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In a world where anyone can list a website for sale, Empire Flippers accepts only 5% of submissions. Why?Because their marketplace has become the gold standard for serious buyers.Every listing undergoes rigorous verification through APIs, financial checks, and seller background screening.In this interview, CEO Andy Allaway shares what's really happening in today's market.And what separates million-dollar website listings from the rest, including a rare look at a 20-year-old news site generating $60K monthly that passed their strict vetting process.Plus, Andy answers the big question: Is it still worth buying or selling online businesses in 2025?Whether you're looking to buy your first website or sell your 7-figure e-com brand, this interview is packed with value.Listen now to get the inside scoop on what's really happening in the online business marketplace in 2025.Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyallaway/Want To Learn How To Buy Websites for Income and Financial Independence?You don't need tech skills or prior experience—just the right strategy. Learn how complete beginners are buying profitable online businesses (without the risk of getting scammed or overpaying): https://www.ebusinessinstitute.com.au/dip
In this special episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause sits down with Michael Frew, M&A advisor at WebStreet (formerly Empire Flippers Capital), to answer those exact questions—and more. Michael’s journey is a masterclass in strategic growth: from buying his first Amazon affiliate site to managing a multi-eight-figure portfolio of digital businesses across SaaS, e-commerce, content, and ad-based models. With a background in business, economics, and over 20 years in software development, Michael brings a rare blend of technical and financial insight into what makes a great acquisition—and what to avoid at all costs. In this episode, you will learn: How do you assess your budget and decide the right entry point for buying a business? Why can some deal structures kill a deal, and what works better? What did Michael’s multiple acquisitions teach him about risk, leverage, and operational focus? The evolving role of AI in online business—and whether it’s a threat, an opportunity, or both. Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this episode is essential for first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Now, let’s dive in! Episode Highlights 05:00 What Does It Mean to Buy an Online Business? 08:25 Challenges Faced When Buying Your First Online Business 14:50 Financing Your First Business Purchase 21:00 Lessons Learned from Multiple Acquisitions 27:30 Systems and Automation for Business Growth 32:40 Adding Value After Acquisition 38:00 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Business Acquisition Key Takeaways ➥ Buying an online business offers a shortcut to entrepreneurship with established revenue streams and growth potential. ➥ Conducting thorough due diligence and evaluating financials are critical to making a successful online business acquisition. ➥ Acquiring multiple businesses diversifies risk and increases cash flow by expanding your revenue sources. ➥ Learning from multiple acquisitions helps streamline processes, identify successful strategies, and integrate businesses efficiently. ➥ Effective delegation and building a strong team are key to managing multiple businesses successfully. About Michael Frew Michael Frew is the M&A advisor for Webstreet which was formerly Empire Flippers Capital. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong & The Netherlands, as well as several post-graduate information security certifications.Having been a successful software developer and consultant for two decades, he pivoted to collaborating with other developers on small side projects to help them gain traction and grow their bootstrapped businesses. This led to a deep dive into the niche world of digital business M&A. What started with the acquisition of a small Amazon Affiliate site led to managing an eight-figure portfolio of e-commerce, SaaS, content, and advertising businesses a decade later. Michael's business acquisition insights have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. Connect with Michael Frew ➥ https://www.michaelfrew.com ➥ https://content.devdrivenacquisitions.com Resource Links ➥ Connect with Jaryd Krause - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Cloud Ways (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/40tjyjG ➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM ➥ Market Muse (Content Marketing Software) - https://bit.ly/3Me39L0
If you've ever had to deal with fake reviews sabotaging your Amazon business, you know how damaging and frustrating it can be. That's why Shane Barker created TraceFuse, an AI-powered platform that helps Amazon sellers detect and remove negative reviews that violate Amazon's policies, without you having to lift a finger. In this episode, Shane joins us to discuss how TraceFuse came to life, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon's rating and review system really works. We dive into how to spot fake reviews, the consequences of letting them slide, and which niches are the biggest targets for fake review attacks. According to Shane, “Reviews are the core of Amazon. They not only affect sales, they also affect your Best Seller ranking and your star rating. We've seen people lose anywhere from 10% to 50% of their sales because they dropped from 4.3 to 4.2 stars. If you're a seller, you need to really focus on reviews. They're the biggest thing you've got going.” Shane also shares some of the most surprising, and occasionally bizarre, fake reviews he's come across, and walks us through the difference between the traditional manual reporting process and the streamlined system TraceFuse offers. If you're an Amazon seller looking to protect your brand, improve your ratings, and fight back against unfair review tactics, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Shane's background and the origins of TraceFuse (02:40) How the rating and review system on Amazon works (07:11) How to identify fake reviews (10:58) The consequences of fake reviews (19:39) The niches that are most targeted by fake review attacks (21:48) The most surprising reviews Shane has seen (27:38) The manual process for reporting fake reviews vs the TraceFuse process (31:36) White hat vs grey hat reputation management (35:55) The RIO Shane has seen for his clients by removing fake reviews (40:32) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter TraceFuse Amazon Review Checker Smart Scout eCom Engine Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to manage fake Amazon reviews!
If you've ever had to deal with fake reviews sabotaging your Amazon business, you know how damaging and frustrating it can be. That's why Shane Barker created TraceFuse, an AI-powered platform that helps Amazon sellers detect and remove negative reviews that violate Amazon's policies, without you having to lift a finger. In this episode, Shane joins us to discuss how TraceFuse came to life, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon's rating and review system really works. We dive into how to spot fake reviews, the consequences of letting them slide, and which niches are the biggest targets for fake review attacks. According to Shane, “Reviews are the core of Amazon. They not only affect sales, they also affect your Best Seller ranking and your star rating. We've seen people lose anywhere from 10% to 50% of their sales because they dropped from 4.3 to 4.2 stars. If you're a seller, you need to really focus on reviews. They're the biggest thing you've got going.” Shane also shares some of the most surprising, and occasionally bizarre, fake reviews he's come across, and walks us through the difference between the traditional manual reporting process and the streamlined system TraceFuse offers. If you're an Amazon seller looking to protect your brand, improve your ratings, and fight back against unfair review tactics, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Shane's background and the origins of TraceFuse (02:40) How the rating and review system on Amazon works (07:11) How to identify fake reviews (10:58) The consequences of fake reviews (19:39) The niches that are most targeted by fake review attacks (21:48) The most surprising reviews Shane has seen (27:38) The manual process for reporting fake reviews vs the TraceFuse process (31:36) White hat vs grey hat reputation management (35:55) The RIO Shane has seen for his clients by removing fake reviews (40:32) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter TraceFuse Amazon Review Checker Smart Scout eCom Engine Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to manage fake Amazon reviews!
Many buyers overlook one of the most valuable yet intangible assets that come with acquiring an online business. This episode features Ross Gerson, founder of DealSlide.com and a former broker at Empire Flippers. With extensive experience on both the buy and sell sides of online business acquisitions, Gerson shares key insights into the most frequent mistakes buyers and sellers make—and how to avoid them. The discussion covers several compelling topics, including Krause’s near-experience as a broker at Empire Flippers, a role Gerson had originally approached him for. Gerson also explains his transition into acquisition advising and consulting, detailing his work with WebStreet and his involvement in acquiring over 15 to 20 content sites. You will gain valuable insights into critical acquisition mistakes, such as the importance of direct communication with sellers, defining clear acquisition criteria, and navigating the transition period after a purchase. The conversation also highlights Deal Slide, Gerson’s marketplace that aggregates listings from over 20 brokers, streamlining the search process for buyers. Packed with expert advice, this episode guides anyone looking to buy or sell an online business, helping them maximize their acquisition strategy while setting themselves up for a successful exit. Let’s get started! Episode Highlights 03:00 Why Ross moved into online business acquisitions? 11:00 Ross learnings from being a broker at Empire Flippers 19:00 Get an extra from the deal! 25:00 Surprises in the seller's side 39:00 Where to find Ross? Key Takeaways ➥ Many buyers enter the market without a clear understanding of what type of business suits them best. Taking the time to assess personal skills, experience, and workload preference is crucial. ➥ New buyers often fear looking inexperienced, but embracing the learning process leads to better decision-making. ➥ Off-market deals are not always better. Broker-listed businesses provide structured deal flow and often undergo vetting, making them less risky. ➥ Some sellers don’t even realize their business can be sold, while others prioritize terms over the highest price. Understanding seller psychology can create win-win deal structures. About The Guest Ross Gerson is the Founder of DealSlide.com, former broker at Empire Flippers for 2.5 years acquisition Advisor to WebStreet for roughly 3 years, bought and sold approximately 15-20 content sites for his portfolio Connect with Ross Gerson ➥ https://dealslide.com/ ➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-gerson-888ba241/ Resource Links ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/ ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause ➥ Site Ground (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3JBEC1u ➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM ➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx
Most entrepreneurs are so busy chasing new opportunities that they overlook the goldmine sitting right inside their own business. That's where eCommerce growth expert Sabir Semerkant comes in. With 25 years of experience and over $1 billion in incremental sales under his belt, Sabir knows exactly where businesses are leaving money on the table. He uses that experience to help other businesses grow through his growth mastermind curse, Growth By Sabir.In this episode, Sabir walks us through the often-overlooked opportunities that can be unlocked through performance optimization. He explains the power of consistency and compound growth, showing how a simple 1% boost in key metrics each day can lead to almost 37x growth over a year. Much of this growth can be accessed from within your business, by using the resources and data already at your disposal. Sabir explains, “You don't see librarians driving Lamborghinis. They have access to all the knowledge in the library, but they're not using it. Many entrepreneurs are the same. They have data all over the place, scattered in Shopify, Google Analytics, Klaviyo, Google ads, Meta ads, etc. But they don't use that data to help them grow their business.” If you're ready to scale smarter, not harder, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. Don't miss it! Topics Discussed in this episode: From computer scientist to eCommerce veteran (02:18) The compounding power of just 1% growth every day (14:48) The importance of performance optimization (19:57) What is a good ROAS for an eCommerce company? (29:38) Direct response marketing is a powerful tool that is often overlooked (36:09) The dangers of offering too many discounts to your customers (44:14) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Growth by Sabir (special offer) GT Metrix Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the power of performance optimization!
Most entrepreneurs are so busy chasing new opportunities that they overlook the goldmine sitting right inside their own business. That's where eCommerce growth expert Sabir Semerkant comes in. With 25 years of experience and over $1 billion in incremental sales under his belt, Sabir knows exactly where businesses are leaving money on the table. He uses that experience to help other businesses grow through his growth mastermind curse, Growth By Sabir.In this episode, Sabir walks us through the often-overlooked opportunities that can be unlocked through performance optimization. He explains the power of consistency and compound growth, showing how a simple 1% boost in key metrics each day can lead to almost 37x growth over a year. Much of this growth can be accessed from within your business, by using the resources and data already at your disposal. Sabir explains, “You don't see librarians driving Lamborghinis. They have access to all the knowledge in the library, but they're not using it. Many entrepreneurs are the same. They have data all over the place, scattered in Shopify, Google Analytics, Klaviyo, Google ads, Meta ads, etc. But they don't use that data to help them grow their business.” If you're ready to scale smarter, not harder, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. Don't miss it! Topics Discussed in this episode: From computer scientist to eCommerce veteran (02:18) The compounding power of just 1% growth every day (14:48) The importance of performance optimization (19:57) What is a good ROAS for an eCommerce company? (29:38) Direct response marketing is a powerful tool that is often overlooked (36:09) The dangers of offering too many discounts to your customers (44:14) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Growth by Sabir (special offer) GT Metrix Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the power of performance optimization!
Many people talk about personal branding like it's the golden ticket to success. But is it really the best way to grow a business? There's no doubt that having a strong personal brand can open doors. It helps you stand out, build trust, and connect with an audience. Entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi have used their personal brands to create massive business opportunities. But here's the catch—when your business revolves around you, scaling becomes a challenge. What happens when you want to step away? Or sell the business? Buyers don't want a business that disappears when the owner does. They want systems, not personalities. In this episode, Greg breaks down the pros and cons of building a personal brand and whether it's worth your time. He also shares alternative strategies, like focusing on building a great product or service first, as well as practical advice on how to balance personal branding with long-term business growth. If you've been wondering whether you need a personal brand to succeed, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Tune in and find out how to do it the right way! Topics Discussed in this episode: Personal brands are not as important as you think (02:00) Personal brands only work if you have an interesting story (04:15) The opportunity cost of personal branding (05:50) The advantages of having a personal brand (09:33) The challenge of selling a business with a personal brand (14:39) The marketing funnel misconception (19:58) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter The Leader Sip Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the pros and cons of personal branding when building a business.
Many people talk about personal branding like it's the golden ticket to success. But is it really the best way to grow a business? There's no doubt that having a strong personal brand can open doors. It helps you stand out, build trust, and connect with an audience. Entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi have used their personal brands to create massive business opportunities. But here's the catch—when your business revolves around you, scaling becomes a challenge. What happens when you want to step away? Or sell the business? Buyers don't want a business that disappears when the owner does. They want systems, not personalities. In this episode, Greg breaks down the pros and cons of building a personal brand and whether it's worth your time. He also shares alternative strategies, like focusing on building a great product or service first, as well as practical advice on how to balance personal branding with long-term business growth. If you've been wondering whether you need a personal brand to succeed, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Tune in and find out how to do it the right way! Topics Discussed in this episode: Personal brands are not as important as you think (02:00) Personal brands only work if you have an interesting story (04:15) The opportunity cost of personal branding (05:50) The advantages of having a personal brand (09:33) The challenge of selling a business with a personal brand (14:39) The marketing funnel misconception (19:58) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter The Leader Sip Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the pros and cons of personal branding when building a business.
Is the AI boom just another bubble waiting to burst, or is it the start of a power wave of business opportunities? Well, that depends on how sustainable AI-driven businesses are in the long run.In this episode, Greg dives into the realities of AI-driven businesses—covering what makes them valuable, the risks buyers should watch out for, and whether AI businesses have long-term staying power. Greg explores how AI is being used in eCommerce, marketing agencies, and SaaS, and why some models succeed while others struggle. With rapid advancements, AI businesses can scale quickly, but they also face challenges like dependence on third-party technology, evolving regulations, and increasing competition.Thinking about selling your AI business? We cover what buyers are actually looking for—like strong recurring revenue and proprietary data. And if you're considering buying an AI business, Greg shares tips on how to spot real opportunities and avoid risky deals. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the AI boom, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smart decisions. Topics Discussed in this episode: The AI business boom & overheating market (01:26) The risk of AI business obsolescence (02:46) The best strategy: build fast & sell fast (05:46) The reality of selling AI businesses (09:16) eCommerce and AI media companies as a safer business model (12:03) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Sit back, and grab a coffee as we discuss the opportunities and pitfalls of the AI boom.
Is the AI boom just another bubble waiting to burst, or is it the start of a power wave of business opportunities? Well, that depends on how sustainable AI-driven businesses are in the long run.In this episode, Greg dives into the realities of AI-driven businesses—covering what makes them valuable, the risks buyers should watch out for, and whether AI businesses have long-term staying power. Greg explores how AI is being used in eCommerce, marketing agencies, and SaaS, and why some models succeed while others struggle. With rapid advancements, AI businesses can scale quickly, but they also face challenges like dependence on third-party technology, evolving regulations, and increasing competition.Thinking about selling your AI business? We cover what buyers are actually looking for—like strong recurring revenue and proprietary data. And if you're considering buying an AI business, Greg shares tips on how to spot real opportunities and avoid risky deals. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the AI boom, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smart decisions. Topics Discussed in this episode: The AI business boom & overheating market (01:26) The risk of AI business obsolescence (02:46) The best strategy: build fast & sell fast (05:46) The reality of selling AI businesses (09:16) eCommerce and AI media companies as a safer business model (12:03) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Sit back, and grab a coffee as we discuss the opportunities and pitfalls of the AI boom.
Great entrepreneurs don't just wait for opportunities, they create them. That's exactly what Tim Swieter did. It all started when Tim was searching for storage containers for his home workshop. He quickly realized that the Systainer market in the U.S. had a major gap. Instead of just moving on, he saw an opportunity. So, he reached out to the international owners of Systainer with a proposition - he wanted to become their U.S. distributor. Fast-forward a few years, and what started as a side hustle turned into the largest Systainer distribution business in the country. Then came the ultimate full-circle moment: Tim sold the business back to Systainer's owners, walking away with a lucrative payday and a wealth of experience. In this episode, Tim shares the inside story—how he identified an overlooked niche, built brand recognition and trust, and scaled his business. He also opens up about the challenges of selling, the unexpected hurdles he faced, and what it's really like to stay involved as a consultant post-acquisition. According to Tim, “If you're going to consult, you have to set boundaries and clearly outline the scope of your work. You also need to know that you really want to work with that team. If those things don't exist, you either need to really cut back on the consulting or not do it at all.” Whether you're looking to sell your business or searching for inspiration on how to build one, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: From building theme park rollercoasters to running an eCommerce business (02:08) The challenges Tim faced launching and growing his business (10:36) The marketing strategies Tim used to build trust and brand recognition (13:00) Balancing B2B vs B2C customers (20:35) How Tim became the biggest Systainer supplier in the US (23:08) How Tim ended up selling his Systainer business (27:39) Calculating a valuation for the business (32:27) The timeline of the sale - it's always longer than you think (38:17) Tim's new post-acquisition consulting role (40:22) Tim's work in the SaaS world and the opportunities he found in that industry (47:12) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Tim's LinkedIn Systainer.store Swieter.net Pipedream Retool Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how this entrepreneur identified a gap in the market and used it to his advantage!
Great entrepreneurs don't just wait for opportunities, they create them. That's exactly what Tim Swieter did. It all started when Tim was searching for storage containers for his home workshop. He quickly realized that the Systainer market in the U.S. had a major gap. Instead of just moving on, he saw an opportunity. So, he reached out to the international owners of Systainer with a proposition - he wanted to become their U.S. distributor. Fast-forward a few years, and what started as a side hustle turned into the largest Systainer distribution business in the country. Then came the ultimate full-circle moment: Tim sold the business back to Systainer's owners, walking away with a lucrative payday and a wealth of experience. In this episode, Tim shares the inside story—how he identified an overlooked niche, built brand recognition and trust, and scaled his business. He also opens up about the challenges of selling, the unexpected hurdles he faced, and what it's really like to stay involved as a consultant post-acquisition. According to Tim, “If you're going to consult, you have to set boundaries and clearly outline the scope of your work. You also need to know that you really want to work with that team. If those things don't exist, you either need to really cut back on the consulting or not do it at all.” Whether you're looking to sell your business or searching for inspiration on how to build one, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: From building theme park rollercoasters to running an eCommerce business (02:08) The challenges Tim faced launching and growing his business (10:36) The marketing strategies Tim used to build trust and brand recognition (13:00) Balancing B2B vs B2C customers (20:35) How Tim became the biggest Systainer supplier in the US (23:08) How Tim ended up selling his Systainer business (27:39) Calculating a valuation for the business (32:27) The timeline of the sale - it's always longer than you think (38:17) Tim's new post-acquisition consulting role (40:22) Tim's work in the SaaS world and the opportunities he found in that industry (47:12) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Tim's LinkedIn Systainer.store Swieter.net Pipedream Retool Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how this entrepreneur identified a gap in the market and used it to his advantage!
Marketplaces are notoriously hard businesses to run and build. We would know.Running a marketplace means constantly balancing two sides—the buyers and the sellers. If one side struggles, the whole thing falls apart.Chris M. Walker has cracked the code of this delicate dance. As the founder of Legiit, a thriving freelance marketplace for businesses, agencies, and SEOs, he's learned how to make both sides of the equation work in harmony. In this episode, we sit down with Chris to unpack the operational challenges of running a double-sided marketplace. He shares the lessons he's learned, the mistakes he's made, and the strategies that helped Legiit become a trusted platform for freelancers.One of the biggest takeaways? The power of company culture. Scaling a business means founders can't do everything themselves. Chris believes a strong, well-aligned remote team is the key to keeping things running smoothly—even when you're not in the room. He prioritizes culture to make sure his team is not just working but thriving. If you're growing a business, managing a remote team, or thinking about starting your own marketplace, you won't want to miss this conversation. Tune in to the full episode to learn more! Topics Discussed in this episode: Chris's origins story and how he ended up creating Legiit (02:38) Dealing with the double-sided marketplace problem (07:09) How Chris attracts customers to Legiit (09:39) Using courses as a loss-leader product (13:58) Chris breaks down Legiit's marketing funnel (16:03) Chris's experience at the India SEO conference and the power of conferences (21:03) How Chris structures and manages his team (27:52) Chris's advice for managing remote teams (32:09) How freelancers can get clients and how to adjust to a larger client base (36:35) Chris's thoughts on the impact of AI and the future of SEO (44:06) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Legiit Chris's Facebook Chris's YouTube Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to grow a marketplace and build an efficient remote team!
Marketplaces are notoriously hard businesses to run and build. We would know.Running a marketplace means constantly balancing two sides—the buyers and the sellers. If one side struggles, the whole thing falls apart.Chris M. Walker has cracked the code of this delicate dance. As the founder of Legiit, a thriving freelance marketplace for businesses, agencies, and SEOs, he's learned how to make both sides of the equation work in harmony. In this episode, we sit down with Chris to unpack the operational challenges of running a double-sided marketplace. He shares the lessons he's learned, the mistakes he's made, and the strategies that helped Legiit become a trusted platform for freelancers.One of the biggest takeaways? The power of company culture. Scaling a business means founders can't do everything themselves. Chris believes a strong, well-aligned remote team is the key to keeping things running smoothly—even when you're not in the room. He prioritizes culture to make sure his team is not just working but thriving. If you're growing a business, managing a remote team, or thinking about starting your own marketplace, you won't want to miss this conversation. Tune in to the full episode to learn more! Topics Discussed in this episode: Chris's origins story and how he ended up creating Legiit (02:38) Dealing with the double-sided marketplace problem (07:09) How Chris attracts customers to Legiit (09:39) Using courses as a loss-leader product (13:58) Chris breaks down Legiit's marketing funnel (16:03) Chris's experience at the India SEO conference and the power of conferences (21:03) How Chris structures and manages his team (27:52) Chris's advice for managing remote teams (32:09) How freelancers can get clients and how to adjust to a larger client base (36:35) Chris's thoughts on the impact of AI and the future of SEO (44:06) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Legiit Chris's Facebook Chris's YouTube Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to grow a marketplace and build an efficient remote team!
SEO has always been a powerful way to drive online traffic, but with the rise of AI and Google algorithm updates, the game has shifted. So how do SEO agencies combat these new challenges and remain relevant? Steven Schneider, co-founder of TrioSEO, believes the secret is sticking to the fundamentals, and honing in what you're good at. In this episode, Steven shares why he's still a big believer in SEO, how he's adapted his agency to make the most of modern SEO, and how AI has reshaped online traffic. Steven also gives actionable tips on protecting your site from Google algorithm updates, explaining that quality content should be your top priority. He also explains that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. According to Steven, “ Everyone's trying to shave off time in SEO, but that's not how it works. SEO is a game of delayed gratification. The strategy is to build something that will last for years. And if you're thinking in months and weeks, you're already upside down from the get-go.” Whether you're running an SEO agency or looking to boost your site's performance, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies you can start using today. Topics Discussed in this episode: Steven's background and how he ended up in online business (02:05) Narrowing down a target audience for your agency (15:03) Why Steven focused heavily on content through his agency (18:35) How Steven vets his white label partners (20:54) Why communication is key to an agency's success (23:36) Is SEO enough for most companies or is omnichannel the way to go? (32:24) SEO best practices to shield yourself from Google algorithm updates (34:33) How AI is affecting search (38:24) How Steven has incorporated AI as a tool in his business (44:19) How to maintain good quality traffic from Google despite AI (46:27) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Steven's LinkedIn TrioSEO Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to build a modern SEO agency.
SEO has always been a powerful way to drive online traffic, but with the rise of AI and Google algorithm updates, the game has shifted. So how do SEO agencies combat these new challenges and remain relevant? Steven Schneider, co-founder of TrioSEO, believes the secret is sticking to the fundamentals, and honing in what you're good at. In this episode, Steven shares why he's still a big believer in SEO, how he's adapted his agency to make the most of modern SEO, and how AI has reshaped online traffic. Steven also gives actionable tips on protecting your site from Google algorithm updates, explaining that quality content should be your top priority. He also explains that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. According to Steven, “ Everyone's trying to shave off time in SEO, but that's not how it works. SEO is a game of delayed gratification. The strategy is to build something that will last for years. And if you're thinking in months and weeks, you're already upside down from the get-go.” Whether you're running an SEO agency or looking to boost your site's performance, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies you can start using today. Topics Discussed in this episode: Steven's background and how he ended up in online business (02:05) Narrowing down a target audience for your agency (15:03) Why Steven focused heavily on content through his agency (18:35) How Steven vets his white label partners (20:54) Why communication is key to an agency's success (23:36) Is SEO enough for most companies or is omnichannel the way to go? (32:24) SEO best practices to shield yourself from Google algorithm updates (34:33) How AI is affecting search (38:24) How Steven has incorporated AI as a tool in his business (44:19) How to maintain good quality traffic from Google despite AI (46:27) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Steven's LinkedIn TrioSEO Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to build a modern SEO agency.
Bringing a new product to market is no small feat. But launching a disruptive product that has the potential to transform an industry? That's a whole different ball game.That's exactly what David Bean set out to do with Nira, his business that develops innovative at-home skincare lasers to fight aging. In this episode, David shares the highs and lows of launching and scaling his unusual business—how he navigated the uphill battle of finding early-stage funding, tackled the challenges of marketing something brand-new, and built brand recognition for a never-before-seen product. David also shares practical advice on what to look for in an investor, how to prepare your business for investors, and how to remain relevant in the rapidly changing online business environment. According to David, “The online business industry is changing so much. The best way to take advantage of great opportunities is to be nimble. To be agile and to adjust. You've got to constantly be educating yourself. If you can do that, then you'll do really well.” If you're thinking about launching a business of your own, this episode is packed with stories, tips, and advice to help you take that first step. Topics Discussed in this episode: Moving from being an engineer to becoming an eCommerce entrepreneur (02:48) The challenges David had to overcome building his beauty company (14:00) How David launched his business after eight years researching his product (24:22) How changes in Facebook Ad algorithms have affected David's business (30:27) David's advice to entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding (32:16) The characteristics David looks for in an investor (40:09) The big milestones David wants to hit with his business moving forward (46:15) David's advice to entrepreneurs looking to bring disruptive products to market (48:28) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Nira David's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to launch a disruptive business from the ground up!
Bringing a new product to market is no small feat. But launching a disruptive product that has the potential to transform an industry? That's a whole different ball game.That's exactly what David Bean set out to do with Nira, his business that develops innovative at-home skincare lasers to fight aging. In this episode, David shares the highs and lows of launching and scaling his unusual business—how he navigated the uphill battle of finding early-stage funding, tackled the challenges of marketing something brand-new, and built brand recognition for a never-before-seen product. David also shares practical advice on what to look for in an investor, how to prepare your business for investors, and how to remain relevant in the rapidly changing online business environment. According to David, “The online business industry is changing so much. The best way to take advantage of great opportunities is to be nimble. To be agile and to adjust. You've got to constantly be educating yourself. If you can do that, then you'll do really well.” If you're thinking about launching a business of your own, this episode is packed with stories, tips, and advice to help you take that first step. Topics Discussed in this episode: Moving from being an engineer to becoming an eCommerce entrepreneur (02:48) The challenges David had to overcome building his beauty company (14:00) How David launched his business after eight years researching his product (24:22) How changes in Facebook Ad algorithms have affected David's business (30:27) David's advice to entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding (32:16) The characteristics David looks for in an investor (40:09) The big milestones David wants to hit with his business moving forward (46:15) David's advice to entrepreneurs looking to bring disruptive products to market (48:28) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Nira David's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to launch a disruptive business from the ground up!
Growing a business to 7 figures is a huge achievement—but pushing past that million-dollar milestone can feel like hitting a wall. Scaling from $1 million to $10 million is a whole different ballgame. So, how do you navigate this tricky terrain and break through the “seven-figure desert”? Perry Marshall believes the key to unlocking exponential growth is the 80/20 principle. Perry is an experienced business strategist and the author of 80/20 Sales and Marketing. He also wrote Ultimate Guide to Google Ads, the world's best-selling book on internet advertising. In this episode, Perry shares how applying the 80/20 rule—where 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts—can transform the way you approach your business. As businesses grow, so do their complexities. Perry explains that moving into the high 7-figure range means shifting your skillset from running your business to leading the people who run it. At this level, simply being busy isn't enough to achieve success. You have to be busy doing the right things. It may surprise some entrepreneurs, but doing the right thing also includes taking time away from your business. According to Perry, “If you don't have empty space in your day, you'll never be able to think. Your most productive time is almost never sitting in front of your computer. It's having space to think. I call it Renaissance time. You have to have space to think about your business, outside of your business.” If you want to unlock massive growth, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: How employee equity helped Perry start his first online business (02:52) The indicators that a business is ready to scale and how to prepare for growth (12:19) The five levels of 80/20 (18:48) How to apply the 80/20 principle to a business's growth (25:47) Why you can't build your business without ‘renaissance time' (34:23) Common bottlenecks that hinder growth (45:35) How to grow while avoiding the pitfalls of rapid growth (51:00) The first step to reigniting growth after hitting a plateau (55:03) Perry's predictions on how AI will affect the future of Google in SEO and PPC (57:27) The best business advice Perry has ever received (1:04:22) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter PerryMarshall.com/podcast American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to unlock exponential growth using the 80/20 principle!
Growing a business to 7 figures is a huge achievement—but pushing past that million-dollar milestone can feel like hitting a wall. Scaling from $1 million to $10 million is a whole different ballgame. So, how do you navigate this tricky terrain and break through the “seven-figure desert”? Perry Marshall believes the key to unlocking exponential growth is the 80/20 principle. Perry is an experienced business strategist and the author of 80/20 Sales and Marketing. He also wrote Ultimate Guide to Google Ads, the world's best-selling book on internet advertising. In this episode, Perry shares how applying the 80/20 rule—where 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts—can transform the way you approach your business. As businesses grow, so do their complexities. Perry explains that moving into the high 7-figure range means shifting your skillset from running your business to leading the people who run it. At this level, simply being busy isn't enough to achieve success. You have to be busy doing the right things. It may surprise some entrepreneurs, but doing the right thing also includes taking time away from your business. According to Perry, “If you don't have empty space in your day, you'll never be able to think. Your most productive time is almost never sitting in front of your computer. It's having space to think. I call it Renaissance time. You have to have space to think about your business, outside of your business.” If you want to unlock massive growth, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: How employee equity helped Perry start his first online business (02:52) The indicators that a business is ready to scale and how to prepare for growth (12:19) The five levels of 80/20 (18:48) How to apply the 80/20 principle to a business's growth (25:47) Why you can't build your business without ‘renaissance time' (34:23) Common bottlenecks that hinder growth (45:35) How to grow while avoiding the pitfalls of rapid growth (51:00) The first step to reigniting growth after hitting a plateau (55:03) Perry's predictions on how AI will affect the future of Google in SEO and PPC (57:27) The best business advice Perry has ever received (1:04:22) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter PerryMarshall.com/podcast American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to unlock exponential growth using the 80/20 principle!
As a business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. It's easy to get bogged down by day-to-day tasks that pull you away from what really matters—growing your business. Finding ways to take back your time is key to running your business smoothly and efficiently. This is exactly the challenge Mahmoud Elsaid, founder of the content agency Content Wish, faced. Managing over 50 contractors, Mahmoud was drowning in manual tasks like processing orders, invoicing, and hiring. To fix this, he built automations that now save him more than 3 hours every single day. In this episode, Mahmoud shares how he scaled his agency using automations and AI. He opens up about the struggles he encountered along the way and walks us through the tools and processes that helped him streamline operations. Mahmoud also gives advice to fellow entrepreneurs who are looking to automate their agencies: “Before you can automate your agency, you have to fix and test your processes with clear KPIs. If your processes don't work or don't achieve the required KPIs, there is no point in stressing over automation.” If you're ready to reclaim your time, optimize your operations, and take your agency to the next level, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Topics Discussed in this episode: How Mahmoud earned his first dollar online at age 15 and what he's up to now (03:20) The catalyst that inspired Mahmoud to start his own agency (09:21) Scaling ContentWish and the critical decisions that led to growth (11:54) Adapting a content agency to thrive in the age of AI (16:18) The most common SEO issues Mahmoud's clients encounter (20:26) The automations that transformed Mahmoud's agency and the AI tools he used (22:24) Mahmoud's advice to agency owners looking to automate their operations (26:03) How to ensure that automations don't compromise personal touch (28:55) The challenges Mahmoud faced when automating his agency (31:42) Trends and opportunities in SEO and AI in the next few years (33:41) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter ContentWish Mahmoud's LinkedIn Make.com Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to streamline your operations using automations!
As a business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. It's easy to get bogged down by day-to-day tasks that pull you away from what really matters—growing your business. Finding ways to take back your time is key to running your business smoothly and efficiently. This is exactly the challenge Mahmoud Elsaid, founder of the content agency Content Wish, faced. Managing over 50 contractors, Mahmoud was drowning in manual tasks like processing orders, invoicing, and hiring. To fix this, he built automations that now save him more than 3 hours every single day. In this episode, Mahmoud shares how he scaled his agency using automations and AI. He opens up about the struggles he encountered along the way and walks us through the tools and processes that helped him streamline operations. Mahmoud also gives advice to fellow entrepreneurs who are looking to automate their agencies: “Before you can automate your agency, you have to fix and test your processes with clear KPIs. If your processes don't work or don't achieve the required KPIs, there is no point in stressing over automation.” If you're ready to reclaim your time, optimize your operations, and take your agency to the next level, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Topics Discussed in this episode: How Mahmoud earned his first dollar online at age 15 and what he's up to now (03:20) The catalyst that inspired Mahmoud to start his own agency (09:21) Scaling ContentWish and the critical decisions that led to growth (11:54) Adapting a content agency to thrive in the age of AI (16:18) The most common SEO issues Mahmoud's clients encounter (20:26) The automations that transformed Mahmoud's agency and the AI tools he used (22:24) Mahmoud's advice to agency owners looking to automate their operations (26:03) How to ensure that automations don't compromise personal touch (28:55) The challenges Mahmoud faced when automating his agency (31:42) Trends and opportunities in SEO and AI in the next few years (33:41) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter ContentWish Mahmoud's LinkedIn Make.com Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to streamline your operations using automations!
Some of the best businesses start organically —by solving a real problem.Jordan Saniuk's business was no different. As a realtor, Jordan had trouble selling a property and noticed a bigger issue: Realtors needed a better way to connect. So, he created a platform where they could share listings, price reductions, bonuses, and more. Realtors loved it, and within a year, Jordan's idea grew to 500 clients and 43,000 subscribers. In our latest podcast episode, Jordan shares how he built this business from scratch and sold it for six figures—all in just 12 months. Jordan opens up about the challenges he encountered while scaling his business and the tools and techniques that helped him succeed. One of the keys to Jordan's success was his effective use of email marketing. He found a way to connect with potential clients without overwhelming them, building trust and credibility along the way. But Jordan didn't stop at digital marketing. He also tapped into the power of in-person networking. Jordan explains, “Lots of people want to start an online business and market it through social media and paid online ads, but there's no replacement for in-person networking. Telling people about what you're doing in real life, getting them excited about it, and having them tell other people. Real social proof of concept is much more powerful than reposting someone's story on Instagram.” This mix of online and offline efforts gave Jordan's business the edge it needed to fuel its explosive growth. After just one year, Jordan decided to sell the business—a big move that came with valuable lessons of its own. Tune into this episode to hear how Jordan turned a simple idea into a six-figure success story. Topics Discussed in this episode: Jordan's background and how he became a digital entrepreneur (02:13) The power of email as a growth tool (06:10) How Jordan scaled his email list to 43,000 subscribers in just one year (09:00) The challenges Jordan faced as he rapidly grew his business (18:19) Why Jordan decided to sell his business (26:55) The untapped power of direct mail (34:19) What has changed for Jordan since he sold this business (38:30) What Jordan would have done differently if he had to start again (43:11) Jordan's advice to first-time business sellers (45:43) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Postoff.ca Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how effective email marketing helped build a six-figure business in just one year!
Some of the best businesses start organically —by solving a real problem.Jordan Saniuk's business was no different. As a realtor, Jordan had trouble selling a property and noticed a bigger issue: Realtors needed a better way to connect. So, he created a platform where they could share listings, price reductions, bonuses, and more. Realtors loved it, and within a year, Jordan's idea grew to 500 clients and 43,000 subscribers. In our latest podcast episode, Jordan shares how he built this business from scratch and sold it for six figures—all in just 12 months. Jordan opens up about the challenges he encountered while scaling his business and the tools and techniques that helped him succeed. One of the keys to Jordan's success was his effective use of email marketing. He found a way to connect with potential clients without overwhelming them, building trust and credibility along the way. But Jordan didn't stop at digital marketing. He also tapped into the power of in-person networking. Jordan explains, “Lots of people want to start an online business and market it through social media and paid online ads, but there's no replacement for in-person networking. Telling people about what you're doing in real life, getting them excited about it, and having them tell other people. Real social proof of concept is much more powerful than reposting someone's story on Instagram.” This mix of online and offline efforts gave Jordan's business the edge it needed to fuel its explosive growth. After just one year, Jordan decided to sell the business—a big move that came with valuable lessons of its own. Tune into this episode to hear how Jordan turned a simple idea into a six-figure success story. Topics Discussed in this episode: Jordan's background and how he became a digital entrepreneur (02:13) The power of email as a growth tool (06:10) How Jordan scaled his email list to 43,000 subscribers in just one year (09:00) The challenges Jordan faced as he rapidly grew his business (18:19) Why Jordan decided to sell his business (26:55) The untapped power of direct mail (34:19) What has changed for Jordan since he sold this business (38:30) What Jordan would have done differently if he had to start again (43:11) Jordan's advice to first-time business sellers (45:43) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Postoff.ca Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how effective email marketing helped build a six-figure business in just one year!
How2Exit: Mergers and Acquisitions of Small to Middle Market Businesses
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/m8gEUhXtQmwAbout the Guest(s): Justin Cooke is the co-founder of Empire Flippers and Web Street, two innovative platforms in the digital business space. Empire Flippers specialize in buying, selling, and investing in online businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve financial freedom by matching them with potential buyers or sellers. On the other hand, Web Street acts as a link between passive investors and experienced operators, facilitating investments into profitable online ventures. Justin has accumulated extensive experience in launching and scaling digital businesses and continues to make significant strides in the industry.Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton chats with Justin Cooke, co-founder of Empire Flippers and Web Street, about the evolution of buying and selling online businesses. Justin shares his journey from outsourcing in the Philippines to building a platform that has facilitated nearly half a billion in sales. The discussion covers Empire Flippers' growth, Web Street's role in connecting investors with operators, and key lessons for acquiring digital businesses. Justin also explores AI's impact on the online business world and future trends for entrepreneurs and investors.Key Takeaways:Justin Cooke's transition from niche website creation to founding Empire Flippers showcases adaptability and insights into the online business environment.Empire Flippers has facilitated sales worth over $511 million, demonstrating their influence and credibility as a digital business brokerage.Through Web Street, Justin emphasizes the value of pairing passive investors with experienced operators to achieve diversified and successful online investments.Justin points out that a key lesson from their journey is the importance of having operators with prior purchase experience for better decision-making.The episode delves into how technological advancements, specifically AI, are reshaping the digital business landscape and the potential challenges and opportunities ahead.--------------------------------------------------Contact Justin onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwcooke/Website: https://empireflippers.com/--------------------------------------------------
Founder at Empire Flippers and host of Empire Flippers podcast, Justin Cooke is the brand ambassador of the company. From content to paid traffic, he keeps the sales staff busy and the lead funnels full. He lives on the road with his wife and regularly travels through SE Asia, Europe, and the US. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Justin Cooke about unlocking the secrets of buying and selling online businesses. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: - How there are currently favorable conditions for buying e-commerce businesses at reasonable prices. - Why there is a disconnect between sellers who feel they've maximized their businesses and buyers looking for growth opportunities. - How buyers and sellers would benefit from educational resources about navigating the marketplace. - Why Empire Flippers has launched Web Street, a platform pairing experienced operators with investors seeking passive income. - How it's important for those in leadership to transition from being hands-on to being more strategic about delegation. Connect with Justin: Guest Contact Info X: @EmpireFlippers Instagram: @empireflippers Facebook: facebook.com/EmpireFlippers Links Mentioned: https://empireflippers.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Having a great product is one thing. Ensuring that it actually appeals to your target audience is a whole different thing entirely. A product that doesn't convert is essentially useless. That is why split testing is so important. Even a 10% improvement in your conversions can result in massive growth for your business. In this episode, we chat with Andri Sadlak, the founder of Product Pinion, a split-testing platform designed specifically for Amazon sellers. Andri dives into why split testing matters—from refining your product's appeal and optimizing ad spend to gathering insights about your customers and staying a step ahead of the competition. Andri breaks down the split testing process into four simple steps: Step 1 - Gather feedback from your target audience using things like surveys and Facebook communities. Step 2 - Create multiple versions of whatever you're testing based on that audience feedback. Step 3 - Conduct split tests in a simulated environment. Step 4 - Move to Amazon and test again. The best part? Improving your conversions doesn't require years of experience, special skills, or a huge budget. It's a powerful approach that is accessible to any business, at every stage of your growth. As Andri explains, “Optimizing conversions is a never-ending process. There's a huge benefit to constant improvement. It's the principle of compounding. As long as you stay on top of things and always improve, little by little, you benefit from that compounding because very few of your competitors will be as resilient and committed to perfection as you are.” If you want to take your Amazon sales to a whole new level, then tune in for Andri's expert tips on split testing and unlocking a deeper understanding of your audience! Topics Discussed in this episode: Why many Boutique aggregators are failing (04:29) Why Andri had to sell his house to save his business (06:57) What drove Andri to sell his FBA business (11:34) How selling his business empowered Andri to start a new business (15:25) The origins of Andri's market research SaaS business (17:29) Consumer research trends on Amazon (21:51) How to set up effective split testing (23:58) Tips on how to get ahead in the current Amazon seller landscape (35:00) How the Amazon marketplace will evolve in the next few years (42:45) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Product Pinion Andri's LinkedIn Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the secret to creating a long-lasting boost to your Amazon sales!
Having a great product is one thing. Ensuring that it actually appeals to your target audience is a whole different thing entirely. A product that doesn't convert is essentially useless. That is why split testing is so important. Even a 10% improvement in your conversions can result in massive growth for your business. In this episode, we chat with Andri Sadlak, the founder of Product Pinion, a split-testing platform designed specifically for Amazon sellers. Andri dives into why split testing matters—from refining your product's appeal and optimizing ad spend to gathering insights about your customers and staying a step ahead of the competition. Andri breaks down the split testing process into four simple steps: Step 1 - Gather feedback from your target audience using things like surveys and Facebook communities. Step 2 - Create multiple versions of whatever you're testing based on that audience feedback. Step 3 - Conduct split tests in a simulated environment. Step 4 - Move to Amazon and test again. The best part? Improving your conversions doesn't require years of experience, special skills, or a huge budget. It's a powerful approach that is accessible to any business, at every stage of your growth. As Andri explains, “Optimizing conversions is a never-ending process. There's a huge benefit to constant improvement. It's the principle of compounding. As long as you stay on top of things and always improve, little by little, you benefit from that compounding because very few of your competitors will be as resilient and committed to perfection as you are.” If you want to take your Amazon sales to a whole new level, then tune in for Andri's expert tips on split testing and unlocking a deeper understanding of your audience! Topics Discussed in this episode: Why many Boutique aggregators are failing (04:29) Why Andri had to sell his house to save his business (06:57) What drove Andri to sell his FBA business (11:34) How selling his business empowered Andri to start a new business (15:25) The origins of Andri's market research SaaS business (17:29) Consumer research trends on Amazon (21:51) How to set up effective split testing (23:58) Tips on how to get ahead in the current Amazon seller landscape (35:00) How the Amazon marketplace will evolve in the next few years (42:45) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Product Pinion Andri's LinkedIn Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the secret to creating a long-lasting boost to your Amazon sales!
How2Exit: Mergers and Acquisitions of Small to Middle Market Businesses
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/nzE62t8SFHUAbout the Guest(s):Michael Swigunski is a global entrepreneur, author, TEDx speaker, and digital nomad. As an early employee at Empire Flippers, he contributed to its growth into a leading platform for buying and selling digital assets. With over a decade of experience, Michael has traveled to 100+ countries while building his expertise in remote work and entrepreneurship. He founded Global Career, a platform helping people transition to remote work, and authored the bestselling book "Global Career: How to Work Anywhere and Travel Forever."Summary:In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton interviews Michael Swigunski, a digital nomad and online business acquisition expert. Michael shares his journey from a small town in Missouri to becoming an international entrepreneur, working remotely across the globe. Starting as an early employee at Empire Flippers, he transitioned through academia in Prague and tech startups in Australia and New Zealand, eventually launching his own ventures. The discussion highlights the potential of SaaS and digital products for entrepreneurs, along with Michael's mission to help others embrace remote work, freelancing, and building digital businesses.Key Takeaways:Michael Swigunski's professional journey underscores the power of combining passion with work, as seen in his global travel while pursuing a remote career.Emphasizing practical entrepreneurship, Michael identifies SaaS and digital products as prime business models for sustainability and growth in the online space.Success in remote work and entrepreneurship often involves calculated risk-taking and leveraging unique cultural insights gained from international experiences.Building and managing effective teams can be more critical than mastering technical skills, particularly in software businesses.Having a strong mindset and setting structured goals is essential for achieving the dream of working and living anywhere in the world.--------------------------------------------------Contact Mike onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswigunski/Website: https://globalcareerbook.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------
Oscar Wilde once said, “There's only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Getting your business mentioned in the right places at the right time can take you from obscurity to virality overnight. Nowadays, businesses tend to rely on social media, but traditional PR and press coverage still play a key role in brand recognition and lead generation. In this episode, we're joined by Peter Shankman, the founder of HARO, and most recently, Source of Sources, a platform that helps journalists find the sources they need, and businesses get the publicity they seek. Peter discusses the state of modern-day PR, explains the many benefits of press coverage, and offers practical tips on how to get your business featured in popular publications. According to Peter, “When it comes to getting PR or press for your company, your job is to make a reporter's life easier. Email them saying “This is what I do. Here's my website. Here's what I know. Here's what I can help you say,” and they will respond to you. Anything you can do to make their job easier will get you the press you're so desperately seeking.” Beyond PR, Peter also founded Mental Capital Consulting, which helps businesses attract, hire, and retain neurodiverse employees. Having grown up with ADHD, Peter knows firsthand how neurodiversity can be a business superpower if you understand how to leverage it. He talks about the value neurodiverse employees bring to companies and offers advice for neurodiverse entrepreneurs on using their unique abilities to gain an edge in business. Whether you're looking to land press coverage or discover how to turn neurodivergence into an advantage, this episode has something for every business owner! Topics Discussed in this episode: Peter's background and why he started Source of Sources (02:29) Posting bad AI-generated content on HARO? Peter will find you! (04:18) The inspiration behind Mental Capital - turning neurodiversity into a superpower (07:36) The benefits of building a neurodiverse team for your business (14:37) Peter's productivity tips for neurodiverse entrepreneurs (19:50) How to get more media coverage on a limited budget (25:42) The value of press coverage in the modern world (28:10) Press agencies - are they worth it? (35:30) How to build stronger relationships with journalists and publishers (39:02) The death of PR (42:37) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Source of Sources Faster than Normal by Peter Shankman Mental Capital Consulting Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to generate press coverage and PR like a pro!
Oscar Wilde once said, “There's only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Getting your business mentioned in the right places at the right time can take you from obscurity to virality overnight. Nowadays, businesses tend to rely on social media, but traditional PR and press coverage still play a key role in brand recognition and lead generation. In this episode, we're joined by Peter Shankman, the founder of HARO, and most recently, Source of Sources, a platform that helps journalists find the sources they need, and businesses get the publicity they seek. Peter discusses the state of modern-day PR, explains the many benefits of press coverage, and offers practical tips on how to get your business featured in popular publications. According to Peter, “When it comes to getting PR or press for your company, your job is to make a reporter's life easier. Email them saying “This is what I do. Here's my website. Here's what I know. Here's what I can help you say,” and they will respond to you. Anything you can do to make their job easier will get you the press you're so desperately seeking.” Beyond PR, Peter also founded Mental Capital Consulting, which helps businesses attract, hire, and retain neurodiverse employees. Having grown up with ADHD, Peter knows firsthand how neurodiversity can be a business superpower if you understand how to leverage it. He talks about the value neurodiverse employees bring to companies and offers advice for neurodiverse entrepreneurs on using their unique abilities to gain an edge in business. Whether you're looking to land press coverage or discover how to turn neurodivergence into an advantage, this episode has something for every business owner! Topics Discussed in this episode: Peter's background and why he started Source of Sources (02:29) Posting bad AI-generated content on HARO? Peter will find you! (04:18) The inspiration behind Mental Capital - turning neurodiversity into a superpower (07:36) The benefits of building a neurodiverse team for your business (14:37) Peter's productivity tips for neurodiverse entrepreneurs (19:50) How to get more media coverage on a limited budget (25:42) The value of press coverage in the modern world (28:10) Press agencies - are they worth it? (35:30) How to build stronger relationships with journalists and publishers (39:02) The death of PR (42:37) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Source of Sources Faster than Normal by Peter Shankman Mental Capital Consulting Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to generate press coverage and PR like a pro!
From our humble origins selling small niche websites to successfully selling over 2,300 online businesses and helping more than 70 entrepreneurs become millionaires, Empire Flippers has come a long way. Now, we're entering an exciting new chapter with Andy Allaway taking the helm as our new CEO. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes at Empire Flippers, where Andy shares his journey from Director of Operations, to Chief of Staff, and now CEO. He talks about the rapid growth we experienced during the 2020/2021 online business boom and the challenges that followed in the post-pandemic downturn. Andy also explains the strategies he put in place to get Empire Flippers back on track. According to Andy, “You have to make a conscious decision about what culture you want in your business. You have to decide what it is that you're about. That helps you identify the right people for the business who share your values and are able to maximize what you offer. Then, let that bleed through into everything you do in the business.” We also dive into what makes a great leader and how CEOs must adapt their leadership style in both good times and tough ones. Andy explains, “To be a really really good leader, you have to be able to flex your style depending on the situation that faces you. The way you lead in calm waters is not the way you lead when your back is up against the wall.” If you're an employee looking to gain the kind of leadership skills that you need to become a CEO, then this is also a fantastic podcast for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: Andy's background and his early days at Empire Flippers (03:10) The changes Andy made to streamline Empire Flipper's operations (08:08) The chaos of 2020 and how it negatively affected Empire Flipper (09:50) Building company culture in a remote environment (20:22) How to find a CEO for your business (22:49) Becoming the CEO of Empire Flippers (25:44) How Andy turned the ship around and helped Empire Flippers recover (32:33) What entrepreneurs should focus on when rebuilding their business (36:32) What makes a good leader and peace-time CEOs vs war-time CEOs (40:30) Andy's advice to entrepreneurs holding off on selling their business (46:18) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Andy's LinkedIn Influence by Robert Cialdini Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn what it takes to rise through the ranks and become a CEO.
From our humble origins selling small niche websites to successfully selling over 2,300 online businesses and helping more than 70 entrepreneurs become millionaires, Empire Flippers has come a long way. Now, we're entering an exciting new chapter with Andy Allaway taking the helm as our new CEO. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes at Empire Flippers, where Andy shares his journey from Director of Operations, to Chief of Staff, and now CEO. He talks about the rapid growth we experienced during the 2020/2021 online business boom and the challenges that followed in the post-pandemic downturn. Andy also explains the strategies he put in place to get Empire Flippers back on track. According to Andy, “You have to make a conscious decision about what culture you want in your business. You have to decide what it is that you're about. That helps you identify the right people for the business who share your values and are able to maximize what you offer. Then, let that bleed through into everything you do in the business.” We also dive into what makes a great leader and how CEOs must adapt their leadership style in both good times and tough ones. Andy explains, “To be a really really good leader, you have to be able to flex your style depending on the situation that faces you. The way you lead in calm waters is not the way you lead when your back is up against the wall.” If you're an employee looking to gain the kind of leadership skills that you need to become a CEO, then this is also a fantastic podcast for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: Andy's background and his early days at Empire Flippers (03:10) The changes Andy made to streamline Empire Flipper's operations (08:08) The chaos of 2020 and how it negatively affected Empire Flipper (09:50) Building company culture in a remote environment (20:22) How to find a CEO for your business (22:49) Becoming the CEO of Empire Flippers (25:44) How Andy turned the ship around and helped Empire Flippers recover (32:33) What entrepreneurs should focus on when rebuilding their business (36:32) What makes a good leader and peace-time CEOs vs war-time CEOs (40:30) Andy's advice to entrepreneurs holding off on selling their business (46:18) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Andy's LinkedIn Influence by Robert Cialdini Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn what it takes to rise through the ranks and become a CEO.
Amazon Seller Support is notoriously tedious. Many sellers find themselves wasting hours dealing with support tickets, only to end up stuck in the same cycle of slow responses and unresolved issues. Dealing with Seller Support is a necessary evil, but what if someone could handle all of that for you? This is where John Cavendish spotted an opportunity. John is the co-founder of Seller Candy, an agency that deals with Seller Support on behalf of Amazon sellers. Whether it's handling emergencies like suspended accounts, fixing listing problems, managing flat files, or securing reimbursements, Seller Candy shoulders that workload so that you to focus on what you do best: growing your business. In this episode, John shares his expert tips on how to handle the most common challenges Amazon sellers face. He walks us through how to keep your account in good health and why it's key to long-term success on the platform. Plus, with the holiday season fast approaching, John offers advice on how to get your business ready for the seasonal rush. But the conversation doesn't just stop at FBA sellers. If you run an eCommerce agency or are thinking about starting one, John's experience building Seller Candy offers valuable lessons. He talks about the challenges he faced, how he built a remote team, and what it takes to scale an agency in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. Whether you're an Amazon FBA seller bogged down by support issues or an agency owner looking for growth strategies, this episode is full of useful advice to help you move forward. Topics Discussed in this episode: Seller Candy's origins and how it helps Amazon sellers (02:00) Common Seller Support challenges and how Seller Candy solves these (06:35) What is Amazon account health and why is it so important? (10:10) John's tips to ensure smooth operations during the holiday season rush (15:30) How to forecast your holiday season inventory (17:15) The common characteristics that successful Amazon businesses share (19:26) What John wishes he'd known when he first started his Amazon business (23:48) Why John decided to pivot and start his own agency (29:31) How John built out his remote team and created a good team culture (36:10) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Seller Candy Refundify Magnet VA Sit back, grab a coffee, and discover an easier way to navigate Amazon Seller Support.
Amazon Seller Support is notoriously tedious. Many sellers find themselves wasting hours dealing with support tickets, only to end up stuck in the same cycle of slow responses and unresolved issues. Dealing with Seller Support is a necessary evil, but what if someone could handle all of that for you? This is where John Cavendish spotted an opportunity. John is the co-founder of Seller Candy, an agency that deals with Seller Support on behalf of Amazon sellers. Whether it's handling emergencies like suspended accounts, fixing listing problems, managing flat files, or securing reimbursements, Seller Candy shoulders that workload so that you to focus on what you do best: growing your business. In this episode, John shares his expert tips on how to handle the most common challenges Amazon sellers face. He walks us through how to keep your account in good health and why it's key to long-term success on the platform. Plus, with the holiday season fast approaching, John offers advice on how to get your business ready for the seasonal rush. But the conversation doesn't just stop at FBA sellers. If you run an eCommerce agency or are thinking about starting one, John's experience building Seller Candy offers valuable lessons. He talks about the challenges he faced, how he built a remote team, and what it takes to scale an agency in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. Whether you're an Amazon FBA seller bogged down by support issues or an agency owner looking for growth strategies, this episode is full of useful advice to help you move forward. Topics Discussed in this episode: Seller Candy's origins and how it helps Amazon sellers (02:00) Common Seller Support challenges and how Seller Candy solves these (06:35) What is Amazon account health and why is it so important? (10:10) John's tips to ensure smooth operations during the holiday season rush (15:30) How to forecast your holiday season inventory (17:15) The common characteristics that successful Amazon businesses share (19:26) What John wishes he'd known when he first started his Amazon business (23:48) Why John decided to pivot and start his own agency (29:31) How John built out his remote team and created a good team culture (36:10) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Seller Candy Refundify Magnet VA Sit back, grab a coffee, and discover an easier way to navigate Amazon Seller Support.
Choosing the right eCommerce platform can be a game-changer for your business. With so many options available, it's important to find the platform that sets you up for success. In this episode, we chat with Kurt Elster, an expert who believes Shopify is the go-to platform for any eCommerce entrepreneur. Kurt has been running a Shopify services agency for over a decade, helping store owners with theme development, migrations, and support. He's also the host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast and has interviewed more than 500 eCommerce entrepreneurs. Kurt shares why Shopify is not just a software company but a champion for entrepreneurs. He dives into everything you need to know about selling on Shopify—from funding your store through Kickstarter-style campaigns to building an audience and optimizing conversions to boost sales. Driving traffic to a Shopify store is often a lot harder than attracting customers on Amazon. To combat this, eCommerce entrepreneurs need to think outside the box and keep their eyes open for hidden opportunities. According to Kurt, “People are ignoring SEO because they think AI is going to destroy it, which means a lot of people are not investing in SEO right now. But where are these AI tools getting the answers from? They're still doing Google searches! So, building content like long-form, ultimate guide content is a missed opportunity for a lot of folks. And, it's easier than ever to create the content because ChatGPT and other tools can help you write it.” Kurt also discusses the advantages of expanding into the Amazon marketplace and gives tips for Amazon FBA sellers looking to diversify with Shopify. Whether you're thinking about starting a Shopify business or looking to grow your current one, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed! Topics Discussed in this episode: How eCommerce stores have evolved over the last decade (06:38) The most common mistakes eCommerce sellers make (10:23) The pros and cons of Kickstart-style campaigns (14:06) How to build an audience for a Shopify store (22:28) How to build an audience for your eCommerce business on Reddit (27:06) The benefits of expanding into the Amazon marketplace (30:18) Tips for Amazon FBA sellers looking to diversify with Shopify (34:25) The core pillars of good conversion rate optimization (38:02) Personal vs professional brands (42:32) Kurt's advice for entrepreneurs looking to build an agency (47:54) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Kurt's website The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Matrixify Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn Shopify tools and tactics to skyrocket your sales!
Choosing the right eCommerce platform can be a game-changer for your business. With so many options available, it's important to find the platform that sets you up for success. In this episode, we chat with Kurt Elster, an expert who believes Shopify is the go-to platform for any eCommerce entrepreneur. Kurt has been running a Shopify services agency for over a decade, helping store owners with theme development, migrations, and support. He's also the host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast and has interviewed more than 500 eCommerce entrepreneurs. Kurt shares why Shopify is not just a software company but a champion for entrepreneurs. He dives into everything you need to know about selling on Shopify—from funding your store through Kickstarter-style campaigns to building an audience and optimizing conversions to boost sales. Driving traffic to a Shopify store is often a lot harder than attracting customers on Amazon. To combat this, eCommerce entrepreneurs need to think outside the box and keep their eyes open for hidden opportunities. According to Kurt, “People are ignoring SEO because they think AI is going to destroy it, which means a lot of people are not investing in SEO right now. But where are these AI tools getting the answers from? They're still doing Google searches! So, building content like long-form, ultimate guide content is a missed opportunity for a lot of folks. And, it's easier than ever to create the content because ChatGPT and other tools can help you write it.” Kurt also discusses the advantages of expanding into the Amazon marketplace and gives tips for Amazon FBA sellers looking to diversify with Shopify. Whether you're thinking about starting a Shopify business or looking to grow your current one, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed! Topics Discussed in this episode: How eCommerce stores have evolved over the last decade (06:38) The most common mistakes eCommerce sellers make (10:23) The pros and cons of Kickstart-style campaigns (14:06) How to build an audience for a Shopify store (22:28) How to build an audience for your eCommerce business on Reddit (27:06) The benefits of expanding into the Amazon marketplace (30:18) Tips for Amazon FBA sellers looking to diversify with Shopify (34:25) The core pillars of good conversion rate optimization (38:02) Personal vs professional brands (42:32) Kurt's advice for entrepreneurs looking to build an agency (47:54) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Kurt's website The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Matrixify Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn Shopify tools and tactics to skyrocket your sales!
Head of Marketing at Empire Flippers, Gregory Elfrink joins Joseph to discuss how and why to buy and sell online businesses. GUEST LINKS EmpireFlippers.com SUBSCRIBE First100K.com Music By: Purple-Planet.com
Many entrepreneurs think selling their business is a one-time event. But there's another way to get a big payday and continue growing your business. Instead of selling everything, you can sell a portion of your business to a private equity firm. This reduces your financial risk by allowing you to cash out a large sum of money from your business. Plus you now have a powerful new partner with deep pockets to help you grow your business even further. With this strategy, you can sell the same business multiple times, earning you far more money than you would by simply selling 100% of your business once-off. Adam Coffey, a private equity expert and CEO of The Chairman Group, has successfully used this strategy many times. In fact, his personal record is selling the same company five times in thirteen years! In this episode, Adam joins us to demystify the world of private equity for online business owners. He explains how private equity works, what a typical private equity deal structure looks like, and of course, the many benefits of partnering with a private equity firm. According to Adam, “The two biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make are overestimating their importance in their business, and struggling to decide when to sell their business. As they get older, they become more conservative, which slows growth. By partnering with private equity, they can reduce their risk, access more capital, and keep growing aggressively, ultimately maximizing their business's value.” Becoming a minority shareholder in your own business opens up avenues of growth many entrepreneurs didn't even know existed. Done right, it is an excellent way to accelerate your personal wealth. Download this episode to learn more! Topics Discussed in this episode: Adam's background and what motivates him today (02:31) The difference between private equity and other forms of investments (06:29) A typical private equity deal structure (13:50) The benefits of becoming a minority shareholder in your own company (20:00) How to attract private equity investments (32:17) Common private equity mistakes entrepreneurs make (44:49) The best professional advice Adam has ever been given or heard (52:11) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Adam's Books Adam's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how partnering with private equity can accelerate your business's growth!
Many entrepreneurs think selling their business is a one-time event. But there's another way to get a big payday and continue growing your business. Instead of selling everything, you can sell a portion of your business to a private equity firm. This reduces your financial risk by allowing you to cash out a large sum of money from your business. Plus you now have a powerful new partner with deep pockets to help you grow your business even further. With this strategy, you can sell the same business multiple times, earning you far more money than you would by simply selling 100% of your business once-off. Adam Coffey, a private equity expert and CEO of The Chairman Group, has successfully used this strategy many times. In fact, his personal record is selling the same company five times in thirteen years! In this episode, Adam joins us to demystify the world of private equity for online business owners. He explains how private equity works, what a typical private equity deal structure looks like, and of course, the many benefits of partnering with a private equity firm. According to Adam, “The two biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make are overestimating their importance in their business, and struggling to decide when to sell their business. As they get older, they become more conservative, which slows growth. By partnering with private equity, they can reduce their risk, access more capital, and keep growing aggressively, ultimately maximizing their business's value.” Becoming a minority shareholder in your own business opens up avenues of growth many entrepreneurs didn't even know existed. Done right, it is an excellent way to accelerate your personal wealth. Download this episode to learn more! Topics Discussed in this episode: Adam's background and what motivates him today (02:31) The difference between private equity and other forms of investments (06:29) A typical private equity deal structure (13:50) The benefits of becoming a minority shareholder in your own company (20:00) How to attract private equity investments (32:17) Common private equity mistakes entrepreneurs make (44:49) The best professional advice Adam has ever been given or heard (52:11) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Adam's Books Adam's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how partnering with private equity can accelerate your business's growth!
Do you want to one day build a company you can sell? Are you already ready to sell? You are in luck; We have the expert, Mike Vranjkovic, with us. He shares Biggest selling points for online businesses Why he traveled across the world to get started Doing what people are asking you to doSingle points of failureHow to generate value before selling your company Guest Bio: Mike is the founding partner and managing director of WebStreet, which empowers online entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to 8-figure revenues and offers accredited investors a passive way to invest in established online ventures.WebStreet has raised over $27 million across five rounds, investing in 30+ online businesses. Their first-round portfolios, launched in 2021, delivered an impressive 15% cash yield in their first year, transforming actively managed assets into completely passive investment opportunities.A serial entrepreneur with a background in finance and extensive experience in eCommerce, Mike is the go-to expert for entrepreneurs aiming for life-changing exits and investors seeking top-tier returns in the digital asset space. Before WebStreet, Mike played a key role at Empire Flippers, helping thousands buy and sell online businesses.Have a question for the host or guest? Are you looking to become a show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com to get connected.Support the Show.This episode is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production: Helping You With All Your Podcasting Needs. You can head to www.comingalivepodcastproduction.com to learn more.
"Buying a business is so much faster than building one and so much safer if you buy big enough."Also on YouTube: youtu.be/BuDtoDsC4tAGet the inside scoop on buying and selling Shopify stores from Gregory Elfrink at Empire Flippers. From the highs of a $13 million payday to the lows of emotional burnout, Gregory spills the secrets and dirty truths of the business game. Gregory, with over eight years of experience, shares valuable insights on the benefits of acquiring an established business, essential steps for preparing a store for sale, and key factors influencing business valuation. If you're ready to play big and cash in, this episode is your backstage pass to the raw, unfiltered realities of the e-commerce hustle.Show LinksEmpire FlippersEmpire Flippers Valuation ToolSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.
Many people view SEO as art. It involves creativity, engagement, and out-of-the-box thinking. However, at its core, effective SEO is a science, grounded in measurable, data-driven strategies. Embracing this scientific approach is the key to SEO success.This is an area where Manick Bhan thrives. Manick is the founder of Search Atlas, an SEO software suite designed to automate your SEO with just one click.In this episode, Manick joins us to share his data-driven approach to SEO, and how he leveraged this expertise to build and scale his own SEO software business.Manick believes that holistic SEO, a combination of user experience, authority, content, and technical SEO, is the future. By understanding the formulas behind how Google ranks traffic and sites, you can unlock the secrets to SEO success. As Manick explains: “Google wants high-quality content, and how Google calculates this is essentially:Organic Traffic = Ranking Potential x Ranking Signals Ranking potential comes from having web pages and content that are indexable in search. Ranking signals come from authority and the UX / behavior signals that tell Google whether our content is good or not. Mastering these two factors through holistic SEO is the ultimate goal.” Manick also explores the role of AI in modern SEO, explaining how it can help agencies automate their services, delivering high-quality results more efficiently and cost-effectively. If you're looking for a deeper understanding of the science behind SEO, then don't miss a minute of this fascinating episode! Topics Discussed in This Episode: The current state of SEO and the emerging opportunities (04:21) The four pillars of holistic SEO (05:56) How to create AI content that actually ranks (07:35) Why automation is the key to modern-day SEO success (15:58) Why you should embrace AI or get left behind (20:14) The most common SEO mistakes that business owners make (25:23) How to recover from a Google penalty on your affiliate site (29:15) The problems that Search Altas solves that other SEO software doesn't (38:16) How Manick's Otto AI system identifies technical SEO issues (44:48) How Manick innovates and stays ahead in the industry (50:36) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Search Atlas Mike King's Google algorithm leak exposé SEO Theory Facebook community Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to use a data-driven approach to master SEO!
Many people view SEO as art. It involves creativity, engagement, and out-of-the-box thinking. However, at its core, effective SEO is a science, grounded in measurable, data-driven strategies. Embracing this scientific approach is the key to SEO success.This is an area where Manick Bhan thrives. Manick is the founder of Search Atlas, an SEO software suite designed to automate your SEO with just one click.In this episode, Manick joins us to share his data-driven approach to SEO, and how he leveraged this expertise to build and scale his own SEO software business.Manick believes that holistic SEO, a combination of user experience, authority, content, and technical SEO, is the future. By understanding the formulas behind how Google ranks traffic and sites, you can unlock the secrets to SEO success. As Manick explains: “Google wants high-quality content, and how Google calculates this is essentially:Organic Traffic = Ranking Potential x Ranking Signals Ranking potential comes from having web pages and content that are indexable in search. Ranking signals come from authority and the UX / behavior signals that tell Google whether our content is good or not. Mastering these two factors through holistic SEO is the ultimate goal.” Manick also explores the role of AI in modern SEO, explaining how it can help agencies automate their services, delivering high-quality results more efficiently and cost-effectively. If you're looking for a deeper understanding of the science behind SEO, then don't miss a minute of this fascinating episode! Topics Discussed in This Episode: The current state of SEO and the emerging opportunities (04:21) The four pillars of holistic SEO (05:56) How to create AI content that actually ranks (07:35) Why automation is the key to modern-day SEO success (15:58) Why you should embrace AI or get left behind (20:14) The most common SEO mistakes that business owners make (25:23) How to recover from a Google penalty on your affiliate site (29:15) The problems that Search Altas solves that other SEO software doesn't (38:16) How Manick's Otto AI system identifies technical SEO issues (44:48) How Manick innovates and stays ahead in the industry (50:36) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Search Atlas Mike King's Google algorithm leak exposé SEO Theory Facebook community Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to use a data-driven approach to master SEO!
Shopify is a powerhouse in the eCommerce industry, with merchants running more than 1,000,000 businesses on the platform. But Shopify is more than just a product listing tool. It offers thousands of apps and integrations to help you build a profitable eCommerce business. In this episode, we're joined by Chris Singleton, the founder of Style Factory Productions, a site that provides in-depth reviews and comparisons of key business apps to hundreds of thousands of readers. Chris reveals the ‘hidden' Shopify features that many merchants overlook. From Shopify's SEO tools and blogging features to its free email marketing tool and abandon cart feature, Shopify has a full toolkit to help you grow your business beyond a simple eCommerce store. Chris also highlights the power of YouTube for eCommerce sellers. According to Chris, “YouTube is a key SEO strategy for Shopify merchants. The benefit is that you're dealing with two search engines because your video appears in the Google search results and on YouTube. The quickest SEO win at the moment is publishing content on third-party platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc, and using that platform to drive traffic back to your store.” If you're an eCommerce seller, then this is an episode you don't want to miss! Topics Discussed in This Episode: The most common pain points Shopify merchants face (02:15) Why Shopify merchants tend to focus on paid ads over traditional SEO (03:40) Why eCommerce SEO is easier than affiliate SEO (05:43) Quick SEO wins for Shopify (09:45) Hidden Shopify features that many merchants aren't aware of (12:23) Shopify's free email marketing tool (18:18) Creating an effective abandon cart structure in Shopify (22:25) Integrating apps into your Shopify store and which apps you should use (27:03) Why merchants should choose Shopify over other eCommerce platforms (29:44) How Chris has seen eCommerce evolve in the last 10 years (31:47) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Style Factory Chris's LinkedIn Podcast about scarcity and behavioral marketing Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to take your eCommerce business to the next level with Shopify's integrated apps and tools.
View the complete show notes for this episode. A fairly new investment model for investing in online businesses is gaining strength and interest. Justine Cooke discusses this fractional ownership program, which is accessible online and available to retail investors. In this model, investors seek passive income through fractional ownership of online businesses, with operators receiving equity and investors receiving majority returns. Justin highlights the benefits of this model for both investors and operators, including increased exposure and investment capital. What You'll Learn Online Businesses: Hear about the differences in investing and operating online businesses. Investment Fund: Learn what sets an investment fund apart when it focuses on matching passive investors with operators. Challenges: Focus on finding operators and investors, then putting together the right team. Business Growth: Hear about the growing pains and opportunities that came with starting Empire Flippers and WebStreet. Want More? Related Resources: How to Sell an Online Business: A Case Study A Guide to Valuing Tech, Software & Online Businesses Top 5 M&A Value Drivers for Tech & Software Companies Additional Resources: Planning to sell your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Download a free PDF copy of The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business, Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue, and Food and Beverage M&A: An Insider's Guide to Selling a Food or Beverage Manufacturing, Distribution, or Grocery Business. Purchase your copy now of A Beginner's Guide to Business Valuation | The Exit Strategy Handbook | Closing the Deal Listen to Other Episodes Preparing to Sell a Digital Company with Yury Byalik The Inside Scoop on Tech M&A with Barr Blanton Case Study – How Two College Kids Monetized Social Media and Made Millions with Harry Gestetner and Simon Pompan
Selling a business for millions of dollars is a dream that many entrepreneurs chase, but only a lucky few ever achieve.Oliver Palmer is one of those entrepreneurs. He founded a mobile technology business and sold it for an impressive $85 million.In this episode, Oliver takes us behind the scenes of his multi-million dollar exit. From the disappointments of a failed acquisition to the high of finding the perfect buyer. He also explains the many benefits of using an advisor during an exit. According to Oliver, “The best thing we did when selling our business was engage an advisor. It allowed us to position ourselves in front of acquirers we'd never even heard of. An advisor also brings legal advice and puts the sale together in a way that's ideal for a buyer. If everything's all lined up, it's so much easier to get to a yes. You can't put a price on that.” Oliver also reveals the common problem his new firm, DQ Ventures solves by helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses from scratch without risking their day jobs.Whether you're a budding entrepreneur with a big idea or an experienced business owner aiming for a major exit, this episode has something for you. Enjoy! Topics Discussed in This Episode: Oliver's background and how he founded his venture studio (02:19) A behind-the-scenes look at Oliver's $85 million exit (03:48) The benefits of using an advisor or broker when exiting a business (14:59) The big thing that surprises entrepreneurs when exiting a business (19:53) How Oliver's life changed after his multi-million dollar exit (24:31) What Oliver's venture studio offers to startup entrepreneurs (28:13) The criteria Oliver looks for in a business to fund (37:50) The deal structure that Oliver offers startup companies he helps build (42:19) Oliver's take on the secret to starting a successful business (51:20) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter DQ Ventures Oliver's LinkedIn Profile James Green's LinkedIn Profile Sit back, grab a coffee, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to sell an $85 million business!
Michael Frew worked for two decades as an engineer, developer, and software architect on hundreds of consulting engagements with corporations including Lockheed Martin's Artificial Intelligence Labs, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, and FireEye/Mandiant. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong, and The Netherlands, as well as several postgraduate information security certifications. Following his corporate career, Michael pivoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurship, acquiring software/SaaS companies, and using his boot-strapped funds to purchase multiple 6 and 7-figure businesses from brokers such as Empire Flippers, FE International, and Quiet Light Brokerage. Currently, Michael manages a growing 8-figure portfolio of cloud-based software companies, collectively generating a 7-figure pre-tax income annually. Michael's insights on digital business acquisitions and operations have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. Interview Links: Michael Frew's website: https://www.michaelfrew.com/. Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter: The Wealth Dojo: https://subscribe.wealthdojo.ai/ Download all the Niches Trilogy Books: The 21 Best Cashflow Niches Digital: https://www.cashflowninjaprograms.com/the-21-best-cashflow-niches-book Audio: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/21-best-cashflow-niches The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches Digital: https://www.cashflowninjaprograms.com/the-21-most-unique-cashflow-niches Audio: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/21-most-unique-niches The 21 Best Cash Growth Niches Digital: https://www.cashflowninjaprograms.com/the-21-best-cash-growth-niches Audio: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/21-cash-growth-niches Listen To Cashflow Ninja Podcasts: Cashflow Ninja https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflowninja Cashflow Investing Secrets https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflowinvestingsecrets Cashflow Ninja Banking https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflow-ninja-banking Connect With Us: Website: http://cashflowninja.com Podcast: http://resetinvestingsecrets.com Podcast: http://cashflowinvestingsecrets.com Podcast: http://cashflowninjabanking.com Substack: https://mclaubscher.substack.com/ Amazon Audible: https://a.co/d/1xfM1Vx Amazon Audible: https://a.co/d/aGzudX0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cashflowninja/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mclaubscher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflowninja/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cashflowninja Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclaubscher/ Gab: https://gab.com/cashflowninja Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/Cashflowninja Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-329875 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cashflowninja/message
Expanding into omnichannel sales is a great way to grow your eCommerce business, but it also results in a more complicated supply chain. That's why working with a logistics partner who has their finger on the pulse of the industry is so important. In this episode, we chat with Taylor Smits, co-founder of MyFBAPrep, the largest Amazon prep and eCommerce fulfillment network in the US. Taylor joins us to explain how to optimize your supply chain without hindering growth and expansion. He outlines the common logistics pain points Amazon sellers face, how to ace your inventory forecasting, and how to remove redundancies in your supply chain to boost your bottom line. Taylor also reveals the best growth opportunities emerging in the eCommerce industry today. According to Taylor, “We're seeing a halo effect from TikTok shop. For every sale you make on TikTok shop, you can assume two or three increased sales on Amazon, because people go to Amazon to check if the brand is legitimate. Now, you can use your FBA inventory to fulfill TikTok. That's one more reason to get on TikTok as a seller and get that halo effect.” Whether you sell on one platform or many, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you streamline your logistics and grow your eCommerce business. Topics Discussed in This Episode: A brief overview of MyFBAPrep and its origins (01:58) How the Airbnb model of logistics works (05:39) The common supply chain bottlenecks for Amazon sellers (15:20) The current state of Amazon fees (19:48) How TikTok Shop is shaking up the eCommerce industry (25:26) The core pillars of an optimized supply chain (31:29) The best approach to inventory forecasting (36:53) The easiest way to boost your bottom line (42:21) An inside look at Taylor's Preptopia platform (47:09) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter MyFBAPrep Podcast with Roland Frazier Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to optimize your eCommerce logistics to boost your bottom line!