eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection
Steve Hutt | Shopify and eCommerce Expert
Running a Shopify store? You already know success isn't about finding the right app—it's about knowing which strategies actually work at your specific stage of growth.
I'm Steve Hutt, and I've lived every level of the ecommerce journey. From eBay Power Seller shipping products from my garage, to co-founding and scaling VisionPros.com (an optical DTC startup) through to a successful exit, then spending 6+ years as a Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with teams at Tentree, Dr. Squatch, Bulletproof Coffee, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, MUD/WTR, Bokksu, and many more.
Here's what makes this podcast different: I've been on both sides of the table.
6+ years working inside Shopify gave me access to what's coming before most merchants know it exists. Building, scaling, and successfully exiting my own ecommerce businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination of insider access plus real operator experience gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Since 2018, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 430 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I chat with operators, developers, and experts who share what's actually moving the needle right now—not theory, but patterns I've seen work consistently across dozens of brands at multiple stages.
Whether you're launching your first store or scaling past seven figures, every episode gives you stage-aware strategies you can implement this week. We dig into Shopify apps, digital marketing, retention tactics, AI tools, and the operational stuff that actually reduces overwhelm—while building customer loyalty that lasts.
You'll learn how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique. You'll also hear real founder stories, including lessons from my own journey building and exiting a DTC brand, plus insights from guests across 430+ episodes who've been exactly where you are.
This isn't content for content's sake. It's what you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's built, scaled, and exited—and helped hundreds of others do the same.
Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join thousands of founders and marketers in the eCommerce Fastlane community through our podcast, newsletter, blog, and forthcoming book "Thriving with Shopify."
Steve Hutt
DTC Founder | Podcast Host
Find Us Online
Website: eCommerceFastlane.com
Newsletter: FastlaneInsider.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shutt
X: x.com/stevenhutt
Instagram: instagram.com/ecommercefastlane
Email: steve@ecommercefastlane.com
I'm Steve Hutt, and I've lived every level of the ecommerce journey. From eBay Power Seller shipping products from my garage, to co-founding and scaling VisionPros.com (an optical DTC startup) through to a successful exit, then spending 6+ years as a Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with teams at Tentree, Dr. Squatch, Bulletproof Coffee, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, MUD/WTR, Bokksu, and many more.
Here's what makes this podcast different: I've been on both sides of the table.
6+ years working inside Shopify gave me access to what's coming before most merchants know it exists. Building, scaling, and successfully exiting my own ecommerce businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination of insider access plus real operator experience gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Since 2018, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 430 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I chat with operators, developers, and experts who share what's actually moving the needle right now—not theory, but patterns I've seen work consistently across dozens of brands at multiple stages.
Whether you're launching your first store or scaling past seven figures, every episode gives you stage-aware strategies you can implement this week. We dig into Shopify apps, digital marketing, retention tactics, AI tools, and the operational stuff that actually reduces overwhelm—while building customer loyalty that lasts.
You'll learn how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique. You'll also hear real founder stories, including lessons from my own journey building and exiting a DTC brand, plus insights from guests across 430+ episodes who've been exactly where you are.
This isn't content for content's sake. It's what you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's built, scaled, and exited—and helped hundreds of others do the same.
Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join thousands of founders and marketers in the eCommerce Fastlane community through our podcast, newsletter, blog, and forthcoming book "Thriving with Shopify."
Steve Hutt
DTC Founder | Podcast Host
Find Us Online
Website: eCommerceFastlane.com
Newsletter: FastlaneInsider.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shutt
X: x.com/stevenhutt
Instagram: instagram.com/ecommercefastlane
Email: steve@ecommercefastlane.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 19, 2021 • 39min
Focus More On Creative That Will Sell And Less On Creative That Is Clever
In today’s episode, my guests are Meredith & Ben the founders of Biddyco. They are a creative-driven performance marketing agency that helps Shopify DTC brands to sustainably scale their paid traffic.With ad costs rising and tracking becoming more opaque, it’s harder than ever for brands to profitably acquire new customers. Biddyco are leaders in designing scroll-stopping ad creative, optimizing and scaling campaigns, paired with a winning strategize to boost AOV + conversion rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 19, 2021 • 51min
Pricing Is Not Just Discounting. Learn Data-Driven Competitive And Profitable Pricing Tactics
In today’s episode, my guest is Burc Tanir the Co-Founder and CEO of Prisync. They are a pricing optimization software company that helps Shopify merchants automatically track their competitor prices and apply dynamic repricing strategies on their storefront.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYWhat is competitive price intelligenceWhy "cost-plus" is a poor way to price a productHow to uncover your competitor's prices and tacticsBenefits of dynamic price changes to drive conversion and revenueLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDPrisyncPrisync Dynamic Pricing Shopify App14-Day Free Trial + 25% Off For 3 Months. Mention eCommerce Fastlane - Thanks Burc!EPISODE SPONSORToday’s episode is brought to you by dotdigital, from email marketing to full omnichannel marketing orchestration, dotdigital transforms your customer insights into personalized marketing campaigns. Learn more about their incredible solution and get started today at dotdigital.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 18, 2021 • 43min
Generate Maximum Profit By Optimizing Your Data-Driven Decisions
In today’s episode, my guest is Kobi Melamed, Product Manager at BeProfit. They are an online profit calculator app that connects all types of data sources to provide Shopify brands with a 360-degree view of their key business metrics.As data streams from countless different channels, keeping business finances in sync can be a challenging, almost impossible task at times. The BeProfit app turns complex data into easy-to-digest charts and graphs and makes it as easy to truly understand business metrics to facilitate data-driven decisions.Let's learn more about the complete BeProfit dashboard, marketing-performance insights, advanced cohort analysis, and much more.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYThe pain-points many Shopify brands have in managing business finances.How to analyze data to find insights that actually translate into more profits.How to accurately analyze acquisition efforts to optimize ad spend and profitability.How to identify successful customer cohorts to maximize revenue.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDBeProfitBeProfit Shopify App15% off any BeProfit’s paid plans using the code ‘EF15’ - Thanks KobiCONNECT WITH BEPROFITEmail: info@beprofit.coFacebook: facebook.com/beprofit.coInstagram: instagram.com/beprofit_appTwitter: twitter.com/BeProfit_coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beprofit-coYouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi7tJ_fYzLfmH-WAp2Fe2Xx6KW0_qCbAcEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization for Shopify brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 1, 2021 • 47min
Sell More, Work Smarter, And Future Proof Your Growth Strategy With A PIM
In today’s episode, my guest is Jon Marsella, the Founder and CEO of Jasper PIM. They are an eCommerce acceleration tool that helps Shopify merchants to quickly organize, automate and syndicate their product information accurately, saving time, reducing errors, and increasing sales velocity. Today you’ll learn why it’s imperative to have a single source of truth for product data.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYWhat is a PIM (Product Information Management).Why successful Shopify brands use a PIM as a source of product truth.How product information management assists in merchandising a store.When does a Shopify brand know when the time is right to consider a PIM.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDJasperJasper PIM Shopify AppJasper Case StudiesCONNECT WITH JASPEREmail: info@jasperpim.comFacebook: facebook.com/jasperproductinformationmanagementTwitter: twitter.com/jasperPIMLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jasperpimEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by the Rewind App. This should be the first thing you install on your Shopify store to protect against human error, misbehaving apps, or collaborators gone bad. It's the trusted backup solution for over 100,000 businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 1, 2021 • 37min
Hidden Opportunities To Drive Bigger ROI From Your Discount And Coupon Strategy
In today’s episode, my guest is Kathleen Booth the CMO of Clean.io. They have a Shopify app called cleanCART that helps online retailers build more profitable discount strategies and protect their user experience, brand and revenue by controlling the ways that coupon extensions interact with their websites.We have been taught to believe that coupon extensions (like Honey) drive incremental revenue, but research shows they reduce average order value and conversion rates, all while claiming credit for sales they had little or no part in driving.It's time to protect your margins and increase average order value so let's jump in and learn more about this amazing technology.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow to build a more profitable discount strategy for your brand.The serious problems with coupon leakage and abuse.What is coupon hygiene and why you need to implement a “single source of truth” for discount codes.Reframe everything you've been taught to believe about the impact of coupon extensions like Honey.CONNECT WITH CLEAN.IOEmail: hello@clean.ioFacebook: facebook.com/CleandotioTwitter: twitter.com/Clean_ioYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCV5-0aFt1_uCrmHjYn8g7sQLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/11705925EPISODE SPONSORThis episode is brought to you by Omnisend, makers of sophisticated omnichannel marketing automation tools for sales-driven Shopify brands that have outgrown generic email marketing platforms. Engage your customers and boost your sales with dynamic emails, text messages, web push notifications, Facebook Messenger, and retargeting ads on Facebook and Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 25, 2021 • 41min
Get Access To Capital, Proprietary Technology And The Greatest Minds In Growth And Operations
In today’s episode, my guest is Allan Fisch the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Moonshot. Moonshot Brands buys and grows Shopify and Amazon businesses. They assist founders that think their brands have touched the ceiling by giving them access to capital, proprietary technology and the greatest minds in growth and operations. They also give founders a seat at the table to continue building alongside the Moonshot team. This gives the ability to continue profiting and receiving the significant upside from the future growth of their brands.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow Shopify store owners can achieve a fast and lucrative exit from their business.Why a founder deserves the upside in the future growth of the brand they created.Lessons you can learn about building a company and getting acquired.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDMoonshot BrandsMagneto BoardsCONNECT WITH MOONSHOTEmail: info@moonshotbrands.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/moonshotbrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/65281006 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxF1umKhwBw EPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization for Shopify brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 23, 2021 • 37min
Optimize Your Shopify Thank You Page And Unlock An Additional 8% In Revenue
In today’s episode, my guest is Eric the Co-Founder of StilyoApps, the company best known for their wildly popular ReConvert App. ReConvert is an app that helps merchants generate more revenue by implementing 1-click upsell funnels integrated into the Shopify checkout, including a drag & drop interface for the thank you page with 16 different widgets.This is a great conversation with tons of learnings. Make sure to listen through to the end to get access to an exclusive listener-only bonus too!WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYThe strategic importance of the Shopify order confirmation page.Benefits of a post purchase funnel paired with a one-click upsell flow.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDReConvert Shopify AppReConvert 60-Day Free Trial - Thanks Eric!LucydCONNECT WITH RECONVERTEmail: care@reconvert.ioFacebook: facebook.com/groups/ReConvertInstagram: instagram.com/stilyoappsYouTube: youtube.com/c/StilyoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/stilyoappsEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by the Rewind App. This should be the first thing you install on your Shopify store to protect against human error, misbehaving apps, or collaborators gone bad. It's the trusted backup solution for over 100,000 businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 22, 2021 • 44min
Livestream’s Next Wave: 1:1 Live Shopping Increases Conversions 7X
In today’s episode, my guest is Tyler Murray, the Co-Founder and CTO from GhostRetail. They have built the world’s first 1:1 live video shopping platform that provides a complete in-store experience online.It enables Shopify retailers to tap into a new revenue stream from a personalized, guided, and seamless web-based shopping experience. It takes the live shopping consumers love to the next level, extending it from discovery through checkout with integrations that create a seamless experience.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYHow to humanize your brand with real sales associates and influencers through 1:1 live video shopping.How GhostRetail is providing a new sales channel that eliminates the barriers to making an online purchase.Leverage your existing retail space to service more customers, expanding your location's reach and increasing revenue per square foot.Empower your staff or remote employees to sell from the comfort of their own homes or capture sales during off-hours.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDGhostRetailBook a demo with GhostRetailCONNECT WITH GHOST RETAILEmail: info@ghostretail.comInstagram: instagram.com/ghostretailTwitter: twitter.com/GhostRetailLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ghostretailEPISODE SPONSORThis episode is brought to you by Omnisend, makers of sophisticated omnichannel marketing automation tools for sales-driven Shopify brands that have outgrown generic email marketing platforms. Engage your customers and boost your sales with dynamic emails, text messages, web push notifications, Facebook Messenger, and retargeting ads on Facebook and Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 22, 2021 • 52min
Progressive Shopify Brands Know The Future Of Retail Marketing Is Omnichannel
In today’s episode, my guest is Brent Spicer the CEO and Co-Founder of Marsello. They are a customer marketing platform that helps omnichannel retailers bridge the gap between their sales channels, through a seamless integration of marketing tools. You'll learn how to turn visitors into customers and customers into repeat customers.Marsello has everything a Shopify brand needs to capture in-store and online visitors' details, motivate them to shop, and then bring them back again and again.Finally, you can create the omnichannel customer experience you want that will increase customer retention and spend.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYWhat is omnichannel marketing and how is it impacting the future of retail.What cross-channel marketing opportunities are available to Shopify brands.How marketplaces and social media impact a brands awareness, consideration, and conversions.The benefits of a seamless experience both in-store and online.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDMarsello.comMarsello Shopify AppShopify Plus Certified App Partner - The first New Zealand company to achieve this! Congrats!Marsello Success StoriesFree Premium Onboarding for eCommerce Fastlane listeners - Thanks Spice!MerrellCONNECT WITH MARSELLOEmail: hi@marsello.comFacebook: facebook.com/MarselloAppTwitter: twitter.com/marselloappVimeo: vimeo.com/marselloYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCgszSa_tNxA_lEpieFHMXbALinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/marsello-appEPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization for Shopify brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 20, 2021 • 53min
Ditch Support Tickets And Differentiate Through Radically Personal Customer Service
In today’s episode, my guest is Mike McCarron the VP, Sales and Strategic Alliances of Gladly. They are a service platform that treats customers like people, not tickets, which allows agents to communicate seamlessly across all channels. It's referred to as "radically personal" customer experience.Gladly centers customer service around the person, not a case, which gives agents full visibility of customers in a single view.The world’s most innovative DTC Shopify brands like Andy Swimwear, Chubbies Shorts, Allbirds, and Rothy’s use the Gladly platform to develop lifelong customer relationships, not one-off experiences. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAYThe benefits to having more personalized and human interactions with your customers.The customer disconnect with an endless mess of duplicate support tickets.Why customer expectations have changed on how they engage with brands.How to scale delightful customer experiences through AI and human interaction.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONEDGladly.comGladly Shopify AppIdeas and advice for modern customer serviceMake the switch to Gladly and get 3 months free - Thanks Mike!CONNECT WITH GLADLYEmail: hi@gladly.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/GladlyIncTwitter: twitter.com/gladlyYouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvdksboXf9wkfr1TcROnxALinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gladly-inc EPISODE SPONSORToday's episode is brought to you by the Rewind App. This should be the first thing you install on your Shopify store to protect against human error, misbehaving apps, or collaborators gone bad. It's the trusted backup solution for over 100,000 businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
