The eCommerce Marketing Podcast walks you through everything that goes into ecommerce marketing — from inbound marketing to paid advertising to conversions. Learn the strategies top marketing experts use to grow their businesses.
In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson speaks with Chris Timmer, CEO of Linworks, about the evolving landscape of e-commerce operations. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on online selling, the importance of automation and technology in managing multi-channel selling, and the rise of social selling. Chris shares insights on common mistakes businesses make when expanding across marketplaces and highlights future trends in e-commerce, including the integration of AI and the balance between brick-and-mortar and online strategies.
Key Episode Takeaways:
- Chris Timmer has over three decades of experience in e-commerce operations.
- COVID-19 accelerated the shift to online shopping for many businesses.
- Retailers must adapt their strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations.
- Automation in inventory and order management is crucial for success.
- Social selling is becoming increasingly important, especially among younger consumers.
- Businesses should avoid expanding too quickly across multiple marketplaces.
- Customer experience is key to driving repeat sales and loyalty.
- The integration of AI can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- A hybrid approach of online and brick-and-mortar can enhance brand presence.
- Future trends include globalization of selling and advancements in self-service technology.
- For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com
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Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more.
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Chris Timmer is the CEO of Linnworks, a leading eCommerce operations platform that helps brands automate and optimize their multi-channel selling efforts. With over three decades of leadership experience spanning sales, marketing, operations, and supply chain management software, Chris has a deep understanding of eCommerce logistics and marketplace strategies. He is passionate about enabling brands to gain control of their eCommerce strategies and scale efficiently across multiple marketplaces and social platforms.
In this episode, he shares key insights on the evolution of eCommerce, the importance of automation, and how brands can effectively expand across multiple sales channels.
Key Topics Discussed
- The evolution of eCommerce and how COVID-19 forced businesses to rethink online sales.
- Why brands must balance brick-and-mortar with eCommerce for long-term success.
- Common mistakes businesses make when expanding to multiple marketplaces.
- The role of automation in scaling multi-channel selling operations.
- How AI, social selling, and new technologies are shaping the future of eCommerce.
- The importance of inventory and order management in delivering a seamless customer experience.
- How retailers can leverage data, reporting, and pricing strategies for competitive advantage.
- The growing influence of platforms like TikTok Shop and social commerce on online retail.
- Trends in marketplace selling and predictions for the next 3-5 years.
Time Stamps
[00:01] – Introduction to Chris Timmer and Linnworks.
[01:30] – Chris’s background and journey into eCommerce technology.
[02:54] – The impact of COVID-19 on retail and the shift toward online selling.
[05:17] – Why some brands struggled with digital transformation.
[06:49] – The shift back toward brick-and-mortar and its impact on eCommerce.
[09:19] – How brands decide which marketplaces to sell on.
[12:24] – The importance of marketplace diversification for business growth.
[14:09] – Why automation is essential for scaling eCommerce businesses.
[16:41] – The rise of social selling and how brands can integrate it.
[19:13] – Why brands that diversify across multiple marketplaces see the most success.
[20:49] – Common mistakes brands make when expanding online.
[24:49] – Key trends shaping the future of marketplace selling and eCommerce.
[27:05] – AI’s growing role in optimizing eCommerce operations.
[30:30] – Fun fact: Chris enjoys restoring old wooden boats as a hobby.
[32:01] – How to connect with Chris and learn more about Linnworks.
Guest Contact Information
Website:
https://www.linnworks.com
Listen to the full episode to discover expert strategies on multi-channel eCommerce success and how brands can optimize operations for long-term growth!
