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Lucrative Launch Pad: Converting Readers into Revenue with Morgan Gist MacDonald
In this episode, Brent interviews Morgan Gist MacDonald, the CEO and founder of Paper Raven Books, about the importance of writing a book for entrepreneurs. They discuss the process of writing a book, including identifying the scope and topic and navigating the book funnel. Morgan emphasizes the need to consider the reader’s perspective and the relevance and timeliness of the book. She also shares insights on monetizing a book and the different types of nonfiction books. The conversation concludes with a discussion on getting reviews for a book and the services offered by Paper Raven Books.
Takeaways
- Writing a book can position entrepreneurs as experts and provide credibility in their field.
- The process of writing a book helps authors discover new angles and nuances to their frameworks and stories.
- A book funnel is a marketing strategy that includes offering bonuses and upsells to readers.
- Authors can monetize their books through backend products and services.
- It is important to consider the reader’s perspective and the relevance and timeliness of the book.
- Different types of nonfiction books, such as how-to guides and inspirational stories, can work for different business models.
- Building an email list and getting reviews are important for book marketing.
- Paper Raven Books offers services for authors at different stages of the book-writing process.
- Authors can choose different formats for their books, including ebook, paperback, hardback, and audiobook.
- Writing multiple books can create more income streams and increase an author’s visibility.
- Authors should focus on solving a specific problem or providing a specific outcome for readers.
- Using keywords and categories on Amazon can help increase the visibility of a book.
- Turning blog posts into a book requires organizing the content and ensuring a cohesive narrative.
- Authors should consider their goals and the specific outcome they want to achieve with their book.
More podcasts about what entrepreneurs are doing in their fields.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
02:26The Importance of Writing a Book for Entrepreneurs
04:32Navigating the Book Writing Process
05:30Identifying the Scope of the Book
07:26Choosing a Relevant and Timely Topic
10:15Considering Different Types of Nonfiction Books
14:47Understanding the Book Funnel
19:53Building a Book Funnel
23:38Monetizing a Book
25:13Making Money from Books
27:04Different Types of Nonfiction Books
30:25Types of Clients at Paper Raven Books
32:18Getting Reviews for a Book
36:27Working with Paper Raven Books
37:33Choosing Different Book Formats
39:54When to Write a Book
41:51Using Keywords and Categories on Amazon
44:26Turning Blog Posts into a Book
45:38Shameless Plug
Harnessing the Power of Data Analytics in Retail: A Conversation with Erica Guider
In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent and Madeleine interview Erica Guider from 42 Technologies about the importance of data analytics for retail brands. They discuss the role of data analytics in making informed decisions, the benefits of using an analytics tool versus building one in-house, and the challenges of using Google Analytics.
Erica explains how 42 Technologies helps unify data from different platforms and provides accurate and readable data for analysis. They also touch on the role of AI in data analytics and share success stories of brands that have made an impact with unified data. The episode concludes with discussing key strategies for the upcoming quarter and a shameless plug for 42 Technologies.
Introducing Erica Guider from 42 Technologies
Our episode kicked off with a warm introduction of Erica Guider, a key player in the sales team at 42 Technologies. Erica’s role involves managing accounts and ensuring that clients’ data is clean and organized on their visual dashboard. Her passion for retail is evident, and she is driven by the goal of giving people more time by streamlining their data processes.
The Importance of a Unified Data Spot
One of the main topics we discussed was the importance of having a centralized data source. Erica explained how 42 Technologies works with platforms like BigCommerce, NetSuite, and Apparel Magic to combine different data points from various channels, such as e-commerce and point of sale (POS). The aim is to clean and scrub the data to ensure accuracy and make it readable for humans. This approach overcomes the limitations of Google Analytics and provides more accurate numbers through daily snapshots of data.
The Role of AI in Data Analytics
Our conversation also touched on the potential role of AI in data analytics. Erica shared their plans to develop a chatbot that can provide quick answers to retail teams. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize the way retail businesses access and interpret their data.
The Impact of Data Analytics on Brands
Erica highlighted the impact that data analytics has made for clients like Figs, a scrubs brand. By providing real-time updates on inventory and sales, 42 Technologies has helped brands like Figs to streamline their operations and make more informed decisions.
The Importance of Granular Data Analysis
Erica emphasized the importance of analyzing data at a granular level, such as specific attributes like color, to make informed decisions about stocking items. She also discussed the negative effects of markdowns on a brand and customer expectations, highlighting the need for careful inventory management and understanding sell-through rates.
A Special Offer for Shopify Clients
As a Shopify certified plus partner, 42 Technologies is offering a free trial for Shopify clients. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to experience the benefits of a unified data spot and make more informed decisions based on accurate, granular data.
Wrapping Up with Some Light-Hearted Moments
Our conversation wasn’t all business. We shared some light-hearted moments and jokes, including a discussion about our experiences at Costco. I concluded the segment by thanking Erica for her time, humor, and invaluable insights into the world of retail data analytics.
In conclusion, our conversation with Erica Guider highlighted the importance of data analytics in retail businesses. By harnessing the power of a unified data spot, businesses can make more informed decisions, streamline their operations, and ultimately drive their success.
Takeaways
- Data analytics is important for businesses of all sizes to make informed decisions.
- Using an analytics tool can save time and money compared to building one in-house.
- Unified data from different platforms provides accurate and readable information for analysis.
- AI tools can help with predictive analytics and answer specific questions quickly.
- Strategies for the upcoming quarter include focusing on sell-through and right-sizing inventory.
More podcasts about commerce
Akeneo Supercharges 2023 Growth with New Products and Executive Talent
Propelled by over 100% US expansion and boosted by 850+ global customers, Akeneo maintained competitive superiority in 2023. It unveiled product updates, acquired AI leader Unifai, appointed 4 new executives, and won multiple awards.
The Art of Letter Writing: A Conversation with Kay Collier
Hello everyone, I’m your host of Talk Commerce Today, and I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kay Collier, also known as Kathryn Hastings. Kay is an artist and the proud owner of a stationery and wax seal business, Kathryn Hastings & Company. Our conversation was filled with laughter, insights, and a shared interest in handwritten letters. Let’s dive into the details.
The Journey of Kathryn Hastings & Company
Kay’s journey into the world of stationery and wax seals is a fascinating one. She has always been a letter writer, with a deep love for historic letters and objects. Her studies in art history and studio art further fueled her passion for history and art. About a decade ago, she discovered antique seals and the rich history behind them.
During the pandemic, she decided to share her collection and thus, Kathryn Hastings & Company was born. Here, she sells handmade seals and designs her own modern seals. She believes that these objects are meant to be used and even offers a free course on using and caring for antique seals.
The Dichotomy of Being an Artist and an Entrepreneur
One of the interesting topics we discussed was the dichotomy between being an artist and an entrepreneur. Kay explained that while they are different, they can coexist. She also shared her interest in antique typewriters and how they fit into the handwritten genre. She owns a beautiful Smith Corona typewriter from the 1930s and knows a calligrapher friend who also uses a typewriter. The choice between handwriting and typewriters, she believes, depends on the individual’s personal preferences and the time period they are inspired by.
Monetizing Passion: The Journey of Kathryn Hastings & Company
Kay’s journey of monetizing her business is inspiring. She applied for an entrepreneur contest by Birchbox in 2019, and although she didn’t win, it planted the seed of starting her own business. She spent a year planning and in March 2020, she started sharing her seals and letters. The timing coincided with the pandemic, and many people were looking for a way to connect with others and have a break from technology.
Platforms for Sharing Passion
Kay uses various platforms to share her passion for letter writing and antique seals. She has an Instagram account where she shares her artwork and teaches about antique seals and letter-writing techniques. She also has a weekly podcast that explores interesting historical topics through the lens of letters. Additionally, Kay has a newsletter called “The Epistolary” that delves into contemplative ideas on living a more connected life.
The Importance of Handwriting
Our conversation also touched on the importance of handwriting. Kay emphasized the uniqueness and personal expression that handwriting represents, encouraging people to embrace their own style. She also mentioned the importance of cursive writing for brain development and suggested that handwriting can be a relaxing and mindful practice.
The Role of AI in Letter Writing
We also discussed the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in letter writing. Kay believes that while AI can make us more efficient and thoughtful, it’s important to know when to use the tool and when not to. She advises considering the recipient’s preferences and what you want to share with them when using AI for letter writing.
The Personal Touch of Handwritten Letters
In closing, Kay encouraged listeners to subscribe to her newsletter for practical letter writing tools and to take the time to write and send letters to deepen their relationships with others. Our conversation highlighted the benefits and limitations of using AI tools for letter writing and emphasized the personal touch and thoughtfulness of handwritten letters.
In a world where digital communication is the norm, Kay Collier reminds us of the beauty and personal touch of handwritten letters. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the art of letter writing, there’s a lot to learn from Kay’s journey and insights.
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Mile in My Shoes: A Beacon of Social Entrepreneurship and Community Transformation
Explore how Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) is changing lives and communities through the power of running. Learn about our mission, impact, and how you can be a part of this transformative journey.
Unleashing the Power of SEO and Content Marketing with Ivan Palii
Hello everyone, I’m Brent, your host, and in this blog post, I’m going to share some valuable insights from a recent podcast episode where I had an enlightening conversation with Ivan Palii, a seasoned digital marketer. We delved into the world of SEO and content marketing, discussing their differences and similarities and how to align them for better results.
Meet Ivan Palii: The Digital Marketer
Ivan Palii is a digital marketer with a wealth of experience in driving traffic for SaaS products. When he’s not busy strategizing and implementing digital marketing plans, you can find him playing football, swimming, spending quality time with his family, or engrossed in an interesting book.
SEO vs Content Marketing: The Similarities and Differences
During our conversation, Ivan explained the similarities and differences between SEO and content marketing. Both strategies aim to drive traffic and acquire customers for businesses, but they approach this goal differently.
SEO focuses on optimizing content to meet Google’s requirements, while content marketing zeroes in on the needs of the target audience. SEO primarily relies on keyword research, while content marketing builds a content plan based on the audience’s interests.
While SEO typically posts content only on the website, content marketing utilizes various platforms like YouTube, Medium, and Reddit. Ivan emphasized that content marketing focuses on both acquiring and retaining customers, while SEO primarily focuses on acquiring new customers.
Content marketing offers a variety of content types, such as tweets, LinkedIn posts, and videos, while SEO often focuses on long articles. Lastly, Ivan discussed the different methods of promoting content, with SEO relying on outreach and guest posting, while content marketing utilizes social networks, PPC campaigns, influencer marketing, and email newsletters.
Aligning SEO and Content Marketing for Better Results
Ivan shared some valuable tips on how to approach keyword research and working with content writers. He suggests starting with ideas that will be interesting to your audience and then optimizing the content to be liked by Google.
He advises against being too specific with keyword requirements and instead giving more freedom to authors, as it allows for more creativity. Ivan also discussed the importance of measuring the success of different channels and focusing on those that bring in new trials and sales.
Leveraging Multiple Channels and Tools
Ivan emphasized the value of using multiple channels and creating content in different formats, as it is more cost-effective than creating entirely new content. He mentioned using tools like SEO Checker to engage in both the content and SEO sides of marketing.
He explained how they use data studies and expert polls to create valuable content and leverage the expertise of others to grow their social media presence. He also highlighted the importance of building trust and authority with Google to rank higher in search results.
Growing Your SEO: Tips and Tricks
For those looking to grow their SEO, Ivan suggests starting with keyword research and creating a plan for landing pages, while also focusing on content. He shared his insights on how to acquire customers and generate sales through valuable content.
He emphasized the importance of publishing content on multiple platforms, such as personal websites and Medium, to leverage recommendation systems and attract a wider audience. Ivan also highlighted the strategy of using stable Google traffic to convert users to other resources, such as YouTube channels.
The Importance of Audience-Centric Content
I agreed with Ivan’s point about expanding beyond one’s own site and utilizing platforms like Medium and LinkedIn articles to build authority and drive traffic. I added that it’s crucial to create content that caters to the audience’s needs and preferences, rather than solely focusing on SEO. I suggested that new content creators seek help from experts or editors to improve the quality and performance of their content.
Building Authority and Trust with Google
Ivan further explained that having publications on different platforms and websites enhances one’s expertise, authority, and trustworthiness in the eyes of Google. This, in turn, positively impacts website rankings.
In conclusion, SEO and content marketing are two sides of the same coin. They can support each other and when used correctly, can drive significant traffic and sales for your business. So, start aligning your SEO and content marketing strategies today for better results.
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Unveiling Amazon’s Record-Setting Holiday Bonanza and Future Deal Extravaganza
As reported by Amazon, a significant expansion of the holiday shopping calendar has led to a remarkable crescendo in sales, creating a retail revolution that boasts both historical achievements and forecasts an expansive array of upcoming deals. This development has reimagined the customer shopping journey, setting the pace for future …
CEP-ing Up Your Running Game
CEP’s compression socks offer clear upsides thanks to innovative graduated compression technology that stabilizes muscles, improves oxygenation and blood flow while regulating temperature and wicking sweat. The performance benefits validate the value for dedicated runners looking to step up their game.
The Dropshipping Revolution: How to Stay Ahead of the Competition and Boost Sales with Lior Pozin
As a podcaster, I am privileged to engage with some of the most innovative minds in various industries. In one of my recent episodes, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lior Pozin, the co-founder and CEO of AutoDS, a leading ecommerce dropshipping platform. This blog post is a deep dive into our enlightening conversation about dropshipping, its trends, and valuable tips for merchants.
Meet Lior Pozin: The Man Behind AutoDS
Lior Pozin is not just the co-founder and CEO of AutoDS, but also a seasoned drop shipper with over 14 years of experience in ecommerce. AutoDS is an all-in-one ecommerce dropshipping platform that assists drop shippers with product finding, pricing, stock monitoring, inventory management, and automatic order fulfillment across various selling channels like eBay, Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy.
Understanding Dropshipping: A New Age Fulfillment Method
Our conversation began with Lior explaining the concept of dropshipping and how it differs from direct shipping from a warehouse. Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where products are sold without being held in inventory. When a buyer places an order in an ecommerce store, the product is shipped directly from the supplier to the end consumer. This eliminates the need for inventory and allows for on-demand shipping, making it a preferred choice for many ecommerce businesses.
Trends in Dropshipping: The Changing Landscape
As we delved deeper into the world of dropshipping, Lior shed light on the current trends in the market. He emphasized that while the shipping domain is wide and constantly changing, dropshipping remains a constant in different variations. A significant shift he highlighted was the increasing use of platforms like Shopify for dropshipping, where organic traffic from social media sites like TikTok and Instagram Reels is being harnessed for advertising. This trend has made it easier for people to venture into dropshipping.
The Evolution of Dropshipping Businesses
Lior also shared his insights on the evolution of businesses based solely on dropshipping. He stressed the importance of branding in dropshipping and suggested rebranding products by shipping them to a warehouse in China before sending them to the end consumer. With the rise in customer acquisition costs, he recommended exploring multichannel dropshipping to expand reach.
Leveraging Social Media for Dropshipping
Lior highlighted the opportunities presented by short-form content platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where dropshippers can generate traffic and sales without relying on influencers. He advised dropshippers to be creative and replicate successful videos on these platforms. Interestingly, he also mentioned that influencers themselves can easily create ecommerce brands by importing products from their niche and promoting them on their accounts.
Successful Products and AutoDS’s Offerings
When asked about successful products, Lior mentioned the popularity of Christmas lamps, creative lamps with different figures, Christmas slippers, and massage guns. He concluded the interview by inviting listeners to follow him on Instagram and visit AutoDS’s website for assistance with dropshipping, including product finding and education. He mentioned that registering on the site provides a 30-day free trial and access to full features, including free shipping to any selling channels.
Wrapping Up
Lior Pozin’s insights and recommendations for drop shippers are invaluable. He emphasized the importance of branding, exploring multichannel dropshipping, and leveraging social media platforms for advertising. His advice is a testament to his expertise and passion for ecommerce, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in dropshipping.
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