Podcast appearances and mentions of arlen robinson

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Adam Callinan, founder of Pentain, about the importance of financial data in driving eCommerce profitability. Adam shares his journey from co-founding Bottlekeeper to creating Pentain, emphasizing the need for brands to leverage financial insights for better decision-making. They discuss the impact of pricing strategies, the dangers of discounting, and the significance of understanding ad budgets. Adam highlights common blind spots among brands and the future of intelligence tools in eCommerce, advocating for actionable data-driven strategies. Key Episode Takeaways: Financial data is often overlooked by eCommerce founders. Understanding fixed and variable expenses is crucial for profitability. Discounting can harm a business's bottom line if not managed properly. Ad budgets should be based on data, not guesswork. Every dollar saved on fixed expenses directly increases net profit. Brands often underprice their products without realizing it. Using math can clarify the impact of pricing changes. AI tools can enhance decision-making in eCommerce. The same financial principles apply across different industries. Actionable insights from data are essential for business growth. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the E-commerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Daniella Boltzmann, founder of MindfulGoods.co, who shares her expertise in Amazon optimization. Daniella discusses her journey in marketing, the importance of focusing on specific services, and introduces her three-step 'Buy Now' method designed to help brands triple their sales on Amazon. She emphasizes the significance of effective product listings, high-quality imagery, and understanding customer needs. The conversation also covers common pitfalls brands face when optimizing their Amazon listings and highlights real-world success stories from brands that have implemented her strategies. Key Episode Takeaways: Daniella Boltzmann is a leading expert in Amazon optimization. The 'Buy Now' method consists of three key steps: getting found, getting clicked, and converting sales. Brands often struggle with converting traffic into sales despite driving significant traffic. High-quality images are crucial for capturing customer attention on Amazon. AI can be effectively used to create product images, but quality must be maintained. Many brands mistakenly copy their Shopify listings directly to Amazon, which can lead to poor performance. Understanding customer questions is essential for effective product imagery. Successful brands often see significant sales increases after optimizing their listings. It's important to focus on quality over budget when creating product images. Learning to sell on Amazon can be done through simple reselling strategies. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Nikki Lindgren, founder of Pinnock Digital, about the booming landscape of TikTok advertising, particularly for beauty brands. They discuss Nikki's journey to founding her agency, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and the strategies that lead to successful TikTok campaigns. The conversation also covers common pitfalls brands face in TikTok advertising and the creative approaches that can enhance ad performance. Nikki shares insights on the evolving nature of influencer partnerships and the significance of setting clear expectations with clients. Key Episode Takeaways: TikTok is a viable channel for brands now and in the future. Nikki's journey from corporate to agency life highlights the importance of adaptability. The beauty niche has seen significant success on TikTok due to its visual nature. Brands targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha benefit from TikTok's low-cost advertising. High average order value products may not perform well on TikTok. The halo effect of TikTok can boost brand awareness even without direct sales. Authenticity and creativity are key to successful TikTok marketing. Low-fi, user-generated content resonates best with TikTok audiences. Clear expectations with clients are essential for successful campaigns. Brands must diversify their marketing strategies beyond paid ads. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Sarah Gallagher, a seasoned expert in eCommerce strategy. They discuss the critical importance of performance and speed in eCommerce, exploring how these factors can significantly impact marketing efforts, customer retention, and overall business success. Sarah shares insights from her extensive experience, including practical tips for optimizing site speed and real-world examples of performance upgrades leading to increased conversion rates. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of eCommerce, the integration of social platforms, and the tools brands can use to assess their performance. Key Episode Takeaways: Speed is crucial for eCommerce success. Performance upgrades can lead to significant revenue increases. Optimizing site speed can improve conversion rates by 37%. Brands must provide a friction-free customer experience. Regular performance assessments are essential for maintaining site efficiency. Image optimization is a key factor in site speed. Integrating with social platforms can enhance brand visibility. Understanding customer behavior is vital for eCommerce strategy. Monthly performance reviews can prevent degradation over time. A solid performance foundation is necessary before implementing design changes. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Zain Shah, a leader in data strategy and AI. They discuss the transformative role of AI in marketing, particularly in e-commerce, and how businesses can leverage data to enhance their marketing strategies. Zain shares insights from his career, the importance of a solid data strategy, and common pitfalls companies face when implementing AI. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in marketing and practical tools for businesses looking to adopt AI-driven solutions. Key Episode Takeaways: AI tools are becoming essential for businesses today. Data should be viewed as a critical asset. AI can automate many marketing tasks effectively. Understanding data is crucial for making informed decisions. Companies must align AI strategies with overall business goals. Personalization in marketing is enhanced through AI. Common mistakes include over-reliance on biased data. AI should complement human roles, not replace them. Testing and iteration are key to successful AI applications. Traveling broadens perspectives and enhances creativity.  For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Stuart Cohen, a Canadian visual artist and entrepreneur, about his journey in photography and filmmaking, and the importance of brand differentiation in the crowded e-commerce space. They discuss the challenges small businesses face in standing out against larger competitors, the strategies that have worked for Stuart's company, Superstock, and the impact of AI on the visual arts industry. The conversation also touches on common mistakes brands make and the future of authenticity in branding. Key Episode Takeaways: Stuart Cohen emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing industry. Brand differentiation is crucial for small businesses in competitive markets. Superstock focuses on being 'for artists, by artists' to differentiate itself from larger competitors. Niche strategies can help e-commerce brands stand out in crowded spaces. Common mistakes include not admitting to errors and failing to keep up with technology. AI is transforming the visual arts industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Authenticity and real experiences may become key differentiators in branding. Stuart's journey highlights the value of mentorship and hands-on experience in the arts. The importance of understanding market needs and adapting to them is essential for success. Personal connections and storytelling can enhance brand differentiation. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Eitan Koter, co-founder and co-CEO of Vimy, a leading video commerce platform. They discuss the evolution of video commerce, the impact of shoppable videos and live shopping on e-commerce, and the importance of creating engaging content that drives sales. Eitan shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, including the significance of community building and the role of emerging technologies like AR and VR in shaping the future of commerce. The conversation highlights practical strategies for brands looking to leverage video for increased customer engagement and sales. Key Episode Takeaways: Video commerce is the next iteration of e-commerce. Shoppable videos allow direct purchases from within videos. Community building is essential for driving sales. Emerging technologies like AR and VR are transforming commerce. Short form videos can lead to significant ROI. Authenticity in content creation fosters customer loyalty. Educational content is crucial for brand awareness. Live shopping events can yield high conversion rates. Video is a powerful tool for emotional engagement. Consistency and experimentation are key to success. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this engaging conversation, Arlen Robinson and Kelly Resendez explore the significance of authenticity in business, particularly for women entrepreneurs. Kelly shares her journey and insights on how to empower others through an abundance mindset. They discuss the importance of aligning purpose with profit, attracting and retaining customers through online events, and the common pitfalls in event promotion. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in target audience and the value of building authority and influence in the e-commerce space. In this conversation, Kelly Resendez and Arlen Robinson explore the importance of communication mastery in business, the future of events in e-commerce, and the impact of technology on customer engagement. They discuss how leaders can leverage education to enhance brand value and the necessity of human connection in a digital world. Kelly shares insights on self-sabotage among business owners and emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and adaptation in a rapidly changing environment. Key Episode Takeaways: Empowering women entrepreneurs is a key focus for Kelly Resendez. Authenticity in branding is increasingly important for consumer trust. Aligning business purpose with profit leads to greater success. Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective marketing. Adding value should be the primary goal of online events. Establishing clear goals for events can guide success. Common mistakes include complicating the registration process. Leveraging partnerships can enhance event attendance. Flexibility and willingness to pivot are essential in marketing. Building authority and influence is vital for e-commerce success. You have to continuously get better at communication. Mastery in communication can significantly impact business success. Leaders should focus on communication mastery to enhance their influence. Education can be a powerful tool for brand value enhancement. The future of events will leverage technology for better engagement. Human connection remains vital despite technological advancements. Self-sabotage is a common issue for business owners. Pickleball exemplifies the social aspect of community building. Customers expect immediate answers and engagement. Investing in personal development is crucial in a changing job landscape. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Matthew Stafford, CEO of Build Grow Scale, about the importance of e-commerce optimization. They discuss how brands can transform their sales by focusing on conversion rates rather than just increasing traffic. Matthew shares insights on common mistakes e-commerce brands make, the significance of customer feedback, and actionable strategies to reduce cart abandonment. The conversation also explores the role of AI in e-commerce and future trends in the industry, concluding with Matthew's personal experiences and insights. Key Episode Takeaways: Traffic is not the main problem; conversion rates are. Most e-commerce stores convert at 2-3%. Optimizing existing traffic can double business revenue. Human behavior, not tricks, drives successful optimization. Brands often copy big companies without understanding their strategies. Customer feedback is crucial for website optimization. SMS recovery can significantly reduce cart abandonment. Clear communication on websites increases trust and conversions. AI will play a major role in the future of e-commerce. Simplicity in design is key to improving user experience. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Isra Al-Rari, an expert in email marketing and deliverability. They discuss the evolution of email marketing, common mistakes brands make, and the importance of personalization and customer retention strategies. Isra shares her journey from e-commerce store owner to email marketing specialist, emphasizing the need for brands to focus on first-time customer profitability and creating engaging email content that drives action. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding customer behavior and data to enhance email marketing effectiveness. Key Episode Takeaways: Email marketing is a vital communication channel that is not going away. Brands often treat emails like magazine catalogs, which is a mistake. Effective email marketing requires a balance of copy and imagery. Personalization should be based on customer data and behavior, not just names. First-time customer profitability is crucial for sustainable growth. Creating milestones for customers can enhance retention. E-commerce brands should offer more free products to retain customers. Email marketing should focus on retention, not just revenue generation. Understanding customer behavior is key to effective email campaigns. Brands need to unify their marketing strategies for better growth. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Chris Timmer, CEO of Linworks, about the evolving landscape of e-commerce operations. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on online selling, the importance of automation and technology in managing multi-channel selling, and the rise of social selling. Chris shares insights on common mistakes businesses make when expanding across marketplaces and highlights future trends in e-commerce, including the integration of AI and the balance between brick-and-mortar and online strategies. Key Episode Takeaways: Chris Timmer has over three decades of experience in e-commerce operations. COVID-19 accelerated the shift to online shopping for many businesses. Retailers must adapt their strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations. Automation in inventory and order management is crucial for success. Social selling is becoming increasingly important, especially among younger consumers. Businesses should avoid expanding too quickly across multiple marketplaces. Customer experience is key to driving repeat sales and loyalty. The integration of AI can streamline operations and improve efficiency. A hybrid approach of online and brick-and-mortar can enhance brand presence. Future trends include globalization of selling and advancements in self-service technology. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the E-commerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Neil Twa, a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of Voltage, an Amazon FBA consultancy. Neil shares his journey from working at IBM to becoming a leading figure in e-commerce, discussing the importance of branding, marketing strategies, and the role of storytelling in building customer loyalty. He emphasizes the significance of Amazon as a launchpad for brands and the need for emotional connectivity with consumers. Neil also highlights the evolution of branding and the necessity of adapting to market demands. In this conversation, Neil Twa discusses the intricacies of optimizing Amazon listings, the importance of understanding market demand, and the challenges faced by sellers in the Amazon marketplace. He emphasizes the need for innovation in product development, the significance of multi-channel selling, and addresses common misconceptions about Amazon FBA. Twa also shares insights on navigating the DTC landscape and the evolving nature of e-commerce. Key Episode Takeaways: Neil Twa has launched multiple eight-figure brands since 2012. The importance of emotional connectivity in branding. Amazon serves as a powerful incubator for new brands. Successful brands focus on value creation and problem-solving. Storytelling is crucial for building brand loyalty. Sales and marketing strategies must evolve with the market. Control over the entire business process is essential for success. User-generated content is vital for modern marketing. Brands should focus on one channel before expanding to others. Building relationships and networks is key to business growth. Amazon's ecosystem allows for both organic and PPC marketing. The relationship between product marketing and sales is crucial. Innovating existing products can lead to greater market success. Understanding market demand is key to product positioning. Multi-channel selling is essential for business growth. Many misconceptions exist about the profitability of Amazon FBA. Challenges in the Amazon marketplace can be mitigated with the right strategies. Investing in inventory and brand control is vital for success. E-commerce requires a balance between different sales channels. The cost of doing business is a reality in both DTC and Amazon sales. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com. Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this special "Ask Me Anything" episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson answers listener questions about scaling an eCommerce business, increasing customer retention, optimizing paid ads, and mastering SEO. If you're looking to improve your online store's marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow. Key Topics Discussed: Scaling with Paid Ads: How to know when your store is ready and avoid costly mistakes. Customer Retention Strategies: Email marketing, loyalty programs, and personalized recommendations. Fixing Facebook Ads Performance: Key optimizations to increase ad effectiveness. Email Marketing Without Annoying Customers: Segmentation, personalization, and adding value. Starting an eCommerce Business with $5,000: Where to invest first for maximum ROI. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and to submit your question for the next Ask Me Anything episode, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com. Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews SEO expert Nick Musica, who shares his journey from working with major companies to founding his own agency. They discuss the importance of SEO for e-commerce businesses, the balance between organic and paid traffic, and the future trends in SEO, particularly with the rise of AI. Nick emphasizes the need for solid SEO fundamentals and how businesses can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Key Episode Takeaways: Nick Musica has been an SEO expert since 2003. He founded his agency, Optics, in 2019 to help small and medium businesses. SEO fundamentals include technical, on-page, and off-page strategies. Google's algorithm changes can significantly impact visibility. E-commerce businesses should balance organic and paid traffic strategies. Maintaining a presence in paid search is crucial for visibility. AI is influencing how SEO is approached and executed. The right searchers are more important than high query volumes. Businesses need to ensure their website architecture is efficient for crawling. SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. If you feel Nick and his team can help your business, you may visit: https://opticsin.com/   For show transcript highlights and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the Ecommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews James Hurman, a renowned expert in advertising effectiveness and brand building. James shares his journey from strategic planning in advertising to co-founding successful brands like AF Drinks and TrackSuit. The conversation delves into the relationship between brand awareness and e-commerce effectiveness, highlighting the importance of building a brand in a new category and the strategies employed to create awareness and drive conversions. James emphasizes the significance of understanding consumer behavior and the dynamics of existing and future demand in the market. In this conversation, James Hurman discusses the critical importance of brand building alongside performance marketing for long-term business success. He emphasizes that while immediate sales are essential, creating brand awareness is crucial for attracting future customers. The discussion covers various strategies for enhancing brand visibility, including traditional advertising and leveraging social media platforms. Hurman also highlights the significance of emotional connections in marketing, arguing that feelings resonate longer with consumers than facts. The conversation concludes with insights on how businesses can effectively integrate brand building into their overall marketing strategies. Key Episode Takeaways: James Hurman has won over 50 awards for advertising effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of brand awareness in driving e-commerce success. Building a brand involves creating a category as much as the product itself. The non-alcoholic drinks market was underdeveloped when AF Drinks launched. Celebrity endorsements can positively influence consumer behavior. The brand name 'AF' plays on the concept of being alcohol-free and trendy. E-commerce strategies should include both online and traditional marketing. Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for brand growth. Higher brand awareness correlates with better conversion rates. Sustained growth requires a balance of brand awareness and performance marketing. Brand building is essential for long-term growth. Performance marketing alone is not enough for sustainable success. Awareness among future buyers is crucial for growth. Traditional advertising methods still hold value in brand building. Social media can be leveraged for both immediate sales and brand awareness. Emotional connections in marketing lead to better consumer recall. Tracking brand awareness is as important as tracking sales. Building a brand requires consistent effort over time. Companies like Airbnb and Nike illustrate the impact of brand focus. Understanding consumer behavior is key to effective marketing. If you feel James and his team can help your business, you may visit: https://www.previously.co  For show transcript highlights and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Adam Ortman, founder of Kinetic 319, about the transformative impact of AI on e-commerce and marketing. They discuss the evolution of marketing strategies, the importance of building relationships with clients, and how AI can enhance advertising effectiveness. Adam shares insights on common mistakes brands make when implementing AI and offers practical advice for those looking to integrate AI tools into their workflows. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of AI in e-commerce and a fun fact about Adam's background as a rescue diver. Key Episode Takeaways: AI is a tool for marketers to be more effective. Building relationships with clients is crucial in marketing. Ad fatigue is a significant challenge in digital marketing. AI can help streamline the sales process. Understanding the audience is key to effective marketing. Brands need to maintain a human touch in AI-generated content. AI can enhance creative processes in advertising. The future of shopping will involve more AI assistance. Small brands can start using AI with tools like ChatGPT. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in marketing. If you feel Adam and his team can help your business, you may visit: https://kinetic319.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Brett Banner, SVP of Marketing at PriceSpider, about the evolving landscape of e-commerce. They discuss Brett's journey in the industry, the challenges brands face, emerging trends, and the importance of creating shoppable experiences. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in e-commerce, the future of TikTok, and strategies for small businesses to compete in a rapidly changing market. Key Episode Takeaways: Brett Banner has over 20 years of experience in e-commerce and marketing. The e-commerce landscape is fragmented, with brands struggling to communicate internally. COVID-19 accelerated the need for brands to embrace technology and adapt to digital shopping. Social media is becoming a primary channel for product discovery, especially for Gen Z. Small brands can leverage agility and digital-first strategies to compete with larger brands. Creating seamless shoppable experiences is crucial for driving conversions. Understanding consumer behavior is key to optimizing the shopping journey. Retail media is a growing investment area for brands, but balance is needed. AI-driven solutions can help small businesses scale and improve efficiency. Trust and transparency are essential for converting social media engagement into sales. If you feel Brett and his team can help your business, you may visit: https://www.pricespider.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the Ecommerce Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Sarah Williams, a leading expert in subscription boxes. Sarah shares her journey from running a brick-and-mortar store to building a successful subscription box business. She discusses the importance of niche marketing, audience building, and the profitability of subscription boxes. The conversation also covers common misconceptions, mistakes to avoid, and the future of the subscription box industry, emphasizing the stability and recurring revenue it can provide for e-commerce businesses. Key Episode Takeaways: Sarah started her subscription box business to provide exclusivity to her loyal customers. Niche marketing is crucial for the success of subscription boxes. Subscription box businesses can be profitable from the first month. Building an audience is essential before launching a subscription box. Many entrepreneurs overlook the importance of budgeting for products and packaging. Testing with one-time boxes can help gauge interest before launching a subscription model. The subscription box industry continues to grow and offers stable revenue streams. Understanding customer needs through surveys can help evolve subscription offerings. Avoid comparing small subscription businesses to larger ones with unsustainable models. Recurring revenue from subscription boxes can significantly stabilize a business's finances. If you feel Sarah and her team can help your business, you may visit: https://www.launchyourboxwithsarah.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the Ecommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Danielle Hayden, co-founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. They discuss the concept of healthy business spending, emphasizing the importance of understanding financials for growth. Danielle shares insights on how to assess spending health, the significance of accurate bookkeeping, and the risks associated with using free accounting tools. The conversation also touches on balancing growth with financial discipline and the necessity of creating a spending plan to achieve business goals. Key Episode Takeaways: Healthy business spending is essential for growth. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly think they need to cut back on spending. Accurate bookkeeping is crucial for understanding financial health. Using free accounting tools can lead to inaccurate financial data. Creating a spending plan helps manage business finances effectively. Profitability should not come at the cost of personal well-being. Regularly reviewing financials can prevent business crises. Investing in the right tools is a responsibility of business ownership. Setting clear goals is vital for effective budgeting. Balancing growth and financial discipline is a key challenge for entrepreneurs. If you feel Danielle and her team can help your business, you may visit: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the E-commerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Senthil Kumar, founder of SEO with Senthil. They discuss the importance of SEO for e-commerce businesses, Senthil's five-step jumpstart SEO system, and how AI is changing the landscape of SEO. Senthil shares insights on content creation, link building, and the tools that small businesses can use to enhance their SEO strategies. The conversation also touches on Senthil's personal journey and his plans to offer his SEO program for free to help more entrepreneurs succeed in the digital space. Key Episode Takeaways: Senthil's journey into SEO began with a gift from his father. The five-step jumpstart SEO system focuses on understanding fundamentals and keyword research. AI is changing the way businesses approach SEO and content creation. Outstanding content is essential for ranking on Google. Link building is crucial for establishing website credibility. Small businesses should start with free SEO tools before investing in paid options. Identifying low competition keywords can lead to quick SEO wins. Google's goals align with business owners' goals for user experience. Senthil is pivoting his business to focus on health and wellness brands. SEO education is vital for entrepreneurs to navigate the digital landscape. If you feel Senthil and his team can help your business, you may visit: https://www.seowithsenthil.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Parag Mamnani, founder and CEO of WebGility, about the transformative role of AI in eCommerce for small and medium-sized businesses. They discuss the myths surrounding AI, the advantages small businesses have in adopting AI technologies, and practical ways to leverage AI for automation in operations and marketing. Parag shares insights from his extensive experience in the tech and eCommerce space, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Key Episode Takeaways: AI is not as complicated as many believe. Small businesses can leverage AI for research, content creation, and analysis. The fear of data privacy should be balanced with the opportunities AI presents. Small businesses have the agility to adopt AI tools faster than larger companies. AI can automate inventory management and improve operational efficiency. Setting clear goals can help businesses effectively implement AI solutions. AI technologies are being integrated into tools that cater specifically to small businesses. The future of AI will involve more conversational interfaces for business operations. AI is transforming marketing by enabling more personalized and efficient strategies. The investment in AI is unprecedented, signaling a major shift in technology.  If you feel Parag and his team at WebGility can help your business, you may visit: https://www.webgility.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.  

In this episode of the E-commerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Morgan Taylor, co-founder of Jolly SEO, about the evolving landscape of SEO, particularly focusing on link building and the impact of AI on search strategies. Morgan shares insights on how businesses can adapt their SEO strategies, debunk common myths, and prioritize effective practices for e-commerce success. The conversation also touches on the importance of brand building in the age of AI and concludes with a discussion on SEO wins and lessons learned from real client experiences. Key Episode Takeaways: Link building is still a vital part of SEO. Quality backlinks are more important than ever. AI tools can enhance SEO strategies, not replace them. Many SEO tasks can be done by business owners themselves. Long tail keywords can drive targeted traffic. Building a brand is crucial in the digital landscape. A strong figurehead can enhance outreach efforts. SEO is not as complex as many believe. E-commerce businesses should focus on less competitive niches. Networking and community engagement can lead to SEO success. If you feel Morgan and his team at Jolly SEO can help your business, you may visit: https://www.jollyseo.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Simon Severino, CEO of Strategy Sprints, about effective sales strategies for eCommerce businesses. Simon shares insights on understanding buyer psychology, the importance of targeting the right audience, and the Strategy Sprints method that has helped clients generate over $2 billion in additional sales. The conversation covers optimizing sales processes, key steps to repeatable sales, the necessity of delegation for business growth, and quick wins for immediate sales boosts, particularly through email marketing. Simon emphasizes the importance of continuous testing and adapting strategies to ensure success in the competitive eCommerce landscape. Key Episode Takeaways: Understanding buyer psychology is crucial for sales success. Targeting the right audience increases sales effectiveness. The Strategy Sprints method focuses on buyer-centric strategies. Optimizing landing pages can significantly impact conversion rates. Delegation is essential for business owners to focus on growth. Email marketing remains a powerful tool for immediate sales boosts. Continuous A/B testing is necessary for optimizing sales processes. Creating anti-criteria helps filter out unsuitable leads. Building a healthy email list is vital for long-term success. Sales systems should be both inbound and outbound for stability. If you feel Simon and his team at Strategy Sprints can help your business, you may visit: https://www.strategysprints.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode, Arlen Robinson interviews Colin Foster, CEO and co-founder of Brainpower, a digital marketing agency focused on D2C ecosystem growth. Colin shares his journey into e-commerce, the growth of his agency, and insights on optimizing ad spend and increasing customer lifetime value. He emphasizes the importance of positioning in marketing, financial literacy, and direct communication with customers as key strategies for success in the e-commerce space. In this conversation, Caulen Foster discusses the importance of understanding customer perceptions, particularly regarding protein products, and how this can impact sales. He emphasizes the need for e-commerce brands to engage with their customers to gather valuable feedback that can inform product development and marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on the challenges of reaching younger demographics and the necessity of scaling customer engagement as brands grow. Caulen shares insights on leveraging customer conversations for marketing insights and concludes with a personal fun fact about his workout music preferences. Key Episode Takeaways: Colin Foster is the CEO and co-founder of Brainpower. Brainpower specializes in D2C ecosystem growth for consumer brands. Positioning in the market is crucial for agency success. Predictable customer acquisition is essential for growth. Financial literacy is a key aspect of marketing. Brands should focus on one channel at a time for ad spend. Direct communication with customers can reveal valuable insights. Understanding customer demographics can improve product naming. Repurchase rates can be improved through customer engagement. Slow and steady growth can be more sustainable than rapid growth. Many customers associate protein products solely with protein use. Rebranding products to trigger consumption can increase sales. Customer feedback is crucial for understanding market needs. Engaging with customers can provide valuable insights for product improvement. Younger demographics often prefer text communication over phone calls. It's not about the volume of customers, but the quality of insights from interactions. Learning what customers want can differentiate your brand from competitors. Using customer conversations can enhance marketing strategies. Positive customer interactions can lead to better review outcomes. Personal connections in customer service can improve brand loyalty. If you feel Caulen and his team at Brain Power  can help your business, you may visit: https://www.brainpower.agency  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Doug Howarth, founder of Hypernomics Incorporated. They discuss the concept of hypernomics, which involves analyzing market behavior across multiple dimensions to improve e-commerce strategies. Doug shares insights on pricing strategies, the importance of understanding consumer behavior, and how hypernomics can help businesses optimize their product launches. He also reflects on his personal health journey and how it shaped his perspective on market analysis. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of hypernomics and the role of AI in market optimization. Key Episode Takeaways: Hypernomics is a field that studies market behavior in four or more dimensions. Understanding market dimensions can transform e-commerce strategies. Pricing strategies are crucial for maximizing revenue in e-commerce. Micro-influencers often provide better ROI than high-profile influencers. AI can enhance market analysis and decision-making processes. Personal health challenges can lead to unique insights in business. The arrangement of products or services can significantly impact revenue. Hypernomics can be applied to various industries beyond e-commerce. Understanding consumer behavior is key to successful marketing. The future of hypernomics includes integrating AI for deeper market insights. If you feel Doug and his team at Hypernomics  can help your business, you may visit: https://hypernomics.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode, Arlen Robinson interviews Athena Severi, an expert in building brand empires and fostering successful communities. Athena shares her unconventional journey from not attending high school to becoming a leader in the e-commerce space, emphasizing the importance of networking, learning from others, and understanding the nuances of business. She discusses strategies for breaking through the million-dollar barrier, the significance of brand identity in today's market, and the value of supplier relationships. The conversation highlights the need for persistence, professionalism, and a willingness to invest in one's business for long-term success. Key Episode Takeaways: Athena Severi emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships in business. The first million in revenue is often the hardest to achieve for entrepreneurs. Investing in quality resources and learning from others can accelerate business growth. Understanding cash flow and supplier relationships is crucial for e-commerce success. Brand identity and uniqueness are key in today's competitive market. Persistence and professionalism are common traits among successful entrepreneurs. E-commerce provides opportunities for financial and lifestyle freedom. Utilizing social media and omnichannel strategies can enhance brand visibility. Learning from failures and mistakes is part of the entrepreneurial journey. Creating value for others can lead to stronger business connections. If you feel Athena and his team at Titan Network can help your business, you may visit: https://www.titannetwork.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Ehor Sokolov, CEO of the Conversion Rate Store, about the critical importance of conversion rate optimization (CRO) and user experience in e-commerce. They discuss the common pitfalls businesses face when focusing solely on traffic without addressing conversion rates, the balance between traffic and conversion, strategies for optimizing product launches, and the significance of retention and repeat purchases. Ehor emphasizes the role of personalization and user intent in enhancing customer experience and how AI can support these efforts. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of user experience in e-commerce. Key Episode Takeaways: Conversion rate optimization is crucial for e-commerce success. Driving traffic without conversion is like burning money. A balanced approach to traffic and conversion is essential. Start with a minimal viable product to optimize conversions. Retention strategies are key to increasing customer lifetime value. Personalization can significantly boost repeat purchases. User experience research is vital for understanding customer needs. AI can enhance user experience but cannot replace human creativity. Understanding user intent is critical for effective marketing. Creating dedicated conversion flows can improve sales outcomes. If you feel Ihor and his team at Conversion Rate Store can help your business, you may visit: https://conversionrate.store/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Owen Garitty, founder of FBW Media, about the critical role of brand storytelling in enhancing e-commerce conversions. They discuss how effective storytelling can create emotional connections with customers, the importance of maintaining brand loyalty, and common pitfalls brands face when implementing storytelling strategies. Owen emphasizes the need for authenticity and the long-term nature of brand narratives, while also providing insights into future trends in digital marketing and the evolving landscape of brand communication. Key Episode Takeaways: Brand storytelling is essential for e-commerce success. The average consumer is bombarded with thousands of ads daily. Brands that tell compelling stories build stronger customer loyalty. Authenticity in storytelling is crucial to avoid consumer backlash. Understanding your ideal customer is key to effective storytelling. Silence can be a powerful strategy for brands. Every brand has a unique story worth sharing. The future of marketing will involve more automation, but authenticity must remain. Brands should control their narrative and not rely solely on social media. Emotional connections drive customer engagement and loyalty. If you feel Owen and his team at FPW Media can help your business, you may visit: http://www.fpwmedia.com  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the E-commerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Joel Bailey, COO and co-founder of Arwen AI, about the intersection of social media and AI in e-commerce. They discuss the evolution of digital marketing, the importance of comment moderation, and strategies for engaging customers effectively. Joel shares insights on common mistakes brands make in social media marketing and emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing content creation while maintaining transparency. The conversation highlights the need for brands to engage with their audience and leverage AI tools to improve customer interactions and drive sales. Key Episode Takeaways: AI is transforming the landscape of digital marketing. Engagement is crucial for e-commerce success. Comment moderation can significantly improve brand perception. Brands must be proactive in engaging with their audience. An experimental mindset is essential for marketing success. Quality content is key to cutting through the noise. AI can assist in content creation but should not replace human creativity. Transparency in AI usage builds trust with consumers. Social media algorithms often promote negative interactions. Brands should focus on both paid and organic engagement strategies. If you feel Joel and his team at Arwen can help your business, you may visit: https://www.arwen.ai  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Kara Armstrong, a visionary leader at Jarvee & Co., who specializes in empowering women entrepreneurs and B2B businesses. Kara shares her journey from corporate sales to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of identifying readiness for premium products, pricing strategies for existing customers, and understanding the premium buyer persona. She provides insights through a case study of a client transitioning to premium offerings and highlights common mistakes businesses make during this process. The conversation concludes with Kara sharing a fun fact about her past as a national swimmer and offering ways for listeners to connect with her. Key Episode Takeaways: Kara Armstrong empowers women entrepreneurs through Jarvee & Co. B2B sales require a deep understanding of customer needs. Identifying readiness for premium products is crucial for business growth. Pricing strategies should consider existing customer relationships. Transitioning to premium offerings requires a new customer persona. Case studies illustrate the impact of premium positioning. Common mistakes include focusing too much on brand visuals over substance. Premium buyers seek transformation, not just features. Understanding your customer is fundamental to business success. Kara has a background as a national swimmer. If you feel Cara and her team at Jarvie and Co can help your business, you may visit: https://jarvieandco.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Dina Enos, founder of Stronghouse, about the challenges faced by e-commerce brands, particularly in optimizing their marketing teams. They discuss the importance of creating a testing culture, attracting the right talent, leveraging data effectively, and tailoring messaging to enhance customer engagement. Dina emphasizes the need for diversity within teams and the significance of A/B testing as a critical investment for growth. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of marketing channels and the necessity for brands to adapt to these changes. Key Episode Takeaways: Focus on three key marketing channels to improve performance. Assess team skills and morale to optimize resources. Create a culture of testing to avoid complacency. Understand that small data sets can still yield insights. Attract talent by fostering a strong company culture. Limit metrics to avoid overwhelming teams with data. Tailor messaging to the right audience for better engagement. Invest in A/B testing to drive continuous improvement. Stay adaptable to changes in marketing channels. Embrace a mindset of curiosity and innovation. If you feel Dena and her team at StrongHouse can help your business, you may visit: https://www.stronghouse.us/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Marin Istvanic, the head of performance at Inspire agency. They discuss strategies for structuring Facebook ads for maximum efficiency. Marin emphasizes the importance of creative elements in ad campaigns, stating that creative has a 56% impact on ad performance. He advises optimizing for purchase rather than traffic or add-to-cart, excluding existing buyers from ad targeting, and using post IDs to accumulate social proof. Marin also shares his experience with A/B testing and the common mistakes businesses make when setting up Facebook ads. Key Episode Takeaways: Creative elements have a significant impact on the performance of Facebook ads. Optimize for purchase rather than traffic or add-to-cart to increase sales. Exclude existing buyers from ad targeting to avoid wasting ad spend. Use post IDs to accumulate social proof and boost ad performance. A/B testing can be challenging on Facebook, but variations of winning ads can be tested to improve results. If you feel Marin and his team at Inspire Agency can help your business, you may visit: https://inspiredigitalgroup.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Marin Istvanic, the head of performance at Inspire agency. They discuss strategies for structuring Facebook ads for maximum efficiency. Marin emphasizes the importance of creative elements in ad campaigns, stating that creative has a 56% impact on ad performance. He advises optimizing for purchase rather than traffic or add-to-cart, excluding existing buyers from ad targeting, and using post IDs to accumulate social proof. Marin also shares his experience with A/B testing and the common mistakes businesses make when setting up Facebook ads. Key Episode Takeaways: Creative elements have a significant impact on the performance of Facebook ads. Optimize for purchase rather than traffic or add-to-cart to increase sales. Exclude existing buyers from ad targeting to avoid wasting ad spend. Use post IDs to accumulate social proof and boost ad performance. A/B testing can be challenging on Facebook, but variations of winning ads can be tested to improve results. If you feel Marin and his team at Inspire Agency can help your business, you may visit: https://inspiredigitalgroup.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Let us know what you think as well by subscribing on social media: https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast https://twitter.com/emarketpodcast https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast You can follow Arlen at: Website: https://www.arlenrobinson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7 Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode, email deliverability expert Benny Rubin shares insights on effective cold emailing and avoiding the spam folder. He discusses his background in music and how he transitioned to becoming a B2B marketer. Rubin explains the importance of email marketing in enhancing the customer journey and gives examples of successful email campaigns that improved customer loyalty and conversions. He also highlights the potential for DTC brands to tap into the B2B market and the unique sales opportunities it presents. In this conversation, Arlen Robinson and Benny Rubin discuss strategies for effective cold email marketing. They emphasize the importance of finding the right audience and creating a warm introduction by mentioning previous clients or affinity groups. They also highlight the critical aspects of email deliverability, such as setting up SPF, DMARC, and DKIM records. Additionally, they advise startup businesses to consider multiple lead generation channels and not over-index on one specific channel. In terms of personal interests, Benny shares that he plays the violin and has a soft spot for the band Megadeth. Key Episode Takeaways: Email marketing is a powerful tool that can enhance the customer journey and improve customer loyalty and conversions. Cold emailing can be an effective strategy for reaching out to potential B2B customers and securing large-scale orders. Email is a reliable and cost-effective channel for communication, making it a valuable asset for businesses. DTC brands should consider exploring the B2B market and leveraging email marketing to tap into new sales opportunities. Email is still widely used and checked regularly by consumers, making it a valuable channel for marketing and communication. Find the right audience for your cold email campaign by targeting individuals in specific affinity groups or mentioning previous clients in the same industry. Ensure good email deliverability by setting up SPF, DMARC, and DKIM records and considering the use of subdomains. Don't over-index on one lead generation channel; consider multiple channels to diversify your sources of leads. Personalize your cold emails by mentioning previous clients or affinity groups to create a warm introduction. In addition to email marketing, explore other lead generation channels such as affiliate programs or text messaging. If you feel Benny and his team at Senders can help you, you may visit: https://www.senders.co  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode, Arlen Robinson interviews Hristo Arakliev, the co-founder and COO of HyperZone, a top-tier Amazon marketing agency. They discuss strategies for DTC brands to be successful on Amazon, including utilizing the subscribe and save feature, focusing on reviews, optimizing listings, and using Amazon PPC. They also touch on the differences between marketing for DTC brands and traditional retail brands on Amazon. Risto emphasizes the importance of having a trusted partner and generating a certain level of revenue before expanding to Amazon. He also advises against using Amazon for CBD products or high-end clothing brands. In this conversation, Hristo Arakliev discusses the challenges and strategies for success on Amazon. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality and functionality of the product, as well as building a unique and Western-oriented brand to stand out from Chinese sellers. Hristo also highlights common mistakes that brands make on Amazon, such as underestimating the platform and neglecting logistics and packaging. He advises D2C brands to approach Amazon from their strengths, whether it's leveraging influencers or building a network of websites for organic SEO traffic. Hristo concludes by discussing the difficulties of opening an Amazon account and the need for better vetting processes. Key Episode Takeaways: Utilize the subscribe and save feature on Amazon to offer discounts and encourage repeat purchases. Focus on generating reviews to build trust and credibility for your brand. Optimize your listings and use Amazon PPC to drive traffic and increase sales. Consider the suitability of Amazon for your brand based on factors such as revenue, product type, and target audience. Focus on the quality and functionality of your product to stand out on Amazon. Build a unique and Western-oriented brand to differentiate yourself from Chinese sellers. Avoid common mistakes on Amazon, such as underestimating the platform and neglecting logistics and packaging. Utilize influencers and organic SEO traffic to drive sales and brand awareness. Be prepared for the challenges of opening an Amazon account and consider working with an agency for assistance. If you feel Hristo and his team at HYPERZON can help you, you may visit: https://hyperzon.io/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Dan Brownshire, the CEO and co-founder of Channel Key, a full-service channel management agency focused on Amazon. They discuss high-level Amazon business strategies and how direct-to-consumer e-commerce brands can leverage Amazon to expand their reach. Dan shares his background in e-commerce and how he got started with Amazon. They also cover topics such as retail readiness, advertising strategies, the importance of brand stores, diagnosing problems with an Amazon business, and the future of Amazon and emerging trends. Key Episode Takeaways: Retail readiness is crucial on Amazon, including filling up the image carousel, using infographics and video content, and having a brand store and eight plus content. Brands should get clarity on which part of the advertising funnel they want to target on Amazon and focus on the right ad types for their goals. Data visibility is important for brands on Amazon, and they should focus on the key performance indicators (KPIs) and data points that matter most to their business. Brand stores on Amazon are becoming more important for telling a brand's story and interacting with customers outside of the platform. Amazon is a unique platform and requires its own strategies, different from other marketplaces like Walmart and eBay. Emerging trends on Amazon include non-endemic DSP, where brands can leverage Amazon's advertising capabilities even if they don't sell physical products on the platform. If you feel Dan Brownsher and his team at Channel Key can help you, you may visit: https://www.channelkey.com/  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, Arlen Robinson interviews Kausambi Manjita, the Chief Product Officer at Mason. They discuss the future of AI in retail and e-commerce and how it can benefit businesses. Kausambi shares her insights on how AI technologies can help e-commerce businesses drive growth, increase personalization, and improve customer experience. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific needs and challenges of a business and finding AI solutions that can address those issues. Kausambi also highlights some interesting AI innovations in the beauty and personal care industry, such as skin tone finders and personalized cart challenges. Key Episode Takeaways: AI technologies can help e-commerce businesses drive growth and increase personalization. Understanding the specific needs and challenges of a business is crucial when implementing AI solutions. AI innovations in the beauty and personal care industry, such as skin tone finders and personalized cart challenges, are improving customer experience. AI can augment and enhance the capabilities of sales teams in brick-and-mortar stores. Small e-commerce businesses should focus on the areas of their funnel that need improvement and evaluate AI solutions that can address those specific needs. If you feel Kausambi and her team at Mason can help you, you may visit: https://www.getmason.io  For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of the e-commerce marketing podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Jesse James Robluski, the marketing super villain, about the importance of differentiation in e-commerce marketing. They discuss the concept of differentiation and how it sets brands apart in crowded market niches. Jesse shares examples of successful differentiation strategies, such as the brand Liquid Death, which differentiated itself by creating a lifestyle brand and targeting a niche audience. They also explore the role of new technologies like AI and machine learning in evolving differentiation strategies. Jesse emphasizes the need for brands to adapt and stay relevant by understanding consumer behaviors and leveraging platforms like social media. Key Episode Takeaways: Differentiation is crucial in e-commerce marketing to set brands apart in crowded market niches. Successful differentiation strategies involve creating a lifestyle brand, targeting a niche audience, and being authentic. New technologies like AI and machine learning can enhance differentiation strategies by enabling more personalized and targeted marketing. Brands need to adapt their differentiation strategies to remain relevant and competitive by understanding consumer behaviors and leveraging platforms like social media. For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

Head over to Leadfeeder.com and sign up for a 14-day (no strings attached) free trial! In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Alex Back, the founder and CEO of Couch.com. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the affiliate marketing space, including the impact of AI, the shift towards first-party data, and the importance of human creativity in campaign strategies. They also explore underutilized tactics such as co-branded partnerships and giveaways. Alex shares his experience as a former actor and singer on cruise ships and offers his contact information for further discussion. Key Episode Takeaways: Affiliate marketing is still a valuable strategy despite the challenges of tracking and privacy-focused advertising. Human creativity is essential in developing effective campaign strategies, while AI can streamline certain marketing tasks. Co-branded partnerships and giveaways are underutilized tactics that can help build first-party data and attract new audiences. The affiliate marketing industry is shifting towards a lower-funnel strategy to capture customers closer to the point of conversion. Email marketing is experiencing a resurgence and can be a cost-effective way to collect first-party data. Alex Back has a background in acting and singing on cruise ships. For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ  Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/   Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

In this enlightening conversation with Arlen Robinson, co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software, we explore the transformative power of affiliate and referral marketing in building a loyal customer base and driving exponential growth. Arlen shares his journey from corporate consulting to the forefront of affiliate marketing technology, providing invaluable insights into leveraging social sharing, promo codes, and email-based retargeting to empower brands and turn customers into passionate advocates.Show Notes:Introduction to Arlen Robinson and OSI Affiliate Software.The potential of referral marketing to transform customers into brand advocates.Arlen's journey from finance to technology and the inception of OSI Affiliate Software.An in-depth look at OSI Affiliate Software's capabilities for e-commerce businesses.Strategies for harnessing the power of social sharing and promo codes for growth.Follow Arlen and learn more about OSI Affiliate Software at www.osiaffiliate.com.Don't miss out on the chance to learn from Arlen at OSI Affiliate Software and explore his insights further at ArlenRobinson.com. Mischa's Stuff!Guest Speak On 50 Podcasts In 100 Days! Join The Influence Army Waitlist HERE!Join The Influence Army Newsletter Here!Email me: contact@belove.mediaFor social Media: FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/MrMischaLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischaz/Subscribe and share with your business associates who could use a listen!

What are the 3 TOP B2B SaaS Marketing Strategies? well, my next guest has a B2B SaaS that helps other SaaS and e-commerce companies grow through affiliate marketing. In this episode, he talks about how he bootstrapped this company and what marketing strategies have helped him grow his business the fastest. Please welcome, Arlen Robinson. Key Timecodes (00:42) - Show intro and background history (05:03) - Deeper into his background history and business model (13:39) - Understanding his business strategies (19:37) - A bit about marketing and B2B SaaS (26:08) - Deeper into his tactics to stand out in the market (29:43) - A bit about B2C SaaS strategies (35:12) - Understanding his affiliate marketing model (38:00) - Deeper into his numbers and market philosophy (23:46) - A key B2B SaaS marketing takeaway from the guest (44:20) - Guest contacts Payback Time Podcast A Podcast on Financial Independence. Hosted by Sean Tepper. If you want to learn how to escape the rat race, create passive income, or achieve financial freedom, you've come to the right place. Want to start investing in the stock market with confidence?

Ready to supercharge your business with affiliate marketing? Join us for an exciting episode as we welcome Arlen Robinson, co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software, to unlock the secrets of driving more traffic and sales through powerful affiliate programs.Our special guest, Arlen Robinson, is a seasoned business owner and affiliate marketing expert. With over 20 years of experience managing OSI Affiliate Software, Arlen is a trusted source of information for business owners and marketers looking to optimize their affiliate and customer referral programs.Discover the strategies behind successful affiliate marketing! In this episode, Arlen Robinson shares his insights on selecting the right affiliate marketing software and seamlessly integrating it into your existing marketing stack. Learn actionable steps to start or improve your affiliate program, drive growth, and unlock the potential of affiliate marketing for your business.To explore OSI Affiliate Software and access a 20% discount on all plans, visit https://www.osiaffiliate.com. Connect with Arlen Robinson at arobinson@osiaffiliate.com for personalized assistance and expert guidance.For more Amazon Seller tips, subscribe to Post Purchase PRO Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you have ever wondered how to get started with Affiliates and Influencer marketing but didn't know where to start - then this episode is for you. I sat down with Arlen Robinson the founder of OSI Affiliate Software who has been in the biz for over 20 years - he's definitely the OG of Affiliate marketing. We cover: *What is the difference between an affiliate and an influencer*The best types of affiliates and influencers to work with and exactly where to find them*How and why you need a customer referral programmeLinks Mentioned: ArlenRobinson.com https://www.osiaffiliate.com/

Welcome to Unmiss podcast, where we discuss how to grow your business in affiliate and influence marketing. Today, our guest is Arlen Robinson, a well-known expert in this field. In this podcast, Arlen provides invaluable tips and trends about growing a podcast in affiliate and influence marketing. Here are some of the highlights: Understand the…

In this week's episode of the eCom Ops Podcast, Norbert Strappler is joined by Arlen Robinson, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Omnistar Interactive. They discuss affiliate marketing programs, referral programs, and digital marketing practices for best eCom results.

"It's always really more effective when a referral comes through from someone that they know and they trust. And so, people that you know they trust and kind of fall into the categories of an affiliate or influencer.". - Arlen Robinson, COO & Co-Founder at OSI Affiliate This podcast covers: What is an affiliate for business? What is an influencer for business? What is a business referral? What does it mean to be an affiliate marketer/influencer marketer to drive business? At what stage can a business owner begin affiliate, influencer, and referral marketing? What is the difference between affiliate marketing and referral marketing? How do you price an affiliate program? How do I collaborate with influencers for my business? What tools & processes does a business have to have in place when they are putting up an influencer + affiliate marketing? Read the full article and watch the full video here: https://bit.ly/3MtBIue Envision the new reality for your business. Get a Double Your Business strategy session now: https://bit.ly/3wm4Xts Here are some links to important info about MOD

In this episode of the eCom Ops Podcast, Norbert Strappler is joined by Arlen Robinson, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Omnistar Interactive (OSI) Affiliate Software. They discuss the differences between affiliate and referral programs, what it takes to build a successful affiliate program, how to manage influencers for your eCom efficiently.

The path to creating a SaaS business isn't easy. You simply can't come up with an idea, build a web platform, find a few customers, and you're off a running. Finding product-market and retaining ongoing subscribers are the hardest aspects of this business model. Fortunately, my next guest has been growing a SaaS for over 15 years. He's discovered what works and doesn't work and he shares those tips within this episode. Please welcome Arlen Robinson.

The Easy Button for Affiliate Programs Arlen Robinson, OSI Affiliate Software   – The Sharkpreneur podcast with Seth Greene Episode 747 Arlen Robinson Arlen Robinson is a seasoned business owner and co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software which gives businesses the opportunity to set up and manage their own affiliate and customer referral programs.  With over 20 years of experience managing and running various aspects of the company, Arlen has a wealth of information that he shares with business owners and marketers on a daily basis. His current responsibilities involve leading all business development activities for the company as well as hosting the weekly podcast known as the Ecommerce Marketing Podcast in which he interviews various marketing experts about successful ecommerce marketing strategies.  Listen to this illuminating Sharkpreneur episode with Arlen Robinson about the easy button for affiliate programs. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: - How pivoting a business can lead it down a more profitable road. - How taking a risk can lead to a big payoff in the end. - How affiliate programs and referral programs are different and what those differences are. - How the OSI Affiliate Software can create your affiliate or referral program. - How OSI Affiliate Software can work with any kind and any size of business.   Connect with Arlen: Guest Contact Info Twitter @askarlen Instagram @arlenyohance Facebook facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7 LinkedIn linkedkin.com/in/arlenrobinson Links Mentioned: arlenrobinson.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The marketing landscape is constantly changing in the E-comm space. That's why it's important to continuously be open to new and creative ways to diversify your traffic.In this episode, COO and Co-Founder of OSI Affiliate, Arlen Robinson talks about utilizing affiliate marketing to increase revenue. He gives us some tips on what kind of programs work and don't work. He also enlightens us on the difference between referral and affiliate programs.Listen up and get a ton of value in this episode.KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEReferral programs are tapping into existing customers to promote your products and they're incentivized with discounts or free products.In an affiliate program, outside people are being tapped to promote your brand to their network and they are typically incentivized with cash like a percentage of the sales or a fixed amount.Don't just sit back and wait after launching your affiliate program. Your program needs to be promoted to reach as many people as possible.Do your own research to find affiliates.When you are looking for influencers to tap, search for hashtags usually used by influencers.Blogger outreach is a great way to find affiliates.A good relationship with your partners will enable you to be exposed to a larger ecosystem of customers.Recommended Podcast:Marketing School Podcasthttps://marketingschool.ioThe Authority Hacker Podcasthttps://podcastaddict.com/podcast/3446983Recommended Book:Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzihttps://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385346654Today's Guest:Arlen Robinson is a seasoned business owner and co-founder of Omnistar Affiliate Software.OSI Affiliate is the leader in providing affiliate software to thousands of companies worldwide. Connect and learn more about Arlen and OSI Affiliate here:Website: https://www.getosi.comhttps://www.arlenrobinson.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/osi-affiliate-software/https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/We love our podcast community and listeners so much that we have decided to offer a free eCommerce Growth Plan for your brand! To learn more and how we can help, click here:https://mindfulmarketing.co/growthplan-applyIf you've been paying attention and your brand is ready to GROW, apply now to be the one new brand we take on this month!https://mindfulmarketing.co/apply

In episode 75 of the Customers Who Click podcast, I sat down with Arlen Robinson to discuss what affiliate marketing is and how it relates to influencer marketing. We also talk about what mistakes hold brands back from their profits, and how brands & affiliates can survive a cookie-free world.

Have you ever thought about creating an affiliate marketing campaign to sell your products or services? Join Jay on today's Black Entrepreneur Blueprint podcast episode # 362 as he talks with the founder of Omnistar Affiliate Software, Arlen Robinson. Arlen shares his amazing entrepreneurial journey about creating a SaaS company and how to grow sales by creating your own affiliate program. Get 20% off by visiting www.GetOSI.com/BEB  

Arlen is the COO and Co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software, and he's been in the affiliate marketing world for over 20 years. PLUS he's the host of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast who have recently gone past 200 episodes. We're talking about how to get started wtih affiliate marketing. including whether to use a network, or your own software, how to grow affiliate sales with influencers and much much more. Get all the links and resources we mention at https://keepoptimising.com/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=episodenotes (KeepOptimising.com) Episode sponsored by https://www.klaviyo.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=masterplan (Klaviyo) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

If you sell a great product, then no doubt you're getting referrals.  Referrals are great, but just waiting for them to happen on their own is NOT a formula for rapid growth.  Referral programs are a proven, but underutilized strategy for growing eCommerce brands. In this episode, I interview Arlen Robinson, referral marketing specialist, podcast host, and co-founder of Affiliate Software. We dig into some powerful points to help you take your referral marketing and affiliate marketing to the next level.  Here's a look at what we cover: What's the difference between referral, affiliate, and influencer marketing and how they each impact your business. To incentivize or not to incentivize?  Understanding the when, why, and how of referral incentives. Creating a viral loop to get customers into your referral program Tools and approaches to make it easy Plus some real-world case studies

Arlen Robinson is a seasoned business owner and co-founder of Omnistar Affiliate Software which gives businesses the opportunity to setup and manage their own affiliate and customer referral programs. With over 20 years of experience managing and running various aspects of the company, Arlen has a wealth of information that he can share. His current responsibilities involve leading all business development activities for the company as well has hosting a Weekly podcast known as the Ecommerce Marketing Podcast in which he interviews various marketing experts about successful ecommerce marketing strategies. Omnistar Affiliate Software Arlen is the Co-founder of Omnistar Affiliate software which is a technology solution that allows businesses to increase sales through word of mouth marketing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/digitalmarketingfastlane/message

On the surface, referral marketing is pretty simple. You simply have your customers or others– known as affiliates– promote your products and when they make a sale, they get a commission. It’s a great way to add some extra cash in your pocket without extra effort.

In this episode you're going to learn how to get started with ecommerce affiliate marketing.You'll discover:- Everything you need to know to launch a successful affiliate program for your ecommerce store- The affiliate marketing "funnel" that consistently brings in new affiliates- How to come up with a win-win commission model- The secret to long-lasting relationships with affiliatesToday's guest Arlen Robinson, co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software, shares all that and more.The Black Friday Email Success ChecklistDon’t leave money on the table this Black Friday and holiday season.Download our 2019 edition “Black Friday Email Success Checklist” to crush your competition and have you best Black Friday ever using email marketing.Click here to download the checklist for free.Click here to download the checklist for free.Links:WavebreakOSIArlen's WebsiteeCommerce BrothersListen on iTunesLearn more about WavebreakThis episode is sponsored by...Klaviyo — Over 10,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart emails and more.Rewind - Automatic Backups — Get peace of mind with daily, automatic Shopify and Klaviyo backups.

Marketing Strategies Revealed in this Episode: What is a content audit How to determine what content is good How you get started with a content audit The steps to doing an audit How often you should do an audit

We’ve talked about influencer marketing and referral marketing. Now, it’s time to talk about affiliate marketing. With all these types of marketing, where does one end and the other begin? They’re all related, but each is a little different. Today, we’re talking to Arlen Robinson, chief operating officer and co-founder of OmniStar Interactive. Arlen describes the differences between types of marketing, how to set up a structured program for affiliate marketing, and how to recruit and create incentives to bring affiliates on board. Some of the highlights of the show include: Affiliate Marketing: People who are outside affiliates, not customers, promote your business, products, and services Referral Marketing: Your customers who refer your business to people they know Influencer Marketing: Someone who has their own audience and following Every business should implement an affiliate or referral program because of stats Due to abundant shopping options being available, consumers get overwhelmed Create an affiliate program by defining reasonable goals and promotional strategies, as well as ways to measure success Find and recruit affiliates via online directories and social media; be competitive and get their attention by offering sizeable incentives - cash is king Other incentives could include offering products, merchandise, and gift cards Affordable solutions are available to internally track and manage sales, payment process, and content influenced by individual affiliates Use a viral loop to create a constant flow into your affiliate and referral programs Links: Omnistar Interactive How To Avoid The Most Costly Mistake In Influencer Marketing With Shane Barker [AMP 115] PayPal Openinfluence Izea What topics and guests should be on AMP? Send your suggestions!    

How does your brand identify influencers and brand advocates? How do you set up programs to work with these valuabe resources? Arlen Robinson of Omnistar discusses affiliate marketing, referall programs, and influencers. He gives us tips on getting programs in place and share trends on where he sees this area growing in 2019.   Thanks to Social Joey and Franchise Dictionary Magazine for supporting Social Geek Radio.          

What's the best way to drive leads for your business via word-of-mouth marketing?     This week on The Inbound Success Podcast, Arlen Robinson of Omnistar Interactive talks about referral and affiliate marketing programs and how to leverage them to drive qualified leads to your business. Some highlights from our discussion include: The main difference between referral and affiliate marketing programs is that a referral program is a program where you're structuring it for your customers to refer people they know and an affiliate program is structured for people that have not used your product or service themselves to promote it to people they don't know in exchange for a commission. The key to a successful referral program is that it is clear and straight forward as far as the offering for customers. It is also important to have a smooth onboarding process for the people participating in your program. Program participants need to be motivated to participate, so it's important to think carefully about the offering. Arlen recommends a 20% commission. The best referral programs make it easy for members to promote the product or service by providing them with canned emails and social media messages. Referral and affiliate marketing programs are most common in the ecommerce industry, but new software platforms are making it easier for B2B businesses to put these types of programs in place. 92 percent of all consumers trust recommendations from their friends or family members - people that they know - as opposed to all other forms of advertising.  64 percent of marketers agree that word-of-mouth marketing is the most effective. Arlen shared that most customers cover the cost of affiliate marketing software within two to three months of implementing a program, making the ROI quite high. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the differences between referral and affiliate marketing, what types of businesses they're right for, and how to use them to drive leads. Transcript Kathleen Booth (Host):Welcome back to the Inbound Success Podcast. I'm Kathleen Booth, and I'm your host. Today, my guest is Arlen Robinson, who is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Omnistar Interactive. Welcome, Arlen. Arlen Robinson (Arlen): Thank you for having me, Kathleen. It's a pleasure. Arlen and Kathleen recording this episode Kathleen: Yeah. I always like when I have guests that are from my hometown area, even though you don't live in the Annapolis, Maryland, area, I know you lived in the Maryland area for a while. You went to school in D.C., so I feel like I'm with my hometown guy. Arlen: Right, definitely. I know the Maryland/D.C. area well. Those were my stomping grounds for quite a long time, for at least 20 years or so. So I know the ins and outs of DC, the DC Metro area, DC, Maryland, Virginia for those of the listeners that ... I'm familiar with that. Most people in the area refer it as a DMV. Kathleen: Yep. And now you've fled to warmer climates in Florida. I'm super jealous because as we're recording this it's just after Thanksgiving and it's cold up here. So it's a good time to be a Florida guy. Arlen: Definitely, yeah. That was one of the main motivating factors for myself and my business partner relocating here to the Orlando area. It's really the weather. I grew up in the Chicago area. Between that and coming to DC, Maryland, enough is enough. Kathleen: Yeah, I grew up in New Hampshire, so I can relate. I was like, "I need to move south because this is too much for me" when I was up there. Weather aside, I've got so much I want to chat with you about. About Omnistar Interactive Kathleen: Before we get into it, can you tell my listeners a little bit more about Omnistar Interactive and what you guys do? Arlen: Sure. Not a problem, Kathleen. I'll give you the quick and dirty of my background and Omnistar. First of all, Omnistar Interactive is our company. We have, right now, two software solutions. Software as a service solutions. Our main solution is our Omnistar affiliate software. But before I get into that, we started off almost 20 years ago now, actually, as a full service web development firm, providing custom web based applications, custom web sites for a variety of different firms and different industries, different niches. That time, early 2000 and right at 2000, was really the boom where there was so many internet start ups left and right looking to get a website out, looking to get a web application out, so we really took advantage of that for several years developing a number of niche websites and custom web based applications. Several years into starting the company, we decided to take a step back, because, I'm not sure if you're familiar with the whole life cycle development projects of when you're developing a website and then a web based application, it's a lot of work and it's a lot of interaction, a lot of back and forth that you have to have with the customers, and at that time it was really early in the days of the internet and a lot of businesses didn't really understand what it took to put these types of web applications together and were trying to nickel and dime us around every corner. So we took a step back and said, "okay there is some core functionality that it seems like a lot of businesses could use", so we decided to just create our own suite of solutions. The Omnistar Affiliate software was one of them. We actually had about eight different web based applications during the early 2000's and as time went on, we really just looked at the data and we just said, "the Omnistar Affiliate software's the one that really took off" and with having all those other solutions, we were really almost running ourselves a little thin trying to maintain all of those products, so we decided to phase out the other solutions and really go full force with the Omnistar Affiliate software. Which is -  Kathleen: Yeah, I was gonna say, can you talk a little bit more about exactly what that software does and who it's for? Arlen: Sure. The Omnistar Affiliate software is an affiliate referral platform that allows any business to really leverage word of mouth marketing. Typically, the way that the software works is businesses would use our technology, or our software to provide their customers with a unique link that the customer or an affiliate can use to promote the business across various channels, whether it's email, whether it's social media, and then when that customer or the affiliate sends a successful sale or conversion, our technology tracks and rewards that particular customer or affiliate. That's pretty much what it does in a nutshell. Our client customer base is primarily e-commerce businesses, businesses selling a product or service online, however, we also have some brick and mortar shops. We've recently integrated and developed some features to the software that are clickable for service based businesses, such as plumbers, roofers and that type of thing. Kathleen: Oh, that's neat. Yeah, one of the reasons I was really interested to talk with you, is that I haven't really spoken with anyone in depth about affiliate or referral marketing in this podcast. Which, when I started thinking about it, it was kind of surprising to me because what I'm focused on is inbound marketing, which is naturally attracting the right customers as opposed to going out and spamming them and trying to get in front of them. One of the best ways to naturally attract the right customers is word of mouth. It's obviously one of the most powerful. So it was interesting to me that, really nobody I've spoken to, to date, has incorporated any kind of formal affiliate or referral program into their marketing strategy. So, that's what really made me interested in chatting with you. I know that you use your platform for your own marketing. Obviously, you've got lots of customers that use it. I'd love to just start by asking you to tell me a little bit more about what makes a successful affiliate or referral program? What are some of the foundational building blocks that need to be in place for this to work for somebody? Referral v. Affiliate Programs: What Is The Difference? Arlen: Okay, gotcha. That's a very question. There are some key things that do need to be in place for a business to have a successful referral or affiliate program. But before I get into that, a common question that many businesses ask, or so many people ask us is, what's the difference between and affiliate program versus a referral program.  Kathleen: I didn't even think to ask you that and that's a good point, because I keep saying referral or affiliate, as though they're synonyms. Arlen: Right, many people use them interchangeably but they're really two different things. But it's quite simple. The main difference is a referral program is a program where you're structuring it for your customers, people that have purchased your product or services, to refer typically people they know, friends of family or colleagues. An affiliate program is where you've got it structured where you're reaching out to affiliates who are people that have not used your product or service themselves and are gonna be promoting it to people they don't know for commission. In both cases, of course, there's gonna be a commission involved and they are incentivized for doing that. That's really the main difference. That's probably the easiest, I guess you'd say, definition between the two of them. Kathleen: And does your platform support both or is it one particular? Arlen: It does. It does support both and the majority of our customers that use our technology, they use it for typically both reasons. Usually, the customers are really the starting point, but we do have customers that immediately approach us and they already have affiliate relationships in place and they're just looking for a more efficient way to track referrals. How To Build An Effective Referral Marketing Program Kathleen: Well, let's start with referral programs then, because I feel like, from an inbound marketing stand point, referrals are so inboundy. What I mean by that is, you're taking somebody who's already said yes to you for their own reasons, and if they're happy, asking them to spread the word and making it easier for them to do so. Which is really at the heart of what inbound marketing is all about. So, let's talk about that first. What are the building blocks to making a successful referral program? Arlen: Well, first of all, the main building blocks to making a successful referral program, number one, is your program has to be clear and really straight forward as far as your offering for your customers. And the process for them to get on board to become a referral partner has got to be smooth. There's so many times where I've seen examples of other programs where, and I'm an affiliate or referral partner for other companies, and I've gone through a lot of hoops just to be able to refer a company's products or services. So number one, you want to make sure the onboarding process is streamlined. So no matter what technology you decide to use, or if you decide to create your own in house referral program, you want in house referral technology with your own developers, that's the first thing you need to keep in mind is that, make sure it's streamlined. And there's a number of ways to do that. Many technologies or many referral programs, they'll offer a sign up component to it where you can engage your customers at some point, either from your website directly, or even some point in the actual order fulfillment process. So even maybe sometime down the line when they've gotten their product, they've gotten their service, they're satisfied and you think they would be primed to be referral partners. You want to make it very clear, or easy for them to do that, whether it's an email exchange or whether somewhere in the interface that you provide them access to just easily signing up, or if it's just opting in. So that's number one, making it easy to onboard. Secondly, you want to also have an attractive offering. You know, for number two, people aren't going to get excited about your products and services unless it's going to be worth their while. Because these days, I think more than ever, people's attention is scattered. People are ... there's so many things coming at people, no matter what career you're in, no matter what you're doing, just living life in general these days, we've got a million and one distractions coming at us. So unless you've gotten an offering that is going to be worth somebody's while as far as the commission is concerned, they're not even going to think about it, so you want to make sure you spend the time and figure out what really can I afford to give away to these referral partners? These customers that are going to refer their friends and family. Whether it's a percentage of an order total, whether it's a gift item, whether it's a fixed amount, you really have to spend a lot of time figuring out what you can do. A lot of businesses that we work with to set up referral programs, do something where they would maybe start off at a certain point, where they would start off all their customers earning a certain percentage. Maybe 10, 20 percent, and then over time analyze the data and as they are more successful, put somebody to a different tier, so to speak, where they can maybe earn 30 percent and onward. Kathleen: I was going to ask you, what is meaningful? Is there a dollar amount threshold, or is there a thing? In your experience, can you give me some examples of what a meaningful reward is that would get somebody to take action in this regard? Arlen: Yeah, standard, what I usually see is businesses start at 10 or 15%. And that's kind of basic. I would say to really excite someone, 20 and up is really going to be something that's going to stand out from some of the other competitors. Because like I said, between 10 and 15 is kind of the default, what people start with. So when an affiliate or your customer sees that, they could just glaze over that, but if you're talking 20, 25% initially, or even greater than that, I think that is a good starting point that's going to catch people's eye. Kathleen: And does that pre-suppose a certain transaction value? Because obviously if you're selling a, I don't know, a 10 dollar thing, 20% of 10 dollars is a whole different ball game than 20% of 500 dollars. So is there a certain transaction value threshold? Arlen: That's a good question because there's businesses out there, of course, that are selling low value products, low dollar amount products, and then the high dollar amount products. So it's really going to be up to the individual business owner. Then that is a consideration if your maximum price for product is, like you said, 10 dollars, then you got to think about, "Okay, 10% commission of that may not be worth someone's while." So you got to really look really hard at what you can afford to give away. Then of course if you're talking the higher dollar amount products, maybe 100 dollars and up, then 10% commission may not be too bad. So that definitely is a consideration. And there's things in place that you can put in place as far as the technologies that you're using that can set up so that it's kind of a sliding scale based on the products that are purchased - Kathleen: Now what about if you're incentivizing something that doesn't have a dollar value? So for example, I'm thinking about, I subscribe to newsletters, for example, The Skimm, which is very popular with women. And they have an ambassador program where you get a referral link and for every X number of people that sign up using your link, you might get something. And in their case, it might be swag. Are there other models like that where you're giving away things and maybe not money? Arlen: Yeah, there definitely are models like that. And I've dealt with a lot of different customers of our that are in the organic food space actually. And this is something, I don't know if it's something that's customary in that space that are selling organic super foods and a variety of different, kind of niche products that they have a distinctive presence online. What I've seen with those type of companies is, I believe their affiliates, a lot of their affiliates or referral partners are customers of theirs. And what incentivizes them is free product, and that's something that I definitely see. So it's going to be kind of on a case-by-case basis. You kind of have to understand the people that you're getting into "refer you" business, and what's going to excite them, and what do they want. The only way to do that is really to just ask questions. So you want to really establish a solid relationship with people that are going to referring you business because you could just be guessing. You could be pulling incentives out of a hat and just kind of guessing as to what's going to excite someone, but 30%, even though that may sound good on a commission, that may not excite one of your affiliates. Maybe they do want products, or maybe they would rather have a gift item, or something else. So you want to ask questions, you want to really kind of form a relationship with them and just create a dialogue and figure out what do they want. Kathleen: Makes sense. Now, you mentioned, first thing was, make it easy to sign up. Second thing was, make it worth their while. Any other key elements required? Arlen: Definitely. You want to also make it easy for these referral partners or these affiliates to promote across a variety of different channels. The thing you want to keep in mind is, you don't want to have, to have them thinking about what they have to do. So whether you're going to give them the ability to promote across via email, you don't want them to have to type up email messages. Go ahead and just create the copy for them, and there's solutions that will allow you to store canned messages for these affiliates so they can either cut and paste, or they can even send through the interface. So you want to go ahead and create canned messages for email. And you also want to, of course, think about the social media promotions. Referral tools these days have a lot of integrations with the Facebooks, the Twitters, and the LinkedIn. So, you can even create custom posts for your affiliates to be able to easily do, or easily post across their timeline. So they don't have to think about, "Okay, what graphic am I going to share? What promotion am I going to do?" You just want them to be able to get in there, get out, promote to their audience and to their network, and then just kind of sit back and earn commissions. So you really want to take the pain away from them. So I would say that's the third most important thing is, make sure you have as many promotional options as possible. And then again, it also goes back to understanding who these affiliates and referral partners are, because you could have some that are, maybe they're bloggers, and maybe they do a ton of blogging, and they want maybe a graphic or some type of banner for their blog or their site. So those are things that you can provide to them and keep that in mind. Boosting Member Engagement in Referral Marketing Programs Kathleen: Now, let's assume you've got all these things. You've got the easy method of signing up, you've got good incentives, and you've got almost like you're doing the work for them in terms of spoon feeding them what they need in order to be successful as a partner. I imagine anything else, there's still that element of you need to keep yourself top of mind and remind them that you're there, and remind them to go in and do what's needed in order for them to take full advantage of the program. Can you talk a little bit more about that? Arlen: Yes, yeah what you're talking about there is really just your engagement and the relationship that you're going to be creating with these, the affiliates and referral partners. And that can be done ... These days, there's a ton of tools out there that would allow you to create a relationship with them. So what you want to do is make sure that on an ongoing basis, you let them know. Maybe you've got some discounts that you have going on in your company and you want to blast that out. Maybe, we just passed Black Friday, maybe you had a super Black Friday special. You want to let these affiliates know right away. Any time you've got a promotion or something that could excite customers, let them know right away so that they can pass on that information, pass on those discounts. So that can be done, of course, through an email list. These days, like I said, there's tons of email solutions that you can use that you can send out auto response emails where you can touch base with these affiliates on a frequent basis. Not only can you tell them and let them know about the discount and promotions that you have, but you can also let them know about anything new that you've got as far as promotional tools and promotional technology. So let's say you come up with a special graphic or something new for Facebook or Twitter. You want to let them know that any reason to reach out to them and let them know that you've got something new, you definitely want to do that because you want them to stay engaged. And you don't want them to forget about you. That's the main thing. As I mentioned earlier, everybody is split doing a million things. So you've got to remind them, because maybe they just forgot they're an affiliate. Maybe they're saying, "Okay, that's right, I forgot. I can get on the ball. I've got some friends that could utilize this product or service." What Types of Businesses Is Referral Marketing Right For? Kathleen: Now, when we first started talking, you mentioned that this is a great solution for, in particular, e-commerce companies, as well as some home service companies. Arlen: Yes. Kathleen: Have you seen any really great use cases with more traditional B2B firms, especially like service, regular B2B services? I'm curious. Obviously that's sort of what we are as a company, so I speak from a standpoint of selfishness and wanting to know, but yeah. Anything in that area? Arlen: Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot out there, which is actually what spawned our company to create features for service-based businesses, because you mentioned e-commerce. Tracking an e-commerce transaction is pretty straightforward in the world of affiliate marketing. In most cases, most affiliate marketing solutions just require a snippet of code that you would just need to add on an order confirmation page. And that's usually it, and that's pretty much standard across the board. A snippet of code on the confirmation page. There's some solutions that also have API's that'll be a little bit more advanced that you can use to kind of tie things together and track preferred sales from the affiliates. So, that's really what's standard. So with e-commerce shopping carts, that's easy to do, but for service-based businesses, like I said like your company or a regular service company, let's say like a roofing company or a plumbing company. They truly do thrive on referrals, and word of mouth, because let's say you get your roof done and the roofer does a great job, your friends, your neighbors are obviously going to see that you just a new roof. So of course they're going to ask you, "Okay, who did your roof? How much did you pay?" So those types of service-based businesses lend well to referral marketing, but the problem is, the transaction isn't online. You don't go to a roofing company's website and put in an entire 20,000 dollar roof into a shopping car and checkout. It just doesn't work like that. They typically work on, and as your business does as well with your marketing service, is you typically work on a lead basis where you get leads. And you got to try to convert those leads. Those leads would typically come through to the business either via phone or via some type of online form. So the referral system has to have some way of either tracking maybe a unique promotional code, or via somebody filling out the form. Those are actually features that we just integrated probably about three months ago into our software where we've got the ability and we give businesses the ability to have a customized form that has a unique referral code on it so that when somebody calls in, they just refer to that code and you'll be able to know who referred them, as well as an online info form. But unfortunately from just kind of what I've heard from talking to other businesses that were looking for this, there's not a lot of solutions out there like that specifically for service-based businesses because of the ways that you have to track that. That's really one of the main reasons there's not a lot out there like that. Kathleen: Yeah, it's all about being trackable isn't it? Arlen: Yup, exactly, exactly. What Kind of Results Can You Expect From Referral Marketing? Kathleen: Now, speaking of tracking, I'm really curious to hear what kinds of results can come from strategies like this. So you've obviously done this for yourself, you've got lots of companies on your platform that are doing it. What are typical results, or what sort of ROI could a company expect to see from something like this? Arlen: Well, yeah. That's a really good question, and it's hard to give a specific answer 'cause it really is gonna vary on the type of business. It's gonna vary on the cost of their product or services, and also a lot goes into it as far as the cost that they typically incur to acquire a customer. So you gotta factor all of that in. But as far as statistics are concerned, I think really the numbers do speak for themselves. And so if there's somebody that's really kind of on the fence that's listening, that's not quite sure about referral marketing, the stats really speak for themselves, and really what ... These days the stats say that 92 percent of all consumers trust recommendations from their friends or family members, people that they know, opposed to all other forms of advertising. So, it's really not going anywhere. There's also some other stats that marketers will vouch for, word-of-mouth marketing. 64 percent of most marketers really agree that word-of-mouth marketing is the most effective. And I think the reason for that is because, in this kind of scattered space that we're in right now with all of these options that are available for people online and in retail, people don't really know where to go if they're trying to purchase something. People don't want to make a wrong decision. They don't want to waste money. So if they've got a referral from a friend that really has done the due diligence, it really speaks volumes. But to go back and answer your question as far as typical ROI, I would just say roughly if a business implements a referral program, you've got to keep in mind that typically you're not paying these affiliates any upfront fee. You just paying a percentage commission for a referred transaction, whether it's a dollar amount, whether it's a percentage of their order total. So I would just say roughly if a company is aggressive enough, the ROI is really ... I could say, based on what they're spending on whatever referral solution that they are getting, and we've had some stats from some past customers actually, we've done some different case studies. But a typical ROI depending on the price point, the price point let's just say for an affiliate software solution, you're going to pay anywhere from $50 to $100, $200 a month on a low end. It can of course go higher that that. Depending on the price point of your products, you can safely say that once you're launching it, if you expose it to your customers and affiliates at the same time, you can expect to cover the cost of the software, I would say on average, within two to three months. Cover the annual fee of whatever software that you're paying if you stick by the initial strategies that I mentioned, and you're aggressive enough to get enough exposure to it. Kathleen: Great. And what impact has your own referral or affiliate marketing had on your business? Arlen: Well, it's definitely had a tremendous impact 'cause we definitely eat our own dog food, we use the software, and we've been using it internally for quite a long time. One of the things that it's helped us do is isolate and form a longer-term relationships with companies such as web developers and other agencies that actually have a pool of customers. And so, it's really helped us in that respect because prior to us utilizing our own affiliate program and prior to us launching an affiliate program for our services, it's a little bit harder to engage these types of agencies because the main thing that they're looking for is they're looking for some type of return. If you've got value that you're providing them, they see that, but they're going to need some incentive to be able to promote it across the board, or kind of package it, if you will, to their customers. So in that respect, it's really helped us form relationships more than anything because we've got the affiliate program, and that's one of the peak things that these sellers and these agencies are looking for, to get some type of return. Kathleen: Got it. Well, so interesting and I think it sounds like, based on the entry price point for platforms like yours, that it's definitely something worth experimenting with if you're in a certain industry. Kathleen's Two Questions Kathleen: Now shifting gears for a second, there's always two questions that I ask all of my guests, and I'm curious to hear your answers. You talked earlier about what the spirit is of inbound marketing and how word of mouth fits so much into it. Company or individual, who do you think is doing inbound marketing really well right now? Arlen: Yeah. Inbound marketing is ... That term was actually coined by HubSpot a while ago, and it's something that really makes sense, especially in these days, but I would say a company that has done really well in inbound marketing would be Airbnb. That would be one of the top ones in my opinion, and I'll give you the reason why I would say Airbnb. First of all, they do an excellent job any time you, let's say create a profile on their site, you may be, let's say, I'm here in Orlando. I create a profile and I'm looking for some resort locations in the Orlando area. I start looking, and like anything, it's a process. I may not find anything immediately. So I start looking for resorts in Orlando. And what they've done is, within their site and technology, and many companies do that, is they drop I guess you could say a cookie or a bot on your browser that is going to be able to analyze your search history. So even though, let's say, I was at their site, I was looking at Orlando, maybe next week I'm like, yeah, I'm thinking this summer I want to go to Jamaica. So I might start looking for Airbnbs in Jamaica. They are very good at actually analyzing the search history, and then following up on the search history via email. So a day later, I may receive an email with a list of the top Airbnb spots in my price range for Jamaica. And so that's some powerful stuff. That's not a hard sell that they're doing, but they're providing me with that information based on my search history, and that's, I think, an excellent example of inbound marketing, you know, providing that value. Kathleen: Yeah. It's funny. You're the second person I've interviewed who's mentioned Airbnb for that exact reason- Arlen: Wow. Kathleen: ... because they almost like do your work for you as a customer. Arlen: Definitely. Kathleen: So fascinating. Well, the second question is the world of digital marketing is changing so quickly and staying on top of all of the changes can be tough. How do you personally stay educated and up-to-date on everything happening? Arlen: Okay. Got it. Good question, and I'll give you three things. One thing that I'm pretty religious about listening to is another podcast, actually. It is called Marketing School. It is a podcast from Neil Patel and Eric Siu. For those people that aren't familiar with them, they are some top SEO experts. Neil Patel has been around for a while. He started his own agency. He worked for different companies for a while. But they put out a short daily podcast that's five minutes where they give some really solid bite-size information, all things marketing. And I listen to that religiously when I take walks, and when I'm stepping away from my desk I turn that on, and I get a lot of good things. And they really keep me up to date.  Kathleen: And Eric Siu was actually a guest on this podcast. Arlen: Oh was he? Okay. Kathleen: He was my first guest of 2018. Arlen: Oh wow. Kathleen: So if you go back to the first episode of this year, you'll find Eric Siu making his predictions for marketing in 2018. If you want to see if they came true. Arlen: Gotcha. I'm definitely check that out. Yeah, he's a great guy. He knows a lot, him and Neil Patel. So they have a great podcast, and then I'll also take a look at Neil Patel's blog. His blog, very thoughtful blog. He puts a lot into his posts. He used to post a lot more but he's kind of pulled back and focused more on the quality of the content, and yeah. I take a look at that. So those are two things. And then finally, guests that I have on my own podcast which is the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, which is my weekly podcast. I learn a lot from all my guests, and so that is another way that I stay up to date on all things marketing, specifically eCommerce marketing. Kathleen: That's great. Well I am with you 100 percent on the podcast guests thing because that is how I stay up to date. I just book people that I think I can learn from, and soak it all in, so it's a brilliant strategy if I do say so myself. Arlen: For sure. Get In Touch With Arlen Kathleen: Great. Well, if somebody wants to learn more about referral or affiliate marketing, or they want to get in touch with you, what's the best way for them to find you online? Arlen: Sure. Yeah. They can actually reach me online at a number of different ways. For number one, to get more information about our solution that I mentioned throughout this recording, the easiest link to go to our main site is just getosi.com. That's G-E-T-O-S-I.com and that'll take them, listeners, to our site. And if they want to engage with me, they can just find me on pretty much all the social networks, Arlen Robinson. I'm on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I'd be glad to help anybody listening on their journey to referral marketing. You Know What's Next... Kathleen: Great. Well, thank you so much, Arlen. It's been interesting. I've learned a lot. I'm sure my listeners have learned a lot, and I would love to ... If anyone is listening and has an affiliate or referral program that is doing well for them, I'd love to hear about it, so you can Tweet me at WorkMommyWork. That's also where you can tell me if there's somebody else I should be interviewing who is doing kick-ass in non-marketing work. And if you've listened to this and you found it valuable, you know what to do. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or the platform of your choice. It helps a lot, and we appreciate it. Kathleen: Thank you. Thanks, Arlen. Arlen: Thank you, Kathleen.

Marketing Strategies Revealed in this Episode: Creating a responsive site Updating graphics and fonts Analyzing on different devices Optimizing layout and design

In this episode, you'll hear about some of the best ways find brand advocates because your affiliate program (or customer referral program) is only as good as its advocates! Arlen Robinson is a seasoned business owner and co-founder of OSI Affiliate Software which gives businesses the opportunity to setup and manage their own affiliate and customer referral programs. He should know, he's been doing it for 20 years. Arlen also hosts the weekly Ecommerce Marketing Podcast in which he interviews marketing experts (such as yours truly) about successful ecommerce marketing strategies. Together, we lay out a strategy for identifying your brand advocates, and reaching out to them. You'll Learn Who are the top brand advocates today? When looking for high profile brand advocates, should they have a minimum number of followers? What are the best ways to reach out to influencers? Tune in for more details! Resources 15-day Free trial of Omnistar Referral Software Ecommerce Marketing Podcast Izea Traackr OpenInfluence Share your thoughts Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group Share this show on Twitter Never miss an episode Subscribe on iTunes Join Kurt's newsletter Help the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings & reviews help, and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes What's Kurt up to? See our recent work at Ethercycle Take a ride with Kurt on YouTube Grow Your Store in 2018 Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store. Prefer to DIY? Read a free sample chapter of Kurt's book Ecommerce Bootcamp, absolutely free. Tell me where to send your sample at ecommerce-bootcamp.com Learn Shopify Plus got that regular Shopify doesn't?”