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Over the last nine months I've been a total slacker. The previously weekly podcast got cut back to one flimsy episode a month while I took a sabbatical to take a little time off and figure out what I wanted to do next. Well I'm thrilled to announce that the podcast is returning to its weekly schedule and I've finally figured out what I want to do with my life.   (Spoiler: Decided against the full-time mime gig.  Turns out it wasn't as lucrative as I thought.) Today on the show I'm excited to bring back the podcast full-tilt, share what I've been up to and what I see ahead for eCommerceFuel. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2y8p7Kn

In the second episode of our SEO series, SEO expert and founder of 180Marketing Jeff Oxford explains how to optimize your internal links to generate more traffic. While internal linking is not the most important SEO factor, solid internal structure will make it easier for Google’s crawlers to index your pages. Jeff explains whether old SEO strategies like PageRank, sitemaps, and domain authority are still relevant in 2017. Separating fact from myth is the most important lesson from this episode and will ensure you’re using your time effectively. Jeff also walks us through a step-by-step process for helping pages rank better and how to get the right traffic. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2vQguzP

You can boost your on-page SEO with some simple fixes that together create big results, and our eCommerce Fuel Forum expert Jeff Oxford can tell you how. Jeff talks about recent improvements to search engine algorithms that have changed the SEO factors you should be focusing on. We talk about branding, how to handle meta tags, headings, and paragraphs, and why content is still king. Jeff also ranks each on-page SEO factor out of ten, so you know just which elements to polish up to boost your clickthroughs, traffic, and engagement.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2twcm6I 

Andy Bedell joins us to share some inside knowledge and tips for using Facebook, Amazon, and other resellers to sell and market products effectively. He also shares his own captivating copywriting process and some investment ideas and inspiration. We also talk about CRAP products, Amazon leakage, how Facebook ads work, how to properly vet a reseller, and plenty more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2sMarv5

Amazon’s BOOST Event was the first annual FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon) conference for sellers on the platform. Long overdue guest Bill D'Alessandro joins us to give us his five biggest takeaways from BOOST, including new developments in international selling, protecting your brand on Amazon, multichannel fulfillment, and much more. Bill learned that Amazon is focusing on international expansion and making Amazon even more attractive to sell with. Seller-Fulfilled Prime is also growing rapidly, and we discuss whether that's a good thing for sellers, or just a smart play by Amazon. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2toOUY9

With several Hong Kong exhibitions coming up, it's important to make the most out of the opportunity to meet with factories and directly source products. Cameron Walker is the President of Gifts, Home, and Hardware Group at Global Sources and explains how to get what you want out of these massive events.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2sffbL1 

It can be tricky to write copy that's both funny and effective. I thought I'd ask Dave Munson of Saddleback Leather, who's a pro at striking this particular balance, for his tips. Dave also talks about how he harnesses video in his business, and what he's learned from running an eCommerce business.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rtgaVV 

On the show today, our resident Importing and China expert Dave Bryant shares what he learned from his experience working in an Amazon warehouse.  Dave kicks off the episode by talking about the recent sale of his business, which opened up the chance for him to do a temporary stint at an Amazon warehouse for oversize products. We talk about what it looks like on the floor, how they track productivity, and potential problems Amazon may have with staffing as they continue to grow. Dave also talks about what he'll do differently in his next business now that he has insight into how Amazon's facilities work on a day-to-day level. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rPWkDx 

We're trying something a little different on this episode of eCommerce Fuel: instead of our normal interview, I've invited Noah Kagan and Dave McGeady to talk about Dave's business Wyldsson.  Dave, Noah and I talk about the inexpensive, quick, and impactful changes that Wyldsson could make in the next thirty days to boost its sales and improve its conversion rate. We also discuss why Dave should start collecting emails from his customers, how to encourage them to become subscribers, and the small tweak he can make to his product photos to move even more inventory. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2pw55RK 

Entrepreneurs that make money off of intellectual property - like artists and eCommerce storeowners Meredith Keller and Matt Snow - know that protecting your IP is an uphill battle. Meredith and Matt join us to talk about how they've dealt with counterfeiters stealing their ideas, and ways we could improve IP and international shipping policy to better support small businesses in the US. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2nfvHJs 

100xing your business in three years might sound impossible, but one of our best new eCommerce Fuel contributors - Daniel Parker - is here to share the story of how his company did just that. After being recruited to MyChoiceSoftware in 2013, Daniel and his partner used clever marketing and stellar customer service to drive their business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2kejPDg 

Welcome to the first episode of 2017! Today I'm chatting with Brad Bernhart, a fellow Montana business owner and the craftsman behind the awesome tools over at Earlywood Designs.   Brad talks about his recent experience handling an unexpected rush of orders, thanks to a press release over the holiday season that depleted his inventory and left him shorthanded in the workshop. An unanticipated shortage of product is not an uncommon problem for eCommerce business owners to confront, so I thought it would be good to hear how Brad handled the experience. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2jAb0FQ 

If you've been listening for the past few weeks, you already know I'm stepping away from the podcast in 2017 to focus on some new projects. Today I'm filling you in on those plans, which include getting back to writing fresh blog content for you all. The last three years of podcasting have been an awesome experience, and I'll still be recording new episodes every month or so. And, the eCommerceFuel community will still be just as active as ever and now is an excellent time to join us.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2hoXfdk 

X and I dig into some specifics about email deliverability best practices, including what makes up your email reputation. We talk about how to come back from being put on a blacklist and if it's possible to make it past Google's "Updates" tab into your customer's main inbox. X also shares several tools for managing email lists and avoiding spam traps that can immobilize your business email. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2hCiwPG 

Drew Sanocki of Nerd Marketing shares an episode of his podcast with us, all about how to utilize discount ladders in your business. Drew then answers some of my questions, including how to know a customer's average time to purchase and how to develop an even more nuanced approach to discounts. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2hqIxBT 

In this episode, Taylor Pearson and I talk about knowing where to invest your time, and how to choose the right area of expertise for your skillset. Taylor also shares his thoughts on the popular publishing platform Medium, as well as his top 3 must-read books for entrepreneurs.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2fwOpYj 

Stephan Jacob is the co-founder of Cotopaxi, a high-end outdoor apparel manufacturer. Backed by ventured capital, he's creating a larger operation that genuinely incorporates social initiatives into all aspects of their business operation. Stephan shares the challenges he's faced managing a company that has experienced rapid growth. We also discuss how to cultivate fierce brand loyalty, locate and hire top talent, and foster a company culture that empowers team members and supports sustainable growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2fLOwxa

We've got a quick but extensive accounting lesson for you today from Catching Clouds co-founder Scott Scharf.  As an eCommerce accounting expert, Scott gets to see the inner workings of dozens of eCommerce businesses -- and he's here to tell us what separates the good from the great. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2fLg7BN 

Building a brand through a proprietary product may very well be the future of eCommerce for small businesses. Dave Bayless, of Human Scale Business, knows firsthand what it takes to grow and scale early-stage companies or inventions. He has a wealth of experience both on the private equity side and as a consultant helping entrepreneurs build their brands. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2frg8HL

On this episode, Bill and I talk about the keynote speakers, panel discussions, and overall takeaways from this year's excellent eCommerceFuel Live in Savannah, GA. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2einpg6