Human in the Loop

Alasdair and Cameron debate whether you can really plug Claude into Amazon, let it rip on a $500K/month ad budget, and call it a business.Episode Summary:Everyone's talking about MCP — Model Context Protocol — and the dream of plugging a large language model like Claude straight into Amazon to run an entire marketplace business. In this episode, Cameron Yoder and Alasdair McLean-Foreman cut through the LinkedIn buzz to define what MCP actually is (spoiler: it's effectively a glorified API), where it genuinely shines today, and where the wheels come off when you try to hand a $500,000/month ad budget to a model with no middle layer.They get into the specifics: which use cases are ready right now (analytics, querying, cross-channel data exploration), why running an enterprise marketplace business demands more than a pipe between an LLM and a database, and what an MCP-native operating model actually looks like — including how it might compress headcount, why you'd want to build your own data layer, which categories of SaaS are most exposed (HubSpot Breeze, Zapier, legal tools all come up), and the Nvidia executive's "every software company becomes a token factory" line. Key Topics / Talking PointsWhat MCP (Model Context Protocol) actually is — and why "it's a glorified API" is the right mental modelWhy plugging Claude directly into a large Amazon brand is, at this moment, a stretch — and what specifically breaksThe use cases that already work today: analytics, ad-hoc querying, replacing BI/spreadsheet workflowsThe use cases that don't work yet: autonomous bid management, full-budget campaign edits, cross-channel optimizationWhy a "middle layer" — your own database and interface — is non-negotiable for serious marketplace operatorsHow MCP changes headcount math: not zero people, but maybe one person doing three jobsThe Anthropic "one-person marketing team" precedent and what it does and doesn't proveThe Nvidia "token factory" thesis and which SaaS categories are most exposedWhy HubSpot Breeze and Zapier hint at where mainstream B2B software is headingThe real competitive threat to incumbent marketplace SaaS: lean, AI-native, agentic-from-day-one startupsWhy the right move for most operators is to test MCP — not bet the business on itTimestamps / Chapters00:00 — Cold open & opening positions: can you really plug Claude into Amazon?01:33 — What MCP actually is: the "glorified API" definition03:42 — The "right" use cases: where Claude shines vs. where it breaks05:11 — Would you let it run a $500K/mo ad budget? The middle-layer debate07:04 — The data gap: cross-channel signals and why a pipe isn't enough09:28 — The "token factory" thesis and headcount implications11:17 — Architecting it yourself: which SaaS categories get displaced14:04 — HubSpot Breeze, Zapier, and the AI-native competitor threat17:17 — Takeaways and the buy-a-brand experiment teaseIf you got value from this episode:Subscribe to Human in the Loop on Spotify and YouTube so the next episode lands in your feed.Follow Cameron and Alasdair on LinkedIn — that's where the between-episode debates and experiment updates live.Try the test yourself. Spin up an MCP connection on a small slice of your business and see what it can actually do — you don't have to bet the budget to learn something.Tell us what to sell. We're seriously considering buying a brand and running it with AI in the loop. Reply on LinkedIn or email the show with what category we should pick.Rate the show wherever you're listening — it's the single biggest thing that helps new operators find us.

In this episode, Cameron sits down with Alasdair McLean-Foreman, CEO & Founder of Teikametrics, to unpack ARI (Artificial Retail Intelligence), the most significant platform evolution in Teikametrics history. The conversation clarifies what ARI is, why it matters now, and how it represents a fundamental shift from ad optimization toward a unified, AI-powered orchestration layer that helps brands manage and scale their intellectual property across multiple retail channels.Key TakeawaysARI is a platform shift, not a feature releaseIt marks Teikametrics’ evolution beyond ads into a holistic retail intelligence and orchestration layer.Intellectual property is the core asset ARI optimizesProduct content, listings, imagery, and brand IP are treated as strategic inputs that fuel performance across channels.Generative AI enables what wasn’t possible beforeAdvances in AI over the last 6–12 months made ARI feasible at a quality level brands can trust.Multichannel growth becomes operationally simplerARI is designed to help brands move faster across Amazon, Walmart, TikTok, and beyond without duplicating effort.Teikametrics is expanding into a new categoryARI positions the company closer to product information management, feed management, and channel orchestration—powered by AI.Episode Timeline00:00  | Introduction and why ARI matters now00:55  | What ARI is and how the concept was formed01:40  | How ARI differs from previous Teikametrics solutions03:10  | The role of generative AI and why timing matters04:30  | ARI’s impact on multichannel ecommerce strategy05:25 | How ARI aligns with Teikametrics’ long-term mission06:30 | Future implications for sellers, partners, and employees08:10 | Closing thoughts and what’s coming nextKey Quotes“ARI is the most important thing we’ve ever done—it’s the evolution of our company beyond ads.”“Brands have intellectual property, and ARI is about orchestrating that IP across channels using AI.”“When you shift the problem from ads to content and IP management, you enter a completely new category.”

This episode is all about Teikametrics' most recent release: GenAI Smart Pages. Cameron Yoder chats with Alasdair McLean-Foreman, CEO & Founder of Teikametrics about what GenAI Smart Pages is, how it's impacting sellers now, and what's to come in the future. Key Timestamps:00:00 | Setting the stage at Let’s Grow 2025 – Event energy, Teikametrics’ growth, and seller engagement.00:28 | Introducing GenAI Smart Pages – Why this is the most important product Teikametrics has built.01:13 | How Smart Pages work – Generative AI + patented algorithms producing optimized listings.01:43  | Immediate seller results – Increased organic sales, higher ROAS, and unlocking ad spend confidence.02:31 | Future roadmap – Seasonal optimization, AI-powered images, video, and even avatars.03:36  | The “Magic Button” – Seamlessly mapping Amazon success onto Walmart with optimized listings.04:26 | Seller impact – Simplifying messy, time-consuming listing optimization at scale.05:10 | All-in-one solution – Research, keyword targeting, AI content, listing uploads, and ads in one clean package.05:45 | Closing thoughts – Why Smart Pages are a game-changer for sellers and the future of ecommerce.Key TakeawaysSmart Pages = Teikametrics’ biggest innovation: AI-driven, automated listing optimization delivering measurable performance boosts.Real results already happening: Sellers are seeing higher organic sales and improved ad efficiency.The flywheel effect: Better listings → better sales → better ads → more budget unlocked.Magic Button: Game-changing ability to port success from Amazon to Walmart with AI-mapped listings.Future vision: AI-powered content tailored by season, images, video, and even avatars.Ultimate value: Saves sellers massive amounts of time while driving growth at scale.

Podcast Summary:In this episode, Teikametrics CEO Alasdair McLean-Foreman sits down with Charlotte Maines, Director of Fire TV Business and Devices Advertising at Amazon, to explore how Fire TV, Alexa, and other Amazon devices are transforming the advertising landscape. From full-funnel strategies and AI-powered personalization to GenAI-powered creative production and campaign accessibility for e-commerce brands, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for any brand advertising on Amazon.Timestamped Episode Outline:00:00🔹 Introduction: Charlotte Mayes’ role at Amazon and her history with Fire TV00:40 🔹 Fire TV’s global growth (250M+ devices) and role in Amazon’s advertising ecosystem02:08 🔹 Devices as a full-funnel opportunity: engaging customers in relaxed, non-transactional moments03:50 🔹 The power of pairing Fire TV UI placements with Prime Video ads (2x incremental reach)05:02 🔹 Accessibility: How eCommerce brands can buy Fire TV ads through Amazon DSP06:17 🔹 Including devices in broader DSP buys to hit KPIs and maximize efficiency08:25 🔹 GenAI and large language models for content discovery and personalization10:05 🔹 How GenAI supports advertisers: faster creative production with brand control13:16 🔹 GenAI-generated audio ads: using product detail pages and reviews to outperform traditional ads15:01 🔹 Trust, IP, and the role of human input in generative workflows17:08 🔹 Future trends: Avatars, Alexa Plus, and the rise of humanized brand engagement19:20 🔹 Fire TV as a discovery engine: the six-minute window to capture attention22:03 🔹 Testing on a budget: Why Alexa and Fire TV placements offer high ROAS and low risk24:33 🔹 Final thoughts: Education, accessibility, and the future of full-funnel Amazon advertising✅ Key Takeaways:Fire TV is a full-funnel ad solution with over 250 million devices sold globally and 4.2+ hours of daily viewership per user.Advertisers can access Fire TV and Alexa placements via Amazon DSP, making them available to even small and mid-sized eCommerce brands.Pairing Prime Video ads with Fire TV placements yields more than 2x incremental reach.GenAI is streamlining creative production, especially for asset-heavy placements like the Fire TV “feature rotator.”Amazon’s GenAI audio ads use detail pages and reviews to create ads that can outperform human-generated creative.Testing is low-risk via CPC-based DSP campaigns; advertisers only pay for what works.Alexa Plus and Fire TV represent a new wave of contextual, immersive brand engagement—reaching users while they’re relaxed and attentive

In this episode of Human in the Loop, host Cameron Yoder welcomes Jeff Cohen to break down Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC)—Amazon’s powerful, privacy-safe analytics tool. Jeff explains why AMC is crucial for understanding customer journeys, optimizing ad spend, and increasing conversions by leveraging full-funnel insights.Listeners will walk away with a clear understanding of how AMC works, why it’s a must-have for advertisers, and how brands are already leveraging it to maximize their Amazon advertising ROI.The episode also covers real-world case studies, including how Funko and Connolly (a French skincare brand)optimized their budget allocation using AMC and achieved significant increases in brand purchases, sales, and conversion rates. Plus, Cameron shares exciting updates on how Teikametrics is making AMC more accessible for sellers with new audience creation tools.Timestamps of Key Sections⏱ (00:19) What is Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC)?⏱ (01:50) Why advertisers should be using AMC today⏱ (03:09) How AMC helps with audience creation and campaign optimization⏱ (06:53) Practical use cases: Bid boosting, audience segmentation & measurement⏱ (09:08) Case study: Connolly’s success with DSP and Streaming TV ads⏱ (12:21) Case study: Funko’s strategic budget allocation using AMC⏱ (16:45) The future of AMC & new Teikametrics updates⏱ (18:42) Final thoughts & where AMC is headed nextKey Takeaways🚀 AMC unlocks full-funnel visibility: Instead of just last-click attribution, sellers can now track the entire customer journey—seeing how multiple ad types interact before a conversion.🎯 Audience targeting just got smarter: Sellers can create precise audience segments using shopping behaviors, purchase frequency, and even category browsing habits.📈 Data-driven bidding boosts ROI: Advertisers can now adjust bids dynamically based on customer intent signals, leading to higher conversions at lower costs.💡 Cross-campaign optimizations are a game-changer: AMC allows sellers to analyze how different ad types (like Sponsored Display and Streaming TV) impact search behavior.🔄 Testing & iterating is crucial: Sellers leveraging AMC should experiment with audience segments, bid boosts, and cross-channel data to refine their ad strategies continuously.📊 Budget allocation is now backed by hard data: Companies like Funko increased brand purchases by 44% and overall reach by 48% by shifting budgets towards upper-funnel tactics based on AMC insights.🛠 Teikametrics is making AMC more accessible: A new audience creation tool launching on March 10 will allow sellers to easily build audiences without needing coding expertise.📢 AMC is still evolving: The future holds predictive analytics and real-time bidding adjustments, making AMC an essential tool for long-term success on Amazon.Top 3 Quotes from the Episode1. 🗣 “Instead of guessing what might work, AMC lets you see exactly how customers interact with your ads—and then adjust strategies accordingly.” — Jeff Cohen2. 🗣 “AMC is turning data signals into actionable insights—helping sellers make smarter decisions on where to invest their ad dollars.” — Jeff Cohen3. 🗣 “Brands that integrate AMC into their strategy are seeing higher ROI, better audience targeting, and smarter budget allocation.” — Cameron YoderSubscribe & Follow🚀 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Human in the Loop on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/hitl📲 Follow Teikametrics for more cutting-edge insights on Amazon & Walmart advertising:🔹 LinkedIn🔹 Twitter/X🔹 Instagram

Podcast SummaryIn this episode of Human in the Loop, we tackle a major challenge ecommerce sellers are facing right now: rising tariffs. With new import duties hitting products sourced from China and beyond, sellers are being forced to rethink everything—pricing, advertising, and inventory strategy.Cameron breaks down how these tariffs are impacting profitability, and what actions sellers can take right now to protect their margins. From adjusting ACOS targets and reallocating ad spend, to strategic pausing and shifting product focus, this episode is a tactical guide to staying profitable in a high-cost environment.Whether you’re an Amazon or Walmart seller, this is your tariff response playbook.⏱️ Key Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: What’s happening with tariffs, and why it matters now02:28 – How tariffs are directly affecting costs, margins, and planning05:45 – Tactical ad strategy shifts: Where to cut, where to invest09:10 – Should you raise prices? How to do it without losing the Buy Box13:22 – Recalculating ACOS targets and rethinking budget allocation16:35 – When it’s smart to pause ads (and when it’s not)19:48 – Inventory strategy shifts in response to tariffs22:10 – Staying agile: Adapting to changing conditions in real-time✅ Key TakeawaysTariffs as high as 145% are significantly impacting sellers sourcing from China.COGS increases mean tighter margins—pricing and ad strategy must evolve.Reallocate ad spend to high-margin products and use real-time profit tracking tools.Adjust ACOS goals per SKU based on updated COGS and margin scenarios.Strategic price increases must be monitored closely—watch for Buy Box suppression and conversion drops.AI-powered tools are critical for adjusting bids, budgets, and strategy at scale.Sellers should rethink inventory mix and sourcing strategy to reduce tariff exposure.Pausing ads can be smart—but only if done surgically, not reactively.📣 Subscribe & Follow Check out our blog: https://www.teikametrics.com/blog/adapting-to-tariffs-how-ecommerce-sellers-can-stay-profitable-agile/If this episode gave you value, make sure to follow Teikametrics on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram for more data-driven strategies. And don’t forget to subscribe to Human in the Loop on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

In this episode of Human in the Loop, host Cameron Yoder sits down with Adolfo Fernandez, Head of Product Strategy & Operations for TikTok’s eCommerce division, recorded live at ShopTalk. Together, they dive into the rise of TikTok Shop, how creativity and automation are powering eCommerce success, and what brands need to know to win in 2025.Adolfo shares insights on what makes TikTok content convert, how AI is shaping advertising with tools like GMV Max, and why authenticity will always be the cornerstone of TikTok’s commerce experience.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction to Adolfo and his role at TikTok0:29 – Why brands should be on TikTok in 20252:00 – What brands should do today to start seeing results3:06 – What GMV Max is and why it matters4:44 – How TikTok Shop Ads may evolve in 20256:01 – Balancing organic content and paid ads7:32 – A sneak peek at upcoming features for TikTok Shop Ads8:05 – The secret to high-converting TikTok contentKey Takeaways:TikTok Shop has seen explosive growth since launching in the U.S. in 2023, with shopper engagement tripling monthly.Creativity is king—quality and quantity of creative content directly drive conversions on TikTok.Automation is a game changer—TikTok’s GMV Max automates campaign optimization, blending organic and paid content.Search behavior on TikTok is booming—users now use TikTok like a search engine, signaling an eCommerce shift.Balance is key—successful sellers combine paid ads with engaging organic content for total return on investment.Authenticity wins—real, relatable content connects better than polished productions.Speed matters—videos should hook users quickly and stay snappy.GMV Max will continue to evolve with more features, making it easier and more effective for sellers.💬 Three Key Quotes“Half of the incremental sales we see on TikTok are driven by the quality and quantity of creatives.” — Adolfo“With GMV Max, we’re optimizing for both return on investment and return on effort.” — Adolfo “Authenticity is the number one key to high-converting content on TikTok.” — Adolfo👉 Follow @Teikametrics on LinkedIn and subscribe to Human in the Loop on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.

Kate successfully built a brand from scratch using TikTok, leveraging organic virality, strategic content, and a customer-first approach. This episode dives into her journey, from launching a unique product (a diaper-shaped heating pad) to overcoming Kickstarter hurdles, and ultimately using TikTok and Instagram to build a thriving ecommerce brand. Kate shares her content strategy, the difference between TikTok and Instagram, and how she balances quality vs. quantity in content creation.⏳ Key Timestamps• 00:00 – Introduction: Kate’s success story with TikTok• 00:44 – The unique product idea & inspiration• 01:32 – How a viral TikTok post changed everything• 00:02:21 – The power of email collection before product launch• 03:51 – Kickstarter rejection & pivot to Shopify• 05:25 – Biggest challenge and the rush to solve problems• 06:03 – Content strategy: What works on TikTok• 11:05 – TikTok vs. Instagram: What drives sales?• 13:22 – Building an audience & transitioning viral moments into sales• 18:15 – Best advice for new content creators🎯 Key Takeaways1. Viral Content Can Spark a Business – A single TikTok post with 1.2M views led Kate to go all-in on launching her product.2. Start Collecting Emails Early – Capturing audience interest before launch ensures long-term success.3. Kickstarter Rejections Aren’t the End – When Kickstarter banned her campaign, Kate quickly pivoted to Shopify using a pre-order system.4. Content Hooks Matter – Simple text-over-B-roll videos mentioning key terms like “endometriosis” consistently go viral.5. Instagram vs. TikTok for Sales – TikTok drives awareness, but Instagram’s automation tools drive more direct conversions.6. Quality > Quantity for Content Creation – Prioritizing high-impact content over daily posts leads to better audience engagement.7. Founder-Led Content Builds Trust – Sharing real struggles and lessons fosters authenticity and audience loyalty.8. Audience Engagement is Key – Direct messages and emails often lead to deeper customer relationships than social media comments.💬 Most Impactful Quotes1. “Every single time that I’ve gone viral, it’s been hook text over B-roll—something that speaks to my audience.”2. “I started collecting emails before I had a product. If you do nothing, you’re going to have nothing.”3. “Creating a life that people actually want to see will take your content so much further than just chasing views.”Check out REB Relief: https://rebrelief.com

In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron Yoder sits down with Stephen Geary, CEO and Co-Founder of Accelerazon, an Amazon-specific marketing agency. Together, they tackle one of the biggest challenges in eCommerce today: launching and scaling a new brand on Amazon in 2025.With Amazon’s massive marketplace becoming increasingly competitive, many brands struggle to gain traction against well-established players. Stephen breaks down the key barriers new brands face, how Amazon’s algorithm is shifting, and the strategic steps sellers can take to boost visibility, drive traffic, and ultimately win on Amazon.Topics covered include:✅ Why launching on Amazon is harder than ever✅ How Amazon’s algorithm prioritizes sales history over new sellers✅ Why new brands need a long-term mindset (Hint: You might not be profitable in 6 months!)✅ How content, relevancy, and nimbleness can give new brands a competitive edge✅ The evolving role of AI and technology in Amazon successPlus, Stephen shares his top strategies for overcoming these challenges, the mistakes brands often make, and the key advantages new brands can still leverage to stand out.Key Timestamps:📌 [00:00] - Introduction & Why launching on Amazon is harder than ever📌 [04:08] - The biggest barriers to success for new brands📌 [10:00] - How Amazon’s algorithm favors established sellers📌 [14:10] - What’s working for new brands today & key advantages they can leverage📌 [18:17] - The role of technology & AI in scaling Amazon brands📌 [22:30] - The most common mistakes new brands make when launching📌 [30:02] - Why traffic generation (advertising & relevancy) is critical for new brands📌 [36:46] - Future outlook for Amazon & what sellers need to prepare forKey Takeaways:🔥 Amazon’s success has made it harder for new brands – It’s a competitive landscape, with 2,300 new sellers joining daily, but only 0.1% of sellers account for half of all third-party sales.🚀 Sales history is king – Amazon prioritizes proven sellers with strong conversion rates and sales velocity, making it difficult for new brands to rank.🔑 Relevancy matters more than ever – Amazon’s algorithm has evolved, giving new brands a better shot if they optimize listings properly with the right keywords and content.💡 New brands should focus on being nimble – Big brands are often slow to adapt. Smaller sellers can gain an edge by testing, iterating, and optimizing faster.📈 Amazon is now a pay-to-play platform – Organic traffic alone won’t cut it. Brands must invest in advertisingto gain visibility and traction.🤖 Technology is a tool, not a replacement – AI and automation can boost efficiency, but human strategy and brand identity still win the game.Most Important Quotes:📢 “Amazon’s success is exactly why it’s so difficult for new brands to break in. The winners keep winning, and the losers lose hard.” — Stephen Geary📢 “Relevancy is rising in importance, but sales history is still king. If you don’t build that, you won’t rank.” — Stephen Geary📢 “Amazon is a pay-to-play marketplace now. You cannot rely on organic growth alone—advertising is essential.” — Stephen GearyFollow & Subscribe:Stay ahead in the world of ecommerce! Follow Teikametrics on LinkedIn, and subscribe to Human in the Loop for more deep dives into AI, ecommerce, and Amazon selling: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/hitl.

🎙 Episode SummaryIn this episode of Human in the Loop, host Cameron Yoder welcomes Kiri Masters, an expert in retail media and ecommerce, to discuss the evolving role of AI in online shopping. The conversation dives deep into Rufus AI, Amazon’s AI-powered shopping assistant, and its implications for ecommerce sellers. They explore how AI is reshaping product discovery, search relevance, and advertising on Amazon, while also touching on broader AI trends that could redefine the way consumers shop in the near future.⏳ Key Timestamps1:00 – Kiri’s background in ecommerce, founding Bobsled Marketing, and her current work2:14 – What is Rufus AI and why is it significant?5:31 – Why sellers should take Rufus AI seriously, rather than dismissing it as a passing trend10:24 – Breaking down Rufus AI’s underlying technology and search model17:16 – Advertising opportunities within Rufus AI and potential monetization by Amazon•18:38 – Actionable steps sellers can take to prepare for AI-driven search and discovery22:26 – Other major AI trends in ecommerce, including OpenAI’s Operator and the rise of AI-driven personal shopping assistants30:07 – Closing thoughts and where to follow Kiri’s insights📌 Key Takeaways1. Rufus AI is more than just a chatbot – Amazon is using AI to fundamentally change how customers discover products. Instead of relying on keyword searches, Rufus AI understands consumer intent and context.2. Search is shifting from keywords to semantics – Amazon’s semantic similarity model means that exact keywords are becoming less important. AI will determine the best products based on context and previous interactions.3. Visual content is critical – Rufus AI can analyze product images alongside text, meaning high-quality visuals will play a bigger role in search rankings and discoverability.4. AI-driven personalization is here – Rufus AI learns from click behavior, optimizing search results based on individual shopping patterns, making it even harder to predict organic ranking factors.5. Advertising within Rufus AI is emerging – Amazon is already testing ad placements within Rufus AI, creating new opportunities for sellers to reach consumers.6. AI-powered shopping assistants are the future – Cameron and Kiri predict that within the next two years, AI assistants like Rufus will largely replace traditional search bars, changing how consumers navigate ecommerce platforms.7. Retailers must embrace AI to stay competitive – Just like early skeptics doubted online apparel sales, businesses that dismiss AI-driven commerce may fall behind.8. Other AI disruptors are on the horizon – OpenAI’s Operator demonstrates how AI can handle end-to-end shopping, from price comparison to purchase execution, further reducing consumer interaction with traditional online stores.💬 Three Standout Quotes1. “I think we’re at the beginning of a massive shift—search bars may not be the primary way we interact with product catalogs in just a couple of years.” – Kiri Masters2. “Rufus isn’t just another Amazon experiment. AI-driven discovery is here to stay, and sellers need to adapt before they’re left behind.” – Cameron Yoder3. “If Rufus AI is the worst it will ever be, imagine how powerful it’ll become in the next two years. Ignoring it now would be a mistake.” – Kiri Masters🔗 Follow & SubscribeStay ahead in the world of ecommerce! Follow Teikametrics on LinkedIn, and subscribe to Human in the Loop for more deep dives into AI, ecommerce, and Amazon selling: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/hitl.Find Kiri's Podcast here: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

Enchanted Scrunch represents an entirely new way of doing business today. Dasha’s (the founder's) ability to create an instant connection with her audience through content is an inspiration to re-think the way many approach selling a product online, while building a community at the same time. Branding is changing. The way people shop online is changing. Dasha is an incredible example of how to do things differently, and how to create a true connection with your audience.The goal in this episode is to walk you through Dasha's story behind Enchanted Scrunch, to show just how much ecommerce is evolving today, and to show you how to best evolve in the fast-changing world of ecommerce.Takeaways - Creating engaging content is key to success on TikTok. Passion and authenticity are crucial for building a strong brand.- Use haters as fuel to keep pushing forward. Expanding to different sales channels, such as Amazon and retail stores, can help grow a business.- Stay adaptable and open to new platforms and trends in social media.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Background01:06 - Starting Enchanted Scrunch02:02 - Inspiration and Early Challenges03:00 - Going from Etsy to TikTok05:11 - Using TikTok to Drive Sales07:22 - Creating Engaging TikTok Content09:06 - Dealing with Age Restrictions on TikTok10:24 - Expanding to Amazon and Retail Stores11:07 - Types of Content that Succeed on TikTok12:55 - Designing and Expanding the Product Line13:53 - Dealing with Haters and Negativity15:24 - Expanding to Amazon and Retail Stores17:07 - Advice for Selling on TikTok19:07 - Keys to Success for Online Brands20:03 - Future Plans for Enchanted Scrunch21:07 - The Changing Landscape of TikTok Content23:12 - Where to Find Enchanted Scrunch23:34 - Final Advice and Closing

In the latest episode of Human in the Loop, Cam and Emma delve into the fusion of artificial intelligence and technology to enhance product listings.  They dissect the hurdles sellers confront in crafting impactful listings amidst fierce competition. Their dialogue underscores AI's pivotal role in researching, preparing, and brainstorming for listing optimization while stressing the necessity of verifying AI-generated content.  Additionally, they explore the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into the listing creation process, advocating for deeper AI copywriting and personalized messaging. They also touch upon leveraging reviews within ChatGPT and the strategic incorporation of AI into listings to maintain authenticity and resonate with the audience.  The conversation underscores the importance of cultivating brand identity, understanding customer avatars, and staying abreast of influencer marketing trends and e-commerce's evolution. Key Takeaways: AI has democratized listing creation, but the inundation of average content poses challenges in standing out. AI tools such as ChatGPT aid in research, ideation, and refining listings, uncovering blind spots and generating fresh ideas. Fact-checking is imperative for AI-generated content to ensure accuracy. Integrating AI necessitates a balance between leveraging its capabilities and infusing human touch for audience resonance. Utilize reviews to inform and enhance AI-generated copy. Emphasize thoughtfulness in AI integration, prioritize brand identity, and comprehend customer avatars. Stay attuned to influencer marketing dynamics and e-commerce's trajectory for sustained relevance. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:07 - The Changing Landscape of Listing Optimization 06:58 - Using AI Tools for Listing Optimization 12:53 - Workflow and Integration of ChatGPT 16:23 - Prompts and Essential Uses of ChatGPT 23:03 - Using Reviews for Chat2PT 25:08 - Finding the Balance of Interacting with AI 26:02 - Prioritizing Thoughtfulness over Speed with AI 27:10 - The Importance of Brand Identity and Customer Avatar 29:48 - The Lack of Clarity on Customer Avatars 31:04 - The Power of Brand Identity in Customer Experience 32:04 - The Changing Landscape of Influencer Marketing 37:15 - Action Step: Create or Refine Customer Avatars 40:52 - The Future of E-commerce We encourage you to contact and follow Emma as well: LinkedIn Marketing By Emma

Summary of the Podcast Episode The podcast episode is a discussion between Cameron Yoder and Michelle Lough, head of product at Veeqo, during the Amazon Accelerate event. The conversation focuses on the challenges sellers face in managing their sales, inventory, and profitability across multiple channels, and how Veeqo's Profit Analyzer helps solve these problems. They dive into the specifics of Veeqo's product suite, which includes shipping software, inventory management tools, and advanced profitability insights. The conversation highlights the importance of real-time data for decision-making, the pain points sellers experience with manual data aggregation, and how Veeqo simplifies multichannel retail management. Key Takeaways • Vico Profit Analyzer: Provides a centralized, real-time view of profitability across various sales channels and marketplaces, automating the aggregation of data from multiple platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. • Key Problems Solved: • Manual data aggregation, which takes hours weekly and is prone to errors. • Lack of real-time insights, which prevents sellers from responding quickly to market changes. • Difficulty in obtaining a unified view of multichannel data, particularly with costs like advertising, shipping, and product costs scattered across platforms. • Granular Insights: The platform helps sellers dive deep into advertising spend, product costs, and shipping fees, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize profitability. • Future Developments: Vico plans to add more sales channels, automate profitability insights, and expand advertising integrations with platforms like Google and Facebook. Timestamp Summary (Key Sections Only) • 0:00 – 1:06: Introduction to the episode and Michelle Lough from Veeqo. • 1:06 – 2:23: Overview of Veeqo Profit Analyzer and how it provides real-time profitability insights across multiple sales channels. • 3:40 – 6:08: Main problems Veeqo solves: manual data aggregation, lack of real-time insights, and difficulty getting a comprehensive view. • 6:08 – 7:20: How the Profit Analyzer works, syncing data automatically from platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. • 7:20 – 10:38: Advertising spend tracking and attribution, allowing sellers to optimize ad performance by SKU. • 16:05 – 19:17: Future plans for Veeqo, including more integrations, automated insights, and expanded ad support. Subscribe for more episodes from Human in the Loop, and click here to request a free demo from Teikametrics: https://www.teikametrics.com/lets-talk/

Podcast Summary In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron Yoder sits down with Dan Whaley, Senior Manager of Generative AI Video at Amazon Ads, to explore how generative AI is transforming creative production, particularly in video and image generation. They discuss the challenges sellers face in producing engaging content and how AI tools, like Amazon’s Image Generator and Video Builder, are revolutionizing the way businesses create and optimize their advertising campaigns. With insights into the future of generative AI, this episode highlights how AI empowers sellers to save time, scale campaigns, and deliver visually compelling content that drives engagement and growth. Key Timestamps • [00:00-00:17] Introduction: Generative AI’s impact likened to the synthesizer revolution in music. • [00:54-02:14] Challenges sellers face in creating timely, visually compelling content. • [04:07-05:14] Launch and impact of Amazon’s Image Generator for advertisers. • [06:23-07:43] Video Builder’s role in simplifying video production for sellers. • [10:15-11:03] The vision for generative AI: democratizing creative production. • [12:16-13:03] Closing insights: The fast-paced evolution of AI tools and their potential. Key Takeaways 1. Content Gap Solution: 75% of businesses struggle to create compelling, on-brand content consistently, but generative AI tools are closing this gap. 2. AI’s Impact on Campaigns: Amazon’s Image Generator has enabled sellers to launch 20% more campaigns and achieve a 4% increase in gross merchandise sales. 3. Advancements in Video Creation: New tools like Live Images and Video Builder simplify video production, making it accessible and efficient for sellers. 4. Customer-Centric Innovation: Amazon Ads focuses on solving sellers’ key challenges by working backward from customer needs. 5. Speed and Efficiency: AI drastically reduces the time required to create visually engaging content. 6. Future of Generative AI: The technology is evolving rapidly, unlocking creative potential similar to how synthesizers transformed music production. 7. Seasonal Relevance Made Easy: Features like automated themes (e.g., pumpkins for Halloween) enable sellers to stay relevant and on trend effortlessly. 8. Adoption Advice: Sellers should stay open to evolving tools, as new advancements are constantly being developed. Important Quotes 1. “We’re at the beginning of understanding the impact generative AI will have on creative production.” 2. “The ability to boil down video creation into just one click is a massive game changer.” 3. “Start with your customer, work backward to meet the technology, and look for solutions to key customer problems.”

Podcast Summary In this episode of Human in the Loop, host Cameron Yoder dives into a conversation with Aishwarya Murali, Senior Manager of Product Management at Amazon, about innovations in AI-powered seller support. Aishwarya shares insights on integrating AI to enhance the seller experience, the journey from idea to implementation, and the transformative impact of generative AI on customer service. The discussion also covers Amazon’s commitment to responsible AI development, data accuracy, and the vision for the future of seller support. Key Timestamps • [00:00:34] - Introduction of Aishwarya Murali and her journey to Amazon Seller Support. • [00:02:16] - Overview of current tools and innovations in seller support. • [00:05:14] - Launching AI-powered tools and their early successes. • [00:08:01] - Generative AI’s role in solving seller pain points. • [00:14:06] - Ensuring responsible AI development and accuracy. • [00:18:59] - Future vision: personalized, proactive seller support. Key Takeaways 1. Amazon has integrated AI to streamline seller support, reducing response times and improving accuracy. 2. The new AI-driven “Quick Answer” widget provides succinct, accurate solutions directly on Seller Central. 3. AI models enhance efficiency by diagnosing and resolving issues without live associate involvement in most cases. 4. All AI solutions are rigorously tested for accuracy, tone, and security before rollout. 5. Sellers can still connect with live associates for complex issues, ensuring seamless AI-human collaboration. 6. Generative AI’s potential includes proactive support, identifying and resolving issues before sellers notice them. 7. Amazon prioritizes security and trust, hosting AI models on AWS and ensuring robust safety protocols. 8. The vision for seller support includes near-instant resolutions for most issues within three years. Top Quotes 1. “Our goal is to provide sellers with the fastest and most accurate responses, whether that’s through automation or a live associate.” 2. “I wouldn’t be surprised if sellers begin to expect a level of personalization that they’ve never seen before.” 3. “Innovating on behalf of our sellers never comes at the expense of safety or trust.”

 Episode Summary: In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron interviews Nataliia, CEO of Netpeak, a global digital marketing agency. The discussion explores strategies for understanding buyer intent across platforms, the importance of data-driven decisions, and leveraging AI in digital marketing. Nataliia offers insights into platform-specific marketing tactics, emerging marketplaces, and future trends for eCommerce and digital marketing. 2. Main Timestamps: 00:05:12 – Introduction of Nataliia and Netpeak 00:06:31 – Importance of understanding buyer intent across platforms 00:07:27 – Discussion on platform-specific behaviors (Meta, Google, Amazon, Walmart, Etsy) 00:17:00 – Significance of data-driven decision-making for marketplace success 00:22:13 – Role of AI tools in enhancing efficiency and personalization 00:26:05 – Unique insights from global marketplaces (e.g., Google, Meta, Amazon) 00:32:22 – Impact of reviews and ratings on consumer decision-making 00:35:34 – Emerging markets (Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa) and platform growth 00:41:42 – Future of digital marketing: AI, personalization, and omnichannel experiences 3. Key Takeaways: Platform-Specific Strategies: Each marketplace has distinct user behaviors; sellers must tailor their strategies to align with the unique intent of each platform’s users. Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data helps identify the most effective platforms, minimizing costs while maximizing ROI. AI as a Game-Changer: AI is pivotal for personalization, enabling brands to understand consumer preferences better and streamline routine tasks, freeing up time for strategic planning. Emerging Marketplaces: Sellers should pay attention to growing eCommerce markets like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, tailoring offerings to local preferences and payment methods. Future Trends: Personalization, privacy, and ethical consumerism are expected to drive digital marketing, with a continued emphasis on omnichannel customer journeys. 4. Key Quotes: • “Understanding the differences and harnessing the differences is the way to go… pick and choose the channels that are effective for you.” – Nataliia • “A marketer with AI will replace those without it.” – Nataliia, on the importance of adopting AI in digital marketing. • “The key to success is to make data-driven decisions based on insights gathered directly from your audience.” – Nataliia

Podcast Summary In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron Yoder hosts Michael Maher, Chief Idea Officer of Cartology, a brand domination agency specializing in helping sellers thrive on Amazon. They discuss the challenges e-commerce sellers face today, including the complexities of Amazon, the abundance of data, and the importance of focusing on the right metrics. Michael shares his journey from selling on marketplaces like eBay and Sears to building a successful agency and dives into the strategies that sellers can use to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Timestamps of Key Discussion Points • 00:00–00:01: Introduction to the episode and Michael Maher. • 00:01–00:03: Michael’s entrepreneurial journey from selling on Sears to founding Cartology. • 00:07–00:11: The biggest challenges for Amazon sellers today: shifting metrics and the role of profitability. • 00:13–00:17: Handling Amazon’s data overload and simplifying strategies. • 00:27–00:30: The role of creativity and testing in optimizing Amazon listings and ads. • 00:35–00:38: The future of Amazon: integrating with platforms like TikTok and addressing competition. • 00:43–00:45: Closing thoughts and how to connect with Cartology. Key Takeaways 1. Visibility is key: Amazon’s ecosystem is all about visibility and leveraging advertising to drive organic growth. 2. Focus on metrics that matter: Sellers need to look beyond organic rankings and revenue to consider market share and profitability. 3. Data overload is real: Simplifying and focusing on actionable insights can help sellers succeed. 4. Creativity drives conversions: High-quality, targeted visuals and testing creative approaches can significantly improve product visibility. 5. Process is power: Building scalable, well-documented processes is essential for sustained growth. 6. The future is integration: Amazon will likely continue to partner with platforms like TikTok to capture a broader market. 7. Start with foundational knowledge: Sellers should build expertise incrementally before diving into advanced tools and technologies. 8. Honesty matters: A straightforward, honest approach builds trust and creates long-term client relationships. Three Most Important Quotes 1. “Amazon is all about visibility. Ads should always drive organic placement.” 2. “Having a process in place allows you to scale efficiently without losing quality.” 3. “Technology is a tool, not the solution. Build a strong foundation first before layering on tech.” Call-to-Action Stay updated with the latest insights from Human in the Loop! Follow Teikametrics on LinkedIn and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify.

Overview / Summary In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron Yoder speaks with Chris Perry and Oskar from FirstMovr, delving into artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing impact on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and eCommerce industries. The conversation revolves around the integration of AI, focusing on the “8 P’s” of AI in go-to-market strategies. They explore the evolution of AI, from machine learning to generative AI, and discuss its practical applications and limitations in eCommerce. The episode emphasizes AI’s role in shaping future commerce, offering sellers actionable insights on how to adapt and leverage AI effectively. Outline with Timestamps 00:00 - 00:23: Introduction to the episode and guests Overview of the discussion on AI integration in CPG and eCommerce. 00:23 - 00:59: Guest Introductions Chris and Oscar introduce themselves and their company, First Mover, which specializes in AI and omnichannel education. 00:59 - 04:35: The Evolution of AI Chris outlines the journey of AI from machine learning to deep learning, and its move toward generative AI. 04:35 - 08:13: Understanding Generative AI Chris and Oscar explain the hype around generative AI, emphasizing its ability to create rather than just predict. 08:13 - 12:26: AI’s Current Limitations in Text, Image, and Video Generation Discussion about the limitations of AI, particularly in balancing creativity with accuracy and legal guidelines. 12:26 - 16:00: Real-World Applications in Content Creation How AI is currently used to generate marketing images and the limitations of platforms like MidJourney. 16:00 - 24:00: The 8 P’s of AI in Go-to-Market Strategies Introduction to the 8 P’s (Platform, Proposition, Presence, Promotion, Performance, People, Process, and Partnerships) and their role in AI-powered business strategies. 24:00 - 29:30: Prioritizing AI Strategies A focus on which of the 8 P’s are the most crucial for sellers to prioritize when integrating AI. 29:30 - 32:00: Future Trends and Predictions for AI in Commerce Predictions on AI agents taking over shopping experiences and how sellers should prepare. 32:00 - 37:00: AI Performance and Decision-Making Discussion on AI’s role in analyzing data, performance improvement, and aiding in decision-making for businesses. 37:00 - 45:00: Building Trust in AI and Addressing Consumer Concerns Insights into building trust in AI systems and overcoming limitations like “uncanny valley” in AI-generated content. 45:00 - 49:00: Future of AI in Commerce Exploration of personalized PDPs (Product Detail Pages) and AI-driven customer experiences, with a long-term outlook on AI’s influence in commerce. 49:00 - End: Conclusion Final thoughts on the rapid progression of AI, and closing remarks on how sellers can adapt to the AI revolution. Key Takeaways 1. AI’s Expanding Role in eCommerce: From machine learning to generative AI, AI has grown into a powerful tool for content creation, decision-making, and customer experience enhancement. 2. Generative AI’s Limitations: Despite advancements, generative AI still struggles with balancing creativity and precision, particularly in high-demand areas like image and video generation. 3. The 8 P’s Framework: Sellers can structure their AI integration using the “8 P’s” of AI: Platform, Proposition, Presence, Promotion, Performance, People, Process, and Partnerships. 4. Prioritize PDPs and Presence: The most accessible entry point for sellers is using AI to optimize PDPs (Product Detail Pages), but future strategies should focus on leveraging AI agents and personalizing customer experiences. 5. Building Trust in AI: Success in adopting AI hinges on creating trust with consumers and understanding the limits of current AI technology. Connect with Oskar and Chris: https://firstmovr.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstmovr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskarkaszubski/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisaperry/ Learn more about The Matrix: https://firstmovr.com/maitrix/

Summary of the Podcast Episode: The episode focuses on the integration of A+ content and generative AI within Amazon’s brand content management system. The conversation, led by Cameron and guest Lauren Currie from Amazon, explores how these advancements can streamline the content creation process for sellers on Amazon. Topics include new features in A+ content, the importance of shoppable content, the role of generative AI in easing content creation, and best practices for using both A+ and AI tools. The episode emphasizes how these tools improve customer experience, boost brand engagement, and drive higher conversion rates. Key Takeaways: • A+ Content Features: A+ content allows brands to enhance their Amazon product listings with rich media and brand-focused content, driving higher engagement and sales (up to 20% increase). • Generative AI: AI tools help reduce churn in content creation, offering options for quicker text and image generation, though brands retain full control over final content. • Shoppable Content: Brands can now add shoppable comparison charts to both basic and premium A+ content, allowing customers to add products to their cart directly, doubling conversion rates. • Brand Story: The “Brand Story” feature is an underutilized tool that can help brands connect with customers through storytelling, showcasing their mission, vision, and wider product catalog. • Best Practices: Start simple with high-resolution images and a clear focus on key features. Leverage AI to assist but maintain the brand’s personal touch. Timestamp Summary of the Biggest Sections: • 00:00 - 00:02: Introduction of Lauren Currie and the topic of A+ content and generative AI. • 00:02 - 00:05: Overview of A+ content and its evolution. • 00:05 - 00:10: Discussion of shoppable content and its benefits for increasing conversion rates. • 00:10 - 00:15: Generative AI’s role in enhancing content creation, allowing faster and more streamlined processes. • 00:15 - 00:18: Tips for using A+ content and AI tools, emphasizing simplicity and brand control over the creative process. Subscribe for more content from Human in the Loop! Request a Free Demo here: https://www.teikametrics.com/lets-talk/

Join Ben Rey and Cameron Yoder as they dive deep into a summary of the Amazon Q3 Earnings Call Recap!

In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron Yoder talks with Shefali, Director of Product Marketing at Walmart Connect, about the growing role of Walmart Connect in retail media advertising. They discuss the unique advantages of Walmart’s omnichannel approach, leveraging first-party data, and recent enhancements to Walmart Connect’s advertising tools, such as dynamic bidding. Shefali shares key insights on how advertisers can optimize campaigns, improve retail readiness, and effectively use Walmart’s platform to drive business results. Outline with Time Stamps • [00:00 - 00:03]: Introduction to the episode and guest, Shefali of Walmart Connect. • [00:03 - 01:15]: Overview of Walmart Connect, Shefali’s role, and Walmart’s growth in retail media. • [01:15 - 03:47]: What makes Walmart Connect different: its omnichannel reach, first-party data, and online/offline synergy. • [03:47 - 05:16]: Tips for new advertisers: the importance of retail readiness and leveraging sponsored products. • [05:16 - 07:55]: Dynamic bidding: how Walmart Connect is using AI to improve ad performance and optimize costs. • [07:55 - 09:40]: Case study: Henry Deals and the success of dynamic bidding during the holiday season. • [09:40 - 11:32]: Future enhancements: Walmart Connect’s vision for AI-powered bidding and advertising automation. • [11:32 - 13:17]: Closing thoughts and how to connect with Walmart Connect for more resources.  Key Takeaways 1. Retail media is growing: Walmart Connect’s unique combination of digital and in-store data gives advertisers unparalleled opportunities. 2. Retail readiness is crucial: Optimizing product listings, inventory, and fulfillment are foundational for success on Walmart Connect. 3. Dynamic bidding saves time and improves results: Walmart Connect’s AI-driven bidding optimizes ad spend, leading to higher conversion rates and ROI. 4. Top search positions matter: Products in the top four positions on Walmart’s search page see significantly higher conversion rates. 5. Future innovations will focus on more AI and automation: Walmart Connect is committed to making advertising smarter and more efficient.

Summary of the Episode: In this data-driven episode of Human in the Loop, host Cameron Yoder and Teikametrics expert Laura Pattison dissect Q3 performance data for Amazon and Walmart. With a focus on key metrics like CPC, conversion rates, and advertising efficiency, they discuss how brands can navigate rising costs and evolving shopper behaviors. As Q4 and the holiday shopping season loom, the insights shared offer valuable takeaways to help brands plan smarter ad strategies and make data-driven decisions for the critical months ahead. 00:00 - 00:10 | Introduction 00:10 - 01:12 | Overview of Q3 Data 01:12 - 02:09 | Cost Per Click (CPC) Trends 02:09 - 04:10 | Conversion Rates: Walmart’s Lead 04:10 - 06:36 | Average Order Value (AOV) and Economic Impact 06:36 - 09:10 | Advertising Efficiency (ROAS) 09:10 - 14:02 | Implications for Q4 Advertising Strategies 14:02 - 16:00 | Final Takeaways and a Look Toward 2025 Essential Information to Know: 1. CPC Differences: Amazon maintains a higher CPC than Walmart, reflecting greater competition, while Walmart’s CPC remains more budget-friendly. 2. Conversion Rate Trends: Walmart is seeing better conversion rates, possibly due to growing consumer comfort with buying online rather than in-store. 3. Advertising Efficiency (ROAS): Both platforms faced a decline in ROAS, making ad budget allocation and bidding strategy more critical. 4. Strategic Takeaways for Q4: Focus on tiered product strategy, prioritize budget on high-value products, and use new ad tools to maintain a competitive edge. 5. Q4 as a Testing Ground: Brands should use Q4 performance insights to set up a solid data-driven approach heading into 2025.

Episode Overview: In this episode of Human in the Loop, Cameron Yoder interviews Laura about Amazon’s “Prime Big Deal Days,” exploring the event’s overall performance compared to previous years. The conversation dives into consumer behavior, advertising trends, and external events like Hurricane Milton and the upcoming election that affected shopper activity. The episode offers detailed insights into advertising metrics such as traffic, cost per click (CPC), and conversion rates, and provides strategic recommendations for future sales events, especially during Cyber Weekend and Q4. Episode Outline with Timestamps: 0:08 - 0:45: Introduction and Overview of Prime Big Deal Days. 0:45 - 1:35: Key Product Categories and External Events Affecting Sales. 2:25 - 3:11: Click and Traffic Data Analysis. 3:11 - 5:37: Cost Per Click (CPC) and Advertising Trends. 7:03 - 9:02: Ad Sales and Conversion Rates Discussion. 11:41 - 13:39: Predictions for Cyber Weekend and Q4. 14:35 - 16:00: Historical Perspective and Impact of Societal Events. 17:23 - 18:26: Amazon’s Recent Announcements and Future Impacts. Key Takeaways: 1. Impact of External Events: Hurricane Milton and the election cycle significantly reduced consumer attention during Prime Big Deal Days, leading to softer sales. 2. Year-Over-Year Trends: Clicks were down by 6%, while CPC increased by 16%, showing increased competition despite lower traffic. 3. Pre-Event Advertising Strategy: Brands can benefit from advertising during the lead-up to events when CPC is lower, even though conversion rates may not peak until the actual event days. 4. Cyber Weekend Outlook: Laura predicts that Cyber Weekend will still be strong year-over-year, but rising CPC will reduce advertising efficiency. 5. Amazon’s Evolving Tools: Recent announcements, like audience bid modifiers, offer new ways for brands to target more qualified traffic before and during major sales events.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Human in the Loop, Justin Willhite, a seasoned video producer and influencer, dives deep into the world of User Generated Content (UGC) on Amazon. Drawing from his years of experience, Justin explains how UGC, particularly video content, is becoming an essential tool for brands to build credibility and drive conversions. He discusses Amazon’s increasing focus on video through its Inspire feed and Creator Connections, and highlights the importance of peer validation through influencer videos. Justin also provides practical advice for brands on whether to create UGC themselves or collaborate with influencers, emphasizing the long-term value of repurposing content across multiple channels. Key takeaways include actionable insights into maximizing UGC’s potential, avoiding common pitfalls, and future trends in video and AI in eCommerce. Key Takeaways: Importance of UGC on Amazon: UGC, especially video content, adds credibility and drives conversions by providing peer validation. Amazon’s growing emphasis on influencer videos indicates the effectiveness of UGC in eCommerce. Amazon’s Features Supporting UGC: Amazon’s Inspire feed and Creator Connections promote influencer video content. UGC now appears not just in the lower carousels but also in upper carousels alongside product listings. Working with Influencers vs. Creating Content: Brands can create UGC, but leveraging influencers often yields better, more authentic content. Repurposing influencer content across multiple channels maximizes the return on investment. Future Trends in UGC & AI: AI-generated content is growing, but organic, influencer-created content will remain crucial for authentic brand representation. Video content will continue to dominate in eCommerce, with platforms increasingly integrating AI into operational functions. Insightful Quotes: “If Amazon is doing something, that means it works. They don’t waste time on features that don’t convert.” “User Generated Content is the peer validation that gives your product credibility beyond your marketing efforts.” “You can create content yourself, but working with influencers allows you to get professional, authentic, and versatile video assets.” “The future is AI-driven, but people will still crave real, influencer-generated content for true connection.” Timestamps for Key Sections: [00:00 - 01:00] Introduction to the Podcast & Guest Justin Willhite [01:00 - 04:00] What is UGC and Why It Matters on Amazon [04:00 - 06:45] Amazon’s Focus on UGC and Video Features like Inspire and Creator Connections [06:45 - 09:45] Should Brands Create UGC Themselves or Work with Influencers? [09:45 - 13:00] How to Maximize UGC and Repurpose Content for Multi-Channel Use [13:00 - 18:00] What Makes Good UGC Content and Best Practices for Brands [18:00 - 21:30] The Long-Term Benefits of UGC and Evergreen Video Content [21:30 - 25:00] Common Pitfalls of UGC & How Brands Can Avoid Them [25:00 - 31:00] Future Trends in UGC, Video, and AI in eCommerce [31:00 - 38:00] Closing Thoughts and How to Contact Justin for UGC Services Contact Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwillhite/ [email protected] https://consumerquest.online

🚨 Predictions for Amazon Accelerate 🚨 Amazon Accelerate is here, and that means the latest and greatest announcements and innovations for sellers on Amazon.. What do our experts expect to see this year in Seattle? Spoiler alert: Potentially lot of AMC and AI involvement this year.

Episode Summary In this episode, Steve Rolle shares his e-commerce journey and delves into the concept of "the moat." The moat represents creating a robust defense around a brand, making it irreplaceable in the marketplace. Steve emphasizes the necessity of a great product, effective marketing, and protection strategies to establish a moat. He underscores the importance of dominating top search positions on platforms like Amazon to drive sales. Steve and Cameron Yoder discuss how a true moat comprises well-reviewed quality products at various price points, forming a coalition of competitors. They explore strategies to create a competitive advantage and protect businesses from new entrants. Innovation, customer obsession, and hiring the right people are highlighted as key elements in building a sustainable and successful brand on Amazon. The conversation provides valuable insights into the mindset and strategies needed to scale a business, emphasizing the importance of exceptional customer service and continuous improvement. Key Takeaways Creating a moat around your brand is essential for making it irreplaceable in the marketplace. A moat is built with a great product, effective marketing strategies, and strong protection measures. A true moat exists when there are well-reviewed quality products at every price point, forming a coalition of competitors. Innovation and continuously solving customer problems are key to maintaining your moat. Customer obsession should be ingrained in your business, with constant feedback, product improvement, and exceptional service. Hiring the right people and delegating tasks are crucial for scaling your business and focusing on strategic decisions. Advertising requires the owner's involvement initially, but hiring experts is important as the business grows. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Steve's Journey in E-commerce  24:35 - Building a Moat: Making Your Brand Irreplaceable  29:19 - The Key Elements of a Strong Moat: Product, Marketing, and Protection  31:38 - Winning the Top of Search: The Gateway to Establishing a Moat  32:37 - The Coalition of Competitors: Forming a True Moat  33:01 - Building a Moat: The Importance of a Competitive Advantage  38:51 - Positioning and Branding: Creating an Impenetrable Moat  41:17 - Entering a New Market: Strategies for Success  45:19 - Capital and Payment Terms: The Power of Net Payment Terms  48:31 - Owner Involvement: The Role of Advertising and Strategic Decision-Making Connect with Steve: TikTok YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Steverolle.com Quotes from this Episode: "The moat is there to make sure that they can't get a foothold in our industry." "Great marketing means trademarks, branding, and winning top of search." "A true moat means having well-reviewed quality products at every price point." "You have to decide if you're one of these 700 people a day on Amazon coming in on the U.S. or 2000 around the world, and you want to compete with us, you have to decide." "The combination of that coalition of sellers that is unspoken to me, that's your moat."

Summary In this episode of Human in the Loop, we dive into Walmart's latest earnings call and explore the key highlights from their major annual event, Let's Grow 2024. Laura Pattison, Senior Director of Strategy and Insights at Teikametrics, and Ben Ray, Chief Revenue Officer, provide expert analysis on Walmart's growth strategies and Q2 Earnings Call, focusing on international expansion, Walmart Connect's advertising success, the impact of grocery price trends on consumer behavior, and much more. Key Takeaways: International Growth: Walmart's international markets, particularly in China and India, are driving significant revenue growth, with international sales growing at nearly double the rate of domestic sales. Advertising Strength: Walmart Connect saw a 30% increase in ad revenue. Teikametrics' Walmart clients experienced incredible growth as well. Grocery Prices: While grocery prices increased year-over-year, they decreased quarter-over-quarter, which could attract more shoppers to Walmart, boosting overall sales. Let's Grow Event: This year's Let's Grow event doubled in size, reflecting growing seller confidence in Walmart's marketplace. Predictions include potential announcements around Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and new advertising tools to compete with Amazon's Marketing Cloud. Tune in to hear more about the future of Walmart's marketplace and how sellers can capitalize on these trends.

In this episode, we dive into brand building on Amazon with guest Nikhita from Amazon. Nikhita explains the crucial differences between a brand and a seller, emphasizing the importance of brand recognition for accessing programs that enhance customer education and brand awareness. We also introduce the Build Your Brand page, a comprehensive resource within Seller Central offering tailored recommendations and programs for various brand-building goals. Key metrics discussed include branded search ratio, repeat customer rate, conversion rate, and star rating. Looking ahead, Amazon plans to introduce additional metrics and personalization features to help brands focus on specific goals and measure their progress effectively. Takeaways Being recognized as a brand on Amazon opens up access to programs that help educate customers and improve brand awareness. The Build Your Brand page within Seller Central serves as a one-stop destination for brand building, providing recommendations and programs based on different goals. The current brand building metrics available are branded search ratio, repeat customer rate, conversion rate, and star rating. The future direction includes introducing more metrics and personalization to help brands focus on specific goals and measure their progress. Sound Bites "In order to make brands successful at brand building, it needs to be measurable." "We now have a program called the Build Your Brand page." "The Build Your Brand page sits within Seller Central and it's accessible to all brands." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Measurable Brand Building 03:05 - Introducing the Build Your Brand Page 10:37 - Accessing the Build Your Brand Page within Seller Central 16:45 - Measuring Brand Building Success with Metrics 23:37 - The Future of Brand Building: Personalization and More Metrics

Summary In this episode, host Cameron Yoder sits down with Lauren Livak Gilbert to delve into the intersection of omnichannel strategies and artificial intelligence (AI) in the e-commerce landscape. They cover the current selling environment, the hurdles brands encounter, and the crucial need to excel at foundational practices. The discussion highlights the benefits of diversifying across various marketplaces and the pivotal role data plays in shaping strategy. On the topic of AI, they examine its impact on scalability, efficiency, and the evolving consumer shopping experience. Emphasizing the importance of clear goals and value when integrating AI, they advocate for a strategic approach to testing and learning. The conversation also ventures into the future of AI, discussing potential shifts in search and regulation. Takeaways Being brilliant at the basics is crucial in the ever-changing digital landscape of e-commerce. Profitability is a major challenge for brands and retailers, and they need to get creative and work smarter to reach consumers. Data is essential for informing strategy and decision-making, but brands need to bring together different data sets and understand what the data is telling them. Omnichannel is important because brands need to be where their consumers are, and it requires internal collaboration and flexibility. AI is changing how brands work by providing scalability and efficiency, and it is also changing how consumers shop by enabling mission-based searches and personalized recommendations. To integrate AI in an accessible way, brands should have a clear goal, test and learn in a strategic way, and involve experts from different functions within the organization. The future of AI in e-commerce includes changes in search, increased regulation, and improved accessibility. Quotes from this episode: "Digital is always changing. There's something new. There's going to be a new technology, a new channel." "The top challenge for brands today is profitability." "Brands need data to inform their market strategies." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 04:31 - Challenges in the Current State of Selling 06:22 - The Role of Data in Strategy 10:40 - The Importance of Omni-Channel 23:47 - The Impact of AI on E-commerce 27:56 - Integrating AI in E-commerce 34:29 - The Future of AI in E-commerce

Amazon's recent earnings call revealed a revenue increase year-over-year, but a miss in terms of expected growth, leading to a slide in Amazon shares. The enormity and success of Amazon's diverse portfolio, including AWS and content on Prime Video like The Boys, is still impressive. This conversation recaps the primary takeaways from Amazon's Q2 earnings call, including a specific focus for advertisers and ecommerce sellers alike. We discuss everything from Amazon's growth in the ads business compared to Meta and Google, to AWS and AI investment, Rufus (an AI-powered product recommendation engine within Amazon's app), Amazon's potential response to Temu and Shein, and much more. Takeaways Amazon's earnings call revealed a slight revenue miss, leading to a slide in Amazon shares. Despite this, the enormity and success of Amazon's diverse portfolio, including AWS and content like The Boys, is still impressive. Amazon's ads business showed strong growth compared to competitors like Meta and Google. The discussion highlighted the advantage of having AWS in-house and the power of Amazon's data set. Rufus, an AI-powered product recommendation engine, is expected to improve the user journey and increase conversion rates. Amazon's focus on sponsored TV and its closed-loop system for measuring efficiency in advertising stood out. The call addressed the impact of the economy and pricing pressures on sellers, with competition from Tmoo and Shein affecting average sales prices. Chapters 00:00 - Amazon's Earnings Call: Revenue Miss and Disappointing Guidance 01:34 - Impressive Enormity of Amazon's Diverse Portfolio 02:32 - Strong Growth in Amazon's Ads Business 03:57 - Advantage of AWS and Power of Amazon's Data Set 05:22 - Rufus: AI-Powered Product Recommendation Engine 07:46 - Focus on Sponsored TV and Closed-Loop Advertising 10:31 - Impact of Economy and Pricing Pressures on Sellers

Join us in this lightning-fast episode of Benchmark Blitz as we dive into the metrics and trends that shaped Prime Day 2024. Host Cameron Yoder and data expert Laura Pattison break down the most crucial data points from this year's Prime Day, offering insights into traffic, costs, conversions, ad sales and more. 📈 Highlights: Discover the significant year-over-year traffic increase, particularly in the 10 days leading up to Prime Day. Learn about changes in ad spend and how it influenced overall cost and click-through rates. Understand the nuanced changes in conversion rates and average order value (AOV). Get insights into which product categories thrived and which saw unexpected declines. 📊 Whether you're an eCommerce professional looking to optimize your strategy or simply interested in the latest trends, this episode is packed with valuable data and expert analysis. Tune in to get the inside scoop on what drove success during Prime Day 2024 and how you can leverage these insights for future events.

In the latest episode of Human in the Loop, our very own Laura Pattison explores key data and insights from H1. Laura will help unpack exactly what's happening across Amazon and Walmart - how they compare against each other, and what's happening individually in each marketplace as well. We've summarized key data points, below, but highly encourage listening to the full episode to understand what's happening in the market. 🔍 Efficiency Comparison: Walmart's efficiency declined by 11% year over year in H1 2024, while Amazon saw a smaller decline of 4%. This reflects Walmart's increasing competition in the marketplace. 💲 Cost per Click (CPC): Walmart's CPC increased by 24% year over year, while Amazon's increased by 17%. Despite these increases, sales per click also rose (10% for Walmart, 12% for Amazon), indicating higher click values. 🛒 Conversion Rates and Sales Growth: Amazon experienced a 9% increase in conversion rates and a 4% increase in average order value (AOV). This suggests growing consumer confidence and spending on the platform. 📈 Future Outlook: Laura anticipates CPCs stabilizing in Q3 post-Prime Day, with potential fluctuations due to market updates. Overall, she expects continued growth in sales per click and conversion rates for both platforms in H2 2024.

Podcast Description: Join Cameron Yoder on this insightful episode of Human in the Loop, where he dives deep into the dynamic competition between Walmart and Amazon with special guest Ryan King, CEO of BlueRyse. They explore Walmart's evolving marketplace strategies, its unique strengths, and how it’s setting itself apart from Amazon. Discover the technological advancements Walmart is implementing, the role of its physical stores, and its future in the omnichannel retail landscape. Whether you're an experienced seller or new to the e-commerce game, this episode offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives on the Walmart vs. Amazon debate. Key Takeaways: Walmart's Unique Strengths: Walmart leverages its vast network of physical stores to offer services like order pickup and grocery delivery, giving it a significant edge over Amazon in these areas. Technological Advancements: Walmart is investing in digital pricing labels, augmented reality shopping experiences, and virtual try-ons to enhance both the online and in-store customer experience. Future Speculations: Walmart’s experiments with platforms like Roblox hint at its efforts to engage younger audiences and integrate physical and digital shopping experiences. Comparison with Amazon: While Amazon leads in e-commerce, advanced advertising tools, and niche market depth, Walmart excels in leveraging its physical presence and grocery offerings. Quotable Moments: “Walmart’s physical footprint is a significant advantage, being within ten minutes of a majority of the U.S. population.” – Ryan King “The endless shelf of e-commerce can never be fully translated to physical stores, but Walmart is experimenting with blending these environments.” – Ryan King “Walmart is trying new features and investing resources to enhance the consumer experience, from augmented reality to virtual try-ons.” – Cameron Yoder Ways to Find Each Guest: Ryan King: Connect with Ryan King on LinkedIn and learn more about his work at BlueRyse. Cameron Yoder: Follow Cameron Yoder on social media and check out more episodes of Human in the Loop. Outline: Introduction (00:00 - 00:01:04) Welcome and episode overview by Cameron Yoder. Introduction of the topic: Walmart vs. Amazon. Setting the Stage (00:01:04 - 00:02:01) Cameron's goals for the conversation. Exploration of Walmart's strengths compared to Amazon. Deep Dive into Walmart's Market Position (00:02:01 - 00:05:16) Discussion on Walmart's unique identity and strengths. Comparison of Walmart’s and Amazon’s strengths in the marketplace. Ryan King’s insights on Amazon’s e-commerce lead and Walmart’s physical retail advantage. Technological Innovations (00:05:16 - 00:10:03) Digital pricing labels and their impact on shopping. Walmart's advancements in online and in-store technology. The role of augmented reality and virtual try-ons. Omnichannel Strategies (00:10:03 - 00:16:56) Discussion on Walmart’s omnichannel play and micro-fulfillment centers. The future of e-commerce and physical retail integration. Challenges and opportunities for third-party sellers on Walmart. Future Speculations and Experiments (00:16:56 - 00:23:06) Walmart’s experimentation with platforms like Roblox. The potential impact of these experiments on future shopping experiences. Final thoughts on Walmart’s future direction and ongoing innovations. Conclusion (00:23:06 - End) Summary of key points discussed. Closing remarks by Cameron Yoder and Ryan King. Information on where to find and connect with each guest.

Summary In this episode, the founders of Lala Hijabs, Sanaa and Will, discuss the intersection of technology, content, and e-commerce. They share how their brand started out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly gained attention through TikTok, and how they set themselves apart in a hyper-competitive market. The founders emphasize the importance of their partnership and how their different strengths contribute to the success of the brand, and highlight the impact of their content in educating and connecting with their audience. Lala Hijabs has experienced rapid growth and expansion, including the launch of a clothing line and collaborations with other retailers. This episode is a perfect example of what content creators are doing to succeed in new ways in today's rapidly-changing ecommerce market. Takeaways Lala Hijabs started out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and gained attention through TikTok. The unique and colorful hijabs offered by Lala Hijabs set them apart in the market. The partnership between the founders, Sanaa and Will, and their ability to work together with their different strengths has been crucial to the success of the brand. Content creation has played a significant role in educating and connecting with their audience. Lala Hijabs has experienced rapid growth and expansion, including the launch of a clothing line and collaborations with other retailers. Gaining media attention can be a significant boost for a brand's visibility and growth. TikTok has played a crucial role in the success of Lala Hijabs, and they have built a strong community through the platform. The content on TikTok has evolved over time, becoming more scripted and less raw. TikTok has the potential to continue evolving and offering new opportunities for content creators and brands. Being true to oneself and staying authentic is essential for success in content and product creation. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:00 - Starting Lala Hijabs 06:00 - Launching the Brand 09:00 - Challenges and Growth 12:00 - Balancing Product and Content 15:00 - Current State and Future Plans 17:00 - Key Factors for Success 18:20 - The Impact of TikTok 20:00 - The Evolution of TikTok 25:00 - Advice for Content Creators & Producing Content

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of e-commerce and traditional retail with John Merris, former CEO of Solo Stove and Solo Brands. John shares his extensive experience and insights on the current state of the industry, emphasizing the importance of simplicity amidst increasing complexity. From multichannel strategies to leveraging technology and authentic content, John provides valuable advice for navigating the ecommerce landscape in 2024 and beyond. Tune in to learn how to maintain simplicity and achieve growth in today's competitive market. Key Takeaways: Simplicity is Key: Despite the increasing complexity in ecommerce, maintaining simplicity in strategy and operations is crucial for sustainable growth. Adapt to Change: Stay agile and open to evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements. Leverage Authentic Content: Embrace the power of genuine, relatable content to connect with your audience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Traffic 08:43 The Shifts in the E-commerce Industry 13:50 The Importance of Multi-channel Strategies 23:17 Creating Authentic and Relatable Content 26:42 The Future of E-commerce: Integration of Physical and Digital Retail Quotable Moments: "It's become harder to win because it's easier to compete." – John Merris "Technology is amazing, but not all tech is created equal." – John Merris "In the future, I don't think you'll have physical and digital retail bifurcated." – John Merris Guest Information: John Merris: CEO of Floret, former CEO of Solo Stove and Solo Brands LinkedIn: ⁠John Merris⁠ Host Information: Cam: Host of Human in the Loop LinkedIn: ⁠Cameron Yoder⁠ Additional Resources: ⁠Solo Stove⁠ Subscribe and Follow: Apple Podcasts: ⁠Human in the Loop⁠ Spotify: ⁠Human in the Loop⁠ YouTube: ⁠Teikametrics⁠ Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to you! Contact Us: For questions, feedback, or to suggest topics for future episodes, contact our host, Cameron Yoder, on ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

Summary In this episode, Cameron Yoder and John Derkits discuss the bankruptcy of Thrasio, a prominent Amazon aggregator. They provide an overview of Thrasio's rise to unicorn status and the factors that contributed to its downfall, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational and strategic missteps, and financial strain. They also analyze the implications of Thrasio's bankruptcy for the e-commerce industry as a whole and the evolving aggregator model. Takeaways Thrasio's bankruptcy is a result of a combination of factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational and strategic missteps, and financial strain. Thrasio's bankruptcy is a Chapter 11 reorganization, not a complete shutdown, and it allows the company to restructure its debt and continue operating. The e-commerce industry is experiencing softer demand and margin compression, and success in this environment requires operational and financial acumen. The aggregator model is evolving, and future successful aggregators will likely focus on strong product development, traditional private equity-like strategies, or deep specialization in specific categories. Thrasio's bankruptcy serves as a cautionary tale for the industry and highlights the need for sustainable growth and profitability in the e-commerce space. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:19 - Overview of Thrasio and its Rise 10:09 - Factors Contributing to Thrasio's Downfall 27:26 - Implications for the E-commerce Industry 35:19 - The Future of the Aggregator Model 42:46 - Conclusion and Where to Find John We'd encourage you to follow and engage with Jon across his social channels and website: LinkedIn Blog / Newsletter Website

Amazon's biggest sales day of the year is coming soon... are you ready? This special edition episode of Human in the Loop brings together some of today's top experts to talk through the strategies they plan to implement this year. Outline: In this episode we plan to cover topics and questions like: How important is it for sellers to plan their advertising campaigns well in advance of Prime Day, and what are some best practices for doing so? Can you provide insights into the types of products or categories that tend to perform particularly well during Prime Day, and how sellers in other categories can still capitalize on the event? How does the increased competition during Prime Day impact advertising costs and campaign performance, and how can sellers effectively manage their budgets? What advertising types or strategies have proven to be most effective for driving sales and visibility during Prime Day? What metrics should sellers be monitoring closely during Prime Day to evaluate the performance of their advertising campaigns, and how can they adjust their strategies in real-time based on these insights? And much more! The extended, complete version of this Q&A can be found here. Registration is free to unlock the full version of this Q&A. Enjoy, and good luck on Prime Day 2024!

The way people shop online has drastically changed over the years. Content has become an essential aspect of a brand’s ability to capture the attention of its audience and turn them into loyal paying customers. This episode explores how Amazon is capitalizing on this revolution of content, attention, and buyer behavior.  We’ll dive into Amazon’s ability to meet sellers and buyers at any point in their journey of either buying or selling products, and Amazon’s “everyone all at once” presence Whether you’re a seasoned Amazon seller or just getting started, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of where ecommerce is headed, and how you can leverage these content trends to enhance your brand’s presence and success on Amazon’s marketplace. TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hitlpodcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hitlpodcast/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihXYbJckEDqaaLg3l1fuNw Key Takeaways: Content is Changing The Way People Shop Shift from linear TV to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Gen Z represents a significant demographic with distinct values and preferences. Third-party sellers on Amazon have surged to represent a majority of sales. Amazon is Everywhere Amazon's acquisitions like Whole Foods and ventures into sports streaming and virtual reality demonstrate its omnipresence. Leveraging various platforms to engage with customers in diverse ways. Content is King Content plays a pivotal role in advertising and selling products across Amazon's different lanes. Platforms like Twitch and Thursday Night Football offer unique opportunities for engagement. AI's Role in Ecommerce AI enhances customer experiences and aids in operational efficiencies. Amazon is committed to using AI to solve problems and improve customer experiences. The Future of Buyer Behavior Buyer behavior will continue evolving, necessitating brands to adapt swiftly. Amazon emphasizes test and iterate methodologies, keeping pace with evolving trends. Integration of Content into Shopping Journeys Amazon continuously innovates to integrate content seamlessly into the shopping experience. Sellers should revisit features and adapt strategies to suit evolving trends. Taking Advantage of the Evolution in Ecommerce Start with a great product as the foundation. Build a loyal customer base and attract new audiences through effective marketing strategies. Leverage Amazon's rich signals to identify and reach potential customers.

Outline: AI has been a hot topics for a long time now… but what aspects of artificial intelligence are actually useful?  When it comes down to it… What can AI do that we can’t? What should AI do, that we can’t? This episode explores just how much AI can (And should) do in the ever-changing, ever-growing world of ecommerce and beyond.  Laura Pattison, an expert in leveraging artificial intelligence to run ads on Amazon, Walmart and beyond, walks us through this concept in detail. By the end of this episode, we hope you’ll walk away with a clear understand of just how much AI is changing and impacting the world of ecommerce, how you can take advantage of it, and where your personal time is best spent growing your business. TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hitlpodcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hitlpodcast/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihXYbJckEDqaaLg3l1fuNw⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Context 01:15 Exploring the Singularity 04:15 Why AI Outperforms Humans  05:22 The Numbers-Based Aspect of AI in Ad Management 06:21 External Influences and Factors in Managing Ads 10:58 Specific Examples of AI Improving Advertising 17:27 How to Leverage AI in Different Areas of Ad Management 25:03 AI-Dominant Lanes  29:22 The Future of AI  36:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 41:23 Fear of the Unknown 44:51 Getting Left Behind Takeaways AI has the ability to outperform humans in certain areas of ad management, particularly in handling large volumes of data and making decisions based on multiple signals. The combination of AI and human expertise is crucial for successful ad management, as humans can provide insights and make decisions based on external influences and factors that AI may not be able to fully understand. AI is currently dominant in areas such as bidding, campaign creation, inventory adjustments, and creative content generation. The future of AI in advertising holds the potential for further advancements in creative content generation, including image, video, and audio creation. Advertisers should identify their weaknesses and the greatest opportunities for their brands to determine where AI can be leveraged to improve ad performance and efficiency. Fear of technology often arises from a lack of understanding. Leveraging AI and technology can provide a competitive advantage. Refusing to embrace technology can result in being left behind.

A large majority of the sellers listening to this podcast are already selling on Amazon and/or Walmart… but what about TikTok? What does it look like to sell and grow your brand on TikTok today? What about starting your brand on TikTok, going viral, and then expanding into Amazon and Walmart second? In this conversation, the founders of Sud Scrub, Steven and Ray, discuss the beginning of the Sud Scrub brand, how they leveraged TikTok to go viral and skyrocket sales, and how it all lead to the incredible growth of a shower scrub.  Overall, the story behind Steven and Ray highlights the power of social media in driving awareness and sales for a business, just how much power and influence TikTok has in a core group of untapped buyers, and what potential sits waiting for sellers and content creators to grow with. This is one of our best conversations to-date. I highly suggest you take a look at the Sud Scrub TikTok channel for inspiration: https://www.tiktok.com/@sudscrubAs always, thanks so much for joining us on HITL, and follow us on social media to keep up with the latest and greatest clips from the show! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hitlpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitlpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihXYbJckEDqaaLg3l1fuNw Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Beginning of Sudscrub 05:26 The Creation of the First Sud Scrub 07:43 Launching Sud Scrub to Crickets 09:59 Discovering TikTok as a Marketing Platform 16:17 The Mentality of Creating Content  19:51 The Shift in Approach After Going Viral 23:09 Sud Scrub and the Role of TikTok Shops 25:51 The Shift from Doing Everything to Building a Team 30:38 The Future of E-commerce and TikTok 31:39 The Future of Sudscrub 41:08 Advice for Starting a Product-based Business on TikTok Takeaways Utilizing TikTok as a marketing platform can help drive awareness and sales for a business. Consistently creating content and engaging with the audience is key to building a community and growing a brand. Being transparent and authentic in your content can help establish trust with customers. Building a team and delegating tasks is essential for scaling a business and freeing up time for strategic growth. TikTok and content marketing can be powerful tools for promoting products and driving sales. Over-communication with customers is essential for building loyalty and addressing any issues or delays. The future of e-commerce involves the integration of content and commerce, where both are necessary for success. Expanding product offerings requires careful consideration, and retail may not always be the best option. When starting a product-based business on TikTok, it is important to have a well-developed idea and consider patent protection. Dealing with counterfeit products requires educating consumers and protecting your brand. Persistence and dedication are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in the e-commerce industry.

The first of our first recurring series, Benchmark Blitz explores the most essential trends and changes happening on two of the world’s largest marketplaces - Amazon and Walmart. Episodes from this series will help you understand how Amazon and Walmart are changing; How seller strategy is shifting, how buyer behavior is changing, how the economy is altering both marketplaces, and ultimately what trends you need to be aware of as an advertiser and seller. This is our most data-focused episode and largely speaks to current sellers on either marketplace. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Benchmark Blitz 02:17 - Efficiency Comparison: Amazon vs. Walmart 07:02 - Competition and CPCs: Amazon vs. Walmart 11:26 - Sales Per Click and Conversion Rate: Amazon vs. Walmart 16:21 - Average Order Value: Amazon vs. Walmart 20:28 - Buyer Behavior and The Economy: Amazon vs. Walmart 25:23 - Efficiency and CPCs: Amazon 28:35 - Sales per Click and AOV: Amazon 31:11 - Efficiency and CPCs: Walmart 34:57 - Sales per Click and AOV: Walmart 38:17 - CPCs: Amazon 43:12 - Consumer Behavior: Amazon 46:26 - Conclusion: Predicting the Future of Ecommerce Key Takeaways:  Amazon vs Walmart: Efficiency Comparison (ROAS): Walmart exhibited strong efficiency over Amazon in 2022, but the efficiency gains began to decrease in 2023, indicating increased competition and growth on Walmart. CPC Trends: Amazon and Walmart are both increasing in saturation and competition. Cost-Per-Click (CPC) for both Amazon and Walmart increased each quarter in 2023, with Walmart's CPC steadily rising.  Walmart seems to show great efficiency despite increasing CPCs. Walmart displays better returns on clicks than Amazon in some cases.  Conversion Rate and AOV:** Walmart's conversion rate is higher than Amazon's, while Walmart's Average Order Value (AOV) is notably lower. This suggests that Walmart attracts buyers looking for everyday low prices and lower-value goods. CPC Increase Impact: The increase in CPCs on both platforms led to tighter profit margins for advertisers, emphasizing the challenges faced in maintaining profitability. 2024 Outlook:** We anticipate this election year's impact, making predictions challenging, but suggest AOVs and conversion rates may return to Q3 levels. Walmart Impact on the Economy: Walmart's lower AOV in the first half of 2023 suggests economic softness, but a steady increase in the second half indicates growing consumer confidence. Preferable Entry Timing: Entering Walmart's marketplace is advantageous due to its strong efficiency and lower CPC compared to Amazon. Considerations for Advertisers:** Advertisers should pay attention to buyer behavior, conversion rates, and AOV to adapt strategies based on changing market dynamics. 46% Greater Efficiency:** Despite efficiency decline, Walmart's efficiency remained approximately 46% greater than Amazon, emphasizing significant opportunity on Walmart. Amazon Cautious Consumer Behavior:** In the first half of 2023, Amazon shoppers were price-conscious, seeking bargains and being conservative with spending. Efficiency Decline on Amazon:** Amazon experienced a softer efficiency throughout 2023, with a noticeable decline in Q4, indicating increased competition. ROAS Indicator:** Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) on Amazon showed a decline in efficiency, but the year-over-year difference was 4%, with a 7% decline in Q4. Sales Volume Increase:** Despite efficiency decline, total ad sales on Amazon increased by 55%, indicating a significant acceleration in sales volume. CPCs Increase:** Amazon's CPCs increased in 2023, particularly in Q4, showcasing heightened competition among brands for consumer dollars. Sales Per Click Indicator:** Sales per click on Amazon remained relatively flat, with brands adjusting to changes in consumer behavior and competition. Note: The summary highlights key points, and for a more detailed understanding, listening to the entire podcast episode is recommended.

Summary This conversation explores the journey of Alasdair McLean Foreman, one of the first third-party sellers on Amazon that became the founder and CEO of a successful, thriving software company, Teikametrics. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by sellers and the evolution of the e-commerce landscape. Alasdair also explains the role of AI in solving these challenges and the future of AI in e-commerce, business, and daily life. In this conversation, Alasdair and Cameron explore what the transition and journey of a seller to successful owner and operator of a thriving software company looks like, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s always-on and always-changing market. Takeaways The journey from third-party seller to software CEO involves navigating the challenges of selling on Amazon and adapting to the changing e-commerce landscape. The problems faced by sellers, such as gaining new customers and growing their businesses, have remained consistent over time. AI is a crucial tool for sellers and software companies, enabling automation and optimization at a scale beyond human capability. The future of AI in e-commerce holds limitless opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Effective communication is crucial in both personal and professional relationships. To grow, it is essential to listen to your core customers and adapt quickly when necessary to reflect what your customers desire to grow their own business. Keep a pulse on the market, adapt quickly, listen to your customers and employees, and always strive to improve. Chapters 00:00 - From Third-Party Seller to Software CEO 01:34 - Starting as one of the first Third-Party Sellers on Amazon 03:41 - Transitioning to a Software Company 14:46 - The Scale-Up of Teikametrics 25:03 - The Challenges for Sellers and CEOs 31:28 - The Role of AI in Teikametrics 40:40 - The Future of AI in E-commerce 45:50 - Conclusion We hope you enjoy the very first episode of Human in the Loop, and look forward to many more episodes to come!

We are at a turning point.  A point of no return. A point where the challenges of today evolve faster than are humanly possible to keep pace with.  A Human in the Loop is the combination of human and machine to achieve a result far greater than either could achieve on their own.  To be a Human in the Loop is to leverage technology - the machine - to far surpass the complex challenges in the world of ecommerce today. This new show dives into the dynamic intersection of human intelligence and cutting-edge technology within the ever evolving landscape of ecommerce. From in-depth discussions on Artificial Intelligence, to brands that have launched and gone viral on TikTok, to the stories behind today’s biggest technology companies, brands, CEOs and sellers… You’ll learn today’s greatest strategies and insights through the most up-to-date conversations with industry leaders and innovators that you’ve never seen on a show before. Welcome to the forefront of the ecommerce revolution, where being a Human in the Loop is not just a strategy.. But the essence of progress.