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Showing posts from February, 2022

How This Founder Built A 7-Figure Business While Keeping A Full-Time Job

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Roc Pilon was just 19 years old when he turned his passion for power lifting and working out into a business. He launched Gymreapers, an equipment and apparel company that makes affordable, stylish products or gym goers and athletes. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Roc shares his methodical approach to building a multimillion dollar business—all while working full time. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/p1n56Xt

22 Small Business Tax Deductions to Lower Your Bill This Year

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If you run an online store, putting some of your profits towards tax-deductible business expenses can help your business grow and give you a break come tax season. Even day-to-day expenses—car trips to the post office, or the electricity bill for your home office—could be saving you money, so long as they’re recorded and reported. Read on to learn about the write-offs you may be missing, and some ideas on how to use them as a means to reinvest in your ecommerce business. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/yRtH3Pw

How to Create a Hype-worthy Product Launch

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A product launch is a coordinated marketing effort to launch a new item. We’ll sift through this meaty topic and pull out what you need to know to nail a product launch. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/JbpKgTU

Why Online Reviews Are Essential (and How to Get Them)

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Online reviews are the key to building brand trust and loyalty. Here’s how to encourage shoppers to share their experiences and where you should display reviews. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/citzHYf

February 2022 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts

Of the roughly 40 articles we published in February, readers preferred topics related to content marketing, SEO, influencer marketing, and B2B ecommerce — to name a few. The post February 2022 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/BnxD3OX

20 Free Design Tools for 2022

We update our rundown of free design tools every year. This 2022 installment includes apps for web design, logos, fonts, color palettes, photo and video resources, and much more. The post 20 Free Design Tools for 2022 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/Dbk8gv5

The Fallacy of Data-driven Decisions

The notion of data-driven decisions implies the data is perfect and the decision is unaffected by external influences. Neither is true. The post The Fallacy of Data-driven Decisions appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/0ZewIqK

How to Create an Instagram Business Account

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How to Fill Out a Marketing Plan [+ Free Template]

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Perhaps the hardest part of planning a marketing strategy is getting started. That's why we've put together a simple template to help you track all your tactics, goals, and costs. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/zjL3eOo

Consumers in a Pandemic Need Murphy Beds

Lori Wall Beds launched 10 years ago in a garage. Revenue now exceeds $10 million. Owner Brenden Marquardt describes going from a side hustle to a thriving direct-to-consumer company. The post Consumers in a Pandemic Need Murphy Beds appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/RXKPrpm

Behind-the-scenes Content Is Authentic Storytelling

Behind-the-scenes content provides customers and prospects with a real-life view of a company. It drives authenticity and thus trust. Here are four examples from online retailers. The post Behind-the-scenes Content Is Authentic Storytelling appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/CQhOzmy

How Domain Names Impact SEO

SEO myths surrounding domain names include age, registration length, embedded keywords, and more. Contributor Ann Smartly debunks those while addressing a name's importance in this helpful piece. The post How Domain Names Impact SEO appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/PlaKgMo

5 Winning Facebook Ad Strategies to Try in 2022

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Fight Facebook advertising’s diminishing returns with these smart strategies. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/g1yN3K8

A Guide to the Good Life: How to Start a Lifestyle Business

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Build a profitable lifestyle business that allows you to live and work from anywhere in the world. Learn how to find your niche, validate your idea, scale your company, and outsource and automate your way to a better business. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/dWAaBuw

The 5-Step Marketing Strategy to Grow Your Business

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A marketing strategy is the approach a business uses to acquire and convert customers. Experts weigh in on how to build yours. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/6DjrKzx

Charts: Global Retail Tech Funding 2021

2021 was a record year for global funding of retail technology. In this installment of our weekly charts, analyst Adel Boukarroum breaks down the numbers. The post Charts: Global Retail Tech Funding 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/ODHdyWl

The Man Behind a Million Memes: SrGrafo's Adventures in Comics and Commerce

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You’ve probably seen SrGrafo’s memes—but being recognizable and profitable are two different things. Find out how this artist turned a Reddit community into a successful brand. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/wnhkRAg

A Step-By-Step Guide to Advertising on TikTok

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Learn how to create your first ad campaign on TikTok, with advice from a major independent lingerie brand. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/BHxljnh

How Information Design Drives Conversions

Understanding visitors' goals and the steps you want them to take will help determine the layout of your site's information. We explain in this post, with examples from four ecommerce sites. The post How Information Design Drives Conversions appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/Lrp6DM0

A Model for Choosing Products to Sell

Commodities typically have lower profit margins than manufactured goods or transformational products. For merchants, understanding the difference could determine success or failure. The post A Model for Choosing Products to Sell appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/PLvcQrb

The One Data Insight That Doubled This Brand’s Sales

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Talley & Twine is a premium watch brand built with intention and inclusion. It was founded by Randy Williams, an avid watch collector who wanted to bring more representation to the watch industry. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Randy shares how he turned a sketch into his first prototype, built out a successful crowdfunding campaign, and doubled annual sales through data analysis. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/FjKiZA5

How to Integrate SMS into Email Marketing

Many ecommerce brands drive engagement and conversions via text messages But implementing the channel requires caution and sensitivity. We explain in this helpful post. The post How to Integrate SMS into Email Marketing appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/BquXK0Y

17 Podcasts for Online Merchants in 2022

Since 2011 we've published a periodic rundown of helpful podcasts for ecommerce merchants. Our 2022 update includes shows for new entrepreneurs, seasoned owners, executives, and more. The post 17 Podcasts for Online Merchants in 2022 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/TyNoIt3

Apparel Brands Face Environmental Scrutiny

The global apparel industry is among the most environmentally damaging. Eighty percent of clothing fiber ends up in landfills. Consumers are taking notice. The post Apparel Brands Face Environmental Scrutiny appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/RpzxTOk

Make Money Podcasting: 6 Monetization Ideas for New Podcasters

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When traditional sponsorships are out of reach, how do new podcasters make money podcasting? Follow our guide to podcast monetization and learn how to set-up automated revenue streams that grow along-side your audience. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/b6pcnsH

BK Beauty, Avoiding Facebook, Thrives with Affiliate Marketing

Paul Jauregui launched BK Beauty, a direct-to-consumer beauty brand, with Lisa, his wife, in 2019. Unlike many DTC brands, BK Beauty does not rely on Facebook advertising. The post BK Beauty, Avoiding Facebook, Thrives with Affiliate Marketing appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/m8kb67q

How You Can Make Passive Income in 2022

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Passive income isn’t as passive as you think. Our beginner’s guide shows you what’s involved in creating a passive income product in the creator economy.    More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/RDNr3VO

Charts: Q4 2021 Digital Advertising Spend

Digital advertising spend for physical products increased in Q4 2021 but at a slower rate than Q4 2020. In this week's charts, we show the spending levels across categories and platforms. The post Charts: Q4 2021 Digital Advertising Spend appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/K9eBrmz

SEO Tools from Google and Bing

Many independent tools emulate the behavior of search engine crawlers. But the best tools come from the search engines themselves: Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. The post SEO Tools from Google and Bing appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/Q0Wucf9

Outbound Marketing In an Inbound World

Search engine optimization, content marketing, and the whole of inbound marketing are important for promoting a business. But let’s not forget about advertising. I recently attended a marketing event where an ... The post Outbound Marketing In an Inbound World appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/O9ZwPge

How Do You Pick the Best Theme For Your Online Store? Take Our Quiz

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Your website design and layout could win—or lose—a customer for life. That’s why it’s an important step in launching a new brand or rebranding an existing one. Most businesses start with a website theme and tweak it to suit the brand’s needs. How do you choose the right one for you? Start with our interactive quiz, then read on to get the most from your theme. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/cmIVfRJ

Ecommerce Product Releases: February 15, 2022

Twice a month we publish a rundown of new products and services that could interest merchants. This installment includes mobile payments, B2B ecommerce, augmented reality, and more. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: February 15, 2022 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2Jvgk94

Benefits of Google’s Search Ads 360, Revamped

Google's updated Search Ads 360 is a big improvement. The interface is consistent with Google Ads. New features include easier cross-platform management, among others. We explain. The post Benefits of Google’s Search Ads 360, Revamped appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/Eoyz0b5

6-Figure in Sales Before Launch and Building a Sustainable Future

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After seeing the amount of waste created by single-use items caused by COVID-19, Miles Pepper and Martica Wakeman created re-fillable sanitizer dispensers made from reclaimed ocean-bound plastic and launched Sanikind. Backed by thousands on Kickstarter, Sanikind raised over $300,000 before its launch. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Martica shares the journey of managing a successful crowdfunding campaign and navigating logistical delays with manufacturers. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/5pzmZ6X

14 Free WordPress Plugins to Build an Email List

There's no better ecommerce revenue driver than engaged email subscribers. This list, for WooCommerce and WordPress merchants, we first published in 2014. Here's the latest update. The post 14 Free WordPress Plugins to Build an Email List appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/k6GmQL4

The Best Ecommerce Content for LinkedIn

We've addressed the best ecommerce content for Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. This post discusses dos and don'ts for content on LinkedIn. The post The Best Ecommerce Content for LinkedIn appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/OP6dbRF

Instagram Story Ads 101: Everything A Business Needs to Know

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Instagram Story ads provide a fully immersive experience for viewers. The vertical format fills the screen and, unlike Facebook and Instagram feed ads, they look almost identical to organic Instagram Stories, with the exception of the Sponsored tag in the top corner.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/4LRj0SV

Solo Brands Founder, Now Wealthy, Reflects

Having sold Solo Stove, a company he co-launched in 2010, Spencer Jan reflects on finding meaning amid financial freedom, among other topics. The post Solo Brands Founder, Now Wealthy, Reflects appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/xrPwoaO

The Great Resignation: Why Millions Are Ditching Traditional Employment to Bet on Themselves

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There is an entrepreneurial awakening happening in the workforce right now. More workers than ever are quitting their jobs while the number of new business applications is skyrocketing. Many are saying goodbye to the unnecessary long commutes, stuffy wardrobe, and rigid work hours. Instead, they are answering entrepreneurship’s call for its increased flexibility and autonomy. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/zpORbtB

Stop Using Domain Authority for SEO Backlinks

SEOs have devised metrics, such as "domain authority," to assess a site for backlink solicitations. Those metrics have nothing to do with Google, however. That's the problem. The post Stop Using Domain Authority for SEO Backlinks appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/KwnAaVO

The Kids Are Alright: How Gen Alpha is Shaping the Future of Everything

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Gen Z, radicalized by social injustice and clad in ’90s throwback leisurewear, might have stolen the spotlight from their millennial predecessors, but an even newer generation is quietly beginning to come of age. Don’t underestimate them. Founders building brands for the future need to pay attention to the under-12 set now. After Gen Alpha has aged into teens with agency, influence, and disposable income, it will already be too late. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/pNwFh2U

Marketing Funnels Explained: Why They Matter & How to Build Yours

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Marketing funnels represent the journey of a customer from acquisition to conversion. Here’s why they matter and how to create yours. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/EldNkHn

Charts: B2B Buyers Prefer Ecommerce

Observers sometimes claim B2B buyers prefer in-person purchases to online. Recent surveys, however, dispel that notion resoundingly. We explain in four charts. The post Charts: B2B Buyers Prefer Ecommerce appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/lIBmYxJ

Materials behind Sustainable Mailers, Boxes

Consumers increasingly seek merchants who use sustainable packing and shipping materials. But recyclable or biodegradable products are not equally helpful. We explain. The post Materials behind Sustainable Mailers, Boxes appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/lvGQmNP

9 Types of Influencer Marketing Campaigns

How, exactly, should ecommerce marketers use influencers? Blog posts, social media, videos, other? We explain nine types of proven campaigns. The post 9 Types of Influencer Marketing Campaigns appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/EyLIolb

How This Founder Scaled A Fitness Business to Over $20 Million in 2 Years

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Will Torrez was operating businesses within the travel and hospitality industry when COVID-19 hit. As the impacts of the pandemic forced him to shut down his businesses, Will noticed the lack of access to gyms and decided to pivot. He created Zeno Gym by designing an all-in-one workout bench. In less than two years, Will has scaled the business to over $20 million in sales. On this episode of Shopify Masters, Will shares his tactics for building high conversion landing pages and an efficient supply chain. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/A0PRiqU

How to Make an Instagram Link-in-bio Page

Instagram allows no links in posts. Followers who want to learn more are stuck, unless the merchant provides a link in its bio to a page with post links, to learn more. We explain. The post How to Make an Instagram Link-in-bio Page appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/sEOc1Yk

21 Google Workplace Apps

Google Workspace is a comprehensive, cloud-based suite of apps to jumpstart productivity. Here's our rundown of Google's apps in Workspace and their purpose. The post 21 Google Workplace Apps appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/TzJhknv

5 Content Marketing Ideas for March 2022

Since 2014 Senior Contributor Armando Roggio has published a monthly idea generator for content marketing. This March 2022 installment includes workshops, how-to, and more. The post 5 Content Marketing Ideas for March 2022 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/LP4DlWe

Inbox Inspiration: 21 Email Marketing Examples to Follow in 2022

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Looking to create a winning email marketing campaign? Get inspired with our list of the 21 best email marketing examples from independent brands. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/o1Isu6q

LiveRecover Founder Sells Company, Buys OrderBump

Dennis Hegstad co-founded LiveRecover, an SMS app, in 2018. He sold the company in 2021. "I became bored," he said. So he purchased OrderBump, a Shopify app for product upsells. The post LiveRecover Founder Sells Company, Buys OrderBump appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/PDEmlqe

YouTube Affiliate Marketing: 7 Pro Tips to Earn Extra Income

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Ecommerce Product Releases: February 3, 2022

Twice a month we publish a rundown of new services and products that could help merchants. This installment includes headless commerce, AR, AI, and more. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: February 3, 2022 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/4rmSHaR

My Favorite SEO Keyword Tools

Keyword research is knowing what consumers are searching for and their words to describe those items. Contributor Ann Smarty lists her go-to tools, with explanations. The post My Favorite SEO Keyword Tools appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/j1SXPRgoF

Charts: Most Valuable Global Brands 2021

Since 2006 U.K.-based Kantar Group has assigned a monetary value to the world's top brands. Here's our recap of the 2021 list. The post Charts: Most Valuable Global Brands 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/irmp3dENb

Anatomy of a Creator: The 7 Main Archetypes of Digital Creators

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What qualities are common to successful creators? The truth is, the term is so broad, there’s opportunity for all types. Here, we examine seven main archetypes of digital creators, breaking down who they are, what makes them unique, and the best content ideas and channels for each. Use these as a tool to identify your own personality type and start your journey to becoming a financially independent creator. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/OqmQC7MFc

When Retailers Are Ad Platforms

Amazon pioneered the concept of a retailer-driven ad network. Now other retailer marketplaces are selling ads, too. The trend has far-reaching implications. The post When Retailers Are Ad Platforms appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/H75L0XpQR

13 Augmented Reality Examples from Retailers, Brands

Augmented reality allows consumers to visualize the appearance of products on their bodies, in their homes, and more. Apple's ARKit has made the technology accessible. The post 13 Augmented Reality Examples from Retailers, Brands appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/tSG5ruKN4