A Practical Guide to Business Acquisitions for First-Time Buyers With Matt Raad [Ep.197]

Buying an online business can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to acquisitions. In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Matt Raad, a seasoned digital business buyer and coach who has helped countless first-time buyers navigate the acquisition process with confidence. Due diligence takes center stage as Matt explains what really matters when evaluating an online business and how skipping this step can turn a promising deal into an expensive mistake. For beginners, he breaks down the types of businesses that are best suited for first-time buyers and why simpler models often outperform flashy ones. We also cover beginner-friendly deal structures, including how to reduce risk and preserve capital when buying your first site. After the deal closes, Matt shares practical post-acquisition growth strategies for smaller websites that don't require huge teams or budgets.We also dig into a topic many new buyers underestimate: why you should never sell a business yourself and instead work with a broker who understands deal structure, negotiations, and risk. Finally, we address a common myth head-on: online businesses are no longer as passive as they once were, and Matt explains what buyers should realistically expect today. If you're thinking about buying your first online business or refining your acquisition strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use immediately. Topics Discussed in this episode: Pivoting from buying brick-and-mortar businesses to digital businesses (01:53) Never sell a business yourself; always use a broker (09:54) The importance of doing good due diligence (14:04) The best kind of businesses for newbies to buy (15:46) Deal structures for beginners (30:41) Post-acquisition growth strategies for small sites (35:50) Online businesses are not as passive as they used to be (42:05) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter eBusiness Institute Digital Investors podcast Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to buy your first online business with confidence!  

Buying a business is one of the biggest financial decisions most entrepreneurs will ever make. For many first-time buyers, it's terrifying. You're putting a meaningful chunk of your net worth on the line and hoping you've chosen wisely. So what actually makes a business safe to buy? In this episode, Greg Elfrink breaks down the realities of business risk and shares practical criteria buyers can use to separate stable, reliable businesses from the ones that keep you up at night.Greg starts by reminding us that there's no such thing as a risk-free business. But some businesses are undeniably safer than others, and the patterns are surprisingly consistent. One of the strongest signals of safety is age. An older business has weathered economic cycles, algorithm changes, and industry shifts. If it has survived for years, there's usually a reason. Diversified revenue and diversified traffic are non-negotiables. If the business relies on one product, one client, or one traffic source, it only takes one disruption to put everything at risk. We also dig into how risk levels differ between online businesses and brick-and-mortar operations, and why size matters more than most buyers expect. Bigger businesses often come with stronger systems, cleaner financials, and teams that keep things running, even when the owner steps away. Finally, Greg outlines the advantages of working with a business broker, especially for first-time buyers navigating due diligence, negotiations, and valuation questions. If you want a clearer picture of what a safe acquisition really looks like, and how to confidently choose your next business, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: There's no such thing as a risk-free business (01:35) The older the business is, the safer it tends to be (04:20) Diversification of revenue (07:49) Look for multiple sources of traffic (10:27) Online businesses vs brick and mortar businesses (12:23) Size of the business (15:30) Benefits of using a business broker (17:50) The bigger the business, the less risky it becomes (21:55) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to separate safe businesses from risky ones.  

If you want to squeeze more revenue out of your existing traffic, this week's podcast episode is a must-listen. We're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood, yet most profitable, parts of ecommerce growth: conversion rate optimization. CRO expert Jasper De Munyk joins Greg to break down the fundamentals of Shopify CRO, including what a healthy optimization process actually looks like and why it's far more than "changing button colors." If you're wondering where to even begin, we cover what to tackle first when doing CRO, plus the stage of growth when investing in CRO makes the biggest impact. We explore the biggest CRO mistakes and misconceptions that cause businesses to waste time, chase vanity metrics, or ignore easy wins hiding in plain sight. We also dig into the future, discussing how AI is reshaping CRO, from rapid data analysis to automated testing, and where human judgment still plays an essential role.  If you're serious about growing your ecommerce business sustainably, without simply spending more on ads, this episode will be your new playbook. Topics Discussed in this episode: The fundamentals of eCommerce CRO (05:59) Common CRO mistakes and misconceptions (11:21) What to tackle first when doing CRO (14:31) What stage of growth should you be at when investing in CRO? (20:03) How AI is changing CRO (28:26) Exploring the mechanical side of CRO (33:56) How to turn customer data into actionable insights (39:18) How to make CRO a routine part of your business (42:17) How often businesses should revisit their CRO (46:14) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Golden Web Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to unlock rapid growth through conversation rate optimization!  

If you know exactly what problems your customers face before and after they buy from you, you could build offers that practically sell themselves.In this episode, Greg breaks down his simple but powerful "before and after" formula. It starts by understanding the before: the frustrations, questions, and roadblocks your customers face long before they make a purchase. Solve that, and you earn the sale. But once you've solved it, new problems appear, and that's your opportunity to build trust, add value, and guide customers deeper into your ecosystem. We also look at how to map the entire customer journey so you can clearly see each problem in sequence. When you know the full chain of needs, you can build a product lineup that supports your customers at every step. Finally, we explore vertical integration: how smart businesses automate this whole process by owning more steps in the value chain. If you want a simple, repeatable way to grow, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: The before and after formula (What problems are your customers facing?) (01:52) Implementing the formula by mapping out the customer journey (05:44) Curating your product offering (07:28) Examples (10:47) eCommerce (10:47) SaaS (13:37) Marketing Agencies(16:55) Course Creators (21:16) Using vertical integrations to automate this problem-solving process (23:58) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to increase customer lifetime value, expand your offer stack, and build a business that people stick with!  

Your revenue may be rising… but your business value might not be. And for founders planning an exit, that's the only number that matters. In this week's podcast, Greg is joined by Mark Osborne, author of Are Your Leads Killing Your Business? and one of the only Certified Exit Planning Advisors focused specifically on sales and marketing.  Mark breaks down the most common exit-planning mistakes founders make long before they think about selling. We dive into why sales, marketing, and customer success shouldn't operate as silos, but as a single value-building engine, plus the quickest operational "wins" founders can implement to free up resources and accelerate growth.Mark also outlines the key systems buyers care about most, and reveals the crucial difference between chasing more revenue and building true enterprise value. If you're planning an exit or want to build a business worth more tomorrow than it is today, this episode is essential listening. Topics Discussed in this episode: Mark's background - From managing unknown bands to helping businesses grow (02:13) How to choose the right software to aid your growth (07:32) Most common exit planning mistakes entrepreneurs make (10:40) Combining sales, marketing, and customer success(20:15) Big wins that free up resources to focus on growth (28:02) Key systems founders should focus on when exit planning (30:42) The difference between growing revenue vs growing business value (36:25) Are your leads killing your business? (40:40) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Free copy of Are Your Leads Killing Your Business? Mark's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to transform your business into an asset that buyers will fight over.

What you do after buying a business determines whether it becomes a winner or a money pit.The best way to ensure success? Copy what private equity does. After all, they're the most experienced post-acquisition growth specialists in the business. In our latest podcast episode, Greg explores the PE strategies that turn acquisitions into scalable, profitable ventures. Greg starts with the golden rule: stabilize cash flow before making any big moves. Once the foundation is solid, you can dive into creating leverage through efficiency and eliminating redundancies across departments. This ensures every part of the business is running lean and smart. Pricing is another critical lever. Greg explains how testing price elasticity and optimizing pricing strategies can unlock hidden revenue potential. He also guides listeners through operational deep dives to remove bloat and streamline processes, helping business owners maximize profitability. Of course, no growth plan works without clear financial control. Greg explains how truly understanding your numbers sets the stage for smarter decisions and faster scaling. And for those ready to push further, he explores inorganic growth opportunities like strategic partnerships and bolt-on acquisitions. Whether you've just closed your first deal or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn your acquisition into a powerhouse business. Topics Discussed in this episode: Why you should take a private equity approach to post-acquisition growth (03:19) Stabilize the cash flow before making any big changes (06:05) Build leverage through efficiency (06:58) Redundancy elimination across different departments (08:32) Pricing Optimization and testing price elasticity (16:14) Doing an operational deep dive to remove bloat (23:29) Getting a good grip on the business's financials (29:00) Look for inorganic growth opportunities (32:37) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to turn any acquisition into a sustainable growth machine.  

If you're thinking about selling your online business, there's one part of the process that can make or break your deal: due diligence. Many sellers underestimate how important it is, and how much control they actually have over the process. In this week's podcast episode, Greg sits down with Ahmed Raza, founder of Rapid Diligence, to unpack the realities of due diligence and how sellers can prepare to maximize their exit. Ahmed starts by breaking down what due diligence really is and the steps sellers should take long before they go to market. He explains which diligence requests sellers can push back on, and the most common due diligence myths and misconceptions. Ahmed shares how buyer habits have evolved over the past few years and how, in some cases, due diligence can actually help sellers negotiate a higher sale price. We also dive into due diligence success rates, negotiation strategies when diligence turns tricky, and the typical timeline sellers should expect as their business works its way through the due diligence process. If you're planning an exit, this episode will help you avoid costly surprises, protect your leverage, and position your business for a smoother, more profitable sale. Topics Discussed in this episode: What is due diligence, and how sellers should prepare for it (03:53) How due diligence changes over different business models (11:16) Analyzing key man risk and team diligence (17:33) Due diligence requests that sellers can push back on (26:14) Biggest due diligence myths and misconceptions (29:17) How buyer habits have changed over the last few years (34:26) When due diligence can help you sell your business for more  (39:08) Due diligence success rates (41:50) How to negotiate better deals and work around due diligence issues (46:07) How long the due diligence process takes on average (49:21) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Rapid Diligence Sit back, grab a coffee, and get the insider's perspective on what really happens during due diligence.  

Note: In this episode, Greg is interviewed on the SirLinksalot's SEO Podcast. We're sharing the interview here so that you don't miss out on the useful M&A insights that Greg shares. Greg returns to the SirLinksalot's SEO Podcast to share his insights from selling over 2,400 businesses and playing a part in turning 90 people into millionaires. Few people have a front-row seat to the changing landscape of online business like he does. In this episode, Greg dives into what really makes an online business sellable today, drawing from years of experience watching deals happen behind the scenes. They also explore the booming trend of faceless YouTube channels, why they're exploding in popularity, and how creators are building entire empires without ever showing their faces. Of course, no conversation about the future of digital business would be complete without AI. Greg shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence is transforming the way entrepreneurs operate, scale, and exit their businesses in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Whether you're building, buying, or just curious about the future of online business, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter SirLinksalot's SEO Podcast Sit back, grab a coffee, and enjoy this episode!  

Amazon is more competitive than ever. Between rising fees, tariff hikes, and a flood of new sellers, standing out takes more than just great products. Few people understand this reality better than Jason Boyce. An Amazon veteran, Jason launched the very first basketball hoop business on the platform back in 2003, long before Amazon became the giant it is today. After selling his brand, he went on to build a successful agency, Avenue 7 Media, dedicated to helping other Amazon sellers grow. In this episode, Jason reveals why retail media is now essential for growth and how sellers can tap into it to target customers more effectively than ever before. Jason also shares his seven proven avenues for profitable growth, explores how AI is reshaping the future of agencies and entrepreneurs, and gives practical advice for tackling today's biggest challenges, from tariffs to rising fees. We also dive into why discounting and underpricing your products is a losing game, and Jason highlights the macro trends every Amazon entrepreneur should be preparing for in the months ahead. If you want to move beyond survival mode and truly scale your Amazon business, this episode is packed with strategies and insights to help you get there. Topics Discussed in this episode: How Jason started the very first basketball hoop business on Amazon (01:58) Why Jason decided to sell his Amazon business (10:06) The inspiration behind Jason's Amazon agency (12:20) The power of using retail media to grow Amazon businesses (17:12) The ins and outs of Amazon DSP (24:45) Jason's seven avenues for profitable growth (27:32) How AI will impact agencies and entrepreneurs (34:33) How to overcome current market challenges like tariffs and fees (37:43) Why you shouldn't be the cheapest product in your category (44:01) The macro trends that Amazon sellers should prepare for (49:42) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Avenue 7 Media Avenue 7 Lift AI tool waitlist Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to dominate the Amazon marketplace using the power of retail media!  

Affiliate marketing is far from dead. In fact, it's evolving faster than ever. While many have written it off as an outdated model, the smartest affiliates are quietly cashing in by adapting to shifts in algorithms, AI, and consumer behavior. In this week's podcast, Greg sits down with Niels Zee, affiliate entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Afframp. Niels breaks down what's working in 2025 and how top affiliates continue to rack up big wins. Niels shares how the Google Helpful Content Update completely reshaped his entrepreneurial journey, pushing him to rethink strategies and embrace adaptability. He reveals why pivoting and staying flexible are the real superpowers for affiliates, and how to scale faster with tactics like negotiating above-market commission rates and using Google Ads to supercharge campaigns. We also dive into how to build long-term sustainability instead of chasing short-term wins, and how to evaluate offers that are actually worth promoting. Plus, Niels uncovers today's most promising niches, explains why YouTube is becoming a must-use channel, and shares practical strategies for avoiding burnout in a high-pressure industry. Whether you're new to affiliate marketing or a seasoned pro looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in 2025. Topics Discussed in this episode: How the Helpful Content Update changed Niels' entrepreneurial journey (02:00) The importance of pivoting and flexibility for affiliates (06:30) Using Google Ads to boost your affiliate business (14:27) How to get above-market commission rates (19:31) What top affiliates are doing to keep succeeding (23:59) How to build longevity as an affiliate (26:11) Evaluating a good affiliate offer (29:35) The best verticals and niches to operate in (32:45) Using YouTube to boost your affiliate business (35:19) How to avoid burnout while scaling your business (46:33) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Afframp Niels site  Niels LinkedIn The Payout Mafia by James Dooley and Niels Zee Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to succeed as an affiliate in 2025 and beyond!