How to save ￡5000, whilst still hiring top talent & Are you ready to go global?

Hello friends,

As you read this, Rebecca and I are thrilled to be hosting today's Gamechangers workshop, DTC Live’s regular growth workshop for ecommerce brands.

Joined by team members from top ecom and retail brands, today's workshop promises groundbreaking insights into making those incremental gains that set leading brands apart.

In the competitive ecommerce landscape, every touchpoint with customers—from first impression to long-term loyalty—is an opportunity for growth.

I know that one of the highlights of today will be the session hosted by Guillaume Faure, founder of LiveMe Up.

This fast-growing Shopify app is revolutionising how brands engage with customers through live shopping—right from their own ecommerce stores.

Forget the high production of QVC; Guillaume will demonstrate how any brand can captivate and convert with simple live shows.

Expect to learn about the diverse formats that brands like yours are using, from live tutorials and product demos to even live packing events. These engaging experiences are proving that genuine interaction, not flawless execution, drives sales.

Plus, a sneak peek into something special: Yesterday, Rebecca, DTC Live’s new owner, and I filmed an episode of Tash Talks all about Rebecca, her career in ecommerce, her predictions for brands, her plans for DTC Live and her insights that could shape your strategy.

Rebecca’s running a Shopify agency which is right at the top of its game.

She's just taken on DTC Live and is already pushing ahead with growing that eCom community further – as well as organising DTC Live's first New York City conference .

Oh, and she's the mum of a nine-month-old baby!

She spoke brilliantly at DTC Live's Manchester conference about what it takes to do all that – and still be present as a new mum. Have a listen over on LinkedIn

Hello everyone, Rebecca here!

What a great night we had at our partner summer social last week here in Manchester, even if the weather didn't quite cooperate, we still managed to have fun ?

It was fantastic to see so many of you who made the trip - both seeing familiar faces and also new partners who I hadn’t gotten the chance to meet!

Also, I've got some exciting news to share! I'll be joining the judging panel for the Irish eCommerce Awards 2024. ?

It's an honour to be part of such an event, and I'm looking forward to all the amazing entries. The Awards recognise and reward the organisations, teams and individuals who are helping shape the thriving internet retail industry across the whole country of Ireland.

It will be taking place at The Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin on 13th September 2024, proudly sponsored by AIB Merchant Services.

You can check out all the info here?

And finally, I recently joined Becca Anderson on her Instant & Click to Buy Podcast to chat about all things optimisation & conversion on your Shopify store. We delved into some of the best strategies to boost your store's performance. So if you want to find out what they are you can check them out over on YouTube or Spotify.

Now onto today’s topics

Rainy City’s Summer social highlights

Age is just a number - my good friend Maxine Laceby, the founder of Absolute Collagen, was this week’s guest on Tash Talks

Beyond the Cart: How Sprint Logistics is Powering Ecommerce Success with Their New Eco-Friendly Facility

Unlock Global Sales: How Shopify Markets Simplifies International Ecommerce Expansion

Is this the answer to the broken recruitment model?

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However, consistently producing winning Facebook ad creatives is challenging.

Watch out for these 5 common pitfalls we observe brands encounter when developing their creative strategy.

Age is just a number - my good friend Maxine Laceby, the founder of Absolute Collagen, was this week’s guest on Tash Talks

Season two of Tash Talks continued on Sky 186 on Monday, and my guest this week was Maxine Laceby, the founder of Absolute Collagen, who I’m proud to call a good friend.

At the age of 49, Maxine Laceby embarked on a journey that not only revolutionised her life but also gave rise to Absolute Collagen. Her story, is a profound testament to the power of personal and professional growth.

Maxine's journey is particularly resonant for women, mothers, and female founders, illustrating the transformative power of shedding 'external masks' to discover one’s authentic self. Her openness about her path, from starting her business in her kitchen to leading a thriving enterprise, is inspiring, and a call to action for anyone doubting their potential due to age or circumstances.

Tash Talks continues on Monday, with each episode promising insights into resilience, identity, and success in the business world.

This season of Tash Talks is proudly sponsored by Recharge, the leading subscription app committed to driving growth and retention for brands.

Head over to LinkedIn to hear more about Maxine’s journey

Beyond the Cart: How Sprint Logistics is Powering Ecommerce Success with Their New Eco-Friendly Facility

Sprint Logistics is DTC Live's go-to fulfilment partner, and we recommend them to anyone who attends our Gamechangers workshops or DTC Live conferences.

What do we know about it?

Sustainability Credentials: Equipped with a solar panel roof and full LED lighting, the facility ensures lower running costs and minimal environmental impact.

EPC Grade A Rating: This top energy efficiency rating highlights our efforts in building an eco-friendly infrastructure.

Modern Design for 3PL Logistics: Tailored for optimal third-party logistics operations, the expansive space meets all modern requirements.

Weather-Resistant Loading Bay: The floor-level loading bay comes with a canopy, ensuring smooth operations even in adverse weather conditions.

Enhanced Office Space: The floors are designed for better long-term client hosting and staff retention.

Now, when we think about e-commerce success, our minds often jump to customer acquisition costs or conversion rate optimisation (CRO).?

But how about fulfilment and 3PL integration? Something that I have learnt over the years is that it is far more significant than many of us realise.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again – I was guilty of thinking that fulfilment and logistics were straightforward. It seemed easy, but I couldn't have been more wrong.?

And here's why…

E-commerce isn't just about having a great product or a flashy website. The real challenge lies in the behind-the-scenes operations. Streamlining these operations, managing inventory effectively, and providing customers with timely and accurate shipping information are tough manoeuvres all at once! Let alone thinking about integration.

Of course, then you have to be thinking about issues like system compatibility, data security, and costs

However there is always a solution, which is why I spoke to some friends at Sprint Logistics to help offer some guidance on how to have EFFECTIVE 3PL Integration. Here’s their top 4 tips…

System Selection: Opt for systems and software designed for easy integration and compatibility, preferably with a track record in e-commerce logistics.

Collaborative Planning: Engage in detailed discussions with your 3PL partner to align on strategies, timelines, and expectations.

Continuous Communication: Keep the communication channels open to promptly tackle any integration challenges. Regular updates and meetings are key.

Testing and Optimisation: Rigorously test the integrated systems and continuously seek ways to enhance efficiency.

Need help making your eCommerce Flow? Check out our friends at Sprint Logistics! As their CEO, Aizad, proudly shared with us at D2C Live, they are the ‘plumbers’ who help make e-commerce flow!

Plus, they are dedicated to sustainability, using 100% recyclable mailing bags, paper tape, and energy-efficient LED lighting, achieving a 40% reduction in power consumption to minimise their ecological footprint. They also partner with like-minded companies and use electric vehicles for deliveries to support a greener future.

Unlock Global Sales: How Shopify Markets Simplifies International Ecommerce Expansion

Many brands often consider expanding their online shop to allow customers to purchase from anywhere in the world, increasing your brand's visibility to more prospective consumers.

However, turning this idea into action can often feel a little daunting. But with Shopify Markets, it's a lot easier.

Shopify Markets is the one-stop solution for managing and expanding global sales—all from a single Shopify admin.

It’s the tool that helped Laura Mercier, bareMinerals, and Buxom take their international strategy by storm, allowing them to launch nine regional sites in just eight months.

It helps you create customised online shopping experiences for different customer segments, targeting specific countries or regions.

So what are our TOP TIPS for global success?

?? Sell in Local Currencies

Imagine shopping on a site where prices are in your local currency—it’s simply much more convenient. With Shopify Markets, you can convert your prices into over 130 currencies automatically. This not only makes your customers happy but can also increase conversion rates by up to 40%. No one wants international transaction fees!

?? Translate Your Store into Multiple Languages

Did you know that 65% of global shoppers prefer buying from sites in their own language? With Shopify’s Translate & Adapt app, you can easily translate your store, making it more inviting for international customers. Stores translated into local languages can see a 13% boost in conversion rates.

?? Adapt Store Content by Market Translation is just the first step.

To truly connect with your audience, you need to adapt your content to their cultural and seasonal preferences. For example, when it’s winter in the UK, it’s summer in Australia.

Shopify Markets lets you customise everything from product descriptions to promotional messages, ensuring your store feels local to every shopper. You can also tailor your product offerings for different regions, which is especially useful for managing regional regulations or licensing agreements, ensuring you offer the right products to the right customers.

?? Customise Your Store’s Domain for Each Market

Boost your visibility on search engines and drive conversions by setting up region-specific domains. Shopify Markets automatically creates subfolders for new markets, like example.com/en-ca for Canada. This makes it easier for international customers to find and trust you.

?? Collect Duties and Import Taxes Upfront

Surprise fees at delivery are the worst. Shopify Markets allows you to collect duties and import taxes during checkout, giving your customers a clear picture of the total cost upfront and ensuring a better shopping experience.

?? Define Order Routing Rules by Market

Efficient order routing is key to keeping costs down and delivery times short. Shopify will soon introduce smart order routing, allowing you to prioritise stock availability and proximity to customers for faster, more cost-effective shipping.

Is this the answer to the broken recruitment model?

Fulfilled Talent has just announced its latest service, "Committed Search," aimed at revolutionising the way eCommerce businesses hire top talent without breaking the bank.

If you are looking to make strategic hires without the high costs and risks associated with traditional recruitment methods - we have just the thing for you.

What is Committed Search?

Fulfilled's committed search offers a unique approach to recruitment. Unlike traditional recruitment processes that often charge a 20% commission fee, Fulfilled's service only charges a 10% fee, an upfront payment and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Upfront payment means businesses are actually hiring – not exploring the market, which is why Fulfilled is willing to take the lower fee on the chin and get to work finding the best quality candidates. Everyone’s a winner!

What’s the benefit to you?

1. Lower Fees: Traditional recruitment services charge around 20% commission per placement. Fulfilled cuts this down to just 10%, translating to considerable savings.

2. Money-Back Guarantee: The 60-day money-back guarantee ensures that businesses either find the right candidate or get their money back, eliminating financial risk.

3. Proven Success: In the past year alone, over 50 eCommerce businesses have successfully hired top talent using Fulfilled's committed search service.

4. Financial Savings: On average, businesses save ￡5,000 when hiring through Fulfilled's committed search.

As you know and have said many times before One of the hardest roles to recruit for in E-commerce is the Head of Trading, Head of E-commerce, or Head of Performance. These roles, despite the varying job titles, essentially seek a growth marketer who understands channels, can work across all aspects of digital marketing, and is financially driven to drive revenue.

So if you are looking for your next hire in e-commerce,

…book in a chat with Luke. He can discuss specific needs and help find the perfect candidate for any business.

Fulfilled's committed search service is designed to help navigate the competitive landscape of eCommerce hiring. With a cost-effective, risk-free approach, businesses can focus on growth while Fulfilled finds the right talent.

That's it for this week!?

Thank you for reading :)?

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We'll be back with more growth strategies and insights for eCom and tech brands next week.