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We'll explore how integrating TikTok Shop with DTC strategies and Amazon can create a "halo effect" to boost sales across platforms. We'll also cover leveraging influencer and affiliate marketing, with tips on attracting top creators and why ads should wait until you've built a solid affiliate base.

In this episode, Jordan West is a seasoned eCommerce expert with extensive experience managing multiple brands and a deep knowledge of social commerce strategies. Since January, he has worked with over 50 brands and has gained valuable growth insights over the past decade.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Combined Platforms Strategy:
  Leverage TikTok Shop, DTC, and Amazon for their combined sales boost (halo effect).
• Starting on TikTok Shop:
  Show strong sales to attract influencers and affiliates. Avoid ads before establishing affiliate marketing, as it’s currently less effective.
• Affiliate Marketing Tips:
  Recruit 100-200 affiliates to build brand ambassadors. Motivate them with potential earnings, especially when promoting competitive products like sleep gummies.
• Challenges for Canadian Companies:
  Overcome logistical hurdles by securing a US SIM card, VPN, and a US-based representative for TikTok Shop registration.
• TikTok Ads Strategy:
  Direct all ad traffic to TikTok Shop, not split with websites. Ensure compliance with strict shipping and use US-based fulfillment.
• Influencer and Affiliate Marketing:
  Prioritize long-term influencer collaborations, and motivate affiliates with incentives like trips or gift cards. Use bots like yucca.ai for efficient outreach.
• Content Creation:
  Create and test large volumes of content. Repurpose live shopping content and rely on quantity to find quality on TikTok.
• Case Study Insights:
  An example featured 89 ad sets with a $500 daily budget each for optimization.
• Live Shopping:
  A key strategy, similar to QVC for younger audiences like Gen Z and Millennials.
• Tools and Platforms:
  Use Social Snowball for influencer integration and manage affiliates through WhatsApp, Discord, SOREL, Incense Pro, and JoiN Brands.
• Outreach and Communication:
  Encourage influencer partnerships using a “story brand” approach, making influencers the heroes in the messaging.
• Strategic Ad Usage:
  Utilize spark ads often, test content on your own pages, and include gifting to influencers in your budget.
• Optimizing ROAS:
  Know your breakeven ROAS and focus on creating high-quality content to scale effectively.
• Future of Social Commerce:
  Social commerce is the next major trend in shopping, with significant growth potential.
• Industry Experience:
  Jordan’s strategies reflect his extensive industry experience, affirming TikTok Shop’s importance for brand growth.
• Giveaway Incentive:
  Participants were encouraged to stay engaged for a chance to win a TikTok Shop setup.

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

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Explore the essential role of strong leadership in scaling businesses, drawing from principles like the "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." Bryant will share his incredible journey, from revamping a struggling women's apparel brand to leading the marketing powerhouse at Bethel Music and navigating the dynamic environment of The Adventure Challenge.

In this episode, Jordan West with guest Bryant Jacquez, today we're diving deep into the world of leadership, business turnarounds, and dynamic marketing. Bryant, a seasoned professional in the ecommerce space, has a rich history in direct-to-consumer marketing and has held prominent roles such as CMO and CEO across several high-impact companies.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Identifying and Managing Underperformers:
  "C players" harm organizations. Leaders must identify and manage or remove underperformers to maintain high performance.
• Leadership is Fundamental:
  Effective leadership drives organizational success. Leaders should focus on continually improving their skills.
• Survival Tactics in Distressed Environments:
  In high-stakes situations, urgent actions take priority over traditional practices. This focus can help revive struggling companies.
• Diverse Marketing Strategies:
  Diversifying marketing is crucial. Relying on one platform limits reach; using influencers, affiliates, and multiple channels maximizes engagement.
• Restructuring and Cost Optimization:
  Switching to cost-effective software saves money and improves resource allocation.
• Creative Talent and Risk-Taking:
  Allowing talent the freedom to explore fosters innovation, as seen with the Adventure Challenge team.
• Adaptability in Career:
  Transferring skills across roles creates new opportunities, such as managing both artists and influencers.
• The Importance of Strong Vendor Relationships:
  Strong vendor relationships ensure stability. Payment issues can disrupt operations.
• Innovation in Marketing Campaigns:
  Leveraging popular culture, like the Snoop Dogg campaign for Solo Stove, drives viral success and enhances brand exposure.

Today’s Guest:

Bryant Jaquez, a seasoned professional in the ecommerce space known for his strategic leadership and marketing expertise. Bryant has held significant roles such as CMO and CEO, contributing to the growth and turnaround of several companies, including The Adventure Challenge, Caden Lane, and Buddy Love. He is well-versed in direct-to-consumer (D2C) marketing, scaling businesses, and managing high-growth organizations.

Recommended Apps/Tools:

Cin7: https://www.cin7.com/

Netsuite: https://www.netsuite.com/

Klaviyo: https://www.klaviyo.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

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The challenges of managing expansive inventories and supply chains, and how Good Day simplifies these complexities for larger brands moving away from spreadsheet-based operations.

In this episode, Jordan West with guest Kyle Hensey, co-founder and former CEO of Chubbies, now a pioneer in e-commerce solutions with Good Day Software. Kyle shares his insights on the Pendulum Effect in business trends, emphasizing the importance of preparing for aggressive growth in the next few years while ensuring strong unit economics.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• ERP Transition Skepticism: Brands, especially Shopify-based, are hesitant to shift to traditional ERP systems like NetSuite due to their complexity and lengthy implementation.
• Shopify vs. Traditional ERP: Shopify is easy to set up, while ERPs like NetSuite require significant time and resources to implement.
• Good Day's Solution: Good Day offers powerful tools with simple interfaces, seamlessly integrated with Shopify, reducing the need for custom engineering and speeding up implementation.
• Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Good Day provides strong solutions for managing inventory and supply chains across multiple channels.
• Rising Social Commerce: Social commerce, through platforms like TikTok Shop and YouTube Shopping, is growing, similar to trends in Asian markets.
• Simplified Operational Tools: Inspired by companies like Apple and Tesla, the goal is to simplify complex tasks for more efficient growth.
• DTC vs. Physical Retail: Balancing ecommerce and in-person shopping is crucial as physical retail remains important for social and entertainment experiences.
• Entrepreneurial Risk-taking: Young entrepreneurs are encouraged to take risks and trust themselves, emphasizing the value of starting early despite uncertainties.
• Building a Market Alternative: Creating a comprehensive alternative to market-leading ERPs requires long-term commitment.

Today’s Guest:

Kyle Hency, the co-founder and former CEO of Chubbies, a company famed for its "most radical shorts on the planet." Currently, he serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Solo Brands and is heavily involved with Good Day, a software solution focused on optimizing operational complexities for e-commerce brands. Kyle brings a wealth of experience in scaling businesses, integrating retail strategies, and leveraging technological solutions to enhance growth and efficiency within the ecommerce sector.

Recommended Apps/Tools:

GoodDay Software: https://www.gooddaysoftware.com/

Netsuite: https://www.netsuite.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

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TikTok is playing a bigger role in e-commerce, but its closed-loop attribution can be tricky, making it tough to track conversions directly—yet, it still drives sales on platforms like Amazon thanks to a powerful halo effect.

In this episode, Jordan West with guest Steven from TrioSEO. We'll explore the complexities of customer journeys on TikTok, the immense value of consistent and strategic blogging for long-term SEO success, and why personal branding and authentic content are more crucial than ever in the age of AI. Steven will also share his expert insights on creating a balanced approach that combines SEO with PPC to drive sustained traffic and sales. Whether you’re struggling with attribution challenges on social platforms or looking to build your brand’s authority through content

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• TikTok Strategy and Attribution: TikTok’s growing role in e-commerce is hindered by attribution challenges, but ads still boost sales on other platforms like Amazon through a halo effect.
• SEO and Blogging: Blogs strengthen SEO by enhancing category pages, with SEO being a long-term game requiring a balanced approach of content, technical SEO, and backlinks. PPC complements SEO for a well-rounded strategy.
• Authenticity and Personal Branding: Personal branding is key, as it resonates more with audiences than AI-generated content.
• Steven Schneider's Offers: Steven is active on LinkedIn, offering three free blog articles (worth $1200) for the first month, with a focus on blogging over backlinks.
• SEO Tools: Quality data sources like Semrush and Ahrefs are essential for data-driven blogging.
• Hiring an SEO Agency: Human expertise in SEO is valuable for long-term results, offering sustainable traffic versus PPC’s temporary boost.
• Social Commerce and Blogging: Blogs capture research-based traffic and support social commerce sales.
• Host Jordan West's Perspective: While PPC is great for immediate results, blogs are a lasting, owned asset for consistent traffic—illustrated by examples like a hiking brand targeting product-specific blog content.

Today’s Guest:

Steven Schnieder, an expert in blogging and SEO. He is currently connected with TrioSEO, where his title is presumably related to his expertise in B2B blogging services and SEO management. Schneider's background includes a significant shift from an interest in finance and an MBA to becoming a seasoned professional in SEO and affiliate marketing. He has managed extensive content operations, producing 300-400 articles monthly at his peak, and now leverages his substantial experience to help ecommerce brands build long-term content strategies through blogging and keyword optimization.

Recommended Apps/Tools:

Semrush: https://www.semrush.com/

Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/

Upstackified: https://www.upstackified.com/

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

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Explore cash flow strategies, like leveraging pre-sales for inventory, using ad platform invoicing, and credit extensions to scale e-commerce businesses. Personal insights highlight supplier negotiation, inventory management, and low-risk financing for growth.

In this episode, Jordan West with guest Grayson Cross gets into the nuts and bolts of cash flow management and financing for e-commerce brands. Grayson shares practical strategies for leveraging customer pre-sales, utilizing monthly invoicing options from major ad platforms, and optimizing credit cards and invoice financing services to extend payment timelines.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Embrace Change:
  Change is essential for growth despite its challenges.
• Leverage Pre-Sales:
  Pre-sell limited editions to fund inventory, as seen in the gaming industry.
• Personal Interaction:
  Founders should engage customers through personal digital content.
• Ad Platform Payments:
  Use invoicing from platforms like Facebook and Google to manage cash flow.
• Smart Credit Use:
  Utilize credit cards like Amex Plum with net 60 terms, and tools like Ampla for extended payment terms and rewards.
• Invoice Financing:
  Services like Settle and Melio offer extended payment terms to ease cash flow.
• Tiered Financing:
  Use a mix of financing options strategically, from asset-based lending to revenue-based financing.
• Supplier Negotiation:
  Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate better terms for improved cash flow.
• Inventory Management:
  Keep inventory aligned with sales; use solutions like Portless for better flow and shipping.
• Strategic Debt:
  Leverage debt wisely for growth, balancing risks and rewards.
• Post-COVID Strategy:
  Adapt to post-COVID challenges to sustain growth.
• Entrepreneurship Reality:
  Entrepreneurship requires practical knowledge and self-awareness.
• Cash Flow Priority:
  Keep OpEx under 20%, using a mix of financing tools, and maintain accurate accounting methods.
• Hierarchical Financing:
  Start with low-risk options like supplier terms before exploring riskier financing models.

Today’s Guest:

Grayson Cross, a proven serial entrepreneur and the head of growth as well as a full partner at Weekend Digital. Weekend encompasses various branches including investment, digital, studios, and motorsports. Grayson has deep expertise in digital marketing and media buying, having started his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 14. With a robust background that includes managing significant sales for a leading firearm accessory brand and working closely with notable industry figures like Taylor Holiday, Grayson is adept at helping businesses scale and achieve substantial exits, particularly through effective cash flow management and lean operational strategies.

Recommended Apps/Tools:

Portless: https://www.portless.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

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Understanding that the learning in Google Ads happens at the account level rather than the ad set level, which differs from Facebook ads. Responding to changes in Google's advertising platform due to increased competition and a shift towards a focus on quality score and user interaction, rewarding unique and engaging content.

In this episode, Jordan West with guest Shri, a successful ecommerce brand owner who has navigated the challenges of advertising on Google after encountering roadblocks with Facebook ads. Together, they explore the exclusive Google-only approach for a new apparel brand, diving into the TPS approach for testing, profitability, and scaling of products.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Utilizing a Google-only approach for a new apparel brand due to the inability to advertise on Facebook.
• Implementing the TPS approach for testing, profitability, and scaling of products, segregating products based on performance.
• Allocating budget distribution of 80% towards cold traffic and 20% towards retargeting.
• Employing standard shopping and search campaigns initially due to lack of data, followed by brand awareness campaigns for quick traffic.
• Emphasizing demand capture and conversion using Google's display traffic and demand gen campaigns.
• Exploring the potential of YouTube shopping as an additional shopping placement with the potential to drive a majority of revenue, and the potential shift in ad buying experience on YouTube due to integration with Shopify.
• Recognizing the evolving role of Google media buyers with the addition of YouTube shorts and YouTube shopping.
• Shifting from a focus on technical aspects to creative aspects within Google ads, similar to the approach of Facebook ads.

Today’s Guest:

Shri Kanase, is an expert in Google Ads and the owner of an ecommerce brand. Shri shares his insights and expertise in navigating the challenges of advertising on Facebook by adopting a Google-only approach for a new apparel brand. He emphasizes the TPS approach for product testing, profitability, and scaling, as well as the strategic allocation of the budget towards cold traffic and retargeting.

Recommended Apps/Platform:

Hyros: https://hyros.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

Send us a text

We uncover the pivotal role of AI in changing the landscape for startups, with Franco sharing his insights on leveraging technology to scale businesses. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities in e-commerce, uncovering strategies to tackle abandoned checkouts and personalized customer engagement.

In this episode, Jordan West with guest Franco Bonifaz explores the fascinating world of AI in marketing and its impact on revenue generation for brands. Franco shares insights into developing AI chatbots, utilizing SMS messaging, and the use of high average order value (AOV) products in e-commerce. The conversation also delves into the legalities of SMS messaging, the future of professional photography in the age of AI, and the potential impact of AI technology on the landscape of startups.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The effectiveness and reliability of GPT models like Chat GPT for understanding context and engaging with customers in e-commerce.
• The potential impact of voice agents such as 4o Mini and 4o on revenue generation and the use of AI voice cloning for communication with customers.
• The significance of email management and calendar use with products like Superhuman, recommended by the hosts for e-commerce businesses.
• The value of AI chatbots like Phantom for recovering abandoned carts and addressing product uncertainty or price are prominent reasons for cart abandonment.
• The factors affecting abandoned checkouts, including the significance of SMS messaging and the legalities associated with obtaining consent for messaging.
• The potential of AI is to fill the gap in providing personalized and technical sales experiences efficiently and at scale in e-commerce.
• The impact of AI on professional photography and the evolving landscape of business and funding with the advent of AI technology.
• The development of software products to improve e-commerce performance, with a focus on creating AI agents and leveraging technology to support business growth while keeping overheads low.

Today’s Guest:

Franco Bonifaz, he is connected to the AI and e-commerce industry, leveraging his expertise in developing a software product called Phantom.ai, an AI chatbot designed to assist Shopify store owners in recovering abandoned carts. With a background in photography and marketing, Franco's transition to owning a software company showcases his diverse skill set and strategic insight into e-commerce and AI technology.

Recommended Tools/Platform:

PHNTM AI: https://phntmai.com/

Superhuman AI: https://superhuman.com/

Chatgpt: https://openai.com/index/chatgpt/

Riverside: https://riverside.fm/transcription

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers:

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued

Send us a text

Uncover the true power of cutting-edge data solutions and AI-driven insights as David delves into Polar Analytics' revolutionary plug-and-play data stack. Gain invaluable knowledge about creating a reliable source of truth for data activation, enabling you to make impactful decisions and drive revenue with ease.

In this episode, Jordan West with David Dokes, co-founder of Polar Analytics and former growth expert at Turo. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the significance of having a reliable source of truth for data to the evolving landscape of marketing messages and data enrichment. They unpack the secrets to scaling and navigating the complex world of ecommerce, discussing KPIs, leadership, AI, and the art of making better decisions. Tune in to gain valuable insights on achieving ecommerce success in today's dynamic market.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of anticipating business fluctuations, as David Dokes shares his team's experience with higher-than-expected activity in August despite initially anticipating slow business.
• The current business climate is survival of the fittest, where those who understand the market thrive, and smaller agencies may struggle.
• The significance of raising funds, not focusing on competing solutions, and learning from past experiences in e-commerce growth.
• The challenges of B-to-B and B-to-C email marketing, regulation, and the motivations behind privacy initiatives.
• The necessity of detailed analytics for a digital company generating $10,000,000 in revenue, emphasizing the importance of a reliable source of truth for data.
• The increasing availability of conversion API connectors on the market and the trend of software cycles, discussing specialized point solutions and the need for a more holistic approach in software platforms.
• The challenges of data overload and the importance of a reliable source of truth for making good decisions, along with the three-step process of Polar Analytics for data activation and growth.

Today’s Guest:

David Dokes, he co-founder of Polar Analytics and a seasoned expert in ecommerce growth and data optimization. With a background in working on growth at Turo, known as the "Airbnb for cars," David brings a wealth of experience in scaling companies and understanding the challenges of combining product-centric and growth-centric approaches in the ecommerce space. As the co-founder of Polar Analytics, David has a deep understanding of the importance of a reliable source of truth for data and the need for data activation and decision-making in ecommerce brands.

Recommended Tools/Platform:

Partcl: https://www.particl.com/

Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/ap/

Triplewhale: https://www.triplewhale.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dol

In this episode's sponsor is Revenued - is a financial technology company that provides businesses with revenue-based financing solutions. Instead of relying on credit scores or collateral, Revenued offers funding based on a company's revenue. This allows businesses to access capital quickly and repay it as they generate income.

Learn more here: Revenued