Deciding whether to hire an Amazon agency is a pivotal choice for sellers, and this conversation offers a 360-degree view from people who have lived it. Drawing from experiences as agency owners, agency employees, and brand operators who've hired multiple agencies, we unpack the crucial factors to consider before signing any contracts.

Does hiring an agency even makes sense for your business? We explore how to identify your specific goals and needs, and whether those align with what agencies typically provide. This foundation proves essential for making a sound decision.

Not every agency is right for every Amazon business. We discuss how agencies that excel with low-priced products might flounder with premium brands, and how category expertise varies dramatically across firms. This leads to practical advice on vetting agencies by examining their experience with similar brands and asking targeted questions about their strategy for your specific business model.

Recognize frustrations when we detail common agency shortcomings - from overreliance on overseas freelancers without proper quality control, to the empty promises of dramatic results in unrealistic timeframes. The most successful agency relationships function as true partnerships rather than complete handoffs, with clear communication about brand strategy and business direction.

We share a critical red flag that signals deeper problems: when simple mistakes consistently reach you as the client. This points to fundamental process breakdowns that likely extend beyond what you can see. We also caution against outdated case studies, reminding listeners that Amazon strategies from even a few years ago may be completely ineffective in today's ecosystem.

For sellers navigating the complex decision of agency partnership, this conversation offers both strategic framework and tactical advice to find the right fit - or determine if keeping operations in-house might be the better choice for now.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Unlock the secrets of social selling on TikTok and transform your e-commerce strategy. What if the key to skyrocketing your brand's success lies in 15-second videos and the power of micro-influencers? Discover how successful Amazon sellers are pivoting to TikTok, despite the looming shadow of potential bans, to harness its unique social selling capabilities inspired by China’s digital market.

From a former video editor turned marketing maestro, learn how to capture attention in those crucial first seconds and maintain viewer engagement. Dive into the world of viral content creation and uncover the strategies that turned a Trump greeting card brand into a TikTok sensation. Embrace the art of leveraging micro-influencers to amplify your brand's reach, and explore the vital role of building strong creator relationships to enhance both engagement and sales.

We’ll also explore the ripple effect TikTok has on platforms like Amazon, sharing case studies of how viral exposure fueled massive search and sales numbers. Get insights from Amazon sellers expanding into TikTok and learn why enduring brand-building principles remain vital. Whether you're a seasoned seller or new to TikTok, this episode promises to equip you with the strategies to succeed in today's dynamic e-commerce landscape.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Discover the secret to turning your Amazon venture into a thriving business. We tackle the pressing question: How can U.S. sellers distinguish themselves from robust international competition in 2025? Join us for insights into capitalizing on the changing e-commerce landscape, where customer loyalty and integrity set you apart, and dive into the implications of political shifts and the expanding influence of platforms like TikTok and Walmart.

In our latest episode of Brand Fortress HQ's Tactics Tuesday, we unravel the complexities of optimizing Amazon listings amid evolving trends. Learn the art of crafting product titles that appeal to both human shoppers and AI-driven algorithms, maximizing your visibility with Amazon's Rufus tool. Ethical review practices and a strong post-purchase process are essential as these elements increasingly influence product rankings and customer engagement. The landscape is shifting, and with Amazon promoting Rufus for search, strategic adaptability is your key to staying ahead.

Later, we shift to the boundless opportunities beyond Amazon, with TikTok and Walmart emerging as formidable players in the e-commerce arena. Explore the potential of TikTok’s viral impact coupled with its lower fees, and uncover the strategies for engaging with content creators to boost brand visibility. We emphasize an enduring truth: Success is rooted in steadfast brand principles, prioritizing customer care, and delivering unmatched value. Join us to prepare for an e-commerce future where adaptability and integrity lead the charge.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Merry Christmas from BFHQ! Welcome to our Christmas Tactics Tuesday Episode and our Final  episode of 2024! We explore the increasingly complex world of Amazon sales with fresh perspectives. Join me and Matt as we tackle the pressing challenges of inbound placement fees and growing competition from direct-selling manufacturers. Uncover how these changes impact profit margins and why expanding beyond Amazon could be your next game-changing move.

We dissect the art of boosting conversion rates on Amazon versus personal websites, sharing practical advice for using Amazon as a testing hub for product-market fit. Learn the secrets of optimizing sales strategies to enhance net profit margins and the power of the 80-20 rule in product listing updates. These insights will not only increase your brand's visibility but also streamline ad costs and outmaneuver competitors within the Amazon marketplace.

Harness the transformative potential of AI in Amazon optimization and explore how platforms like Temu and Shein are reshaping the e-commerce landscape, especially for premium brands. We dive into effective marketing through Creator Connections and influencer partnerships, and the importance of diverse customer avatars to maximize sales. As we prepare for growth in 2025, this episode is your roadmap to mastering Amazon's evolving ecosystem and achieving greater success across multiple sales channels.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Ever wondered how face-to-face marketing can catapult your brand beyond the constraints of online sales platforms? Join us as we unravel the strategic shift from Amazon’s ad-heavy sales model to the dynamic realm of trade shows. With insights from our guests, Mike and Matt, we'll guide you through their transformative experience at a major trade show, targeting pool professionals and builders. Discover how an interactive booth experience, like the "Pool Olympics," can captivate audiences and create lasting brand impressions.

In our discussion, we move through the lessons learned from engaging directly with industry pros. From the critical choice of booth location on a main aisle to creative promotional strategies using QR codes, we’ll share the nuances of effective trade show tactics. Uncover the importance of product durability and attractive warranties that can take attendees by surprise and ensure your brand stands out. Learn why distinct QR codes are key to better tracking and how they can inform your future marketing decisions.

Finally, we tackle the financial intricacies of trade show participation. Explore how a customizable backlit booth sourced from an overseas manufacturer can provide both flexibility and cost efficiency. We also discuss innovative ways to gather contact details using tools like Popple and how to maintain engagement through product giveaways. Whether you’re venturing into trade shows for the first time or seeking to refine your strategy, this episode provides actionable insights to maximize your brand's presence and market penetration.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Unlock the secrets to crafting a powerhouse team that can turbocharge your brand's trajectory! Is it time to stop going it alone and embrace the might of a diverse team? Our latest episode of Brand Fortress HQ Tactics Tuesday promises to reveal why the lone wolf strategy may be holding you back and how embracing specialized skills can lead to unprecedented growth. Drawing from our rich e-commerce and agency experiences, we explore how handing over tasks like PPC and catalog management to experts can free up your time to focus on strategic planning and innovation.

We encourage you to "fire" yourself from roles that others can handle more effectively, enabling you to concentrate on the big picture. This episode is all about self-evaluation: determining the true value of your time and identifying which tasks can be delegated to talented individuals. Embrace the possibility of working with team members who might even surpass your skills in certain areas, ensuring your business thrives on their expertise. By strategically hiring and outsourcing, you can significantly enhance efficiency and success, allowing you to focus on expanding your market presence and nurturing a loyal customer base.

Dive into the intricacies of the hiring process in the age of AI, where we navigate the fine line between automation and genuine skill evaluation. With insights into using tools like Criteria Corp, we share best practices for streamlining candidate assessments and aligning recruitment processes with compensation expectations. We discuss the benefits of structured hiring processes that go beyond basic qualifications, ensuring you bring on board people who fit your company's culture and future vision. Regular self-assessment is key to identifying tasks ripe for delegation, thereby freeing up your time for strategic growth. Tune in to discover how to build a team that propels your business forward!

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Launch strategies have changed in the last couple of years as Amazon has changed their rules. Ready to understand your product launch strategy and master the art of audience building? Join us as we explore groundbreaking techniques with Matt, an expert in launching new brands. Discover how engaging with trending communities like biohackers and the sober curious can pave the way for a successful product introduction even before it hits the shelves. We tackle the challenges of balancing taste and effectiveness in product formulation and navigate the shifting dynamics of influencer partnerships to ensure your brand thrives in Q4 2024 and beyond.

Unlock the secrets to Amazon success without relying on fickle algorithm hacks. We dissect the controversial "honeymoon period" myth and present an alternative: driving sales velocity through a passionately engaged audience. Learn the power of cultivating a brand community that withstands platform changes, ensuring your product launch isn't just a fleeting success but a foundation for sustainable growth. By strategically partnering with non-competing brands, you can tap into new customer bases and elevate your brand's perceived value, fostering loyalty and better margins.

Explore the potential of Amazon's Creator Connections and the surprising impact of deal sites over traditional influencers. Despite its invite-only status, this program has enabled brands to achieve staggering sales figures with simple, strategic moves. As we wrap up, we celebrate the contributions of Matt and Mike, and invite you to our live LinkedIn sessions for real-time engagement and insights. Join us each week for more strategies to build a robust brand identity and pave the path to long-term growth.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Ever wondered how to turn a small community into a powerhouse for your brand? Discover the surprising journey behind Gio, a unique non-alcoholic beverage brand, and learn how building an engaged audience before launch can create excitement and momentum. Inspired by Ryan Daniel Moran's innovative approach, we share how sharing weekly updates—even about minor details like flavor tweaks—has fostered a growing community eager to be part of our story. We also discuss the power of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and how they can transform marketing efforts for brands, even those that may seem less glamorous.

Join us as we explore the art of fostering community engagement and loyalty, diving into strategies for interactive product packaging and maintaining active communication via automated email campaigns. Discover how involving your audience in decision-making, from flavor naming to product development, can cultivate a sense of ownership and drive brand growth. We highlight the importance of aligning with existing communities and leveraging their influence to elevate your brand's visibility and engagement, as well as the balance between providing excellent customer service and maintaining authenticity in marketing efforts.

In our conversation we discuss marketing expert Janelle Page and uncover the secrets to building genuine connections with influencers and creating captivating stories for even the most mundane products. Learn how creative marketing campaigns, like the viral "Will it Blend?" series, can inspire innovative approaches to engage audiences and ensure ongoing brand success. By focusing on building loyalty within your existing audience and exploring potential partnerships, you'll learn how to unlock new avenues for revenue and growth.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

How do you solve a months-long problem in minutes? Join us as we navigate the Amazon Accelerate conference, where Amazon sellers like you seek immediate solutions to longstanding account issues, all while grappling with the realities of Amazon's priorities. You'll discover how the expanding Seller Cafe has become a beacon for frustrated sellers desperate for effective support and how face-to-face interactions with Amazon's experts can be a game-changer. We highlight the tension between seller needs and Amazon's focus on customer and shareholder satisfaction, inviting you to think about where your business fits into Amazon's grand plan.

Imagine a world where Amazon takes the reins on every aspect of your supply chain. We unpack Amazon's latest strides in fulfillment and logistics, including Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) and Amazon Global Logistics (AGL). These initiatives promise to redefine efficiency and cost-effectiveness for sellers, yet they also raise important questions about Amazon's growing control over your business operations. From improving shipping times with Multi-channel Fulfillment (MCF) to the strategic impact of custom labeling, you'll get an inside look at how these changes might just transform your logistics strategy.

What if drone deliveries became the norm, and TikTok ads gave your products a Prime advantage? We explore Amazon's futuristic ventures, such as their ambitious drone delivery plans and unexpected partnerships with platforms like TikTok. The integration of "Buy with Prime" in diverse spaces hints at a revolutionary shift in e-commerce and advertising. Dive into the potential implications if Amazon were to acquire TikTok and the exciting AI innovations emerging from Amazon Accelerate. This episode is your passport to understanding Amazon's evolving landscape and the innovative tools set to redefine the future of e-commerce.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!

Unlock the potential of trade shows to elevate your brand with insights from our guest, Mike, a seasoned Amazon seller who has shifted gears towards this exciting avenue. Discover how transitioning from the competitive Amazon marketplace to harnessing the power of trade shows can become a game-changer for brands, especially in niche markets like professional pool tools. Mike shares his firsthand experience of entering this arena, with a pivotal event in Dallas setting the stage for expanding brand visibility and connecting with high-value customer segments.

Get ready to master the intricacies of trade show participation and learn the clever strategies that can optimize your booth's success. Whether you're dealing with food products or other offerings, Mike breaks down the complexities of navigating venue restrictions and the importance of obtaining the right permits. Learn how to measure your impact beyond immediate returns by engaging customers through sensory experiences, capturing on-site data, and balancing short-term tactics with long-term brand-building strategies.

Find out how partnerships and creative collaborations can amplify your trade show presence and beyond. By teaming up with other vendors and organizing engaging activities like the "Poollympics," Mike demonstrates how to draw attention, build contacts, and boost brand visibility. Get inspired to think creatively and collaboratively, leveraging your expertise and forming meaningful connections that enhance your brand presence not only at trade shows but across various sales channels, including Amazon. Join us for a lively discussion and arm yourself with the strategies needed to expand your brand's reach and profitability.

🚀 Transform your brand on Amazon by building a powerful customer list with the After Purchase Funnel Blueprint course. Click here to get the full course for free.

➡️ Ready to go deeper into your Amazon FBA journey to accelerate your success? Get your hands on ALL of the Brand Fortress HQ resources, mentorship, and knowledge base by visiting us at BrandFortressHQ.com

⭐️ Want to help our show grow so we can continue bringing you the very best of guests and actionable content for your Amazon FBA business? We'd greatly appreciate if you took two minutes to give us a five star rating and review. Thank you!