The Unofficial Shopify Podcast: Entrepreneur Tales

Kurt Elster, Paul Reda

NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, SUBSCRIBE FOR UNBEATABLE ECOM RECON – Explore the world of ecommerce entrepreneurship with a focus on the Shopify platform. Each episode features interviews with successful ecommerce entrepreneurs & experts sharing their experiences building businesses. Join host Kurt Elster and his guests as they share their stories and learn from each other's successes and challenges. read less
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Episodes

From Code to Craft: Rustic & Main's Rise
02-04-2024
From Code to Craft: Rustic & Main's Rise
When Mike Yarbrough swapped his software development hat for a craftsman's apron to manage carpal tunnel syndrome, he didn't just mend his physical ailments—he forged a new path as an entrepreneur. Rustic & Main sprouted from his love for woodworking, evolving from a garage project into a bustling hub where historic materials are transformed into rings with stories. This episode peels back the curtain on Mike's favorite creations, like the Muir ring and the USS North Carolina battleship teak ring, offering a peek into the soulful process of preserving history through jewelry.As Mike and his wife navigated the choppy waters of business expansion, they discovered that their personal journey mirrored the growth of their brand. From grappling with parking headaches to embracing Lean principles, their small venture expanded its roots, outgrowing the confines of their home and stretching into a full-fledged team. Learn how they dealt with the pandemic's financial whirlwinds, navigated the challenges of working remotely, and kept their marriage strong while steering the Rustic & Main ship through uncharted waters.Stepping into the world of e-commerce and custom development, Mike's tale continues with innovative twists that have shaped the customer experience at Rustic & Main. Discover the woodworking ambiance of their ring-making studio and how non-traditional approaches to jewelry making have disrupted the market. Mike's journey is a testament to the power of ingenuity in craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of a vision that marries rustic charm with entrepreneurial finesse. Join us for this inspiring conversation, chock-full of insights for both aspiring artisans and seasoned business owners alike.Show Linksrusticandmain.comThe Lean Startupzapier.comEOSSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
How Chubbies Built a Menswear Movement
26-03-2024
How Chubbies Built a Menswear Movement
"We were the luckiest people in the world to be able to do this stuff."Full Video Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fEUf9MTXk4cThis week, I'm joined by Preston Rutherford, co-founder of the Chubbies Shorts empire that's been redefining men's fashion with a splash of retro and an avalanche of fun since 2011. Preston, a Stanford grad with a knack for spotting gaps in the fashion world, shares how a simple idea of retro shorts spiraled into a nationwide trend.Preston walks us through the early days of selling shorts right out of a backpack, the evolution of Chubbies' identity, and the power of community in brand building. But it's not all smooth sailing. Preston gets real about the challenges of seasonality in fashion, the pitfalls of over-reliance on direct response marketing, and the emotional rollercoaster of building and selling a brand.So, slip into your favorite shorts, whether it’s the weekend or not, and let's get down to business with Preston Rutherford’s insights. Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories like this.Show Linkschubbiesshorts.comloopreturns.comPreston on LinkedInSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUIntelligemsNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Insights for European eCommerce Success
12-03-2024
Insights for European eCommerce Success
Listen in as we tackle the intricate world of e-commerce internationalization, with a particular focus on the contrasting landscapes between North America and Europe. I'm joined by David Simoas, an expert in the field hailing from the Czech Republic, who shares his rich experience navigating through the complex terrain of culturally diverse European markets. We dissect the ease of conducting e-commerce in the States and how it starkly differs from Europe's language barriers, currency variations, and a maze of regulations that could befuddle even the most seasoned entrepreneurs.Venturing across borders in the digital marketplace brings a slew of unique challenges and solutions that we unravel in our conversation. David and I exchange insights on the necessity of localizing content, from sales messaging to adapting to cultural norms and payment methods that vary from one country to another. We highlight the effectiveness of translation tools and AI in bridging communication gaps, ensuring your online store resonates with international audiences. Whether it's dealing with credit cards, bank transfers, or local payment peculiarities, this chat lays out the essentials for a smooth cross-border e-commerce operation.Rounding off our discussion, we dive into Shopify's journey of capturing the European market amidst strict privacy laws and regional preferences for homegrown digital solutions. David offers a unique perspective on the hesitation surrounding platform adoption like Shopify, sharing strategies to shift the e-commerce mindset in favor of such versatile tools. From the value of local expertise to the surprising impact of marketing budgets, we cover all bases, offering valuable advice to merchants eager to make their mark in Europe's dynamic e-commerce landscape. Join us for a wealth of knowledge and practical tips from the frontline of international digital commerce.Show LinksShopify Translate & AdaptSounds Good AgencyDavid on LinkedInSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUIntelligemsNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Let's Sell Some Trucker Hats
27-02-2024
Let's Sell Some Trucker Hats
We take on the challenge of revamping a trucker hat Shopify store from the ground up. Our team member and e-commerce maven, Jessie Goodell, brings her real-world experience managing her ecom brand for outdoor trucker hats to the table. Listen in as we dissect the transition from Amazon to Shopify, and discuss website improvements in a quest for online store over marketplace sales. Stay tuned as we gear up for future episodes where we'll measure the success of our efforts and strategize on lifecycle email marketing and beyond, all while appreciating Jesse's invaluable contributions to this e-commerce adventure.Timestamps(03:43 - 05:03) Rebranding Challenges on Amazon(07:22 - 08:12) Amazon Listing Struggles and Promotions(16:10 - 17:13) Product Variants and Shopify Integration(22:35 - 24:23) Website Homepage Re-Design Suggestions(33:00 - 34:03) Improving Product Listing User Experience(38:54 - 39:56) Maximizing Product Listing Content(42:35 - 43:51) Product Origins and Manufacturing Changes(45:33 - 46:18) Professional Photo Shoot for Content CreationShow Links44noutdoor.com44N on AmazonRefresh theme by ShopifyThe UpFlip PodcastSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUIntelligemsNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Shopify Themes: Selection & Insider Tips
20-02-2024
Shopify Themes: Selection & Insider Tips
A Shopify theme is not just about making your store look good... it's the backbone of your customer's shopping experience. There is a lot of functionality baked into it, and as a result, your bottom line may also be tied to which theme you pick.Marcus Seoighe of Clean Canvas, and ex-Senior Theme Partners Manager at Shopify, joins us to unpack how the right theme can elevate customer experience & drive your bottom line.In this episode, we delve into the evolution of Shopify themes & how staying fresh is crucial for your digital storefront. It's a deep dive into what makes themes succeed & how the partnership community at Shopify pushes boundaries for merchants.Chapters:From Shopify to Clean CanvasThemes and Evolution of PlatformsShopify vs. Non-Shopify ThemesLimitations and Versatility of Shopify ThemesConsiderations for Choosing a Premium ThemeExploring Extensibility and Theme UsageExpertise, Products, and a CompetitionOur conversation isn't just theory; it's loaded with practical advice. From choosing the right theme to understanding premium offerings, we cover the factors that matter most to your e-commerce success.Show LinksCleanCanvasShopify ThemesThe UpFlip PodcastSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUIntelligemsNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Sharma's Success Secrets
13-02-2024
Sharma's Success Secrets
Nik Sharma, the brains behind Sharma Brands, has gone from freelance hotshot to the head honcho of a major digital agency that's a big deal in the CPG world. Nik walks us through how Sharma Brands evolved, bringing everything in-house. Think of it as a digital shopping mall, where each floor offers a new, top-notch service to boost your brand's online presence.Highlights(00:00) Sharma Brands and the DTC Evolution(08:34) Cutting Through the Noise(16:10) Brand Building and Content Creation(30:18) Retail Sales and DTC Technology(34:44) E-Commerce Strategies and Missed Opportunities(44:10) Learn More About Nick SharmaNik dishes out his playbook on e-commerce success. He talks about the importance of testing your market, crafting content that clicks, and building a killer team. We explore tech tools that can give your business a leg up, like subscription optimization and creating landing pages that hit the mark.Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your digital branding toolkit with insights from a top expert in the field.Show LinksNik's newsletterSharma BrandsJolieJudySponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUIntelligemsNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Google Ads Strategies for Shopify
30-01-2024
Google Ads Strategies for Shopify
Listen in as Menachem Ani, a Google Ads expert with two decades of experience, joins to explore Google Ads and the current best practices for Shopify merchants seeking to amplify their e-commerce growth. We're talking Performance Max, Demand Gen campaigns, and the nitty-gritty of integrating Google with Shopify. We delve into advanced tactics for segmenting campaigns, the art of crafting killer product titles, and leveraging audience signals to make your ads pop.Chapters(00:00) Google Ads(09:45) Google Performance Max and Demand Generation(17:59) Crowdfunder and Google Ads(25:14) Google Ads and ROI for Success(28:43) Optimizing Google Ads and Customizing Feeds(36:18) Google Ads Tactics and OptimizationThe future of Google Ads is knocking, with automation and YouTube Shorts taking the front seat. Menachem drops some serious knowledge on feeding the system with data for optimal results and shares tips for conquering the ever-changing landscape of Google Ads.If you're ready to elevate your Google Ads game, this is the episode you don't want to miss.Show LinksJXT GroupKeyword PlannereCommerce ROAS CalculatorGoogle & YouTube Shopify appProduct feed appsMenachem's article on SearchEngineLandJXT's guide to Performance Maxlinkedin.com/in/menachemaniSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
From Festival Romance to $5M Fashion Brand
23-01-2024
From Festival Romance to $5M Fashion Brand
Sit down with Donal Breslin from Nomad the Label. This isn't your run-of-the-mill fashion brand story. Picture this: a music festival romance turns into a full-blown e-commerce venture. Donal and his partner Louisa didn't just fall in love; they built a brand around it. Nomad's all about that linen life – think bohemian, think sustainable, think comfort.Chapter Timestamps(00:00) Exploring Nomad the Label's Linen(04:57) Building a Successful Fashion Brand Lessons(18:53) The Importance of Data-Driven E-Commerce Management(31:06) Sustainability and Expansion in International Markets(43:49) Ambitious Growth Plans for Nomad LabelDonal walks us through their leap from market stalls to the digital world. Their strategy? Top-notch service, no discounts, all integrity. This team knows their customer and they cater to her with a mix of heartfelt content and sharp business sense.As we wrapped up our chat, it was clear that for Donal and Louisa, it's about more than clothes; it's about crafting a way of life that mirrors the comfort and ease their brand embodies. Listeners with a penchant for fashion, and those curious about turning passion into a thriving business, will find this episode a source of inspiration and a treasure trove of savvy business acumen.Show LinksNomad the LabelLoop ReturnsStoreHeroSpliceAirrobeRefundidSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
How a Firefighter Mastered Marketing
09-01-2024
How a Firefighter Mastered Marketing
Johnny Hickey, former New York firefighter turned digital marketer, tells us what he's learned jumping into ecommerce in 2018 and learning on the job.He gives us the lowdown on the essentials – focus on user experience and keep your email marketing game strong. He's candid about the ad game too, comparing the heavyweights: Google and Facebook Ads. His advice? Sometimes you need a pro to take a swing at those Facebook Ads.The real deal with Johnny is his approach to learning and adapting. He's all about experimenting and not being afraid to call in the cavalry when things get too technical. For those grappling with Pinterest Ads, TikTok Ads, and the ever-elusive SEO, Johnny's experiences are like finding a lighthouse in a storm.Chapter Timestamps(00:00) Transitioning From Firefighter to E-Commerce Entrepreneur(09:32) Launching a Mask Business in 2020(19:45) Marketing Strategies and Trade Show Success(26:41) Maximizing Revenue With Email and Facebook(40:11) Frustrations With Google, Pinterest, and TikTok(47:42) Advice and Influence on Shopify SiteShow LinksFadoPerfect White TeeFour Hour Work WeekSam Baldwin / KeyCommerceFastLane ForumUptimeTraffic SecretsSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Optimizing Shopify Themes: Redesign or Just Refine?
02-01-2024
Optimizing Shopify Themes: Redesign or Just Refine?
As we approach 2024, the mantra for every Shopify store owner should be 'Build Better, Grow Faster'. But how do you turn this mantra into reality?Today, we're zeroing in on the theme 'Build a Better Store for 2024'. We're dissecting the critical shifts in e-commerce and how they impact your store's future.With us is Chase Clymer, a Shopify savant from Electric Eye. He's the brains behind successful store transformations and is here to share his playbook for e-commerce excellence.Chase dives into why embracing Shopify Online Store 2.0 is a game-changer, discussing its customization capabilities and how it aligns with consumer expectations in 2024.From conducting thorough code audits to prioritizing user experience, Chase lays out actionable strategies to refine your store. We explore the power of customer feedback and the underrated art of split testing in driving conversions.As 2024 looms, the challenge is clear: innovate or stagnate. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone aiming to build a better Shopify store in the coming year.Hit subscribe for more e-commerce wisdom that will help you lead the pack in 2024. Building a better store starts here.Show LinksElectric Eye AgencyHonest Ecommerce PodcastZapierIntelliGemsShopliftUnbound Merino2BobsSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Post-Holiday Profit Strategies
26-12-2023
Post-Holiday Profit Strategies
Many e-commerce ventures hit a sales dry spell right after the holiday cheers fade. But what if Q1 could be more than just a slump?In today's episode, we're turning conventional wisdom on its head, exploring how Q1's challenges can be flipped into profitable opportunities – welcome to the world of 'Q5'.Our guest expert is Michael Epstein, a seasoned pro in the e-commerce arena with 25 years under his belt. As the strategic brain behind PostPilot, Michael's blend of SaaS savvy, agency acumen, and e-commerce expertise makes him the perfect navigator for today's deep dive.Key Insights:Unveiling how Q1 can be a mini-Christmas for the right products.Mastering the art of juggling operational expenses with profit maximization.A close look at the ever-shifting terrain of e-commerce and how to capture customer interest.The strategic use of Direct Mail in a predominantly digital marketplace.Smart advice for smaller brands on growth trajectory and timing for diversifying marketing efforts.Don't forget to subscribe to The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, leave a review if you loved the episode, or tell a friend. We appreciate you.Show LinksPostPilotUSPS Informed DeliverySponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Scaling Skincare: Bushbalm's Rise
19-12-2023
Scaling Skincare: Bushbalm's Rise
In this Unofficial Shopify Podcast episode, we sit down with David Gaylord, the mastermind behind Bushbalm Skincare. From his Shopify days to leading a skincare revolution, David reveals the art of growing a business from its online roots to retail success. He emphasizes the crucial roles of web design and ongoing marketing refinement. David's journey with Bushbalm, Ottawa's fastest-growing company, serves as a playbook for Shopify entrepreneurs, highlighting the virtues of patience and strategic growth in e-commerce. Expect a straight-to-the-point, insightful discussion, tailor-made for those looking to make their mark in the digital marketplace.Show Linkshttps://bushbalm.com/[https://bushbalm.ca/pages/ottawas-bushbalm-dragons-den](Bushbalm on Dragon's Den)https://www.replo.app/Not on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Breaking Down a Black Friday Blowout
12-12-2023
Breaking Down a Black Friday Blowout
Today we're dissecting a Black Friday bonanza. Join us as Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus, a previous guest and a Shopify Plus success story, takes us behind the scenes of their record-breaking Black Friday. With a cool million in a single week, Sean's insights are nothing short of gold dust for anyone in the e-commerce space.Sean reveals the nitty-gritty of their promotional strategies, from tiered discounts to email campaigns, and how they leveraged Shopify's capabilities to maximum effect. We dive deep into the psychology behind consumer discounts, the importance of strategic planning, and how a shift in promotional tactics led to a 40% increase in revenue.Sean's candid sharing of their journey – from a non-promotional stance to a finely-tuned Black Friday strategy – provides invaluable insights. If you're looking to understand the impact of well-crafted promotions and strategic preparation on e-commerce success, this is a must-listen episode.Show LinksShock SurplusSean's Previous Episode: "Dropshipping $30M in Auto Parts"Not on Shopify? Start your free trialSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCU - To get an unadvertised gift, email help@zipify.com and ask for the "Tech Nasty Bonus".StoreHero - Get a unified view of your sales, marketing & profitability metrics.Loop Returns: Ecommerce Returns Management for Shopify - Brands using Loop retain over 50% of their revenue by promoting exchanges over refunds.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.