Episodes

  • E016: The #1 AOV Hack Your Competitors Are Using That You're Not | Collaborative Commerce | Shopify Growth Strategies
    Oct 18 2023

    Blake gives a deep dive into why Collaborative Commerce is helping Shopify brands to grow their AOV by as much as 80% without spending an additional dollar in sales & marketing.

    If you're serious about growing AOV for your Shopify store, then this one is for you!

    Catch the video version with visuals here: https://youtu.be/wSVN9G7p2eU  

    For an in-depth episode recap and exclusive content, head over to https://www.getcarro.com/podcast.


    2% The Podcast is Sponsored by Carro, the premier collaborative commerce platform designed specifically for DTC's elite brands. Kickstart your collaboration with Carro today at https://www.getcarro.com/.


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

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    23 mins
  • E015: The AI Revolution in DTC Customer Service: How to Mix AI and Humans For Unmatched CX | Lisa Popovici, CMO at Siena AI
    Oct 10 2023

    Lisa Popovici, CMO and co-founder of Siena AI joins us to talk about the transformative power of AI in the realm of e-commerce customer service, the dynamic balance between automation and human touch, and the future trajectories of AI-enhanced customer experiences. With her rich background as a former Shopify merchant, Lisa offers invaluable insights into the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence on e-commerce customer service. They delve deep into Siena AI's ambitious mission of bridging the automation gap in customer support, aiming to seamlessly handle 80% of routine customer inquiries and empower human teams to focus on more intricate issues.


    Lisa and Blake discuss the balance between automation and the irreplaceable human touch, debunking myths surrounding AI-led unemployment. They also shed light on the emergence of new roles such as conversational designers and prompt engineers, highlighting the continuous learning curve that comes with AI adoption. Lisa passionately advocates for the transformative benefits of AI, from offering rapid responses and personalized experiences to the potential of converting customer service from a mere cost center to a significant revenue driver.


    Furthermore, the conversation touches upon the customization capabilities of AI-driven customer interactions, with tools like Siena's "Persona Studio" allowing companies to mold their AI agents to mirror their top-performing human counterparts. They explore the diverse use cases for Siena, distinguishing between information-centric tasks like FAQs and action-oriented tasks such as order tracking. 


    Rounding off the episode, Lisa offers practical advice for businesses contemplating the AI leap and highlights the urgency of gearing up for the bustling Q4 season. 


    For anyone navigating the intricate terrains of marketing, e-commerce, and the DTC realm, this episode provides a comprehensive view of the future of AI in customer service. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Lisa's insights underscore the transformative potential of AI in reshaping the e-commerce landscape.


    For an in-depth episode recap and exclusive content, head over to https://www.getcarro.com/podcast.


    2% The Podcast is Sponsored by Carro, the premier collaborative commerce platform designed specifically for DTC's elite brands. Kickstart your collaboration with Carro today at https://www.getcarro.com/.

    Connect with Lisa Popovici

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapopovici/
    Visit Siena - https://www.siena.cx/


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

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    43 mins
  • E014: The Heath Riles BBQ Journey: Turning Passion into a Booming DTC Business | Scaling from small stores to Walmart, Kroger, and Lowes
    Sep 27 2023

    Heath Riles, founder and CEO of Heath Riles BBQ takes us through his mouth-watering journey of 75 championship titles and business success. From humble beginnings in a mom-and-pop grocery store's aisles to gracing the shelves of retail giants like Walmart, Lowes and Kroger, Heath's story is a testament to the power of passion fused with entrepreneurial savvy.


    In this episode, we dissect the nuances of Heath's omnichannel strategy in the competitive CPG landscape. Glean insights on the delicate dance of negotiating with mega-retailers and the pivotal role of brokers in such dealings. Heath opens the playbook on his e-commerce journey, sharing how he effectively leveraged platforms like Shopify, employed a mix of FBM and FBA on Amazon, and harnessed the sheer might of content marketing and storytelling. The art of content repurposing and brand partnerships also comes under the spotlight, offering a treasure trove of strategies for DTC brands aiming to maximize their reach and resonance.


    But beyond the strategies and success, the heart of the episode lies in Heath's entrepreneurial spirit. His dedication to authenticity, adaptability, and building genuine relationships stands out as an inspiring beacon for all entrepreneurs. From international supply chain intricacies to the ethos of kindness in business, Heath's story resonates with invaluable lessons and fiery motivation for DTC brands and enthusiasts.


    For an in-depth episode recap and exclusive content, head over to https://www.getcarro.com/podcast.


    2% The Podcast is sponsored by Carro, the premier collaborative commerce platform designed specifically for DTC's elite brands. Kickstart your collaboration with Carro today at https://www.getcarro.com/.

    Resources:

    Heath Riles BBQ Website - https://www.heathrilesbbq.com/

    Heath Riles BBQ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heathrilesbbq

    Heath Riles YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/HeathRilesBBQ

    Heath Riles LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathrilesbbq/


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl


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    50 mins
  • E013: Unlock 80% Klaviyo Open Rates & 75% CTR with Transactional Emails/SMS | Yaw Aning, CEO at Malomo
    Sep 21 2023

    Don't miss out on this game-changing episode if you're aiming for sky-high email and SMS engagement rates, satisfied customers, and a streamlined support team.

    Yaw Aning, Co-Founder and CEO of Malomo, graces 2% The Podcast to reveal how Shopify merchants can leverage their shipping experience as a potent retention marketing tool.

    Discover immediate, actionable strategies for optimizing your transactional experiences across email, SMS, and on your website. Yaw draws upon his extensive knowledge to explain why the post-purchase experience—especially order tracking—isn't just another customer touchpoint but a powerful mechanism for enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing sales.

    What You'll Learn:

    • The "crawl/walk/run" strategy for optimizing your transactional customer journey
    • How to transform an order tracking page into a customer experience and revenue powerhouse
    • The unparalleled impact of transactional emails and SMS on post-purchase engagement
    • Strategies for converting shipping delays into opportunities
    • Ways to reduce "Where is my order?" support tickets
    • How to seamlessly integrate your Attentive, Postscript, Klaviyo, Loop Returns, Status, Rebuy Engine, and Carro features on your tracking pages
    • And much more!

    Yaw emphasizes the critical importance of the customer transactional experience, urging brands to take control and align it with customer expectations, brand values, and revenue objectives.

    For a complete episode recap and bonus content, visit Carro's Podcast Page.

    2% The Podcast is brought to you by Carro, the leading collaborative commerce platform for DTC brands. Access over $100M in inventory for your store starting at just $35/month. Get started here.

    Connect with Yaw Aning
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yawaning/
    Email: Yaw@gomalomo.com

    Connect with Blake Imperl
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

    Resources Mentioned:
    Klaviyo - https://www.klaviyo.com/
    Postscript - https://postscript.io/
    Attentive - https://www.attentive.com/
    Dylan Whitman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanwhitman/
    Collaboration https://www.blueland.com/ / https://rocketchocolate.com/


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    53 mins
  • E012: How to Win BFCM/Q4 in eCommerce | Paid Ads, Creative, Offer Structuring, Email Marketing, Collaborative Commerce & More | Nick Shackleford, Chase Dimond, Dara Denney, Daniel Okon
    Sep 7 2023

    This is the Q4 and BFCM conversation we SHOULD be having to ensure you win big. I'm joined by industry experts Daniel Okon, Dara Denney, Chase Dimond, and Nick Shackelford to give you some important things to think about as we approach peak sales season.


    Originally hosted as a LinkedIn dynamic live event, this discussion delves into the heart of Q4. We uncover empowering strategies 


    Dive deep with this episode as we unpack:

    💰Paid Media: Why you should never turn evergreen off, what you should be testing, and more.
    👩‍💻 Content & Creative: Dara, Nick and Daniel go deep on what's working + what you should be running
    💰Offer Structuring: The whole group discusses ways to optimize for profitability and inventory + discuss what works
    📲📧 Email and SMS Marketing: Chase offers tons of gold on list growth and creative stratgeies
    🤝 Collaborative Commerce: Why it might just the strategy you to improve AOV and acquire customers more profitably + real world examples from Nick, Daniel, and Chase.



    Tune in for a blend of actionable tips and seasoned advice. Whether you're an eCommerce rookie or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is your playbook to conquer Q4 and make a ton of money.


    Catch the full episode recap and exclusive content over at https://www.getcarro.com/podcast


    This episode is brought to you cost-free by Carro, the #1 collaborative commerce platform for DTCs best brands. Get started for free at https://www.getcarro.com/

    Connect with our panelists

    Nick Shackelford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/

    Chase Dimond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedimond/ 

    Dara Denney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daradenney/ 

    Daniel Okon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-okon-47655643/


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

    Resources/Brands Mentioned
    Really Good Emails - https://reallygoodemails.com/

    Milled - https://milled.com/

    Flewd - https://www.flewdstresscare.com/

    Activ - https://www.weareactiv.com/

    Structured - https://www.structured.agency/

    Brez - https://www.drinkbrez.com/

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    56 mins
  • E011: How Dr. Squatch, Feastables, and Recess Use Interactive Email to Skyrocket Engagement & Conversions | Akshaya Dinesh, CEO of Spellbound
    Sep 1 2023

    Interactive emails are redefining how consumers engage with DTC brands.
    Akshaya Dinesh is the CEO and founder of Spellbound, a platform helping brands like Dr. Squatch, Feastables, Olipop, Hexclad, Recess, and more to turn their email channel into an immersive experience. With a background in technological innovation and a deep understanding of customer engagement, Akshaya's insights serve as a comprehensive guide to modernizing your email marketing strategies.


    In this episode, we explore how Spellbound is changing the game for leading Direct-to-Consumer brands like Dr. Squatch, Feastables, and Hexclad. By incorporating interactive widgets into email campaigns, Spellbound turns what used to be a one-way communication into an engaging two-way dialogue. Akshaya elaborates on the psychological underpinnings of their gamification widgets, how their Smart Signups feature seamlessly blends email and SMS marketing, and the future of hyper-personalized customer interaction.


    Digging deeper into the technical aspects, we discuss the responsive design of these interactive widgets, how they can potentially improve email deliverability, and the level of customization available to brands. From strategy to implementation, Akshaya emphasizes the need for a brand-specific approach, offering a hands-on collaboration to fine-tune the integration of these interactive elements into a brand's email marketing ecosystem.


    Whether you're interested in boosting SMS opt-in rates, elevating click-through rates, or generally intrigued by the future of interactive marketing channels, this episode is a must-listen.


    Catch the full episode recap and exclusive content over at https://www.getcarro.com/podcast


    This episode is brought to you cost-free by Carro, the #1 collaborative commerce platform for DTCs best brands. Get started for free at https://www.getcarro.com/

    Connect with Akshaya Dinesh

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshayadinesh/

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/akshayadinesh19

    Spellbound - https://www.spellbound.io/


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

    Resources & Brands Mentioned:

    Feastables
    Hexclad
    Olipop
    Dr. Squatch
    Recess
    Klaviyo 

    Bannerwave  

    1text 

    Attentive


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    39 mins
  • E010: Turning Brand into a DTC Moat & How to Win in the Alcohol Industry | The Still Austin Whiskey Co. Story | Mike Spadier
    Aug 25 2023

    If you want to turn your "brand" into an asset for your DTC business, this one is for you. Mike Spadier is the CMO of Still Austin Whiskey Co., Austin's pride in grain-to-glass whiskey distillation. We delve into the art of brand storytelling as Mike gives us a taste of marketing in the spirits industry.

    Mike's vast experience in the marketing world, from leading branding efforts at the health and fitness titan, Onnit, to running his own full-service marketing agency (HOTS), makes this conversation nothing short of a brand marketing masterclass.


    Mike dives deep into the world of spirits branding, exploring how Still Austin stands out in a saturated market. With a unique Austin-inspired aesthetic that defies the traditional Texas imagery, Mike delves into the strategy behind the brand's artistic direction. Emphasizing the value of community, we discuss the integration of local pride into marketing campaigns and the brand's intricate relationship with Austin's vibrant art, comedy, and culinary scenes as well as partnerships with institutions like UT Austin.


    Beyond just branding, Mike offers invaluable insights on metrics in the spirits industry, the nuances of market expansion, and the careful dance between genuine consumer demand and distribution.


    Whether you're intrigued by the spirits industry's evolution towards direct-to-consumer models, or the art of brand differentiation in a crowded market, this conversation drops a goldmine of insights.


    Catch the full episode recap and exclusive content over at https://www.getcarro.com/podcast


    This episode is brought to you cost-free by Carro, the #1 collaborative commerce platform for DTCs best brands. Get started for free at https://www.getcarro.com/

    Resources:



    Connect with Mike Spadier & Still Austin
    Still Austin - https://stillaustin.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikespadier/


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

    Resources mentioned
    Onnit Labs 

    ReserveBar 

    Drizly

    Instacart


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    52 mins
  • E009: How to 2x Your eCommerce Subscription Revenue in 60 days | Gabriella Tegen, CEO of Smartrr
    Aug 17 2023

    Gabriella Tegen is the CEO of Smartrr. If you want to 2x your e-commerce subscription revenue with a tactical playbook and tools you're already using, this episode is for you. 

    Gaby offers a free masterclass in utilizing dynamic tools—content, email, SMS flows—and their potential in forging authentic, lasting connections with customers, a move from mere transactions to deep-rooted relationships. 


    Gaby and Blake illuminate the art of brand distinction, uncovering the myriad of ways businesses can carve out their unique niche. You'll learn from loads of brand examples in this one like Feastables, Manscaped, and more. The two also discuss limited-time offers, seasonal product launches, and the intimate involvement of subscribers in product ideation as additional ways to drive value to subscription customers.


    As the digital age continues its relentless march, the importance of bespoke e-commerce strategies becomes undeniable. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the DTC realm or just dipping your toes, this episode will give you numerous frameworks to 2x your subscription revenue with ease.


    Catch the full episode recap and exclusive content over at https://www.getcarro.com/podcast


    This episode is brought to you cost-free by Carro, the #1 collaborative commerce platform for DTCs best brands. Get started for free at https://www.getcarro.com/

    Connect with Gaby Tegen

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-tegen/


    Connect with Blake Imperl

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl

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    45 mins