh perspective to DTC. He explores what he refers to as the "retention revolution," the need to rethink email strategies, and the changing landscape of DTC.Key topics explored:-The critical distinction between marketing to prospects versus customers, and understanding when to “hammer” and when to “nurture.”-Why sending more frequent emails can counterintuitively improve deliverability and engagement.-The growing importance of financial literacy and data-driven decision-making in the DTC space, with examples of brands excelling in this area.-How to effectively leverage click data as a powerful feedback loop for understanding customer preferences and refining your marketing messages. Most brands think they are utilizing click data, but they aren’t.-The benefits of an omn

In this episode, Ashly Knox from Henson Razors shares the unique story of how an aerospace machinist teamed up with digital marketers to build an 8-figure razor company.Henson Razors defies typical eCommerce conventions by focusing on a single product, avoiding discounts, and obsessing over cash flow and core financial performance. Ashly discusses the key principles that have fueled Henson's impressive growth.Key topics and lessons:-How Henson Razors achieved 8-figure success by selling a single premium product with no discounts, subscriptions, or gimmicks.-Why focusing relentlessly on making the first purchase profitable is critical for cash flow and sustainable growth.-How Henson uses creative constraints and the power of saying no to stay laser-focused on what matters most.-Mastering inventory management and the cash conversion cycle to steadily scale the business.-Why manually tracking key metrics helps develop invaluable business intuition before automating reports.-Doubling down on 1-2 acquisition chann

https://www.omgcommerce.com/youtube-la-event---In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, Eugenia Chen, founder of PandaLoon and CEO of Huxley Media Group, shares her secrets to creating viral content that can propel your brand to new heights. Discover the science behind crafting videos that captivate audiences, drive engagement, and boost your product's visibility across multiple platforms.Key Takeaways:-How PandaLoon drove 30 million organic views in just a week and 160 million organic views in the months that followed.-Understanding the importance of emotional hooks and how to grab viewers' attention.-Learning how to keep your audience engaged until the very end.-Exploring the differences between popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, and how to optimize your content for each.-Gaining insights into the power of organic content and how it can significantly impact your brand's success on platforms like Amazon.-Discovering the benefits of appearing on Shark Tank and how t

https://www.omgcommerce.com/youtube-la-event---You've heard that creative is KING.In reality, it's probably King, Queen, and more.In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution podcast, I sit down with Dara Denny, a performance creative consultant who has worked with an impressive array of brands like Speedo, Laura Geller, Daily Harvest, and Condé Nast. Dara shares her wealth of knowledge on crafting ad creative that truly converts, diving into the importance of testing, iteration, and taking big swings. If you're looking to level up your ad creative game, this episode is a must-listen.Key topics and lessons include:-The power of specificity in ad creative, from calling out exact prices to reflecting customer age demographics-Why UGC isn't dead, but some of it does suck, and how to garner UGC that works!-How to strike a balance between data-driven iteration and taking big, bold creative swings-Dara's creative testing methodology, including how to structure tests and identify winners-Five ad formats that work, inc

https://www.omgcommerce.com/youtube-la-event---In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, Tomer Hen, CEO and co-founder of Switch Supplements, shares his secrets to leveraging affiliate marketing and influencer relationships to drive explosive growth for your brand. Discover how Tomer took Switch Supplements from zero to $30K in recurring revenue in just eight weeks and how you can apply his strategies to your own business.Key Takeaways:-Learn how to identify and build authentic relationships with high-impact influencers in your niche.-Discover the power of a non-transactional approach to influencer marketing and how it can lead to increased brand awareness, social proof, and sales.-Understand the Amazon-TikTok flywheel and how to capitalize on the spillover effect to boost your rankings and revenue.-Gain insights into turning your most passionate customers into a powerful army of affiliates and brand advocates.-Get practical tips on how to start implementing an affiliate marketing strategy, even if

https://www.omgcommerce.com/youtube-la-event--In this episode of the eCommerce Evolution Podcast, I sit down with Savannah Knight, one of OMG Commerce's top Google Ads specialists, to discuss the often divisive topic of Performance Max. Savannah shares her secrets to success and busts common myths surrounding this powerful campaign type, helping listeners turn their "meh" campaigns into true profit drivers.Key topics and lessons covered in this episode:-Understanding the traffic composition of your Performance Max campaigns is crucial for making informed optimization decisions.-Utilizing best-performing creative assets and proper segmentation can significantly impact the success of your campaigns.-Savannah shares real-world success stories and the strategies behind them, including how to effectively use Performance Max for new customer acquisition.-Common mistakes to avoid when setting up and optimizing Performance Max campaigns, such as the "set it and forget it" approach and improper asset matching.-Excitin

Profits are elusive right now for many sellers on Amazon. The game is getting harder, not easier.That's why I brought on Matt Snyder, CEO and founder of Brands Excel, to discuss two powerful tools for your Amazon seller tool belt: Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC)Matt's diverse background made for a great interview. He spent six years with the Dallas Mavericks (and has a few great Mark Cuban stories). He then transitioned into eCommerce, working with Woot.com and eventually Amazon after they acquired Woot. Later, he joined Veridesk as the VP of online retail, where he helped grow the brand to a mid-eight-figure business on Amazon, primarily using Seller Fulfilled Prime.In our conversation, we cover:Understanding Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP): what it is, how it works, and when it's the right choice for your brand.The benefits of SFP: increased flexibility, control over inventory, and potential cost savings compared to FBA.Criteria for determining if SFP is a good fit for your produc

I love disruptor stories, and Kevin Lavelle, the founder of Mizzen+Main (and now Harbor), has an overlooked but incredibly inspiring one.Kevin revolutionized the men's dress shirt industry with performance fabrics. Under his leadership, Mizzen+Main grew from a great product idea into a company that has sold hundreds of millions of dollars worth of shirts and is now available in 500-600 stores, including 10 Mizzen+Main stores.Now, he's tackling a new challenge by creating a more secure and stress-reducing baby monitor solution with Harbor. His journey provides a blueprint for innovative product design and successful company building.Here are a few key takeaways from the interview:Kevin Lavelle shares his entrepreneurial journey of founding Mizzen+Main and the inspiration behind launching Harbor, an innovative baby monitor solution. Discover how Mizzen+Main leveraged influencer marketing, including a highly successful sponsorship on the Tim Ferriss podcast, to scale the business rapidly. Learn valuabl

In this episode of the E-commerce Evolution Podcast, Brett Curry sits down with Emmett Kilduff, co-founder and CEO of the Fortia Group, to discuss the current M&A climate for e-commerce brands and how to prepare your business for a successful exit. Emmett shares his insights from 25 years of experience in the M&A space, offering valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to maximize their brand's value.Key topics and lessons discussed:- The current M&A climate for e-commerce brands and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on valuations- Understanding the three main types of buyers (strategics, private equity, and aggregators) and tailoring your exit strategy accordingly- The importance of focusing on bottom-line EBITDA margins and subscription-based revenue to increase your brand's attractiveness to potential buyers- Common red flags and discount factors that can negatively impact your brand's valuation, such as poor manufacturing facility scores and supply chain issues- The value of seeking mentors

We've all dreamed of quitting Amazon. And it's hard to argue with 800% growth in 4 years. That's why I was so excited to sit down with Sean Reyes, founder of ShockSurplus.com. I wanted to discuss Sean's journey of growing his business by 800% in just four years, his decision to break up with Amazon despite it accounting for 70% of his revenue at the time, and the importance of thinking like a media company.While most brands should NOT quit Amazon, some should. And his thoughts around margins and building content are valuable for all eComm brands. Key topics and lessons from the episode:-Sean's strategies for managing margins and advertising costs in a highly competitive environment with intense margin pressure.-The value of creating authentic, informative content on YouTube to build trust and authority with customers.-The decision to move away from Amazon due to high fees, lack of customer interaction, and increased competition on listings.-The importance of thoroughly understanding sales tax nexus