361 - The December Email Strategy Every Ecommerce Brand Needs

Episode #361 - The December Email Strategy Every Ecommerce Brand Needs BFCM brings a huge influx of first-time customers—but they're not loyal yet. Many came for a deal, were curious about your brand, or were buying a gift. Now is the critical moment where you either let them go cold… or turn them into repeat buyers who stay with you into 2026. In this episode, Laryssa shares the exact step-by-step December + early January email strategy for transforming those once-a-year shoppers into customers who return, engage, and grow with your brand. What You'll Learn in This Episode ✓ What new customers actually need in the first 48 hours after purchasing ✓ How to use your post-purchase flow to build trust and reduce buyer's remorse ✓ The right kind of December inspiration + service emails ✓ How to guide customers through shipping deadlines (without stress) ✓ Smart ways to gather holiday UGC—even with low-social audiences ✓ Whether (and how) to send a holiday greeting message ✓ What to send in late December and January to spark self-gifting + loyalty ✓ How to introduce simple loyalty touchpoints that don't overwhelm Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/the-real-strategy-begins-after-black-friday-cyber-monday

If your ecommerce brand is obsessing over checkout tweaks, button colors, pop-ups, and discounts—but your email marketing still feels flat—there's a deeper issue at play. And it's not friction. It's desire. 🎧 In this episode, I break down a powerful idea inspired by Wes Kao: the difference between decreasing friction and increasing desire—and why most ecommerce brands spend all their time on the wrong one. You'll learn why smoothing out the customer journey isn't enough, what desire really looks like in action, and how to bring more of it into your email strategy starting today. Whether your emails feel "fine but not exciting," or you're stuck in an A/B-testing spiral without real results, this episode will give you the perspective shift you've been missing. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why "making buying easier" doesn't always lead to more sales ✅ The psychology behind desire—and how customers create value in their own minds ✅ How discounts can accidentally lower your brand's perceived value ✅ The right way to use your pop-up so it sparks excitement, not bargain-hunting ✅ How desire transforms your Welcome Series and email storytelling ✅ The two levers every email uses: reducing friction vs. increasing desire ✅ Why the best-performing brands master both—and how you can too Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/strategic-shift-how-to-inspire-desire-to-buy-your-products

If Shopify is the body of your ecommerce business, Klaviyo's the heartbeat — connecting data, customers, and sales. But does every brand actually need it? Or is Klaviyo just the industry's favorite buzzword? 🎧 In this episode, I'm breaking down what Klaviyo really is (in human language), why so many ecommerce brands swear by it, when it makes sense to use it, and when it might be more than you need. Whether you're weighing a platform switch or simply tired of hearing conflicting opinions, this episode will give you clarity—minus the hype. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What Klaviyo actually does beyond newsletters ✅ Why its Shopify integration is a true game-changer ✅ The flows that reliably drive revenue while you sleep ✅ When Klaviyo is the right fit — and when it's not ✅ How pricing really works (and why it's not as expensive as people think) ✅ Why the learning curve is easier than most people assume ✅ The best alternatives if you're still window shopping Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/klaviyo-for-shopify-is-it-worth-the-hype

Episode #358 - The Essential Guide to Domain Verification for Ecommerce Brands Ever throw a party and forget to tell the bouncer who's on the list? Suddenly your best friends are stuck outside while total randos waltz right in. That's basically what happens when you skip domain verification - and your emails are the ones getting bounced. 🎧 In this episode, I'm breaking down what domain verification actually is (in human language), why it's one of the easiest ways to boost deliverability, and how to check it off your to-do list without crying into your DNS settings. Whether you're gearing up for the holidays or just tired of spam-folder surprises, you'll walk away feeling confident instead of confused. This episode is part of my ongoing Email Marketing Foundations series, where we unpack the tech, strategy, and mindset needed to build a reliable revenue engine through email + SMS. 👉 Want to take this deeper? Join me for my Live YouTube Masterclass on Friday, November 14th at 9am PST to get hands-on with domain verification and deliverability best practices. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1738600554059?aff=oddtdtcreator  💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What SPF, DKIM, and DMARC actually mean (and why they're so crucial) ✅ How to authenticate your domain inside Klaviyo or Mailchimp in less than 30 minutes ✅ How to warm up your sends and avoid deliverability dips ✅ Common red flags that signal your emails are getting ghosted ✅ The exact steps to check for "PASS" status and keep inboxes happy Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/domain-verification-how-to-stay-out-of-spam-improve-email-deliverability

BFCM is basically tomorrow in marketing time - that's how it feels, right? The clock's ticking, inboxes are about to explode, and you might be thinking, "Am I even ready for this?" Before panic sets in, take a breath. This episode is your quick hit of clarity before the chaos: a last-minute checklist to steady the nerves and drive more revenue. 🎧 In this episode, I'm giving you a fast, focused, five-part punch list you can check off in a few days - not weeks - to optimize your email, SMS, and site experience before the big weekend hits. Whether you're scrambling or feeling mostly prepared, you'll walk away knowing exactly where to spend your energy for maximum impact. This episode is part of my ongoing BFCM Prep Series - where we're making sure your holiday marketing is strategic, intentional, and ready to perform. If you still want the full playbook, you can grab my 2025 BFCM Briefing at joyjoya.com/bfcm. 👉 Grab my official 2025 BFCM Briefing: a 15+ page strategic guide serious brands are using to stay ahead of the chaos: https://joyjoya.com/bfcm 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ The BFCM scheduling steps most brands forget until it's too late ✅ Why form & popup cleanup can drive last-minute signups and sales ✅ How to verify your site + checkout flow to avoid weekend disasters ✅ When to send SMS (and why timing is everything) ✅ The #1 overlooked messaging detail that creates last-minute friction 🪙 In the Gold Mine segment, I'm talking about why "Hope is NOT a marketing strategy." We've all been guilty of crossing our fingers — especially during the holidays. I'm sharing three sneaky ways hope shows up as avoidance, how it sabotages profits, and how to turn it into momentum instead of stagnation. 👉 Ready to stop guessing and start sending with confidence? This episode gives you the quick wins you need right now - so you can step into BFCM prepared instead of panicked. Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/your-last-minute-black-friday-cyber-monday-checklist

Episode #356 - 5 Costly Holiday Email Mistakes That Hurt Your BFCM Sales You know what's more painful than hearing "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" for the 100th time in November? Hitting send on a holiday email that costs you sales. Every year, I see brands make the same email mistakes that drain real revenue during BFCM. The good news? They're totally avoidable once you know what to watch for. In this episode, I'm breaking down the five biggest holiday email mistakes I see brands make year after year — and how to fix them before it's too late. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or DIY-ing your BFCM strategy for the first time, this episode will help you avoid inbox fatigue, improve deliverability, and make sure your campaigns convert when it matters most. This episode is part of my ongoing BFCM Prep Series — where we're making sure your holiday marketing is strategic, intentional, and built to perform. 👉 Grab my official 2025 BFCM Briefing, a 15+ page strategic guide serious brands are already using to stay ahead of the chaos: https://joyjoya.com/bfcm 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ The #1 mistake that instantly weakens your Q4 results ✨ Why sending too many emails too suddenly can tank engagement ✨ How to keep your emails landing in inboxes (not spam) ✨ Why "spray-and-pray" campaigns waste your best opportunities ✨ How stronger CTAs can double — even triple — your click-through rate 🪙 In the Gold Mine segment, I'm sharing a personal reflection on my complicated relationship with numbers — how they've made me feel brilliant one day and defeated the next. I'll talk about analytics paralysis, the emotional rollercoaster of metrics, and how reframing numbers as stories instead of verdicts has changed the way I approach marketing, leadership, and growth. 👉 Ready to send emails that actually perform this holiday season? This episode will help you ditch the guesswork, avoid preventable mistakes, and send campaigns that convert with confidence. Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/5-holiday-email-mistakes-that-quietly-eat-your-sales

Episode #355 - 10 Creative Holiday Offers That Don't Hurt Your Ecommerce Product Margins When you think "holiday offer," you probably think discount. 20% off, 30% off… like Oprah's handing out promo codes: you get a discount, you get a discount, everybody gets a discount! But deep discounts aren't the only way to win during BFCM. In fact, for some brands, they do more harm than good — eroding margins, cheapening perception, and training your customers to only shop sales. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 creative, margin-friendly holiday offers that drive sales without cutting into your bottom line — plus tips to make them shine in both email and SMS. This is part of my BFCM Prep Series, where we're making sure your marketing is strategic, intentional, and designed to convert — not just add to the inbox chaos. 👉 Grab my official 2025 BFCM Briefing — a 15+ page strategic guide serious brands are already using to stay ahead this season: https://joyjoya.com/bfcm 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ 10 creative holiday offer ideas that add value, not markdowns ✨ How to position free gifts, bundles, and perks to boost AOV ✨ Why charitable tie-ins and exclusivity build loyalty faster than discounts ✨ How to execute these ideas seamlessly across email and SMS ✨ Ways to keep your margins healthy and your customers happy 🪙 In the Gold Mine segment, I'm talking about the concept of "unknown unknowns" — the things you don't even know that you don't know. I'll share how a recent surprise in Klaviyo shook my confidence, what it taught me about humility, and why acknowledging our blind spots actually makes us stronger leaders. 👉 Ready to rethink your BFCM offer strategy? This episode will help you design promotions that feel generous, smart, and sustainable — so you can rise above the noise and finish the year stronger than ever. Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/10-holiday-offers-to-get-more-sales-without-discounts

A shopper finds the perfect gift, adds it to their cart… and then their phone buzzes, the doorbell rings, dinner's ready. The moment's gone. By the time they come back, someone else has won the sale. That's how fragile holiday shopping is - but with the right automations, you can save the sale and build momentum. In this episode, we're giving your holiday flows a makeover - so they're tuned for gifting season, closing the loop on lost sales, and creating repeat customers who keep coming back even after the holiday rush. This is part of my BFCM Prep Series, where we're making sure your marketing is strategic, intentional, and designed to convert — not just add to the inbox chaos. 👉 Grab my official 2025 BFCM Briefing — a 15+ page strategic guide serious brands are already using to stay ahead this season: https://joyjoya.com/bfcm 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ How to turn your welcome flow into a gifting concierge that converts new subscribers faster ✨ The key differences between cart and checkout abandonment (and why your strategy should change for each) ✨ How to make browse abandonment feel helpful, not pushy — especially for indecisive gift shoppers ✨ Why the post-purchase flow is your biggest untapped revenue driver during BFCM ✨ How to use low stock, back-in-stock, wishlist, and SMS flows to turn urgency into effortless sales 🪙 In the Gold Mine segment, I'm opening up about the challenge of saying what you really mean — why honesty in communication can feel awkward but ultimately strengthens your leadership and relationships. 👉 Ready to give your flows a holiday glow-up? This episode will help you design automations that nurture trust, close the loop, and keep your brand top-of-mind all season long. Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/holiday-email-flows-that-sell-during-black-friday-cyber-monday

Episode #353 - How to Make Your BFCM Emails Stand Out in the Inbox Stampede Nobody wakes up on Black Friday excited to read 200 emails — they're excited to find something they love. But when every subject line is screaming "SALE!" and every graphic is blasting neon urgency, most campaigns blur together. Customers scroll, skim, delete. And yet, some brands do break through. They get the clicks, the sales, the attention — not because they're louder, but because they're smarter. In this episode, I'm sharing the strategies that will help your BFCM campaign emails stand out from the noise and feel like a welcome guest in your subscriber's inbox. This episode is part of my BFCM Prep Series, where we'll make sure your holiday campaigns are strategic, intentional, and designed to convert — not just contribute to inbox chaos. 👉 Grab my official 2025 BFCM Briefing — a 15+ page guide serious brands are already using to plan their holiday campaigns: https://joyjoya.com/bfcm 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why timing is just as important as subject lines — and how to test it now ✨ How to write subject lines that sound like you (and not everyone else) ✨ The simple design tweaks that make your emails instantly scannable ✨ Why curated merchandising beats generic sitewide discounts ✨ How a clear point of view makes your campaign more memorable and compelling And in the Gold Mine segment, I'm getting real about the long game of marketing — why it's so much harder than sprinting, how it can feel lonely, and how to make sure your business goals stay aligned with your life. 👉 Ready to cut through the inbox noise? This episode will help you craft campaigns that capture attention, convert subscribers, and reflect the real value of your brand. Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/how-to-make-your-black-friday-emails-stand-out-in-the-inbox

Episode #352 - 5 Ways to Stop Holiday Marketing Panic Before It Starts Picture this: it's Thanksgiving night, and instead of relaxing, you're frantically fixing email templates, resizing graphics, and dealing with a flood of customer questions. That's what happens when holiday prep falls to the bottom of your to-do list - but it doesn't have to be that way. This episode kicks off my special BFCM Prep Series, where we'll make sure your holiday campaigns are planned, polished, and panic-free long before Black Friday hits. Get the 2025 BFCM Briefing here: https://joyjoya.com/pages/bfcm 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ How to decide if BFCM weekend is even the right move for your brand ✨ The key dates and planning steps that will save you from last-minute chaos ✨ Why refreshing your automations now can protect your revenue later ✨ How to prepare creative assets that actually support your strategy ✨ The testing checklist that keeps mistakes from ruining your biggest sales And in the Gold Mine segment, I'm sharing something deeply personal: my fear of being misunderstood - and why it often shows up right before a major breakthrough. 👉 Ready to trade chaos for confidence? This episode will help you plan ahead and step into the season with strategy instead of stress. Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/5-tips-to-avoid-black-friday-marketing-chaos-and-enjoy-the-holidays