How Automating Accounting Fuels E-Commerce Growth → Jason Richelson

In this episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, I sit down with Sam Piliero, the founder and CEO of The Moonlighters, a demand gen and capture media buying agency. Sam’s journey from selling lemonade as a kid to working with major players like VaynerMedia and BarkBox is truly inspiring. He shares how these experiences paved the way for creating The Moonlighters, where he focuses on delivering comprehensive growth strategies for brands looking to scale.We dive deep into the intricacies of media buying, exploring the critical differences between demand generation and demand capture. Sam offers practical advice on how to structure your agency for maximum efficiency, highlighting the importance of having growth directors skilled in both Facebook and Google ads.Sam also sheds light on the evolving landscape of YouTube and Meta ads, sharing tips on crafting high-quality campaigns that resonate with audiences. He emphasizes the need to focus on total contribution margin rather than just ROI, advocating for a more holistic approach to measuring business success.We also discuss the power of authentic user-generated content (UGC). Sam explains why genuine customer reviews and testimonials are more effective than ever in today’s market. This episode is packed with actionable insights for any brand looking to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve significant growth.Join us for this insightful conversation filled with expert tips and strategies to help you elevate your brand’s marketing efforts. Whether you’re aiming to optimize your media buying strategy or leverage authentic content, this episode has something valuable for you. Tune in to learn how to drive growth and boost your brand’s success.Best,KunléChapters:(00:00) - Introduction to Scaling Your Brand (01:23) - The 2x eCommerce Podcast Begins (03:03) - Sam Piliero's Journey: From Lemonade Stand to Media Buying Expert (08:56) - The Birth of The Moonlighters Agency (09:58) - Strategies for Scaling from 1 Million to 10 Million in Revenue (11:54) - Inside The Moonlighters: Agency Structure and Strategy (15:30) - Demand Generation vs. Demand Capture: Maximizing ROI (24:27) - Navigating Data Accuracy in a Post-iOS Update World (26:33) - Decoding Digital Advertising: Insights and Strategies (27:16) - Navigating Attribution Settings and Conversion Insights (27:55) - The Trustworthiness of Google Data and Attribution Windows (29:32) - The Reality of Advertising Metrics: A Case Study (31:41) - The Importance of Accurate Data and Comprehensive Account Health Checks (32:44) - Maximizing Business Growth Through Financial Modeling (37:40) - Exploring the Potential of YouTube Advertising (40:52) - Optimizing Facebook Advertising: Technical Tweaks and Creative Strategies (45:03) - The Power of Authenticity in User-Generated Content (47:36) - Planning for a Deeper Dive: The Promise of Part Two Guest Links:Website: Sam's Agency: The Moonlighters WebsiteLinkedIn: Sam’s LinkedIn ProfileTwitter: Sam’s Twitter HandleInstagram: Sam’s Instagram HandleOther Links: none mentionedConnect with 2X eCommerce:Website: 2X eCommerce WebsiteInstagram: 2X eCommerce InstagramTwitter: 2X eCommerce TwitterYouTube: 2X eCommerce YouTubeSubscribe to Our Newsletter:Stay updated with the latest insights and tips by subscribing to our newsletter here.Get a Copy of Kunle’s BookElevate your e-commerce game with Kunle Campbell's book, "E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven Approach to Attract Shoppers, Build Community and Retain Customers." Discover practical strategies and insights to boost your e-commerce growth.Amazon: Buy on AmazonWalmart: Buy on WalmartKogan Page: Buy on Kogan PageBarnes & Noble: Buy on Barnes & NobleWHSmith: Buy on WHSmithCreators & Guests Kunle Campbell - Host Sam Piliero - Guest

In this episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, host Kunle Campbell speaks with Jason Richelson, the founder of Bookkeep, to explore the critical elements of accounting tailored for the online retail space. The discussion centers on the pivotal role of accrual accounting and its necessity for accurate financial management in business operations. Jason's insights help demystify complex accounting practices and highlight their significance in the e-commerce landscape.Jason shares his extensive background that bridges software development and retail. His journey from operating a physical store to developing accounting solutions that cater to the digital economy offers listeners a unique perspective on integrating technology with traditional business practices.The conversation also touches on the challenges and solutions related to payment reconciliation and inventory management in e-commerce. Jason emphasizes the importance of accurate financial tracking and how automation can address common issues faced by online retailers.Further, they discuss the impact of technological advancements in accounting. Jason explains how modern tools and software are streamlining financial processes, making them more efficient and less prone to error.The episode wraps up with a look at future trends in accounting technology, including the potential integration of AI and machine learning. This forecast not only paints an exciting future for e-commerce accounting but also stresses the ongoing need for businesses to adapt and innovate.Find about about Bookkeep: https://www.bookkeep.com/product-overview/?utm_source=2xecom Bookkeep is offering 2X eCommerce listeners an exclusive deal: Get your first month free! Just enter '2XEcom' in the 'How did you hear about us?' field when you sign up. If you have any questions or need additional information, we're here to help. Take advantage of this special offer to streamline your e-commerce accounting!

In today’s episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, we delve deep into the innovative journey of Dapper Boi, a brand at the forefront of all-gender inclusive fashion. Host Kunle Campbell engages with Vicky Pasche, the visionary founder of Dapper Boi, tracing the brand’s evolution from its roots as an androgynous apparel line to becoming a beacon of inclusivity in the fashion industry.Vicky shares the initial challenges and breakthroughs that helped shape Dapper Boi, highlighting strategic shifts in product design and marketing that catered to an expanding and diverse customer base. These strategic shifts were driven by a profound commitment to making fashion accessible to everyone, beyond traditional gender norms. A significant turning point for Dapper Boi was its rebranding to fully embrace an all-gender identity, influenced by powerful customer feedback and stories that showcased the brand's transformative impact on people's lives.Listeners will also hear about the complexities of scaling a socially conscious brand within a competitive industry, tackling supply chain issues, and leveraging innovative sales techniques such as equity crowdfunding. Vicky’s dedication to inclusivity provides a compelling narrative on how passion and innovation can fuse to redefine industry standards and create a space where everyone feels they belong.

In this episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, Kunle Campbell sits down with Lonnie Bloom, an audit partner at Withum specializing in the e-commerce and technology sectors. Bloom recounts his journey from a budding interest in accounting to his pivotal role in navigating the financial complexities of e-commerce. He shares insights into the challenges and strategies critical for businesses in adapting to economic changes and consumer behavior shifts.The conversation then turns to the significance of audits for e-commerce entities aiming to secure investment and scale their operations. Bloom breaks down the audit process, emphasizing its role in strategic financial planning and the importance of a solid financial foundation for growth. He also touches on the impact of technological advancements in e-commerce, particularly how they streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.Lonnie offers advice for e-commerce ventures grappling with today's market dynamics, focusing on financial savvy, technological integration, and understanding consumer expectations. This episode distills Bloom's vast experience into valuable insights for e-commerce businesses looking to thrive in a competitive landscape. 

In today's episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, we dive into the nuanced world of eCommerce pricing strategies with Aaron Cowper, the mastermind behind ShopGrok. Host Kunle Campbell engages Aaron in a deep discussion on his evolution from a strategy consultant for global giants like PwC and McKinsey to founding ShopGrok, a pivotal force in shaping retail pricing strategies. Aaron's journey from consulting to entrepreneurship showcases a dedicated pursuit of optimizing pricing strategies to bolster eCommerce growth and market presence.Aaron delves into his initial forays into the pricing arena, highlighting his strategic moves and the insights gained from managing pricing at Woolworths, Australia's retail behemoth, during its crucial turnaround phase. This conversation unravels the complexity of pricing in the retail sector, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between online flexibility and brick-and-mortar challenges.A key moment unfolds as Aaron discusses ShopGrok's mission to democratize advanced pricing strategies for eCommerce businesses, spotlighting the critical role of data-driven decision-making in today's competitive landscape. Through detailed examples and personal anecdotes, Aaron illustrates the transformative impact of effective pricing strategies on customer perception, market positioning, and long-term business viability.Listeners are invited to journey with Aaron through the intricacies of eCommerce pricing, uncovering the strategic frameworks that empower businesses to navigate market complexities, optimize profitability, and enhance customer engagement. This episode is an essential listen for eCommerce entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and anyone interested in the art and science of pricing strategy.

In today's episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, we dive into the intricacies of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) for ecommerce with Matthew Stafford, co-founder of Build Grow Scale. Host Kunle Campbell engages Stafford in a detailed discussion on the key factors that enable ecommerce businesses to grow from their initial million to over $10 million in revenue.Matthew highlights the significant role of the business owner in creating the right environment for growth, the need for precise website optimization, accurate data tracking, and a solid customer support framework. He shares insights from his experience on scaling businesses, emphasizing the importance of effective delegation, accountability, and a focus on both sales and backend operations.The conversation covers the critical nature of CRO throughout the business lifecycle, with Matthew detailing strategies for website layout optimization, copywriting adjustments, and mapping out the customer journey for better conversions. He offers practical advice on improving various stages of the purchase funnel, from checkout optimization to product page enhancements, and underscores the importance of customer reviews and social proof in building trust.Matthew also discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence on ecommerce, suggesting that AI will enhance employee productivity and capabilities rather than replace human jobs. This episode provides a wealth of knowledge for ecommerce entrepreneurs aiming for sustainable and efficient growth.Listeners are encouraged to explore Build Grow Scale to learn more about Matthew Stafford's work and insights into driving ecommerce success.

In today's episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of ThriftBooks, the leading secondhand books business in North America. Host Kunle Campbell interviews Mike Ward, the Chief Innovation Officer at ThriftBooks.com, exploring the company's evolution from a startup leveraging Amazon's platform to a dominant force in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) books market. Mike shares the inspiring story of leaving his day job to join the startup, emphasizing the strategic use of technology and dynamic pricing to stay competitive on Amazon. Despite the challenges, ThriftBooks' innovative approach to pricing and inventory management propelled their growth, gradually shifting a significant portion of their business to their DTC platform, ThriftBooks.com.A pivotal moment came when Amazon increased their commission rates, prompting ThriftBooks to focus more intensely on their DTC channel. This strategic pivot was supported by effective use of Google advertising, email marketing, and a strong emphasis on mobile-first design, driving substantial growth in traffic and customer loyalty. The ThriftBooks loyalty program, offering points for purchases redeemable for free books, played a key role in retaining customers and encouraging repeat business.Mike also highlights ThriftBooks' commitment to environmental sustainability, saving millions of books from landfills and promoting literacy by offering affordable reading options. The discussion touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI, suggesting its potential to revolutionize e-commerce and content creation.Listeners are encouraged to explore ThriftBooks.com to discover a vast selection of used and new books, contributing to environmental sustainability while indulging their passion for reading.--- Kunle's Book📈 'E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven ApproachExciting news for our listeners! Kunle Campbell, your host and e-commerce expert, has just released his new book: ‘E-Commercer Growth Strategy.’ This essential guide is packed with strategies for attracting shoppers, building community, and retaining customers in the e-commerce space. Drawing on insights from the 2X eCommerce podcast and Kunle’s extensive experience, this book is a must-read for anyone in the e-commerce industry.Elevate your e-commerce game today!Available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S26y0Y---SPONSORS:This episode is brought to you by:Treyd Podcast - Treyd SecretsDiscover the operational secrets behind successful e-commerce with ‘Treyd Secrets’. Hosted by Peter Beckman, CEO of Treyd, this podcast is a goldmine of expert insights covering everything from inventory management to sales strategies. Perfect for e-commerce trailblazers seeking to thrive in this dynamic industry. Tune in to 'Treyd Secrets' on your favorite podcast app or visit https://treyd.io/podcast

On today’s episode, Kunle is joined by Sabir Semerkant, CEO and Founder of Growth by Sabir, a program designed to maximize the growth potential of a business. The power of yes. Sabir has lived by saying yes throughout his life. His high school guidance counselor’s advice to take his second career option which is to become a computer scientist when he got discouraged by the long wait to do surgery as a neurosurgeon. When Jeff Horrowitz offered him to run his channel for Vitamin Shoppe, instead of just coding a website. Accepting the guesting in Vaynermedia, the startup that Gary Vaynerchuk started and had grown to become VaynerCommerce.  These experiences and meetings with people that will eventually serve as Sabir’s stepping stones in his career would not have happened had he said no. From his passion, he built an approach called 8-D Method. It’s a tested way of combing down every dimension of the business, addressing issues and challenges until growth comes naturally. His craft is backed by years of experience and case studies that have catapulted businesses to their potential. Countless companies have grown 2x and more and faster. It’s an insightful episode as you’d hear Kunle and Sabir talk more about the dimensions and their importance, stories from Sabir’s years of experience in building businesses, and tips for budding entrepreneurs. --- 🔔 Book Announcement:📈 'E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven Approach' by Kunle Campbell Exciting news for our listeners! Kunle Campbell, your host and e-commerce expert, has just released his new book: ‘E-Commercer Growth Strategy.’ This essential guide is packed with strategies for attracting shoppers, building community, and retaining customers in the e-comerce space. Drawing on insights from the 2X eCommerce podcast and Kunle’s extensive experience, this book is a must-read for anyone in the e-commerce industry.Elevate your e-commerce game today! Available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S26y0Y --- SPONSORS:This episode is brought to you by:Treyd Podcast - Treyd SecretsDiscover the operational secrets behind successful e-commerce with ‘Treyd Secrets’. Hosted by Peter Beckman, CEO of Treyd, this podcast is a goldmine of expert insights covering everything from inventory management to sales strategies. Perfect for e-commerce trailblazers seeking to thrive in this dynamic industry. Tune in to 'Treyd Secrets' on your favorite podcast app or visit treyd.io/podcast.

In this episode, Bobby, the Chief Revenue Officer at Shopify, discusses the company's growth and positioning in the enterprise commerce market. He shares his career journey and highlights the strategy behind Shopify's foray into the enterprise space. Bobby explains Shopify's architecture and offering, including the concept of composable commerce. He also discusses the top reasons why enterprises choose Shopify, such as performance, total cost of ownership, and innovation.  Bobby sheds light on Shopify’s ease of use, as an important criteria for its enterprise clients, that enables marketing and operational agility; its significantly lower total cost of ownership for enterprises because of its competitive pricing and efficient implementation.  The conversation concludes with a focus on Shop Pay and its impact on performance, as well as other components of Shopify’s enterprise commerce stack.  Bobby discusses how Shopify’s customers are driving performance, scalability, and extending Shopify’s back-office capabilities.  Bobby spoke about Shopify’s ‘Leader’ status in a recently published 2024 IDC MarketScape: Worldwide B2C Digital Commerce Platforms. According to the report, “Shopify will be particularly attractive to buyers looking for a multitenant SaaS digital commerce platform with a proven track record in DTC, a vast 3P ecosystem, low TCO, and built-in payments.” IDC defines Midmarket as enterprises with $100M to $500M or more in revenue. --- 🔔 Book Announcement:📈 'E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven Approach' by Kunle Campbell Exciting news for our listeners! Kunle Campbell, your host and e-commerce expert, has just released his new book: ‘E-Commercer Growth Strategy.’ This essential guide is packed with strategies for attracting shoppers, building community, and retaining customers in the e-comerce space. Drawing on insights from the 2X eCommerce podcast and Kunle’s extensive experience, this book is a must-read for anyone in the e-commerce industry.Elevate your e-commerce game today! Available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S26y0Y --- SPONSORS: This episode is brought to you by: Treyd Podcast - Treyd SecretsDiscover the operational secrets behind successful e-commerce with ‘Treyd Secrets’. Hosted by Peter Beckman, CEO of Treyd, this podcast is a goldmine of expert insights covering everything from inventory management to sales strategies. Perfect for e-commerce trailblazers seeking to thrive in this dynamic industry. Tune in to 'Treyd Secrets' on your favorite podcast app or visit treyd.io/podcast.

On today’s episode, Kunle is joined by Juan Meisel, Founder and CEO of Grip, a logistics company that handles frozen/refrigerated products all over the US smoothly and hassle-free. Juan Meisel used to work with ButcherBox, an animal-welfare-focused meat company that sources and delivers quality meat and seafood products. From $0 to $600 million, ButcherBox was able to grow and stay consistent with its mission. Eventually, Juan realized the need for hassle-free and careful handling of these products so consumers could enjoy the quality of their orders. Juan decided to create a delivery service that offers reliable, efficient, and personalized customer service. Along with the experience and vision that he had from working in ButcherBox, he was able  It’s an interesting episode as you’d hear Kunle and Juan talk more about the perishables market, ButcherBox’s and Grip’s growth, the difference between frozen and refrigerated products in terms of inventory and logistics, and the profitability in the perishables space. --- 🔔 Book Announcement:📈 'E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven Approach' by Kunle Campbell Exciting news for our listeners! Kunle Campbell, your host and e-commerce expert, has just released his new book: ‘E-Commercer Growth Strategy.’ This essential guide is packed with strategies for attracting shoppers, building community, and retaining customers in the e-comerce space. Drawing on insights from the 2X eCommerce podcast and Kunle’s extensive experience, this book is a must-read for anyone in the e-commerce industry.Elevate your e-commerce game today! Available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S26y0Y --- SPONSORS: This episode is brought to you by: Treyd Podcast - Treyd SecretsDiscover the operational secrets behind successful e-commerce with ‘Treyd Secrets’. Hosted by Peter Beckman, CEO of Treyd, this podcast is a goldmine of expert insights covering everything from inventory management to sales strategies. Perfect for e-commerce trailblazers seeking to thrive in this dynamic industry. Tune in to 'Treyd Secrets' on your favorite podcast app or visit treyd.io/podcast.