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.
He is currently the EVP & GM of Proto AI’s eCommerce division, a first of its kind AI product, which helps online retailers increase revenue and conversions through auto optimizing product recommendations while personalizing the customer journey. Additionally, he serves as Special Advisor to Kathy Ireland®, where he has helped Kathy Ireland Worldwide’s B2C retail brand scale from $2B to $3.1B in sales by providing strategic planning on high level topics, partnerships, acquisitions and technology endeavors. Blake oversaw Kathy’s entire online ecommerce ecosystem. Here he led both kiWW and partner’s ecommerce teams. Some of these partnerships included Macys, Zulilly, BHFO, and Neiman Marcus. Blake also advises several other companies in the nonprofit sector, e.g. ChickTech and Best Buddies.
In this episode, you will learn
How artificial intelligence is currently reshaping the eCommerce industry
Ways AI contributes to optimizing the customer journey in online retail
How AI-powered personalization improves customer experience and boosts conversions in eCommerce
How can privacy concerns be mitigated within the context of online retail
Examples of innovative uses of AI in eCommerce
For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com
Or on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ
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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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Title: The Next Generation of AI in E-Commerce with Blake Van Leer
Guest: Blake Van Leer, EVP & GM of Proto AI’s eCommerce Division
Host: Arlen Robinson
In this episode of the Ecommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Blake Van Leer, EVP & GM of Proto AI’s eCommerce division. Blake shares his extensive background in tech and e-commerce, including his role at Proto AI, and discusses how AI is transforming the e-commerce landscape, optimizing customer journeys, and driving sales. He also provides insights into the future of AI in e-commerce and addresses common concerns about AI and privacy.
Key Takeaways:
- [2:00] Blake’s Background:
- Blake’s journey from affiliate marketing in college to working with Kathy Ireland and his current role at Proto AI.
- His involvement in growth strategies, revenue lift, and team building across various companies.
- [8:30] Impact of AI on E-Commerce:
- How AI is currently reshaping the e-commerce industry by optimizing supply chains, omnichannel strategies, and visual content.
- The emergence of new job roles focused on AI management and optimization.
- [12:45] Optimizing Customer Journey with AI:
- How AI can personalize and optimize the customer journey, making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for and increasing conversion rates.
- Example of using AI to provide real-time product recommendations and improve customer satisfaction.
- [18:00] Personalization in E-Commerce:
- The importance of personalization in enhancing the customer experience and boosting conversions.
- Balancing personalization to avoid the “creepy AI” effect and maintaining customer trust.
- [24:30] Privacy Concerns and AI:
- Addressing privacy concerns by being transparent with customers about data usage.
- Ensuring AI tools do not require personal data for functionality, focusing on behavior-based recommendations.
- [30:00] Innovative Uses of AI:
- Examples of innovative uses of AI in e-commerce, including content generation and video content inspiration.
- Importance of managing AI tools effectively to maximize their benefits.
- [35:45] Future of AI in E-Commerce:
- Predictions for the future of AI in e-commerce, including increased adoption by SMBs and mid-tier markets.
- How AI can reduce time to market for new products and services, enabling faster pivots and more agile business strategies.
Guest Info:
- Blake Van Leer
- EVP & GM of Proto AI’s eCommerce division
- LinkedIn: Blake Van Leer
- Website: Proto AI
