Episodes

  • CREATIVE CONTENT STRATEGIES FOR AMZ: IMPROVE CTR AND DRIVE CONVERSIONS

    CREATIVE CONTENT STRATEGIES FOR AMZ: IMPROVE CTR AND DRIVE CONVERSIONS
    Sep 26 2024

    Join The Seller’s Edge as Jonathan D'Ambrosio talks with Andrew Morgans, founder of Marknology, about the art of creating standout content for Amazon sellers. Andrew shares his insights on why storytelling and creative content are essential to building trust and driving conversions. Whether you're looking to optimize your listings or craft compelling brand narratives, this episode provides strategies to boost your Amazon presence and engage customers in a meaningful way. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in Amazon brand strategy!
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Next-Level Amazon Tactics: Boost Sales & Make Brands Stand Out

    Next-Level Amazon Tactics: Boost Sales & Make Brands Stand Out
    Sep 13 2024
    Join us for an insightful episode of the Seller’s Edge Podcast featuring Andrew Morgans, the founder of Marknology, as we dive deep into the world of Amazon selling. In this episode, Andrew shares his extensive expertise on navigating the complexities of Amazon and provides invaluable advice for new brands looking to succeed on the platform. Topics Covered: Common Mistakes by New Brands on Amazon Realistic Expectations and Amazon’s Complexity: Learn about the importance of understanding Amazon’s system and setting accurate expectations to avoid common pitfalls. Importance of a Dedicated Team and Expertise: Discover the value of having a specialized team to manage Amazon launches effectively. Differences Between Amazon and Other Platforms: Andrew highlights the key distinctions in strategy and management between Amazon and other e-commerce platforms. Planning for a Successful Launch: Get insights into effective strategies for launch planning, including inventory management and pricing tactics. Off-Amazon Strategies: Explore the impact of external marketing efforts, such as social media and unconventional platforms like Rumble.com, on Amazon success. Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned: Andrew shares personal stories and lessons from managing brands and warehouse experiences, including notable failures. Causes of Launch Failures: Understand the common issues that lead to launch failures, such as inventory mismanagement, pricing errors, and resource allocation problems. Managing Expectations and Resources: Learn how to balance client needs with realistic resource planning for successful Amazon operations. Complexity of Amazon FBA: Navigate the intricacies of Amazon’s fulfillment and pricing strategies with Andrew’s expert guidance. Customization of Launch Strategies: Discover how to tailor launch strategies based on product and market nuances for optimal results. Diverse Expertise in Management: Leverage varied skills for comprehensive product management and brand success. Impact of Competitive Keywords: Manage your budget and strategy around competitive keywords to maximize visibility and sales. Finding the Right Support: Understand the importance of strategic partnerships and support systems in achieving Amazon success. Dynamic Brand Management: View brand management as an evolving process and adapt to changing market conditions. Honesty in Client Relationships: Learn the importance of setting realistic expectations and maintaining transparency with clients. Creative and Ethical Marketing: Explore innovative and ethical marketing approaches that avoid copycat tactics. Unconventional Marketing Tactics: Discover unique methods like QR codes and alternative platforms to stand out in the market. Value of Originality: Understand the importance of unique marketing strategies to differentiate your brand. Examples of Successful Strategies: Andrew shares case studies of effective and creative marketing strategies that have led to success. Episode 20 of The Seller’s Edge, Drew and Jonathan talk about: [00:00] Introduction [01:38] Common Mistakes by New Brands on Amazon [02:01] Realistic Expectations and Amazon FBA’s Complexity [03:08] Other Platforms Do Not Translate to Amazon [03:46] Resource and Expertise Demands [09:07] Planning for a Successful Launch [09:56] Anticipating the Need for Good Content [10:37] Be Ready and Give Yourself Lead Time [11:18] Off-Amazon Assets are Essential [15:08] Causes of FBA Launch Failures [24:32] Finding the Right Support [36:49] Unconventional Marketing Tactics [41:17] We Need Like Creative Advertisers [42:16] Value of Originality [43:09] Explore Uncommon Channels and Opportunities [44:17] Recap and Outro Key Takeaways: Set Realistic Expectations: Launching on Amazon is complicated. Understand that it requires careful planning, lead time for implementation, and diverse resources. Have a Strong Team: Selling on Amazon is a uniquely demanding process. Make sure you have the right manpower and expertise to handle it. Customize Your Approach: Every product and market is distinct. Tailor your launch strategy to the specific needs and context of yours. Leverage Off-Amazon Assets: Many successful brands supplement their AMZ strategies with efforts on social media and other external platforms. Avoid Copycat Strategies: Doing the same thing that competitors are doing will keep the lights on. It is important to be aware of their strategies but try new approaches. Leverage Innovative Tactics: Use creative strategies like the in-person plays with QR codes or running ads on unique platforms to enhance your brand’s visibility and engagement.
    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • Building A Strong Company: Leadership, Culture, & Operational Excellence

    Building A Strong Company: Leadership, Culture, & Operational Excellence
    Aug 28 2024

    In this episode of The Seller’s Edge, Jonathan D’Ambrosio sits down with Jackie Pomposelli to unpack the complex world of company operations. They discuss the critical importance of establishing solid Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), how onboarding can make or break a company, and why maintaining operational discipline is essential for long-term success. Jackie also highlights the challenges of system integration and how companies can eliminate silos to improve efficiency and collaboration.

    The conversation further explores how a strong company culture and DEI initiatives contribute to employee satisfaction and overall business success. Jackie shares insights on why it's crucial to value stakeholder feedback and continuously improve processes to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the role of employee benefits in reflecting a company's values and how they can be leveraged to attract and retain top talent.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The importance of SOPs and operational discipline for long-term success.
    • How to overcome challenges with system integration and eliminate silos.
    • The impact of company culture, DEI initiatives, and employee benefits on business outcomes.

    About Jackie Pomposelli: Jackie Pomposelli is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Known for her ability to drive operational excellence and foster inclusive workplace cultures, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge on how to balance efficiency with a positive employee experience. Her insights on the importance of SOPs, stakeholder feedback, and employee benefits are invaluable for any organization looking to improve its operations and culture.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • How To Thrive on TikTok Shop: What You Need To Know

    How To Thrive on TikTok Shop: What You Need To Know
    Aug 12 2024

    In this engaging episode, Jonathan explores the selling potential of TikTok Shop with guru Mina Elias. Mina provides guidance on how to get started, what to look for, and insights into how to build a strong ad presence on the platform. The AMZ FBA expert gives sellers everything they need to know to harness TikTok's platform to maximize their sales and gain unrivaled visibility for their brand by following a simple simple steps. Learn about seasonal campaigns, effective affiliate partnerships, and the importance of creative content, all while getting the inside scoop on the latest trends and opportunities in TikTok Shop.

    Episode 18 of The Seller’s Edge, Mina and Jonathan talk about:

    • 01:34 - The Threat TikTok Shop Posed to Amazon

    • 04:18 - Why FBA Sellers Need to Start Selling on TikTok

    • 06:05 - The Benefits of Selling on the Platform

    • 07:33 - TikTok’s Impact on Amazon Search Trends

    • 09:47 - Why the Platform Can Easily Elevate Brand Visibility

    • 12:16 - How to Get Started Selling on TikTok Shop

    • 13:35 - Setting Up Mutli-Channel Fulfillment

    • 14:46 - Recruiting Influencers as Affiliates

    • 17:08 - How to Transform Content into TikTok Ads

    • 19:42 - Leveraging Audience Insights to Boost Conversions

    • 22:44 - The Product Category that Performs Best on TikTok

    • 24:16 - Why Amazon Can’t Compete with TikTok

    • 28:04 - When Should Sellers Launch on TikTok Shop?

    • 30:16 - How to Utilize TikTok Trends and Seasonality

    • 31:50 - The Costs Associated with Selling on TikTok Shop

    Key Takeaways:

    1. There is a lot of money to be made on TIkTok Shop. Younger consumers are more likely to make purchases on the platform and its presence in ecommerce is certain to keep accelerating.

    2. Strategically Engage and Validate Influencers. There are plenty of affiliates that might match your criteria, but double-check to make sure that they are legitimate. It is important to see how large and engaged their following is.

    3. Prioritize Reviews. Social proof is as essential on TikTok as it is on Amazon or any other ecommerce platform. Be sure to establish the credibility of your brand on TikTok Shop with customer reviews.

    4. Test and Monitor Ad Performance. It will be necessary to test creatives to see what will appeal most to your audience and lend to conversions. Start small, test, analyze the data, and then iterate.

    5. Take Advantage of Seasonality and Trends. Trends are a huge part of the TikTok culture. Be sure to capitalize on the opportunities that they present. The same goes for seasonality.

    6. Social Media is the Future. Whether we like it or not, the lives of consumers are going to be heavily invested in platforms like TikTok and a brand presence on them is essential. It will be important to recognize these cultural shifts and adapt to them.
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Beyond Best Practices: Supercharging Amazon PPC

    Beyond Best Practices: Supercharging Amazon PPC
    Jul 22 2024

    In this insightful episode of The Seller's Edge, Jonathan D'Ambrosio sits down with Amazon advertising expert Elizabeth Greene to discuss the complexities of running PPC campaigns on Amazon. They explore the mechanics of sponsored products on listings and search pages, examining how these ad strategies impact visibility and consumer engagement. Elizabeth provides a detailed look at current PPC features and the two discuss the potential of AI in transforming how consumers find and purchase products.

    Elizabeth shares her personal experiences and professional insights, highlighting the challenges sellers face with PPC campaigns. They also discuss the exciting yet uncertain future of AI in advertising, emphasizing the need for adaptability and innovation in ad strategies. With a wealth of information, Elizabeth offers actionable tips for Amazon sellers to optimize their advertising efforts and stay competitive in a hyperactive marketplace.

    Don't miss out on this valuable discussion!

    Episode 17 of The Seller’s Edge, Elizabeth and Jonathan talk about:

    • 01:15 - Balancing Data with Instincts

    • 03:26 - Why Data is Often Misleading on Amazon

    • 08:07 - Catchall Auto-Campaigns for Your Entire Catalog

    • 10:50 - How to Avoid Ad Waste

    • 12:05 - Catchall Auto-Campaigns for Individual Products

    • 12:46 - Same Keyword, Different Ad Type

    • 15:34 - Common Advertising Mistakes that Sellers Make

    • 16:17 - “Ranking Doesn’t Equal Sales. Sales Equal Sales.”

    • 17:29 - Focus on Growth at Product Level Rather than at Brand Level

    • 18:37 - Competitor Conquesting (Test It and See!)

    • 20:42 - How Much Does Organic Cannibalization Matter?

    • 23:51 - Sending Positive Signals to the Algorithm

    • 27:53 - Amazon’s push to get Sellers Using Prime Video Ads

    • 32:06 - The Evolution of Amazon’s Ads

    • 36:13 - What Should Sellers be Prepared for?

    Key Takeaways:

    • Develop a holistic ad strategy
    • Adapt the approach to your brand and product lifecycle
    • Embrace data but trust your instincts
    • Invest in strong listing content
    • Be wary of AI targeting
    • Test Prime Video ads

    About Elizabeth Greene

    Elizabeth Greene is an Amazon advertising specialist with extensive experience in helping sellers optimize their ad strategies. As the co-founder of Junglr, she provides expert insights and practical solutions for navigating the complexities of Amazon's advertising ecosystem. Learn more about her work at Junglr.
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Brand Spotlight: Ox Sox

    Brand Spotlight: Ox Sox
    Jul 1 2024

    Join host Jonathan D’Ambrosio as he chats with Matthew Tesvich, founder of Ox Sox. From battling smelly feet to creating socks that are comfortable, odor-neutralizing, and eco-friendly, Matthew shares his journey. Tune in for valuable insights into product perfection, brand protection, and the art of testing assumptions. Whether you’re a sock aficionado or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode has something for you!

    1. Inspired by Personal Experiences (01:13)

    Matthew’s childhood struggle with foot odor led him to think outside the sock. How could he create something that tackled this common problem head-on?

    2. Becoming an Entrepreneur (03:11)

    Matthew’s transition from athlete to entrepreneur wasn’t easy. But passion fueled his drive to create something extraordinary.

    3. A Long Sourcing Process (03:48)

    Sourcing materials for Ox Sox was no walk in the park. Matthew shares the ups, downs, and dead-ends he encountered.

    4. The Need for Product Testing & Feedback (06:01)

    Why testing matters: Matthew’s insights into perfecting the product and listening to early adopters.

    5. Creating a Name for the Brand (07:43)

    Behind the scenes: How Ox Sox got its catchy name and why it matters.

    6. Creating a Product that Solves Multiple Problems (09:16)

    Matthew’s triple-threat socks: Comfort, odor control, and durability. The magic formula behind Ox Sox.

    7. Understanding What Success Looks Like (10:54)

    Success isn’t just about sales numbers. Matthew’s perspective on measuring impact.

    8. Making National Headlines on Black Friday (12:30)

    How Ox Sox stole the spotlight during the holiday shopping frenzy.

    9. Iterating on Competitive Value Propositions (14:08)

    Staying ahead of the game: Matthew’s approach to refining Ox Sox’s unique selling points.

    10. Being Driven by Larger Values (17:30)

    Beyond profits: Matthew’s commitment to sustainability and purpose.

    11. The Importance of Customer Demographics (19:13)

    Know your audience: How Ox Sox tailors its marketing to specific customer segments.

    12. Matthew’s Original GTM Strategy (22:05)

    Getting Ox Sox off the ground: Matthew’s go-to-market strategy.

    13. Listening to Your Customers (25:56)

    Customer feedback as a compass: How it shapes Ox Sox’s evolution.

    14. Fighting Counterfeit Sellers with Brand Protection (28:28)

    Matthew’s battle against copycats and protecting the Ox Sox brand.

    15. An Early Understanding of Shipping Fees (31:57)

    Shipping logistics: Matthew’s early lessons in cost management.

    16. Valuable Lessons from Initial Order Miscalculations (33:11)

    The school of hard knocks: Matthew’s takeaways from inventory mishaps.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Avoid assumptions about customer behavior.

    • Prioritize durability and effectiveness in your product.

    • Maximize publicity and press opportunities.

    • Stay customer-focused at all times.

    • Authenticity drives sales.

    • Delegate to the experts when needed.
    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Brand Spotlight: Modern Mammals

    Brand Spotlight: Modern Mammals
    Jun 13 2024

    In this episode of The Seller's Edge, host Jonathan D'Ambrosio speaks with Joe Moriarty and Wes Haddon about their journey in creating a standout hair care brand. Tune in to hear about their strategies for building customer loyalty, managing online criticism, and the importance of a focused product line.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Always Keep The Customer In Mind

    2. Be Aware Of And Play Into Your Strengths

    3. If You’re Not An Expert, Find One

    4. Never Stray From Your Brand’s Core Values

    5. Increasing The Number Of Products Decreases Conversions

    6. Brands Stand Out By Being Original

    7. As You Gain Momentum, Safeguard The Foundation That Made It Possible

    8. Dedicate Significant Efforts To Customer Loyalty; It Is Your Greatest Asset

    Discussion Points:

    • 01:47 - Competitiveness of the Product Market

    • 02:22 - Identifying the Needs of Consumers

    • 04:03 - Starting to Build a Product and Brand

    • 06:47 - Previous Seller Experiences

    • 08:53 - Knowing that a Market Gap Existed

    • 10:25 - Customer Obsession: The First Sign of Success

    • 12:13 - Identifying Knowledge Gaps & Pain Points

    • 15:20 - Reducing Product Variations for Optimal Performance

    • 21:40 - Having a Strong Sense of Your Brand’s Core Values

    • 25:27 - Creating a Name for the Brand

    • 27:01 - Scaling Up while Maintaining Operational Discipline

    • 31:29 - Capturing Market Share from Brand Name Competitors

    • 34:20 - Leveraging Social Media for Education & Brand Recognition

    • 38:13 - Embracing Minimalism for Long Term Gains

    • 40:32 - The Unrivaled Power of Customer Loyalty
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Steven Pope’s Tips for FBA Sellers: How to Make Money on AMZ

    Steven Pope’s Tips for FBA Sellers: How to Make Money on AMZ
    May 30 2024
    Steven Pope, the founder of My Amazon Guy, joins this in-depth conversation, to share his big brain thinking and offer actionable insights to take your Amazon business to the next level. Key Takeaways: PPC Advertising Strategies: Discover the power of setting up auto campaigns for every SKU, even those you might overlook. Learn how a simple $0.05 bid can generate an extra $700 a month!Product Targeting and Ad Placement: Avoid common pitfalls in product targeting and leverage new ad formats like Prime Video ads to gain a competitive edge.Global Market Expansion: Learn why Japan is a booming market for Amazon sellers and get tips on how to expand internationally while managing shipping costs effectively.Localization and Future Trends: Explore the future of Amazon advertising with localized keyword data and targeted PPC strategies.Focus and Specialization: Steven emphasizes the importance of sticking to your core competencies and outsourcing tasks where necessary to build a robust, specialized business. About My Amazon Guy: My Amazon Guy is a comprehensive Amazon seller consultancy that provides a full range of services including PPC management, SEO, and content creation. Founded by Steven Pope, the agency is known for its expertise in navigating the complexities of the Amazon marketplace and helping sellers achieve remarkable growth. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable tips and strategies from one of the top experts in the field. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and expert advice on Amazon selling! Follow us on social media: Twitter: @TheSellersEdgeInstagram: @TheSellersEdge FULL TRANSCTRIPT: JONATHAN: So I know that you are somebody who has many thoughts on the ongoing complexities of Amazon. I think that it continues to evolve. And I think even Jeff Bezos was quoted as saying that they are in the business of helping people buy things. They are not in the business of helping people sell them. STEVEN POPE: Amazon is the most customer centric platform in the world and sellers are left by the wayside. And that's a moat though, right? Like if you can overcome that challenge as a seller, you're going to be wildly successful. If you have a good product and you still can't overcome that challenge, that's where the biased, my Amazon guy pitch comes in and you hire an agency and we'll help you out. But that's pretty much it. You have a lot of a deck stacked against you because Amazon is putting up roadblocks. The Chinese are coming in hot, hurting margins. Amazon is adding fees, making margins hard from that side. And there's just a lot of people that want a piece of that piece. JONATHAN: Yeah, for sure. I mean, especially with, I mean there's a lot of things going on. They're adding additional fees right now. And that's just something that I feel like Amazon keeps getting greedier and greedier when they don't want to help Amazon sellers. But they're also just like, I don't even know about the additional promotional sales beyond Prime Day. Is that something that you think sellers will benefit from or do you think that's okay and, but like Amazon will, obviously STEVEN POPE: Yes, Amazon will crush it. They're going to push a lot of Amazon products. They'll sell a bunch of kindles. They'll send a bunch of, sell a bunch of Amazon basics. But the average day, Joe, Amazon seller does not win on Prime Day at all. Yes, their sales will be higher on Prime Day. I want to be clear about that. But if you look at the long view, if you look at the seven day stretch, they're static week over week, right. So you're stealing from Peter to pay Paul, as they say. Right. Like you're not going to come out ahead. Now, should you take advantage of Prime Day? Yes. Should you run a discount? Maybe. Should you add some additional PPC spend on Prime Day? Probably. But you'll notice that I do all that with an Eeyore saying of like, yeah, okay, Optimus prime, you know, like begrudgingly. So yes, you probably should pay, play the game. But it's not necessarily the top thing I would focus on. JONATHAN: What do you think is the number one thing that Amazon kind of has going against sellers? Like, is it the fact that. I mean, everything about Amazon is cumbersome for sellers from seller central being just the cumbersome platform that it is to seller support not being entirely efficient. I'm just curious, what's the one thing that if we could fix it would make life infinitely easier? STEVEN POPE: Well, the first one that comes to my mind would be seller support. Right? Like, I. I am so tired of getting copy paste garbage out of seller support. Like half the emails in Chinese and like, you know why, right? Like they've sold out to China. They don't care about us as an Amazon seller brand business or anything. Really. That would be the easiest one to fix, too. All we got to do is install chat GPT...
    Show more Show less
    35 mins