Stay connected with the leading ecommerce platforms. In this episode, we interview leaders and visionaries from Shopify, BigCommerce, Centra, Commerce Layer, Remarkable Commerce, Scayle and Shopline for a fireside chat on what’s happened in Q3 and Q4 2024.

Every 6 months, we catch-up with the leadership teams of leading ecommerce vendors so you can hear directly from them about their strategic and product focus.

For this episode, we’re discussing key product updates, go-to-market focus, major new wins and what the roadmap focus will be for the next quarter.

Timings:

02:05 > BigCommerce

18:50 > Centra

38:35 > Commerce Layer

52:55 > Remarkable Commerce

1:11:35 > Scayle

1:22:45 > Shopify

1:37:40 > Shopline

Contact details for all vendors are on the landing page on insidecommerce.fm

Episode summary:

In this conversation, Janis Thomas, Managing Director of Look Fabulous Forever, discusses the importance of catering to a mature audience in the beauty industry.

She shares insights on the brand's mission to celebrate mature beauty, the challenges faced by older consumers, and the need for representation in marketing.

Janis emphasises the significance of building knowledge about customer needs, the role of educational content in engaging customers, and the impact of user-generated content in fostering community.

The discussion also touches on effective marketing strategies that prioritise customer journeys and trust-building. Janis also shares insights on driving repeat purchases, the significance of customer acquisition strategies, and the role of educational content in enhancing user experience.

The episode then explores the impact of quizzes on customer engagement, the importance of personalisation in the shopping journey, and the four pillars of customer loyalty that go beyond traditional discount strategies.

Key takeaways:

• Authenticity in branding is crucial for customer trust.
• Customer feedback is integral to product development.
• Educational content is key to customer engagement.
• User-generated content helps build community and trust.
• Diversity in marketing teams is essential for representation.
• Understanding customer journeys enhances marketing effectiveness.

• Quizzes can serve as valuable tools for customer engagement.
• Personalisation should cater to both new and returning customers.
• Community building fosters customer loyalty and advocacy.

• Variable rewards can create excitement and engagement.
• True loyalty is built on relationships, not just discounts.

Summary:

In this episode, James Gurd and Paul Rogers discuss the evolving landscape of technology change in ecommerce, focusing on the shift from tactical solutions to strategic decision-making.

They explore the importance of ecosystems in technology selection, the changing roles in project management, and the critical need for customer leads to oversee ecommerce projects.

The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding commercial considerations, managing risks, and ensuring thorough UAT processes to achieve successful technology migrations.

Key takeaways:

• The market has shifted towards strategic decision-making in technology change.
• Ecosystems are now a critical consideration in technology selection.
• Project management roles are evolving to include more strategic oversight.
• There is a need for independent due diligence in technology selection.
• Technical discovery should not be rushed; it requires thorough exploration.
• Customer leads are essential for bridging the gap between agencies and clients.
• Understanding the timing of license fees is crucial for budgeting.
• UAT processes need to be well-managed to avoid surprises
• Agencies have become more capable in handling complex projects
• Contingency planning is vital for successful project execution.