The Unofficial TikTok Shop Podcast with Jordan West

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This year has been challenging for many brands, but there's hope on the horizon. Unlocking here insights and expert tips on how you can tackle Black Friday Cyber Monday head-on and come out stronger than ever. 

In this episode, Jordan West shares an exclusive series dedicated to preparing your brand for the holiday shopping season! He dives into the essential strategies to make the most out of this year's BFCM. He also shares a Viral Topic: Using an irresistible offer to attract customers. If you’re a DTC brand, be sure to never miss this one.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Consider starting your promotions early and extending them into December to tap into the gift-giving season. 
• Instead of offering better discounts as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, provide different promotions throughout the sales period. 
• Avoid pricing strategies that may frustrate customers, such as increasing discounts as time goes on. 
• You don't have to put your entire store on sale. 
• Use data from Shopify reports to identify the products that are most likely to sell well during the BFCM promotion. 
• Make sure to order products early to ensure availability from your suppliers. 
• Rather than highlighting the percentage off, display the resulting slashed price.
• Consider the potential seasonal demand and forecast accordingly using Shopify reports.

Recommended App/Tool:

Tapcart: https://www.tapcart.com/

ABC Analysis: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/inventory/abc-analysis

Triple Whale: https://www.triplewhale.com/

Lifetimely: https://www.lifetimely.io/

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Think outside the box for impactful activations. Take inspiration from their creativity and find unique ways to make a statement for your brand.

In this episode, Jordan West and Henry Murray, Co-Founder of Waterdrop  discussed the importance of strategic partnerships and investments, which led them to an unforgettable activation in Times Square. They built a tennis court and had the privilege of playing a match with none other than Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend and an investor in Waterdrop. This publicity stunt not only brought awareness to their mission but also showcased their commitment to reducing single-use plastic bottles.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Having a clear and impactful mission for your brand can attract major investors and celebrity endorsements. 
• When expanding internationally, design your business and brand to be appealing and accessible to a global audience. 
• Thoughtful and creative activations with influencers or celebrities can generate buzz and attention for your brand, but they require careful planning and resources. 
• The impact of such activations can be measured through factors like website traffic, incrementality testing, and customer feedback. 
• Leveraging the influence and status of celebrities can open doors and garner positive attention for your brand. 
• Planning and preparation are key to ensuring the success and cost-effectiveness of big activations. 
• Tracking and analyzing the impact of major activations can provide valuable insights for future marketing strategies.

Recommended App/Tool:

Fairing: https://fairing.co/

By the Numbers: https://www.bythenumbersapp.com/

Loyalty Lion: https://loyaltylion.com/

Recommended Podcast:

Lex Fridman: https://lexfridman.com/podcast/

Today’s Guest:

Henry Murray, Co-founder of Waterdrop  is the visionary behind Waterdrop, a revolutionary product with a clear mission: eliminating prefilled beverages and plastic bottles from the world.  In 2016, Henry and his team in Germany created Waterdrop, a small hydration cube that can be dropped into water. This innovative product is not only lightweight but also uses 98% less plastic, as it solely contains fruit and plant extracts. With this eco-friendly approach, Henry and his team were able to bypass traditional distribution channels and go direct to consumers, making water readily available and free.

Connect and learn more about Henry and Waterdrop:

Website: https://www.waterdrop.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-murray-00578a55/

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Digitization is on the rise. In the next 10 years, an estimated 700,000,000 people will digitize their shopping habits, creating a vast market full of untapped potential.

In this episode, Jordan West and Ramiro Velasco from GoAvance share how he initially engaged in business activity for personal gain and discovered an inefficient yet full-of-opportunity market. They emphasizes the importance of being part of a growing market and sheds light on the challenges one may face when trading in a shrinking market, citing examples such as bear markets and competition from the likes of Amazon. Capital raising, the role of YouTube, and the challenges faced by agencies are also explored, along with surprising connections between business and music. He anticipates a significant increase in digitized shopping habits over the next decade, creating a larger market and exciting opportunities.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Recognize the importance of being part of a growing market and the challenges of trading in a shrinking market. 
• Avoid being a bad client by putting yourself in the shoes of service providers and understanding their perspective. 
• Acknowledge that nobody has all the answers and that everyone is continually learning and figuring things out. 
• Realize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to raising capital for businesses. 
• Be upfront, honest, and set realistic expectations when working with agencies or service providers. 
• Explore and leverage diverse backgrounds and experiences to find unique opportunities in the e-commerce market. 
• Understand the changes in consumer behavior and the digitization of shopping habits, which present new opportunities for businesses. 
• Recognize the potential of underrepresented categories and the importance of strategic planning when launching products. 
• Seek expert guidance when entering new markets to avoid costly mistakes. 
• Explore unique payment solutions like installment plans to overcome payment issues and attract more customers.

Today’s Guest:

Ramiro Velasco Mesina, President and Co-Founder, GoAvance specializes in Amazon and Latin American e-commerce, with a track record of achieving substantial growth for more than 50 seven-figure brands on the Amazon platform. His expertise lies in assisting brands in entering the Latin American e-commerce markets and addressing the various challenges that foreign brands typically encounter in these markets.

Connect and learn more about Ramiro and GoAvance:

Website: https://goavance.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramiro-velasco-mesina-a96bb8143/?originalSubdomain=mx

Email: [email protected]

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Prioritizing profit and paying yourself as the business owner is essential for sustainable growth. By taking regular owner's draws and building a rainy day fund, you protect yourself and your business from unforeseen circumstances.

In this episode, Jordan West and Cyndi Thomason, Bookskeep discuss the importance of cash flow management, the concept of Parkinson's Law, and why prioritizing profit is crucial for the success of your business. They also talk about the challenges faced when it came to inventory management.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Goals of Profit First: paying ourselves, generating profit, taking care of tax obligations, and managing what's left for running the business
• Segregating money for specific purposes to have a clear understanding of available funds
• Utilizing Parkinson's Law in Profit First to allocate funds for different purposes
• Understanding the impact of inventory cash flow on business finances
• Profit First helps business owners prioritize their own financial well-being and ensure the business serves their goals.
• It is important to build a rainy day fund and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

Buoyant Audiobook: https://www.audible.ca/pd/Buoyant-Audiobook/B0B75W36RH

Recommended App/Tool:

A2X Accounting: https://www.a2xaccounting.com/

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

Xero: https://www.xero.com/

Today’s Guest:

Cyndi Thomason, President, Bookskeep is a best-selling author and thought leader in ecommerce accounting and mom entrepreneurship. Using the Profit First method she designed specifically for the ecommerce industry, Cyndi and her team coach ecommerce business leaders so they can create a business that allows them to enjoy financial freedom through permanent profitability. Cyndi and her team understand the unique challenges of the ecommerce industry, and their mission is to enable ecommerce businesses to understand their cash flow and become profitable faster. Through a variety of programs and services, Cyndi and the bookskeep team help online businesses go from struggling to thriving and beyond.

Connect and learn more about Cyndi and Bookskeep:

Website: https://www.bookskeep.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndithomason/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/imcyndithomason

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Partnerships really can absolutely open up the aperture when it comes to awareness.  When partnering with brands or creating your own, ensuring that your core values are reflected throughout is crucial.

In this episode, Jordan West and  Bernadette Orscher explores the influence of technology on business dynamics, customer data utilization, and effective communication. As Bernadette strives to reinvigorate her own business, she highlights the power of creating a program within the community. By giving people a reason to step out of their homes and join in socialization, her mission is to foster genuine connections while providing an enriching experience.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Partnerships can help marketers find new audiences and connect with them.
• Creating engaging content and experiences, such as weekly quizzes and events, can help build a captivated community.
• Innovations in technology significantly impact work dynamics, customer communication, and data utilization.
• Giving people a reason to get out of the house can resonate with the audience and create connections.
• Creating internal brand workshops and using tools like Figma can align teams and clarify brand perception.
• Staying relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape requires using apps and trivia games to engage with others.
• Core values, inclusivity, and entertainment are essential for shaping brand partnerships.

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast : https://www.exactlyrightmedia.com/thats-messed-up

Dateline: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/552-dateline-nbc-43034875/

Recommended App/Tool:

Canva: https://www.canva.com/

Figma: https://www.figma.com/

Salvit Advisors: https://www.salvit.com/

Salvit Advisors Leverage Playbook:  https://bit.ly/3RFKaw6

Today’s Guest:

Bernadette Orscher, Marketing Director of Geeks Who Drink is a seasoned brand builder with a diverse portfolio of experience. She has a knack for revitalizing legacy companies in need of a fresh perspective. Currently, Bernadette is part of the team at Geeks Who Drink, and she absolutely loves working on their fun and exciting product.

Connect and learn more about Bernadette and Geeks Who Drink:

Website: https://www.geekswhodrink.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-libonate-orscher-1087567/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekswhodrink

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Embrace creativity despite limitations. From viral videos to a unique crowning program, they showed us that thinking outside the box can lead to remarkable growth.

In this episode, Jordan West and Olivia Alexander, founder and CEO of Kush Queen, discuss their journey and the unique challenges they faced in marketing their product. They emphasize the value of real human interaction with customers, such as answering emails and calls, as it helps build a strong connection and foster loyalty.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Building a successful e-commerce brand may involve facing challenges and restrictions in advertising, but creative strategies and community engagement can help overcome these limitations.
• Prioritizing customer care, product quality, and consistency is crucial for long-term success.
• Lifetime value (LTV) and building a base of returning customers should be a focus for sustainable growth.
• Offering free samples and generous discounts can be effective marketing strategies for attracting new customers.
• Utilizing tools like Postscript for SMS marketing can yield excellent results.
• Transparency and honest communication between brands and agencies are essential for a successful partnership.
• Organic content creation, email marketing, and building a community can play a significant role in brand growth.
• Despite regulation challenges, stigmas, and changes in terms of service, there are still opportunities for small businesses in the industry to thrive.

Recommended App/Tool:

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

Postscript: https://postscript.io/

Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/

Salvit Advisors: https://www.salvit.com/

Salvit Advisors Leverage Playbook:  https://bit.ly/3RFKaw6

Today’s Guest:

Olivia Alexander, Founder and CEO of Kush Queen, a company in the cannabis industry. Olivia started her journey by selling CBD products and navigating through the challenges of marketing regulations and payment processing limitations. With her experience and expertise, Olivia shares valuable insights on how to sell products when traditional paid ads are not an option.

Connect and learn more about Olivia and Kush Queen:

Website: https://kushqueen.shop/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-alexander-a823112a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheLivAlexander

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Create buckets of cash to secure short-term savings, invest in retirement accounts, and keep liquid cash for emergencies and business operations. 

In this episode, Jordan West and  Chase Insogna, CEO and Founder of Insogna CPA navigates the complexities of taxes and financial planning. Together, they delve into the importance of strategic financial management and offer practical tips for entrepreneurs in the ecommerce space. 

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Reinvesting all profits back into the business may not be the best strategy for personal wealth building.
• Having multiple buckets of cash, such as short-term savings, retirement accounts, and emergency funds, is important for financial stability.
• Avoiding external borrowing is a goal in e-commerce businesses.
• Cash flow management and covering short-term expenses is crucial for business stability.

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

The Compound and Friends:   Click Here

The Secrets to Scaling Your Ecommerce Brand: Click Here

Recommended App/Tool:

Miles: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/miles-travel-shop-get-cash/id1393913947

Chase Ultimate Rewards: https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/ultimate-rewards

Salvit Advisors: https://www.salvit.com/

Salvit Advisors Leverage Playbook:  https://bit.ly/3RFKaw6

Why the 'Leverage Playbook'?

• Data-Driven Decisions: By connecting your analytics ecosystem—be it GA, Shopify, or Amazon—Salvit Advisors will identify 2-3 immediate wins that have been lurking right under your nose.
• Customized Strategy: Receive a pitch deck tailored specifically for your brand, combining your unique data with their seasoned expertise.
• Immediate Impact: These insights aren't just theoretical. They're actionable recommendations that can drive tangible profit for your business.

Data without interpretation is nothing.

Today’s Guest:

Chase Insogna, CEO and Founder of Insogna CPA, a licensed CPA in the state of Texas. He has built a successful business, serving clients all across the country. Their unique approach combines transactional expertise with advisory coaching strategies, helping their clients navigate their financial journeys effectively.

Connect and learn more about Chase and Insogna CPA:

Website: https://insognacpa.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-insogna-cpa-cgma-4182539

Send us a text

With recent challenges in online advertising, it's crucial to explore alternative avenues for customer acquisition. Learn how building products and marketing strategies based on your ICP can fuel quick success and scalability for your business.

In today's episode, Jordan West and Michael Epstein, Co-Founder of PostPilot, discussed  the challenges of Q4 and how to go beyond abandoned checkout communication and acquire customers through targeted direct mail campaigns. 

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Leveraging first-party data and creating lookalike models based on best customers can help identify and target high-potential prospects.
• Reactivating dormant customers can lead to significant returns on ad spend, even for customers who haven't made a purchase in years.
• Exploring alternative customer acquisition avenues outside of traditional online advertising platforms is important for long-term sustainability.
• Discount offers in direct mail campaigns should match or exceed those in email campaigns to incentivize customers on the verge of defecting.

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

Prof G:   https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/the-prof-g-pod-with-scott-galloway

Elon Musk Biography: https://www.amazon.com/Elon-Musk-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1982181281

Recommended App/Tool:

Sendlane: https://www.sendlane.com/

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

Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/

Retention.com: https://retention.com/

Hubspot: https://www.hubspot.com/

Salvit Advisors: https://www.salvit.com/

Salvit Advisors Leverage Playbook:  https://bit.ly/3RFKaw6

Today’s Guest:

Michael Epstein, Co-founder of PostPilot, highly experienced DTC operator with over 20 years of expertise in running businesses. Determined to streamline the process, they embarked on creating a revolutionary platform called postpilot. This software aims to be the Klaviyo equivalent for direct mail, integrating seamlessly with ecommerce technology stacks. 

Connect and learn more about Michael and PostPilot:

Website: https://www.postpilot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mepstein1/

Email: [email protected]

Send us a text

Imagine getting insights from some of the brightest minds in the industry! The experts have dived deep into topics like email marketing, engaging customers, and making the most out of data to boost your profits.

In today's episode, Jordan West will share with you all the valuable lessons he learned at the Ecommerce Round Table event hosted by Sendlane. Let me tell you, this event was a game-changer in the world of DTC (Direct-to-Consumer). Jordan's going to break down the key lessons that can supercharge your brand or agency. We're talking about everything from maximizing your data for bigger profits to the magic of interactive email content. There's a whole world of wisdom waiting for you!

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Benefits of shared Slack channels for prompt issue resolution
• Using plain text emails with single questions to encourage replies
• Offering mystery gifts instead of discounts for abandoned carts
• Value of access-based launches for new products
• Introduction to Litmus for creating interactive email content
• Not constantly rotating audiences: Once you have a steady open rate, gradually add more people instead of blasting your entire audience.
• Avoid spam traps: Be cautious of email addresses that are not monitored to maintain a good sender reputation.
• Increase replies: Encourage replies to emails with plain text and single-question emails to boost the sender's reputation.

Recommended App:

Sendlane: https://www.sendlane.com/

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

Litmus: https://www.litmus.com/

Recommended Link:

Obvi: https://myobvi.com/

Hush: https://www.heyhush.com/about

Salvit Advisors: https://www.salvit.com/

Salvit Advisors Leverage Playbook:  https://bit.ly/3RFKaw6

Why the 'Leverage Playbook'?

• Data-Driven Decisions: By connecting your analytics ecosystem—be it GA, Shopify, or Amazon—Salvit Advisors will identify 2-3 immediate wins that have been lurking right under your nose.
• Customized Strategy: Receive a pitch deck tailored specifically for your brand, combining your unique data with their seasoned expertise.
• Immediate Impact: These insights aren't just theoretical. They're actionable recommendations that can drive tangible profit for your business.

Data without interpretation is nothing.

Send us a text

Discover how thriving brands with multi-million dollar revenues take advantage of email marketing, subscribing to daily or three-times-weekly newsletters that form a highly sophisticated email program aimed at converting warm leads.

In this episode, Jordan West and Adam Robinson, CEO of Retention.com share valuable insights about B2B SaaS, harnessing the power of email marketing, and the unfair advantage B2B products have over D2C products. Tune in as they discuss the challenges of building a sales organization, the potential issues with Klaviyo, the power of domain names, and his passion for helping individuals make $100,000 a year in their store. 

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Importance of inbound and outbound strategies
• Brands with a sophisticated email marketing program often have minimal email traffic that needs resolving.
• B2B products have an advantage over D2C products due to the top-of-funnel aspect.
• Different companies are approaching problem-solving in different ways.
• B2B SaaS companies can leverage email marketing as a powerful tool for lead generation and customer retention.
• Growing companies that generate leads from their website often see better results compared to traditional cold outreach methods.
• Resolving incoming email traffic is a relatively minor part of a brand's overall email program.
• The need to carefully evaluate the size and effectiveness of Sales Development Representative (SDR) teams as companies scale.
• The significance of domain names in establishing authority and credibility in the B2B industry.

Recommended Site:

• https://www.salvit.com/
• Salvit Advisors Leverage Playbook

Today’s Guest:

Adam Robinson, Founder and CEO of Retention.com, A former finance professional at Lehman Brothers. Adam Robinson's career took an unexpected turn after the 2008 financial crisis.  With no prior tech background, he grew the bootstrapped startup to $5M in revenue in just two years, earning it the #1 spot in customer satisfaction. With an 8-figure exit, he founded GetEmails in late 2019, later rebranding it as Retention.com. Today, the company stands as a testament to Adam's innovative spirit, transforming anonymous website visitors into authenticated first-party data and unlocking unparalleled high-ROI marketing flows, all powered by a lean team and zero external funding.

Connect and learn more about Adam and Retention.com:

Website: https://retention.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retentionadam/

Email: [email protected]