In this episode, our guest explores AI’s impact on e-commerce, from voice search to prompt engineering, revealing strategies to future-proof your Amazon and online retail success.

Andrew Bell, a thought leader in AI and e-commerce, takes us on his remarkable journey from studying ancient Greek and preaching to becoming a leading voice in the intersection of AI and online retail. He shares personal stories, including the influence of his late grandfather, a top contract negotiator, and his wife's inspiring story of being adopted from Ethiopia and launching a business that supports her orphanage. Andrew's insights into the e-commerce world reveal his strategic role in the growth of brands like Touch of Class on Amazon and his tenure as the Amazon lead for the National Fire Protection Association, where he champions the representation of vital safety standards.

Explore the evolving landscape of AI in e-commerce, where image generation and large language models redefine user experience. Andrew shares success stories stemming from industry networking, illustrating how connections at conferences can lead to collaborations featured in prestigious outlets like Forbes. With an eye on the future, Andrew and I discuss emerging trends, such as the shift towards remote work and the decline of traditional keyword optimization. The conversation unveils new strategies like Omni Search Optimization and the rise of voice search, underlining the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of search and branding.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of AI-assisted tasks, where prompt engineering and multimodal strategies are revolutionizing human capabilities. Andrew emphasizes AI's potential to enhance rather than replace human skills, allowing for greater creativity and specialization. The discussion highlights innovative uses of AI, such as personalized recommendations and problem-solving via personality type consultations. By mastering AI technologies, businesses can optimize operations and scale efficiency, turning AI into a pivotal tool for growth and creativity in the digital age.

In episode 448 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Andrew discuss:

• 00:00 - AI in E-Commerce With Andrew Bell
• 05:01 - Learning Amazon Selling With Freedom Ticket
• 09:21 - Tech Innovations Discussed in Conversation
• 11:44 - Business Transition to Amazon Lead Role
• 18:08 - Remote Work Career Shift and Creativity
• 18:23 - Emerging Trends in E-Commerce Optimization
• 22:01 - Omni Search Optimization Paradigm
• 28:02 - Answer vs Generative Engine Optimization
• 31:07 - Voice Search in E-Commerce Future
• 35:40 - Voice Search and Productivity Implications
• 36:01 - Optimizing AI Prompting Strategies
• 43:59 - Role of Agents in E-Commerce
• 44:48 - Augmenting Skills With AI Technology
• 48:07 - Personalized Knee Brace Recommendations Using AI
• 51:55 - Debates on AI Adoption in E-commerce Businesses
• 57:16 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Ex-Amazon insider Kara Babb shares how to use social media, branding, and AI to build unforgettable brands and drive real emotional connections with customers.

Kara Babb, a former Amazon vendor manager, joins us to unravel the complexities of branding in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Drawing from her rich experience, Kara emphasizes the necessity of an omnichannel strategy, highlighting how sustainable brand success relies heavily on building a presence both on and off Amazon. She shares her insights on the significance of external traffic and creative brand awareness campaigns, with compelling examples like Poppy and BirdBuddy, to show how they can create sales surges and foster growth in the competitive market.

Our exploration takes a fascinating turn as we examine BirdBuddy's innovative use of TikTok to capture the millennial and Gen Z audience, uncovering how creative content strategies can lead to explosive viral success. We discuss the hurdles platforms like Amazon face in the realm of social media, and the cultural barriers that live shopping encounters in the West compared to its success in Asia. Kara provides a nuanced understanding of why companies like Amazon and TikTok sometimes struggle when stepping outside their core competencies, offering a window into the future of digital engagement and consumer interaction.

The conversation moves toward the frontier of AI in shopping, where we discuss how platforms like TikTok and AI models are reshaping consumer search behaviors. We introduce the concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and its implications for brand strategies, particularly for smaller sellers facing rising costs and international competition. Wrapping up, we delve into how brands like Scrub Daddy, Apple, and Chanel create deep emotional connections with their customers, emphasizing the power of brand identity to transcend mere transactions and maintain a lasting presence in consumers' lives.

In episode 447 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Kara discuss:

• 00:00 - Branding and Social Media Strategy for E-commerce
• 01:59 - 1P & 3P Consulting Experience at Amazon
• 06:52 - Understanding the Concept of Branding for Amazon Sellers
• 09:45 - Bridging E-Commerce and Branding With Social
• 13:32 - TikTok Marketing and E-Commerce Insights
• 14:49 - Utilizing TikTok Trends for Business Success
• 18:47 - Cultural Differences in Live Shopping
• 28:13 - AI and Shopping Integration in AILMs (46 Seconds)
• 34:17 - Future of Social Media and TikTok
• 35:11 - Building Brand Affinity and Community Engagement
• 39:10 - The Value of Branding in Selling Online
• 45:32 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Amazon thought leader Danny McMillan joins us to dive into the latest on AI, Cosmo & Rufus, Amazon patents, seller conferences, and what’s happening in the agency space!

Importance of adapting event formats to meet evolving participant expectations. By sharing our experiences, we uncover the power of creating engaging, impactful environments that foster meaningful learning and networking opportunities. Lastly, we touch on the evolving trends within the agency business, the impact of AI and automation on e-commerce, and the critical role of understanding customer objections for conversion optimization. As agencies navigate the challenges of a competitive landscape, differentiation and genuine value become key to success. Meanwhile, the rapid advancements in AI technologies are reshaping industries, underscoring the necessity for sellers and companies to stay informed and adaptable. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the e-commerce landscape, event management strategies, and future trends, making it a must-listen for anyone keen on staying ahead in the industry.

Join us as we engage in a fascinating discussion with e-commerce thought leader, Danny McMillan. Danny shares his extensive knowledge on Amazon patents, AI developments, and the art of hosting successful e-commerce events. Let’s explore the unique challenges of organizing such events across different regions, particularly the logistical hurdles of drawing attendees from various countries. Danny also provides an insightful look into how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped event planning, highlighting the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of ever-changing safety regulations.

Their conversation also explores the dynamic landscape of industry conferences and how they are being revolutionized by thought leaders like Kevin King. They discuss innovative event formats, such as the Market Masters event, which focuses on personalized, expert-driven sessions rather than traditional presentations. The transformation of Seller Sessions into a more interactive learning experience is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of adapting event formats to meet evolving participant expectations. By sharing our experiences, we uncover the power of creating engaging, impactful environments that foster meaningful learning and networking opportunities.

Lastly, we touch on the evolving trends within the agency business, the impact of AI and automation on e-commerce, and the critical role of understanding customer objections for conversion optimization. As agencies navigate the challenges of a competitive landscape, differentiation and genuine value become key to success. Meanwhile, the rapid advancements in AI technologies are reshaping industries, underscoring the necessity for sellers and companies to stay informed and adaptable. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the e-commerce landscape, event management strategies, and future trends, making it a must-listen for anyone keen on staying ahead in the industry.

In episode 446 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Danny discuss:

• 00:00 - E-Commerce Events and Challenges
• 04:02 - Europe vs US Amazon Seller Events
• 12:36 - Transition to Workshop-Style Seller Sessions
• 17:30 - Teaching With Lesson Plans and Goals
• 20:11 - Event Management Strategies and Security
• 24:31 - Agency Business Trends and Evolution
• 28:22 - Growth of Competition in Marketing Agencies
• 31:37 - Importance of Differentiating in E-commerce Sales
• 37:54 - Customer Objections and Conversion Optimization
• 45:17 - Discovering Consumer Preferences Through Testing
• 50:10 - Future Trends in AI and E-Commerce
• 50:38 - Challenging the Concept of Honeymoon Period
• 57:54 - The Power of Prompting and AI
• 58:05 - Enhancing Design Output With ChatGPT
• 1:01:09 - The Role of the Engineer
• 1:08:42 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom