Human in the Loop

Human in the Loop

By TeikametricsBusiness
Download on the App Store

Human in the Loop episodes

  • Amazon Q2 Earnings Call Recap: Growth in Amazon's Ads & AI Business

    Amazon's recent earnings call revealed a revenue increase year-over-year, but a miss in terms of expected growth, leading to a slide in Amazon shares.

    The enormity and success of Amazon's diverse portfolio, including AWS and content on Prime Video like The Boys, is still impressive.

    This conversation recaps the primary takeaways from Amazon's Q2 earnings call, including a specific focus for advertisers and ecommerce sellers alike.

    We discuss everything from Amazon's growth in the ads business compared to Meta and Google, to AWS and AI investment, Rufus (an AI-powered product recommendation engine within Amazon's app), Amazon's potential response to Temu and Shein, and much more.

    Takeaways

    • Amazon's earnings call revealed a slight revenue miss, leading to a slide in Amazon shares.
    • Despite this, the enormity and success of Amazon's diverse portfolio, including AWS and content like The Boys, is still impressive.
    • Amazon's ads business showed strong growth compared to competitors like Meta and Google.
    • The discussion highlighted the advantage of having AWS in-house and the power of Amazon's data set.
    • Rufus, an AI-powered product recommendation engine, is expected to improve the user journey and increase conversion rates.
    • Amazon's focus on sponsored TV and its closed-loop system for measuring efficiency in advertising stood out.
    • The call addressed the impact of the economy and pricing pressures on sellers, with competition from Tmoo and Shein affecting average sales prices.


      • Chapters

      00:00 - Amazon's Earnings Call: Revenue Miss and Disappointing Guidance

      01:34 - Impressive Enormity of Amazon's Diverse Portfolio

      02:32 - Strong Growth in Amazon's Ads Business

      03:57 - Advantage of AWS and Power of Amazon's Data Set

      05:22 - Rufus: AI-Powered Product Recommendation Engine

      07:46 - Focus on Sponsored TV and Closed-Loop Advertising

      10:31 - Impact of Economy and Pricing Pressures on Sellers

      21 min
    • Benchmark Blitz: Prime Day 2024 Summary & Teikaways

      Join us in this lightning-fast episode of Benchmark Blitz as we dive into the metrics and trends that shaped Prime Day 2024. Host Cameron Yoder and data expert Laura Pattison break down the most crucial data points from this year's Prime Day, offering insights into traffic, costs, conversions, ad sales and more.

      📈 Highlights:

      • Discover the significant year-over-year traffic increase, particularly in the 10 days leading up to Prime Day.
      • Learn about changes in ad spend and how it influenced overall cost and click-through rates.
      • Understand the nuanced changes in conversion rates and average order value (AOV).
      • Get insights into which product categories thrived and which saw unexpected declines.

        • 📊 Whether you're an eCommerce professional looking to optimize your strategy or simply interested in the latest trends, this episode is packed with valuable data and expert analysis. Tune in to get the inside scoop on what drove success during Prime Day 2024 and how you can leverage these insights for future events.

        25 min
      • Benchmark Blitz: Key Insights from H1 on Amazon & Walmart

        In the latest episode of Human in the Loop, our very own Laura Pattison explores key data and insights from H1.


        Laura will help unpack exactly what's happening across Amazon and Walmart - how they compare against each other, and what's happening individually in each marketplace as well.


        We've summarized key data points, below, but highly encourage listening to the full episode to understand what's happening in the market.


        🔍 Efficiency Comparison:

        • Walmart's efficiency declined by 11% year over year in H1 2024, while Amazon saw a smaller decline of 4%. This reflects Walmart's increasing competition in the marketplace.

          • 💲 Cost per Click (CPC):

          • Walmart's CPC increased by 24% year over year, while Amazon's increased by 17%. Despite these increases, sales per click also rose (10% for Walmart, 12% for Amazon), indicating higher click values.

            • 🛒 Conversion Rates and Sales Growth:

            • Amazon experienced a 9% increase in conversion rates and a 4% increase in average order value (AOV). This suggests growing consumer confidence and spending on the platform.

              • 📈 Future Outlook:

              • Laura anticipates CPCs stabilizing in Q3 post-Prime Day, with potential fluctuations due to market updates. Overall, she expects continued growth in sales per click and conversion rates for both platforms in H2 2024.
                • 25 min
              • The Battle of Giants: Walmart's Strategy Against Amazon's Dominance

                Podcast Description:

                Join Cameron Yoder on this insightful episode of Human in the Loop, where he dives deep into the dynamic competition between Walmart and Amazon with special guest Ryan King, CEO of BlueRyse. They explore Walmart's evolving marketplace strategies, its unique strengths, and how it’s setting itself apart from Amazon. Discover the technological advancements Walmart is implementing, the role of its physical stores, and its future in the omnichannel retail landscape. Whether you're an experienced seller or new to the e-commerce game, this episode offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives on the Walmart vs. Amazon debate.


                Key Takeaways:

                1. Walmart's Unique Strengths: Walmart leverages its vast network of physical stores to offer services like order pickup and grocery delivery, giving it a significant edge over Amazon in these areas.
                2. Technological Advancements: Walmart is investing in digital pricing labels, augmented reality shopping experiences, and virtual try-ons to enhance both the online and in-store customer experience.
                3. Future Speculations: Walmart’s experiments with platforms like Roblox hint at its efforts to engage younger audiences and integrate physical and digital shopping experiences.
                4. Comparison with Amazon: While Amazon leads in e-commerce, advanced advertising tools, and niche market depth, Walmart excels in leveraging its physical presence and grocery offerings.

                  5. Quotable Moments:

                  • “Walmart’s physical footprint is a significant advantage, being within ten minutes of a majority of the U.S. population.” – Ryan King
                  • “The endless shelf of e-commerce can never be fully translated to physical stores, but Walmart is experimenting with blending these environments.” – Ryan King
                  • “Walmart is trying new features and investing resources to enhance the consumer experience, from augmented reality to virtual try-ons.” – Cameron Yoder

                    • Ways to Find Each Guest:

                    • Ryan King: Connect with Ryan King on LinkedIn and learn more about his work at BlueRyse.
                    • Cameron Yoder: Follow Cameron Yoder on social media and check out more episodes of Human in the Loop.


                      • Outline:

                      • Introduction (00:00 - 00:01:04)

                        • Welcome and episode overview by Cameron Yoder.
                        • Introduction of the topic: Walmart vs. Amazon.

                        • Setting the Stage (00:01:04 - 00:02:01)

                          • Cameron's goals for the conversation.
                          • Exploration of Walmart's strengths compared to Amazon.

                          • Deep Dive into Walmart's Market Position (00:02:01 - 00:05:16)

                            • Discussion on Walmart's unique identity and strengths.
                            • Comparison of Walmart’s and Amazon’s strengths in the marketplace.
                            • Ryan King’s insights on Amazon’s e-commerce lead and Walmart’s physical retail advantage.

                            • Technological Innovations (00:05:16 - 00:10:03)

                              • Digital pricing labels and their impact on shopping.
                              • Walmart's advancements in online and in-store technology.
                              • The role of augmented reality and virtual try-ons.

                              • Omnichannel Strategies (00:10:03 - 00:16:56)

                                • Discussion on Walmart’s omnichannel play and micro-fulfillment centers.
                                • The future of e-commerce and physical retail integration.
                                • Challenges and opportunities for third-party sellers on Walmart.

                                • Future Speculations and Experiments (00:16:56 - 00:23:06)

                                  • Walmart’s experimentation with platforms like Roblox.
                                  • The potential impact of these experiments on future shopping experiences.
                                  • Final thoughts on Walmart’s future direction and ongoing innovations.

                                  • Conclusion (00:23:06 - End)

                                    • Summary of key points discussed.
                                    • Closing remarks by Cameron Yoder and Ryan King.
                                    • Information on where to find and connect with each guest.
                                      • 44 min
                                    • Lala Hijabs: Tie-Dye, TikTok, and the Future of Content in Commerce

                                      Summary

                                      In this episode, the founders of Lala Hijabs, Sanaa and Will, discuss the intersection of technology, content, and e-commerce.

                                      They share how their brand started out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly gained attention through TikTok, and how they set themselves apart in a hyper-competitive market.

                                      The founders emphasize the importance of their partnership and how their different strengths contribute to the success of the brand, and highlight the impact of their content in educating and connecting with their audience.

                                      Lala Hijabs has experienced rapid growth and expansion, including the launch of a clothing line and collaborations with other retailers. This episode is a perfect example of what content creators are doing to succeed in new ways in today's rapidly-changing ecommerce market.


                                      Takeaways

                                      Lala Hijabs started out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and gained attention through TikTok.
                                      The unique and colorful hijabs offered by Lala Hijabs set them apart in the market.
                                      The partnership between the founders, Sanaa and Will, and their ability to work together with their different strengths has been crucial to the success of the brand.
                                      Content creation has played a significant role in educating and connecting with their audience.
                                      Lala Hijabs has experienced rapid growth and expansion, including the launch of a clothing line and collaborations with other retailers.
                                      Gaining media attention can be a significant boost for a brand's visibility and growth.
                                      TikTok has played a crucial role in the success of Lala Hijabs, and they have built a strong community through the platform.
                                      The content on TikTok has evolved over time, becoming more scripted and less raw.
                                      TikTok has the potential to continue evolving and offering new opportunities for content creators and brands.
                                      Being true to oneself and staying authentic is essential for success in content and product creation.

                                      Chapters

                                      00:00 - Introduction and Background

                                      03:00 - Starting Lala Hijabs

                                      06:00 - Launching the Brand

                                      09:00 - Challenges and Growth

                                      12:00 - Balancing Product and Content

                                      15:00 - Current State and Future Plans

                                      17:00 - Key Factors for Success

                                      18:20 - The Impact of TikTok

                                      20:00 - The Evolution of TikTok

                                      25:00 - Advice for Content Creators & Producing Content

                                      35 min
                                    • Simplicity in a Complex World: The State of Ecommerce with John Merris

                                      In this episode, we dive deep into the world of e-commerce and traditional retail with John Merris, former CEO of Solo Stove and Solo Brands. John shares his extensive experience and insights on the current state of the industry, emphasizing the importance of simplicity amidst increasing complexity.

                                      From multichannel strategies to leveraging technology and authentic content, John provides valuable advice for navigating the ecommerce landscape in 2024 and beyond.

                                      Tune in to learn how to maintain simplicity and achieve growth in today's competitive market.


                                      Key Takeaways:

                                      • Simplicity is Key: Despite the increasing complexity in ecommerce, maintaining simplicity in strategy and operations is crucial for sustainable growth.
                                      • Adapt to Change: Stay agile and open to evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements.
                                      • Leverage Authentic Content: Embrace the power of genuine, relatable content to connect with your audience.


                                        • Chapters

                                        00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Traffic

                                        08:43 The Shifts in the E-commerce Industry

                                        13:50 The Importance of Multi-channel Strategies

                                        23:17 Creating Authentic and Relatable Content

                                        26:42 The Future of E-commerce: Integration of Physical and Digital Retail


                                        Quotable Moments:

                                        • "It's become harder to win because it's easier to compete." – John Merris
                                        • "Technology is amazing, but not all tech is created equal." – John Merris
                                        • "In the future, I don't think you'll have physical and digital retail bifurcated." – John Merris

                                          • Guest Information:

                                          • John Merris: CEO of Floret, former CEO of Solo Stove and Solo Brands
                                          • LinkedIn: ⁠John Merris⁠

                                            • Host Information:

                                            • Cam: Host of Human in the Loop
                                            • LinkedIn: ⁠Cameron Yoder⁠

                                              • Additional Resources:

                                              • ⁠Solo Stove⁠

                                                • Subscribe and Follow:

                                                • Apple Podcasts: ⁠Human in the Loop⁠
                                                • Spotify: ⁠Human in the Loop⁠
                                                • YouTube: ⁠Teikametrics⁠

                                                  • Support the Podcast:

                                                  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to you!

                                                  Contact Us:

                                                  For questions, feedback, or to suggest topics for future episodes, contact our host, Cameron Yoder, on ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

                                                  30 min
                                                • The Rise and Fall of Thrasio: From Unicorn to Bankruptcy

                                                  Summary

                                                  In this episode, Cameron Yoder and John Derkits discuss the bankruptcy of Thrasio, a prominent Amazon aggregator. They provide an overview of Thrasio's rise to unicorn status and the factors that contributed to its downfall, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational and strategic missteps, and financial strain. They also analyze the implications of Thrasio's bankruptcy for the e-commerce industry as a whole and the evolving aggregator model.


                                                  Takeaways

                                                  • Thrasio's bankruptcy is a result of a combination of factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational and strategic missteps, and financial strain.
                                                  • Thrasio's bankruptcy is a Chapter 11 reorganization, not a complete shutdown, and it allows the company to restructure its debt and continue operating.
                                                  • The e-commerce industry is experiencing softer demand and margin compression, and success in this environment requires operational and financial acumen.
                                                  • The aggregator model is evolving, and future successful aggregators will likely focus on strong product development, traditional private equity-like strategies, or deep specialization in specific categories.
                                                  • Thrasio's bankruptcy serves as a cautionary tale for the industry and highlights the need for sustainable growth and profitability in the e-commerce space.


                                                    • Chapters

                                                    00:00 - Introduction and Background

                                                    03:19 - Overview of Thrasio and its Rise

                                                    10:09 - Factors Contributing to Thrasio's Downfall

                                                    27:26 - Implications for the E-commerce Industry

                                                    35:19 - The Future of the Aggregator Model

                                                    42:46 - Conclusion and Where to Find John


                                                    We'd encourage you to follow and engage with Jon across his social channels and website:

                                                    • LinkedIn
                                                    • Blog / Newsletter
                                                    • Website
                                                      • 45 min
                                                    • Prime Day Prep: Expert Q&A for Amazon's Prime Day 2024

                                                      Amazon's biggest sales day of the year is coming soon... are you ready?

                                                      This special edition episode of Human in the Loop brings together some of today's top experts to talk through the strategies they plan to implement this year.

                                                      Outline:

                                                      In this episode we plan to cover topics and questions like:

                                                      1. How important is it for sellers to plan their advertising campaigns well in advance of Prime Day, and what are some best practices for doing so?
                                                      2. Can you provide insights into the types of products or categories that tend to perform particularly well during Prime Day, and how sellers in other categories can still capitalize on the event?
                                                      3. How does the increased competition during Prime Day impact advertising costs and campaign performance, and how can sellers effectively manage their budgets?
                                                      4. What advertising types or strategies have proven to be most effective for driving sales and visibility during Prime Day?
                                                      5. What metrics should sellers be monitoring closely during Prime Day to evaluate the performance of their advertising campaigns, and how can they adjust their strategies in real-time based on these insights?

                                                        6. And much more!

                                                        The extended, complete version of this Q&A can be found here. Registration is free to unlock the full version of this Q&A.

                                                        Enjoy, and good luck on Prime Day 2024!

                                                        34 min
                                                      6. Everything, Everywhere: How Amazon AI is Changing Ecommerce

                                                        The way people shop online has drastically changed over the years. Content has become an essential aspect of a brand’s ability to capture the attention of its audience and turn them into loyal paying customers.

                                                        This episode explores how Amazon is capitalizing on this revolution of content, attention, and buyer behavior. 

                                                        We’ll dive into Amazon’s ability to meet sellers and buyers at any point in their journey of either buying or selling products, and Amazon’s “everyone all at once” presence

                                                        Whether you’re a seasoned Amazon seller or just getting started, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of where ecommerce is headed, and how you can leverage these content trends to enhance your brand’s presence and success on Amazon’s marketplace.


                                                        TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hitlpodcast⁠

                                                        Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hitlpodcast/⁠

                                                        YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihXYbJckEDqaaLg3l1fuNw


                                                        Key Takeaways:

                                                      7. Content is Changing The Way People Shop

                                                        • Shift from linear TV to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
                                                        • Gen Z represents a significant demographic with distinct values and preferences.
                                                        • Third-party sellers on Amazon have surged to represent a majority of sales.

                                                        • Amazon is Everywhere

                                                          • Amazon's acquisitions like Whole Foods and ventures into sports streaming and virtual reality demonstrate its omnipresence.
                                                          • Leveraging various platforms to engage with customers in diverse ways.

                                                          • Content is King

                                                            • Content plays a pivotal role in advertising and selling products across Amazon's different lanes.
                                                            • Platforms like Twitch and Thursday Night Football offer unique opportunities for engagement.

                                                            • AI's Role in Ecommerce

                                                              • AI enhances customer experiences and aids in operational efficiencies.
                                                              • Amazon is committed to using AI to solve problems and improve customer experiences.

                                                              • The Future of Buyer Behavior

                                                                • Buyer behavior will continue evolving, necessitating brands to adapt swiftly.
                                                                • Amazon emphasizes test and iterate methodologies, keeping pace with evolving trends.

                                                                • Integration of Content into Shopping Journeys

                                                                  • Amazon continuously innovates to integrate content seamlessly into the shopping experience.
                                                                  • Sellers should revisit features and adapt strategies to suit evolving trends.

                                                                    • Taking Advantage of the Evolution in Ecommerce

                                                                  • Start with a great product as the foundation.
                                                                  • Build a loyal customer base and attract new audiences through effective marketing strategies.

                                                                    • Leverage Amazon's rich signals to identify and reach potential customers.

                                                                    46 min
                                                                  • Machines Can Run Ads Better Than You

                                                                    Outline:

                                                                    AI has been a hot topics for a long time now… but what aspects of artificial intelligence are actually useful? 

                                                                    When it comes down to it… What can AI do that we can’t?

                                                                    What should AI do, that we can’t?

                                                                    This episode explores just how much AI can (And should) do in the ever-changing, ever-growing world of ecommerce and beyond. 

                                                                    Laura Pattison, an expert in leveraging artificial intelligence to run ads on Amazon, Walmart and beyond, walks us through this concept in detail.

                                                                    By the end of this episode, we hope you’ll walk away with a clear understand of just how much AI is changing and impacting the world of ecommerce, how you can take advantage of it, and where your personal time is best spent growing your business.


                                                                    TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hitlpodcast⁠

                                                                    Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hitlpodcast/⁠

                                                                    YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihXYbJckEDqaaLg3l1fuNw⁠


                                                                    Chapters:

                                                                    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Context

                                                                    01:15 Exploring the Singularity

                                                                    04:15 Why AI Outperforms Humans 

                                                                    05:22 The Numbers-Based Aspect of AI in Ad Management

                                                                    06:21 External Influences and Factors in Managing Ads

                                                                    10:58 Specific Examples of AI Improving Advertising

                                                                    17:27 How to Leverage AI in Different Areas of Ad Management

                                                                    25:03 AI-Dominant Lanes 

                                                                    29:22 The Future of AI 

                                                                    36:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

                                                                    41:23 Fear of the Unknown

                                                                    44:51 Getting Left Behind


                                                                    Takeaways

                                                                  • AI has the ability to outperform humans in certain areas of ad management, particularly in handling large volumes of data and making decisions based on multiple signals.

                                                                  • The combination of AI and human expertise is crucial for successful ad management, as humans can provide insights and make decisions based on external influences and factors that AI may not be able to fully understand.

                                                                  • AI is currently dominant in areas such as bidding, campaign creation, inventory adjustments, and creative content generation.

                                                                  • The future of AI in advertising holds the potential for further advancements in creative content generation, including image, video, and audio creation.

                                                                  • Advertisers should identify their weaknesses and the greatest opportunities for their brands to determine where AI can be leveraged to improve ad performance and efficiency. Fear of technology often arises from a lack of understanding.

                                                                  • Leveraging AI and technology can provide a competitive advantage. Refusing to embrace technology can result in being left behind.

                                                                    • 41 min

                                                                  About Human in the Loop

                                                                  From the publisher's feed

                                                                  This brand new show explores the dynamic intersection of human intelligence and cutting-edge technology within the ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce.