Product Growth Lab

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss the common phenomenon of the summer slowdown in sales for product-based businesses. They explore strategies for utilizing this slower period effectively, including resting, recalibrating, and preparing for the upcoming Q4. The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic planning, product management, and lead generation to maximize sales opportunities during the summer and into the holiday season. They encourage listeners to take advantage of the downtime to enhance their backend processes and prepare for future sales.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookMembership WaitlistTakeawaysSummer slowdown is a common experience for many businesses.It's okay to take a break and recharge during slow periods.Strategic planning for Q4 should start now, including Halloween and Christmas collections.Invest time in improving your backend processes, like email automation.Check and update your product listings and stock regularly.Lead generation is crucial during slow sales periods.You can still make sales in the summer with the right strategies.Planning for Black Friday should be intentional and early.Utilize the summer to clean up and organize your business assets.Don't panic; use this time to prepare for the busy season.Chapters00:00 Navigating the Summer Slowdown11:55 Strategic Planning for Q419:35 Building Your Audience and Sales Strategy

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul conduct a mid-year check-in for creative product-based business owners. They discuss the importance of analyzing business numbers, understanding profit margins, and assessing goals set at the beginning of the year. The conversation emphasizes celebrating wins, identifying what's working and what's not, and creating a reset plan for the second half of the year. The hosts provide a framework for reviewing business performance, focusing on profitability, marketing effectiveness, and alignment with personal values.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookMembership WaitlistTakeawaysIt's essential to assess whether your business is thriving, surviving, or just existing.Analyzing your numbers can help you understand your financial health and make informed decisions.Profit margins should be carefully calculated to ensure your products are priced correctly.Setting realistic goals and regularly reviewing them is crucial for business success.Celebrating small wins can motivate you to keep pushing forward.Identifying what's working in your business allows you to focus your efforts effectively.Creating a reset plan for the second half of the year can help you stay on track.Streamlining your processes and focusing on what's effective can save time and energy.Understanding your key performance indicators (KPIs) is vital for measuring success.Aligning your business practices with your personal values can lead to greater satisfaction and success. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast01:06 Mid-Year Business Check-In: Thriving or Surviving?02:02 Analyzing Your Business Numbers06:13 Understanding Expenses and Profit Margins10:10 Evaluating Product Performance15:48 Reflecting on Goals and Progress23:54 Celebrating Wins and Adjusting Goals24:13 Celebrating Wins and Setting Goals27:14 Analyzing What's Working and What's Not34:38 Creating a Reset Plan for Success44:41 Building Effective Systems and Processes46:40 Review Framework for Business Health

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss the multifaceted topic of attending conferences as an e-commerce business owner. They explore the benefits of networking, choosing the right events, maximizing the conference experience, and reflecting on takeaways post-event. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting goals, building connections, and being authentic in order to gain the most from these experiences. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical tips to help listeners navigate the world of conferences effectively.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookMembership WaitlistTakeawaysAttending conferences can provide valuable networking opportunities for e-commerce business owners.Choosing the right conference is crucial; consider the speakers and the audience.Networking is often more valuable than the presentations themselves.Conferences can help alleviate the loneliness of running a business.It's important to set clear goals for what you want to achieve at a conference.Post-conference reflections can help solidify learnings and action steps.Building relationships at conferences can lead to future collaborations.Authenticity is key; being yourself helps in making genuine connections.Food and logistics can impact your conference experience; plan accordingly.Follow up with connections made at conferences to maintain relationships.Chapters00:00 The Value of Conferences for E-commerce Owners07:12 Networking and Collaboration Opportunities12:43 Choosing the Right Conferences24:15 Maximizing Conference Experience25:23 The Conference Experience: Connections and Observations38:07 Packing Essentials for Conferences44:38 Food Strategies for Conference Attendees51:14 Navigating Conference Logistics54:49 Post-Event Reflections and Takeaways57:36 Building Connections After Conferences01:01:44 Rapid Fire Conference Moments01:07:27 Conference Hacks and Tips

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul introduce their first guest, Pinterest expert Laura Rike. They discuss the unique benefits of Pinterest as a search engine rather than a social media platform and how it can drive long-lasting traffic and sales for product-based businesses. Laura shares insights on the importance of SEO on Pinterest, how to effectively use keywords, and the advantages of scheduling pins for consistent engagement. She emphasizes the forgiving nature of Pinterest and encourages business owners to start using the platform to see gradual results. Additionally, Laura addresses common myths about sharing other people’s content and the relevance of group boards today. The episode wraps up with tips for utilizing different pin types, such as videos and static images, to reach varied audiences and a call to action for taking the first steps on Pinterest.00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:35 Introducing Our First Guest: Laura on Pinterest01:07 Pinterest: Not Just Another Social Media Platform02:30 The Power of Pinterest as a Search Engine04:35 Optimizing Your Pinterest Strategy04:58 Understanding Pinterest's Algorithm and User Interaction07:13 Practical Tips for Pinterest Success10:22 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions20:31 Consistency and Scheduling on Pinterest23:13 Leveraging Pinterest for Content and Conversions25:11 Efficient Time Management for Marketing27:09 Leveraging Multiple Modalities on Pinterest28:34 Understanding Idea Pins and Simplified Pins32:30 Patience and Strategy for Long-Term Results35:48 The Forgiving Nature of Pinterest39:29 Current Best Practices for Pinterest43:56 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss why business owners don't need to rely on discounts to increase sales. They emphasize that discounts can undermine profit margins and train customers to wait for sales. Instead, they introduce the BUS framework—Bonuses, Urgency, and Scarcity—as more effective strategies. They explain how adding bonuses, creating urgency, and establishing scarcity can make offers more appealing without affecting profitability. The episode provides practical examples and encourages listeners to test these tactics in their own promotions.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookMembership Waitlist00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:34 The Myth of Discounts for Sales01:10 The Downside of Frequent Discounts03:49 Introducing the BUS Framework04:31 Using Bonuses to Add Value08:23 Creating Urgency Without Sleaze13:04 Leveraging Scarcity Effectively14:00 Limited Edition Products and Scarcity15:49 Combining Bonuses, Urgency, and Scarcity16:54 The Value of Free Gifts18:58 Overcoming Product Perfectionism23:02 Challenge: Run a Promotion Without Discounts25:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive deep into Shopify's Summer 2025 updates, highlighting over 150 new features. They focus on the top five features that are most beneficial for standard Shopify users, including the new Horizon themes, AI-generated content blocks, enhanced Sidekick and campaign tracking tools, and the AI-powered knowledge base app. The hosts provide practical advice on transitioning to Horizon themes, utilizing AI tools, and leveraging the new campaign tracking for better sales insights. They emphasize the importance of these updates in helping small to medium-sized businesses grow efficiently without major investments. Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to make the most of these Shopify enhancements.00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:33 Exciting Shopify Summer 2025 Updates02:17 Deep Dive into Horizon Themes10:21 AI-Generated Star Blocks: A Game Changer14:17 Meet the Smarter Sidekick17:55 Navigating Shopify's Interface Changes18:08 Facebook Ads Interface Challenges19:07 Shopify Campaign Tracking Features24:28 AI Powered Knowledge Base App30:32 Shopify Plans and Themes34:07 Conclusion and Resources

In the final episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast series on moving beyond marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul explore advanced strategies to scale your handmade business on your own terms. The episode covers how to increase average order value through upsells, cross-sells, bundles, and free shipping thresholds, and how to encourage repeat customers with actionable follow-up techniques and collection launches. Additionally, the hosts discuss ways to automate and streamline processes, such as email marketing and order fulfilment, to save time and boost profitability. They conclude with tips on leveraging flash sales to attract new customers and sustain growth.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookTimestamps:00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:36 Introduction to Scaling Your Handmade Business01:52 Increasing Your Average Order Value10:54 Boosting Repeat Customers19:30 Automating and Streamlining for Efficiency27:02 Flash Sales and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive into the power of email marketing for creative product-based businesses. They discuss why email is more effective than social media for driving sales, how to grow your email list without being annoying, essential email sequences for all businesses, and tips for writing effective emails. They also provide actionable insights on leveraging automated email sequences, including welcome sequences, abandoned cart sequences, and post-purchase sequences, to boost sales and build lasting customer relationships. Whether you're new to email marketing or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers valuable advice to help you grow your business on your own terms.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookMembership Waitlist00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast00:36 Series Overview: Moving from Marketplaces to Your Own Site01:15 The Power of Email Marketing01:43 Why Email Outperforms Social Media07:19 Growing Your Email List Effectively13:24 Must-Have Email Sequences for Your Business18:20 Post-Purchase Email Strategies21:25 Tips for Sending Effective Newsletters28:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul delve into effective strategies for driving traffic to your store without relying on paid ads. They discuss the importance of leveraging organic traffic sources, such as social media, Pinterest, Google SEO, and email marketing. The hosts emphasize quality over quantity in social media posts, the long-term benefits of SEO, and the unique advantages Pinterest offers as a hybrid social/search platform. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help creative product-based business owners grow their ventures sustainably and effectively.00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast00:32 Episode Introduction: Driving Traffic Without Ads01:13 The Four Buckets of Traffic02:59 Best Organic Traffic Sources for Handmade Businesses03:26 Why Avoid Paid Ads?05:05 Focus on Pinterest for Long-Term Traffic12:05 Google Search and SEO Strategies16:24 Effective Social Media Strategies Without Burnout23:12 The Importance of Email Marketing24:46 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Join hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul in this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast as they discuss the importance of expanding handmade businesses beyond Etsy. They explain the hidden downsides of relying solely on Etsy, such as not owning your audience, high fees, arbitrary policy changes, and competition. Andrew and Melissa advocate for transitioning to platforms like Shopify, which offer lower fees and greater control over customer data and brand experience. Listen in for practical strategies on setting up a high-converting website, driving traffic organically, utilizing email marketing, and scaling your business sustainably. Subscribe for more actionable insights and real-life stories from successful business owners and experts.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab00:31 Why You Need to Expand Beyond Etsy02:05 Hidden Downsides of Relying on Etsy11:48 Benefits of Having Your Own Website24:48 How to Transition from Etsy to Your Own Website26:34 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, Andrew and Melissa discuss strategies and insights for maximizing the effectiveness of email marketing in 2023. They emphasize the importance of analytics for focusing efforts and understanding traffic sources. They bring attention to the significance of sending regular emails, segmentation, maintaining a good sender reputation, and employing automation. The conversation includes tips on using platforms like Klaviyo, the role of AI in email content, and best practices for ensuring email deliverability. They wrap up by motivating listeners to experiment with flash sales and encouraging community engagement for more personalized support.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:40 Technical Difficulties and Podcast Beginnings01:25 Importance of Reviews and Analytics03:49 Email Marketing Strategies for 202508:10 Automation and Optimization in Email Marketing17:57 Segmentation and Reputation Management30:46 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Offers

In the first episode of 2025, Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss emerging trends in the e-commerce industry. They dive into the role of AI in business, the rise of live shopping experiences, and the importance of sustainability. They also explore subscription models, local and micro-community marketing, and the benefits and challenges of multi-channel sales strategies. This episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips for creative product-based business owners looking to grow their businesses in the coming year.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap WorkbookMembership Waitlist00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:35 2025 Trends and Opportunities for E-commerce01:20 The Impact of AI on Business05:45 Live Shopping Experiences10:23 Sustainability in Business12:44 Subscriptions and Membership Models17:41 Localized and Micro Community Marketing19:49 Multi-Channel Sales Strategies27:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Avoiding Common Giveaway Pitfalls for Business GrowthIn this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive into the topic of giveaways and reveal common mistakes to avoid. They discuss why giveaways are effective for list growth, brand awareness, and sales, but also caution against errors such as choosing the wrong prize, overcomplicating the entry process, ignoring legal guidelines, failing to promote the giveaway, and neglecting follow-up. The hosts provide actionable tips and share real-life examples to ensure that listeners can run successful and effective giveaways for their product-based businesses.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:35 Introduction to Today's Topic: Giveaways01:19 Common Pitfalls of Giveaways01:58 Choosing the Right Prize05:52 Simplifying the Entry Process11:05 Legal and Platform Rules14:29 Promoting Your Giveaway18:09 Following Up After the Giveaway22:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Finding Winning Products Your Customers Actually WantIn this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast hosted by Melissa Pikul, creative product-based business owners learn how to identify and develop products that resonate with customers. Highlighting actionable strategies and real-life examples, the episode covers understanding target audiences, analyzing market trends, and leveraging customer feedback. Listeners also get tips on innovating to solve customer problems and validating product ideas through small-scale testing. The show wraps up with a promotion for a flash sale guide to boost sales quickly.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:31 Finding Winning Products Your Customers Want01:15 Understanding Your Target Audience02:40 Engaging with Your Audience for Feedback07:06 Analyzing Market Trends and Competitors12:45 Starting Small and Testing Products19:36 Leveraging Customer Feedback and Data23:47 Innovating to Solve Customer Problems27:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

Reflecting on 2024: Wins, Challenges, and Trends for Creative EntrepreneursIn the final episode of 2024, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul reflect on the journey of the Product Growth Lab podcast and share key lessons learned throughout the year. They discuss the rollercoaster of events in the business world, the rise of AI, the ongoing shift towards privacy, personalized consumer demands, and the increasing focus on sustainability. The episode also covers challenges like supply chain issues and rising ad costs, and emphasizes the importance of simplifying strategies, focusing on a single customer, and producing high-quality content. Listeners are encouraged to rest, reflect, and prepare for a successful 2025 while staying excited for what's to come in the new year.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:31 Reflecting on 2024: Podcast and Business Highlights04:07 The Impact of AI on Small Businesses06:54 Privacy Trends and First-Party Data09:21 Personalization in E-commerce11:19 Sustainability and Ethical Consumerism17:43 Supply Chain Challenges and Adaptations21:20 Ad Costs and Competition Challenges22:52 The Shift in Advertising Strategies25:29 Focusing on Organic Traffic27:04 Lessons Learned in 202429:30 Simplifying Business Strategies30:28 The Importance of Customer Focus32:49 Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome33:30 Taking the Leap and Overcoming Procrastination41:18 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Turning First-Time Customers into Loyal BuyersIn this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pickle discuss strategies for turning first-time customers into loyal repeat buyers. They emphasize the importance of providing exceptional first purchase experiences, utilizing post-purchase follow-up emails, and personalizing interactions. They also cover the benefits of offering incentives and maintaining excellent customer service to foster loyalty. The episode provides actionable tips and real-life examples to help business owners create lasting customer relationships.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast00:32 Turning First-Time Customers into Loyal Buyers02:50 Providing an Exceptional First Purchase Experience09:16 Follow-Up Post Purchase Emails12:50 Building Loyalty Through Personalization15:05 Encouraging Loyalty with Incentives20:09 Maintaining Excellent Customer Service25:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Five Proven Strategies to Drive Organic Traffic for Your ShopIn this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss five actionable strategies to drive organic traffic to your small or growing business without spending money on ads. They delve into the use of social media, collaborations, blogging and SEO, engaging email marketing, and building an online community. Each strategy is broken down with practical tips and insights to help you increase visibility, sales, and customer engagement. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this episode offers valuable advice to help you grow your business more effectively.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab00:32 Driving Organic Traffic to Your Shop01:12 Leveraging Social Media for Traffic08:07 Collaborations and Cross Promotions12:06 Blogging and SEO for Long-Term Traffic15:47 Engaging Email Marketing Strategies20:07 Building and Engaging with Online Communities25:05 Conclusion and Next StepsWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Creating Memorable Customer Experiences on a BudgetIn this episode of the Product Growth Lab Podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul delve into strategies for crafting memorable customer experiences without breaking the bank. They emphasize the importance of repeat business over acquiring new customers, sharing real-life examples and cost-effective methods such as upgrading packaging, order inserts, personalized customer service, follow-up email sequences, and loyalty programs. Practical tips and advice abound, offering listeners actionable steps to enhance their brand's customer experience and boost customer loyalty.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:33 Creating Memorable Customer Experiences on a Budget02:26 Enhancing Packaging to Delight Customers07:07 Adding Personal Touches with Order Inserts10:44 Effective Email Sequences for Customer Engagement15:23 Affordable Customer Service Upgrades19:30 Encouraging Repeat Business with Loyalty Programs24:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive into effective techniques to optimize sales during flash sales. They discuss actionable methods like using countdown timers to create urgency, incorporating scarcity to boost demand, and offering exclusive bonuses to increase customer excitement. They also share practical tips for promoting sales through email and social media and utilizing social proof to build customer confidence. The episode aims to provide creative product-based business owners with practical strategies to enhance their flash sale performance.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast00:30 Maximizing Sales During a Flash Sale00:57 Creating Urgency with Countdown Timers03:51 Boosting Demand with Scarcity11:35 Offering Exclusive Bonuses16:44 Amplifying Sales with Email and Social Media23:06 Using Social Proof to Build Confidence25:58 Conclusion and ResourcesWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Top 10 Mistakes E-commerce Business Owners Keep Making - Part 2In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss the top 10 mistakes that e-commerce business owners repeatedly make. They emphasize the importance of market research, effective inventory management, leveraging email marketing, maintaining a clear brand identity, and focusing on customer retention. The episode provides practical tips on how to avoid these common pitfalls, such as using market validation, tracking key metrics, and developing consistent brand elements. The hosts also stress the significance of promoting sales effectively, with an additional guide on running flash sales.Resources Mentioned:Facebook GroupFlash Sale in a Snap Workbook00:00 Introduction to the Product Growth Lab Podcast00:33 Top 10 Mistakes E-commerce Business Owners Make00:38 Mistake #5: Skipping Market Research05:53 Mistake #6: Poor Inventory Management10:23 Mistake #7: Not Leveraging Email Marketing13:17 Mistake #8: Lacking a Clear Brand Identity15:21 Mistake #9: Overemphasis on New Customers18:10 Mistake #10: Not Tracking Key Metrics22:46 Bonus Tip: Promoting to Your Audience23:21 Conclusion and FarewellWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.