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The Commerce Marketer Podcast: Talking eCommerce, Email Marketing, Retail, and More

The Commerce Marketer Podcast: Talking eCommerce, Email Marketing, Retail, and More

By Bronto Marketing Platform

Step into The Commerce Marketer studio as we chat with experts across the retail industry about email marketing, eCommerce trends, strategies and what lies ahead for commerce marketers and retailers. The conversation is full of helpful information you'll certainly find useful in your own endeavors and we’ll have a little fun as well.
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Episode 011: Customer-First SEO and the Marketing Overlap

The Commerce Marketer Podcast: Talking eCommerce, Email Marketing, Retail, and MoreNov 07, 2017

00:00
20:51
Ep. 071: How to Survive Tariffs and Plan For What’s to Come

Ep. 071: How to Survive Tariffs and Plan For What’s to Come

Luke Peters, CEO and founder at NewAir Appliances and Retail Band, joins this episode of “The Commerce Marketer Podcast” to discuss specific strategies retailers and companies can follow to reduce the burden of tariffs. Luke starts by discussing how the tariffs have impacted NewAIr and their cost of goods (COG), and why simply finding a new supplier isn’t a realistic option (2:00). He explains what to look for in the supply chain to find opportunities for price relief (7:00), and outlines strategies to renegotiate and lower your manufacturing costs and and which parts of your agreement might provide the most leverage (10:30). Luke then shifts gears and dives into freight-specific issues, such as systems, duties and credit terms (18:00). He describes internal systems, processes, and packaging options to look at that can reduce costs and improve efficiency (21:40). He discusses how to approach third-party vendors to decrease costs, and then recalls mistakes made and lessons learned from them (30:30). Finally, Luke shares the most important thing to keep in mind when going into negotiations with your vendors or suppliers (35:30).

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

NewAir / Retail Band:
Website: 
Retail Band: https://www.RetailBand.com/
NewAir: https://www.NewAir.com/
Luke Peters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke--peters/
Email: Luke@RetailBand.com

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Feb 25, 202040:58
Ep. 070: How Walmart Uses Social to Drive Local Store Traffic

Ep. 070: How Walmart Uses Social to Drive Local Store Traffic

Zach Lones, director of social media marketing at Walmart, joins this episode of “The Commerce Marketer Podcast” to discuss how Walmart uses social media and their employees to engage with local communities and increase in-store traffic. Zach starts by describing the genesis of the store-level social media programs (2:00), choosing social platforms (8:30) and how they establish best practices and types of training needed (10:00) for participation. He explains how the program is structured for day-to-day use (12:00) and which KPIs the social team and store-level managers look at to determine the success of the posts (14:15). Zach then shares stories of how program participation has improved teamwork and moral among employees (17:30) before switching gears to describe the viral online grocery pickup (OGP) rap challenge videos (20:30). He explains what it was, how it impacted their relationship with their customers, and how it generated additional ideas for store associates in social engagement opportunities (24:30). Finally, Zach shares pitfalls to avoid, how to empower employees to create social content (28:45), and what other companies can learn from it (32:10).

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Walmart:
Website: https://www.Walmart.com
Zachary Lones: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharylones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyplones/

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com


Feb 18, 202046:51
Ep. 069: Commerce Trends to Watch in 2020

Ep. 069: Commerce Trends to Watch in 2020

Phillip Jackson, chief commerce officer of Something Digital and co-founder of Future Commerce, joins this episode of “The Commerce Marketer Podcast” to discuss expected commerce trends in 2020 and beyond. Phillip starts by describing the biggest trend that he expects to dominate the industry in 2020 (6:00) and discusses how venture capital fails at creating sustainable businesses (7:00). Phillips shifts gears to Amazon, predicting a long-term trend he expects to emerge this year (11:20) and how the cost and speed of shipping may threaten Amazon’s place at the top (13:00). He then delves into brand content and how retailers can neutralize larger competitor advantages with it (19:30). Phillip discusses the on-demand economy and how it’s paving the way for ghost brands and other non-ownership-based businesses (23:00). Phillips segues into the impact Gen Z has on retail, talking through potential backlash on larger corporations (27:00), sustainability and social causes, and brand loyalty (33:00). Finally, he assesses how the in-store shopping experience will change in the short-term (40:00).

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Future Commerce / Something Digital:
Future Commerce: https://www.FutureCommerce.fm/
Something Digital: https://www.SOmethingDigital.com /
Phillip Jackson: Hello@FutureCommerce.fm
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/philwinkle /

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Feb 11, 202042:18
Ep. 068: How Pact Clothing Uses Sustainability in Marketing

Ep. 068: How Pact Clothing Uses Sustainability in Marketing

Drew Cook, CFO of Pact Clothing, joins this episode of “The Commerce Marketer Podcast” to discuss social causes as part of a brand’s ethos and marketing strategy. We outline the growing trend of sustainability amongst retailers and how “greenwashing” deceives consumers (2:00). He then discusses how terms like “organic” and “sustainable” can both aid marketing efforts and mislead consumers (4:30), and then cover how consumers’ expectations of corporate sustainability impacted Pact’s marketing philosophy and cause-based approach (7:30). He then speaks to the related practical challenges of sourcing and producing items at higher costs (10:30), delving into how beneficial being sustainable really is when consumers aren’t willing to pay more for the products (13:00). We switch gears to discuss sustainability in their post-purchase marketing efforts (16:00), growing a brand while staying true to its ethos (18:30), and how publicly addressing customer concerns improves their processes (22:30). He ends by sharing his thoughts on whether businesses need a social cause to stay relevant with today’s consumers (26:00) and why launching a cause-centered store is more challenging than ever (27:40). 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Pact Clothing:
Website: https://www.WearPact.com/
Drew Cook: Drew@WearPact.com

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Jan 28, 202036:08
Ep. 067: How to Grow Your Instagram Followers

Ep. 067: How to Grow Your Instagram Followers

On this episode of “The Commerce Marketer Podcast” I’m joined by Viv Conway and Tash Meys who share their strategies for growing your Instagram followers — and attracting the right ones. The founders of Ace The Gram start by discussing how to use Instagram the “right way” (9:20) and how businesses can decide what purpose it should serve (10:20). Next, they give a case study illustrating high-quality content and overall strategic plan, and then shift gears to discuss images (15:00) and tentpole strategies for growing followers (17:10). Tash and Viv then shed light on what makes a “good” Instagram (IG) post (18:15), how that differs from a good IG Story (20:30), ways to use Stories and how to develop a Highlight strategy (23:30). Next they cover how to develop a complete strategy around them, from how many to use and where to put them in a post for maximum effect (25:00). They answer the age-old question, “How often should I post?” (32:15) and share their method for structuring successful giveaways (36:00). They end by discussing the influencer industry and specific tools and tips for getting things done with limited internal resources, before finally sharing the first things they’d do on IG if they were starting a business today (51:46). 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Ace the Gram:
Website: https://www.AceTheGram.com/
Tasha “Tash” Meys: https://www.instagram.com/tastefullytash
Vivien “Viv” Conway: https://www.instagram.com/vivconway_/

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Jan 14, 202001:06:22
Ep. 066: Future Retail Technologies Around the Globe

Ep. 066: Future Retail Technologies Around the Globe

I’m joined by Luke Daniel Lucht, co-founder and research director at Research Farm, to discuss developing retail technologies around the globe and how they may impact the future of retail. Lucht begins by discussing approaches and challenges to unmanned stores overseas and what they could mean for similar stores in the U.S. (3:10) — and how the Amazon Go model fits into the future of these store formats (5:40). Next, he discusses what facial recognition might hold for retailers and consumers (10:00 and China’s new social credit system. He describes how it’s being used to curb and influence both shopping and public behavior and its implications for democratic countries (13:00). Daniel shifts focus to online grocery trends and how UK trends may impact the US online grocery market (23:30). He then dives into the future of autonomous vehicles (29:35), robo-warehousing and the future of grocers using vertical farming to provide fresher produce (34:00). Lucht also talks about how retailers can target consumers based on mood as signaled by wearables and how they interact with smartphones (37:50). Finally, he turns back to the online grocery market and which new grocers we should be watching for (45:00).

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. 

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Research Farm:
Website: https://www.ResearchFarm.co.uk
Dan Lucht: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lucht-7609289
Email: Dan@ResearchFarm.co.uk

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com


Dec 31, 201954:60
Ep. 065: Inside Commerce: Stories, Lessons Learned, and What’s Next?

Ep. 065: Inside Commerce: Stories, Lessons Learned, and What’s Next?

CEO of MIVA and author of Dragonproof Ecommerce Rick Wilson joins me on this episode of “The Commerce Marketer Podcast” to share his perspective on the state of ecommerce and the consumer landscape. Wilson also hosts the “Protecting Your Online Business Podcast,” where he recalls stories and lessons learned from more than 20 years in ecommerce. Wilson starts by discussing what he thinks is the “end of the beginning of the ecommerce landscape” and retailers’ problem with free shipping and returns (5:00). Next, Wilson describes how the dot-com bust changed best practices, which new ones are transforming (7:10) and lessons to learn other brands’ mistakes (10:45). He then talks through modern marketing strategies and how to see into your own marketing blind spots (16:15). Wilson shifts gears to discuss effective meeting structures and how Amazon can be a catalyst for positive change (29:00) before predicting what Amazon and ecommerce will look like in the future (33:00). He goes on to theorize about the impact of AR and VR (38:40), the role "headless commerce" will play (42:00), and the most interesting ecommerce development of the past 20 years (44:00). 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

MIVA:
Website: https://www.Miva.com/
Email: Rwilson@Miva.com

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Dec 17, 201951:18
Ep. 064: A Blueprint for a Successful Product launch

Ep. 064: A Blueprint for a Successful Product launch

I’m joined by Luke Peters, CEO and founder of NewAir Appliances and host of the Page 1 Podcast, where he shares their blueprint for successfully launching new products. Luke starts by describing his ideal customer (2:15) and why New Air pivoted away from exclusively selling direct-to-consumer (2:50), and then explains how their 50 new product launches a year bring value (8:00) and the benefits of having the same SKUs for both your website and retail partners (12:00). Luke shifts to why customer reviews and YouTube influencers are a vital part of their launch strategy (15:20), discussing the most valuable types of on-site content (18:50) and elements of a successful YouTube video (21:00). Next, Luke dissects paid ad strategies and how opportunities on marketplaces impact a launched product’s ROI (24:10). He then discusses the importance of product reviews and his strategy for collecting early reviews (26:40) before wrapping up with contingencies for launches that don’t go as planned (33:20). He finishes by sharing some launch strategy pitfalls (39:30) and the biggest mistakes he sees other companies make when launching their own products (43:00). 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

New Air:
Website: https://www.NewAir.com/
Luke Peters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke--peters/
Email: Luke@RetailBand.com

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Dec 03, 201957:27
Ep. 063: Augmented Reality and 3D in E-Commerce

Ep. 063: Augmented Reality and 3D in E-Commerce

I’m joined by Carson Finkle, CEO at Tenth Street Hats, to discuss using augmented reality (AR) and 3D product imaging on websites. Carson starts by describing their target audience and why they tested AR on their website (3:00). He explains what the experience looks like for the end-user and why they went with a web-based approach instead of an app-based one (4:50). Carson then explains why they tested AR on their website (7:30) and what the setup process was like (9:00). Carson then breaks down cost considerations (10:20) and balancing these costs with traditional content creation (11:00). Next, he shares results from products that used the AR functionality (11:40). Carson dives into using style quizzes to deliver a unique welcome series experience and other ways they bring awareness to their AR functionality (14:15). He discusses why they removed discounts for consumers who shared their AR-generated photos on Instagram, how they envision using AR to expand their customer base (18:30) and the most surprising thing learned after implementing AR and 3D imaging tools (21:20). Carson then shifts to the customer experience, describing their buy now, pay later option (22:30) and what he sees as the next step for improving online shopping experiences (24:00) before ending with their most successful digital marketing tactics (33:30).

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Tenth Street Hats:
Website: https://www.tenthstreethats.com/
Carson Finkle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carson-finkle-%F0%9F%8E%A9-16762b17/

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com

Nov 19, 201941:45
Ep. 62: Video in Email Marketing Has Finally Arrived
Nov 05, 201938:53
Ep. 061: Preparing Email Marketing for the Holidays

Ep. 061: Preparing Email Marketing for the Holidays

In this episode, Greg Zakowicz, senior commerce marketing analyst at Oracle NetSuite, discusses email marketing strategies for the 2019 holiday season. He begins with some of the key takeaways from last year and how they impact this year’s season (1:45), then covers the most appealing discounts and how to integrate them into your email planning (4:30). Greg then discusses the benefits of running daily deals and category-specific promotions (5:00) and how free shipping factors into these promotions’ success (6:00). Greg explores consumer expectations of free shipping, details how free shipping can generate sales (8:00), and shares ways to promote free shipping with subject lines (13:00) — he “wraps up” the promotional segment with tips on BOPIS (14:00), free gifts and loyalty points (15:00). Next, he breaks down how the Cyber Five has expanded into a ten-day marketing period (17:00) and Cyber Monday strategies (21:30) before sharing five key holiday planning items (28:00) and lifecycle message considerations for the holidays (30:00). He ends with a single email tip to give you an edge on the competition (36:00). 

For more holiday resources, be sure to view the resource links below. 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Holiday Resources:
Holiday Email Lookbook — 2019 Edition: http://go.bronto.com/LP=5352?regsource=WEB&nsCampaignCode=Online_WW_Horiz_HolidayLookbook2019_1019&elqCampaignName=Online_WW_Horiz_HolidayLookbook2019_1019&elqCampaignId=2964
Email Marketing Resources: http://www.bronto.com/resources/

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: http://www.bronto.com/

Oct 22, 201938:14
Ep. 60: The Behavioral Science of Marketing

Ep. 60: The Behavioral Science of Marketing

I’m joined by Nancy Harhut, chief creative officer at HBT Marketing, to discuss how marketers can use behavioral science to nudge their customers and encourage purchase decisions. Nancy starts by covering how “eye magnet” words and the Von Restorff Effect can create more effective email subject lines and headlines (3:40), and then shares which word has been repeatedly associated with top-performing subject lines (7:30). Nancy dives into content by discussing ways to effectively use social proof to influence clicks and conversions (11:00), what makes a “good” email (17:00), what imagery makes a difference (19:00), and how using graphs and charts provides scientific backing (20:00). Next, Nancy details specific landing page techniques and the science behind product returns, and she discusses how the “endowment effect” can make returns a differentiator (33:50). Nancy then explores how behavioral science can affect the physical world (40:00) before outlining the potential pitfalls of using behavioral science in marketing (44:00) — and ends by sharing the best place for retailers to start using it (48:00). Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

HBT Marketing:
Nancy Harhut: Nharhut@HBTmktg.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nharhut
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyharhut

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com/

Oct 08, 201956:59
Ep. 059: How Vera Bradley Designs a Modern-Day Retail Experience

Ep. 059: How Vera Bradley Designs a Modern-Day Retail Experience

I’m joined by Harry Cunningham, vice president of retail brand experience at Vera Bradley, to discuss what goes into designing modern-day brick-and-mortar stores that appeal to consumers. Harry explains some of the driving forces behind Vera Bradley’s redesign of their storefronts (5:45), and the steps taken when embarking on designing a new store concept (8:45). Harry explains how the store design revolves around solving shopper challenges (10:30) and how they used data to uncover some shopper opportunities (13:00). Next, Harry discusses how they factor generational cohorts into their store concepts (14:15), how they balance online and physical interaction for in-store shoppers (16:55), and how much the local community impacts the overall store design (18:00). Next, Harry explains the role of technology in the in-store experience, from balancing technology with traditional store principles (24:00) to how they incorporated VR into their stores, and how they view this technology as a future component of in-store retail (25:15). He’ll share how they know when a design update is needed (30:30), his insights into what he thinks the future of brick-and-mortar stores will look like (35:00), and where he finds creative inspiration (37:00). Harry shares examples of how even bad design ideas can turn into good ones (42:00) and provides advice for pulling the most creativity out of a collective group of people (44:00). Harry ends by sharing a personal story of a great in-store customer service experience and how it directly resulted in additional orders (49:00). 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Vera Bradley:
Website: http://www.VeraBradley.com
Harry Cunningham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-cunningham-7a09ba

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com/

Sep 24, 201958:37
Ep. 058: How Convenience and Connection Shape the Future of Retail

Ep. 058: How Convenience and Connection Shape the Future of Retail

I’m joined by Erin Jordan, vice president and partner at Walker Sands Communications, to discuss the key findings of their sixth “Future of Retail” report. Erin discusses the trends the most notable trends and what the report says about consumer convenience and connection (2:00). She breaks down consumers’ expectations of shipping polices (3:00), their expectation of free shipping (6:30), and the impact supply chain transparency will have on retail (8:00). Erin also covers the in-store experience, BOPIS’s importance (9:30), and the impact convenience has on brand loyalty (14:15). Next, she details the future of brick-and-mortar and how experiential in-store shopping will actually need to be (21:00). Erin then dives into how product categories differ between direct retailer web sales and those on marketplaces and what this says about changing consumer shopping habits (24:00). She also addresses consumer attitudes on online grocery (37:00) before we share our personal online grocery shopping experiences (41:00). She ends by outlining consumer trust in brand-suggested recommendations (47:00) and the impact sustainability has on purchasing decisions (51:00).

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Walker Sands Communications:
Website: http://www.WalkerSands.com
Erin Jordan: Erin.Jordan@WalkerSands.com

Bronto Marketing Platform:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com/

Sep 10, 201901:04:31
Ep. 057: Brewing Up Email Marketing Success

Ep. 057: Brewing Up Email Marketing Success

I’m joined by Erin Hoffman, director of ecommerce at Door County Coffee, to discuss the shifting consumer coffee market and how they use email marketing to engage customers and drive revenue. Erin starts by discussing how the shifting in-home coffee demographic impacted their digital marketing strategy (9:00). She outlines how their email marketing team is organized and how it contributes to their overall online marketing revenue (14:30) before diving into their send cadence, message content, and segmentation (17:40). Next, she addresses the challenge of handling unengaged subscribers and then discusses their automated email programs (22:50), focusing on welcome series, cart abandonment messaging, and their repeat purchase program (33:30). She describes the specific challenge of converting a purchaser into a subscription service customer before explaining how they doubled their subscriptions and increased customer AOV with a few changes to their membership benefits (36:50). Finally, she imparts some content marketing insights (41:30) before ending with some fun facts about coffee. 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.

For More:
Greg Zakowicz
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregzakowicz

Door County Coffee
Website: http://www.DoorCountyCoffee.com
Erin Hoffman: Erin@DoorCountyCoffee.com

Bronto Marketing Platform
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/bronto-marketing-platform/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bronto
Website: https://www.bronto.com/

Aug 27, 201956:55
Ep. 056: SEO’s Current State and Looking Ahead to 2020
Aug 13, 201940:05
Ep. 055: Enhancing Digital Marketing with Direct Mail
Jul 30, 201959:01
Ep. 054: How Ikonick Uses Modern-Day Marketing to Drive Success
Jul 16, 201944:43
Ep. 053: Marketing to Different Customer Segments & Against Larger Retailers
Jul 02, 201942:32
Ep. 052: Navigating the Wild West of Influencer Marketing
Jun 18, 201941:02
Ep. 051: Driving Engagement with Omnichannel Marketing

Ep. 051: Driving Engagement with Omnichannel Marketing

In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Cassidy Stockton and Kevin Irish of Bob’s Red Mill to discuss their use of content, email, social media, and influencer marketing to keep engagement high and drive sales, revealing the strategies that keep their product top of mind with in-store shoppers (7:49). And when it comes to email, they explain segmentation strategies (9:40), balancing content and incentives (10:45), and their automated message success (16:20). Cassidy and Kevin also share the importance of their content marketing strategy (21:20) and how they leverage that content in their social marketing (27:20). Finally, they break down how their customer service tam drives content development (30:00), and how they tie UGC into abandoned cart messages (34:50). 


For More:

Greg Zakowicz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing

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


Bob’s Red Mill

Website: https://www.bobsredmill.com/

LinkedIn (Cassidy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidystockton/

LinkedIn (Kevin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevintylerirish/


Oracle Bronto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle-bronto/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bronto 

Website: https://bronto.com/


Jun 04, 201946:42
Ep. 050: How Lifecycle Email Marketing Is Like a Fine Wine

Ep. 050: How Lifecycle Email Marketing Is Like a Fine Wine

In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Ben Argov, president of International Wine Accessories (IWA), to discuss how they built their email program from the ground up using lifecycle email marketing to drive nearly half of their 2018 email revenue. We cover the strategies behind triggered campaigns and how to avoid the pitfalls of email fatigue with segmentation. He describes the mistakes they made with their lifecycle campaigns and what he learned from them, detailing how metrics inform their post-purchase strategy and how they approach VIP customers.

For More:

Greg Zakowicz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing

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


Ben Argov

Email: Ben@IWAwine.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-argov-32a7a/

Website: https://www.iwawine.com/


Oracle Bronto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle-bronto/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bronto 

Website: https://bronto.com/

May 21, 201945:42
Episode 049: What’s Your Amazon Strategy?
May 07, 201942:13
Episode 048: Building Emotional Connections with Customers
Apr 23, 201943:23
Episode 047: The Rise of BOPIS & What It Means for Retailers

Episode 047: The Rise of BOPIS & What It Means for Retailers

As today’s consumers continue to expect fast and free shipping, buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), also known as click-and-collect, is increasingly becoming a focused strategy for retailers. From pickup lockers and curbside delivery to in-store counters, BOPIS allows consumers to receive their orders quickly while helping keep retailer delivery costs under control. 


In this episode, Charles Dimov, vice president of marketing at Order Dynamics, will discuss what consumers expect from BOPIS, how gender, age, and income level impact usage, where BOPIS is heading, and some key findings from their report, “The Rise of The Click and Collect Super Consumer.”


Step into the studio where we’ll also discuss:

• Which consumer groups use BOPIS more and why?

• The impact BOPIS has on customer average order value.

• Elements needed for a good BOPIS customer experience.

• Surprising correlation between BOPIS usage and the frequency of returns.

• How BOPIS usage correlates to returns.


To contact Charles, or to learn more about Order Dynamics:

Order Dynamics:

• Website: https://www.orderdynamics.com/ 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/orderdynamics

Charles:

• Email: charles.dimov@orderdynamics.com

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cdimov

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdimov/


Apr 09, 201901:00:29
Episode 046: Email Deliverability: Everything You Need to Know

Episode 046: Email Deliverability: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that having good email deliverability does not mean your emails reach the inbox? Email deliverability has many components that factor into a message reaching the inbox.


Understanding email deliverability is crucial, yet many marketers do not fully understand what goes into it.


This episode features Chris Kolbenschlag, Oracle Bronto’s director of deliverability, who tackles the myths, best practices, things marketers shouldn’t do and other elements around email deliverability.


You’ll hear us discuss:

· What email deliverability is and the factors that impact it.

· The fundamental elements of good email deliverability.

· The myths around subject lines, including specific words, emojis, and punctuations.

· Whether IP reputation or domain-based reputation is more important.

· Whether sending transactional and promotional emails through same IP is a good idea.

· The differences between B2B and B2C deliverability.


To contact Chris, or to learn more about Oracle Bronto:

Email: Chris.Kolbenschlag@Bronto.com

Website: http://www.Bronto.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bronto

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle-bronto


To contact Chris, or to learn more about how Oracle Bronto can take your email to the next level:

Email: Chris.Kolbenschlag@Bronto.com

Website: http://www.Bronto.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bronto

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle-bronto

  

Mar 26, 201901:03:17
Episode 045: Email Marketing, Deliverability and Marketing to a Niche Audience

Episode 045: Email Marketing, Deliverability and Marketing to a Niche Audience

  “The landscape has totally changed, and it becomes harder and harder to fight for that real estate in the inbox.” 


As a retailer, how do you solve this challenge? Kyle Randall and Nate Martin work in a niche industry notorious for email deliverability issues, and they’ve not only overcome these issues, but built an email marketing program that engages their audience in a way that’s impressive to any retailer.


In Episode 45 of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, I welcome Randall and Martin, both from the adult novelty retailer Fort Troff. We’ll talk about how they built a successful email program from the ground up, which lifecycle messages are the most successful, how they approach email testing, and what niche marketing can teach you about marketing to a wider audience. 


You’ll hear us discuss:

· The business-altering impact of successful email inbox deliverability.

· How testing incentives and removing personal biases is critical to their success.

· Most important KPIs they are looking from an email standpoint.

· How they used dynamic content in emails to increase inbox deliverability while staying true to their brand.

· How customer service plays a crucial role in customer loyalty.


To contact Kyle or Nate, or to learn more about Fort Troff:

Kyle Randall: kyle@ceruzziconcepts.com

Nate Martin: nate@ceruzziconcepts.com


I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing 


SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by:

Oracle Bronto

The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley HomeStore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com

Mar 12, 201901:03:46
Episode 044: Post-Purchase Email Marketing

Episode 044: Post-Purchase Email Marketing

Whether you’re a seasonal business or not, focusing on the customer experience is a key component of driving repeat and loyal customers. But, if you sell high-quality, made-to-last artificial Christmas trees, how do you generate that repeat business? How do you stay relevant and top-of-mind throughout the non-holiday season? Enter post-purchase email marketing.


In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, we’re going to talk about how one seasonal retailer found success driving repeat business by focusing on a dedicated post-purchase email marketing strategy. I welcomed the Senior CRM Manager of Balsam Hill, Stephanie Maassen, to talk about the genesis of the strategy, how they got it done, and what they learned along the way.


You’ll hear about:

• How listening to customer service drove the post-purchase email strategy.

• Ways to manage execution when faced with limited resources.

• Keys to finding cross-sell opportunities in seasonal buyers.

• How to use customer data to formulate your post-purchase plan.

• Why post-purchase emails are not always about the immediate conversion.

• How they determined the timing for sending post-purchase emails.

• Types of messages and things to consider when planning a post-purchase series.

• Ways to blend transactional, customer service and marketing messages.


To contact Stephanie or learn more about Balsam Hill: 

smaassen@balsambrands.com

https://www.balsamhill.com/ 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/balsamhill/


I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing 


SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by:

Oracle Bronto

The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley Homestore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com


Feb 26, 201943:24
Episode 043: Super Bowl Commercial Recap Roundtable

Episode 043: Super Bowl Commercial Recap Roundtable

  More than 100 million people watch the Super Bowl each year, but the commercials have become the must-see event within the event. At a price tag of more than $5 million for a 30-second commercial, companies are banking on the effectiveness of these ads. 


In Episode 43 of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, we’ll have a three-person roundtable discussion about the Super Bowl from a marketing and entertainment perspective. We’ll revisit the commercials, halftime show, and even how we interacted with our mobile devices during the big game - after all, what good is a $5 million commercial if everyone is checking their Instagram feed? 


Topics will include:

• Most disappointing ads and why we think they missed.

• Generational differences between how ads were received.

• How we used our mobile devices during the game. 



To learn more about our guests: 

Erika Simms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikasimms/ 

Previous guest appearance on Episode 43, “Facebook and Social Marketing Strategies”

 

Matt Sutor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsutor

Previous guest appearance on Episode 20, “The Ecommerce of Sports With the Durham Bulls”


I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing 


SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by:

Oracle Bronto

The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley HomeStore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com


Feb 12, 201955:39
Episode 042: Facebook and Social Marketing Strategies

Episode 042: Facebook and Social Marketing Strategies

Social media marketing is no longer simply applying a budget and boosting front-facing posts. They’re mostly pay-to-play platforms, and in order to truly get ROI from your targeted audience, you have to implement a deeper strategy with the right data. 


So what can companies learn from a digital agency that serves the automotive industry, a vertical with high price points and longer decision cycles?


In this episode, we’ll talk about Facebook and social media marketing strategies: how to target customers when their buying considerations are longer and more heavily researched, how these lessons might apply to everyday retailers, and when to pull the plug on retargeting. 


Joining me for the conversation is Erika Simms, vice-president at Dealer Authority. You’ll hear us discuss:

· Why breaking ads into smaller components can help guide the customer journey.

· Which social channels and ad types are getting the best ROI right now.

· Which marketing tactic resulted in a 20-30% increase in click-throughs.

· How video on social is performing and which audience responds to it best.

· Ways to effectively use landing pages in conjunction with social ads and paid search.

· Which single element can you add to product photos to increase conversions?

· How to target consumers for larger purchases with longer buying and research cycles.

· When to abandon targeting prospects on social media.


To contact Erika or learn more about Dealer Authority: 

http://www.dealerauthority.com | Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealerAuthority 

Contact Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikasimms/ | erika@dealerauthority.com


I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing 


SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by:

Oracle Bronto

The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley HomeStore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com

Jan 29, 201946:09
Episode 041: Best Moments of 2018, Presented Mullet-Style

Episode 041: Best Moments of 2018, Presented Mullet-Style

 2018 was a great year for The Commerce Marketer Podcast. Over 26 episodes, we covered a variety of digital marketing topics like SEO, paid search, email marketing and segmentation, marketplaces, customer experience, IP infringement, and retail and marketing trends — to name a few.


In this “best of” episode, I take a look back at some of my favorite moments — both serious and fun — from 2018. The episode is styled like a mullet, with business in the front and a party in the back. In the front portion of the program, we’ll highlight the business end of digital marketing and the retail space, while in the back end we’ll focus on the fun and unexpected guest moments.


During the first half you’ll hear about:

Key insights and advice into digital marketing strategies (1:55)

**   Rethinking customer lifetime value

**   Email marketing and segmentation

**   Paid search and marketplaces

**   Retailer content creation strategies


RETAIL TRENDS (20:52)

**   What millennials want and what makes them loyal

**   Amazon buying Google Ads

**   Evolution in the supply chain

**   Website content and UX design

**   Consumer expectations around shipping


IMPROVING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (26:48)

**   Connecting with millennials and other generational cohorts

**   How Sweet Pete’s and the Durham Bulls create fun customer experiences

**   Lessons learned from the on-demand economy failures

**   The secrets behind creating memorable pop-up experiences

**   How to make your employees your biggest brand differentiator


ENTREPRENEURSHIP: STORIES, LESSONS LEARNED, AND GROWING YOUR BUSINESS (36:08)

**   Starting a brewery by watching YouTube

**   How to identify an opportunity in the market

**   How luck can play a role in entrepreneurial success


HOW RETAILERS VIEW AND USE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING (40:47)

**   How brands utilize social media to engage customers and humanize your brand

**   Ways different social channels are used

**   The changing landscape of social media influencers

**   Video marketing strategies and how things have changed


During the back half of this episode you’ll hear some of the funniest moments of the year, including:

**   Funny moments and out-of-context audio (46:50)

**   Best technical interruptions and tangents (51:05)

**   “Is a hot dog a sandwich” debate (55:14)

**   The most thought-out hot dog-sandwich answer (59:30)

**   Which one meal would people eat for the rest of their lives (1:04:37)?

**   The best guilty pleasures of 2018 (1:07:11)

**   Go-to karaoke songs (1:10:22)

**   Most unique and intriguing 15-second lightning round answers (1:12:44)


I hope you’ve enjoyed The Commerce Marketer Podcast to this point. Keep listening for even more great episodes coming in 2019, and if you’re interested in sharing your story, be sure to let me know.


Keep listening, give us a 5-star rating, and be sure to share us with friends and colleagues.


I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest.  Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing

Jan 15, 201901:14:19
Episode 040: Successful Email Marketing After Going Direct-to-Consumer

Episode 040: Successful Email Marketing After Going Direct-to-Consumer

Many B2B companies today are making the move into selling direct-to-consumer (D2C). This allows companies to grow revenue, control their branding better, and provide a more personal customer experience. But trying to keep your partners happy while growing your bottom line can be like walking a business tightrope – but while difficult, it can be accomplished if planned properly.


In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, I am joined by the Director of Ecommerce at RST Brands, Matt Grimm. We’re going to talk about how RST Brands made the move from B2B into D2C, mistakes made along the way, email marketing and segmentation strategies, growing an email list from the ground up after launching a D2C site, connecting third-party purchases, and a whole lot more. 


You’ll hear about:

· How to approach your retail partners while making the move to D2C. 

· Product assortment strategies that make all retail outlets happy.

· Mistakes made early on and the most important lesson learned from them.

· Ways to grow your email database when you first launch your D2C site.

· How to use email to compliment purchases made on third-party sites. 

· Types of lifecycle emails implemented, and which ones convert best.

· What happened with their email marketing that made them realize segmentation was necessary?

· Segmentation strategies used in emails and why it matters.

·  How to maintain email engagement even after consumers make large purchases.


To contact Matt or learn more about RST Brands: 

RST Brands: https://www.rstbrands.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rstbrands

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

Contact Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtgrimm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewtgrimm


I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing 


SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by:

Oracle Bronto

The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley HomeStore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com

Jan 01, 201949:39
Episode 039: Making CLTV Bloom With Email Marketing Segmentation

Episode 039: Making CLTV Bloom With Email Marketing Segmentation

Think of the last time you bought flowers online. Chances are it was for a specific occasion. Most retailers selling occasion-based products obsess about driving repeat purchasers while minimizing churn — easier said than done. This is why segmentation and targeting tactics across digital channels is critical for achieving long-term customer loyalty. In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Irvine, CRM Director at online floral retailer Bouqs.com, who knows this story all too well. You may recognize the name from their appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank, but this time they’re on The Commerce Marketer Podcast where we discuss email marketing and segmentation strategies, driving customer lifetime value, and segmenting across digital channels. You’ll hear about: • How The Bouqs approaches their email segmentation strategy. • Segmentation tests, what they found to lift conversions, and why segmentation changes seasonally. • How to value different acquisition and retention channels and how they impact messaging and offers. • Preference centers and how your product offerings and AOV affect them. • KPIS to determine customer value and how product variety increases their loyalty. • Phil’s no. 1 piece of segmenting advice. To contact Phil or learn more about The Bouqs Co: The Bouqs Co: https://www.bouqs.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBouqsCo Phil Irvine: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pirvine Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ndbruin09 I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by: Oracle Bronto The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley Homestore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com
Dec 18, 201849:10
Episode 038: Bringing Retail Supply Chain-Sexy Back

Episode 038: Bringing Retail Supply Chain-Sexy Back

Have you ever checked a store’s site to confirm an item is in stock, only to get there and find that it wasn’t? Or maybe went to order something online but found it will take more than one week (gasp!) to reach you? What’s the next move… wait a week or shop elsewhere? Consumers today expect speed and efficiency with online purchases, and inefficient supply chain management can not only create a poor customer service experience but also unnecessarily increase retailers’ costs. In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, I’m joined by Bob Carver, the VP of Cloud Inventory Solutions at DSI. We’re going to talk about current supply chain trends, the evolution of supply chain management, why omnichannel is still difficult for retailers, and what to expect in the years to come. While it may not sound like a sexy topic, the supply chain matters to business success. And don’t worry, we’ll keep you entertained! You’ll hear about: • The evolving landscape of the supply chain and how it’s impacting retailers. • How global commerce has disrupted the supply chain. • When you should reassess your supply chain infrastructure. • How last-mile delivery is impacting the traditional supply chain. • Why retailers should look at last-mile as a revenue opportunity. • The biggest obstacle for transitioning supply chain management systems. • How one retailer successfully removed a distribution center to increase efficiency. Learn more about DSI: Bob.Carver@DSIglobal.com | https://www.dsiglobal.com/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/dsimobile I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing | #TCMpodcast #BrontoPodcast SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by: Oracle Bronto The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley Homestore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com
Dec 04, 201841:47
Episode 037: Paid Search Strategies, Changes, and Trends for 2019

Episode 037: Paid Search Strategies, Changes, and Trends for 2019

During the 2017 holiday season, paid search drove more than 23% of website traffic. It is an important, and, for many, invaluable marketing tactic. But if not done right, it can be costly – too costly! As everything else in digital marketing evolves, paid search is no exception. In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, I am joined by the founder of StatBid, Roy Steves. We are going to talk about the changing landscape of paid search with both Google and Amazon, strategies for optimization, holiday planning, and what lies ahead for paid search in 2019. You’ll hear about: • The biggest paid search challenges for retailers today. • Keys to striking a balance between your mobile and desktop strategy. • Resources available to monitor your competition. • Keywords versus key phrases – which strategy is best to follow? • Are Google Shopping ads worth diving into? • Is paid search on Bing worth the investment? • Holiday planning strategies and how to capitalize on competitor mistakes. • What to expect from paid search in 2019. • How has Amazon changed the paid search landscape and how to adapt To learn more about StatBid: Roy@Statbid.com | https://www.statbid.com | StatBid on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StatBid | Roy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/roysteves I welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by: Oracle Bronto The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley Homestore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com
Nov 20, 201801:17:50
Episode 036: How to Get Amazon Reviews & Why Your First 50 Matter

Episode 036: How to Get Amazon Reviews & Why Your First 50 Matter

Have you ever bought something on Amazon that had a 1-star rating – or no ratings at all? Me neither. Have you ever bought something on Amazon that you liked, but did not review it? Guilty as charged! Customer reviews can be critical to product success, especially when it comes to the first 10. But collecting them can be difficult. In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, I am joined by the CMO of Sellerlabs, Jeff Cohen. We are going to talk about strategies for collecting those first 50 ever-elusive Amazon product reviews. We’ll discuss under-utilized tactics, ways to add value for your customers, the Early Reviewer Program, what’s going to get you into trouble on Amazon, and more. You’ll hear about: • Why your first ten reviews are so critical to success. • What you can and cannot do when asking for reviews. • Amazon’s Early Reviewer Program: Is it worth it? • Under-utilized tactics that go into collecting product reviews. • Brand versus reputation and how it impacts product sales. • How your product category can determine your review strategy. • How to add a personal touch with customer messaging. • Ways to use your product listing to help encourage reviews. To learn more about SellerLabs: Marketing@SellerLabs.com | https://www.sellerlabs.com/bronto | Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellerlabs | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seller_labs/ We welcome your feedback, invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about, or let me know if you're interested in becoming a guest. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by: ORACLE BRONTO The Bronto Marketing Platform powers personalized multichannel content that generates the higher engagement needed for retail success. Keenly focused on the commerce marketer, Bronto continues its longstanding tradition as a leading email marketing provider to the global Internet Retailer Top 1000 and boasts a client roster of leading brands, including Rebecca Minkoff, Timex, Lucky Brand, Theory, Brooks Sports, Ashley Homestore and Christopher & Banks. For more information, visit http://www.bronto.com
Nov 06, 201841:03
Episode 035: Creating a Curiously Awesome YouTube Marketing Strategy

Episode 035: Creating a Curiously Awesome YouTube Marketing Strategy

Retailer Vat19 has taken a video-first approach to marketing. With over 1,200 YouTube videos, and the majority of website traffic and sales originating from the channel, they have become dependent on YouTube videos to drive sales. But what happens when YouTube changes their algorithms, sending site traffic and sales plummeting? What happens when consumers tune out a video after only a few seconds? What happens when free social marketing turns out to be anything but? In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, founder and CEO of Vat19.com, Jamie Salvatori, discusses their approach to video marketing, why they chose YouTube as their primary marketing tool, how they adapted to YouTube algorithm changes, and how YouTube content changes caused employees to eat worms and brains. You’ll hear about: • Why Vat19 views YouTube more favorably than Facebook and Instagram. • Lessons learned from failed Facebook advertising. • How algorithm changes to YouTube impacted their business and content strategy. • How many views do they need to consider it a successful video? • Why the title and thumbnail may be more important than the video content. • When a video content strategy is right for your business. • A lengthy hot dog sandwich debate and Greg’s greatest fear. To learn more about Vat19: http://www.vat19.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vat19com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vat19 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vat19/ We welcome your feedback and invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear more about. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | https://twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing | Become a guest --> https://cmpodcast.wufoo.com/forms/join-the-commerce-marketer-podcast/ And stay tuned for the next installment of The Commerce Marketer Podcast. In the meantime, you can subscribe to our series via: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MDybDi1gAuQ1XlzFCtlHr Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/oracle-bronto-the-commerce-marketer-podcast/id1261010964 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ib2qjjjrnsdudd4mu2ud2go2aoa?t=The_Commerce_Marketer_Podcast_Talking_eCommerce_Email_Marketing_Retail_and_More or many other places where you listen to favorite podcasts.
Oct 23, 201801:19:49
Episode 034: Marketplace Bootcamp: Keys to Successful Selling

Episode 034: Marketplace Bootcamp: Keys to Successful Selling

When you think of marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay, do you think friend, foe, or frenemy? Selling on marketplaces is no longer as easy as throwing up a product listing and watching it sell. In today’s competitive environment, it takes consideration at every step of the process, from marketing and selling to fulfillment.

In this episode of The Commerce Marketer Podcast, you get two Gregs for the price of one. Whether you’re just starting out or have a full-fledged marketplace operation, my guest today knows it all. I sat down with Gregg Shupe, Senior Product Marketing Manager at ChannelAdvisor, where we discussed how to begin and improve selling on marketplaces, what makes a good product listing, product reviews, and the pros and cons of different fulfillment options.

You’ll hear about:
• How to choose which marketplaces are right for you.
• Too much or too little? What makes for a good product description?
• How critical is advertising spend to success on marketplaces?
• Factors to consider with setting the right price for your product.
• How much free shipping actually affects customer purchases.
• Which criteria to look at when determining if FBA is right for you.

To learn more about ChannelAdvisor:
Marketing@ChannelAdvisor.com | www.ChannelAdvisor.com | twitter.com/ChannelAdvisor | instagram.com/ChannelAdvisor

We welcome your feedback and invite you to share any topics you’d like to hear about. Greg.Zakowicz@Bronto.com | twitter.com/WhatsGregDoing
Oct 09, 201801:02:07
Episode 033: The Tricks – and Treats – of Being an Entrepreneur
Sep 25, 201829:53
Episode 032: May the On-Demand Economy Be With You

Episode 032: May the On-Demand Economy Be With You

From on-demand grocery delivery to rideshare drivers delivering dinner, the on-demand economy is continuing to evolve and disrupt traditional services and retail. I’m joined by Scot Wingo, founder of the on-demand car care service Spiffy. We’ll discuss how the on-demand economy has changed over the past several years, reasons why on-demand companies fail, challenges with user adoption, and how to evolve and grow in an increasingly competitive space. And what the heck - we’ll even talk some Star Wars! You’ll hear about: • Has on-demand hit its peak or are we just beginning? • The biggest hurdles with starting an on-demand business • Lessons on-demand customers can teach online and omnichannel retailers • Bifurcation of consumers and how it impacts retailers • Challenges Scot faced with initially scaling Spiffy To contact Scot or learn more about Spiffy / Channel Advisor: GetSpiffy.com | @GetSpiffy | @ScotWingo | Jason& Scot Show | ChannelAdvisor.com Follow Greg @WhatsGregDoing
Sep 10, 201838:45
Episode 031: The Changing Face of Loyalty Programs

Episode 031: The Changing Face of Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are created to encourage repeat customers, build brand advocates, and drive loyalty. But in today’s age, how consumers respond to and engage with retailer loyalty programs is changing. Monetarily incentivizing customers in order to move them from one tier to the next is not a recipe for long-term loyalty. I am joined by Chris Bechtel, VP of Growth & Marketing at Annex Cloud. We’ll discuss all things loyalty programs, such as program structure, types of rewards, macro and micro KPIs, and more. Loyalty programs may be changing, but they’re far from dead. We’ll discuss: • How to define the goals of your program and why it’s so important • Ways to provide value for customers with loyalty program design • Incentives, experiential rewards, and guiding consumer behavior • How to treat customers who purchase but do not engage To contact Chris or learn more about Annex Cloud: Cbechtel@AnnexCloud.com | www.AnnexCloud.com | @AnnexCloud Follow Greg @WhatsGregDoing
Aug 28, 201849:42
Episode 030: CRO, Email Marketing, UX, Website Tests and “Princey” Things
Aug 14, 201854:53
Episode 029: The Business of Beer. How 3 American Ex-Pats Started a German Brewery

Episode 029: The Business of Beer. How 3 American Ex-Pats Started a German Brewery

Something’s brewing on this episode of the podcast. I sat down with David Spengler, co-founder and owner of Vagabund Brauerei, to discuss how three American ex-pats learned to brew beer by watching YouTube – and then started their own brewery in beer’s own backyard, Germany. We’ll talk about entrepreneurship, how to grow at scale, the customer experience, marketing strategies, competing with large corporations, and how a small brewery with no marketing budget has been able to grow and thrive in a historically beer-savvy environment. We’ll discuss: • How they went from YouTube videos into launching a brewery • How a crowdfunding campaign told them how to market their business • Strategies to compete with large, established companies • Why social media has been such a critical tool for growth • What was David’s entrepreneurial “Oh, crap” moment? Contact David & Vagabund Brauerei: info@vagabundbrauerei.com | http://www.VagabundBrauerei.com | @VagabundBeer Follow Greg @WhatsGregDoing
Jul 31, 201845:54
Episode 028: 17 Juicy SEO Tactics Worth the Squeeze
Jul 17, 201841:29
Episode 027: Pop-Up Shops, Classic Rock, and Touring with Ringo Starr
Jul 03, 201835:28
Episode 026: B2B Ecommerce and Going B2C, D2C and R2-D2
Jun 19, 201832:04
Episode 025: Finding Authenticity in Brand Photography

Episode 025: Finding Authenticity in Brand Photography

Images are visual punctuations that help tell a story. For consumers, the more authentic the imagery, the better. From email marketing and website imagery to Instagram and Snapchat, we live in an image-driven online world, and brands have had to jump on board to keep up. But while social influencers and UGC can help with these efforts for more authentic imagery, brands can’t rely on their customers alone to produce their content. In this episode, I sat down with John DeMato, owner at DeMato Productions, to discuss how to create authenticity in images, even when they’re professionally shot in-house. We’ll discuss: • How to unearth thoughts and stories in your images • The biggest photography mistakes websites make • Tips for streamlining your product photography sessions • Similarities between Ecommerce & self-branded photography Contact John or learn more about DeMato Productions: Info@JohnDemato.com | @DeMatoPhoto | www.JohnDemato.com Be sure to follow Greg @WhatsGregDoing
Jun 05, 201837:01
Episode 024: Connecting With the Digitally Native Consumer
May 22, 201834:38
Episode 023: Hiring and Motivating Seasonal Customer Service Reps in Retail
May 08, 201833:48
Episode 022: Swipe Right For Social Media in Retail

Episode 022: Swipe Right For Social Media in Retail

Social media is becoming more ingrained in every aspect of retail. How should retailers approach social media, measure its success and determine which types of content to use in their social marketing? In this episode, I sat down with Bridget Saroff, social media manager at Raymour & Flanigan, to discuss how they approach social media, incorporate UGC and influencers in their content plan and manage social policies for individual stores and employees. You’ll also hear about: • How to balance user-generated and self-branded content • The most important social metrics and networks for their brand • The evolution of social from a customer service perspective • How to use social media to change the perception of your brand • The best way to advocate for a larger social media budget To contact Bridget or learn more about Raymour & Flanigan: BSaroff@RaymourFlanigan.com | @RaymourFlanigan | www.raymourflanigan.com | www.instagram.com/raymourflanigan Be sure to follow Greg @WhatsGregDoing
Apr 24, 201836:52