Commerce Today

Episode 62: Amazon Mastery: Building a Sustainable and Profitable Brand on Amazon

March 12th, 2024  |  20 mins 29 secs

The second episode of our Amazon Mastery series focuses on the pivotal role sustainability and strategic fee management play in building a profitable brand on Amazon. As consumer demand shifts towards eco-friendly products, we explore how integrating sustainable practices into your business model can set you apart in a crowded marketplace. Learn about Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program and how to leverage it for your products. We'll also navigate the complex landscape of Amazon's fees, offering insights on how to optimize your pricing and avoid common pitfalls that can erode your margins. Additionally, discover the keys to maintaining a strong, recognizable brand presence on Amazon, from consistent branding to leveraging Amazon Live for real-time customer engagement. Tune in for expert advice on building a brand that's not only profitable but also responsible and resilient.

Episode 61: Amazon Mastery: Top Practices for Ecommerce Brand Success in 2024

March 5th, 2024  |  18 mins 50 secs

advertising, algorithm, amazon, ecommerce, optimization, product listings

The first episode of our Amazon Mastery series covers optimizing product listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and A+ Content. It also explains Amazon Advertising, including Sponsored Products, Brands, and Display Ads, and offers tips on improving product ranking and visibility. Aimed at both new and seasoned sellers, the episode provides actionable strategies to boost your Amazon brand.

Episode 60: Live Streaming Unboxed: Navigating Stickiness and Sales in Digital Commerce

February 27th, 2024  |  20 mins 29 secs

e-commerce, engagement, live streaming, sales, stickiness, trust transfer

Explore the untapped potential of live streaming e-commerce in this eye-opening episode. Drawing from the recent study, "Socio-technical systems and trust transfer in live streaming e-commerce," we delve into why and how businesses new to live streaming should consider this dynamic channel in 2024. Learn about the science of stickiness, the critical role of trust, and the direct impact these factors have on purchase intentions. Whether you're looking to innovate your sales strategy or enhance customer engagement, discover practical insights and expert advice on integrating live streaming into your digital commerce playbook for the coming year.

Episode 59: Magic in the Details: Applying Disney's Common Purpose to Ecommerce

February 20th, 2024  |  20 mins 2 secs

attention to detail, commerce, common purpose, e-commerce personalization, service

Joshua Warren and Darin Newbold delve into how Disney World's exceptional experiences and customer service can serve as a model for ecommerce strategies. They provide actionable insights to enhance the online shopping experience, aiming to make it uniquely magical for every customer.

Episode 58: Hands-on Ecommerce Experiences on Apple’s Vision Pro

February 13th, 2024  |  16 mins 35 secs

apple vision pro, commerce, e-commerce experiences, ecommerce users, extended reality, xr

In a hands-on review, Apple's Vision Pro is explored for its potential to revolutionize online shopping, drawing parallels to the disruptive impact of the iPad on e-commerce. The episode delves into personal experiences with the device, evaluating various e-commerce platforms from Apple's own seamless store to Amazon's more cumbersome site. It discusses the current limited ownership among e-commerce users but suggests a significant future influence on how websites could adapt to XR technology to offer truly immersive shopping experiences. The review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the promising yet challenging integration of XR in e-commerce, emphasizing the need for interface improvements to fully leverage this new dimension in shopping

Episode 57: Beyond Products: Shaping a Culture of Success in E-commerce

February 6th, 2024  |  17 mins 31 secs

accountability, company culture, competency models, development centers, e-commerce, high performance, industry insights, mission alignment, resilience, skill enhancement, soft skills, team building

Tune in to this riveting episode of Commerce Today with Darin and HR expert Karolina Hajdukiewicz, as they explore the art of crafting a high-performing e-commerce team. Discover the core of a strong company culture, delve into the importance of a shared mission, essential soft skills, and strict accountability. Get pro tips on leveraging competency models and development centers for instant skill upgrades. Don't miss out on this guide to building a resilient team ready to conquer the dynamic e-commerce world!

Episode 56: Optimizing for Success: Key Insights into E-Commerce Website Excellence

January 30th, 2024  |  16 mins 45 secs

agency, analytics, audience, brand loyalty, calls to action, changes, commerce, communication, competitors, conversion, ctas, customer feedback, dedicated person., documentation, e-commerce, feedback, goal-oriented layout, mobile device, mobile responsiveness, open communication, optimization, page speed, persona, project management, seo, site design, testing, timelines, tools, user interactions, ux, website excellence

In this engaging episode of Commerce Today, Darin introduces Andrea Sims, Account Manager, and they dive into the pivotal aspects of e-commerce excellence. They focus on refining UX/UI design for a seamless customer journey and highlight the importance of robust SEO strategies for enhanced site performance and visibility. Throughout the discussion, Darin and Andrea emphasize the transformative impact of these elements on driving user engagement and boosting conversion rates, offering a glimpse into the strategies that shape successful e-commerce platforms.

Episode 55: Unwrapping 2023 E-Commerce Holiday Sales & 2024 Strategy Kickstart

January 23rd, 2024  |  18 mins 50 secs

commerce, holiday sales, mobile conversion gap, mobile experience, predictions, year over year growth

In this episode of Commerce Today, we analyze the 2023 holiday e-commerce sales results, contrasting them with previous forecasts. We dissect essential insights and emerging trends, offering actionable strategies to empower e-commerce businesses in their quest for improved performance in 2024. Whether your aim is to elevate holiday sales or enhance overall profitability, this episode is a treasure trove of valuable guidance and substantial initiatives to embark upon, ensuring readiness for the forthcoming 2024 holiday season.

Episode 54: The 2024 Retail Frontier: Shifting Omnichannel Strategies

January 16th, 2024  |  16 mins 15 secs

ar/vr impact in retail, audience outreach strategies, augmented reality, brand collections, chatbots in retail, consumer behavior, ecommerce integration, omnichannel retail, online brand strategies, organizational changes in retail, pop-up shops, retail partnerships, retail sponsorships, search engines in purchasing, zero-click platform optimization

In this dynamic episode, we dive into the transformative world of omnichannel retailing as it stands in 2024. Discover how the blend of online and physical retail, enhanced by cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, is reshaping the consumer shopping journey. We'll also explore emerging retail trends, including the rise of pop-up shops, and analyze shifts in consumer behavior. Essential listening for Ecommerce Directors seeking to adapt and thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Episode 53: B2B E-commerce Marketplaces: A Triple Win for Hosts, Sellers, and Buyers

January 9th, 2024  |  12 mins 3 secs

b2b e-commerce, buyers, common area, consistent place., hosting, industry, marketplaces, overview, products, sellers, triple win

This episode of "Commerce Today" features hosts Darin and Brad Moss, the VP of Sales, discussing the benefits of E-commerce B2B Marketplaces. They delve into how these marketplaces advantage hosts, sellers, and buyers, offering a wealth of insights and practical advice. The episode is particularly valuable for those seeking to understand or capitalize on the opportunities presented by these dynamic digital platforms.

Episode 52: Decisions Decoded: Why You Need an Agency Now

December 26th, 2023  |  14 mins 49 secs

agency role, business growth, consumer insights, digital commerce, ecommerce strategy, expert advice, industry trends., leadership in ecommerce, market competition, marketing innovation, strategic partnerships, team collaboration, tech trends

This episode of 'Commerce Today' features Darin and special guest Daniel, the Director of Ecommerce Solutions. The discussion centers on the vital role of agencies in ecommerce decision-making in the competitive digital market. It explores how agencies contribute insights into consumer trends, innovative marketing strategies, and technological advancements. The episode highlights the beneficial synergy between in-house teams and agencies, and how this collaboration fosters pioneering results. Daniel shares his firsthand experience and expert insights, making this a valuable episode for e-commerce professionals looking to enhance their business.

Episode 51: Trust is a Must: Unlocking SEO Success for Ecommerce

December 19th, 2023  |  15 mins 12 secs

analytics, brand visibility, content strategy, customer engagement, digital marketing, e-commerce, google algorithms, keyword research, mobile optimization, online sales, search engine rankings, seo, social media marketing, user experience, website optimization

Dive into an exhilarating 15-minute journey with Darin and Joshua on 'Commerce Today', where they unravel the often-ignored power of trustworthiness in SEO for ecommerce success. This episode shifts the focus from traditional tactics like backlink building to the pivotal role of trust in driving sales and organic traffic. Anchored in a thought-provoking HubSpot article, our hosts challenge outdated SEO norms, spotlighting the importance of content that's not just Google-friendly but also educational and engaging. Perfect for Ecommerce Directors seeking immediate, actionable strategies, this episode is a goldmine of tips and techniques to transform your business into a credible, authoritative force in the digital marketplace. Tune in and discover how to craft content that doesn’t just rank – it resonates and revolutionizes!

Episode 50: Navigating Agency Partnerships: Secrets to a Successful Engagement

December 12th, 2023  |  18 mins 34 secs

agency collaboration, business partnerships, ecommerce strategies, real-world applications, success and risks, technology integration, versatility in business

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the critical aspects of collaborating with agency partners for ecommerce success. Whether you're an experienced Director of Ecommerce aiming to enhance your current strategies or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the ecommerce world, this podcast offers valuable insights. We cover the essential dos and don'ts, share industry best practices, and highlight common pitfalls to avoid. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed for fruitful and effective agency partnerships, ultimately steering your ecommerce endeavors towards excellence.

Episode 49: Ensuring Stability: The Role of Code Freezes in E-Commerce

December 5th, 2023  |  15 mins 6 secs

capacitymanagement, codefreeze, developmenthalt, digitalcommerce, ecommerceinsights, hotfixes, infrastructurescaling, onlineretail, projectcollaboration, quickpatch, reliablesite, resourceplanning, stableweb, teamcommunication, techcommunication, techmaintenance, urgentupdates, websitestability

In this episode of the "Commerce Today" podcast, the focus is on the importance of code freezes in the e-commerce sector, particularly during high-traffic periods. The discussion is spurred by the recent Shopify outage, highlighting the necessity of such freezes. The episode examines the optimal timing for implementing these freezes and their underlying rationale, emphasizing their role in ensuring website stability during peak seasons.

Episode 48: Maximizing Post-Thanksgiving Sales: Insights from October's E-commerce Boom!

November 28th, 2023  |  14 mins 40 secs

#buynowpaylater, #curbsidepickup, #discounts, #ecommerce, #holidayseason, #holidayshopping, #mobileshopping, #onlineretail, #retailstrategy, #salestrends

In this episode of our podcast, hosts Darin and Josh delve into the astounding $76.8 billion e-commerce spending spree that occurred in October, dissecting its implications for businesses in the post-Thanksgiving landscape. They uncover pivotal trends that are shaping the e-commerce industry, including the growing significance of early holiday shopping, the meteoric rise of mobile commerce, and the art of strategic discounting. Whether you're evaluating your Cyber Week performance or gearing up for the next phase of holiday sales, this episode offers a treasure trove of expert insights and actionable strategies for e-commerce proprietors. Tune in to gain a comprehensive analysis and discover how to harness these trends to elevate your sales strategy during this ongoing festive season.

Episode 47: Beyond the Click: Embracing Neurodiversity in E-Commerce

November 21st, 2023  |  15 mins 59 secs

accessible design, adaptive technology, adhd, autism, cognitive diversity, customer engagement, digital inclusion, ecommerce, ethical ecommerce, inclusive shopping, neurodiverse customers, neurodiversity, neuroinclusive practices, online retail, sensory processing, sensory-friendly design, universal design, user experience, web accessibility, website navigation

Join Josh and Darin for a riveting exploration into neurodiversity in ecommerce. They shed light on how industry leaders like Walmart are revolutionizing shopping experiences to accommodate neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and ADHD. This episode promises to not just enlighten but also invites you to contribute your ideas, as we collectively navigate towards a more inclusive and understanding digital ecosystem. Don't miss this engaging discussion that's set to broaden your perspective on the ecommerce world!