Abandoned Cart

When the High Street Is Dying, Why Is This Brand Opening a Showroom?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam hosts Chloe Mead, Founder of Fling Fashion Rental, to explore what it takes to build a physical, in-person retail model in a digital-first e-commerce world.

Chloe shares how a frustrating wedding guest dress experience sparked the idea for Fling, why fashion rental needs a rethink, and how community, experience, and sustainability sit at the heart of her brand.

From bootstrapping marketing with low-budget influencer events to learning hard lessons early on, this conversation is packed with insights for founders, retailers, and anyone building a brand today.

Key Topics Covered

“Sometimes you’ve got to leap without looking.”
The wedding guest dress that inspired Fling - the why behind the business
Why online fashion rental doesn’t work for everyone
Experience vs convenience in modern retail
Building community through local creators
How a £250 influencer event paid off
A tough early lesson every founder can relate to

Connect with Chloé Mead:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlo%C3%A9-mead-9441001ba

Website: https://www.flingfashionrental.com

Connect with &Allies:

To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

From £6M to £60M: Why Storytelling & Theatre Set Winning Brands Apart

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam sits down with Neil Sumner, retail consultant and founder of Sumner For Hire, to explore why content is still king and why many brands are getting it wrong.

With a career spanning publishing, luxury media, global retail, and high-growth brands like BrewDog, Neil shares powerful lessons on storytelling, humility, and the importance of theater in commerce. From driving 10x DTC growth during lockdown to challenging the “sea of sameness” in modern e-commerce, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build connection, loyalty, and differentiation in today’s crowded market.

If you’re a founder, marketer, or e-commerce leader tired of playing it safe, this one’s for you.

Key Topics Covered

Neil’s professional journey and the brands that shaped it, including BrewDog and Hunter & Gather.
The BrewDog story - how bold thinking fueled growth and loyal communities.
Why storytelling sits at the heart of customer connection in retail.
The real challenges of digital transformation and lessons from projects that didn’t go to plan.

Connect with Neil Sumner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilsumner/

Website: neil@sumnerforhire.com.

Connect with &Allies:

To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

How to stand out in a ‘samey’ category: building Angry Pablo, a performance clothing brand with personality.

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Laura sits down with Jago, co-founder of Angry Pablo, the sustainable cycling and running apparel brand challenging how performance sports look, feel, and sound.

Jago shares how Angry Pablo was born not from a market gap analysis but from lived experience as athletes who felt modern performance culture had become intimidating and joyless. Together, they unpack how brand, honesty, and creativity can cut through even the most crowded categories.

This episode is a must-listen for founders building brands in “samey” spaces and anyone curious about how community, tone, and restraint can outperform hype.

Key Topics Covered

Why less money can actually drive better decisions
Building a brand without formal brand guidelines (yet staying consistent)
Standing out in a crowded performance apparel market
Why humour and humanity don’t dilute performance, they strengthen it
The importance of organic growth before paid acquisition
Creating emotional connection beyond transactional sales
Balancing friendship and business as co-founders
The challenges of funding a product-led brand
Transitioning from limited drops to a core, year-round collection

Connect with Jago Leckie:

Angry Pablo

Website: https://angrypablo.cc

Instagram / TikTok: @angrypablo

Connect with &Allies:

To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

From 0 to £5m in 9 Months: Joe Munns on Baked In and Early TikTok Shop Growth

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam sits down with Joe Munns, an experienced FMCG leader, entrepreneur and brand builder, and the founder of home baking business, Baked In.

Joe shares the full story, from starting Baked In as a side hustle while working at IBM, to building an accredited food manufacturing operation and landing major retail listings. He opens up about the whirlwind pandemic boom that took the business from around £1m to nearly £5m in just nine months, and the lessons that followed as the business navigated funding pressure, operational complexity, and the realities of sustaining growth.

A standout section of this episode is Joe’s early adoption of TikTok Shop, including what it actually took to make live selling work, how they used community to build momentum, and why TikTok Shop quickly became Baked In’s biggest D2C channel during peak periods.

Expect a refreshingly honest conversation about:

The best advice Joe ever received, and why “don’t stretch yourself too far” became a defining lesson
Building Baked In from baking kits to a subscription vision, alongside retail and manufacturing
The hidden complexity of too many SKUs, too many channels, and not enough resource
What rapid pandemic growth really looked like behind the scenes
How Meta and Google supported subscription acquisition, and what changed post-pandemic
The power of community and how a Facebook group helped spark early momentum
TikTok Shop in its early days: going live to tiny audiences, pushing through the awkward start, and finding a repeatable rhythm
Why QVC-style demos worked so well for Baked In, and what most brands get wrong when they quit too early
How super fans became moderators, created social proof in the comments, and helped convert new viewers
Brand partnerships that improved margins (and the risks when values and perception clash)
The TV ad experiment: what it taught Joe about top of funnel marketing and measurement
Investors, debt funding, and the tougher reality of raising capital during a slowdown
The personal impact of running a high pressure business, and what Joe would do differently
What Joe is building now with Cutting Edge Golf, and his approach to sustainable growth this time

Connect with Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmunns/

Email: joe@cuttingedgegolf.com

Connect with &Allies:

To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

Thriving in a market that fell out of love with natural beauty with Nini Organics

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam sits down with Alex, co-founder and CEO of Nini Organics, the artisan skincare brand built on passion, authenticity and a mission to reformulate the beauty industry for the better.

Alex shares the story behind Nini Organics, from struggling with severe acne and working in luxury beauty retail, to formulating products by hand and building one of the highest returning customer rates in the skincare space. He explains why the natural beauty movement fell out of favour after COVID and how Nini continued to thrive by staying true to its ethos, avoiding greenwashing, and keeping human connection at the centre of the brand.

Expect a refreshingly honest conversation about:

• The best advice Alex ever received and how it shaped his approach to business and boundaries

• The early beginnings of Nini Organics and why artisan, small batch creation is true luxury

• How the natural and organic beauty movement changed and why consumer sentiment dipped

• Why authenticity, founder presence and human connection have become Nini’s greatest growth levers

• The brand’s scrappy, founder-led marketing, experiments that worked, and content that absolutely did not

• How to build a loyal customer base without compromising on values or chasing trends

• The role of paid media, why Instagram remains their strongest platform, and the pros and cons of navigating Meta and TikTok

• What is next for Nini Organics, from pop-ups to new formulations and wider collaborations in the green beauty space

Whether you are an e-commerce founder, a marketer or simply someone building a brand with heart, you will take away valuable lessons on staying focused, standing firm in your mission and using authenticity to cut through a crowded market.

Connect with Nini Organics:

Instagram: @niniorganics

Website: niniorganics.com

Reach out directly on the Nini hotline or via DM for personalised skincare advice.

Connect with And Allies:

If you’re a scaling ecommerce brand looking for a growth partner across strategy, paid media & creative, head to https://andallies.co.uk/

Enjoy the episode, and subscribe for more honest conversations with the founders and marketers shaping the future of ecommerce.

Why Do Most Businesses Struggle with Marketing Analytics?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Leary, founder of Squibble, about essential strategies for improving user experience (UX) and conversion rate optimization (CRO) in e-commerce.

We discuss the importance of pricing for quality and how testing and understanding customer behavior is crucial for marketing analytics.

We also explore challenges faced by small businesses with low website traffic and future trends in CRO, including the role of AI and the convergence of UX and CRO.

Kim Leary's Journey and Squibble's Story
Challenges in Marketing Analytics
Importance of User Behavior Data
Understanding UX vs CRO
The Future of CRO

Links

Kim (Turrell) Leary

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleyjane/

Website : https://squibble.design/

& Allies (Formerly Pink Leopard)

www.andallies.co.uk

How to create highly converting videos for your eCommerce brand

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Stokely Howard, a performance creative expert.

Stokely shares insights from his journey, influenced by his granddad's advice about the brevity of life, which fuels his drive across multiple ventures.

We explore the importance of storytelling in e-commerce, detailed strategies for creating effective videos, the role of continuous testing, and cost-effective ways to produce engaging content. We also discuss the impact of TikTok on modern branding and how creative elements can significantly boost conversion rates on websites.

Stokely emphasises the necessity of adaptability, understanding customer pain points, and consistently feeding the content creation loop with fresh and strategic ideas.

The episode wraps up with actionable tips for leveraging video content to enhance customer trust and drive sales.

Stokely's Background and Business
Creating Highly Converting Videos
The Importance of Brand Strategy
Cost-Effective Content Creation
TikTok and Creative Strategies

Links

Stokely Howard

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stokely-howard-0281a378/

Website: https://www.trendygrandad.com/

&Allies (Formerly Pink Leopard)

www.andallies.co.uk

The Evolution of e-commerce Search

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Matt Caron, a Shopify SEO specialist and yoga teacher, where we discuss the significance of mindset in personal and professional life, the evolution of e-commerce search, and the impact of AI on search algorithms.

Matt explains the transition from keyword matching to more advanced algorithmic approaches and the importance of high-quality content, structured data, and product optimisation for e-commerce businesses.

We also delve into the future of AI in search, its potential privacy issues, and strategies that e-commerce leaders can implement to stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape.

Key takeaways:

The Evolution of E-commerce Search
The Future of AI in E-commerce
Practical Tips for E-commerce Leaders
Key Strategies for Shopify SEO
The Impact of SEO on E-commerce Success
Understanding and implementing effective SEO strategies

Links

Matt Caron

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-caron/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Personalised User Experiences in eCommerce

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Worsley, founder of Rainy City, an award-winning Shopify Plus agency. Rebecca shares her journey from dropshipping to creating a successful e-commerce agency, emphasising the importance of personalised user experience (UX) in web design.

Throughout the episode, we discuss actionable insights such as leveraging tools like Rebuy and DataShips, integrating AI for tailor-made customer interactions, and the critical role of understanding and targeting the right customer demographic to boost online sales.

Key Takeaways:

Rebecca's Journey: From Dropshipping to Rainy City
The Importance of User Experience (UX) in e-commerce
Challenges and Misconceptions in UX
Personalization in Web Design
Tools and Technologies for Personalization
5 Future Trends and Final Thoughts
Advice for Improving Website UX

Links

Rebecca Worsley

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaworsley/

Website : https://www.rainycityagency.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

5 Keys To Profitable Growth

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Celia Tugores, Head of Digital Marketing and e-Commerce at UpCircle Beauty.

Celia shares the best advice she received, emphasising the importance of following your own path. We dive into five key elements of profitable growth in e-commerce: creative strategy, offer, conversion rates, brand awareness, and retention strategies.

Celia elaborates on how each element contributes to a successful and efficient business, stressing the importance of testing, optimisation, and making data-driven decisions.

Key Takeaways:

The Five Keys to Profitable Growth
Understanding Profit and Customer Acquisition
Creative Strategy: The Volume Game
Crafting the Perfect Offer
Optimizing Conversion Rates
Building Brand Awareness
Retention Strategies for Long-Term Success
Daily Tracking and Prioritizing Based on Data

Links

Celia Tugores

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-tugores-322626156/

Website : https://upcirclebeauty.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Measurement - Which Click Wins?

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by John Redman, founder of Ask Bosco and Modo 25. The discussion spans a wide range of digital marketing and e-commerce topics, beginning with the crucial role of early mornings in productivity.

John elaborates on how his companies tackle inefficiencies in digital marketing, especially in light of challenges posed by iOS 14 and the transition to GA4.

We explore the nuances of multi-channel attribution, the impact of accurate data, and strategies to optimise ad spend using AI. The conversation also offers valuable insights into dealing with click fraud and the importance of building a compelling brand story.

Listeners are given a special opportunity to try Ask Bosco and receive further support from Pink Leopard for their digital marketing needs.

Key Takeaways:

The Story Behind Ask Bosco and Modo 25
Challenges in E-commerce Performance Measurement
Impact of iOS Changes on Digital Marketing
Struggles of Small Brands in the Current Market
The Importance of Brand in Business
Understanding Attribution Models
Multi-Touch Attribution and Its Challenges
The Role of Retargeting in Attribution
Educating Stakeholders on Attribution
Click Fraud and Bot Traffic
Optimizing Budget Allocation with AI

Links

John Readman

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnreadman/

Website : https://askbosco.io/ & https://modo25.com/

How Design Can Make or Break Your Marketing and Sales Strategy

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Lucianne Soley, founder of Soley Creative. We delve into the critical role of commercial design in marketing and sales strategies, discussing its impact on business success.

Luciane shares her expert insights on creating brand equity, the importance of first impressions, and the strategic elements that make design commercially viable.

She also cover tips for briefing designers, the significance of having a brand guardian, and a real-world example of a successful rebranding project.

This episode offers practical advice on maintaining a consistent brand identity and effectively critiquing design work to ensure commercial success.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Solely Creative and Commercial Design
The Importance of First Impressions in Design
Building Brand Equity and Resonance
The Impact of Commercial Design on Business Success
How to Brief a Designer Effectively
Top Tips for Implementing Commercial Design

Links:

Lucianne Soley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucianne-soley/

Website: https://www.soleycreative.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How We Drove Our Client's Strongest Sales Week Ever Using PR

Tue, 27 May 2025 08:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Riannon Palmer, managing director of Lem-Uhn PR agency, about leveraging PR to boost e-commerce sales.

Riannon shares insights on maintaining a positive business mindset, the evolution and importance of PR in branding, PR's role in building community, and strategically aligning PR with a company's mission.

Key points include Lem-Uhn's unique approach to PR, the historical context of PR, and how embracing AI and future trends is crucial for agency success.

This conversation also addresses using PR for long-term brand growth and direct revenue generation, alongside methods for effectively measuring PR's impact.

Key Takeaways:

The Birth of Lemon PR
The Importance of Positive Work Culture
Understanding PR: A Deep Dive
Why Brands Need PR
Innovative Approaches to PR in 2024
Leveraging PR for Community Building
Driving Revenue Through PR
Measuring PR Impact

Links:

Riannon Palmer

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/riannon-palmer/

Website : https://www.lem-uhn.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Cracking Email Deliverability: Nurturing Customers & Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Nikita Vakhrushev, Founder/CEO of ASPEKT about the intricacies of email deliverability for e-commerce.

The discussion explores Nikita’s background, best pieces of advice, agency evolution, and effective email strategies focusing on segmentation and customer nurture.

Nikita shares actionable insights on monitoring and improving email deliverability, the importance of proper technical setup, and common pitfalls in email marketing. The importance of nurturing customers over just selling is underscored, providing listeners with a comprehensive strategy for leveraging email marketing in their businesses.

Key Takeaways:

Nikita's Journey and Aspect's Evolution
Diving into Email Deliverability
Common Email Marketing Mistakes
Fixing and Monitoring Email Deliverability
The Importance of Email Marketing
Nurturing vs. Hard Selling in Email

Links:

Nikita Vakhrushev

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-v/

Website: https://aspektagency.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How Design Can Make or Break Your Marketing and Sales Strategy

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Luciane shares her expert insights on creating brand equity, the importance of first impressions, and the strategic elements that make design commercially viable.

We also cover tips for briefing designers, the significance of having a brand guardian, and a real-world example of a successful rebranding project.

This episode offers practical advice on maintaining a consistent brand identity and effectively critiquing design work to ensure commercial success.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of First Impressions in Design
Building Brand Equity and Resonance
The Impact of Commercial Design on Business Success
How to Brief a Designer Effectively
Top Tips for Implementing Commercial Design

Links:

Lucianne Soley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucianne-soley/

Website: https://www.soleycreative.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Taking the fear out of setting up a product business without having to outsource

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Ruth Bradford, the owner of The Little Black and White Book Project and The Paper Mentor. We discuss how to take the fear out of setting up a product business without outsourcing.

Ruth shares her journey from launching her baby sensory business to creating a resource library for aspiring product business owners.

We cover crucial steps for new entrepreneurs, like understanding company structure, trademarks, web domains, and pricing strategies.

This conversation emphasises the importance of taking time to plan and research in order to build a sustainable business.

Key Takeaways:

Ruth's Business Journey
Starting a Product Business: Key Considerations
DIY Business Setup: Feasibility and Tips
The Reality of Business Success
Creative Minds in Business
The Myth of Overnight Success

Links:

Ruth Bradford

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordruth

Website: https://blackandwhitebookproject.com/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How do I scale my eCommerce operations?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Iain Coplans, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Stok.ly Ltd.

We talk about the importance of simplifying your tech stack, automating tasks, and scaling efficiently. It highlights how businesses often face issues with multiple software pieces that do not integrate well, leading to inefficiency and additional manual work.

Simplifying your tech stack can enhance efficiency, allowing more tasks to be accomplished with the same or fewer resources, ultimately reducing costs.

Tune in to learn how you can simplify, automate, and scale your eCommerce business for long-term growth and success.

Key Takeaways:

How to Scale Your eCommerce Operations: Simplify, Automate, and Scale
The Importance of Simplification
The Power of Automation
Strategic Scaling
Benefits of Simplifying Your Tech Stack
Efficiency and Cost Reduction

Links:

Iain Coplans

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-coplans-a8639a17/

Company Website: https://www.stok.ly/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The power of hosting in-person events to connect with your customers

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:15:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Fallon and Ava King, co-founders of the luxury turtleneck brand Fallon and Ava, who have mastered the art of blending online business with in-person customer engagement. We delve into the secrets behind successful e-commerce stores.

We discuss the importance of hosting in-person events to connect with customers, offering insights into the types of events they've hosted, challenges faced, and tips for success.

They emphasise the significance of staying true to brand values and share practical advice for making events impactful, even on a budget.

This episode provides invaluable insights into how hosting events can significantly impact brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales.

Key Takeaways:

The Perfect Turtleneck Journey
Hosting in-person events
The Power of Personal Connections
Event types and their purposes
Tips for Planning Successful Events - Even on a budget

Links:

Connect with: Fallon & Ava

Website: https://fallonandava.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fallonandava

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Scaling eCommerce businesses with self-managed platforms

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Luke Collymore, an eCommerce web development agency. We discuss scaling eCommerce businesses using self-managed platforms like Magento and WooCommerce.

Luke shares insights about the complexities of scaling, including customer acquisition, resource management, and infrastructure.

We delve into the advantages and challenges of self-managed platforms versus SaaS solutions like Shopify.

Luke also discusses how AI is increasingly aiding in optimising e-commerce processes and the growing trend of businesses leveraging marketplaces for further growth.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Self-Managed Platforms
Challenges in Scaling eCommerce Stores
Supporting Fast Growth with Self-Managed Platforms
Technical Issues and Solutions
Potential Pitfalls in Scaling
Leveraging AI for E-commerce

Links:

Connect with Luke Collymore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukecollymore/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/develo.design/

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Why video marketing should be the cornerstone of your marketing activities

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Edmonds, the Founder and Creative Director of NRG Digital. We discuss the importance of video marketing and share key insights such as the rise and impact of video content on mobile traffic, the significance of crafting a clear and consistent brand message, and how businesses of all sizes can start leveraging video effectively.

Robert shares invaluable advice on following one's passion, the importance of consistency, and never giving up, while also touching on how advancements in technology, particularly AI, are making video production more accessible and streamlined.

The episode is packed with practical tips for both beginners and those looking to scale their video marketing efforts, emphasising the necessity of quality content that engages and resonates with audiences.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of following your passion, being consistent, and never giving up
Power of Human Connection
Video's dominance in mobile traffic
Embracing AI
Quality over Quantity
Simplifying Complex Messages
Start Small: Begin with smartphone videos.
Look for inspiration: learn from industry examples.
Working with an Agency: Choose an agency that understands your business.

Links:

Connect with Rob & NRG Digital:

NRG Digital Website : https://www.nrgdigital.co.uk/

Instagram : https://www .instagram.com/nrgdigital

Pink Leopard

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How to effectively enhance brand recognition in today's highly visual culture

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Jenny Morgan, the owner of Fan Club Brands. We discuss the significance of design in e-commerce, emphasising the importance of presentation and attention to detail in branding.

Jenny shares valuable insights on why hiring professionals for brand strategy and design is crucial for a company's success.

The conversation covers the need for a cohesive team, the role of a brand strategist, and the integration of web design with graphic design. Jenny also highlights her journey and the impact of her college mentor's advice on her career.

Tune in to learn how to effectively enhance brand recognition in today's highly visual culture.

Key Takeaways:

Career Journey and Expertise
The Importance of Presentation in Design
Top Priorities for Increasing Brand Recognition
The Role of Graphic Designers in Web Design
Graphic Design and Web Design Interplay
The Importance of a Cohesive Team

Links:

https://fanclubbrands.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-morgan-fan-club-brands/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Creating change to stay relevant and meet customer desires

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:30:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Steph Clymer, entrepreneur and owner of Shop Common Thread, who discusses the importance of creating change to stay relevant and meet customer desires.

Steph shares her journey of starting a boutique and the pivotal changes she made by listening to her clients, which ultimately led to significant business growth, including doubling her revenue in 2020.

The episode covers valuable tips on visualisation, the importance of carving out time to think, and the benefits of embracing pivots in business.

Key Takeaways:

Finding clarity and vision
Creating change to stay relevant
The importance of listening to customers
Rebranding and business growth
Navigating the challenges of change
Visualising success and overcoming obstacles

Links:

https://www.shopcommonthread.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shopgirlsteph/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The Importance Of Having A Supportive Marketing Ecosystem

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Erica Bonser, founder of Fan Club Brands, to discuss the importance of a supportive marketing ecosystem.

We discuss the need to understand a company's values and purpose to create a strong brand identity and the pros and cons of in-house marketing teams versus hiring specialist agencies.

Key Takeaways:

Branding and marketing strategy with a focus on aligning businesses with their values and purpose.
Marketing ecosystem importance and ambassadors protecting brand reputation.
Building a supportive ecosystem for businesses with limited resources.
In-house marketing vs. agencies, pros and cons of each.
Partnering with specialist agencies for digital marketing support.

Links:

Erica Bonser

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bonser/

https://fanclubbrands.com/vip-days

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

From Pennies to Profit: Budget-Friendly Marketing Tactics That Work

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re joined by Savannah Zimmer from The Creative Benefit. Savannah is a successful marketing professional with over 15 years of experience and has a proven track record of transforming business goals into actionable, results driven marketing strategies.

We discuss low-cost marketing tactics for small businesses, emphasising the importance of staying up-to-date with trends and tools, utilising customer feedback and analytics, and being authentic and creative.

We also discuss strategies for marketing with limited budgets, including creating a marketing plan, understanding the target audience, and tracking and analysing marketing efforts.

Key Takeaways:

Free and low-cost marketing tools for startups and small businesses
Measuring marketing efforts with limited budgets
Common pitfalls when working with small budgets
Allocating limited marketing budgets across channels
Tips for navigating creativity with limited funds
Market to existing customers for free marketing and loyalty
Using limited budgets for testing before scaling successes
Brainstorming campaign ideas through open discussion

Links:

https://thecreativebenefit.com/

https://www.instagram.com/savielaurel/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Why being authentically different is so important

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:30:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Ada Zhao, Founder and CEO of Curated Crowd. Listen in as we discuss the importance of authenticity in business, emphasising the need to stay true to one's values and personality.

Ada shares her experience of pivoting Curated Crowd from a crowdfunding platform to a marketplace for independent fashion designers, highlighting the challenges of identifying and showcasing talented designers, catering to a diverse range of customers, and creating a unique online platform that fosters authenticity and quality.

We also discuss the importance of understanding one's target audience and staying true to oneself in order to succeed in the retail industry.

Key Takeaways:

Authenticity and being true to oneself in business and life.
Pivoting from an online crowdfunding platform to an omnichannel marketplace with physical stores to provide personalised shopping experiences.
Entrepreneurship, self-discovery, and adapting to change in the retail industry.
Using technology and human experience to grow a business during the pandemic.
Branding, authenticity, and technology in the fashion industry.

Links:

https://www.curated-crowd.com/

https://www.instagram.com/curatedcrowd/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How to build a brand that emotionally connects with its consumers

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:15:00 +0000

In this episode, Adam & Vanessa discuss the importance of building an emotional connection with consumers for eCommerce brands. Our guest Vanessa Holfert, a brand consultant and coach, shares her journey from boutique marketing firms to co-founding the highly successful children's brand, Slumberkins. She highlights the significance of trust, relevancy, and authenticity in brand messaging and offers practical advice on creating emotional connections at each stage of the marketing funnel—from awareness to advocacy.

The conversation also touches upon the importance of community engagement and personalised customer experiences, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to deepen their relationship with their audience.

Key Takeaways:

Building a brand that emotionally connects with consumers.
Entrepreneurship, marketing, and brand growth with a focus on Slumberkins, a children's brand.
Marketing funnel, customer segmentation, and building trust through helpful content and prompt responses.
Creating emotional connections with customers through marketing.

Links:

https://www.vanessaholfert.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaholfert/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The importance of well-crafted and considered creative to fuel performance marketing and scale

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, our guest Kate Howard, founder of Monday Digital, delves into the critical aspects of crafting exceptional creative content, the significance of investment for enhancing brand visibility, and the importance of conversion rate optimisation (CRO) for e-commerce success.

Kate shares valuable advice on the power of visibility in scaling businesses and discusses her approach to performance marketing, emphasising the necessity of understanding the customer journey and optimising website conversion rates before initiating paid advertising.

We also explore the evolving landscape of digital advertising, highlighting trends in TikTok utilisation and the strategic importance of aligning ad content with current social trends to maximise engagement and scaling potential.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Creative in Performance Marketing
Customising Creative for Different Audiences
Balancing Feeling and Data in Creative Decisions
Prioritising Conversion Rate Optimisation
The Right Time to Scale Your Business
Leveraging TikTok for Organic Reach and Engagement

Links:

https://mondaydigital.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-howard-/

https://www.instagram.com/helloitsmondaydigital/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The Power Of UGC Content

Thu, 02 May 2024 09:15:00 +0000

Want to learn how to leverage the power of user-generated content for your e-commerce business?

In this episode, our guest speaker Gingie McLeod, founder of fashion accessories brand SAINT CHIC, shares how UGC helped build her brand's recognition and community.

Tune in to get valuable insights on how to encourage customer sharing, how to build your community, and boost sales through authentic user content.

Key Takeaways:

The power of user-generated content in e-commerce.
Leveraging user-generated content for business growth.
UGC evolution and its impact on consumer behavior.
User-generated content marketing strategies.

Links:

Gingie Mcleod

Website: https://saintchic.com/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/omgingie/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The Importance of a Customer First Approach

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:15:00 +0000

This episode focuses on the importance of a customer-first approach in e-commerce. Adam Smith interviews Amy Riordan, CEO of Sachin & Babi who shares valuable advice she received from her father on focusing on one's own path.

Amy emphasises the importance of putting customers at the heart of the business and leveraging feedback to continuously improve products and experiences.

The episode provides insights for businesses on how to grow through a genuine culture of feedback while staying true to their core identity.

Key Takeaways:

Customer-centric approach to fashion brand growth.
Customer feedback and product development.
Brand identity and customer satisfaction.
Passion, gratitude, and digital marketing.

Links

Amy Riordan

CEO of Sachin & Babi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyeriordan/

https://www.sachinandbabi.com/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Understanding how the customer journey begins offline will make you a better marketer online

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0000

This episode talks about the importance of understanding the offline customer journey and how it impacts online marketing decisions. This includes understanding consumer behaviors, preferences, and the fact that only 5% of the target market is actively in buying mode at any given time.

It also highlights how marketing science and empirical data have revolutionised the field and should be used to drive brand growth in digital marketing through approaches like acquiring new light buyers. The need to balance traditional marketing methods, brand building, and data-driven digital marketing approaches like performance marketing based on the 60/40 rule.

Learn the importance of both marketing science and creativity, as the data helps de-risk decisions but creativity differentiates brands and messaging.

Key Takeaways:

Offline customer journey impacting online marketing decisions.
Market research and its importance in digital marketing.
Using data to drive brand growth in digital marketing.
Marketing science and creativity.

Links:

John Lyons

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpaullyons/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Online and offline community building strategies to create organic growth

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by the visionary entrepreneur Fiona Hepher as we explore the dynamic journey of creating a North American marketplace for alcohol-free wine and spirits.

From personal anecdotes to insightful business strategies, Fiona shares her experiences and the invaluable advice that has shaped her path in the industry.

Discover the power of community building, the impact of authenticity in marketing, and the essence of customer trust and agility in business operations.

Join us as we explore the nuances of entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the realm of alcohol-free indulgence.

Key Takeaways:

Online and offline community-building strategies.
Entrepreneurship, marketing, and demographics.
Organic growth and retention marketing strategies for a subscription-based online marketplace.
Building trust, customer service, and agility in a business.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/fionahepher/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The challenges of operating and scaling a business that faces digital marketing restrictions

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:15:00 +0000

Our guests on this episode are Holly and Kalila, the co-founders of SheSpot, a first-of-its-kind sexual wellness platform for women.

We discuss the challenges they face with digital marketing restrictions from platforms like Meta, Instagram, and Google due to the sensitive nature of the product, which a lot of businesses face.

Holly and Kalila discuss workarounds such as focusing on email marketing, SEO, third-party reviews, and partnering with established brands like Sephora that do not have the same restrictions.

Their advice for others in restricted categories is to do research, learn from other's mistakes, focus on your own goals rather than compare to others, and continue challenging status quo’s in a safe manner.

Key Takeaways:

Overcoming digital marketing restrictions for sensitive product categories.
Women's sexual wellness platforms and challenges faced in the industry.
Navigating platform restrictions.
Digital marketing challenges and strategies for small businesses.

Links:

Website - https://shespot.co.uk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shespotuk/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How do I create a marketing plan and the importance of getting it right?

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Our guest on this episode is Sarah Fox, a brand marketing consultant and founder of Fox and Fox Agency.

Sarah offers fractional CMO services through her agency, providing strategic guidance and coaching to scale businesses.

When creating a marketing plan, Sarah advises starting with strategy - understanding the audience, competitors, and what attracts customers, then using this to inform key messages, campaigns, and tactics.

Sarah shared a successful Black Friday example where focusing on understanding customers rather than just discounts led to increased sales, sentiment, and returning customers.

Key Takeaways:

The benefits of hiring a fractional CMO.
How to create a marketing plan.
The difference between a strategy and a tactic.
Customer-centric marketing strategies and campaigns.
Involving stakeholders in business strategy.

Links:

Sarah Fox

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsarahfox

Website - https://bemorefox.co

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The challenges and opportunities of running your own ecommerce Store - Absolute Collagen Co-Founder Darcy Laceby

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined by Darcy Laceby, Co-founder of Absolute Collagen, an anti-aging supplement brand.

Darcy and her mother Maxine started Absolute Collagen after realising the benefits of collagen for their own well-being. The business has grown significantly and was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK.

In this episode, Darcy emphasises the importance of customer centricity and building a strong brand through community engagement.

Adam and Darcy also discuss challenges like explaining product benefits in a crowded market and prioritising growth opportunities

Key Takeaways:

Building a successful skincare brand through a customer-centric approach and marketing strategies.
Business growth strategies and prioritisation.
Customer nurturing and testing strategies for a skincare subscription brand.
Starting an ecommerce store and managing a business.
Ecommerce growth strategies.
Entrepreneurship, marketing, and product development.

Links:

Website - https://www.absolutecollagen.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcy-laceby-495432135

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How Amazon can complement your ecommerce and physical store

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined by Leo Martin, Co-director of Martin and Simpson, a specialist agency that helps businesses manage, optimise, and advertise on Amazon.

From leveraging the platform as a secondary sales channel to navigating PPC strategies to addressing challenges faced by new sellers, Martin shares a comprehensive overview of Amazon selling, marketing strategies, and the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce.

Join us as we explore success stories, practical tips, and the importance of staying updated on policies and trends to thrive in the competitive world of Amazon.

Key Takeaways:

Leveraging Amazon as a secondary sales channel for ecommerce businesses.
Amazon selling strategies and AI trends.
Amazon selling tips and trademark protection.
Amazon marketing strategies and policy compliance.
Digital marketing strategies for ecommerce businesses.

Links:

Leo Martin

Website - https://www.martinandsimpson.co.uk/

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-martin-2248091a1/

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www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How do you choose an eCommerce agency? The Do's and Dont’s for 2024.

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined by the CEO of an eCommerce agency called Blend Commerce, Adam Pearce.

We discuss the strategic selection of an eCommerce agency and stress the importance of thorough preparation and identifying specific problems before engaging an agency. Insights include the need to invest in agencies early for small businesses, caution against seeking merely "cost-effective" solutions, and the emphasis on finding the right fit.

The conversation also covers expectations for discovery calls, red flags in agency-client relationships, and criteria for evaluating proposals. Key themes include transparency, collaboration, and the crucial role of trust in the first three months of an agency-client relationship.

Key Takeaways:

Choosing an eCommerce agency and when to bring them on board.
Working with an eCommerce agency for small businesses.
Agency selection and expectations for discovery calls.
Red flags in agency-client relationships.
Evaluating proposals and working with agencies.

Links:

Adam Pearce

Website - https://blendcommerce.com/blogs/team/adam-pearce-ceo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shopifyexpertadampearce/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

The Cool Crutches Story - Growing From 100 to 1000 Orders

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:30:00 +0000

This podcast episode features the entrepreneurial journey of Cool Crutches, a business specialising in comfortable walking aids. It discusses challenges, resilience, and problem-solving in business. The narrative covers the growth from 100 to 1000 orders through strategic digital marketing, emphasising the importance of understanding business priorities.

They also touch on e-commerce growth, branding, and the challenges of finding the right agency. The content concludes with insights into new product launches, including kids crutches!

Key Takeaways:

Problem-solving and resilience in business.
Growing a business from 100 to 1000 orders through digital marketing.
Digital marketing strategies for small businesses.
Entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, and customer service.
PR strategies and agency collaboration.
E-commerce growth and branding strategies.

Links:

Amelia

Website - https://www.coolcrutches.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cool.crutches/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Ecommerce attribution: How to get the most our of your marketing and measurement

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined by marketing attribution expert, Jill Quick. Jill is an Analytics consultant and trainer at the Coloring in Department.

Jill provides an overview of how e-commerce tracking works in GA and emphasises the importance of setting up tracking properly before analysing attribution.

We discuss different attribution models in GA and how attribution can be used differently depending on a business's goals and maturity level.

Key Takeaways:

E-commerce tracking and attribution in Google Analytics
Data analysis and attribution modeling in digital marketing
Google Analytics attribution modeling and data collection
Data attribution models in digital marketing
Marketing metrics and reporting for executives
Analysing website data for business growth
Using Google Analytics to understand customer journey
Using Google Analytics to understand customer behaviour
Using analytics for competitive advantage in digital marketing

Links:

Jill Quick

Website - https://www.thecoloringindepartment.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillquick01/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How to take your e-commerce brand to Gen Z

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:15:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined by Josh Roche, the founder and CEO of Bulla Co - a Gen Z influencer agency.

Josh discusses tips for e-commerce brands to target Gen Z audiences, including using TikTok as a major platform and building communities of engaged followers.

One successful campaign Josh mentioned working with was for H&M Group, generating over 30,000 clicks to a landing page from around 10 pieces of content.

Key Takeaways:

Influencer marketing and reaching Gen Z through TikTok and Pinterest
TikTok's e-commerce potential and how brands can benefit
Influencer marketing for e-commerce brands
Influencer marketing strategies and best practices

Links:

Joshua Roche - Founder & CEO at Bulla Co | The Gen Z Influencer Agency

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaroche/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How to win back and monetise customers who don’t shop with you anymore

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:45:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined by Rebecca Hilliard, an eCommerce customer retention management consultant who has over 11 years of experience in this space.

She now consults for premium direct-to-consumer brands, helping them understand customer data and leverage it to create strategies for customer retention.

We discuss the reasons why customers stop shopping with brands, the importance of understanding customer data and feedback to improve retention, identifying lapsed customers and the most effective win-back campaigns.

Key Takeaways:

Why customers stop shopping with brands in the first place
The importance of a win-back campaign
Which channels are the most vital for ensuring customer retention
The most effective incentives for winning back lapsed customers
The importance of tracking and analysing the data

Links:

Rebecca Hilliard

Website - https://www.rebeccahilliard.co.uk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hilliard/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Unlocking the power of referral marketing

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:15:00 +0000

5X Your Business using the power of referral marketing!

Are you ready to take your eCom business to the next level?

Referral marketing can be a game-changer, and here's why: Imagine if all your customers referred your business to 5 of their friends. The impact on your growth would be incredible. 🔥

Join us as we dive deep into the world of referral marketing with our special guest, Jason Hulott from Speedie Consulting. Learn how to utilise your existing customer base to expand without relying on costly paid ads. 💰

Key Takeaways:

How referral marketing sets itself apart from affiliate marketing.
The undeniable benefits of starting a referral program.
Acquiring new customers more cost-effectively, without spending a fortune on ads.
Strategies to 5X your business using referral marketing.
Unlocking the potential of referral marketing on a shoestring budget, without the need for expensive software.
Practical steps to get started with referral marketing.
Discovering the most effective discounts and rewards to drive referrals.

Links:

Jason Hulott

Website - https://speedieconsulting.co.uk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.hulott/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

Brand vs performance marketing: which is more important?

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

We delve into the dynamic world of Brand vs performance marketing.

James Bagan, a brand strategist at McCann, shares invaluable advice and personal experiences that have shaped his marketing journey. From understanding the essence of brand marketing to the pivotal role it plays in performance marketing,

In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between these two facets of success in the marketing realm.

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of brand vs performance marketing, how both elements work together, allocating marketing budgets effectively, and the enduring importance of branding in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Key Takeaways:

The differences between brand and performance marketing
The relationship between brand and performance marketing
Balancing investment 60:40 theory
The theory of splitting your marketing budget
The importance of branding and performance marketing working together
Brand-building strategies for digital display

Links:

James Bagan

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bagan-mipa-18282015b/

www.pinkleopard.co.uk

How to create thumb-stopping ads that increase ROI on paid social

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Tune in to this episode with Sam from Pineapple Ads where we unravel the art of creating captivating ads that not only halt the scroll but also supercharge your return on ad spend (ROAS) in the world of paid social media advertising.

Episode Highlights:

Cracking the Code: We kick off by exploring the foundational steps when a brand needs an advertising facelift.

The Secret Sauce: Is there a one-size-fits-all secret formula that guarantees success across various meta ads? We delve into this question, acknowledging that while there's no silver bullet, certain principles tend to stand the test of time. We dissect tried and tested strategies that can set your creative endeavors on the right track.

AB Testing Unveiled: For those starting out, we provide a golden piece of advice: keep it snappy and embrace AB testing. Explore the power of experimenting with diverse creatives to decipher what resonates best with your target audience. We uncover how this iterative process can lead to fine-tuned ads that truly resonate.

The Takeaway: Creating thumb-stopping ads that maximise your ROAS isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It's a balance of understanding brand identity, leveraging a captivating pitch, and being ready to experiment and iterate.

Where to connect with Sam:

www.pineappleads.co.uk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pineappleads_

How we grew our own eCommerce store from 0 to £30k/month

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Abandoned Cart! In this exciting debut, co-host Adam Smith takes on the role of interviewer as he sits down with his business partner and co-host, Laura Hanlon. Get ready to embark on a journey of insights and revelations as Laura opens up about her incredible experience in growing the eCommerce store, Canvas Creatures, from ground zero to a remarkable £30,000 per month in just three short months.