Black Friday is around the corner, and if your product-based clients aren’t ready with their e-commerce marketing, it’s not too late. Progress over perfection is the name of the game.

In this episode, I’m joined by Business Strategist Carlyn Bushman to talk about e-commerce marketing, Shopify strategy, and how freelancers like you can confidently support product-based clients heading into Q4. We’re breaking down what’s actually working in today’s noisy e-com world, like using Shopify data, SMS campaigns, and smart AI tools, so you can bring real strategy to your clients.

Carlyn Bushman is the founder of Carlyn Bushman Consulting and the powerhouse behind POP Academy—a no-fluff, all-strategy learning hub for product-based business owners who want to scale smart and stay profitable. With a background in corporate leadership and deep expertise in business strategy, she’s obsessed with helping founders ditch the guesswork, master their numbers, and finally build the business they’ve been dreaming about with practical tools, real talk, and data that actually drives growth.

Listen to learn more about:

• How to use Shopify analytics and Sidekick AI to plan smarter Q4 promotions
• Why SMS marketing is outperforming email (and how to start small)
• Real talk on omni-channel marketing and what “being everywhere” actually means
• Tips for creating multiple day-of promos for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday
• How freelance marketers can support e-commerce clients with data-driven strategy and execution

This episode gives you the exact tools, talking points, and tactics to confidently show up for your product-based clients and turn their data into measurable sales growth.

Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup 

Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

• Grab Carlyn’s FREE Grant Resource List here. Carlyn took care of the research, so you can focus on applying. Get access to grant opportunities up to $100,000 covering startup support, industry-specific capital, and opportunities for creatives, women-owned brands, and beyond. Grants are added weekly, so bookmark it and keep it on hand to reference all year long!
• Watch our video in Carlyn’s Founder Series: Marketing That's Actually Working in 2025 with Emily Reagan
• The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick

Connect with Carlyn:

• Instagram: @carlynbushmanconsulting 
• Facebook: CMB Brands
• Website: https://carlynbushmanconsulting.com/ 

Connect with Emily:

• Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab
• Instagram: @emilyreaganpr 
• Facebook: @emilyreaganpr
• YouTube: Emily Reagan 
• Ask Emily Anything: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite 

3 ways we can work together: 

1. Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.
2. Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!
3. Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.

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