eCommerce MasterPlan

Katie Ward is the Managing Director at Microbz, a natural microbial solutions business. Founded in the 2000s and rebranded in 2024, they are on track for around £1million this year across their Shopify store & partner network.  In this episode, Katie shares how they’ve grown in one of the most competitive supplement markets by focusing on real customer pain points, building trust before pushing subscriptions, and expanding lifetime value through a “probiotic life” strategy. It’s a candid conversation about balancing mission and margin, managing multiple channels, and scaling sustainably without compromising your values.  Hit PLAY to hear: How Microbz scaled toward £1M in revenue without slashing their product range 💰 The smart way to introduce subscriptions after 2–3 purchases (and boost LTV) 🔁 Why starting with customer pain points beats leading with brand vision every time 🎯 How to balance D2C, Amazon, B2B & agriculture without losing focus 🌱 The unexpected growth upside of sticking to your mission over “expert” advice 🚀 How giving away a free cleaner can unlock a whole new category sale 🧴  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:58] Nature's Solution for Wellbeing [07:21] Microbial Fermentation and Herbal Remedies [11:32] "Managing Business Complexity Effectively" [13:29] "Healthy Soil, Nutritious Life" [18:25] "Probiotics: Educating and Building Trust" [20:36] Listen to Katie’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/587--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rich Chapple was previously the CMO at Gymshark and the CEO at THG Ingenuity, part of The Hut Group, scaling both companies to unicorn valuations. He is now the co-founder at The Growth Foundation, helping eCommerce and DTC brands grow the right way.  In this What Would You Do episode, Rich shares exactly what he’d do in his first 90 days as the new CEO of an 8-figure fashion brand. From finding the real “truth” in the numbers to sharpening strategy, building the right team, and focusing on profitable growth, this conversation is packed with practical guidance for any eCommerce leader looking to scale with clarity and control.  Hit PLAY to hear: The exact first 90-day plan for a new CEO stepping into an 8-figure eCommerce brand How to find the real “truth” in your numbers (and the costly mistakes most brands miss) The simple Where to Play / How to Win framework to cut complexity and drive growth Why most 8-figure brands are structured for survival, not scale — and how to fix it The hidden growth opportunity in CRM and customer insight most teams ignore 📈 A low-cost traffic tactic that can deliver 70–90% off media rates 👀  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:52] eCommerce Evolution and Increased Competition [09:19] "Defining Truth Across Business Metrics" [11:45] "Financial Analysis by GP Bands" [14:46] Strategic Alignment and Execution Framework [17:09] "How to Win with Strategy" [22:41] Scaling Strategy and Future Planning [25:39] "Developing Leaders Through Cross-Discipline" [28:33] "Testing Strategies for Business Growth" [31:29] Listen to Rich’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/586--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ed Hamilton is the Head of Growth at Seep, a certified B Corp selling eco house cleaning tools. Founded in 2020 they are now on target for £10million in sales this year, via their Shopify store, Amazon and wholesale.  In this episode, Ed shares how Seep is turning a surge of awareness into sustainable, long-term growth. We explore the strategies behind scaling acquisition, improving retention, diversifying beyond Meta, and building a growth engine designed for lasting success—not just short-term wins.  Hit PLAY to hear: How Seep turned a Dragons’ Den spike into a £10M growth engine 🚀 The hero product strategy that powers customer acquisition (and why it works) How to balance Meta performance with smarter channel diversification The retention playbook for products with a long repurchase cycle Why founder stories can outperform polished brand ads How to grow faster by focusing on lifetime value—not just new customers 📈  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:44] "Dragon’s Den Success Momentum" [07:19] "Growth Beyond Customer Acquisition" [11:56] "Embracing Hero Product Strategy" [14:01] Driving Repurchases Through Storytelling [17:05] Diversify Advertising Beyond Meta [23:07] Listen to Ed’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/585--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

James Gurd is The Digital Juggler, and host of the Inside Commerce Podcast. He has over 20 years’ experience helping B2C and B2B brands deliver eCommerce growth, primarily through tech stack optimisation. From agency and tech selection through to team training and project leadership.  In this WWYD episode, James dives deep into what it really takes to replatform successfully in 2026 — from building the right business case and aligning your leadership team, to navigating Shopify decisions, managing friction, and avoiding expensive mistakes.  If a replatform is on your horizon, this episode is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.  Hit PLAY to hear: Why replatforming without a business case is a costly mistake 💸 The real question you must ask before choosing Shopify How to map your data flows (and avoid tech stack chaos) 🔄 The hidden costs most teams miss in their TCO spreadsheet How to get C-suite buy-in without triggering internal friction 👀 The 15–20% rule that could save your launch timeline ⏳  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [06:09] Platform Limitations Driving Transition [07:56] Shopify's Market Strength Explained [12:40] "Replatforming: Goals, ROI, Consensus" [15:37] "Understanding Data Flows in Replatforming" [17:42] AI Strategy vs Tactical Adoption [22:11] "Effective Team Roles and Accountability" [23:21] Listen to James’ Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/584--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A quick update from Chloe on what’s happening for episode 300 on our sister show Keep Optimising, AND how you can be involved.Get involved >> https://keepopt.com/300--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amy Knight is the Founder at Must Have Ideas, a UK based eCommerce brands that sells problem solving household products. Must Have Ideas is a bootstrapped business, started with just £3,000 in 2018 that are now on track for £80million in 2026 via their custom in-house website.  In this episode, Amy shares how obsessive cash-flow control, customer-first thinking, and owning their tech stack helped Must Have Ideas scale at speed without outside funding. It’s a candid, practical conversation packed with lessons for eCommerce founders looking to grow sustainably, stay in control, and stand out in a crowded market.  Hit PLAY to hear: 🚀 How Must Have Ideas scaled from £3k to £80m without outside funding 💸 The cash-flow discipline that made bootstrapping possible at scale 🧠 Why building an in-house tech stack unlocked faster growth and better decisions ❤️ How customer experience became a key acquisition and retention lever 📦 The real reason they keep fulfilment, marketing, and CX in house 🌍 What finally made Amy decide it was time to expand beyond the UK  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:53] Building Trust Drives Customer Loyalty [08:19] "Customized Software for eCommerce" [12:40] Bootstrapping Success: Key Lessons [13:30] "Focused Cash Flow Management" [17:33] "Struggles with Space and Facilities" [20:10] Listen to Amy’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/583--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Gareth Cummings is the CEO at eDesk, the AI powered customer support helpdesk for eCommerce. Used by eCommerce stores around the world, their client CarParts.com has just been named in USA Today’s list of America’s Best Customer Service 2026. In this episode, Gareth explains how eCommerce brands can use customer service, AI, and automation to increase conversion rates, improve retention, and turn support teams into profit-driving growth engines. Hit PLAY to hear: How faster replies can lift conversion rates by 50–60% ⚡ Why 30–40% of customer service queries happen before checkout 🛒 The real reason 9–5 support is killing your evening and weekend sales 🌙 How AI can handle half your support tickets without hurting CX 🤖 Where customer service hides revenue leaks, return drivers, and product issues 🔍 How top eCommerce brands turn support teams into profit creators, not cost centers 💰  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:25] "From Customer Service to CTO" [07:08] Pre-Sales Engagement Trends Expand [12:31] "AI, Automation, and Customer Focus" [13:11] Customer Loyalty Flywheel Impact [16:28] "Prioritizing Customer Experience Transformation" [20:41] "Automating and Enhancing Customer Support" [22:40] "Customer Service Empathy Practice" [24:19] Listen to Gareth’s Top Tips! [29:33] Episode sponsored by eDesk. To learn more, visit eDesk.com  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/582  Episode sponsored by eDesk. To learn more, visit eDesk.com --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Melissa Moore is “The Retail Advisor”, and the host of The Retail Tea Break Podcast. She’s an expert in all things retail with over 25 years working with national brands, and she’s been a Rethink Retail Top Retail Expert for the last 3 years AND Named in Retail Technology Innovation Hub's Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List for 2025.  In this What Would You Do episode, Melissa shares practical strategies to grow physical store sales in 2026, combining real-world retail experience with fresh insights from NRF in New York.  Hit PLAY to hear: Why physical retail needs to become a destination, not just a transaction 🏬✨ The “old-school” personalization tactic most retailers are forgetting (and how to bring it back) 🧠💡 The biggest in-store sales mistake brands make after opening a beautiful store 🚫🛍️ How store teams can double as your most powerful content creators 📱🎥 Simple ways to remove friction that’s silently killing in-store conversions ⏱️❌ What NRF 2026 revealed about AI, community, and the future of retail 🔮🤝  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:16] "Journey Through Retail Careers" [07:53] "Humanizing Retail Through Data" [12:10] "Stores as Content Studios" [15:53] "Redefining Retail Store Roles" [18:25] "Community-Centric Retail Trends" [19:46] Listen to Melissa’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/581--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special episode of the eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast, Chloe Thomas shares a panel discussion from a live webinar focused on one big question: what’s really going to move the needle for eCommerce brands in 2026? Chloe is joined by three expert voices from very different corners of eCommerce – growth, consumer behaviour, and AI – to unpack what’s working, what’s not, and where brands should be focusing their time, energy, and budgets this year. From TikTok growth and AI-powered customer experience to brand trust, tech stacks, and surviving economic pressure, this is a practical, wide-ranging conversation designed to help you grow smarter in 2026.  Hit PLAY to hear: Why TikTok is still the fastest growth lever for eCommerce (even without TikTok Shop) 📈 How brands are using AI to unlock 5–10% more revenue — without replacing their team 🤖 The #1 mistake brands are making by chasing trends (and how it’s killing long-term growth) 🚫 Where to start with AI if you want real results, not expensive experiments ⚙️ How economic pressure is changing how customers buy — and what that means for your strategy 💸 What to stop doing in 2026 to free up time, budget, and headspace for growth ✂️  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:51] "Future Advice for Brands" [06:35] "Buying Decisions: Risk and Behavior" [11:55] AI: Essential for Business Efficiency [17:44] "Action-Driven Brands Drive Growth" [27:32] Amazon's Evolution & AI Branding [30:09] Essential eCommerce Tools and Strategy [39:12] AI for High-Quality SEO Content [42:44] "Target Right Customers, Build Trust" [46:29] Maximize ROI with AI Tools [47:39] "Focus on Customers, Not Chaos"  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/580--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Roman Petrochenkov is the Head of Growth & Media Analytics at Carwow, so yes we’re going to be getting DEEP into tracking, attribution and all that juicy stuff. Carwow has grown from a review site, to be a one-stop shop for changing your car – offering customers the ability to a buy a new or used car, or sell their existing vehicle. Founded in 2013 they now operate in the UK, Germany and Spain. In 2024 they grew 50% with nearly £3 billion worth of cars bought on the site, and £1.8 billion of cars listed for sale through the Sell My Car service.  Roman shares how top analytics teams work behind the scenes — and the smarter, faster ways to use data to fuel eCommerce growth.  Hit PLAY to hear: 🔎 Why perfect attribution is a myth — and what to do instead 👥 How analytics teams should work inside an eCommerce business 🧠 The #1 misunderstanding most marketers have about data 🧩 When small brands should upgrade from GA4 to more advanced analytics 🔐 What you must know about cookie consent & compliance in 2025 🤖 Real-world AI tricks Roman uses to speed up analysis & tracking  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:15] Tech, Marketing, and Finance Expertise [09:08] Understanding Data and User Journeys [10:09] Adapting to Business Evolution [15:39] "Advanced Attribution for Small eCommerce" [18:46] eCommerce Attribution and Management [20:25] "Attribution Challenges and Incrementality" [23:30] Streamlining Landing Page Feedback [26:48] Collaborative Challenges in Team Dynamics [28:01] Listen to Roman’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/579--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Miracle Inameti-Archibong is an online marketer who’s been deep in SEO since 2010. Now working at a very large UK retailer, after stints in other verticals and agency side.  In this WWYD episode, Miracle tackles one of the biggest questions facing eCommerce right now: what would you do as AI search reshapes visibility, traffic, and growth? She shares a clear, practical view on where brands should focus, what still works, and how to move forward with confidence.  Hit PLAY to hear: Why good SEO still wins in an AI-search world 🤖 What GEO really means for eCommerce (and what you can ignore) How AI search is changing clicks, traffic, and conversion rates 📉📈 Where eCommerce brands should focus in 2026 to drive growth Why brand trust matters more than keywords than ever before ⭐ WWYD: the smartest move if leadership is pushing for “AI everything”  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:59] GEO-Focused Retail Search Strategy [08:58] "Focus on Brand, Not Algorithms" [11:08] "Focus Content Where Value Exists" [14:48] Cohesive Content Strategy Focus [18:48] "Trust and Quality Over Quantity" [22:50] Preparing for Agentic AI Integration [23:57] SEO, Accessibility, and AI Efficiency [29:04] "eCommerce Success Through Clicks" [30:49] Listen to Miracle’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/578--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Steven Sashen is the co-founder and Chief Barefoot Officer of Xero Shoes. Selling via their international Shopify stores, Amazon, and wholesale. They launched in November 2009 and in 2024 did just under $68 million.  Steven returns to the show to reveal how Xero Shoes jumped to nearly $68M — and the real decisions behind that growth.  Hit PLAY to hear: How Xero Shoes leapt from $6M to $68M — and why it still feels like a startup 🔥 The real reason they moved from WooCommerce to Shopify (and what went wrong 👀) Why “best practices” are often bad practices — and what Steven tests instead 📊 The surprising truth about wholesale vs. DTC and where real scale actually comes from 🚀 How Xero Shoes got NBA + WNBA players training in their footwear 🏀 The product philosophy that fuels their growth: make shoes that truly change lives 👣  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:00] "Data-Driven, Opinion-Free Marketing" [09:07] Platform Choice Doesn't Drive Conversion [11:42] "Website Launch: A Workable Rush" [14:56] "Scaling Footwear Through Retail Doors" [16:39] Global Privacy Challenges Expand [21:34] "Life-Changing Shoes Inspire Basketball Innovation" [23:39] "Impact of Barefoot-Inspired Footwear" [25:40] Listen to Steven’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/577--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carter Eve is the founder and designer at Carter Eve Jewelry, a brand committed to sustainability and ethical practices creating delicate fine jewelry and distinctive designs. Founded in 2020 they now have annual sales of $1.2M with a 25% year-over-year growth rate. Selling exclusively via their Shopify site.  In this episode, Carter reveals how she scaled her luxury jewelry brand to $1.2M using a made-to-order model, high-touch service, and smart offline pop-ups. A must-listen for anyone selling high-value products online.  Hit PLAY to hear: ⭐ How Carter scaled a $1.2M luxury jewelry brand with zero full-time staff. 💎 Why made-to-order products can outperform traditional inventory in eCommerce. 📲 The high-touch customer service strategy that turns buyers into lifelong fans. 🎪 How offline pop-ups and events drive massive online sales (and trust!). 🌱 Why ethical sourcing is now a must-have for modern jewelry buyers. 🚀 The growth tactics that helped Carter hit 25% YoY growth—while still designing every piece.  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:43] Hands-On Jewelry Design Process [08:39] Ethical Gemstone Sourcing Insights [12:22] "Future Plans for Outsourcing" [15:04] "In-Person Events: Essential Connection" [16:28] Pop-Up Events and Collaborations [19:45] Listen to Carter’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/576--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Caleb Slater is the managing director at Cards2Cash a platform enabling customers to sell unwanted gift cards. Founded in 2022 (when Caleb was just 16) it operates on a custom website, has recently expanded into Ireland, and has already grown to over £500k in annual sales.  In this episode, Caleb reveals how he scaled Cards2Cash with smart SEO, clever payment optimisation, and a huge focus on trust and customer experience. It’s a fast, practical conversation full of insights any eCommerce brand can apply right away.  Hit PLAY to hear: 🚀 How a 16-year-old founder built a £500k+ gift card marketplace from scratch. 🔍 The SEO strategy that now brings in 99% of Cards2Cash’s customers. 💸 The payment change that saved the business over £20,000 in fees. 🛍️ Why customer service became Caleb’s secret weapon for growth. 🤖 How he’s using AI (the right way) to cut workload without hurting CX. 🌍 The big expansion plans taking Cards2Cash across Europe next.  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:37] Building a Website's Challenges [07:43] Exceptional Customer Service Priority [10:48] Gift Card Trading Trends [15:11] Ensuring Effective AI Support [17:56] Overcoming Payment Provider Challenges [19:42] Global Expansion: Ireland to Germany [20:24] Listen to Caleb’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/575  --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hilary Large is the owner at Wardrobe at The Cross, a women’s fashion boutique. Launched in 2023, they sell via their physical high street store, and via their Shopify website and have already built to 100s of orders a week.  In this episode, Hilary shares how she’s blending the best of in-store service with online scale — from personally calling first-time customers to building a brand rooted in trust, experience, and genuine connection.  Hit PLAY to hear:  💡 How Hilary Large built a women’s fashion brand that blends bricks and clicks — and why it works. ☎️ The surprising reason she personally calls every first-time online customer (and what it does for retention). 🛍️ How a small boutique competes with big brands by delivering luxury-level service. 📦 The simple systems that keep her returns low and repeat purchases high. 👗 Why having a physical store still matters — even in a digital-first world. 🔑 The one thing Hilary refuses to give up as her business scales (and why it could change yours too).  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:56] eCommerce Marketing Growth Journey [08:19] "Brand Growth Through Retail Presence" [12:46] Customer Trust Epiphany [14:40] "Optimizing eCommerce Customer Support" [18:56] "Protecting the Business's Foundation" [20:14] Listen to Hilary’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/574--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Davies Roberts is co-CEO and co-founder of Flare Audio, the sound technology company who retail headphones, earplugs, and ear tools. Founded in 2010 they now sell globally via their Shopify store, Amazon, and a few retail partners, and are achieving around £5million in sales a year.Back on the show for the third time, Davies shares the biggest challenges and breakthroughs Flare Audio has faced — from Meta ad chaos to game-changing sound innovation. A fast-paced episode packed with sharp lessons on resilience, product focus, and scaling a standout eCommerce brand.Hit PLAY to hear: ·      🚨 How Flare Audio’s Meta ads collapsed overnight — and the surprising fix that halved their CPA.·      🧩 Why your website wording might be sabotaging your ad performance without you knowing it.·      🎧 The science behind how your ears distort sound… and how Flare turned that into a breakthrough product.·      🌍 What tariff and customs changes REALLY mean for eCommerce brands selling globally in 2025.·      💡 Why niche audiences can spark growth — but can never be your whole strategy.·      🔧 How an inventor-founder balances deep R&D with fast-moving eCommerce realities.Key timestamps to dive straight in:[04:00] Business Challenges and Economic Strain[07:49] Meta Ads Surge & Strategy Shift[09:56] "Flare's Sound Revolution"[14:02] "Invisible Sound Solution Marketing"[17:16] "Innovative Sound Solutions Expanding"[22:39] "Unlocking Music's True Clarity"[23:48] "Holographic Audio Revolution"[29:19] Listen to Davies’ Top Tips!Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/573--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ben Boughton-White is the Operations Director at Dorwest, experts in herbal pet care since 1948. Selling globally via wholesale, marketplaces, Crufts! and their own Shopify store, they now do over 50,000 order a year, and were recently named Online Business of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.  Ben shares how Dorwest — a 75-year-old family-run pet care brand — brought its heritage into the digital age. From a smart Shopify migration to building efficient systems and strong partnerships, he reveals how they’ve kept quality, trust, and growth at the heart of their eCommerce success.  Hit PLAY to hear:  🚀 How Dorwest turned a 75-year-old pet care brand into a thriving Shopify success story 🧩 The smart, slow-and-steady approach that made their Shopify migration truly work ⚙️ Why documenting every process became their secret weapon for efficiency and growth 🤝 The power of choosing partners who actually “get” your brand — and how to find them 🏡 Why Dorwest refuses to outsource fulfillment (and how that decision boosts quality) 💬 How a husband-and-wife team keeps communication flowing and the business growing  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:59] "Morning Walks and Business Success" [09:00] "End-to-End Quality Control" [10:40] Trusted Partners Shape Our Brand [13:38] "Focused Loyalty Approach" [17:25] Evolving Loyalty Rewards Strategy [20:53] Listen to Ben’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/572  --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Julie Macken is the Deputy Queen Bee of Neve’s Bees a family business turning the produce of their bee hives and local beekeepers into products that are now certified 100% natural. Founded in 2017, they switched focus to eCommerce in 2021. They now sell via their WooCommerce store, wholesale, and a couple of events, and have now reached £100,000 a year and have just sold their 80,000th product. She shares how focusing on what truly works — and saying no to what doesn’t — helped her turn a local gifting brand into a six-figure sustainable skincare business. Hear how she refined her eCommerce strategy, built a lean but powerful team, and is now leading a mission to make the skincare industry more honest and eco-friendly. It’s always a treat when a past guest returns, and Julie’s comeback episode is packed with even more insights you can apply immediately to grow smarter and operate more sustainably.Hit PLAY to hear: 💡 The simple shift that helped Neve’s Bees double down on what really drives sales 🐝 Why splitting one brand into two strategies unlocked major eCommerce growth 💬 How Julie turned sustainability into a standout marketing story (not just a value) ⚙️ The key roles she outsourced — and how it boosted profits and freed up her time 🛍️ The brand placement mistake that nearly hurt their image — and how they fixed it 🌍 Julie’s bold mission to take on the skincare industry’s “ultra-processed” problem  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:32] Skincare Definition: Face vs Body [06:39] Skin Care eCommerce Revolution [12:17] "Skincare Website Revamp Focus" [16:09] Finding Income Through Quick Solutions [17:27] Small Business Operations Explained [22:23] "Pure Ingredients, No Water" [23:13] Skincare Industry Reform Needed [27:32] Listen to Julie’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/571  --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this WWYD episode, eCommerce Director Jaime Hill – whose career spans Monsoon, FatFace, Jack Wills, Oak Furnitureland, Hurtigruten, and more – joins host Chloe Thomas to share how she’d approach one of the biggest challenges facing eCommerce leaders today.   Jaime dives into where to start, how to prioritise quick wins vs. long-term impact, and why real efficiency begins with your people, not your processes.   Expect practical ideas, real-world examples, and plenty of inspiration for anyone trying to do more with less.  Hit PLAY to hear:  🎯 How Jaime would tackle a “make us more efficient” brief as Head of eCommerce 🧠 Why your team (not your tech stack) is the first place to look for efficiency gains 💸 Smart ways to shift ad spend between SEO, paid search, and social without hurting results ⚙️ How a 2-week payments project boosted conversions in Germany by 35% 🤝 The simple cross-team conversations that can save you time, money, and stress 🌱 A quick sustainability win: the one website check that can cut your carbon footprint  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:59] Streamlining Operations and Team Efficiency [06:47] Team Optimization and Process Review [13:09] Prioritizing Efficiency in Evolving Industries [14:15] Optimizing Spend and Data Accuracy [19:58] Improving Processes Through Experimentation [21:44] Breaking Silos Through Communication [23:31] Listen to Jaime’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/570--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chris Forbes is the co-founder at Cheeky Panda, leading the bamboo revolution selling toilet paper, period products, kitchen roll and more. Founded in 2016 they now sell via multiple international Shopify sites, and a plethora of wholesale and marketplace locations. Turnover is now £15,000,000 a year, and did I mention they’re a B Corp?  In this episode, Chris Forbes reveals how The Cheeky Panda turned a bold eco idea into a £15M brand loved by customers and retailers alike. From smart scaling moves to making sustainability fun, Chris shares the mindset and marketing strategies behind their incredible growth.  Hit PLAY to hear:  🚀 How The Cheeky Panda grew from a bedroom idea to a £15M sustainable brand 🧠 Chris Forbes’ biggest lesson: what to focus on (and what to outsource) when scaling 🌿 Why sustainability alone isn’t a USP anymore — and what actually sells now 😂 How a giant panda costume helped them win fans and supermarket deals 🛒 The secret behind their omnichannel growth across Shopify, Tesco, and more 💡 What it really takes to turn purpose into profit — and stay ahead of the competition  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:24] "Sustainable Innovation with Purpose" [07:36] Expanding Bamboo Product Range [12:01] Supermarkets Prioritizing Sustainable Suppliers [13:47] Pricing and Quality Drive Success [16:12] "Cheeky Panda: Fun & Friendly" [21:14] Channel Strategies: Pros and Challenges [22:36] Listen to Chris’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/569--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy