In this episode, we dive into how AI is changing e-commerce apps and online shopping.

Garry Egan, founder of Interlinks Development and 25-year software developer, shares why single-task apps are disappearing and how the best apps will become AI wrappers.

He reveals strategies for specialized workflows, why deep technical expertise matters for developers, and how AI alters the buyer journey.

InterLinks: For Shopify stores, automatically create internal links that increase conversions, boost click-through rates, and drive more page views. Get 500 FREE Extra Keyword Automations here: https://tinyurl.com/538jfhkn

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How AI changes e-commerce software usage.
• What makes low-hanging single task apps obsolete.
• Why store owners prefer GUI buttons over prompt lines.
• How specialized apps evolve into AI wrappers.
• What types of complex workflows survive AI.
• Why high-risk compliance stores need custom tools.
• How LLMs alter the product discovery journey.
• What store owners need to know about AEO.
• Why full-stack skills matter more for developers.
• How expert developers build faster with AI tools.

Links & Resources 

Website: https://getinterlinks.com/
Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/interlinks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryegan

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/443tzjyy

______________________________________________________ 

Our Sponsors 

Xero is cloud-based accounting software that helps small businesses, including ecommerce sellers and DTC brands - manage invoicing, cash flow, bank reconciliation, and reporting from one place, on any device. Get 90% off for 6 months. Learn more at https://referrals.xero.com/ecb - T&Cs apply.

Bizrate Insights: Star ratings tell you how customers feel. Bizrate Insights reveals what’s driving those ratings, helping ecommerce brands create smoother shopping journeys, inspire confident purchases, and build lasting loyalty. Turn verified shopper feedback into clear priorities and better customer experiences. Learn more at bizrateinsights.com/coffee 

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In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a successful media business and run an online store for the long haul. 

Claus Lauter, founder and host of Ecommerce Coffee Break, shares how to avoid common e-commerce traps, find your true customer, and balance AI tools with real human connection. 

He also breaks down the reality of running a global business while living a location-independent lifestyle, including the daily trade-offs and keys to staying productive.

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How to build a successful e-commerce media business.
• What causes e-commerce founders to fail early on.
• Why knowing your exact target buyer is critical.
• What replaced retention as the top industry topic.
• Why relying only on third-party AI creates risk.
• How to keep human connections inside AI workflows.
• What research to complete before launching a store.
• Why standard SEO no longer delivers quick traffic.
• How to transition tasks to a hybrid AI setup.
• What running a business while traveling really takes.

Links & Resources 

Website: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clauslauter/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/clauslauter

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/35t6wudt

______________________________________________________ 

Our Sponsors 

Xero is cloud-based accounting software that helps small businesses, including ecommerce sellers and DTC brands - manage invoicing, cash flow, bank reconciliation, and reporting from one place, on any device. Get 90% off for 6 months. Learn more at https://referrals.xero.com/ecb - T&Cs apply.

Bizrate Insights: Star ratings tell you how customers feel. Bizrate Insights reveals what’s driving those ratings, helping ecommerce brands create smoother shopping journeys, inspire confident purchases, and build lasting loyalty. Turn verified shopper feedback into clear priorities and better customer experiences. Learn more at bizrateinsights.com/coffee 

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LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

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Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

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In this episode, we dive into how first-party data and audience intelligence can fix rising ad costs.  

Tiago Costa, CEO of Clustie.ai, shares how using customer data helps ecommerce brands target high-intent buyers, lower acquisition costs, and boost ad performance without relying on broad targeting.  

He also reveals how smart audience segmentation, real-time data signals, and automated campaign workflows help DTC stores scale faster and increase return on ad spend. 

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How broad targeting burns through meta budgets. 
• Why first party data fixes high ad costs. 
• What automated AI campaigns do for growth. 
• How audience intelligence lowers overall CPA. 
• Why relying only on signals limits scaling. 
• What drives free to paid conversions. 
• How real time customer signals lift return. 
• Why agency experience creates better AI tools. 
• How simple app integration boosts ad results. 
• What agency partner programs do for scale. 

Links & Resources 

Website: https://www.clustie.ai/
Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/clustie-ai-marketing-segments
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clustie-ai/

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/mr2cmzvs

______________________________________________________ 

Our Sponsor

Bizrate Insights: Star ratings tell you how customers feel. Bizrate Insights reveals what’s driving those ratings, helping ecommerce brands create smoother shopping journeys, inspire confident purchases, and build lasting loyalty. Turn verified shopper feedback into clear priorities and better customer experiences. Learn more at bizrateinsights.com/coffee 

______________________________________________________

LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

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Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into why website analytics and star ratings fail to show the full customer journey.  

Cheryl Zajac, VP of Client Insights at Bizrate Insights, shares how collecting pre-purchase and post-delivery feedback helps brands fix friction points and boost conversions.  

She also reveals how to capture non-buyer insights, use targeted survey triggers, and balance AI data with human understanding to drive true growth. 

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How star ratings hide critical checkout friction.
• What 98 percent of non-buying traffic reveals.
• Why pre-purchase surveys capture lost revenue.
• How targeted triggers improve response rates.
• What custom questions uncover about intent.
• Why small sample sizes deliver actionable insights.
• How post-delivery data boosts buyer retention.
• What drives shoppers to competitor websites.
• Why human empathy beats AI data analysis.
• How real customer feedback fixes site drop-offs.
  
  

Star ratings tell you how customers feel. Bizrate Insights reveals what’s driving those ratings, helping ecommerce brands create smoother shopping journeys, inspire confident purchases, and build lasting loyalty. Turn verified shopper feedback into clear priorities and better customer experiences. Learn more at bizrateinsights.com/coffee 

Links & Resources

Website: https://bizrateinsights.com/coffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bizrateinsights/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/bizrateinsights

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/yuhp9nv6

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LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

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Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into how businesses use text messaging to drive revenue.

Amanda McGuckin Hager, CMO and CRO of TrueDialog, shares how her platform helps brands connect marketing, sales, fulfillment, and support into one seamless text conversation with every customer.

She reveals why opt-in compliance is the foundation of a valuable first-party list, how RCS is transforming texting into a branded, interactive experience, and how the right onboarding and integrations can get businesses sending compliant messages in days.

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• Why text messaging outperforms email and phone outreach. 
• What goes wrong when departments use disconnected channels. 
• How opt-in and compliance build valuable first-party data. 
• What RCS is and why it's growing fast in the US. 
• How brands use RCS cards, maps, and video in texts. 
• Why a verified sender builds instant brand trust. 
• What legal steps businesses need before texting customers. 
• How message frequency affects customer retention. 
  
  

Links & Resources

Website: https://www.truedialog.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truedialog/

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/nhe9sypp

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LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   

Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into how e-commerce sellers can combine human strategy with AI to scale ad performance without wasting budget.

Stephanie Richter, CEO and co-founder of Adspert, shares how her AI platform helps brands optimize campaigns across major marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay.

She reveals why humans are still needed to set the vision, how smart algorithms handle complex bidding data, and how automating routine PPC tasks can save hundreds of hours while boosting revenue.

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How humans and AI work together for best ad results.
• What role humans play when guiding ad algorithms.
• How AI makes smart ad bidding decisions with data.
• Why strategy is necessary before setting ad goals.
• What a typical daily workflow looks like in Adspert.
• How automated PPC management saves sellers time.
• Why long-tail keywords require longer AI training.
• How cross-marketplace ad data drives growth.
• Why scenario tools help predict results before spending.
• How simple AI tools make everyday work easier.

Start a 30-Day Free Trial Now (plus 20% off discount) at https://dashboard.adspert.net/signup/start?via=024955

Links & Resources

Website: https://go.adspert.net/amazon-ads-software?via=024955
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adspert/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/adspert_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adspert_

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/nhhfme59

______________________________________________________

LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   

Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into turning organic social media communities into real business growth and revenue. 

Tessa May Marr, founder and CEO of Marr Media Group, shares how a social-first approach helps DTC brands move away from siloed marketing and build integrated flywheels across organic, paid, and email channels. 

She also reveals strategies for using YouTube Shorts, turning negative comments into loyal customers through hands-on community management, and using customer sentiment data to drive conversions.

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How to turn social communities into real revenue. 
• What causes brands to post without making sales. 
• Why organic and paid social belong in one flywheel. 
• How to test content organically before paying to scale. 
• What metrics reveal real buyer intent over likes. 
• Why YouTube Shorts outperforms other video platforms.
• How active community management converts negative users. 
• Why consumer behavior dictates custom channel strategies. 
• What customer sentiment data tells you about content. 
• Why email and social must work together for growth.  

Links & Resources

Website: https://www.marrmediagroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marr-media-group/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marrmediagroup/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marrmediagroup

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/y4zucpf7

______________________________________________________

LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   

Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into the challenge of getting truly accurate e-commerce financials.

Parag Mamnani, CEO and founder of WebGility, shares how combining automation with expert human accountants helps brands uncover hidden fees, track unit economics, and build accurate books.

He reveals why pure AI automation falls short in accounting, how SKU-level financial data unlocks hidden profits, and how real-time books drive better operational decisions for multi-channel sellers.

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• Why standard monthly reconciliations often miss vital details.
• What multi-channel sales complexity does to accounting accuracy.
• Why relying only on top-line platform revenue deceives brands.
• How SKU-level cost data unlocks real margin growth.
• Why pure AI automation fails at complex accounting tasks.
• How human-in-the-loop approaches ensure full financial accuracy.
• What real-time cash flow analysis changes for brand scaling.
• How proper fee categorization protects product profit margins.
• What diagnostic financial reviews reveal about hidden costs.

Links & Resources

Website: https://www.webgility.com/
Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/partners/webgility-inc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paragmamnani/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webgilityinc/

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/v8b3bs2b

______________________________________________________

LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   

Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we explore how to prepare your e-commerce brand for a profitable exit without leaving money on the table.

Bawar Ahmad, founder of ecomma.co, shares how building a business with the end goal in mind helps owners avoid common valuation traps, clean up messy financials, and de-risk their operations.

He also reveals key buyer requirements, typical EBITDA multiples, and how to execute a fast, stress-free acquisition.

Topics discussed in this episode:  

• What buyers prioritize when evaluating e-commerce brands.
• Why EBITDA directly dictates the final valuation price.
• How personal expenses in financial reports collapse deals.
• What major red flags turn away serious business buyers.
• How operational independence makes brands easier to sell.
• Why evergreen product categories maintain higher valuation multiples.
• How valuation calculators estimate potential business exit payouts.
• What fast-track due diligence looks like for sellers.
• Why preparing an exit strategy early prevents costly surprises.

Links & Resources

Website: https://ecomma.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bawarahmad/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecommaco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecommaco

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/y585fy7a 

______________________________________________________

LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   

Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into how interactive visual experiences drive online sales and lower backend costs.

Angelo Coletta, founder and CEO of Zakeke, shares how his plug-and-play platform helps brands stand out with 3D product customization, virtual try-ons, and brand-safe AI automation.

He also reveals strategies for launching quickly without complex development cycles.


Topics discussed in this episode:  

• How visual interaction layers improve customer loyalty.
• What customization tools do to lower backend operational costs.
• How automated club uniform ordering eliminates manual mistakes.
• What 3D visualization adds to enterprise sofa configuration.
• Why AI-driven image generation boosts catalog visual variety.
• How computer vision algorithms prevent costly manufacturing errors.
• Why brand safety guardrails prevent AI prompt hallucinations.
• What 3D catalogs do to reduce global sampling costs.
• How prompt-driven onboarding speeds up setup processes.
• Why flexible public APIs simplify complex stack integrations.

Links & Resources

Website: https://www.zakeke.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zakeke/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakeke.official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zakekeofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPd_oA-Hjq6CE4G1vSUM1Q

Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/3jxf4djh

______________________________________________________

LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out!   

Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   

Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   

Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   

Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/