Rock Your Brand Podcast

Does it seem like you are spinning your wheels when it comes to getting your ecommerce business off the ground and running? What steps can you take to give it the shot in the arm it needs to get see the success you’ve been looking for? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott walks through several components that could make a HUGE difference in the way you run your business. He covers how to build a thriving sales funnel, why you should NOT drive external traffic to your Amazon product listing, which offers you should send to your email list, and so much more! You don’t want to miss this valuable episode!

4 Components of Successful Sales Funnel

Are you happy with how your sales funnel is running? Would you like to see it operate a bit more smoothly? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear Scott go over the four components that he has zeroed in on that will help sellers like YOU optimize your sales funnel. To build effective sales funnel like an email list, you need the following components.

  1. Offer
  2. Traffic
  3. Follow Up
  4. Launch

To hear Scott explain each step and how you can optimize your approach to receive the best results, grab a pen and some paper and make sure you listen to this episode!

Crafting the Best Offer

The traffic you receive to your listing means NOTHING if your offer sucks! Do you have an enticing offer for your buyers? Will it make them come back for more? Is it so good that they’ll want to share it with friends? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott runs through three types of offers that will help you figure out which one fits best for your context.

  1. Contest Giveaways
  2. Half Off OR More
  3. Buy one get one FREE

To get more details on how each of these offers works, make sure to sit down and listen to this episode as Scott carefully explains how you can utilize each one for maximum results.

Set Yourself Up For Success

You can have all the right components in place and still fail to execute everything properly. So what does it take? What do motivated and driven sellers like you need to get ahead and drive toward growth and profitability? On this episode, you’ll hear Scott break down what it takes to make sure your special offers to your buyers connect and cause your customers to come back EVERY TIME. Are your offers providing value? Would a potential buyer look at your offer and think that it’s a great deal? If not, you need to reevaluate the offer you are providing. Make sure you listen to this episode to hear Scott dive deeper into specific tips and lessons that could help you get the edge on your competition TODAY!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [6:00] The 4 components of a successful sales funnel.
  • [10:00] Do NOT drive traffic to your Amazon product listing.
  • [13:30] Scott goes over three different offers you can send to your email list.
  • [16:30] How to make your offer WORK.
  • [24:30] TAS followers like you who were successful with a GREAT offer!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS392.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Do you need a shot in the arm to keep you going and pressing into your goals? Are you stuck and looking for answers? Then you’ve come to the right place! It’s time for another session of Ask Scott on this episode of The Amazing Seller! On this episode, you’ll hear Scott cover a lot of ground. He goes over knowing your “Why,” a shout out to a TAS follower like YOU, dealing with difficult suppliers, PPC strategy, hijacking, and much more! So what are you waiting for? Make sure to grab a pen and some paper for this PACKED episode!

What is your WHY?

Do you know, deep down, what you're “Why” is? Seriously? Do you have it written out and on the refrigerator or on your computer monitor? Why not? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott opens up about his “Why” and how it has kept him focused and fired up so he can reach his goals. Speaking of goals, Scott is able to focus on spending time with his family for his daughter’s wedding BECAUSE of his goals and keeping his “Why” in front of him. To hear Scott dive deeper into this topic, make sure to listen to this episode!

Join the TAS Community!

One of the best ways to stay focused on your goals and objectives is to join a community of like minded individuals who are also pursuing a better future for themselves. That is exactly why Scott and his crew created the TAS community. If you aren’t part of the community yet, what are you waiting for? It's such a great place to bounce ideas around, share best practices, and to stay encouraged by the success and common difficulties faced by others. If you jump in and participate in the TAS community, you won’t regret it. To hear Scott further explain the benefits of the TAS community, don’t miss this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Dealing with Difficult Suppliers

Don’t let suppliers take advantage of you! If you are just starting out, you might be a perfect target for a supplier who will take advantage of inexperienced sellers. Make sure you do your research and find out how to protect yourself when dealing with suppliers and manufacturers. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear Scott explain how dealing with suppliers typically works and what you should expect. He also provides resources that will help you better prepare for interactions with suppliers. Find out what you need to know about this topic on this episode!

Hijackers! Help!

Do you have a plan in place for that dreadful moment when you realize that someone has hijacked your product listing? Don’t put it off! There are so many resources that can help you prepare for when that day comes. Don’t think that it won’t happen to you, if you operate an ecommerce business for long, you will face this issue in big ways or small. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear Scott go over how you can prepare for this roadblock and what options are available to you. Don’t get caught unprepared - make sure to catch this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:30] You’ve got to figure out your WHY!
  • [6:30] A shout out to a TAS follower.
  • [10:00] Question #1: What should I do if I keep hearing from my supplier that they are out of stock?
  • [14:30] Question #2: I’m seeing lots of new competitors, should I be worried?
  • [19:30] Question #3: Am I using PPC correctly? How can I maximize my efforts?
  • [25:30] Question #4: How should I handle someone hijacking my product?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS391.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Are you a constant learner? Do you take advantage of EVERY opportunity to learn from others who have gone down the path you are headed down? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from business leader and entrepreneur Jeff Rodgers. Jeff is a TAS follower like you who was able to take the lessons and teachings from Scott and put them into practice! He discusses how he went from starting in retail arbitrage to starting his own private label business, how he dealt with disappointment and failure, why he chose to work with a business partner, and much more! You don’t want to miss this informative episode!

From Retail Arbitrage to Private Label

What does it take to get started with your own private label business? Some people jump right in with both feet, others find it helpful to ease into the ecommerce marketplace by getting involved with retail arbitrage. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Jeff Rodgers. Jeff made the jump from retail arbitrage to starting his private label business. Through ups and downs along the way he has been able to put together a solid brand that has a bright future. To hear how Jeff got his start and eventually made that transition, make sure to listen to this episode!

Dealing with Disappointment

How do you handle disappointment? Do you let it defeat you and send you into a downward spiral? OR do you use it as fuel for your journey toward eventual success? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Jeff Rodgers shares how he was able to get started as an ecommerce seller but then witnessed his product lose traction. Even though this disappointing turn of events, Jeff was able to stay focused on his goal of creating a thriving business that would provide the income he needed. To hear more about Jeff’s inspiring story - don’t miss this episode!

Working with a Business Partner

What if you had someone who was a dedicated to seeing your private label business succeed as much as you are? Can you imagine how encouraging that would be? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Jeff Rodgers opens up about how he decided to connect with a friend of his and bring him on as a business partner. Jeff says that having someone who is as dedicated to seeing his brand succeed as much as he does makes a HUGE difference. To hear Jeff discuss this subject further, make sure to catch this episode!

The RIGHT Mindset

Do you have the right mindset to experience success? That may sound like a dumb question but the right mindset is a VERY important place to start. If you want to see your business take off you’ve got to manage your expectations and decide NOW how you are going to respond when things get difficult. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from business leader and entrepreneur Jeff Rodgers. One of the things that sets Jeff apart from a lot of people out there who dabble with private label and other ecommerce options is his mindset. Jeff is committed to following through and really seeing his business take off. If you want to hear more about Jeff’s story and how YOU can draw inspiration from it, make sure to catch this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:00] Jeff Rodgers joins the podcast.
  • [6:30] Jeff shares his story, the cliff notes version.
  • [10:00] From retail arbitrage to private label.
  • [15:00] Reacting to declining sales velocity.
  • [19:00] Jeff talks about starting his own brand and ordering his first product.
  • [24:30] Recovering from failure and starting again.
  • [34:00] How the second product launch turned out for Jeff.
  • [48:00] Was the effort including bringing in a business partner, worth it?
  • [51:30] What’s next for Jeff?
  • [55:30] Closing thoughts from Jeff.
  • [1:00:00] Getting in the right mindset.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS390.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Are you ready to get started with your private label business? Do you find yourself searching for that extra push or spark of motivation? What if you heard the story about someone just like you? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Kevin Sanderson as he opens up about his journey from taking his earnings as a high school football referee to use that to fuel his ecommerce business. Kevin is a down to earth guy who finally reached the point where he was ready for a change in his life. Are you ready for change? Listen to Kevin’s story and discover the inspiration that helped get him started - don’t miss it!

Set reasonable expectations

Don’t let unrealistic expectations lead you down the road to disappointment! Make sure you understand what it takes to get started building a private label business, it takes hard work but you can do it! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Kevin Sanderson as he explains the mindset he was able to adopt that led him to keep reasonable expectations as his business got off the ground. Everyone would like to start out with an instant return on their efforts, but that can set you up for failure. You need to understand that this is a process that takes patience and time to build. To hear Kevin and Scott dive deeper into this topic, make sure to catch this episode!

Expanding into International Markets

Can you imagine getting the hang of the private label business model so well that you were considering moving your efforts into an international marketplace? What would that look like? What steps would you need to take to get started? Is it even viable for small business leaders to make that leap into the international marketplace? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Kevin Sanderson as he walks through his decision to expand his business by offering his products in Canada and now the UK. Kevin doesn’t approach this expansion as an expert, he just knows the right questions to ask and how to connect to the best resources. To hear Kevin explain his process in further detail, don’t miss this episode!

Little Successes Add Up

What is your business strategy for growth? Are you looking for a KNOCKOUT punch or a HOME RUN that will send your profits sailing? Or are you considering taking a more below the radar approach? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Kevin Sanderson as he goes through why he looks for the small successes he can bundle together over time instead of the BIG home runs. Don’t be so quick to dismiss Kevin’s strategy. It may not sound as sexy as the superstar product but he is experiencing real consistent growth that is allowing him to expand his operation. To find out more about Kevin’s mindset and how he is able to find and build upon small successes over time, make sure to listen to this episode!

Believe in the process and GET STARTED!

Where are you on your journey toward success? Have you started yet? Are you ready to take your business to the next level? What is your plan for getting from HERE to THERE? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Kevin Sanderson shares the insight and wisdom on building a successful and thriving ecommerce business. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Kevin, he admits that he probably took too long to get started and he doesn’t want sellers like YOU to make that same mistake! Kevin’s advice is to believe in the process and to get started TODAY. Don’t wait for tomorrow, identify a step you can take today that will move you closer toward your goal! Hear more about Kevin’s story and his valuable insight on this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:30] Kevin joins the podcast and tells his story, the cliff notes version.
  • [12:00] What was it like for Kevin to find that first product?
  • [14:30] What caused Kevin to make the leap to selling products?
  • [20:00] Issues that Kevin ran into along the way.
  • [27:00] Kevin talks about plans for the future.
  • [31:00] How Kevin plans to launch his next products.
  • [37:00] Have the right expectations!
  • [43:00] Kevin talks about how he started selling in other countries.
  • [48:30] You’ve got to run your own race.
  • [50:30] Parting advice from Kevin. What can you do right now?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS389.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Don’t underestimate the power of GREAT customer service! There is a reason why places like REI, Nordstrom, Amazon, and many others are KNOWN for their great customer service - it’s part of their brand! What if you could build yourself a brand with that kind of reputation? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott kicks this session of Ask Scott off with a rant on providing great customer service. Don’t sell yourself short, there are little things you can do now as you are building your brand that will impress your customers. To hear Scott dive deeper into this topic, make sure to catch this episode!

Bundling Products

Is it a good idea for you to bundle your products? YES - if it makes sense. Don’t try to bundle products that have no relationship to each other. But you’ve got to keep in mind that it benefits you to have each item listed individually and then offer a bundled option if it makes sense. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear Scott explain how bundling works and how it can benefit you and your customer. Don’t leave money on the table! This is a great way to expand your product options and even start building a niche brand. Make sure you don’t miss this episode!

Providing Premium Packaging

Packaging matters. You want to make sure that your product is showing up in the right package that communicates to your customers that you care about the item you are selling them. Usually, your manufacturer will have a good connection with a local (to them) packaging company that will take care of your needs. But that’s not always the case! If you want to hear what options are available to you as an Amazon seller, make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear more valuable information on this subject!

Using Jungle Scout

How do you keep up with what products are trending on the Amazon market? What can you do to stay on top of your competition? When you use tools like Jungle Scout, you get access to all the relevant and up to date info, you need to make the right decisions when investigating products and adjusting your product listing. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott explains why sellers like you should keep tools like Jungle Scout in mind when trying to maximize your efforts. Is it VITAL that you use Jungle Scout when you are first starting off? No. But every advantage helps. To hear Scott explain this topic further, make sure to catch this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:00] A takeaway from Scott’s recent Starbucks visit.
  • [9:00] Scott’s shout out to a TAS listener.
  • [11:00] Question #1: A question about bundling and shipping multiple products.
  • [16:00] Question #2: How do I secure premium packaging?
  • [23:00] Question #3: Which should I use, Jungle Scout or Amazon Scout?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS388.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What does it take to construct a solid and well performing Pay Per Click (PPC) campaign? How can you avoid typical pitfalls and common mistakes that many sellers make? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott sits down with Jeff Cohen from Seller Labs to go over KEY elements that make up a successful PPC campaign. You’ll hear them discuss the role of sponsored ads, keywords, the “Halo Effect” and much more! This is an in depth and detailed episode that you don’t want to miss! Make sure you have pen and paper near by - there are several tips that you’ll want to check out later.

Increasing your PPC bid

You might be tempted to think as many other Amazon sellers do that to maximize your ACOS you’ll need to decrease your PPC bid. Don’t be so quick with that response. You might want to slow down and consider INCREASING your PPC bid to have that effect. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Jeff Cohen explains why this method works and why you need to take a good look and possibly an audit of how you are proceeding with your PPC strategy. Are you really ready to take your ecommerce business to the next level? Make sure to catch this episode so you have all the tools you need to get there!

Common issues with Keywords

Do you struggle with finding the right way to use keywords and search terms? Are you wondering if there is something you can do to maximize your efforts so you are wasting resources? Look no further! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and business leader Jeff Cohen as he goes over common mistakes he has seen Amazon sellers make when it comes to keyword optimization. If you are ready to really hone in and make the most of your keyword efforts, sit down and take your time with this episode!

How to Start a Paid Ad Campaign

What does it look like to start a successful paid ad campaign? How do some of the top sellers on Amazon start their campaigns? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Jeff Cohen as he describes how he starts his ad campaigns. Make sure you take the time to really listen to what Jeff has to share, you might even consider pulling up your ad campaign and see if what you are doing matches up with what Jeff talks about. If you haven’t started an ad campaign, this is the episode that you want to earmark and come back to - don’t miss it!

How Seller Labs Can Help YOU!

What can you do to get the most out of ecommerce tools like the ones offered by Jeff Cohen and his team at Seller Labs? Do companies like Seller Labs even care about the average Amazon seller and their experience with their products like Ignite? On this episode, you’ll hear from Jeff Cohen as he explains how his team at Seller Labs works with sellers like you to improve upon their tools. If you’ve been wondering how support platforms like Seller Labs work, make sure you catch this episode to get the inside track from Jeff - you don’t want to miss it!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:00] Jeff Cohen joins the podcast.
  • [6:30] Setting up the correct PPC campaign structure.
  • [16:00] Does raising your PPC bid maximize your ACOS?
  • [22:30] Using sponsored ads to target your competitor.
  • [28:00] Does Amazon pay attention to the sellers who spend the most money?
  • [33:00] What is the Halo effect?
  • [38:00] Common complaints around Keywords.
  • [58:00] How Jeff starts a new sponsored ad campaign.
  • [1:01:30] Jeff talks about why he created Ignite.
  • [1:08:00] Parting thoughts from Jeff.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS387.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Did you know that it is becoming so lucrative to sell on Amazon that traditional businesses are finding that selling their products there are increasing their profit margins? What does that mean for the future of brick and mortar stores? How do those businesses adapt to the ecommerce wave? On this episode you’ll hear from business leader, Jason Bear has he dives into his company’s move to start selling and really leveraging their presence on Amazon. Jason also has a ton of great tips and insights that will benefit ecommerce sellers like YOU - don’t miss it!

The Lowest Price Point Doesn’t ALWAYS Win

Many Amazon sellers seem to be under the impression that the lower the price the higher the volume of sales. Is that really the best way to run your ecommerce business? What about quality and building a brand? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Jason Bear as he explains how he has seen product quality and brand dependability beat out low prices. Jason isn’t just your average ecommerce seller, he has a fully staffed and thriving business with multiple products with a great reputation. Learn from Jason and his knowledge of selling and marketing quality products on this episode!

Optimize Your Product Listing

You’ve heard Scott talk about this topic at length but it bears repeating - you’ve got to make sure you optimize your product listing! Don’t skip this step! Seriously, go back and take a look at your product listing and really scrutinize it. Does it live up to the standards you have learned from Scott by listening to his teachings? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear Jason Bear goes over how he has optimized his company’s product listings and how ensuring that this step is done with a high level of focus and attention to detail has led to increased traffic and sales. If you are looking for that one lesson or piece of insight that could make the difference for your business, this might just be it. Make sure you listen to this episode!

Build Your Email List

How do you communicate with your customer base? What method do you use to test and determine if a new product will be successful for your brand? What if you had a tool that would help you get KEY input from people who have purchased from your brand before? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from business leader Jason Bear as he shares how his company has leveraged the use of their email list to drive traffic, test products, and more! You’ve heard Scott’s rants on why you should use an email list - take a moment to hear from Jason’s perspective and how he has seen it make a HUGE difference in how his brand engages with customers. To hear Jason, Scott, and Chris dive deeper into this topic listen to this episode!

Know Your Audience!

Don’t you hate it when a brand totally gets you wrong? You get a piece of marketing that doesn't’ apply to you or you get that email that is totally out of left field - it’s annoying and irritating. What would it look like for a brand to “get you?” What would it take for you to understand your audience? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from business leader Jason Bear as he shares how his company has honed in on their efforts to effectively communicate with their audience in a way that matters. Jason goes over key steps they have taken to bring value and worth to their customers where they are in the digital space if that’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or other spaces. To hear more from Jason on this topic, make sure you catch this episode.


OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:30] Jason Bear and Chris join the podcast.
  • [3:30] Jason gives a bit about his background as a business leader.
  • [6:00] The decision to expand and sell products on Amazon.
  • [12:00] Jason talks about how he set up is first batch of products for success.
  • [17:30] It’s not about the lowest price point. Brand and quality matter!
  • [21:00] Amazon’s performance metrics.
  • [23:00] Optimizing the product listing.
  • [26:30] Jason talks about some current projects he is working on.
  • [30:00] Addressing PPC issues.
  • [35:00] When to move on from a failing product.
  • [38:00] Jason talks about driving traffic to his product listing.
  • [42:00] Know your audience and adjust your email offers.
  • [50:00] The best traffic source. Facebook? Instagram?
  • [52:30] Jason talks about how to utilize Amazon Prime Day.
  • [1:01:00] Participating in Amazon’s Lightning Deals.
  • [1:04:00] Preparing for Amazon Prime Day.
  • [1:07:00] Jason talks about running product promotions.
  • [1:11:00] Parting thoughts from Jason.
  • [1:14:00] Start where you are.
Direct download: TAS386.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Sometimes leaders can get so focused and “in the zone” that they forget to pause and be present with people who matter the most. Does that sound familiar? Do you struggle with turning your drive “off” so you can just be with people close to you? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott kicks off another session of Ask Scott with a simple reflection on what it means to “take it all in.” Scott’s reflection is as much for himself as it is for business leaders like you who are striving and working hard for success. To hear more of Scott thoughts on this subject and to hear answers to questions from TAS listeners like YOU, make sure to catch this episode!

Buying an FBA Business

Does a turnkey Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA) business appeal to you? Whether you are looking to expand your reach or if you want to get started selling on the ecommerce marketplace by purchasing a business, there are a few things you need to consider. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott addresses a scenario from a TAS listener who is in the process of buying an FBA business. The key issue from that listener's question revolves around the seller not willing to hand over the Amazon seller account, they just want to give all rights to the best-selling product to the buyer. This raises several issues for Scott that he addresses along with some other things to consider when embarking on this endeavor. Don’t miss this episode!

Dealing with Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are at the top of some of the worst things that can happen to an Amazon seller. So what recourse do you have? Should you respond to the negative reviews? Abandon the listing and start a new one? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott walks through several ways sellers like you can deal with negative reviews left on your product listing. One thought that Scott shares is to consider offering a new and improved product that resolves the reviewer's issues free of charge as a response to the review that they left. To get more insight from Scott on what to do in situations like this one, make sure to catch this episode!

Increase Your Insert Card Conversion Rate!

If you have tried to follow some of Scott’s lessons on building a list and connecting with your customers, you might run into the issue of low conversion rates when it comes to insert cards. What can you do to improve those numbers? How can you make an offer that is SO appealing to your customers that they sign up for your email list? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he gives several simple steps sellers like you can take that will improve your conversation rates for insert cards. You might consider offering a premium item in a giveaway or giving them a steep discount to sign up for your list. To hear more ideas that will get the ball rolling, listen to this episode!

Get in the RIGHT Mindset!

One of the quickest ways to lose momentum and shoot yourself in the foot is to fall into the WRONG mindset. So what does a good and focused mindset look like when it comes to running a thriving ecommerce business? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from a TAS listener like YOU who “gets it.” Scott explains why this listener is in the right mindset needed to succeed and push through the difficulties that WILL come when starting and running your own small business. To hear more on this topic, make sure to catch this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:30] Pause for a minute to “take it in.”
  • [3:30] Simplify the process.
  • [6:30] Question #1: A question about buying an FBA business.
  • [13:30] Question #2: How should I respond to negative product reviews?
  • [18:30] Question #3: How do I get better responses to my insert cards?
  • [27:30] An encouraging message from a TAS listener like YOU!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS385.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Do you ever find your head spinning when trying to figure out all the in’s and out’s of your ecommerce business’s taxes? Don’t you wish there was someone who could cut through all the clutter and give you clear answers to some of your top questions regarding taxes? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Josh Bauerle as he addresses common questions and issues ecommerce sellers like you run into. He covers topics like bookkeeping, keeping separate bank accounts, quarterly taxes, and more! Make sure you have your pen and paper ready for this helpful episode!

How Important is Bookkeeping?

It's probably one of the least sexiest yet MOST important subjects when running an ecommerce business… bookkeeping. What do you need to do to protect yourself and make sure you are operating within the confines of the law? How do you start small and scale your approach as your business gets off the ground? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Josh Bauerle breaks down why you should focus on keeping your business account separate from your personal account. He also provides helpful tips on which tools you can use that will ensure that you have a clear accounting of all your business details. To hear Josh go further with this topic, make sure you catch this episode!

How Should You Pay Your Taxes?

So you have your business up and running and your product launch ready, but you still have to figure out details like how to pay your business taxes. What do you do? What is the best way to pay for your taxes, quarterly or annually? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Josh Bauerle explains why paying your taxes quarterly is the best solution. He also provides a helpful tip for estimating how much you should pay each quarter so you aren’t left with a huge difference or even a penalty at the end of the year. Josh’s insights might be just the thing you need to make sure you have all your ducks in a row, don’t miss it!

Why You Should Set Up An LLC

Did you know that if you don’t set up an LLC you are personally vulnerable to any lawsuits brought against your company? Is setting up an LLC the best option for you and your ecommerce business or are there other routes to take? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Josh Bauerle as he goes over the benefits of setting up an LLC and how other business entities work. Josh explains how an LLC can provide an extra wall of protection for business owners like you should your company become the subject of a lawsuit. In addition, he goes over how virtual assistants and contractors fit into the tax equation. Don’t miss this helpful episode!

Navigating Sales Taxes

One of the most complicated areas of running an ecommerce small business is dealing with sales taxes. The reason this can be so complicated is due to the fact that there isn’t a unified explanation from the government on how to respond to this issue. It's complicated by the fact that your location, your product’s location, and where you customer buys the product can all be in different states which increases the difficulty of assessing what sales tax level you need to pay. To help you make some sense of this issue, Josh Bauerle joins Scott on this episode of The Amazing Seller. Josh doesn’t have all the answers on this topic because it's such a complicated and difficult one, but he does have a place for ecommerce seller like you to start. Make sure to catch this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:00] Josh Bauerle joins the podcast.
  • [4:30] Josh talks about the necessity of good bookkeeping.
  • [11:00] Why you need to have a separate bank account for your business.
  • [17:00] Can you use product inventory as a tax deduction?
  • [20:30] Why should you pay quarterly taxes?
  • [22:00] A great tip for projecting your quarterly taxes cost.
  • [28:30] How do business entities work?
  • [31:30] Why you should set up an LLC.
  • [47:00] Josh and Scott discuss the role of sales taxes.
  • [55:00] Josh talks about the exciting service that he is developing for FBA Seller!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS384.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

If you didn’t get the chance to attend the recent TAS LIVE event in North Carolina, today is your lucky day! You get a little sneak peek into the behind scenes conversations and takeaways from that event. You’ll hear from Scott, Chris, Angel, and Joel as they talk about KEY lessons and takeaways that could help ecommerce sellers like you make a change in your business today. You don’t want to miss a minute - make sure you have pen and paper handy for this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Don’t Overcomplicate it!

Do you feel bogged down by all the things you COULD be doing? Don’t let that slow you down. Focus on one step at a time. For example, take the time to go to social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to find influencers that align with your product. Sit down and make a list, then contact these social media influencers. It can be that easy! Don’t let excuses get in the way. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear Scott and the TAS crew break down how you can get started TODAY - don’t miss it!

Experience Matters

Don’t overlook the POWER of a good customer experience! Do you have good customer service experiences that come to mind? What about negative ones? The negative ones usually stick out more but that shouldn't stop business leaders like you from doing everything you can to ensure that your customer has a positive experience with your product. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he describes a recent Uber experience he had with the TAS crew as they were visiting North Carolina. The example that Scott shares goes to drive home the point that customer experience matters! To hear Scott share the story, make sure to catch this episode!

Understanding Your Audience

Have you ever received a piece of advertising in the mail that didn’t make any sense for you? Everyone at some point has been on the receiving end of poor marketing. Don’t make that mistake as an ecommerce seller! There are steps you can take that will help you identify and get into the mindset of your target audience. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott and the TAS crew walk through what it looks like to understand and then effectively communicate to your niche audience. Make sure you listen to this episode to get all the tips and insights on this subject!

THE ONE QUESTION

You’ve heard the TAS motto from Scott at the end of every episode you listen to, TAKE ACTION. Scott's rallying cry is SO good and really effective! To complement those two helpful words, consider taking it one step further with this simple question that will help you move forward and take action effectively.

“What skill, ability, or resource do you have right now that will move your business forward?”

This simple question, when answered with intention and detail can make all the difference as you move forward toward building your ecommerce business. If you’d like to hear more from the TAS crew on how you can move forward TODAY, make sure you listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:50] Chris gives a recap of the recent TAS event.
  • [5:00] Angel talks about her role with TAS and observations from the event.
  • [8:30] Taking the next step. What should you do next?
  • [12:00] Joel talks about his role with TAS.
  • [16:00] Scott and the crew talk about their recent Uber experience.
  • [19:00] Creating a valuable experience for customers.
  • [22:30] Joel talks about understanding and marketing to your audience.
  • [28:30] Angel shares some of her takeaways.
  • [32:30] The ONE QUESTION you need to ask yourself.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

Direct download: TAS383.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

It’s time to get fired up for another exciting session of Ask Scott on The Amazing Seller! This is the place where TAS followers like YOU get to ask your questions to tough issues you’ve run into while trying to build your ecommerce business. On this episode, Scott covers transitioning from an open brand to a more niche brand, how to recover from a failed product launch, and how to determine the next step after a successful product launch. This your stop for all the tips and insights that you need to push your business over the top - don’t miss this episode!

Transitioning from an Open Brand

What will it take to move from an open brand approach to more of the niche brand approach that Scott, Chris, and Dom often talk about? Is it even realistic to do so if you’ve started as an open brand? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott walks through what it will take for sellers like you to start moving in the direction of an open brand concept. Scott addresses two different approaches to this question and how you can make the right decision based on the direction you want to go with your business. To hear Scott dive deep into this topic, make sure to catch this episode!

Recovering from a Failed Product Launch

Is there any hope for a seller who failed from their very first product launch? What does the recovery process look like? Is there any way to recoup value for the products manufactured? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott walks through how to respond when a product launch isn’t going as planned. According to Scott, one the most important steps in the process of recovering from a failed product launch is to examine the reasons why the launch failed. If you are able to place a finger on the reason why the launch failed that will help better position your next product launch for success. Learn more about recovering from a failed launch on this episode!

Navigating PPC and Keywords

Is your product listing on Amazon in the best position it can be in to lead you toward growth and success? Have you really optimized your listing to the fullest extent? What about PPC and Keyword research? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott breaks down what you can expect from evaluating search term reports. He also goes into how Amazon uses keywords and how you can get the most out of this helpful tool. If you’d like to hear more from Scott on this topic make sure to listen to this episode! Also - check out the PPC training link located in the resources section below!

Next Steps

How do you figure out where to expand your business once you’ve launched a successful product? If this is a question that is really relevant to you or if you can only dream of one day asking this question yourself, it’s best to have an answer sooner than later. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott goes through a few options for sellers like YOU to consider once you’ve reached this point of success. Before you go too far down that line of thinking, it is good to pause and CELEBRATE! Small victories and hitting benchmarks like this are VITAL for sustained success, in the long run - don’t neglect this step. To hear all of Scott’s suggestions for next steps - make sure to listen to this episode.

 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [5:30] Question #1: How do I go from from an Open Brand to a more niche brand?
  • [12:00] Question #2: How do I recover from a failed product launch?
  • [15:30] Question #3: How do I get the most out of my search term reports?
  • [21:30] Question #4: I’ve got a successful product, what should be my next step?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS382.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Not sure if you have what it takes to build a successful and thriving ecommerce business? Are you intimidated by guys like Scott who seem to find success because they’ve been in the industry for years? This episode of The Amazing Seller will help change your perspective! You’ll hear from a fellow TAS follower like YOU who have been able to put the principles the Scott teaches into practice in a relatively short time to experience exponential growth. Learn from Mattei as he shares his story and how he has reached the point of success he currently enjoys and his plans for the future - don’t miss it!

Preparing for Success

Be honest, are you ready for success? If all of a sudden, your product took off in sales, would you be able to handle that increased demand? Do you have the systems and processes in place? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Mattei as he shares what steps he took early on before he even launched his product that helped to set him up for success. Learn how he approached product research, his keyword strategy, listing optimization, and much more! If you are ready to take the next step toward growth, make sure you learn from Mattei on this episode!

Build a Launch List!

If you’ve been around the TAS community for very long, you’ve heard Scott talk about the necessity of building an email launch list. Scott is VERY passionate about this subject and is convinced that it’s the one unique tool every seller should use that help them get an edge over the competition. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Mattei shares his story and how pivotal the use of an email launch list was to the early success he experienced with his product launch. To hear more of Mattei’s story and get another angle on why you should start focusing your resources on building an email list, don’t miss this episode!

Planning the Next Big Step

Can you imagine what it must be like to have your ecommerce business running so smoothly that you are ready to start planning the next phase of growth? What would it take for your small business to get to that level? What do you think your next step would be? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott sits down with TAS follower and business owner, Mattei as he shares his story and asks Scott for input on where to take his next step. Mattei’s question boils down to whether he should launch a second product in the US Amazon market or if he should expand his reach to the European Amazon market. To hear more of Mattei’s story and the awesome advice that Scott gave him, make sure to listen to this episode!

TAKE ACTION!

Everyone wants to know the secret formula to success. What easy to use hacks will grant overnight success? The truth of the matter is, every situation is unique. There are so many factors at play that determine how a product will trend and other decisions that the seller makes that could have a HUGE impact on the chance for financial success. In light of all these moving parts, Scott continuously encourages TAS followers like you each and every week to TAKE ACTION! Echoing that call is Mattei, Scott’s guest for this episode. Mattei also shares this piece of encouragement - stay with it, keep test, keep refining, don’t quit! If you’d like to hear Mattei’s story and how he has been able to push through the ups and downs of running a small business - don’t miss this episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:00] Mattei joins the podcast and shares his story, the cliff notes version.
  • [8:30] Mattei talks about his background in software development and how he created his first product.
  • [12:00] How did Mattei get to where he is now with his ecommerce business?
  • [15:00] What did Mattei do behind the scenes before he launched his product?
  • [25:00] Connecting with a YouTube personality for product promotion.
  • [33:00] Why you should consider advertising on your own product listings.
  • [37:00] Mattei is trying to decide the next step - expand in the US or move to the European Amazon Marketplace?
  • [40:00] Leveraging keywords and the data available.
  • [44:30] Mattei talks about a negative keyword strategy.
  • [46:30] Parting words of advice from Mattei - TAKE ACTION and keep testing, stay with it!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS381.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What is it like to have the insight and wisdom of ecommerce industry leaders just a click away? You don’t have to wonder! Join Scott, Chris, and Dom on another special edition of The Amazing Seller for a TAS Power Hour. On this episode you’ll hear the guys address an aggressive PPC launch strategy, how to rank for keywords, and so much more! If you are ready to dive in and learn some great information that will help you zoom past the competition, make sure you take the time to catch this episode!

PPC Strategy

How will you position your Amazon product listing for maximum exposure and ensure it’s on the right path toward robust sales? One of the best methods to achieve this goal is to make sure you have a solid Pay Per Click (PPC) strategy in place. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from ecommerce expert Dom as he breaks down an aggressive PPC strategy you can implement TODAY that will help you get the results you are looking for. Don’t fumble around in the dark! Learn from guys like Dom who have been around for awhile and have the battle scars to show for it!

Consider it an Investment

Do you consider your efforts to build a thriving ecommerce business selling on Amazon as a get rich quick endeavor or do you see it as a long-term investment plan? If you are looking for quick cash and an easy no hassle way to get it, you might be looking in the wrong place! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott, Chris, and Dom explain why selling on Amazon should be considered with a long view in mind. What are you willing to pay to get this business up and running? You need to make sure you have the right mindset, you will “lose” money in the beginning - but don’t think of it as a loss, consider it an investment. To hear the guys explain this concept even further, make sure to listen to this episode!

Begin with the End in Mind

Wouldn’t it be great to have the personal rundown and launch list of one of the leading ecommerce industry thinkers? Imagine how you could adjust your approach and rely on the wisdom of someone who has been successful and knows the way to get there. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Dom generously shares how he approaches product research, product launch, and promoting his product listing. If you’ve been waiting for that one KEY insight or lesson that will help you get an edge on your competition, make sure you listen to this episode!

Best Seller Ranking

One of the best ways to make sure your business if off to a great start is to double check your product listing. There are steps you can take to ensure that you have fully optimized your product listing so there is nothing in the listing itself that is causing you to show up at a lower ranking when buyers search for products in your category. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott, Chris, and Dom explain how you can optimize your product listing and make sure you are doing everything you need to show up with a strong Best Seller Ranking (BSR). Don’t leave any stone unturned! Make sure you catch this episode to stay on top of your game!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [5:30] Jump into this TAS Power Hour session.
  • [8:00] The guys talks about a good PPC strategy.
  • [14:30] What does it take to get a high ranking on search terms?
  • [29:00] You will lose money in the beginning - consider it an investment!
  • [39:00] Dom talks about his ideal launch strategy.
  • [45:00] Be patient with your PPC strategy and how to budget for it.
  • [1:01:00] The guys talk about sales and BSR for one of their listings.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS380.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

1