eCom@One with Richard Hill

This podcast episode is a special one and let us tell you why!  Richard sits down with the powerhouse sisters and Co-Founders of Pretty Lavish, Samantha and Stephanie Frost. From humble beginnings as a spare-bedroom side hustle, Pretty Lavish has blossomed into a global contemporary occasion wear brand, backed by a growing team of nearly 50 and thousands of loyal customers. Tune in to hear how Samantha's fashion buying expertise and Stephanie's finance background combined to turn a £500 test order into an international favourite, all while embracing slow fashion principles in a fast fashion world.  The sisters share candid stories about their organic growth journey, from launching on Shopify, navigating early tech mishaps and living at home to re-invest everything back into the business, to surviving a major setback when their first collection appeared on a rival's site before they had even received stock. You'll also get practical insights into how Pretty Lavish is staying ahead: leveraging year-long design cycles, exploring the rise of rentals and resale in fashion, building community through real-world events and embracing automation and AI to scale smartly. Plus, discover advice for Founders, the power of family resilience and their bold vision for US expansion. Whether you're interested in eCommerce strategies, building a sustainable brand or just love a good Founder story, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips you won't want to miss.  Hit subscribe and join us for this honest and practical journey behind the scenes of one of the UK's most exciting fashion brands. Topics Covered  00:32 - How an early exposure to business, low barriers to entry and the opportunity to scale via social media shaped the journey of Pretty Lavish 06:16 - Decided to focus full-time on the business for six months after traveling, resulting in increased momentum and rewards 07:10 - Samantha's initial efforts led to rewards, highlighting input-output correlation. A transition from a supportive corporate job to full-time involved reduced workdays, easing the change and maintaining financial ties through contracted work, as it took years before we paid ourselves. 11:36 - eCommerce challenges, platform investments and adapting to changes like social selling and the rise of secondhand buying 13:40 - Encouraging versatile fashion use and exploring social selling trends on platforms like TikTok 17:16 - Steph discussed the significance of brand days in fostering team culture and aligning company vision 21:38 - Success came from not following the conventional route in growing the fashion business 25:47 - Businesses always face challenges, requiring a solution-driven mindset. Early issues included learning from contract inadequacies when a manufacturer released designs to another brand 29:11 - The focus is on improving efficiency through automation and AI, with objectives set for 2025 to streamline processes and enhance product placement using advanced commerce tools 32:52 - Leveraging automated content adjustments and operational strategies offers significant advantages, especially for early adopters 35:48 - How they work together and compliment each other with different strengths  37:27 - Focus on community events and building brand immersion, while preparing for international expansion through foundational automation and tech investments 40:29 - Book recommendation 

Saving nipples since 1984.  Richard sits down with Stacey Priestley, Senior Growth Marketing and Social Commerce Manager at Lansinoh, a pioneering brand dedicated to supporting moms at every stage of their pregnancy and postpartum journey.  With over 17 years of eCommerce experience, Stacey brings a unique blend of industry expertise and personal passion for helping parents navigate the challenges of motherhood. In this episode, Stacey shares how Lansinoh built a loyal community through authentic word-of-mouth, the brand's game-changing approach to TikTok Shop and affiliate marketing and why user-generated content is now at the heart of their strategy.  Plus, Stacey reveals the importance of personalisation in their digital campaigns, the tech stack that powers their eCommerce success and offers plenty of practical insights for brands looking to forge genuine connections with their audience. If you're an eCommerce leader eager to stay ahead of the curve, or simply love the stories behind innovative brands, you won't want to miss this conversation. Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode! Topics Covered  00:23 - Building loyal communities with Stacey 04:49 - Saving nipples since 1984 06:19 - Parenthood: My first priority  14:31 - Digital strategy for young mums 16:56 - Personalised pregnancy guidance 19:23 - TikTok Shop's rising importance 24:14 - Affiliate collaboration strategy 25:54 - Leverage TikTok's affiliate tools 29:05 - Women's Health UGC strategy 33:25 - Unexpected TikTok bundle success 37:09 - From non-reader to avid reader

In this episode of eCom@One with Richard Hill, we tackle one of the most critical and often misunderstood challenges in modern eCommerce, marketing attribution. Joining us is James Hawkins, Senior Partnership Manager at Triple Whale, who brings a sharp perspective on why attribution has become increasingly complex in the wake of privacy shifts like iOS 14.5 and GDPR.  James breaks down the core issues eCommerce brands face today, exposing the limitations of outdated models like last-click attribution and offering actionable insights into how AI and machine learning are reshaping the attribution landscape. From identifying common data blind spots to implementing more accurate, holistic tracking strategies, this conversation is packed with high-value takeaways. We also explore how Triple Whale's advanced attribution tools empower brands to make smarter decisions, maximise Ad spend and accelerate growth. Whether you're an agency leader or eCommerce professional, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about mastering attribution in today's privacy-first world. Topics Covered  00:23 - Meet James Hawkins and understand his role at Triple Whale 05:10 - Attribution strategy is crucial, especially post-iOS 14, requiring a comprehensive plan to sustain effective business growth 06:29 - eCommerce brands face issues with attribution tracking, such as incorrect calculations and common mistakes impacting accuracy 12:10 - Start confidently with reliable data, continually refine strategies considering seasonality, global events and other factors 14:55 -Triple Whale centralises data for acquisition and attribution via server-side tracking, enhancing data quality and understanding. It features tools like Sonar for pushing event data to ad platforms like Meta, Google, and Klaviyo 18:46 - Triple Whale helps businesses gain a holistic understanding, forecast growth, benchmark against competitors, and strategise effectively for scaling 20:34 - As businesses grow, they diversify marketing efforts across multiple channels, including TikTok, Meta, Search Ads, Email Marketing, SEO, and PR. However, some channels may mislead with attribution metrics 26:16 - Embracing AI is crucial for efficiency and future success in marketing 27:01 - The rapid evolution of platforms and integration of AI in businesses is a major concern keeping business leaders up at night 32:08 - Attribution challenges arise from tracking gaps due to privacy laws, which AI helps bridge 33:59 - Where AI is heading in the next 18 months? 37:28 - Embracing AI enhances content creation, boosting output and quality, giving a competitive edge 41:54 - Book recommendation

Link building is one of the most powerful ways to boost your SEO and get your site noticed.  Think of backlinks like votes of confidence, when reputable sites link to yours, search engines see it as a sign that you're legit and worth ranking higher. That means more visibility, more traffic, and ultimately, more customers.  But it's not just about quantity; quality matters big time. A few strong, relevant backlinks can do way more for your rankings than a ton of low-quality ones.  Done right, link building helps you build authority, outshine competitors, and create long-term growth for your brand and Umar shares how!  Umar Faizan In this episode of eCom@One with Richard Hill, we're diving deep into the fast-moving world of SEO and link building with Umar Farzan, the Director of Growth Winner. Richard and Umar first connected at the SEO Mastery Conference in Saigon, Vietnam, and now they're breaking down everything eCommerce brands need to know about building a strong link profile. Umar shares his fascinating journey from graphic design to becoming an SEO powerhouse, highlighting why solid systems and processes are key to success. They tackle the big question: should eCommerce brands build an in-house link-building team or outsource the work? Plus, Umar spills the secrets on link gap analysis, crafting creative content for industries that aren't exactly glamorous, and how predictive SEO can give brands an edge. Whether you're a seasoned eCommerce pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert insights that could take your SEO game to the next level. Don't miss it! Topics Covered  00:23 - What is eCommerce link building 04:41-  Pre launch brand building strategy 07:20 - Product page optimisation strategy 11:00 - Efficient link building systems 15:53 - Hybrid strategy for business growth 17:24 - Inefficient SEO stifles revenue growth 21:43 - Keyword & link analysis strategy 23:45 - Adaptive SEO linking strategy 28:01 - Creating link-worthy content tips 32:22 - Ecom store tech innovations 33:10 - Ecommerce digital products strategy 38:22 - Wearable tech and sleep data 41:53 - Traffic recovery post-Google update 42:52 - Linkable assets in medical research 46:01 - Balanced link building strategy 50:31 - Google action on Digital PR links 54:44 - Book recommendation 

It's time to dive deep into the captivating world of podcasting with our hosts, Carrianne Dukes and Dan Zahajkiewicz, as they share their expertise and experience from 5 years of producing this exact podcast. While Richard is away in Thailand, Carrianne and Dan guide us through the intricacies of starting a successful podcast. From the initial steps to overcoming hurdles, they offer invaluable advice for aspiring podcasters. They even share the biggest mistake which stunted their growth, oh and how they secured £25,000 in sponsorship.  Learn how to define your podcast's objective, maintain consistency, and secure engaging guests. Whether you're just starting your podcasting journey or looking to enhance your current show, this episode is brimming with practical insights and strategies for success.  Tune in and discover how to make your podcast stand out in the competitive digital landscape. Topics Covered  00:00 - Just start recording without overthinking; you'll learn as you go 04:52 - Overcoming initial challenges with publishing a podcast  06:50 - Many people focus too much on equipment when starting a podcast, often using it as an excuse not to begin, while passionate individuals make do with whatever is available. 10:52 - Making sure you have an objective of your podcast to not lose sight on why you are doing it 16:28 - Staying present is easier in podcasts due to conversation feedback, unlike solo video creation. To ease video creation, imagine talking to a trusted friend's picture on the camera 21:00 - Creative work is challenging; mindset is key. Seth Godin, a pioneer in email marketing, advises consistent effort, such as writing daily blogs 23:38 - Ask your audience what content they want; they may prefer inspirational topics over technical details 27:26 - Building relationships and referrals, along with using guest-sourcing websites, help in finding podcast guests 29:28 - Companies need to be media-savvy to promote their brand effectively 34:24 - Focus on one task at a time for better productivity, especially as a content creator seeking inspiration 35:51 - Book recommendation 

It's time to deep dive into the world of data feeds and AI with Jacques Van Der Wilt, the Founder of DataFeedWatch, now part of Cart.com. DataFeedWatch helps eCommerce retailers optimise product feeds effortlessly, boosting visibility, conversions, and sales across multiple channels. Jacques first joined us back in episode 50, and now he's back to share how AI is shaking up data feed optimisation. We break down the key differences between AI-driven and traditional methods, exploring how AI can make feed management easier, how it helps with disapprovals, and why it gives online businesses a serious edge.  Plus, we'll discuss how small to mid-sized retailers can use AI-powered data feeds to compete with the big eCommerce players. It's going to be an insightful and practical conversation you won't want to miss. Hit that subscribe or follow button to stay updated on future episodes! Topics Covered  00:23 - AI and Data Feeds with Jacques 04:45 - AI-Powered Product Categorisation 09:28 - Enhanced Descriptions Boost Retail Content 11:22 - Facebook Ad Titles: Keep Them Generic 13:51 - DataFeedWatch AI Adoption Rates 18:22 - AI Progress: Rapid and Transformative 21:04 - AI Adoption: Skepticism and Resistance 24:18 - AI-Driven Campaign Optimisation 29:12 - Enhancing Customer Control Tools 33:39 - Challenges in Digital Advertising Attribution 34:49 - AI's Impact on Medium Businesses 38:26 - Optimising Feeds for Increased ROAS 41:25 - "The Factory is the Product" 44:00 - Book recommendation 

Christopher Panteli, Co-Founder of Linkifi, discusses the vital role that Digital PR plays in shaping eCommerce success through brand building, SEO enhancement and strategic media engagements.  Linkifi are masters at getting brands featured on large publications. They've done the hard work of building relationships with journalists, so you don't have to!  Learn how tailoring unique stories, leveraging industry expertise and building strong journalist relationships can propel your eCommerce brand to new heights. Christopher shares his insights into the evolving landscape of digital link building, the growing significance of Influencer marketing, and practical strategies for securing high-authority media links.  Whether you're looking to boost your brand's online presence or navigate the challenges of today's Digital PR environment, this episode is packed with valuable advice and expert recommendations to help you thrive in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape.  Don't forget to subscribe and follow us for more invaluable insights from industry leaders. Topics Covered  00:32 - The impact of Digital PR for eCommerce businesses  06:32 - How to stand out in a crowded digital marketplace 09:51 - Strategically align with authoritative niche figures 11:46 - Hire niche experts for credibility and outreach  17:45 - Build media relationships for niche-specific Digital PR 21:00 - Proactively pitch stories to receptive journalists 25:27 - Recommend dedicated specialists for different tasks internally 33:23 - Data-driven campaigns, unknown data sources, regional media 36:31 - Scrape data creatively from various online sources 37:28 - Journalists thrive on ideas brainstormed by teams 40:46 - Utilise influencers for Digital PR and coverage 45:07 - Check existing communication; request link informally 49:43 - Campaign increased organic sessions by 225% in year 50:55 - Trusted links enhance brand visibility and credibility 54:08 - Book recommendation

How important is link building when it comes to SEO? Alexandra Tachalova, CEO and founder of Digital Olympus, shares all. In this episode, Alexandra delves into innovative strategies for content promotion and link building, emphasising the importance of building authentic backlinks through meaningful connections rather than traditional outreach methods.  They discuss the growing significance of digital PR, the impact of industry shifts and the role of human expertise versus AI in content creation. Join us as Alexandra shares her expert insights on adapting to Google's algorithm changes, the integration of link building into broader marketing strategies, and the transition from link builders to brand builders in the digital landscape.  Discover the latest SEO tools and tactics that can enhance your brand's online presence. Don't miss out on Alexandra's valuable advice and practical strategies to improve your SEO results.  Topics Covered  00:54 - Advanced link building tactics to increase revenue. 03:59 - Successful link-building business. 07:11 - Email outreach efficiency for link building decreased 13:23 - Google increases domain authority impact, affecting SEO 14:41 - Email outreach efficiency decreasing and the results are questionable 23:27 - AI's early adopters succeeded in teaching SEO journalism 26:13 - AI lacks authenticity of genuine expert content 29:52 - Monitor requests, engage on LinkedIn and follow journalists 31:38 - Digital PR costs have increased significantly 34:06 - Working with journalists involves time frame challenges 37:34 - Awards make you recognized as barbecue expert 41:24 - Consider brand authority before competing in rankings 45:17 - Study competitors for insights to improve content 48:16 - Leverage relationships for effective content promotion strategies 50:34 - Market trends emphasise brand authenticity over mediocrity

Nutrition = food = happiness. Isn't that the truth? Alex Stewart is the CEO and Founder of PACK'D, a brand on a mission to make whole and nutritious meals accessible to everyone.  Their food is packed full of nutritional goodness, while tasting absolutely delicious, delivered straight to your door. They source the best quality plant-based ingredients freshly frozen for maximum nutritional value. In this podcast, Alex shares the mission behind PACK'D and their journey from being listed solely in leading supermarkets to online retail. He gives his honest take on the UK's obesity epidemic and the issues facing consumers, mass ultra-processed foods. It's important to remember that supermarkets are businesses and make decisions based on profits, not what is better for human beings. Alex discloses how he is breaking into a hugely saturated market, his subscription model and tactics and their focus on sustainability. He discusses the challenges with running a frozen based business and delivery logistics.  If you love a brand with a purpose, this podcast episode is for you!  Topics Covered  00:23 - PACK'D's mission 03:21 - Their journey from in-store listings to eCommerce retail  07:35 - His take on the UK's obesity epidemic  10:02 - Impressed by product range; inspired healthy creations 16:05 - Monitoring customer acquisition and delivery costs 18:40 - Subscription retention shows brand loyalty and success 25:56 - Flexible subscription with pause and extend options 27:03 - Switched from plastic to paper for sustainability 32:49 - History enthusiasts are clever; business challenges persist 33:40 - Growing sustainably with limited resources is challenging 36:53 - Customer service is crucial for repeat business

Is it time to grow your international footprint?  In this podcast episode Shaun Loughlin, Head of eCommerce and Technology at LeMieux, joins Richard Hill to discuss all things global expansion. During his time at the UK's premium equestrian brand LeMieux, Shaun has grown the eCommerce team from 1 to 17 employees and boosted business growth by an impressive 200%! Shaun explores LeMieux's mission to be the most exciting global equestrian brand, his unexpected journey into eCommerce and the strategies driving their impressive expansion.  From the importance of brand storytelling and emotional connection with customers to the intricacies of omnichannel strategy and the role of continuous learning in this rapidly changing industry, Shaun shares insights that are sure to help you with your growth journey. Whether you're interested in scaling your eCommerce operations or establishing a strong brand presence in new markets, this episode has something for you. Don't miss out on these valuable learnings from an experienced voice in eCommerce. Topics Covered  00:37 - How Shaun ended up leading the eCommerce for LeMieux with an unexpected career journey  05:28 - Jodie Bradshaw, a self-taught eCommerce Manager and equestrian enthusiast, built a successful website that benefited from strong brand distribution and a large social media following 07:56 - Hiring a data manager and implementing a product information management system transformed operations, enabling better data access, scalable marketplace expansion, and website localisation 09:41 - Focus on optimising data feeds with essential details beyond basic attributes for successful multimarket eCommerce 14:19 - Identify US, choose strategy, start with Google Ads - their global expansion strategy 17:12 - eCommerce growth demands constant warehouse expansion adaptation 22:24 - Brand value provides resilience and competitive advantage 23:16 - Differentiating with brand is a game changer 28:17 - Unsustainable business models lead to brand collapse 29:44 - Managing shopping feeds involves more than being the cheapest  32:46 - Strong brand offers unmatched quality at affordable prices 36:43 - Scaling profits but struggling with capacity strain 40:14 - Knowledge is accessible; engage with events and trends 42:33 - Strategically nurture brand communities for sustainable growth

BOSH and the podcast is live! Live on stage John Thornton, Chief Copywriter and Office Hottie at Surreal, joins Richard to share the impact of humanistic copy in achieving customer engagement and sales.  John's campaigns aren't your typical run of the mill marketing campaigns. Think CEOs in their pants, sexual innuendos, swearing and arguing over a colour. He believes in attention first, brand second. How does he achieve that? Tap into humanistic emotions, laughter and shock.  In this episode, John talks through brand collaborations, idea creation and how he managed to secure Barry Scott in Surreal's latest podcast episode. Find out how he comes up with his outlandish ideas (typically on the train), uses witty humour to get people excited about cereal and gets sign off from above in this honest conversation.  Should you be scared of getting negative feedback? No, John thrives from it. Learn how he uses it to fuel his marketing efforts. It's time to uncover the genius behind Surreal's social media strategy. Listen to the full episode now! Topics Covered:  00:00 - Adapt strategies; persistence leads to success 06:11 - Adults' parody book on COVID safety misunderstood 07:32 - Boycott led to engagement, and improved sales significantly 11:57 - Strategic sense unnecessary; prioritise performance and ideas 15:26 - Audience questions shortly on campaign ideas' origins 16:49 - Finding unexpected links for creative ideas 20:11 - Parody adverts with jokes featuring Barry Scott. 23:13 - Monthly meetings ensure consistent, on-brand communication strategies 27:33 - Similar content to Instagram; algorithm-friendly platform 30:21 - Mental scorecard used to select brand partnerships 34:24 - Handed out spoons at London Bridge 37:22 - Grateful for community, growth, and shared knowledge

It's time to delve into the world of brand management with Mike Whitby, an experienced Senior Brand Manager who has worked with major names like Asics, Lyle & Scott, and Penman Brands.  Mike explores the essential balance between short-term gains and long-term brand health, the power of decision-making in leadership, and the overlooked potential of VIP tiers in loyalty schemes..  Mike shares insights on grassroots strategies for building brand loyalty through storytelling and consumer engagement, while also navigating the shift back to in-person retail experiences post-COVID. Tune in as they uncover strategic approaches to fostering community, building brand ideology, and standing out in competitive markets.  Whether you're focused on digital or physical brand spaces, this episode promises a wealth of insights and actionable advice to help elevate your brand strategy. Let's dive in. Topics Covered:  00:00 - Mike's experience in eCom  05:51 - In-person community building post-COVID promotes brand culture 08:36 - Pop-up shops offer low-cost brand experiences 12:43 - Performance is measurable; branding requires long-term strategy 16:26 - Netflix's "Abstract" explores creative fields and branding 17:41 - Understand brand, consumer details & trends for success 21:37 - Understanding market data, identifying opportunities & engaging customers 30:21 - Evaluate current CRM processes for business improvement 31:12 - Be authentic; engage consumers thoughtfully and regularly 35:36 - Loyalty programs unlock exclusive product access  40:20 - Evaluate values and goals, decide immediately, act 44:05 - Make decisions that feel right for you 45:01 - Book recommendations

In this episode of the eCom@One podcast, Alex Myatt, shares how you can use the influence of direct response copywriting to increase the conversion rate on your website  They explore the challenges of guiding consumers through complex purchases and managing numerous product SKUs. Alex underscores the power of simplicity and transparency in return policies and how these can boost customer satisfaction and conversion rates. Together, Richard and Alex discuss the importance of A/B testing for optimising policies and marketing strategies, as well as practical techniques like one-click upsells to drive higher Average Order Value (AOV). They emphasise the need for businesses to stand out with innovative strategies, customer-friendly approaches and robust loyalty programs. We also delve into the balance between design, copywriting, and SEO, the honest use of urgency in marketing, and the role of direct mail and offer building in enhancing perceived value and customer loyalty. Wrapping up with actionable insights on optimising product pages, email marketing and subscription models. This episode is packed with tips to elevate your eCommerce game. Join us as we unravel the secrets of maximising conversion rates, customer retention, and the overall shopping experience in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape. 

It's time to take a deep dive into the future of retail and what that means for your eCommerce store. With nearly 30 years under his belt, Tim Fairs brings invaluable insights from his experience with top brands like ProCook, Virgin, Clinton's, Currys and Sainsbury's. Together, Richard and Tim tackle persistent customer experience issues — from the frustration of encountering unhelpful store staff pushing unnecessary products to the importance of a knowledgeable and motivated team.  They explore how in-store experiences could be vastly improved by integrating the advantages of online shopping, including personalised customer journeys and real-time product information through QR codes. Tim shares intriguing stories about rebranding initiatives for PC World and Currys that revolutionised their sales and customer perception. Listeners will also hear about the evolving dynamics of in-store and online retail, especially against the backdrop of COVID-19.  Finally, Tim reveals actionable strategies to enhance conversion rates and personalise customer interactions, ensuring a seamless and engaging retail experience across all channels. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge from Tim Fairs on creating impactful, customer-centric retail experiences and staying ahead in the ever-changing world of eCommerce. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode packed with professional insights and practical advice! Topics Covered:  00:00 - Richard chats with Tim Fairs on UK high street trends, in-store experiences and brand strategies 05:39 - Change in buyer behaviour 08:07 - Taking cinema breaks resets the busy mind effectively 10:59 - Differentiate store experience, staff expertise and online presence 15:51 - Combine online benefits and immersive in-store experiences. 18:59 - QR codes enhance in-store experience with information 26:18 - Restarted brand focusing on post-purchase customer experience 33:18 - Ensure product availability, delivery and finance options 35:53 - Retail and eCommerce conversions differ vastly; improve usability 41:57 - ProCook steak knives essential for Sunday dinner 45:20 - Out-of-town retailers return to central high street 47:01 - Merge online and in-store shopping benefits seamlessly 49:32 - Book recommendations 

A brand on a pioneering mission to eliminate one billion plastic cleaning tools from landfills by 2030. In this episode, Richard is joined by Sylvia Sigrist, Head of Marketing at Seep, a plastic free and biodegradable household green cleaning business. Listen to this podcast as Sylvia shares her incredible journey from working with multinationals to thriving in start-ups and her strategies that propelled Seep's impressive growth.  From leveraging digital marketing to building a dedicated online community, they explore the keys to balancing retail expansion with sustainable goals. Plus, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of running an eCommerce brand in a competitive market.  Don't miss out on valuable insights and practical advice that can help your business shine. And be sure to stick around for a special discount offer on SEEP products. Subscribe now and stay tuned for an inspiring conversation! Topics Covered:  00:00 - Silvia's experience in eCommerce  05:18 - Appreciation for well-packaged delivery aligning ethos 07:32 - Young brand breaking into competitive eco market 10:30 - Strong social following and loyal customer base advantage 12:41 - Sylvia, branding process lengthy, working with agency 16:05 - Investing in creative testing, social channels and influencer gifting 21:56 - Customer-generated content lacks quality for advertisements 23:02 - Small influencers support small businesses and great content collaboration 26:53 - Shifting from a points-based loyalty to referral program  30:55 - Discussing AB testing, segmentation and results in marketing 35:01 - Multichannel strategy and growth pose significant challenges 36:41 - How to focus on priorities 39:23 - Excited about brand success and book recommendations 

Sexual wellness. A topic we should all get behind. Sex and pleasure isn't shameful and that's why Skins Sexual Health is on a mission to de-stigmatise this topic. Lucy Robinson, Head of Marketing at Skin Sexual Health and Creative Conceptions, sits down with our CEO to discuss their monumental growth and how they are navigating the multifaceted landscape of B2B and B2C marketing. In this episode, we explore the art of leveraging TikTok for brand visibility, the transformative power of SEO and the strategic importance of understanding cultural nuances in global markets.  Lucy shares how Creative Conceptions has seen remarkable growth through a well-planned SEO strategy, and how they tackled marketing challenges, particularly in regions with diverse cultural attitudes toward sexual wellness. We also discuss effective partnerships, the significance of industry events, and the evolving acceptance of sexual wellness products in mainstream markets. Lucy offers practical advice on creating engaging content and staying ahead of trends.  This podcast is a pleasurable one. One that may make you cringe if you listen to it with your parents. Topics Covered:  00:24 - TikTok, SEO and growth strategies in sexual health 05:59 - Understanding cultural differences to avoid marketing mistakes 12:09 - Overhauled navigation, added categories and subcategories for condoms, lubes, and toys 15:25 - The most fun campaign Lucy has worked on 17:13 - A fun female-empowerment brunch event and became the first brand involved, hosting a bingo game. 22:13 - TikTok is preferred over Google for searches due to its even playing field, as Google results require extensive optimisation and established authority 25:58 - Using TikTok trends, the agency generates ideas for SEO and digital PR, leveraging trending content to create stories for other platforms and outreach to journalists 29:42 - SEO is a cost-effective way to increase site traffic and revenue, essential for any eCommerce presence 30:36 - Success in SEO can be due to experience or pure luck, depending on industry competitiveness and keyword use 34:08 - Podcast recommendation 

It's time to delve into the world of composable architecture, internationalisation and reducing the cost of ownership for retailers.  Our guests, Mark Adams, Senior Vice President and General Manager at BigCommerce and Roosevelt Fernandes dos Santos, Senior Product Manager at Recharge, share their insights and experiences in this dynamic space. Mark and Roosevelt have years of experience in the eCommerce industry. From the significance of partnering with experienced tech teams to the importance of rapid delivery in the fast-paced digital environment, this episode is packed with valuable discussions on technology strategy, user experience, and market trends. They chat about all things composable and the detailed process of replatforming, internationalisation and launching into 180 countries. Find out how BigCommerce works with retailers to ensure a smooth transition, and the big one, reducing cost of ownership. Join us as we explore the complexities and opportunities in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape. Topics Covered:  00:03 - Composable Commerce  06:29 - Merchants seeking business growth face procurement challenges 09:20 - Researched market reports, gathered insights, assessed vendors 16:46 - Simplifying composable processes for customer success 19:48 - Challenging times demand leadership, strategy and growth 23:40 - Fast delivery of digital products is crucial 25:41 - Travelling around Southeast Asia, amazed by connectivity 31:22 - Prepare and communicate to avoid potential impact 34:57 - Optimise operations, leverage data & understand customer behaviour 36:02 - Conversion rate optimisation relies on client retention 42:13 - Enthusiastic endorsement of business opportunity and investment 44:43 - Focus on composable architectures for enterprise growth 46:21 - Code, credit, connections, predict, mitigate, speed, customer 49:40 - Book recommendation 

Stuart Baxter has been a driving member behind the growth of Safelincs, a £28M fire and safety solutions business in Lincolnshire, since he joined as Product Admin 15 years ago. As the Managing Director of Safelincs, Stuart is responsible for the operational side of the business and hitting their ambitious 10% year on year growth targets. In this episode, Stuart gives an honest account of the growth of Safelincs. From a sub £1M brand with 9 members of staff, to a £28M operation with 93 employees, he shares all.  Listen to find out why his business finds staff retention far easier than recruitment, hint, it's because they care about the humans working in the business. Find out how their team makes sure expos develop a good return for them as a business, the power of employee investment both financially and psychologically, hiring on attitude and teaching them the skills. To be successful online you need some basic principles, be adaptable, be agile and be willing to make mistakes. In this ever changing landscape, businesses that take risks and adopt the latest technologies that are RIGHT for their business will win.  Listen now! Topics Covered:  00:00 - Joined small start-up as Product Manager, entrepreneurial spirit 04:23 - Allowed to try, generated business, build relationships  08:49 - Investing in business growth 09:39 - Safelincs started as a family support system 14:00 - Extensive investment in training for roles 18:03 - Treat individuals with care for business success 21:12 - Business growth and expos. 22:45 - Focused expos on potential customer base for success 26:44 - Sales team includes non-sales member 31:33 - Conference attendance may prompt valuable business insights 34:58 - Focusing on quality 37:05 - Investing in people and leveraging conferences 40:27 - Honesty and support matter in delivering information 41:49 - Change in technology over 15 years 45:17 - Outsource support for business specialisation and expertise 50:07 - Employed new staff, investing in platforms, AI 51:54 - Book recommendation

Have your sales hit a wall?  Abhimanyu Kashikar, Co-Founder and CAO of Enchanto, a SaaS product company targeting brands, 3PL, logistics companies, and retailers in 11 countries.  Abi and Richard delve into the intricacies of eCommerce growth, order, and warehouse management, drawing from Abi's extensive experience in the industry.  They discuss strategies for pushing through sales stagnation, the challenges of managing cross-border shipments and the importance of data reliability in existing businesses.  Abhimanyu also sheds light on the impact of sustainability on product returns and shares valuable insights for merchants selling online.  So, grab your headphones and get ready to explore the key factors shaping the eCommerce landscape in this episode! Topics Covered:  00:00 - 13 years in eCom 06:27 - Background in fulfilment, channel management, sales operations, products 09:47 - Consolidate orders for easy processing and tracking 11:26 - Exploring new channels for expanding businesses 16:02 - Product success linked to targeted consumer language 20:36 - Emphasising the importance of online digital shelf analytics 22:34 - A real focus on sustainability 25:41 - AI aids innovation and reduces return rates 30:50 - Assess value, sustainability and customer feedback for improvement 35:17 - Sales operations, fulfilment and data reliability are crucial 36:42 - Market research crucial for international eCommerce success 39:55 - Book recommendation 

It's time to delve into the dynamic challenges and strategies in the fashion retail industry.  Michaela Wessels, CEO of Style Arcade, explores the critical role of AI in predicting customer demand, leveraging product data for growth and the importance of size inclusivity for brands.  Michaela has a background in finance, with over a decade of experience in global retail, including formative roles at Lacoste and The Iconic in Visual Merchandising. Style Arcade has seen some of the world's most notable brands replace spreadsheets with intelligent analytics and digital range planning. Michaela shares insights on the 80-20 principle and the transformative impact of Style Arcade in making well-informed product decisions. The discussion also delves into the evolving trends in digital marketing and technology for online stores.  Tune in as they shed light on the intricacies of retail and eCommerce in an ever-changing landscape. Topics Covered:  00:25 - Michaela Wessels, CEO of Style Arcade, discusses AI tech in fashion retail 04:44 - How Style Arcade helped a brand grow from $25M to $500M in two years by focusing on product data and demand 09:14 - Retailers should focus on improving returns and using technology to reduce them 11:54 - The truth behind retail growth: market spend, product purchase, tech limit, hidden data and the 80:20 rule 14:52 - Nervousness about 20% selection, need for visual data and challenges in sizing and stock management 19:34 - Explore gaining full price sales to increase margins and understand customer buying behaviour deeply 22:35 - Working with a sportswear brand, AI revealed performance insights, exciting and empowering buyers 24:41 - AI in fashion tech can speed up the market, automate product attribution, analyse attributes and avoid cannibalization in retail 28:13 - Brands should prioritize size inclusivity based on customer demand and data 33:45 - Focus on simplicity, brand marketing and flexible technology decisions for success. 35:48 - Choosing adaptable, open tech is crucial for growing businesses. Making short-sighted decisions can limit future growth 39:56 - Retailers must prioritise planning and forecasting for key sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which can make up a significant portion of their annual sales. Analysing data and post-event evaluation is crucial 41:50 - Focus on the present, not dwell on the past/future. Live in the present. 44:39 - Experience brings challenges and fun 

Do you get 30% of your revenue from email marketing? If not, you could be missing out on a whale of an opportunity. Brittany Jarman, Client Growth Manager and Theo Roberts, Senior Account Strategist at eComOne delves into the world of email marketing, customer segmentation, and personalised content.  They share insights on the importance of continuous communication with existing customers, gathering personalised data, and tailoring marketing content to specific customer interests. The discussion also touches on the rising trend of SMS marketing, emphasising the need for relevance and personalisation in customer messaging.  Tune in as they discuss the benefits of using Klaviyo for automated flows and revenue generation, and don't miss out on book recommendations and an upcoming event on email marketing, SMS, and Klaviyo. Whether you're a marketing manager, an eCommerce Business Owner, or simply interested in the latest trends, this episode has valuable insights for you! Topics Covered:  00:00 - Why email marketing 05:59 - Build reward flow using Klaviyo for customers 07:06 - Clubcard points make customers feel special and incentivising return 10:13 - Tailor content to match customers' interests 13:56 - Agree on competition and rise in SMS usage 19:20 - Subscribing shows desire; prefers SMS notifications for purchases 20:30 - Segmented campaigns yield higher engagement and revenue 23:53 - Encourage interest, segment content, improve deliverability 29:11 - Providing useful information generates more revenue 32:09 - Maximise efficiency by automating campaign flows 33:55 - Klaviyo offers helpful support for marketing managers 37:37 - Learn email, SMS, and Klaviyo at event

If you aren't offering a diverse range of payment options, you will be losing sales.  Clare Haskins, Head of Revenue Operations at Ecommpay, dives into the world of alternative payment methods. Clare brings over a decade of experience in payments and finance, providing valuable insights into the changing landscape of digital payments. They explore the rise and fall of buy now, pay later services, the increasing popularity of digital wallets and cryptocurrencies and the potential impact of emerging technologies such as wearable payment solutions and biometrics.  Throughout the conversation, they emphasise the importance of security, convenience, and customer value optimisation in the ever-evolving payment industry. Tune in as they discuss the challenges, ethical considerations and regulatory changes shaping the future of digital payments, and gain exclusive recommendations on how merchants can effectively integrate alternative payment options to meet their customers' preferences.  Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of payments and what it means for businesses and consumers alike. Topics Covered:  00:24 - Why merchants should offer diverse payment methods  05:47 - Consumers embrace digital wallets over physical cards 08:28 - Concerns about cashless society and fees online 12:30 - Crypto is the next wave of payments 15:44 - Popular eCommerce payment options for customer expansion 19:36 - Facial recognition, biometrics, voice control and accessibility 23:28 - Buy now pay later creates financial snowball 30:51 - Humans vulnerable, data protection and security guidelines 34:16 - Security concerns with various online payment options 38:31 - Evolving merchant-consumer dynamics and adapting to market changes 41:15 - Consider market payment strategy for future relevance 43:08 - Limited options create missed opportunities in retail 45:53 - Stay updated on crypto and prioritise mobile operability

Do you care about cardboard? Well, you should! In this episode, Richard sits down with Jack Good, the Founder of Reuseabox, to delve into the world of sustainability and the impact of keeping cardboard boxes in use for longer.  They explore how Reuseabox collects and redistributes used cardboard boxes, helping to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.  Together, they discuss the environmental impact of cardboard production, the surge in cardboard waste during lockdown and the challenges of managing excessive cardboard.  Join Richard and Jack as they highlight the importance of measuring and reducing a company's carbon footprint and the potential for businesses to contribute to sustainability through collaboration.  Stay tuned for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the impact of cardboard production, the BCorp movement, how to get your team onboard and the role of businesses in promoting environmental sustainability. Topics Covered:  00:04 - The Story of Reuseabox  03:50 - Why cardboard recycling is good for the environment  08:45 - Household waste in UK not fully recycled 09:36 - Steps to reduce carbon footprint for businesses 14:31- Influencing decisions in business through self-interest 19:39 - Recent shift in perspective on awards events 21:19 - eCommerce success journey in 12 years 24:46 - Innovative hiring approach fosters mutual success 27:29 - Importance of retention beyond just financial incentives 31:45 - Shift in business model  40:08 - The power of the B Corp framework 44:13 - New online platform launching to simplify box ordering. 45:01 - Book recommendation Link to website: UK supplier of new and used cardboard boxes | Reuseabox Link to Jack LinkedIn: Jack Good | LinkedIn

It's time to harness the power of reviews.  Victoria Locking, UK Agency Partnership Manager at Reviews.io, delves into the crucial role of customer reviews and user-generated content on eCommerce sales. Reviews.io is a leading review platform that helps established brands build trust with their customers for over 10 years. In this episode, Richard and Vic cover a wide range of topics, from the evolving landscape of customer reviews and their influence on brand credibility to the implementation of loyalty programs and the ethical incentivisation of customer feedback.  Join us as Victoria shares her journey from working with horses to her current role, and offers valuable insights into maximising the impact of customer feedback for building a successful ecommerce business.  Stay tuned for an engaging conversation that promises to provide actionable strategies and industry insights.  Topics Covered 00:20 - Victoria talks about her career history in eCommerce 04:46 - Reviews.io is a customer-centric platform with strong customer support 08:26 - Using customer attributes to reduce return rates 11:28 - Influencer deals can be unsustainable and expensive 13:47 - Running campaigns through email or feedback collection 18:15 - Brands can take a soft approach to loyalty 21:33 - Automating processes, timing, and account setup importance 27:07 - Investigating poor customer service and product issues 30:39 - Support team can address issues promptly. Internal training necessary 33:01 - Use AI to streamline customer support responses 38:35 - Scholarship, uni, career, accounts, professional growth, inequality 41:28 - Men's behaviour in public spaces is evolving positively 43:46 - Gender disparities in senior ecommerce positions discussed 48:37 - Finished 2 books, including "The Advice Trap." 49:15 - Helping others often requires active listening

With over 30 years of experience in the business world and 15 years as a leadership, mindset and public speaking coach, Tony Brooks has a wealth of experience supporting leaders in senior roles to be the best version of themselves. By focusing on mindset, he believes that individuals are more likely to succeed and thrive in their career. In this podcast, Tony dives into the critical topics of leadership, mindset and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. With an emphasis on the significance of recharging, avoiding burnout and nurturing a growth mindset, this conversation provides valuable insights for leaders within fast-paced industries like tech and eCommerce.  From strategies for handling negative self-talk to the art of public speaking and managing remote teams, this episode covers it all. Stay tuned for an enriching dialogue that explores the power of mindset in driving strategy, fostering team engagement and achieving personal and professional growth. Topics Covered 04:25 - Finding space, both physical and psychological. It is important for emotional regulation and decision-making. Leaders should prioritise reflection over reactive behaviour 07:33 - People need breaks to avoid burnout, leaders should prioritise their recharge and consider seeking support or delegating tasks 10:12 - The importance of building a strong leadership team to empower employees and allow the business owner to take time off 13:12 - Scaling a business requires investing in training and team growth 17:53 - Encouraging self-talk for struggling individuals in senior positions 19:53 - Recognising vulnerability and the power of conscious choice 25:30 - Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. It is important to avoid pushing people into a panic zone 26:17- Encourage gradual comfort zone expansion for personal and team growth and adapt to new technology 31:37 - Teams now working from anywhere, international teams and how to support them 32:53 - The pandemic pushed a mindset shift towards focusing on results over time worked and office presence 38:05 - How to improve public speaking 41:29 - Overcoming fear, enjoying the moment, and downplaying pressure for TEDx talk 42:49 - Importance of public speaking and persuasion for business growth 46:34 - Parenting style influences children's ability to speak for themselves; emphasises letting kids order for themselves at a young age 51:12 - AI journey enables greater work-life balance and creative opportunities in the future of business 54:59 - Understanding resilience and personal growth in business leadership 56:03 - Striving for consistency and coping with difficulty

Is cash really king? Of course it is! In this podcast episode Michael Appel, Managing Director at Getzler Henrich and Associates, discusses how to turnaround a failing business.  With over 40 years of experience leading and advising retail and consumer companies, working with the likes of Baccarat, Inc., Laura Ashley N.A., Caswell Massey, Ciro, Inc., MacKenzie-Childs, and Wilkes Bashford, Michael knows a thing or two about the challenges facing the retail industry. He shares invaluable insights on the challenges and successes of retail businesses, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and engaging with customers.  Michael discussed his opinion on the future of retail, how to turn around a failing company and protect your mindset during a stressful period. With a focus on innovation, product offerings, and financial restructuring, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for retailers navigating tough times. Tune in to future proof your business for longevity and scalability. Listen now!  Topics Covered 0:25 - Michael's diverse and well respected career in retail  05:52 - How he has saved companies from liquidation 09:56 - Analysing cash flow, managing assets, understanding customers 11:06 - Retail requires understanding diverse customer segments 14:55 - Retailers adapting technology to stay competitive and profitable 18:01 - Analysing merchandise sales with predictive analytics 21:28 - How he managed an eCom business that struggled with sales  26:03 - Difficult to find the right people 28:41 - CEO from Target tried private labels at Bed Bath and Beyond 33:47 - Consumers engage in-store. Capturing feedback with focus groups and phone calls  34:28 - Research, analysis, and customer feedback are crucial 38:19 - Retailers need to focus on omnichannel eCommerce 40:52 - Lululemon focuses on customer experience and retention 45:30 - Excite consumers with newness and innovation 47:48 - Book recommendation

Steve Toth is the man behind seonotebooks.com and works with global companies around the world. He's the man that took Freshbooks to rank position 1 for a 300,000 volume keyword, quadrupling organic traffic within a year.  This episode is dedicated to SEO (search engine optimisation), the latest core update and what that means for your business. He covers the heavily debated topic of AI and shares a tactic that very few people use when it comes to improving their organic rankings.  This conversation explores actionable strategies for improving SEO, the importance of staying updated with industry changes, and the impact of recent updates in the SEO and eCommerce space.  Join us as we uncover valuable tips and perspectives from a seasoned SEO professional.  Topics Covered 00:24 - Steve's experience in SEO has spanned over 15 years 04:41 - Managing accounts and sharing actionable SEO tips 07:25 - Google cracking down on AI content abuse 10:10 - AI detecting and impacting website rankings significantly 15:52 - Use popular words from SERP for AI title 18:33 - Softwares to help automate SEO  23:10 - Similarities between eCom and SEO project plateau 24:48 - Brand building through digital PR improves click-through rate. 28:01 - Analysing current trends, using social media data 32:22 - Matt Diggity's SEO strategy for backlinks analysis 35:00 - High impression keywords with low search volume are valuable. Discover them in various places like Google Auto Suggest, customer data, and customer questions for SEO success 39:30 - Utilise Google Search Console for keyword optimisation 41:35 - Drive links to category pages for ranking 44:08 - Avoid being in trouble with Google by doing this

You can cut your costs and scale your eCommerce business at the same time. It's all about prioritisation and actually focusing on what moves the needle.  In this episode of the eCom@One Podcast Benjamin Lang, Head of Northern Europe and Dach for Partnership at Shopify, delves deep into the rapidly changing world of eCommerce. He shares actionable insights from his portfolio of global clients.  Shopify is the leading platform for mid-sized eCommerce businesses, trusted by millions of companies worldwide. They work with some of the most well-known brands. Together, Richard and Ben discuss the need for a unified commerce experience, the importance of customer loyalty, the personalised brand experiences and the strategies and challenges of accelerating growth in the eCommerce space.  They also highlight the latest innovations and features released by Shopify, the complexities of replatforming and the evolving landscape of customer behaviour and regulations. He also touches on his experience as an Olympic athlete and how he uses those experiences to shape his future career.  Tune in to find out how you can overcome a plateau and the key tactics and trends that are shaping the eCommerce industry.

Paula Short is the ex Co-Founder of Beauty Boulevard, a successful cosmetics company that stocked products globally in stores, salons and airlines. After exiting the company in 2021, Paula went on a journey of self-discovery to become a Freelance Business Advisor focusing on strategic growth. As we navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the evolving landscape of consumer behaviour and the economic market, Paula shares her experience of exiting her successful business, Beauty Boulevard, and delves into the emotional journey of letting go.  From the impact of COVID-19 to the importance of understanding customer patterns and behaviours, Paula and Richard explore the value of seeking external expertise, taking breaks, and the significance of trusted consultants in guiding business growth.  Listen to this episode to hear about the raw truth of exiting a business and what happens after. Paula shares where many companies go wrong with their strategy, where to spend your marketing budget and how to improve your valuation.  Join us as we uncover the wisdom, practical advice, and personal experiences shared by Paula Short in this compelling episode. Topics Covered 00:20 - Proud achievement in business, sold shares before COVID 03:08 - Business shutdown despite successful showcase in NYC 09:12 - Business consultant with vast experience discusses strategies 10:07 - Know your customer and guide businesses to success  16:57 - Business ups and downs require trusted support 21:15 - Challenges of getting products into big stores 28:05 - Traveling to Europe and US trade shows 31:19 - Realising capabilities, enjoying self-investment and need for balance 35:11 - Embrace the present and notice the world around us 38:17 - Strategically target marketing, analyse customer data wisely 41:45 - Writing thoughts for better sleep, unlikely business sale 45:01 - Unfamiliar changes forced, but necessary for growth 46:42 - Maximising valuation post-sale and during COVID 49:34 - Investing in consultancy to help others succeed 52:47 - Connect with me on LinkedIn and book recommendation

Kalin Karakehayov is the Founder of Edoms, Seo.Domains and I.GY. With over 15 years of experience in Google SEO and link building, he has learnt a fair amount of tactics that actually impact results with link building and domains.  In this podcast, he shares some of the rarest strategies we have heard when it comes to improving your organic performance. From tried and tested solutions, Kalin shares what actually matters when you are trying to get Google to like you and make it appear on the first page of the search results.  He delves into the evolving landscape of PBNs (Private Blog Networks) and their relevance in modern SEO. He also discusses the intricacies of domain trading, unveiling the staggering numbers and strategies involved.  From discussing the impact of page redirects on domain and subpages to sharing valuable tips on valuing domain names and negotiating deals, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in eCommerce and SEO.  Topics Covered 00:10 - Kalin's background in eCommerce, domains and link building  04:46 - Domains expire, requiring global tech responses daily 08:56 - Received cease and desist letter from Google 11:49 - Domain market relies on strategic pricing tactics 15:33 - Negotiation over domain name purchase and margin 18:31 - Key software for competitive advantage 21:30 - SEO changes and how eCom domains help  24:36 - Linking boosts product rank and trustworthiness 27:09 - Redirects are hit and miss for link building 31:43 - Having money gives more control over links 36:03 - Redirecting technique to increase page visibility in SEO 39:33 - Limit redirects to avoid SEO devaluation by Google 40:27 - Effort to redirect pages may be counterproductive 44:40 - Book recommendation

Mid-market merchants, do you feel lost and forgotten in a rapidly evolving eCommerce landscape?  Jason Nyhus, General Manager and President at Shopware, joins Richard in this episode to delve into the mid-market merchant world. He brings 20-years of expertise to the table, specialising in software development during his career. Shopware is a German born open source eCommerce platform that helps merchants increase their online sales.  Listen in to hear the key findings from the “Forgotten Mid-Market Report” - an unbiased piece of research funded by Shopware and conducted by Rick Watson. It explores those merchants stuck with a legacy platform and discusses how to evaluate solution providers and approaches, and which to consider in a selection set.  He shares crucial advice for eCommerce companies, especially the neglected mid-market segment and the impact of major acquisitions. Discover how technology can be leveraged to optimise customer experiences and increase the profitability of your business.  Jason also shares insights into the power of digital sales rooms and the importance of product roadmaps in the eCommerce space. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful conversation that could revolutionise the way your business approaches your online strategies. Topics Covered 0:23 - His 20 year journey in eCommerce that has led him to become the President of Shopware 04:14 - Online merchants should focus on complexity over revenue 07:53 - Report titled "Journey of the Mid Market Merchant". Unbiased research 10:54 - Key takeaways from the forgotten tech market 14:45 - Discussion about global channels 18:21 - Choosing software providers is confusing for merchants 22:54 - Advising on diverse products, securing funding for growth 26:59 - Upgrade to self-funding modern commerce platform 30:02 - Shopware seeks innovation, raises $100M in funding  31:42 - Complex statement simplifies experiences, revamps digital sales 35:45 - How to connect with Jason and his book recommendation 

Are you interested in outsourcing and building global teams? If the answer is yes, this podcast episode is for you.  Janus Basnov is the Chief Sales Officer at Aristo Sourcing. They help entrepreneurs and businesses grow their business by sourcing high-quality and a cost-effective workforce. Listen to this conversation as they delve into the world of event organisation and hiring.  He discusses the highs and lows of event organisation, the impact of learning from industry experts and the benefits of outsourcing talent globally. Richard and Janus have an honest and frank conversation about the nuances of managing outsourced teams, how to make sure they deliver high-quality work and treating them as part of the team. If you are on the fence about international outsourcing, listen in.  Janus organises one of the biggest SEO conferences in the world, so he definitely knows a thing or two about managing an event at scale. He shares strategies to help you secure sponsorship and attract the right ICPs to your events.  Sit back and relax as we dive straight into the world of eCommerce, events and outsourcing with Janus Basnov on the eCom@One Podcast. Topics Covered 00:24 - Janus discusses outsourcing talent and building a strong work culture in ecommerce 05:53 - Janus describes encountering diverse professionals in unconventional work environments 07:49 - COVID has changed recruitment, with access to a larger talent pool worldwide 10:51 - South Africa new to outsourcing, benefits to working from home, lower salaries, Philippines experienced in remote work 13:23 - Identify low-value tasks for outsourcing, followed by hiring sales development representatives in South Africa 16:04 - Focus on bookkeeping skills; coach sales employees initially 22:09 - Seeking out qualified candidates by thorough assessment and a unique approach 26:05 - Outsources payment and team management 30:04 - Entrepreneurial community conferences in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were impactful 34:30 - Emphasising networking and sharing for success 36:18 - Discussing business challenges and benefits of networking in a diverse group. Resulted in a new business initiative 40:29 - Advice on making small adjustments for big impact 42:00 - Encouraging words about attending events despite nervousness 45:59 - Have a strong team, expect mistakes and be flexible 48:57 - Industry-specific outdoor event sponsorship tips and advice 51:37 - Attending conferences recharges and inspires business owners 54:19 - The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart is a life-changing book about living by chance

In this episode, Richard Hill sits down with Dan Temple, Director and Lead Trainer at Cobalt Human Solutions. By focusing on the most important element of your business, your staff, they take the Human Factors learning from safety critical industries such as aviation and healthcare and apply it to your business, regardless of industry. Humans are invariably highly motivated, trained and skilled people yet they make mistakes. Cobalt doesn't help organisations come to the conclusion it was 'human error', it helps them work out why the error was made in the first place through engagement and training. Richard and Dan explore the essential qualities of effective leadership and the impact of employee engagement on business performance. Dan, with nearly 20 years of military experience, offers valuable insights on cultivating a supportive and resilient team culture, discussing the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and nurturing individual strengths.  Join us as we delve into the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can drive organisational success and employee wellbeing. Save the headache and support your team today. Topics Covered 00:20 - Understanding human behaviour and teaching human factors 06:01 - How Dan's Military experience translates to the corporate world, using stories to connect with others emotionally 13:44 - Reflecting on biases and seeking self-awareness 18:05 - Change and repeating past mistakes 26:15 - Questioning discrepancies between training and actual performance and understanding employee behavior 34:02 - Curious, active team members use Slack frequently. 38:40 - Encouragement for young leaders to invest in people and reflection for business success 41:51- Focus on incremental motivation and common aim for team success 51:19 - Dan's wife becomes Assistant Head at a school in Lincoln City after a competitive interview. Emphasizes the importance of people in leadership 54:06 - Supporting team members struggling with mental health is important for leaders 01:02:23 - Book recommendation 

TikTok is changing buying habits and this can't be ignored In this episode, Rowan Payne chats to Dave Morrissey (Head of Lifestyle Retail and eCommerce at TikTok) and Liam Phillips (Head of Partnerships at TikTok Shop). They talk about how businesses are using one of the fastest growing platforms in the UK right now to grow their revenue online.  They head straight into how TikTok is quickly becoming a master at end to end shopping experiences, how businesses can leverage human to human connection to increase their return on investment, and why TikTok Shop and Ads are quickly becoming a match made in heaven.  TiKTok is revolutionising the relationship between creators, brands and consumers. Find out how this social media channel is shifting to a shopping hub and what that means for you. There is ample opportunity for eCommerce brands to leverage consumer behaviour changes to be successful on TikTok.  Sit back and listen as Dave and Liam share valuable insights to help you grow your business. Topics Covered 00:40 - Their responsibilities at TikTok 06:14 - The evolution of TikTok's perception since breaking into UK market 09:36 - TikTok's user experience and eCommerce improvements. Learning from different markets. 10:34 - TikTok Shop allows creators to pin products. It builds trust and brand awareness for eCommerce companies 15:57 - TikTok breaks down the screen-viewer barrier, facilitates purchases, unique experiences, and handles payment gateways 22:24 - Discussion on the importance of the real people element in marketing, using various platforms and creators for better results 24:12 - How the US and China shops differ from the UK 27:31 - Shops target specific niches for better results 31:51 - Content needs to be entertaining for viral success 37:32 - The history of visual perception  38:56 - Discussing the impact of diverse reading, fashion trends, and influence on social media algorithms from historical context 42:38 - Book recommendations 

In this episode, Richard sits down with Paul Jarrett, CEO of Bulu, a company that specialises in shipping subscription boxes for established brands. Paul shares insights on the challenges and successes of getting into eCommerce, particularly with their transition into the subscription box business.  From solving shipment and technology challenges to catching the attention of big brands, Paul offers valuable advice on adding excitement and personalisation to the subscription box delivery experience. The discussion also delves into the importance of logistics, customer retention strategies and future trends in subscription services.  If you're interested in the world of eCommerce and the future of subscription models, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Listen now! Topics Covered 00:20 - Retaining clients for subscriptions and strategies for standing out in the crowded marketplace 04:02 - From nothing to 60,000 subscribers, the journey and challenges of Bulu Box 09:22 - Enabling brands to reach diverse sales channels, focus on independent retailers over Amazon and Shopify 12:02 - Some fulfillment companies built on Uber-like models facing frustration and education leading to demand for flexibility 22:51 - Reflect, reevaluate and plan for future success 24:55 - Logistics costs are high, transparency is important 28:39 - Customer feedback, subscription balance, CAC to LTV ratio

It's time to automate those tasks that are killing your time. In this episode, Ciaran Duffy, Director at Rackzone, discusses warehouse management, third-party logistics and innovation. Rackzone is a business that provides storage solutions such as shelving, pallet racking and storage bins, to private and commercial clients in the UK and Ireland.  With over 13 years of experience in this industry, Ciaran has seen all the changes and advancements in this area of eCommerce. That's why we invited him on the podcast, to share his years of experience with you.  Richard and Ciaran delve into the world of warehousing, discussing the impact of automation and technology investment. He shares his experience, challenges and strategies in growing his own eCommerce business. Listen for valuable insights into his company's growth, expansion into new markets, implementation of new tools and tactics. With a real focus on innovation, efficiency and adapting to industry trends, this episode promises an engaging discussion on growing a business in a very specific niche and the rise of automation in warehouse management. Listen now! Topics Covered 00:12: Ciaran discusses his journey in eCommerce, warehousing and logistics  06:13- Automation in eCommerce: various types of systems for efficient warehouse operations 09:51 - Consider long-term investment in ERP for business growth and expansion 11:14 - Clients initially hesitant, then expand to larger spaces due to comfort with change. Company also expanded due to space constraints. 18:24 - Considerations for commercial space and investment, especially in relation to lease commitments and market downturns 23:28 - Seizing new opportunities in planning and relationships, referencing past experiences with currency rates and suggesting potential price increases 24:52 - Warehouse configuration for maximising space and efficiency 28:32 - eCommerce business targeting niche, website success and tech stack 32:52 - Influencers must be professional and deliver quality content 34:51 - Utilise technology, including ERP systems and AI, for successful eCommerce operations 37:27 - Book recommendation 

In this episode, Richard is joined by Adam Chronister, Chief Executive Officer of Enleaf. They are a successful agency that focuses on digital marketing, website design, and eCommerce. Their goal is to help emerging businesses strengthen their online presence through innovative and fast-paced marketing strategies.  After meeting at an Irish Bar in Chiang Mai during the world's biggest SEO conference, Richard and Adam pledged to have a chat about all things AI and that's what they've done. Listen as they share their insights from this conference. They delve into the significant changes in SEO, the impact of AI technologies in eCommerce, and the importance of staying ahead in the industry. Adam offers advice on self-education, key industry trends, and the upcoming SEO conferences and events.  Adam explores the role of AI in content creation, technical SEO challenges, and the tools they use to tackle them.  Join Richard and Adam as they navigate the ever-evolving world of eCommerce and digital marketing, providing valuable insights for businesses aiming to thrive in the online marketplace. Topics Covered 00:15 - Adam's journey in agency world  05:07 - SEO challenges and competitive niches - how to aim for page 1 ranking 07:18 - Using AI to remove the repetitive and time-consuming tasks in eCommerce. Use customised and optimised templated prompts  10:55 - Use tools for better results in search engine optimisation by building in-depth topical authority maps for keywords 17:56 - Why Adam was inspired to write an ebook 20:34 - Using videos for eCommerce, suggesting that some videos can be made without needing a Videographer or Producer 25:34 - Shopify control, custom scripting for load time optimisation, WordPress server-side percentage, website structure impact on crawling 28:55 - Focus on AI adoption for content improvement and levelling the playing field in PPC 30:09 - Google prioritises AI-generated content for being "helpful," but struggles to index sites accurately, causing challenges for SEO professionals 32:45 - Everyone can create more content using multimedia. Google maintains control over page rank and other aspects despite the increase in content. Focus on high-quality backlinks and increasing content without additional cost. 36:13 - Stay informed, analyse competition and self-educate. 39:14 - Favourite book: The Law of Success in 16 lessons

Brand vs Marketing, what's the difference? In this episode, Richard Hill is joined by the Founder of Identity Agency, Thomas Atkins. He delves deep into the process of branding, how you need to constantly adapt to stay relevant and the importance of creating touch points that resonate with your customers. Identity Agency works with brands to help them grow online with a consistent brand image. As a Business Owner, Thomas is very much aware of the challenges of running a company. In this honest and frank discussion, he shares how he handles loneliness and his mental health. Listen to find out how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, develop customer service strategies that delight customers and how work life balance is a myth. It's time to humanise your brand and connect with your customers at a deeper level. Topics Covered 00:00 - How and why Thomas entered the world of branding  04:49 - Navigating uncertainty as an Agency Owner 07:29 - The importance of branding  10:23 - How to differentiate your brand in a competitive marketplace 14:23 - Humanising business through visual content improves consumer connection and differentiation 17:57 - Consistency across brand touch points is crucial for success. It's easy to neglect maintenance and updates in the excitement of a rebrand or new website 21:08 - eCommerce Owners must invest in strong customer service to compete with tech giants like Amazon 24:59 - Advocates for branding as foundation for growth and marketing 28:45 - Network with diverse Business Owners for support and friendship to alleviate stress 32:15 - Business Owner suggests happy work-life blend over balance for personal satisfaction and adaptation to individual needs 33:18 - Learning to balance work and personal life is important 36:44 - Seeking talented designer to lead and grow their own department within business 40:19 - Book recommendation 

Richard Hill is joined by Brad Houldsworth , a seasoned eCommerce professional with over 15 years of experience in marketing. As the Director of Sales and Strategy at Remarkable Commerce, Brad is responsible for the innovation instilled in the agency, sales and marketing activities, leading the team and onboarding multi million pound clients.  In this podcast, Brad shares valuable insights into eCommerce strategies and technological usage. If you are struggling with deciding which sales channels to stock your products on, this episode is for you. Listing on other channels that aren't just your website will boost customer acquisition, loyalty and enhance your data capture.  Choosing the right technology for your business can be a minefield, it is the reason your sales skyrocket or plummet. Brad shares the significance in deciding your tech stack, emphasing efficiency, understanding customer behaviour and demographics, and leveraging data profitably.  So listen to this podcast to explore the ever changing eCommerce landscape with actual real life insights from somebody who has spent years in the trenches. Real data backed by evidence.

In this episode Ben Leonard, Entrepreneur, Ecom Consultant, Founder, Author and Speaker of a multitude of businesses, discusses how he started a business from a laptop in a cupboard, grew it to a seven-figure brand and exited after three years. And he shares how you can do it too!  Ben shares a wide range of topics from manufacturing in Vietnam, maximising valuations and the importance of timing when exiting your business. Find out the challenges he has faced during his career journey and he overcame them.  From manufacturing and branding to the intricacies of selling a business, Richard and Ben share valuable insights and key takeaways for anyone in eCommerce. Listen to the full episode now! 

In this episode, Tim Loughlin, Chief Financial Officer at Salesfire, delves deep into the world of finance and business management. As a Commercial CFO working in the SaaS arena with fast growing companies, he has a wealth of experience that he shares with our listeners.  From the daily habit of checking your bank account before making a cup of tea, to the importance of cash flow management and the impact of interest rate changes, Richard and Tim share valuable insights for business owners and managers. They discuss the challenges and strategies of international expansion, the significance of benchmarking, and offer expert advice on metrics for analysing company performance and navigating market fluctuations. They also explore the dynamics of seeking investment or selling a business, emphasising the importance of due diligence and financial metrics. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone in the world of eCommerce. With years in accounting, investment and finance, Tim is more than qualified to share his advice on money with our listeners. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn from the best in the industry!

In this episode Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, Founders of Bird and Blend Tea, share their mission as a purpose-driven company that focuses on sustainability and making an impact. They are a B Corp Certified, independent, award winning company that have a goal of spreading happiness around the world with their selection of delicious teas.  They have built their multi-million pound company from the ground up, starting from their bedroom to selling their product at markets to operating an online store, 180+ staff and 17 stores (and counting!). Krisi and Mike keep people and the planet at the forefront of their decision making, which is why Bird and Blend is leading the way in tea innovation!  Mike and Krisi join Richard on the podcast to discuss the rollercoaster journey of building their business from an idea to a thriving omnichannel store, how they navigate the constant challenges in the world of eCommerce and why they became B Corp Certified.  With over 100 specialist teas, they give you an insight into their product offering and how they keep things fresh and tasting fruity. Are you wondering if a subscription based model is for you? Listen to their experience so you can make informed decisions on this pricing method.  Find out how they approach customer segmentation, marketing and the immersive in-store experiences to keep customers coming back, From sustainability to business ownership, Krisi and Mike play to their strengths to keep this business thriving. A real story of a product and business with purpose. No greenwashing, just pure heart. 

In this episode Carrianne Dukes, Senior Marketing Manager at eComOne, dives deep into the world of partnerships, relationship building and the power of podcasting for eCommerce brands. With over three years of growing and commercialising the eCom@One podcast under her belt, she knows a thing or three about the challenges facing this media channel.  Carrianne has built eComOne's partnership strategic ecosystem. Partnering with leading tech companies such as, Sendcloud, BigCommerce, Salesfire, Klaviyo, Reviews.io and Prisync, has elevated the eComOne brand and added heaps of value for their eCommerce clients.  Listen to this conversation as Richard and Carrianne have an honest chat about the mistakes which hindered the growth of the podcast and cost them time. Hear about the importance of building meaningful partnerships and how you can do this too.  They explore the challenges of commercialising podcasts and partnerships to generate a return and whether it's worth the time investment. If you are interested in starting your own podcast or hit a plateau with growth, this podcast episode is for you.  Actionable tips, unfiltered insights and learnings to help Marketers elevate their brand and stop making the same mistakes they made. Grab your headphones and enjoy! Topics Covered 0:30 - From client side to managing the marketing for the agency 03:26  The importance of building partnerships in business 07:40 - How to build trust in marketing 10:23 - Carrianne talks about one of the most costly mistakes she made when building out the partnership ecosystem 15:20 - How consistency and commitment in podcasting is critical  16:47 - Interviewing experts, gaining industry insights, making connections and driving business change with podcasting 22:19 - Just start. The journey of the eCom@One Podcast and how to start your own  23:29 - Tips for securing and sourcing the right guests for the podcast  27:33 - Winning sponsorship and ways to commercialise the podcast to enable growth 33:00- The biggest mistake Carrianne made which hindered the growth of the podcast  39:11 - The number one skill every marketing manager should focus on developing 40:11 - Book recommendation

In this episode, Theo Roberts, Account Manager here at eComOne, shares how every eCommerce brand can leverage online tactics to retain their customers for years to come. From working with Sony Music Entertainment to scaling seven and eight figure brands, Theo knows a thing or two about customer value optimisation (CVO).  Throughout this discussion, Theo sheds light on the importance of nurturing existing customers and optimising customer value in the competitive world of eCommerce. They delve into strategies for customer retention, the potential of AI technology in revolutionising automation and CVO strategies and the significance of tailored messaging to enhance the shopping experience.  Listen to this episode as they explore takeaways from Theo's journey and his insights into CVO, email marketing, and the integration of SEO to drive traffic and improve digital marketing. Stay tuned for valuable insights and practical strategies to elevate your eCommerce game. Topics Covered 3:37 - Working with the stars. From working in a media agency to becoming a teacher to working for eComOne 07:48 - CVO, email, and customer data in context of implementing tactics 12:02 - Segment customers for targeted marketing based on their purchase history  14:13 - Increasing customer lifetime value  21:56 - Using overlays for targeted messages based on customer reviews - positive and negative 23:14 - Summarising the text: Discussing successful email marketing campaigns and the importance of a human element and emotional appeal in reaching customers 27:37 - The importance of investing in deep customer segmentation and nurturing existing customers through marketing automation with Klaviyo 32:52 - The impact of personalised messaging and added value in purchasing decisions 36:24 - Using AI for business growth, open with clients, invest in tech and AI, and convince others to adopt AI 38:20 - Analysing open rates; targeting engaged audiences for campaign success. 40:24 - Flows and automations to scale your email efforts   44:03 - Emphasise emotional connection with customers through product benefits 45:00 - Book recommendation 

In this episode, Thea Chippendale shares her untraditional career journey and how going viral has led her to becoming a Digital PR Freelancer. During her time at Rise at Seven and MediaVision, Thea has worked on global brand accounts, from the likes of Misguided, New Look and PrettyLittleThing to Moss Bros, MyProtein and SpaSeekers. She has learned a thing or two about what works for effective Digital PR.  Listen to this episode to find out how you can leverage creative PR, thought leadership, product PR and reactive PR to create campaigns that achieve your marketing KPIs. Struggling to get heard in the journalist inbox? Don't worry. Thea shares her insider tips to help you form relationships and deliver a personalised approach with journalists to get your story covered.  There's no better way to learn Digital PR than through a real life campaign. So, Thea steps through her favourite project with an enterprise personalised jewellery client. She shares exactly what she did and how she changed her approach mid way through the project.  It's time to focus on the future. Is TikTok or Google the leading search engine? Find out how human behaviour is changing and what that means for your business.  Tools, insights, actionable tips and expertise. This podcast episode is one with real value to help you utilise the power and influence of Digital PR as part of your eCommerce strategy. Listen now!

In this episode, Sam Jackson joins Richard to take a deep dive into the capabilities of one of the biggest eCommerce platforms in the world, BigCommerce. As the Associate Partner Growth Manager at this tech software, Sam has years of experience and insights in the world of eCommerce that he shares on this podcast.  Listen to find out the importance of global expansion and ways you can navigate this change to minimise the risks and reap the rewards. Sam also shares how to know when it's right to replatform, the challenges and how to choose the right platform for your growth plans.  It's time to stop burning money with your Google Shopping Ads and use a data management tool, such as Feedonomics, to utilise custom labels and optimisations to improve your return. Sam shares insights into optimising your UX, utilising the efficiency of AI and the exciting developments in BigCommerce's roadmap.  Get ready for an episode full of insight from a human with a passion for the world of eCommerce, who works at a tech business that services thousands of eCommerce brands to scale their business. Tips, expertise and advice. Enjoy listening to the eCom@One With Richard Hill Podcast. 

Benjamin Gorman, Content Writer and Copy Editor, is a seasoned professional with an impressive background in research and creative writing. He works with major brands around the globe, including Purple Mattress and Hotels.com, helping them refine their communications to boost engagement and drive conversions. In this episode, Ben shares valuable insights into the world of content creation in eCommerce. He emphasises the utmost importance of quality content, effective marketing research and the impact of AI on digital marketing.  He discusses the need for human creativity to elevate content beyond what AI can produce. Listen to this episode to find out whether AI will take our jobs, the future landscape of content creation and the role of technology in shaping eCommerce.

In this episode, Erika Varangouli, Head of SEO Branding at SEM Rush, joins Richard Hill on the eCom@One podcast to discuss building a brand with eCommerce SEO. Erika has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, from working at a media business to agencies, she is now responsible for growing the legacy of one the biggest SEO tools out there.  Listen to this podcast episode to learn the right approach to your SEO strategy and AI. Erika shares her expertise on three key areas every eCommerce company must consider for success. She also discusses how to win the budget for SEO when money and resources are tight. Hint, it's all about proving concepts through bite-size projects.  Working at one of the most used SEO tools in the industry, Erika has an untold advantage that she shares with Richard. So tune in to find out how to get the most out of this revolutionary tool to skyrocket your online sales.

Jamie-Lee Watts is the Co-Founder of JamieLeeCosmetics, an eCommerce beauty brand that leverages the influence of social media to grow her business. She has taken the TikTok world by storm, using live sessions to not only showcase her passion for cosmetics but also to sell a significant amount of products.  In this episode, Jamie-Lee dives deep into her journey of launching a brand on TikTok and the process of running a live show every day. Plus, she shares some invaluable tips for implementing the TikTok shop into your own brand. From personal anecdotes to the power of authenticity, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice for all eCommerce creators. So, if you are interested in making TikTok a profitable channel for you, sit back, relax and listen to this podcast episode. 

Skye Tunks is the Senior Growth Manager here at eComOne. Her main focus is helping eCommerce businesses thrive online from SEO. She excels in crafting effective growth strategies for clients and ensuring that the entire team is aligned with the plan.  With a strong emphasis on data-driven decision marketing, Skye leverages various strategies to drive client growth and achieve measurable results from their organic marketing.  In this podcast, Skye divulges our proven SEO strategies, going into detail about our CATalyst framework, a tactic that has increased the quantity and quality of traffic for many clients, therefore increasing their revenue.  Find out how the economic uncertainty in the eCommerce industry has been impacted post-covid. Tune in to this episode for actionable insights, tools and trends that you can use to shape your strategy for profit in 2024.

In this episode, Mike Shields joins Carrianne Dukes on the eCom@One Podcast, where they dive deep into the world of measuring the impact of Digital PR campaigns and the power of storytelling.  Mike is the Head of Digital PR here at eComOne. With a wealth of experience working on PR campaigns for leading eCommerce and B2B brands inhouse and on the agency side, it was a no-brainer to get him on the podcast to share his insights, trends and knowledge from years of real world experience in the trenches.  He shares valuable insights on the essential metrics to track, such as domain authority and audience engagement, as well as the importance of looking beyond vanity measurements. They discuss the role of AI in content creation and why human understanding is still crucial in crafting unique and relevant stories. He also reveals strategies for making an impact in the crowded PR landscape, including newsjacking and the power of big campaigns. You don't want to miss this podcast if you want to build your brand and generate results with this digital marketing strategy.