Commerce Today
Ecommerce insights merchants can use today
About the show
Short, actionable updates on ecommerce and omnichannel technology that help merchants of all sizes succeed. We focus on things you should be doing today to be successful in the ecommerce industry.
Episodes
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Episode 96: CDPs in Action: Open-Source Solutions & Future of Customer Data Platforms
November 5th, 2024 | 20 mins 2 secs
ai-driven personalization, cdp comparison, cdp future, cdp trends, commercial cdps, composable commerce, customer data platforms, data management, open-source cdps, privacy considerations, pros and cons
In this episode, we dive into open-source Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and evaluate if they offer a viable alternative to commercial options. We'll review leading open-source CDPs, examining their benefits and drawbacks, and comparing them to paid solutions. We’ll also discuss the future of CDPs, covering trends like AI-powered personalization, privacy issues, and the evolving role of CDPs in composable commerce.
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Episode 95: CDPs 101 - Understanding the Value of Customer Data Platforms in E-Commerce
October 29th, 2024 | 19 mins 9 secs
cdp providers, cdps, commerce today, customer acquisition costs, customer data platforms, customer insights, customer retention, data-driven marketing, e-commerce personalization, platform selection
In this Commerce Today episode, we explore Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and their role in boosting e-commerce personalization, lowering acquisition costs, and improving retention. We’ll review leading CDP providers and guide listeners on selecting the ideal platform for their business needs.
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Episode 94: Scaling B2B with Digital Channels - Reaching the SMB Market Efficiently
October 22nd, 2024 | 20 mins 19 secs
cdps, commercial cdp providers, customer acquisition costs, customer data platforms, customer insights, data-driven marketing, e-commerce, personalization, platform selection, retention
In this episode, we introduce Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and examine how they help e-commerce businesses enhance personalization, lower customer acquisition costs, and boost retention. We also explore leading commercial CDP providers and offer insights on selecting the best platform for your business.
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Episode 93: Signs It's Time to Transition to a New Ecommerce Provider
October 15th, 2024 | 20 mins 7 secs
actionable steps, agency, better fit, challenges, downtime, ecommerce provider, ecommerce setup, growth, key issues, outdated technologies, platform, smooth transition, transition, underperforming provider, warning signs
In this episode of Commerce Today, we discuss the warning signs that signal it may be time to move on from your current ecommerce provider, whether it's an agency or platform. We explore issues like frequent downtime and outdated technology that can hinder your growth. You'll learn about the consequences of staying with an underperforming provider and receive actionable steps for a smooth transition to a better fit. If you're facing challenges with your current setup, this episode will guide you in identifying key issues and taking the first steps toward finding the right solution.
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Episode 92: How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Agency for Your Business
October 8th, 2024 | 18 mins 58 secs
agency selection, agency vetting, business growth, ecommerce advice, ecommerce agency, ecommerce business, ecommerce mistakes, ecommerce partner, ecommerce partner questions, ecommerce solutions, ecommerce strategy, ecommerce success, ecommerce tips, industry experience, online strategy, selecting an ecommerce agency, technical expertise
In this episode of Commerce Today, we dive into the essential process of choosing the right ecommerce agency for your business. With countless options to choose from, selecting the ideal partner is critical for your online strategy's success. We'll cover the key factors to consider when evaluating agencies, common pitfalls to avoid, and the crucial questions you should ask to ensure the best fit. Whether you need technical expertise or industry-specific experience, this episode is filled with practical tips to help you make an informed decision and set your business up for long-term success.
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Episode 91: Crafting a Winning Ecommerce Strategy: Key Steps for 2025 Success
October 1st, 2024 | 18 mins 45 secs
2025 initiatives, brand alignment, customer segments, ecommerce growth, ecommerce guide, ecommerce performance, ecommerce strategy, market growth, strategic planning, unique selling proposition
In this episode of Commerce Today, we explore the essentials of crafting a winning ecommerce strategy, drawing insights from our comprehensive Ecommerce Strategy Guide. You'll learn how to align your brand's mission, optimize performance, and capture market growth. From refining your unique selling proposition to evaluating customer segments, this episode offers practical tips to help you gear up for strategic planning and set your 2025 initiatives on the path to success.
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Episode 90: Mastering Remote Work in E-commerce: Tips for Managing Distributed Teams
September 25th, 2024 | 14 mins 43 secs
distributed teams, e-commerce, e-commerce landscape, emote work, employee management, employer branding, engagement, hr, productivity, remote employees, remote team strategies, team collaboration, team culture, workforce management
In this episode of Commerce Today, COO Darin Newbold is joined by Natalia Pitra, an expert in HR and employer branding within the e-commerce sector. Together, they explore the growing shift to remote work and its impact on distributed teams. They share valuable insights and practical tips for managing remote employees, ensuring productivity and engagement in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Tune in to discover how to navigate the challenges of remote work while fostering a strong, cohesive team culture.
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Episode 89: Starbucks' Digital Fail: Failing to Balance Efficiency with Experience
September 17th, 2024 | 16 mins 46 secs
brand experience, brian niccol, business strategy, commerce today, community-driven, customer experience, digital initiative, digital transformation, e-commerce, efficiency, sales, starbucks
In this episode of Commerce Today, we explore Starbucks' digital transformation journey and how it shifted too much focus on efficiency and sales, neglecting the brand's core community-driven experience. Now, under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, Starbucks is returning to its roots, offering key insights for businesses undergoing their own digital transformations. Whether you're launching an e-commerce platform or planning a digital initiative, this episode will help you find the right balance between driving sales and preserving the customer experience.
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Episode 88: Strategy versus Tactics - Why Some Ecommerce Brands Fail and Others Thrive
September 10th, 2024 | 19 mins 16 secs
brand strategy, business tactics, case studies, competitive advantage, ecommerce brands, ecommerce growth, ecommerce leadership, ecommerce strategy, expert insights, long-term vision, strategic dominance, strategic thinking, strategy execution., sustainable growth, thriving vs surviving
In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren and Darin Newbold from Creatuity explore the vital role of strategic thinking in navigating the complexities of ecommerce in 2024. Through engaging case studies and expert insights, they demonstrate how a strategic approach can be the key to thriving rather than merely surviving. Listeners will gain actionable tips on aligning long-term vision with immediate tactics to drive sustainable growth, outmaneuver competitors, and secure a lasting competitive advantage. Whether you're an ecommerce leader or strategist, this episode will equip you to transform strategic thinking into strategic dominance.
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Episode 87: Election-Year Ecommerce Playbook: Winning 2024's High-Stakes Holiday Season
September 3rd, 2024 | 19 mins 3 secs
2024 holiday season, ad competition, agility in e-commerce, ai in e-commerce, commerce today podcast., consumer behavior, e-commerce strategies, early promotions, mobile-first strategies, peak shopping season, revenue maximization, supply chain management, u.s. presidential election
In this episode of Commerce Today, we dive into the unique challenges and opportunities e-commerce brands face during the 2024 holiday season, especially with the U.S. presidential election intersecting with peak shopping periods. We provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate these complexities, from adapting to shifting consumer timelines to managing fierce competition for ad space. Discover effective strategies to maximize revenue, stay agile, and remain ahead of the curve. We'll cover essential tactics like early promotions, mobile-first strategies, leveraging AI, and managing supply chain disruptions to ensure your brand thrives in this high-stakes season.
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Episode 86: Building Strong Projects from Day One: An Ecommerce Approach
August 28th, 2024 | 18 mins 35 secs
accountability, business growth, client commitment, ecommerce strategy, ecommerce success, long-term success, project management, project success, resource management, risk mitigation
In this episode, hosted by Darin Newbold, COO, with guest Kornelia Maciesza, Project Manager, we discuss the essential steps for ensuring long-term success in ecommerce projects. Key topics include defining accountability, managing resources, securing client commitment, and mitigating risks. Whether you're starting a new project or refining your approach, this episode offers valuable insights to help you overcome challenges and achieve success.
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Episode 85: Escaping the Legacy Trap: Hidden Costs of Outdated Ecommerce Systems
August 20th, 2024 | 18 mins 31 secs
business growth, business optimization, custom cms, digital stockholm syndrome, ecommerce platforms, ecommerce transition, modern alternatives, outdated systems, platform evaluation, technology upgrade
In this episode of Commerce Today, we dive into the hidden costs and challenges of clinging to outdated ecommerce platforms. Inspired by a recent conversation with a company still using a custom-built CMS from 2011, we introduce the concept of "Digital Stockholm Syndrome"—when businesses become so dependent on their old systems that they struggle to imagine a better way forward. If your ecommerce platform feels more like an obstacle than a solution, this episode is a must-listen. We’ll walk you through evaluating your current system, exploring modern alternatives, and planning a smooth transition to a platform that drives growth.
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Episode 84: Transforming Ecommerce - Amazon Insights and Strategies with Nick D. Nichols
August 13th, 2024 | 19 mins 41 secs
amazon, business insights, business magazine, commerce today, digital business growth, e-commerce, e-commerce expert, e-commerce strategies, joshua warren, market expansion, nick d. nichols, online retail, online selling, profits
In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren interviews Nick D. Nichols, a seasoned e-commerce expert with a decade of experience, including time at Amazon and with various merchants. Nick shares his insights on the evolving e-commerce landscape, reveals secrets to succeeding on Amazon, and discusses strategies for digital business growth. Whether you're a brand looking to expand market share or a seller aiming to boost profits, this episode offers valuable advice from one of the top e-commerce professionals, as recognized by Business Magazine in 2023.
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Episode 83: The 7 Deadly Sins of E-commerce: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
August 6th, 2024 | 19 mins 34 secs
actionable advice, b2b, b2c, business growth, competitive landscape, customer experience, customer service, deadly sins, e-commerce, mobile optimization, online business, real-world examples
In this episode of Commerce Today, we uncover the 7 deadly sins of e-commerce that could either make or break your online business. From ignoring mobile optimization to delivering poor customer service, we delve into each pitfall and offer practical solutions to keep your e-commerce platform thriving. Whether you're in B2B or B2C, these insights are vital for enhancing customer experience and driving growth. Tune in for actionable advice and real-world examples to help you navigate the competitive e-commerce landscape.
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Episode 82: From Quick Fix to Long-Term Success: Rethinking Your E-Commerce Platform
July 30th, 2024 | 19 mins 9 secs
business transformation, client success story, increased conversion rates, increased revenue, platform replacement, quick e-commerce solutions, reduced maintenance costs, reduced time to market, strategic replatforming, technical debt
Explore the impact of quick e-commerce solutions and discover why strategic replatforming might be your best move. Learn about a client success story that transformed their business by increasing conversion rates and revenue while reducing maintenance costs and time to market, all through replacing a platform riddled with technical debt.
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Episode 81: Crafting Culture: The Key to Hiring Success
July 23rd, 2024 | 17 mins 21 secs
cohesive team, company culture, cultural alignment, cultural fit, culture in hiring, employee retention, employee satisfaction, hiring process, interview strategies, practical strategies, successful hiring practices, talent acquisition
In this episode, Darin Newbold, COO, is joined by Natalia Pitra, Talent Acquisition Manager, to explore the critical role of culture in the hiring process. They discuss why cultural fit can be more important than skills alone and share practical strategies for identifying candidates who will thrive in your company's environment. The episode includes real-life examples of companies that have successfully integrated culture into their hiring practices. Tune in to learn how prioritizing culture can lead to higher retention rates, increased employee satisfaction, and a more cohesive, productive team.