PR Secrets: How To Land Major Media Coverage Without An Agency

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

#Entrepreneur #Marketing #Steve Hutt #ECommerce #Shopify #Shopify Plus #Entrepreneurship #E-Commerce #Tech #Shopify Apps #Ecommerce Business #Online Business #Online Store #Industries #Business #Steve Hutt | Shopify Expert | eCommerce Expert #Shopify Experts #Shopify Partners #Ecommerce Expert

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 29:39

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, we welcome Gloria Chou, an award-winning PR strategist and former US diplomat, to unveil her proven framework for landing media coverage and building brand credibility. Gloria shares her expertise in helping entrepreneurs get featured in top-tier publications without the traditional expense of PR agencies.

Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.

For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.

402 episodes

PR Secrets: How To Land Major Media Coverage Without An Agency

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

42 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.

For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.

402 episodes

All episodes

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Unlocking Shopify Summer Editions 2025: Retail Innovations With Ray Reddy 28:03

2 days ago28:03

28:03

Welcome back to eCommerce Fastlane! I’m Steve Hutt, and today we’re diving into Shopify’s Summer Editions 2025—also known as the “Horizons” release. If you’re new to Editions, here’s the quick scoop: every six months, Shopify rolls out a huge batch of updates—this summer’s release features over 150 enhancements spanning the entire platform. It’s their way of showcasing what’s new, what’s improved, and how they’re helping merchants like you stay ahead in today’s ever-evolving retail landscape. Even in our digital-first world, 80% of commerce still happens in-store. Yet, so many brands are stuck juggling disconnected systems and clunky middleware. That’s why this year’s completely reimagined Shopify POS—version 10—caught my attention. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a full transformation of what unified commerce can look like, packed with features designed to supercharge your retail journey and finally bridge the gap between online and in-person selling. To unpack the details, I’m joined by Ray Reddy, Shopify’s VP of Product for Retail. Ray’s got a front-row seat to the evolution of omnichannel, and he’s here to share how POS 10 is unlocking new levels of efficiency, customization, and customer experience for brands of all sizes. Whether you’re running a single pop-up or hundreds of stores, you’ll hear firsthand how these updates can help you reduce friction, elevate your in-store game, and get a true 360-degree view of your customer. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
How This Shopify Expert Built A $1M+ Etsy Store Without Ads (Free Traffic Secrets) 45:32

9 days ago45:32

45:32

Welcome back to eCommerce Fastlane! I'm Steve Hutt, and today we're diving into something that honestly blew my mind during our conversation. Picture this: 95 million active buyers actively searching for unique products, built-in traffic you don't have to pay for, and a platform where most successful sellers never touch ads. Sounds too good to be true? That's exactly what I thought about Etsy before talking with today's guest. I'm chatting with Dylan Jahraus, who built a million-dollar Etsy shop, then pivoted to teaching others how to do the same. She's the founder of The Ultimate Etsy Ecourse and created etSEO , an AI tool that takes the guesswork out of Etsy SEO. But here's what really caught my attention—Dylan shows Shopify store owners how to use Etsy as their secret weapon for free traffic and customer research. If you've been burning cash on ads or struggling to find new customers, this conversation might just change how you think about growing your business. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
How One Star Drop Kills 50% Of Sales: Amazon Review Removal Secrets With Danan Coleman 40:04

16 days ago40:04

40:04

Welcome back to eCommerce Fastlane. I'm your host, Steve Hutt. Ever felt like negative Amazon reviews are sabotaging your hard-earned sales, or that your product listings are quietly losing ground without you even knowing? You're not alone. In today's landscape, managing your brand's reputation across both Shopify and Amazon is more critical—and more complex—than ever. I'm excited to welcome Danan Coleman, CEO of eCom Triage , to the show. Danan's been in the trenches since 2010, helping brands crack the code on legitimate Amazon review removal and proactive catalog monitoring. If you've ever wondered whether you can actually get unfair reviews taken down (without breaking Amazon's rules), or how to safeguard your listings from costly, hidden issues, this episode is for you. You'll discover the exact process Danan uses to remove 5-15% of negative reviews and how even a tiny star rating drop can slash your sales by up to 50%. What You'll Learn Amazon Review Removal Secrets: The truth about getting negative reviews removed (yes, it's possible!) and how star rating drops from 4.3 to 4.2 can slash sales by 50%. Bulletproof Listing Strategy: How to build Amazon listings that convert, plus catalog monitoring to catch costly issues before they hurt your bottom line. Real Results & Protection: Case studies of brands that 5x'd sales velocity, plus proactive steps every Shopify merchant should take to defend their brand on Amazon. Amazon Ads Reality Check: Danan's honest take on when (and if) you should invest in Amazon's advertising ecosystem. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Beyond Discounts: The Clienteling Strategies That Boost Customer Retention & Lifetime Value 43:02

23 days ago43:02

43:02

Ever wondered how to truly bridge the gap between your Shopify store and your retail locations? Or maybe you’ve heard the term “clienteling” tossed around by big brands and wondered if it’s just for luxury retailers, or if it can actually move the needle for your business, too? If you’re looking to drive more foot traffic, boost repeat purchases, and finally unify your online and offline experiences, today’s episode is for you. I’m thrilled to welcome back Leigh, co-founder of Endear, for a deep dive into the modern world of clienteling. Leigh has been in the trenches since before the pandemic, helping brands like Glossier, Allbirds, and Untuckit unlock the real potential of their retail stores by connecting them with their ecommerce data. Today, we’re unpacking how Endear is reimagining clienteling for the omnichannel era-making it scalable, data-driven, and accessible for every Shopify merchant ready to elevate their customer experience. What You'll Learn Clienteling Demystified: What it really means (spoiler: it’s not just for luxury) and how modern brands are using it to drive sales through genuine relationships. The Omnichannel Advantage: Why unifying your online and offline data is the secret sauce for higher conversion rates, lower returns, and raving fans. CRM as Your Retail Superpower: How Endear’s Shopify-native CRM gives your store associates actionable insights-turning every interaction into a revenue opportunity. Automated, Yet Personal: Practical tactics for scaling thank you notes, VIP outreach, and post-purchase campaigns-without losing the human touch. Driving Foot Traffic (and Revenue): Proven strategies to get your online shoppers into your stores and maximize their lifetime value. Attribution That Makes Sense: How to finally track which messages, associates, and campaigns are actually moving the needle-in store and online. Appointments, Reimagined: Why Endear’s new appointments feature is tailor-made for retail, and how it’s driving 90%+ conversion rates for in-store visits. Scaling Smarter: Lessons from brands like Psycho Bunny and Eleventy on building a culture of relationship-driven selling (and how to templatize what works). Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Navigating Tariffs And Supply Chain Chaos: A Shopify Merchant's Survival Guide 27:40

30 days ago27:40

27:40

Are tariffs and supply chain chaos keeping you up at night? Not sure how to forecast inventory or manage cash flow when every shipment from China seems to come with a new surprise fee? If you’re a Shopify merchant importing from overseas, you’ve probably felt the sting of trade wars, unpredictable costs, and the pressure to deliver a seamless customer experience-without draining your bank account. You’re definitely not alone. Today’s DTC reality is throwing curveballs at every direct-to-consumer brand, especially those navigating the ever-evolving landscape of tariffs and global fulfillment. That’s why I’m excited to welcome back Izzy Rosenzweig, founder of Portless, for his encore appearance on the show. Izzy has been in the trenches with hundreds of brands, helping them crack the code on cash flow, inventory agility, and tariff mitigation—especially in this turbulent era of trade wars and shifting global manufacturing. What You'll Learn Surviving Tariffs : Why trade wars aren’t forever, but smart brands need to adapt now to thrive later. Delayed Tariffs, Better Cash Flow : How Portless lets you pay import taxes only when you make a sale-unlocking capital and reducing risk. Agile Inventory & Forecasting : Leveraging smaller MOQs and faster restocks to supercharge your inventory turns and avoid costly overstock. Factory-to-Door in Days : How Portless delivers a “local” shipping experience from China, Vietnam, and soon India-delighting customers with 3-6 day delivery times. Returns, Refurbs, and Realities : Practical strategies for handling returns, QC, and resale in a lean, cross-border supply chain. Beyond China : The real pros and cons of shifting manufacturing to Vietnam, India, Mexico, and beyond-and what you need to know before making a move. Global Expansion Playbook : Why brands are shifting marketing dollars to tariff-free countries, and how Portless helps you tap into 55+ markets with local delivery experiences. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Shopify Growth Unlocked: The Data Solution That Boosts Revenue 36:24

6 weeks ago36:24

36:24

Are you drowning in marketing data from too many platforms? Feeling uncertain about where your ad dollars are actually driving results, especially after the iOS 14 tracking shakeup? Maybe you suspect wasted spend but can’t pinpoint exactly where or why? You’re definitely not alone. Many Shopify merchants grapple with fragmented data, inaccurate attribution, and the frustration of making marketing decisions based on guesswork rather than clear insights. That’s why I’m thrilled to have Gurami Tateshvili, co-founder of MyDataNinja, on the show today. As a serial entrepreneur and Harvard Business School alum who built his own e-commerce businesses and digital agency, Gurami experienced these tracking and attribution pains firsthand. He co-founded MyDataNinja specifically to solve this problem, creating a platform that unifies ecommerce metrics into a single, actionable dashboard. What You’ll Learn Navigating Post-iOS 14 Tracking: Understand the ongoing challenges and why standard pixels often fall short. Accurate Attribution: How server-side and cookieless tracking provide a clearer picture of ad performance across channels (Meta, Google, TikTok, Bing). Unified Data Dashboard: The benefits of seeing all your ad spend, revenue, and key metrics in one place, saving time and enabling faster decisions. Calculating True Profitability: Moving beyond blended ROAS to understand net profit per order and ad campaign by incorporating Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Identifying Wasted Spend: Techniques to spot inefficiencies, including potential bot traffic and underperforming campaigns. Actionable Insights: How to translate unified data into smarter budget allocation, campaign optimization, and scaling strategies. Offline & Complex Sales: Addressing tracking challenges for scenarios like Cash on Delivery (COD) or orders with returns/cancellations. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Omnichannel Growth & Retention: Future-Proofing Your Shopify Brand 44:31

7 weeks ago44:31

44:31

Are you feeling like your Shopify brand could be doing more—maybe you’re struggling to connect the dots between your channels, or you know you’re not getting the most out of your existing customers? You’re not alone. So many brands sense there’s untapped growth, but with commerce evolving so quickly, it’s tough to know what to prioritize or how to fill those expertise gaps. That’s why I’m excited to welcome Dennis Yao, co-founder of The Other Group and my former lead at Shopify, to the show. Dennis has spent over 20 years in retail, wholesale, SaaS, and digital marketplaces—he’s helped mid-market and enterprise brands drive billions in revenue, and now he’s on a mission to help omnichannel brands execute smarter and grow faster. What You'll Learn Omnichannel strategy: How to move from buzzwords to practical execution across retail, DTC, wholesale, and marketplaces. Retention as a growth engine: Why nurturing “raving fans” is the smartest way to boost profitability and customer lifetime value. Social vs. video commerce: What’s working now on TikTok Shop and with shoppable video, and how to resource it. Real-world AI adoption: Where Gen AI is actually shifting the game for brands—think content, support, and the future of SEO. Bridging the execution gap: How to spot and fix missing pieces in your tech stack, strategy, or team. Building authentic community: Simple ways to use content and loyalty to create long-term customer value. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Advanced Facebook Ads: Manual Over-Bidding, Intra-Day Scaling And Algorithm Hacks 44:41

8 weeks ago44:41

44:41

Are you frustrated by unpredictable ROAS and rising Facebook ad costs that make scaling your Shopify brand feel impossible? You’re definitely not alone. Many brands see their first customer acquisition barely break even—or even lose money—forcing them to rely on retention just to stay afloat. In this episode, I’m joined by Manel Gomez, CEO and founder of Meta Scaling Accelerator. Since 2016, Manel has managed over $25 million in Facebook ad spend, helping e-commerce brands break through the noise and actually scale profitably. He’s not just another ad guy—he’s the creator of the “Wave Surfing” methodology, a proven system for maximizing your ad spend during peak performance windows while minimizing risk. We dig into: How to spot your brand’s natural conversion peaks using Shopify Analytics Why testing customer motivations (“angles”) beats endless audience tweaks Matching creative formats to how your customers really shop Embracing ROAS ups and downs—and how to ride those waves for profit Using AI for faster creative production (without losing your strategic edge) Building an ad account structure that can handle real growth If you’re ready for actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on Facebook ad scaling, you’ll love what Manel has to share. Check out his YouTube channel here for more strategies! Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
From Confusion To Clarity: How Ecommerce Brands Can Trust Their Data 49:31

9 weeks ago49:31

49:31

Are conflicting data points between Shopify and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) undermining your marketing decisions? You’re not alone—and it’s likely costing your business more than you realize. Many Shopify brands struggle to establish a reliable source of truth for their marketing performance, leading to wasted ad spend, inaccurate reporting, and missed growth opportunities. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Lauer, a marketing intelligence expert specializing in Google Analytics, data warehousing, and empowering ecommerce brands with clarity and confidence in their data. Josh shares how to bridge the gap between platform analytics (like Shopify) and marketing analytics (like GA4) to create a unified, trustworthy view of performance. With firsthand insights into the frustrations caused by data discrepancies and the transition from Universal Analytics to GA4, Josh outlines actionable strategies to help you implement robust data solutions that drive smarter decisions and scalable growth. Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Your Shipping Costs Are Eating Your Margins! Learn How To Cut Your FedEx & UPS Expenses 28:23

10 weeks ago28:23

28:23

You’re not alone. Many e-commerce brands are feeling the "margin crunch" as shipping costs skyrocket. Carrier rate hikes, hidden surcharges, and complex contracts can feel like unavoidable profit killers, making it harder to stay competitive and profitable. Today, we’re talking with Michael Moriarty, a strategic partner at Schooley Mitchell, an independent cost reduction consulting firm that has saved businesses over $1 billion. They specialize in uncovering savings in complex expense categories, with a strong focus on helping e-commerce brands slash their shipping costs. Michael and the Schooley Mitchell team deeply understand the intricacies of carrier contracts (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and work solely on behalf of their clients – not the carriers – to find savings and optimize shipping spend. Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Scaling Beyond Ads: How Everflow's Partner Marketing Platform Boosts Affiliate Revenue for Shopify Merchants 45:35

12 weeks ago45:35

45:35

Struggling to Find Marketing Channels That Deliver? Drowning in Rising Ad Costs? There's a Better Way. You're not alone. Many e-commerce brands are feeling the squeeze of rising ad costs and cutthroat competition. Finding profitable ways to reach new customers is getting tougher. Today, we're talking with Michael Cole, the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Everflow , a company behind a powerful partner marketing platform that empowers brands to track and scale their affiliate programs effectively. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the table, particularly from his early involvement with Shopify and BigCommerce. He deeply understands what makes these programs tick and how to leverage them for maximum impact. Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
The Best Way To Run Facebook And Google Ads In 2025 44:21

13 weeks ago44:21

44:21

Are your Facebook and Google ad costs skyrocketing? Feeling like you’re throwing money into a black box with minimal returns? You’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into the trenches of paid advertising with Sam Piliero, the Founder and CEO of The Moonlighters a specialized media buying agency laser-focused on helping Shopify brands conquer Facebook and Google Ads. Sam brings incredible experience to the table, having worked with Gary Vaynerchuk at VaynerMedia and Director of Marketing at BarkBox. With over a decade of experience helping DTC brands grow and scale, Sam’s here to unpack the challenges of today’s ad landscape and share actionable strategies for success. Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Gamify Your Emails: How Stripo’s Interactive Marketing Boosts Conversions By 220% 30:35

14 weeks ago30:35

30:35

Are your email marketing efforts falling flat? Struggling to create engaging campaigns that actually convert? What if there was a way to make your emails stand out—without spending hours coding or designing? In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, we welcome Dmytro Kudrenko, the founder and CEO of Stripo , an innovative email design platform helping brands create high-performing emails with ease. Dmytro has revolutionized email marketing by eliminating technical roadblocks, allowing marketers to design interactive and gamified emails without touching a single line of code. Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
PR Secrets: How To Land Major Media Coverage Without An Agency 29:39

15 weeks ago29:39

29:39

Are you a Shopify store owner struggling to get noticed in a crowded marketplace? Tired of throwing money at ads with unpredictable results? Have you ever wondered how to get featured in top-tier publications like The New York Times or Vogue without breaking the bank on a costly PR agency? In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, we welcome Gloria Chou , an award-winning PR strategist and former US diplomat, to unveil her proven framework for landing media coverage and building brand credibility. Gloria shares her expertise in helping entrepreneurs get featured in top-tier publications without the traditional expense of PR agencies. Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog .…

eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

1
Marketing Agency Selection: A Data-Driven Approach For eCommerce Brands 29:09

15 weeks ago29:09