In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss the common phenomenon of the summer slowdown in sales for product-based businesses. They explore strategies for utilizing this slower period effectively, including resting, recalibrating, and preparing for the upcoming Q4. The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic planning, product management, and lead generation to maximize sales opportunities during the summer and into the holiday season. They encourage listeners to take advantage of the downtime to enhance their backend processes and prepare for future sales.
00:00 Navigating the Summer Slowdown
11:55 Strategic Planning for Q4
19:35 Building Your Audience and Sales Strategy
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul conduct a mid-year check-in for creative product-based business owners. They discuss the importance of analyzing business numbers, understanding profit margins, and assessing goals set at the beginning of the year. The conversation emphasizes celebrating wins, identifying what's working and what's not, and creating a reset plan for the second half of the year. The hosts provide a framework for reviewing business performance, focusing on profitability, marketing effectiveness, and alignment with personal values.
00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast
01:06 Mid-Year Business Check-In: Thriving or Surviving?
02:02 Analyzing Your Business Numbers
06:13 Understanding Expenses and Profit Margins
10:10 Evaluating Product Performance
15:48 Reflecting on Goals and Progress
23:54 Celebrating Wins and Adjusting Goals
24:13 Celebrating Wins and Setting Goals
27:14 Analyzing What's Working and What's Not
34:38 Creating a Reset Plan for Success
44:41 Building Effective Systems and Processes
46:40 Review Framework for Business Health
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss the multifaceted topic of attending conferences as an e-commerce business owner. They explore the benefits of networking, choosing the right events, maximizing the conference experience, and reflecting on takeaways post-event. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting goals, building connections, and being authentic in order to gain the most from these experiences. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical tips to help listeners navigate the world of conferences effectively.
00:00 The Value of Conferences for E-commerce Owners
07:12 Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
12:43 Choosing the Right Conferences
24:15 Maximizing Conference Experience
25:23 The Conference Experience: Connections and Observations
38:07 Packing Essentials for Conferences
44:38 Food Strategies for Conference Attendees
51:14 Navigating Conference Logistics
54:49 Post-Event Reflections and Takeaways
57:36 Building Connections After Conferences
01:01:44 Rapid Fire Conference Moments
01:07:27 Conference Hacks and Tips
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul introduce their first guest, Pinterest expert Laura Rike. They discuss the unique benefits of Pinterest as a search engine rather than a social media platform and how it can drive long-lasting traffic and sales for product-based businesses. Laura shares insights on the importance of SEO on Pinterest, how to effectively use keywords, and the advantages of scheduling pins for consistent engagement. She emphasizes the forgiving nature of Pinterest and encourages business owners to start using the platform to see gradual results. Additionally, Laura addresses common myths about sharing other people’s content and the relevance of group boards today. The episode wraps up with tips for utilizing different pin types, such as videos and static images, to reach varied audiences and a call to action for taking the first steps on Pinterest.
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:35 Introducing Our First Guest: Laura on Pinterest
01:07 Pinterest: Not Just Another Social Media Platform
02:30 The Power of Pinterest as a Search Engine
04:35 Optimizing Your Pinterest Strategy
04:58 Understanding Pinterest's Algorithm and User Interaction
07:13 Practical Tips for Pinterest Success
10:22 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
20:31 Consistency and Scheduling on Pinterest
23:13 Leveraging Pinterest for Content and Conversions
25:11 Efficient Time Management for Marketing
27:09 Leveraging Multiple Modalities on Pinterest
28:34 Understanding Idea Pins and Simplified Pins
32:30 Patience and Strategy for Long-Term Results
35:48 The Forgiving Nature of Pinterest
39:29 Current Best Practices for Pinterest
43:56 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss why business owners don't need to rely on discounts to increase sales. They emphasize that discounts can undermine profit margins and train customers to wait for sales. Instead, they introduce the BUS framework—Bonuses, Urgency, and Scarcity—as more effective strategies. They explain how adding bonuses, creating urgency, and establishing scarcity can make offers more appealing without affecting profitability. The episode provides practical examples and encourages listeners to test these tactics in their own promotions.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:34 The Myth of Discounts for Sales
01:10 The Downside of Frequent Discounts
03:49 Introducing the BUS Framework
04:31 Using Bonuses to Add Value
08:23 Creating Urgency Without Sleaze
13:04 Leveraging Scarcity Effectively
14:00 Limited Edition Products and Scarcity
15:49 Combining Bonuses, Urgency, and Scarcity
16:54 The Value of Free Gifts
18:58 Overcoming Product Perfectionism
23:02 Challenge: Run a Promotion Without Discounts
25:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive deep into Shopify's Summer 2025 updates, highlighting over 150 new features. They focus on the top five features that are most beneficial for standard Shopify users, including the new Horizon themes, AI-generated content blocks, enhanced Sidekick and campaign tracking tools, and the AI-powered knowledge base app. The hosts provide practical advice on transitioning to Horizon themes, utilizing AI tools, and leveraging the new campaign tracking for better sales insights. They emphasize the importance of these updates in helping small to medium-sized businesses grow efficiently without major investments. Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to make the most of these Shopify enhancements.
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:33 Exciting Shopify Summer 2025 Updates
02:17 Deep Dive into Horizon Themes
10:21 AI-Generated Star Blocks: A Game Changer
14:17 Meet the Smarter Sidekick
17:55 Navigating Shopify's Interface Changes
18:08 Facebook Ads Interface Challenges
19:07 Shopify Campaign Tracking Features
24:28 AI Powered Knowledge Base App
30:32 Shopify Plans and Themes
34:07 Conclusion and Resources
In the final episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast series on moving beyond marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul explore advanced strategies to scale your handmade business on your own terms. The episode covers how to increase average order value through upsells, cross-sells, bundles, and free shipping thresholds, and how to encourage repeat customers with actionable follow-up techniques and collection launches. Additionally, the hosts discuss ways to automate and streamline processes, such as email marketing and order fulfilment, to save time and boost profitability. They conclude with tips on leveraging flash sales to attract new customers and sustain growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:36 Introduction to Scaling Your Handmade Business
01:52 Increasing Your Average Order Value
10:54 Boosting Repeat Customers
19:30 Automating and Streamlining for Efficiency
27:02 Flash Sales and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive into the power of email marketing for creative product-based businesses. They discuss why email is more effective than social media for driving sales, how to grow your email list without being annoying, essential email sequences for all businesses, and tips for writing effective emails. They also provide actionable insights on leveraging automated email sequences, including welcome sequences, abandoned cart sequences, and post-purchase sequences, to boost sales and build lasting customer relationships. Whether you're new to email marketing or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers valuable advice to help you grow your business on your own terms.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:36 Series Overview: Moving from Marketplaces to Your Own Site
01:15 The Power of Email Marketing
01:43 Why Email Outperforms Social Media
07:19 Growing Your Email List Effectively
13:24 Must-Have Email Sequences for Your Business
18:20 Post-Purchase Email Strategies
21:25 Tips for Sending Effective Newsletters
28:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul delve into effective strategies for driving traffic to your store without relying on paid ads. They discuss the importance of leveraging organic traffic sources, such as social media, Pinterest, Google SEO, and email marketing. The hosts emphasize quality over quantity in social media posts, the long-term benefits of SEO, and the unique advantages Pinterest offers as a hybrid social/search platform. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help creative product-based business owners grow their ventures sustainably and effectively.
00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:32 Episode Introduction: Driving Traffic Without Ads
01:13 The Four Buckets of Traffic
02:59 Best Organic Traffic Sources for Handmade Businesses
03:26 Why Avoid Paid Ads?
05:05 Focus on Pinterest for Long-Term Traffic
12:05 Google Search and SEO Strategies
16:24 Effective Social Media Strategies Without Burnout
23:12 The Importance of Email Marketing
24:46 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview
Join hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul in this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast as they discuss the importance of expanding handmade businesses beyond Etsy. They explain the hidden downsides of relying solely on Etsy, such as not owning your audience, high fees, arbitrary policy changes, and competition. Andrew and Melissa advocate for transitioning to platforms like Shopify, which offer lower fees and greater control over customer data and brand experience. Listen in for practical strategies on setting up a high-converting website, driving traffic organically, utilizing email marketing, and scaling your business sustainably. Subscribe for more actionable insights and real-life stories from successful business owners and experts.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab
00:31 Why You Need to Expand Beyond Etsy
02:05 Hidden Downsides of Relying on Etsy
11:48 Benefits of Having Your Own Website
24:48 How to Transition from Etsy to Your Own Website
26:34 Conclusion and Next Steps
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, Andrew and Melissa discuss strategies and insights for maximizing the effectiveness of email marketing in 2023. They emphasize the importance of analytics for focusing efforts and understanding traffic sources. They bring attention to the significance of sending regular emails, segmentation, maintaining a good sender reputation, and employing automation. The conversation includes tips on using platforms like Klaviyo, the role of AI in email content, and best practices for ensuring email deliverability. They wrap up by motivating listeners to experiment with flash sales and encouraging community engagement for more personalized support.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Technical Difficulties and Podcast Beginnings
01:25 Importance of Reviews and Analytics
03:49 Email Marketing Strategies for 2025
08:10 Automation and Optimization in Email Marketing
17:57 Segmentation and Reputation Management
30:46 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Offers
In the first episode of 2025, Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss emerging trends in the e-commerce industry. They dive into the role of AI in business, the rise of live shopping experiences, and the importance of sustainability. They also explore subscription models, local and micro-community marketing, and the benefits and challenges of multi-channel sales strategies. This episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips for creative product-based business owners looking to grow their businesses in the coming year.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:35 2025 Trends and Opportunities for E-commerce
01:20 The Impact of AI on Business
05:45 Live Shopping Experiences
10:23 Sustainability in Business
12:44 Subscriptions and Membership Models
17:41 Localized and Micro Community Marketing
19:49 Multi-Channel Sales Strategies
27:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Avoiding Common Giveaway Pitfalls for Business Growth
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive into the topic of giveaways and reveal common mistakes to avoid. They discuss why giveaways are effective for list growth, brand awareness, and sales, but also caution against errors such as choosing the wrong prize, overcomplicating the entry process, ignoring legal guidelines, failing to promote the giveaway, and neglecting follow-up. The hosts provide actionable tips and share real-life examples to ensure that listeners can run successful and effective giveaways for their product-based businesses.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:35 Introduction to Today's Topic: Giveaways
01:19 Common Pitfalls of Giveaways
01:58 Choosing the Right Prize
05:52 Simplifying the Entry Process
11:05 Legal and Platform Rules
14:29 Promoting Your Giveaway
18:09 Following Up After the Giveaway
22:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Finding Winning Products Your Customers Actually Want
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast hosted by Melissa Pikul, creative product-based business owners learn how to identify and develop products that resonate with customers. Highlighting actionable strategies and real-life examples, the episode covers understanding target audiences, analyzing market trends, and leveraging customer feedback. Listeners also get tips on innovating to solve customer problems and validating product ideas through small-scale testing. The show wraps up with a promotion for a flash sale guide to boost sales quickly.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:31 Finding Winning Products Your Customers Want
01:15 Understanding Your Target Audience
02:40 Engaging with Your Audience for Feedback
07:06 Analyzing Market Trends and Competitors
12:45 Starting Small and Testing Products
19:36 Leveraging Customer Feedback and Data
23:47 Innovating to Solve Customer Problems
27:56 Conclusion and Next Steps
Reflecting on 2024: Wins, Challenges, and Trends for Creative Entrepreneurs
In the final episode of 2024, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul reflect on the journey of the Product Growth Lab podcast and share key lessons learned throughout the year. They discuss the rollercoaster of events in the business world, the rise of AI, the ongoing shift towards privacy, personalized consumer demands, and the increasing focus on sustainability. The episode also covers challenges like supply chain issues and rising ad costs, and emphasizes the importance of simplifying strategies, focusing on a single customer, and producing high-quality content. Listeners are encouraged to rest, reflect, and prepare for a successful 2025 while staying excited for what's to come in the new year.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:31 Reflecting on 2024: Podcast and Business Highlights
04:07 The Impact of AI on Small Businesses
06:54 Privacy Trends and First-Party Data
09:21 Personalization in E-commerce
11:19 Sustainability and Ethical Consumerism
17:43 Supply Chain Challenges and Adaptations
21:20 Ad Costs and Competition Challenges
22:52 The Shift in Advertising Strategies
25:29 Focusing on Organic Traffic
27:04 Lessons Learned in 2024
29:30 Simplifying Business Strategies
30:28 The Importance of Customer Focus
32:49 Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome
33:30 Taking the Leap and Overcoming Procrastination
41:18 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
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Turning First-Time Customers into Loyal Buyers
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pickle discuss strategies for turning first-time customers into loyal repeat buyers. They emphasize the importance of providing exceptional first purchase experiences, utilizing post-purchase follow-up emails, and personalizing interactions. They also cover the benefits of offering incentives and maintaining excellent customer service to foster loyalty. The episode provides actionable tips and real-life examples to help business owners create lasting customer relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:32 Turning First-Time Customers into Loyal Buyers
02:50 Providing an Exceptional First Purchase Experience
09:16 Follow-Up Post Purchase Emails
12:50 Building Loyalty Through Personalization
15:05 Encouraging Loyalty with Incentives
20:09 Maintaining Excellent Customer Service
25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Five Proven Strategies to Drive Organic Traffic for Your Shop
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss five actionable strategies to drive organic traffic to your small or growing business without spending money on ads. They delve into the use of social media, collaborations, blogging and SEO, engaging email marketing, and building an online community. Each strategy is broken down with practical tips and insights to help you increase visibility, sales, and customer engagement. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this episode offers valuable advice to help you grow your business more effectively.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab
00:32 Driving Organic Traffic to Your Shop
01:12 Leveraging Social Media for Traffic
08:07 Collaborations and Cross Promotions
12:06 Blogging and SEO for Long-Term Traffic
15:47 Engaging Email Marketing Strategies
20:07 Building and Engaging with Online Communities
25:05 Conclusion and Next Steps
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Creating Memorable Customer Experiences on a Budget
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab Podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul delve into strategies for crafting memorable customer experiences without breaking the bank. They emphasize the importance of repeat business over acquiring new customers, sharing real-life examples and cost-effective methods such as upgrading packaging, order inserts, personalized customer service, follow-up email sequences, and loyalty programs. Practical tips and advice abound, offering listeners actionable steps to enhance their brand's customer experience and boost customer loyalty.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Welcome to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:33 Creating Memorable Customer Experiences on a Budget
02:26 Enhancing Packaging to Delight Customers
07:07 Adding Personal Touches with Order Inserts
10:44 Effective Email Sequences for Customer Engagement
15:23 Affordable Customer Service Upgrades
19:30 Encouraging Repeat Business with Loyalty Programs
24:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul dive into effective techniques to optimize sales during flash sales. They discuss actionable methods like using countdown timers to create urgency, incorporating scarcity to boost demand, and offering exclusive bonuses to increase customer excitement. They also share practical tips for promoting sales through email and social media and utilizing social proof to build customer confidence. The episode aims to provide creative product-based business owners with practical strategies to enhance their flash sale performance.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:30 Maximizing Sales During a Flash Sale
00:57 Creating Urgency with Countdown Timers
03:51 Boosting Demand with Scarcity
11:35 Offering Exclusive Bonuses
16:44 Amplifying Sales with Email and Social Media
23:06 Using Social Proof to Build Confidence
25:58 Conclusion and Resources
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Top 10 Mistakes E-commerce Business Owners Keep Making - Part 2
In this episode of the Product Growth Lab podcast, hosts Andrew George and Melissa Pikul discuss the top 10 mistakes that e-commerce business owners repeatedly make. They emphasize the importance of market research, effective inventory management, leveraging email marketing, maintaining a clear brand identity, and focusing on customer retention. The episode provides practical tips on how to avoid these common pitfalls, such as using market validation, tracking key metrics, and developing consistent brand elements. The hosts also stress the significance of promoting sales effectively, with an additional guide on running flash sales.
Resources Mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to the Product Growth Lab Podcast
00:33 Top 10 Mistakes E-commerce Business Owners Make
00:38 Mistake #5: Skipping Market Research
05:53 Mistake #6: Poor Inventory Management
10:23 Mistake #7: Not Leveraging Email Marketing
13:17 Mistake #8: Lacking a Clear Brand Identity
15:21 Mistake #9: Overemphasis on New Customers
18:10 Mistake #10: Not Tracking Key Metrics
22:46 Bonus Tip: Promoting to Your Audience
23:21 Conclusion and Farewell
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