Bricks & Clicks Podcast
By Jennifer Kaylo Ruscin
Representing brands into Walmart, Amazon, and online my entire adult life has made my company, Growth Spurt Sales and Marketing, into mass retail experts.
Allow us to guide you as you sell online and in store.
Bricks & Clicks PodcastMar 02, 2023
EP#12: To Scale on Amazon You Need External Programs
In this podcast episode, I, Jennifer Ruscin, an Amazon business coach, talk about the limitations of depending exclusively on the Amazon platform for business.
I share my own experiences, providing insights on how to navigate these obstacles.
I emphasize the significance of incorporating extra tools and programs to improve an Amazon-centric business, proposing that diversification and strategic improvements are essential for achieving peak success in the cutthroat online market.
Using Platforms Outside of Amazon (00:00:00)
Jennifer discusses the limitations of using the Amazon platform alone for business and the additional tools and programs she uses to enhance her Amazon business.
Feedback and Communication (00:01:09)
Jennifer explains the use of external programs to communicate with Amazon shoppers, provide downloadable content, and gather feedback, which cannot be done solely through the Amazon platform.
Search Volume and Revenue Analysis (00:02:08)
Jennifer shares how she uses external programs to find search volume on keywords, validate findings in terms of revenue, and identify white space in the market.
Keyword Research and Optimization (00:04:04)
Jennifer discusses the use of external programs to refine keyword lists and optimize Amazon pay-per-click advertising, highlighting the limitations of the Amazon system in these areas.
Sophistication of Amazon's Algorithm (00:06:07)
Jennifer shares examples of Amazon's algorithm sophistication and the use of external programs to optimize pay-per-click advertising outside of the Amazon system.
Forecasting Tools (00:07:13)
Jennifer explains the use of forecasting tools outside of the Amazon system to create customized sales growth forecasts, addressing the limitations of Amazon's forecasting tool.
Follow: Growth Spurt Sales and Marketing
EP#11: Jen Turns 40!
I'm getting raw about my most profound lessons, ideas, and curiosities that have shaped my journey as I turn 40. I hope these nuggets of wisdom will spark your curiosity and inspire you to join me on my podcast.
The Power of Self-Discovery: My 20s were a whirlwind of self-discovery, from figuring out who I was to navigating marriage, motherhood, and a career. But it was the courage to leave an unfulfilling marriage that truly marked my journey towards self-realization.
Embracing Entrepreneurship: My 30s were transformative. I ventured into entrepreneurship, starting my own business, Growth Spurt Sales and Marketing. I made over $3 million dollars. My ultimate goal? To empower mothers to leave their cubicles, work from home, and enjoy the freedom to spend quality time with their children.
The Joy of Flexibility: My business has allowed me to work from various locations around the world, from Hawaii to Ireland. The joy of not having to wake up to an alarm clock is priceless. And yes, I do schedule massages on Monday mornings to celebrate my achievements!
The Importance of Self-Care: As an entrepreneur, I've learned that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. It's during these moments of relaxation that I generate my best business ideas.
Navigating Relationships: My journey through my 30s also involved navigating the complexities of relationships. From realizing the need for sexual exploration in my marriage to embracing the fluidity of relationships, it's been a rollercoaster ride.
The Value of Authenticity: As I step into my 40s, I've learned the importance of being true to oneself. By simply being myself, I attract clients who want to work with me and individuals who want to be my friend.
Embracing Change: As I look towards the future, I'm ready to embrace the changes that come with my children growing up and the challenges of becoming an empty nester.
EP#10: What is Amazon's Brand Referral Bonus Program?
[Directly from Amazon's Website]:
Do you advertise your Amazon products through non-Amazon channels like Facebook ads or Google search? If so, you could be leaving money on the table.
For sellers enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry and selling in Amazon’s US store, Amazon’s Brand Referral Bonus is an opportunity to earn, on average, a 10% bonus of the sales price on sales generated from non-Amazon marketing efforts. If you aren’t earning a Brand Referral Bonus yet, here’s how it works...
SIGN UP: https://sell.amazon.com/blog/brand-referral-bonus
EP#9: Buy With Prime
How does Buy with Prime work?
[Amazon's Website]:
Buy with Prime allows U.S.-based Prime members to shop directly from participating online stores using the Prime shopping benefits they love and trust—including fast, free delivery, a seamless checkout experience, and easy returns. When shopping at participating online stores, look for the “Buy with Prime” button on each product page. You’ll often see it near the “Add to Cart” or “Add to Bag” button.
Ashlee guides you through what Buy With Prime is, why you'd want to offer it to your shoppers on your website, and how to set it up.
EP#8: How The Amazon Affiliate Program Works
Hey there! In this video (you'll want to watch this on Spotify or over on our YouTube Channel) , I'll show you how the Amazon affiliate program works.
I'll explain how you can share specific product lines and earn money from it.
I'll also guide you on how to create links to specific pages and share them with potential customers.
I'll demonstrate how to use the program by creating a link for a soy candle wax product.
Additionally, I'll share some insights on the earnings and conversion rates you can expect from the program.
If you're a content creator, using the Amazon affiliate program can be a great way to monetize your content.
Let's get started!
EP#7: Preventing Account Suspensions: What Every Amazon Seller Needs to Know with Leah McHugh
One of the most significant challenges facing Amazon sellers is avoiding account and listing suspensions.
Leah McHugh from e-commerce Chris shared:
5 valuable insights on how to avoid these suspensions.
- Have Proper Documentation: Verification issues often arise when sellers do not have the necessary documentation or when the information on their documents does not match the information on their seller account. It's crucial to have consistent information across all aspects of the seller account, including listings and documents.
- Avoid Committing Fraud: Amazon is a master at detecting fraud, and sellers who engage in such activities are unlikely to regain their account or listing. It's crucial to avoid altering documentation to match Amazon's requirements.
- Have Legal Documentation of All Relationships: This includes employees, service providers, and warehouses. Having an employment contract and termination letter for employees can help avoid any bad behavior taking down the account. It's also essential to remove terminated employees from the account to avoid any relation to a suspended account.
- Be Honest About Your Product: Compliance team deactivations have become more frequent in recent years, especially since the pandemic. It's crucial to be careful about making claims about your products and to ensure that any claims made are not regulated and are true.
- Consider Different Laws and Regulations: Especially for sellers planning to sell internationally, it's crucial to consider different laws and regulations in different countries.
Remember, following Amazon's policies is essential to maintaining a successful online business on their platform.
Don't copy other sellers' actions just because they seem to be getting away with it, as it could lead to account suspension. Instead, learn the policies yourself and make sure you're always doing what's best for Amazon and its customers.
Follow these tips and keep your business running smoothly on Amazon.
EP#6: Scaling Your Handmade Business: Insights from Amazon Handmade with Dana Midkiff
Are you a handmade seller looking to grow your business? Have you considered selling on Amazon Handmade?
Dana, who started her handmade business in her basement in 2013, explained that Amazon Handmade was created to compete with Etsy and has since become a significant source of growth for her business. However, she also highlighted the challenges of selling on Amazon, including the complex backend and regulations, and the need for a solid business plan and infrastructure in place before scaling up.
Jennifer discusses the importance of branding and building relationships with customers. She and Dana both emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities of selling handmade items on Amazon, including the need to navigate Amazon's advertising system and the importance of mindset coaching to overcome the fear of delegating tasks to others.
Despite these challenges, Dana encouraged listeners to consider selling on Amazon Handmade and to reach out to her for advice. She noted that there is still a huge opportunity for growth and scaling in the handmade category on Amazon.
If you're a handmade seller looking to grow your business, selling on Amazon Handmade could be your next big move.
Take the time to research and understand the platform, develop a solid business plan, and focus on building a strong brand and customer relationships.
With the right mindset and strategies in place, you could find success and growth on Amazon Handmade.
Connect with Dana: https://www.instagram.com/danamidkiffcoach/
EP#5: Teikametrics: The AI-Powered Advertising Platform for Amazon and Walmart with Jake Wilk
In this podcast episode, Ashlee Billings interviews Jake Wilk, a former customer and current Director of Product Operations at Teikametrics, a third-party platform that helps with advertising on Amazon and Walmart through AI, artificial intelligence.
Jake shares his experience using Teikametrics as a customer and how it helped him manage the bidding optimization and control the direction of the advertising strategy.
He also discusses Teikametrics' new campaign creation tool and the importance of testing and controlling variables when using the platform.
Jake emphasizes that Teikametrics exists to help sellers stay afloat and efficient in their business, and the company's focus is on advertising optimization and being omnichannel.
Growth Spurt Sales & Marketing Website: http://growthspurtsalesandmarketing.com/
Growth Spurt Sales & Marketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthspurtsalesandmarketing/
EP#4: Why AMZ Account Get Deactivated with Chris McCabe
Chris McCabe from EcommerceChris is a former Amazonian who helps sellers when their accounts get deactivated and or listings get removed from Amazon. As you will find out in this podcast Amazon is tricky when it comes to helping you get reinstated! Follow Growth Spurt: Website: http://growthspurtsalesandmarketing.com/
https://www.instagram.com/growthspurtsalesandmarketing/
https://www.facebook.com/growthspurtsales Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/amznchris/ https://www.youtube.com/@ecommerceChris/videos
https://www.ecommercechris.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thechrismccabe/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ecommerceChris Growth Spurt Sales and Marketing is a firm based in Bentonville, AR that helps companies sell into Walmart, Amazon, and on Shopify. We create content, run social media accounts, and increase sales in the world's largest retailers.
EP#3: Amazon is Still Relevant with Betsy McGinn
We've got Betsy McGinn, eCommerce and Amazon expert on today's show!
Betsy helps brands strengthen their strategic direction, on Amazon and their own Direct-to-Consumer eCommerce, and will lead you through every step of this complex channel, to ensure a profitable online business!
We discuss if Amazon is becoming more of a marketing platform, or if it's still relevant for brands to participate on this channel.
You might be surprised what Betsy shares!
https://www.mcginnecomm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/growthspurtsales_marketing/
EP#2: Using Amazon as a Marketing Platform
It's getting harder and harder to make a profit on Amazon.
Lately we've been counseling clients to view Amazon as a marketing platform, and remove it as a sales function.
Today Ashlee and I spill all the deets on how we're directing clients, and what action steps to take.
- Jennifer
EP#1: Bricks & Clicks Podcast Relaunch with Jennifer Ruscin and Ashlee Billings
We took a hiatus for 1 year while my company, Growth Spurt Sales and Marketing made some big updates post-covid, by adding a full suite of marketing services and D2C offerings.
Let's get you caught up!
- Jennifer