Could you turn your geeky hobby into a thriving business?

In this week’s episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, we follow Mike Freeman, the mastermind behind Fourth Moon Toys, as he shares his transformative journey from a casual Star Wars collector to the owner of a booming online and retail business. Drawing on his experiences from the early days of internet trading to launching a niche market venture on Shopify, Mike reveals the challenges and triumphs of turning a passionate hobby into a successful enterprise. Tune in to discover how community engagement and a steadfast commitment to authenticity have shaped his business ethos and hear Mike’s insights on the evolving landscape of collectibles. Whether you're a collector, a Star Wars enthusiast, or an entrepreneur at heart, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersections of nostalgia, commerce, and innovation.

Niche Knowledge is Power: Mike's deep understanding of Star Wars collectibles, down to the most minute details, has set Fourth Moon Toys apart in a competitive market.

Community Engagement is Crucial: Actively participating in the collector community not only enhances credibility but also fosters a loyal customer base.

Authenticity Builds Trust: Rigorous authentication processes ensure that customers receive genuine collectibles, solidifying trust and encouraging repeat business.

Flexibility in Business Models: Transitioning from an online-only model to embracing physical retail can open new avenues for growth and customer interaction.

Long-term Vision: Like Shopify's approach to business, focusing on long-term relationships and reputation over quick profits is vital for sustainable success.

• 4th Moon Toys

• Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU
• Finale Inventory
• Growth Collective

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• See our recent work at Ethercycle
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• Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

We're talking AI chatbots as a top of funnel marketing medium with Recycled Firefighter founder Jake Starr. Jake spills the tea on turning his unique products (recycled firehose American flags!) into a digital sensation earning 20,000 email subscribers monthly, thanks to his new chatty AI sidekick. Dive into the fun and quirky world of Jake's creation 'Josh' the sales bot, and uncover how AI is the secret sauce to customer engagement and skyrocketing sales. It's a blend of old-school crafting meets new-school tech. If you're looking for a new top of funnel strategy to engage prospective customers, this is it.

• jakestarr.ai
• GoHighLevel
• ManyChat
• RecycledFirefighter
• ZappyChat
• Klaviyo
• PostScript

• Free 30-day trial of Zipify OCU
• Finale Inventory
• Growth Collective

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
• Join Kurt's newsletter

• Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group
• Leave a review
• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• See our recent work at Ethercycle
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
• Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Did you know over 60% of online experiences start with a search engine? In e-commerce, visibility in these search results is crucial for success.

This episode dives into SEO Tools & Tactics for Shopify. Joining us is experienced SEO professional Patrick Rice, who shares the strategies and tools he uses with his Shopify clients.

We delve into the practical use of tools like SEMrush, Matrixify, and ChatGPT, exploring their impact on online store visibility. Patrick provides valuable insights on selecting the right keywords and effectively optimizing product pages.

Tune in to enhance your store's SEO. This conversation is your stepping stone to improved online presence.

• Patrick Rice Co.
• SEMRush
• Matrixify
• ChatGPT
• ChatGPT in Google Sheets™ and Docs™
• YouTube: Shopify SEO Tutorial (2024) How To Optimize Your Store With ChatGPT
• Screaming Frog

• Zipify
• Finale Inventory
• Growth Collective

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
• Join Kurt's newsletter

• Ask a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook Group
• Leave a review
• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• See our recent work at Ethercycle
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
• Apply to work with Kurt to grow your store.