The Unofficial Shopify podcast

21:04

Step into the mysterious and visually stunning world of The Electric State as host Francesca Amiker takes you behind the scenes with the creative masterminds who brought Simon Stålenhag’s dystopian vision to life. In this premiere episode, directors Joe and Anthony Russo, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and producers Angela Russo-Otstot and Chris Castaldi reveal how they transformed a haunting graphic novel into an epic cinematic experience. Watch The Electric State coming to Netflix on March 14th. Check out more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, SUBSCRIBE FOR UNBEATABLE ECOM RECON – Every Tuesday since 2014, host Kurt Elster shares the Shopify success stories that nobody tells you about, straight from the entrepreneurs living it. Subscribe for a raw look at what it really takes to succeed on Shopify.

478 episódios

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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478 episódios

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1
How Smart Brands Win Top-of-Funnel in 2025 49:08

há 17 hours49:08

49:08

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXSr4Po30oY Paid ads are busted. SEO is back but weirder. Gen Z isn’t using Google. What now? VC Smriti Jayaraman pulls back the curtain on the Shopify brands building futuristic funnels today. We’re talking AI quizzes, voice search, digital oracles, and tech that reads your face to guess your shirt size. It’s strange. It’s smart. And it works. 💡 What We Cover: Why AI search is reshaping ecommerce—and how to rank in it How Shopify brands are using gamified funnels to capture attention What to know about AI influencers, personalized merchandising, and site search Why your brand needs to think like a membership club, not a subscription box Real tech examples from Corazon Capital’s portfolio 💸 Sponsors Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways 🔗 Links Smriti Jayaraman BoldVoice iAsk.ai Laws of Motion Perplexity Corazon Capital 🎯 Work With Me Want me to grow your Shopify store? Apply here See what we’ve done for other merchants: View portfolio Get my free newsletter for Shopify insights: Join here 🎧 The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is hosted by Kurt Elster. Subscribe for weekly interviews with Shopify entrepreneurs and experts.…

1
700K YouTube Subs to Shopify Sales 47:05

há 8 dias47:05

47:05

Her fans call her "The Queen of Air Fryers." She gave away recipes. Her fans demanded a cookbook. One $15 PDF later, Cathy Yoder had a 5-figure launch weekend—and she hasn't looked back. With over 700K subscribers, Cathy built a content-powered Shopify business that turns viewers into superfans (and customers). In this episode, Cathy breaks down: How to use YouTube as your #1 lead-gen channel Building products based on comment section gold What flopped, what worked, and why done > perfect Integrating YouTube with Shopify for seamless sales If you're a creator, a merchant, or both—this is the funnel playbook you've been waiting for. Sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Boost AI Search & Filter – AI-powered search that converts Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me → ethercycle.com/apply See how we help stores grow → ethercycle.com/work Get my Shopify newsletter → kurtelster.com…

1
Pit Viper: These Shades Print Money 43:58

há 15 dias43:58

43:58

Pit Viper isn’t for everyone. And that might be the secret to its success. It starts with a guy on a ski trip. His sunglasses break. So, naturally, he walks into a military surplus store, finds an old pair of ballistic glasses from the early 90s, and thinks, these are perfect. Fast forward a few years, and those surplus shades—once traded for beers and ski lifts—have turned into Pit Viper , a brand worth millions. But here’s the question: how do you build a business that doesn’t just sell sunglasses, but sells attitude ? A brand that’s loud, weird, and completely unignorable? Today on the show: Chris Garcin, CEO of Pit Viper , explains how they took what should have been a joke and turned it into a cult phenomenon . Links & Resources 🔗 Shop Pit Viper: www.pitviper.com 🎧 More stories like this: The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Work With Kurt 🚀 Want to grow your Shopify store? We help brands like yours increase conversions, improve UX, and drive more sales. 📩 Let’s talk: ethercycle.com/apply 🛠️ See how I’ve helped other brands: ethercycle.com/work 💡 Join my newsletter for no-BS ecommerce insights: kurtelster.com Connect with Kurt: 💬 Twitter: @kurtinc 📩 Newsletter: kurtelster.com Sponsors: 📈 Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels 🔥 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify 📬 Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps more Shopify merchants find the show!…

1
Shopify Dev AMA: Store Spying, AI Tools, and Trends 39:58

há 22 dias39:58

39:58

Two Shopify Partners get real in an AMA packed with listener questions. Store spying tricks, AI fails, bold 2025 predictions, a garage full of jacked-up cars, and a sneak peek at their next app. What you’ll learn: How to spy on Shopify stores using public endpoints and browser tools What’s broken (and what’s promising) in Shopify’s new AI tools How devs actually use ChatGPT to write Shopify code Email marketing best practices, including double opt-in insights A look behind the scenes at a new Shopify app in development Sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Viralsweep – Run sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways: https://www.viralsweep.com/ Show Links: Liquid Weekly: https://liquidweekly.com/ Editions.dev: https://editions.dev/pages/editions-dev Tactical Baby Gear: https://tacticalbabygear.com/ Shopify AI Store Setup Tool: https://changelog.shopify.com/posts/ai-store-generator-tool Copy All URLs Chrome Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/copy-all-urls/djdmadneanknadilpjiknlnanaolmbfk?hl=en Store Leads: https://storeleads.app/reports/shopify Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me → https://ethercycle.com/apply See our client results → https://ethercycle.com/work Join my newsletter → https://kurtelster.com/…

1
Lady Gaga’s on Shopify: Go Behind the Build 31:00

há 29 dias31:00

31:00

Lady Gaga has a new Shopify site. But this isn’t just a merch store. It’s a stage, a story, a digital home —built to evolve as fast as she does. Her team needed something different. A site that could change overnight and feel as immersive as her albums. So they went headless, partnering with Commerce-UI , a Shopify agency known for pushing boundaries. In this episode, Shopify Partner Michal Klim takes us inside the build: How Hydrogen and Oxygen power a site that never stands still. Why merch sales weren’t the top priority—and what was. Why a “conversion-first” mindset wouldn’t work here—and what did. It’s a story about what happens when a global superstar takes Shopify beyond ecommerce best practices. 🎧 Listen now on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is made by possible by our sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Address Validator – Reduce delivery address errors & costs Special thanks to our friends at Shopify and to our listeners. Show Links Lady Gaga’s Shopify Store – See the site in action Abracadabra! Building Lady Gaga's magical storefront experience on Hydrogen - Shopify Newsroom article Commerce-UI – The agency behind Lady Gaga’s Shopify site Shopify Hydrogen – Build headless commerce experiences Shopify Oxygen – Deploy Hydrogen storefronts on Shopify’s infrastructure Sanity CMS – Headless CMS used for editorial content Work with Kurt Want to optimize your Shopify store and grow your business? I help Shopify merchants like you increase conversions, streamline operations, and build standout online experiences . Apply to work with me: Ethercycle See how I’ve helped other brands: Recent Client Successes Get my best Shopify insights: Join My Newsletter Let’s make your Shopify store better, faster, and more profitable .…

1
The Store That Won March Madness 46:35

há 5 weeks46:35

46:35

Megan Smalley didn’t plan to build a powerhouse ecommerce brand. Scarlet & Gold started as a creative side project—until she got laid off. Fast forward 12 years, and Scarlet & Gold is one of the only women-owned businesses licensed for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) merch on Shopify. This March, their Shopify sales are up 74.2% year-over-year —with over 53.6% of those sales tied to March Madness merchandise . And here’s the kicker: 69.5% of their basketball sales come from just two NIL deals . So how did she do it? What makes NIL merch so powerful? And what’s it really like running an ecommerce business that lives and dies by game-day hype? That’s what we’re talking about today. 👉 Read more from Shopify’s newsroom: shopify.com/news/march-madness-entrepreneurs Links & Resources 🔗 Check out Scarlet & Gold → scarletandgoldshop.com 🔗 Need custom merch? → scarletandgoldcustom.com 📌 Sponsors: Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify Address Validator – Reduce delivery errors & costs 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube . 💡 Want to grow your Shopify store? Work with Kurt: Apply for a strategy session → ethercycle.com/apply See what we’ve built → ethercycle.com/work Get my best Shopify insights → kurtelster.com 👥 Join Our Private Facebook Group: Connect with other Shopify entrepreneurs → facebook.com/groups/UnofficialShopifyPodcast This is a story about ecommerce, sports, and the weird world of NIL merch. It’s about how one Shopify store turned athlete partnerships into real growth. And it’s about what happens when you take a risk—and it actually works.…

1
10 Shopify Mistakes Killing Your Sales 53:14

há 6 weeks53:14

53:14

Are you making one of these Shopify mistakes? If so, you’re losing sales. In this episode, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast host Kurt Elster teams up with Bold Commerce co-founder Jay Myers to reveal the top 10 mistakes that Shopify merchants make—some of which even big brands get wrong. From neglected checkouts to bloated main menus, they share simple, actionable fixes that can boost conversions and keep customers coming back. What You’ll Learn: The #1 checkout mistake that kills trust (and how to fix it in 60 seconds) Why most subscription models fail—and the secret to making them work The overlooked product page changes that increase add-to-cart rates Why your main menu is confusing customers (and how to fix it) How to stop relying on paid ads and build a business that lasts Links & Resources: Bold Commerce – Shopify apps for subscriptions, upsells, and more Subscription Death Curve – Jay Myers' SubSummit Keynote Shopify Markets – Sell globally from a single store Shopify Checkout Customization – How to brand your checkout Klaviyo – Email & SMS marketing for e-commerce Master & Dynamic – Premium headphones with long-form product pages Timbuk2 – Example of great product pages for bags Tactical Baby Gear – Niche brand with strong storytelling Clubhouse – Audio platform that rose to pandemic fame “Jobs to Be Done” (JTBD) – Product innovation concept by Clayton Christensen Seth Godin’s Blog – Marketing insights from Seth Godin Connect with Kurt: 💬 Twitter: @kurtinc 📩 Newsletter: kurtelster.com 🚀 Work with Kurt: ethercycle.com/apply Sponsors: 📈 Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels 🔥 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify 📬 Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps more Shopify merchants find the show!…

1
Fart-Proof Underwear? This Shopify Brand Says Yes 37:14

há 7 weeks37:14

37:14

Imagine a world where your worst gas-related fears simply… disappear. No awkward moments, no subtle side-eye glances. Just peace, dignity, and activated carbon filters. That’s the world Collin White and his father set out to create when they launched Tootles , a Shopify store selling flatulence-filtering underwear. At first, people laughed. But then, they listened. Because for people with digestive issues, this isn’t a joke—it’s a solution. Today on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast , Collin joins Kurt to talk about building a business in a deeply niche market, convincing manufacturers that fart-proof underwear is, in fact, a real thing, and finding customers who need his product (but don’t necessarily want to talk about it). In this episode: ✔️ How Collin and his dad took Tootles from idea to reality ✔️ The science behind fart filtration (yes, it works) ✔️ Marketing a taboo product without making it a joke ✔️ How Tootles increases AOV with clever bundling ✔️ Why subscriptions aren’t always the answer for consumable products Farts are funny. Business is serious. And somewhere in the middle, there’s a Shopify success story worth listening to. Links & Resources 🔗 Tootles Website: WearTootles.com 🔗 Kurt’s Shopify Agency: Ethercycle.com 🔗 Judge.me (Review App Used by Tootles): Judge.me Sponsors 🔗 Cleverific: cleverific.com/unofficial 🔗 Zipify: zipify.com/KURT 🔗 ViralSweep: apps.shopify.com/viralsweep…

1
Obvi’s Ron Shah on Fails, Exits & Lessons Learned 49:41

há 8 weeks49:41

49:41

"You start with ‘there’s no way this is me.’ Then you question everything. Then, eventually, you realize—this really could be me." Ron Shah built Obvi into a $100M+ powerhouse, with $40M in top-line revenue in 2024. But not every business he touched turned to gold. Today, Ron gets brutally honest about two brands he started—Coffee Over Cardio and Paw Rangers—that didn’t go as planned. This isn’t your typical success story. Ron shares: Why success in one business doesn’t guarantee success in another The emotional toll of failure and the ego traps that cost him money How to know when to walk away, pivot, or double down What he’d do differently if he launched these brands today Most founders only share their wins. Ron is sharing his losses. And why, in hindsight, they might be even more valuable. Resources & Links Follow Ron on Twitter: @obviceo Check out Obvi: myobvi.com Listen to Ron’s podcast, Chew On This : Listen here coffeeovercardio pawrangers.com Sponsors Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work With Kurt Grow your Shopify store with me: ethercycle.com/apply Join my newsletter for Shopify insights: kurtelster.com 📩 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let us know what you think!…

1
How a Twitter Account Became a Thriving Shopify Brand 47:26

há 9 weeks47:26

47:26

“Rainier Watch started as me shouting into the void about whether the mountain was out. Now, it’s a brand in REI. Didn’t see that coming.” David Lindahl started Rainier Watch as a simple Twitter account—just a guy posting updates on whether Mount Rainier was visible that day. No business plan, no grand vision. Just a love for the mountain. But then people started following. They started asking for stickers. And suddenly, David found himself running an e-commerce brand. What began as a hobby turned into a business selling apparel, getting into retail stores like REI, and building a loyal community of outdoor enthusiasts. This week, we follow David’s journey—from side project to full-time business. How he scaled his Shopify store, navigated wholesale partnerships, and made every mistake possible before finally getting it right. Along the way, we look at what happens when an entrepreneur outgrows their own operation, the challenges of building a brand rooted in a specific place, and what it really takes to turn a passion into a sustainable business. Links 🛍 Shop Rainier Watch: https://shop.rainierwatch.com/ Sponsors 💡 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify: https://cleverific.com/unofficial 🚀 Zipify – Optimize your Shopify store with Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT 📍 Address Validator – Prevent shipping mistakes before they happen: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work with Kurt 🔹 Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply 📈 See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work…

1
Reinventing Oral Care: The Slate Flosser Story 42:38

há 10 weeks42:38

42:38

In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast , Brynn Snyder, co-founder of Slate Flosser, shares how she and her dentist husband tackled one of the most overlooked aspects of health—flossing. Together, they reimagined oral care with a product that could prevent gum disease, heart issues, and more. But flossing is just the beginning. This episode dives into their journey through a $194K Kickstarter campaign, battling knockoffs on Amazon, and scaling a Shopify store with sustainability and innovation at its core. Brynn reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating a physical product, why subscription models are key to recurring revenue, and how staying passionate can make or break your business. Flossing might not seem revolutionary—until you hear this story. Show Links Slate Flosser Kickstarter Campaign Slate Flosser on Amazon Sponsors Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work with Kurt Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work…

1
Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community 46:52

há 11 weeks46:52

46:52

Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community Daphné Eastmond ditched the CPA grind to create Frizz + Co, a brand that says screw the stigma and celebrates textured hair. From her raw startup struggles to her bold in-person events, Daphne shares how she’s making haircare personal—and real. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Daphne left accounting to launch Frizz + Co. How her personal hair struggles inspired a hero product. The scrappy marketing tactics that worked (and the ones that didn’t). How in-person events became her secret growth weapon. Lessons from bootstrapping, product seeding, and building a Shopify brand. Links Mentioned: Frizz + Co: https://frizzhair.co Connect with Daphne: Instagram @frizz.co Sponsors: Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Boost Filter & Search: https://apps.shopify.com/product-filter-search CTA: Subscribe for more Shopify insights and stories like this! [Insert subscription link]…

1
Why Shopify’s Planet App is Good for Business (and the Earth) 47:23

há 12 weeks47:23

47:23

“Why not try it? Planet is low-risk, easy to configure, and can have a meaningful impact on your brand and the planet.” Discover how Shopify Planet helps merchants make a positive environmental impact while boosting customer trust and conversions. David Vranicar, Shopify’s sustainability operations lead, explains how this innovative app enables carbon-neutral shipping with zero hassle. Learn how it works, why it benefits your business, and what it means for your customers. Show Links Shopify Planet: https://apps.shopify.com/planet Reach out to the Planet team: planet [at] shopify.com Sponsors: Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Boost Filter & Search: https://apps.shopify.com/product-filter-search Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work Join my newsletter for Shopify insights: https://kurtelster.com/ 🎙️ The Unofficial Shopify Podcast – Your go-to resource for actionable ecommerce insights.…

1
Montana Knife Company: American-Made Knife Empire 49:57

há 13 weeks49:57

49:57

What if your side hustle turned into an 8-figure brand selling out every week? Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DxGxZ20rfQI Montana Knife Company’s Brandon Horoho shares the journey from launching during COVID to building a global brand rooted in American manufacturing. Discover how MKC redefined success with transparency, customer engagement, and relentless marketing. Episode Highlights: Why MKC chose Shopify as their platform and how it drives their success. The secrets behind MKC’s 120+ consecutive weekly product sellouts. How owning your email list can outshine ad spend. Building a thriving direct-to-consumer brand in a competitive market. The challenges and rewards of investing in local manufacturing. What’s next for MKC: Pocket knives and a 50,000 sq. ft. facility. About Brandon Horoho: Brandon Horoho is the co-founder and CMO of Montana Knife Company, an American-made knife brand that has taken the DTC world by storm. With weekly product drops and an obsessive focus on quality, MKC has grown from a garage startup to an 8-figure powerhouse in just four years. Show Links Montana Knife Company: https://montanaknifecompany.com Follow MKC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanaknifecompany Work with Kurt: https://ethercycle.com/ Sponsors: Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/ Work with Kurt: Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work…

1
Growing a Supps Brand to $70M in 2.5 Years 51:41

há 14 weeks51:41

51:41

Devyn Merklin, former CMO of Livingood Daily, shares the raw truth behind scaling a supplement brand to $70M in annual revenue. From relentless testing to mastering Shopify funnels, Devyn provides a thoughtful analysis of the strategies that worked, the mistakes that taught valuable lessons, and how brands can apply these insights to their own growth journeys. Links People Devyn Merklin Dr. Blake Livingood Ezra Firestone Randall Pitch Russell Brunson Brands Hoonigan Livingood Daily Offset Smart Marketer Apps Printful ViralSweep Tools Kajabi ClickFunnels Services Flippa Empire Flippers BuyBizSell The XScale Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Boost Filter & Search Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
Avoiding CRO myths 45:19

há 15 weeks45:19

45:19

“Look, if you redesign your grocery store and I can’t find the chicken or checkout clerk I like, I’m shopping somewhere else.” How do you turn clicks into customers without falling for CRO myths? Oliver Kenyon, CEO of ConversionWise, exposes the lazy habits holding Shopify stores back and shares proven strategies to boost sales. It’s all about clarity, problem-solving, and delivering customer value—no gimmicks, just real results. This episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your Shopify store into a revenue machine. Links Oliver Kenyon Oliver's ConversionWise Kurt Elster (Host) Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Boost Filter & Search Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
How This Athlete Built a $10M Sock Brand 43:22

há 16 weeks43:22

43:22

"I wanted to create a product that could be the yoga pant for the foot." Rob Fraser, former pro cyclist and the founder of Outway, believes socks should do more than cover your feet. Drawing from his background in sport, Fraser has crafted a brand that blends durability with everyday style. In this episode, he shares the unlikely story of how a thousand-dollar loan sparked a $10 million business, tapping into the potential of a $50 billion market. What follows is a lesson in resilience, as Fraser discusses growth, innovation, and the quest to make socks worthy of serious consumer loyalty. Links: Rob Fraser – Founder of Outway, former pro cyclist and Canadian national team member Outway – Rob Fraser's sock brand Shopify – Platform Outway uses for their e-commerce site Shopify Bundles App – Used by Outway for product bundling Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
Why Mizzen+Main’s $100M Founder Left to Build a Baby Monitor 49:56

há 17 weeks49:56

49:56

Kevin Lavelle’s got a knack for big ideas and starting fresh. First, he took on menswear with Mizzen+Main, bringing performance fabric to dress shirts and making them a hit with pro athletes and office rebels alike. Now he’s back with something new—a baby monitor. Yep, from dress shirts to baby tech. In this episode, he breaks down the whole journey: the wild beginnings, early mistakes, and how he built a brand from scratch, twice. It’s a sharp take on the wins, the losses, and why some ideas just stick around until you finally make them happen. Episode Highlights: How Kevin’s “aha” moment led to Mizzen+Main’s success. The surprising lessons from scaling a DTC menswear brand. Transitioning from clothing to tech: Why Kevin started Harbor. Kevin’s experience with early product mistakes and customer trust. The power of influencer partnerships and wholesale growth. How a Tim Ferriss podcast ad skyrocketed Mizzen+Main’s sales. What it takes to launch a product parents trust with their kids. Mentioned in This Episode Brands & Businesses Mizzen+Main Harbor Shopify Sage 50 Peachtree Epicor ERP Hawk Search Faire People Mentioned Tim Ferriss JJ Watt Phil Mickelson Damon John Simon Sinek Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the Show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Support the show by leaving a review and subscribing What’s Kurt Up To? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store Never Miss an Episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
Turning Scratched Lenses into 8 Figures 43:18

há 18 weeks43:18

43:18

“We’re doing about 1,500 pairs a day… we’re gonna hit eight figures this year, probably next year for sure.” You know that favorite pair of sunglasses you can’t throw away? Brandon Dill turned that frustration into an 8-figure business. He’s the founder of Fuse Lenses, a brand built on bringing those scratched shades back to life. In this episode, we trace Brandon’s journey from side hustle to scaling a manufacturing business, built on curiosity, ingenuity, and a lot of hustle. But it’s not all smooth sailing—Brandon dives into the realities of cash flow struggles, seasonal peaks, and the surprising challenges of bootstrapping. And as his company grows, he reflects on what success truly means when passion becomes a job. Links Fuse Lenses - Replacement lenses for name-brand sunglasses Brandon Dill - Founder, Fuse Lenses Tech Stack: Shopify - E-commerce platform Klaviyo - Email marketing and SMS platform Attentive - SMS marketing platform Okendo - Reviews and ratings app for e-commerce stores Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
Shopify’s New Customer Accounts 43:21

há 19 weeks43:21

43:21

Tired of logging into five different portals just to make a return? Shopify says enough. Patrick Millegan joins Kurt Elster to talk about the new customer account extensions, designed to simplify logins, reduce support headaches, and make online shopping enjoyable again. It’s a step forward for UX that proves e-commerce should be easy for everyone. Links Get all the info on what's new: Shopify Editions Winter ’25 More people & links: Patrick Millegan (Senior Product Lead, Shopify) Kurt Elster (Host, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast) Keap Athletics Cleverific Shopify Flow Sufio Upro Shop Pay Hydrogen Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
Smart Marketer Live Recap 43:58

há 19 weeks43:58

43:58

Mindset, AI, and ghost hunting— Smart Marketer Live wasn’t your typical marketing event. We break down the big ideas that got us thinking (and laughing) in Denver. You'll get an inside look at the conference, featuring attendee interviews that explore themes like artificial intelligence in business, strategic reinvestment, and the evolving role of mindset in small business success. Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
Building a Successful Shopify App & Community 45:56

há 20 weeks45:56

45:56

Harshdeep Singh Hura didn’t just stumble into the Shopify partner community—he helped build it. In this episode, we meet the first-ever recipient of the Shopify Community Award, whose open-source projects now power nearly 8% of the app ecosystem. Harshdeep shares his 10-year journey, from hacking together iOS apps as a teenager to leading a full-service Shopify agency, and ultimately shifting his focus to empowering developers and merchants alike. We delve into the art of app development—where solving real problems beats engineering perfection—and explore how community, open-source contributions, and a touch of humor shaped Harshdeep’s path. Along the way, we hear tales of triumph, a few bumps in the road, and why one app is designed to show clown emojis to would-be copycats. Listen in for a conversation that goes beyond code to capture the heart of what it means to thrive in the Shopify ecosystem. Links harshdeephura.com Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

1
10,000 UX Audits Later: How Oddit Boosts Shopify Sales (Without Data or Meetings) 48:18

há 21 weeks48:18

48:18

What if you could boost your Shopify sales without relying on data or endless meetings? Oddit's unconventional approach has turned heads—stripping away feedback loops, simplifying designs, and focusing on clarity above all else. Oddit co-founder Shaun Brandt joins to share his experience delivering over 10,000 UX audits, helping brands increase conversions by fixing the basics. 🎯 Episode Highlights: Why Oddit doesn’t rely on data for UX audits and what makes their approach work. The most common mistakes Shopify stores make with navigation and communication. How Shaun’s team has optimized over 10,000 stores using clear, actionable design improvements. Why simplifying the user experience drives more conversions. The anti-agency model Oddit uses and why it’s so effective. How Oddit helps brands increase conversions without endless meetings or feedback loops. The importance of clarity over cleverness in online store design. 👤 About Shaun Brandt: Shaun Brandt is the co-founder of Oddit, a UX design firm known for its unique approach to conversion optimization. With over 10,000 audits under their belt, Oddit helps Shopify merchants strip away the fluff and focus on what really matters: clarity and user experience. Shaun’s team specializes in delivering high-value audits without the typical meetings and feedback loops, offering merchants clear, actionable improvements that drive results. Show Links Oddit Oddit's Free Offer Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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From $800K to $26M: Depesh Mandalia’s Facebook Ads Story 45:20

há 22 weeks45:20

45:20

“It’s truly magic. That’s the word I use internally to describe what we’re doing here.” What if you could turn $800K into $26 million in just 18 months—using nothing but Facebook ads? That’s exactly what Depesh Mandalia did. In this episode, he breaks down how he went from figuring out Facebook ads the hard way to running an agency that’s managed over $100 million in client revenue. Depesh doesn’t hold back on the real wins, the messy failures, and the lessons learned from scaling campaigns that most of us can only dream about. We dig into why creative is king, how to survive the iOS 14 apocalypse, and why scaling ads gets easier once you’ve cracked the code. Plus, there’s a surprising ad campaign involving a 1-star review that somehow… worked. Links SM Commerce – Depesh Mandalia’s digital marketing agency. Depesh Mandalia on LinkedIn – Connect with Depesh on LinkedIn. Brand-Driven Performance Marketing Method – Learn more about Depesh’s marketing approach. Lost My Name – The personalized children’s book company Depesh helped scale. Depesh’s Facebook Ads Scaling Guide – Get the inside scoop on scaling with Facebook ads. Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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The Black Friday Email Guide for Real-World Brands 46:14

há 23 weeks46:14

46:14

“Honestly, I think my best customers don’t even look at the discounts. They get the email, see the new pants, and just say, ‘I want them.’” Black Friday: the annual marketing frenzy brands prep for all year. Kurt Elster sits down with Colby Kane of Aviator USA, who has a refreshingly different approach. No cringe sales gimmicks, just a smart, no-nonsense plan. Colby shares his early-access tactics, simple email flows, and why staying low-key can outperform loud, constant discounting. They dig into why subtle beats loud, how to run discounts without gutting brand value, and how a straightforward plan is the real power move. If you’re ready for a fresh, real-world approach to Black Friday, this episode’s your blueprint. Links Kurt’s Black Friday Email Planning Google Sheet : A ready-to-use holiday email calendar template Colby Kane (Guest) : Aviator USA Kurt Elster (Host) : Ethercycle Apps, Tools, and Services Mentioned: GovX : Military and first responder discount verification Klaviyo : Email marketing automation Happy Returns : Return management platform Redo (Return management with optional fee for package insurance) Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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How Downpay Solves Payment Challenges | The Unofficial Shopify Podcast 41:17

há 24 weeks41:17

41:17

"I can't stop talking about partial payment, apparently." – Diana Birsan Co-founder of Downpay and former Shopify Product Manager, Diana Birsan, joins us to break down how she built Downpay , the app that lets merchants offer partial payments for pre-orders, custom-made products, and more. It’s a potential game-changer for stores with long lead times and high-ticket items. Diana shares how she made the leap from a stable gig at Shopify to starting her own thing. Want to know how partial payments could boost your sales? This episode has the answers. Links Downpay Follow Diana Birsan on LinkedIn Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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How Shopify Built a Financial Hub to Empower Entrepreneurs 42:58

há 25 weeks42:58

42:58

“It’s truly magic. That’s the word I use internally to describe what we’re doing here.” We chat with Vikram Anreddy, Head of Product for Finance at Shopify, about how Shopify is making money management way easier for merchants. Taxes, loans, cash flow—it’s all getting simplified with Shopify Finance, a one-stop shop for all your business finances. Vikram walks us through how this whole idea came about, what problems they’re solving, and what’s next. If managing your money has ever made you want to pull your hair out, this one’s for you. Plus, who knew taxes could be this easy? Links Shopify Bill Pay Shopify Balance Shopify Credit Shopify Capital Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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TikTok Shop Made This Stationary Store Go Viral 44:37

há 26 weeks44:37

44:37

“Most brands just send out samples and then it’s done. We go the extra mile that 99% of brands do not do.” Building a multi-million dollar business typically involves more than wedding invitations and viral TikToks. Yet for Josh Hadley, it began precisely there. In this episode, he recounts the evolution of his e-commerce brand, Hadley Designs, from a niche stationery shop to an 8-figure operation navigating the complex terrain of Amazon and Shopify. The conversation with Kurt Elster explores how TikTok Shop became a surprising growth catalyst, offering a modern twist on the age-old challenge of acquiring customers. Hadley’s story offers a glimpse into the future of retail, where scaling hinges on the power of social media and the unpredictability of going viral. Tune in to hear how Josh took viral hits and turned them into a full-blown growth strategy Links Hadley Designs Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast The Seven-Step Process Entrepreneurs Should Use When Hiring New Talent The One Thing Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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PR Strategy for Shopify Stores 43:54

há 27 weeks43:54

43:54

“PR is the highest leverage activity, and we’re not taught that because it’s easier to just create a reel and hope it goes viral.” In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we meet Gloria Chou, a PR coach on a mission to break down the barriers of traditional media. Gloria didn’t take the expected path into public relations—she reinvented it. She shares how she went from diplomat to helping small businesses earn coveted media spots in outlets like Forbes and The New York Times, using her unique CPR method for pitching. We explore the quiet power of PR, how to land a spot in a holiday gift guide, and why PR might just be the secret weapon for Shopify entrepreneurs looking to grow. Links Gloria's Gift Guide Gloria Chou: GloriaChouPR.com CPR Method Masterclass: GloriaChouPR.com/masterclass Instagram: @GloriaChouPR Help a Reporter Out (HARO): helpareporter.com Skimlinks: skimlinks.com Sponsors Zipify Cleverific Omnisend Never miss an episode Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Leave a review Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.…

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

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SHOP CAMPAIGNS: Deep Dive 50:08

há 28 weeks50:08