{ "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-blog-posts-jsx", "path": "/blog/category/general-articles/8/", "result": {"pageContext":{"postsPerPage":6,"categories":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles","slug":"general-articles","count":131},{"id":"dGVybToyMTc=","name":"Shopify","slug":"shopify","count":5},{"id":"dGVybToyMjE=","name":"Shopify Development","slug":"shopify-development","count":4}],"pagesCount":22,"currentPage":8,"categoryOriginPath":"/blog/category/general-articles","pageHeader":{"background":null,"backgroundOpacity":1,"color":null,"fieldGroupName":"page_header","title":"Latest Articles: Stay Informed","opacity":1,"position":"on","size":{"desktop":64,"tablet":48,"mobile":32},"spaces":{"top":null,"bottom":null,"leftright":null,"units":"em"}},"posts":[{"id":"cG9zdDo2MTgw","title":"How To Find Trending Sounds on TikTok (2023)","date":"08.06.2023","slug":"how-to-find-trending-sounds-on-tiktok-2023","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles"}]},"levels":{"nodes":[]},"acfPost":{"fieldGroupName":"acfPost","excerpt":"With 88% of TikTokers saying audio is essential to their overall experience on the app, knowing how to find trending sounds on TikTok offers massive potential for brands to grow on the platform. \r\nTrending TikTok sounds, songs, and other original audio are used every day, with trends evolving quickly. How can you stay ahead of what’s trending in order to leverage these sounds in your TikTok marketing strategy?\r\nAhead, learn how to find trending TikTok sounds using the tools right inside the app. And discover eight places to find sounds and songs to use in your TikTok content.","squaredImage":{"altText":"How To Design a Logo: A Step-By-Step Guide (2023)","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f8d8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/cdcfe72032f82eac24ef232918b84e6c/b956e/how_20to_20find_20trending_20sounds_20on_20tiktok.webp","srcSet":"/static/cdcfe72032f82eac24ef232918b84e6c/d1fa5/how_20to_20find_20trending_20sounds_20on_20tiktok.webp 750w,\n/static/cdcfe72032f82eac24ef232918b84e6c/b956e/how_20to_20find_20trending_20sounds_20on_20tiktok.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.4228515625}}}},"metaData":{"title":null,"description":"Discover how to find trending sounds on TikTok and leverage them for your brand's growth. With 88% of TikTokers valuing audio in their experience, staying ahead of trends is crucial. Learn how to find trending sounds using TikTok's search function, explore the For You page, browse the sound library, and utilize the Creative Center. Additionally, explore external resources like Spotify's playlists, YouTube, and the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Uncover four tips for finding trending sounds, including understanding their usage, saving favorites, considering your target audience, and searching for unique sounds. Increase your reach and sell on TikTok by incorporating popular hits into your content"},"banner":{"title":"How To Find Trending Sounds on TikTok (2023)","showTitle":true,"image":{"altText":"How To Design a Logo: A Step-By-Step Guide (2023)","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f8d8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/cdcfe72032f82eac24ef232918b84e6c/b956e/how_20to_20find_20trending_20sounds_20on_20tiktok.webp","srcSet":"/static/cdcfe72032f82eac24ef232918b84e6c/d1fa5/how_20to_20find_20trending_20sounds_20on_20tiktok.webp 750w,\n/static/cdcfe72032f82eac24ef232918b84e6c/b956e/how_20to_20find_20trending_20sounds_20on_20tiktok.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.4228515625}}}}},"timeToRead":null,"sections":[{"fieldGroupName":"post_Acfpost_Sections_ArticleRichTextContent","content":"

With 88% of TikTokers saying audio is essential to their overall experience on the app, knowing how to find trending sounds on TikTok offers massive potential for brands to grow on the platform.

\n

Trending TikTok sounds, songs, and other original audio are used every day, with trends evolving quickly. How can you stay ahead of what’s trending in order to leverage these sounds in your TikTok marketing strategy?

\n

Ahead, learn how to find trending TikTok sounds using the tools right inside the app. And discover eight places to find sounds and songs to use in your TikTok content.

\n
\n

Contents

\n\n
\n

How to find trending sounds on TikTok

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TikTok users are eight times more likely to remember a brand for the unique sounds and songs it uses in its videos than other elements such as visual style, color, slogan, and logo. That’s why finding the right sounds is critical to brand recognition and building an audience.

\n

Here’s how to find trending sounds on TikTok, right inside the app:

\n\n

\"A

\n

Use TikTok’s search function

\n

Here are the steps to find TikTok sounds using the search bar:

\n
    \n
  1. Open the TikTok app.
    2. \n
  2. Go to the search function at the top of the screen.
    3. \n
  3. Search for “viral sounds” (or any other similar keyword).
    4. \n
  4. Once results are loaded, hop over to the Sounds tab. You’ll see a list of trending songs and sounds on TikTok and the number of times they’ve been used in TikTok videos.
    5. \n
  5. Alternatively, you can also go to the Hashtags tab to see what popular hashtags related to sounds are being used.
    6. \n
\n

\"A
\nThere are other ways to find TikTok sounds right inside the app. Let’s explore a few of those options.

\n

Scroll the For You page

\n

Whether you’re new to TikTok or a frequent user, there’s no doubt you spend the bulk of your TikTok time on the For You page, as it’s one of the app’s core features. When browsing the page, look at what sorts of videos others are posting and the sounds they’re using.

\n

One of the best parts of finding trending sounds on TikTok through the For You page is that it requires almost no additional effort or time, as you can easily do it during your regular use of TikTok. Trending sounds or songs will definitely be repeated over and over as you scroll—after a few minutes, you’ll start to recognize what’s trending.

\n

\"A

\n

It’s worth noting here that the content on the For You page differs from user to user. This is because it caters to users’ personal interests and the TikTok communities they belong to. If you want to create brand content that appeals to your target audience, find out what sort of content they see on their For You page by doing market analysis.

\n

Browse TikTok’s sound library

\n

Another resource is TikTok’s very own sound library. Here’s how to access it and use it to find trending sounds:

\n
    \n
  1. Open the TikTok app.
    2. \n
  2. Click on the + sign at the bottom of the screen as you would when posting a new video.
    3. \n
  3. Tap on the “Add sound” option at the top of the screen.
    4. \n
  4. Scroll down to “Playlist” and browse through any playlist that could feature trending songs like “TikTok Viral,” “Featured,” and so on. Note that the playlists that show up in this section may differ from user to user. Since you’re looking for trending sounds, any playlist that suggests it could include popular sounds is worth a look.
    5. \n
\n

\"A

\n

Use TikTok’s Creative Center

\n

TikTok’s Creative Center allows users to view the most popular songs on the app and even filter them by region. The latter comes in particularly handy when your target market is located in an area different from yours.

\n

\"A

\n

Clicking on any song on the list will also show you a graph charting its general performance over the past week.

\n

🎵 Note: You need to log in to the Creative Center to gain full access to the data. You can get access by signing up for a TikTok Business Account, which is free.

\n

Where to find trending TikTok sounds and songs (other than on TikTok)

\n

Other than in the app itself, there are external tools and resources to help you source viral audio and songs that you can use in your brand’s TikTok content.

\n

Check out Spotify’s playlists

\n

Another great place to find trending songs on TikTok is none other than the leading music streaming provider, Spotify.

\n

Simply enter “TikTok” in the search bar and select “Playlists.” There, you’ll find playlist after playlist of the top trending sounds on TikTok curated by users.

\n

\"A

\n

But if you pay attention to only one user, let that be TikTok’s very own Spotify account. It currently has 10 public playlists with the latest TikTok hits, sorted by region.

\n

\"A

\n

Browse YouTube

\n

Popular video-sharing platform YouTube is also a wonderful resource for trending songs on TikTok.

\n

In the search bar, enter keywords such as “trending tiktok sounds” or “trending tiktok songs” and you’ll have a plethora of options. In fact, simply typing in “trending tiktok” prompts YouTube’s autocomplete predictions, and you’ll get a list of search suggestions.

\n

\"A

\n

YUMMY is one account you want to follow to stay up-to-date with trending sounds on TikTok, as it publishes a new video with the latest TikTok hits every single day.

\n

\"A

\n

Redlist also has a playlist of trending TikTok songs that it updates pretty frequently. What’s more, Redlist also compiles music videos of the most popular TikTok songs every few months and even lists the names of these songs for easy identification.

\n

\"A

\n

Pay attention to the Billboard Hot 100 chart

\n

Last but certainly not least, the Billboard Hot 100 chart is a resource you want to check out when looking for trending sounds on TikTok.

\n

\"A

\n

Check out TokChart

\n

TokChart is a website that tracks trending music on TikTok within the past 24 hours and breaks out trends by location.

\n

\"A

\n

4 tips for finding trending sounds on TikTok

\n

1. Understand how trending sounds are being used

\n

When you’ve chosen a trending sound for your TikTok content, look at how it’s being used, especially in the videos that are going viral. This gives you a better idea of how to participate in the TikTok trend.

\n

Also, consider reading through the comments section of these videos for feedback from other users to understand what you can improve on or avoid doing.

\n

If you want to go the extra mile, don’t simply imitate what others are doing. This is your chance to be creative and put your own spin on it. A little out-of-the-box thinking can be the key to getting your videos to go viral on TikTok!

\n

2. Save TikTok songs and sounds as favorites

\n

Once you come across sounds or songs in trending videos, don’t forget to save them as favorites. This saves you the effort of having to locate them again when you’re ready to use them in your TikTok posts.

\n

Plus, TikTok trends tend to last around five to seven days. Depending on how often and when you post on TikTok, this can give you plenty of opportunities to use the current sounds that are trending.

\n

But how long a TikTok sound can trend is anyone’s guess. Some can potentially go on for months on end or even resurface in the future. To that end, saving them as favorites allows you to come back to them easily at a later date. It’s much like having your own personalized library of trending TikTok sounds at your fingertips.

\n

\"A

\n

3. Consider your target audience

\n

Aside from looking for songs and sounds that are trending across TikTok, pay close attention to those that are specific and relevant to your target audience. While the top sounds and songs may be getting a ton of attention, they may not all resonate with your specific audience.

\n

Tap into what your followers are following and liking. Even though some of these sounds may not be as hot widely, there’s a chance they’ll resonate just as well—if not better—with your target audience.

\n

4. Search for unique trending sounds

\n

Remember, TikTok isn’t just about music. Users can also create unique sounds that are fun to make videos with. So catchy and trendy songs aside, knowing how to find trending sounds on TikTok is also important.

\n

To do that, your best bet would be to browse on the TikTok app itself (i.e., via the For You page and TikTok’s search bar).

\n

From trending sounds to trending products

\n

\"AAs 73% of users say they “stop and look” at TikTok ads that have audio, sounds are an incredibly important part of your TikTok marketing strategy, not only for organic posts, but for paid ads too.

\n

Given the popularity of audio on TikTok, including the hottest hits in your TikTok content can really help to increase your reach and, ultimately, sell on TikTok.

\n
\n
\n
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Read More

\n
\n
\n
    \n
  • How to Create a Stunning Website Hero Image
    • \n
  • How to Use TikTok For Business
    • \n
  • 200+ Best Motivational Quotes To Encourage Your Success
    • \n
  • Automated Dropshipping: Everything You Need To Know in 2023
    • \n
  • The 12 Best Free Video Editing Software for 2023
    • \n
  • 7 Common Facebook Advertising Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
    • \n
  • How to Make Money on Snapchat
    • \n
  • 14 Creative and Cool Snapchat Tips That Only the Pros Know
    • \n
  • YouTube SEO 101- How to Build a Profitable YouTube Keyword Strategy
    • \n
  • How to Make the Most of Instagram Video with Posts, Stories, and IGTV
    • \n
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\n
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Trending sounds on TikTok FAQ

\n
\n

How do you find top trending sounds on TikTok?

\n
\n
\n

 

\n
    \n
  1. Open the TikTok app.
    2. \n
  2. Go to the search function at the top of the screen.
    3. \n
  3. Search for “viral sounds” (or any other similar keyword).
    4. \n
  4. Once results are loaded, hop over to the “Sounds” tab. You’ll see a list of trending sounds on TikTok and the number of times they’ve been used in TikTok videos.
    5. \n
  5. Tap the “Hashtags” tab to see what popular hashtags related to sounds are being used.
    6. \n
  6. Alternatively, you can find trending sounds on the For You page, in TikTok’s sounds library, and in TikTok’s Creative Center.
    7. \n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

How do you see what TikTok sounds are trending?

\n
\n
\n

There are a number of ways to find trending sounds on TikTok, including features within the app and external resources. These include:

\n
    \n
  • TikTok’s For You page
    • \n
  • TikTok’s search bar
    • \n
  • TikTok’s sound library
    • \n
  • TikTok’s Creative Center
    • \n
  • Spotify playlists
    • \n
  • YouTube videos and channels
    • \n
  • The Billboard Hot 100 chart
    • \n
\n

Remember that trending audio changes all the time. Use these ways to find trending sounds on a regular basis and stay on top of viral trends.

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Why are sounds not available for commercial use on TikTok?

\n
\n
\n

Business accounts on TikTok are not able to use popular songs unless they have the required license for use, due to the risk of running into copyright issues. Music that’s available for commercial use can be found in the Commercial Music Library. Personal accounts may still use popular songs.

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

What is the most used sound on TikTok?

\n
\n
\n

The most used sound on TikTok changes depending on trends in music and popular culture. “Love You So” by The King Kahn & BBQ Show was the most played song on TikTok between January and June 2022, with TikTok videos using this sound reaching a play count of over 38.6 billion.

\n

https://www.shopify.com/blog/how-to-find-trending-sounds-tiktok

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\n
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\n"}]},"page_header":{"background":null,"backgroundOpacity":100,"color":null,"fieldGroupName":"page_header","title":"TikTok Audio Trends","opacity":100,"position":"on","size":{"desktop":64,"tablet":null,"mobile":null},"spaces":{"top":null,"bottom":null,"leftright":null,"units":"em"}},"link":"/blog/how-to-find-trending-sounds-on-tiktok-2023"},{"id":"cG9zdDo2MTc0","title":"Peak Design’s Crowdfunding Strategies That Raised Over $34 Million","date":"08.06.2023","slug":"peak-designs-crowdfunding-strategies-that-raised-over-34-million","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles"}]},"levels":{"nodes":[]},"acfPost":{"fieldGroupName":"acfPost","excerpt":"When Peter Dering traveled through Asia on a four-month backpacking trip in 2010, he captured all the memorable, scenic moments with his camera. Along the way, he noticed how cumbersome the camera was to lug around.\r\n“‘Wow, this hurts my neck, and I can’t be hands-free,’” Peter recalls thinking. “Almost every photographer who has ever put on a neck strap has experienced it, and [it] wasn’t being solved.” ","squaredImage":{"altText":"Peak Design’s Crowdfunding Strategies That Raised Over $34 Million","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f8f8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e4770cff6596bee47e7edd04c32ef38f/98549/Masters_Bridge_PeakDesign_01.webp","srcSet":"/static/e4770cff6596bee47e7edd04c32ef38f/2b35b/Masters_Bridge_PeakDesign_01.webp 750w,\n/static/e4770cff6596bee47e7edd04c32ef38f/98549/Masters_Bridge_PeakDesign_01.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.423828125}}}},"metaData":{"title":null,"description":null},"banner":{"title":"Peak Design’s Crowdfunding Strategies That Raised Over $34 Million","showTitle":true,"image":{"altText":"Peak Design’s Crowdfunding Strategies That Raised Over $34 Million","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f8f8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e4770cff6596bee47e7edd04c32ef38f/98549/Masters_Bridge_PeakDesign_01.webp","srcSet":"/static/e4770cff6596bee47e7edd04c32ef38f/2b35b/Masters_Bridge_PeakDesign_01.webp 750w,\n/static/e4770cff6596bee47e7edd04c32ef38f/98549/Masters_Bridge_PeakDesign_01.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.423828125}}}}},"timeToRead":null,"sections":[{"fieldGroupName":"post_Acfpost_Sections_ArticleRichTextContent","content":"
\n

Join us each Thursday for Shopify On Location in San Francisco, a special miniseries from the podcast team. For the new few months, tune in for invaluable lessons about how to innovate and when to take risks. Listen to Shopify On Location here:

\n

\n
\n

When Peter Dering traveled through Asia on a four-month backpacking trip in 2010, he captured all the memorable, scenic moments with his camera. Along the way, he noticed how cumbersome the camera was to lug around.

\n

“‘Wow, this hurts my neck, and I can’t be hands-free,’” Peter recalls thinking. “Almost every photographer who has ever put on a neck strap has experienced it, and [it] wasn’t being solved.”

\n

Peter developed the Capture Camera Clip System, a device that allows a camera to attach to a photographer’s body, hands-free.

\n
\"
Peter Dering started Peak Design when he wanted to solve a common problem that photographers faced when traveling with a camera. Peak Design
\n

That fateful trip didn’t just inspire Peter to start his company Peak Design. It instilled a spirit of independence that he carries throughout his business journey.

\n

“Those four months just showed me how much I wanted to be an independent person,” says Peter. “I was previously doing construction engineering for a big company. What’s more powerful than being a part of that for me was wanting to do something to show that I could make it on my own.”

\n

To validate his product’s marketability and fund the production, Peter ran a Kickstarter campaign. Since then, Peak Design has completed close to a dozen Kickstarter campaigns and raised more than $34 million, securing financial independence for his company.

\n

In this episode of Shopify On Location, Peter shares his tips for running successful Kickstarter campaigns.

\n

1. Clearly explain how you’re solving a problem

\n

Take a look on Kickstarter and you’ll notice that most campaigns are solution-centric.

\n

Peter’s successful campaigns for Peak Design are no different—problem solving is always at the core of his product creation process.

\n
\"A
The most crucial part of any crowdfunding campaign is to provide a solution to a problem.  Peak Design
\n

“Number one, in my opinion, is the product,” Peter says. “What problem is it trying to solve?”

\n

Examine this problem from a variety of different angles. “So you look at the magnitude of the problem, people’s ability to perceive it, and then what is your solution?” Peter says. “How effectively does it attack that problem? Really, that’s what defines an addressable market.”

\n

\n
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Shopify Masters.
\n

\"Peak \"Peak \"Peak

\n

2. Adapt communication style to your audience

\n

Once you’ve dialed in your solution, it’s important to present it clearly. Peter’s campaigns over the years have adapted to the way that backers consume content.

\n
\"Peter
Peter showcased some of the features of a Cuff Camera strap during our in-person interview.  Peak Design
\n

“Attention spans have changed so much in just the 12 years that have passed,” he says. “Never would I take a simple product like Capture [Camera Clip] and take [a long time] to explain it.”

\n

In the latest Kickstarter campaign for Peak Design’s Micro Clutch, there’s still a full-length instructional video on how the camera grip strap works, but there are also many new content formats. From GIFs to a 20-second vertical video to detailed diagrams, there’s a content type to match any backer’s preference.

\n

3.Establish production partnerships before a campaign launches

\n

Many crowdfunding campaigns are made using prototypes; founders use their campaign to test their idea and then iterate on the product before seeking out production partners. Peter advises against this process.

\n

“I really believe that if you’re using Kickstarter as a way to test out an idea, you are going to fail,” he says. “Even if your idea is good and you get traction, if you don’t have the manufacturing dialed in, it’s gonna take much longer than you think to bring that to market.”

\n
\"A
Peter suggests that founders look for production partners before running a Kickstarter campaign. Peak Design
\n

Instead, Peter recommends looking for production partners before you work on your campaign.

\n

“The time to look for manufacturers is not during your Kickstarter campaign,” he says. “It’s months and most likely years before your Kickstarter campaign. You’ve gotta be there, ready to come with a working product relatively soon after that Kickstarter.”

\n

Kickstarter strategies are just one of the topics Peter shared on the podcast. To hear how he built his team and the impact of his latest venture, Climate Neutral, on sustainability, tune into his full interview on Shopify Masters.

\n

https://www.shopify.com/blog/peak-design-crowdfunding

\n"}]},"page_header":{"background":null,"backgroundOpacity":100,"color":null,"fieldGroupName":"page_header","title":"Peak Design: $34M Crowdfunding","opacity":100,"position":"on","size":{"desktop":64,"tablet":null,"mobile":null},"spaces":{"top":null,"bottom":null,"leftright":null,"units":"em"}},"link":"/blog/peak-designs-crowdfunding-strategies-that-raised-over-34-million"},{"id":"cG9zdDo2MDM2","title":"Level Up Your Marketing Automations: Ezra Firestone’s Expertise in New Templates","date":"07.06.2023","slug":"level-up-your-marketing-automations-ezra-firestones-expertise-in-new-templates","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles"}]},"levels":{"nodes":[]},"acfPost":{"fieldGroupName":"acfPost","excerpt":"Marketing automations are designed to save you time and boost your business—that’s kind of their whole thing. Set up an automation to reach your customers at the right time, with the right message, and let it do the work for you on autopilot.","squaredImage":{"altText":"Level Up Your Marketing Automations: Ezra Firestone's Expertise in New Templates","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f89878","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e983560526b3a037c5f2388ac8f03145/b956e/email-automation-new-templates.webp","srcSet":"/static/e983560526b3a037c5f2388ac8f03145/d1fa5/email-automation-new-templates.webp 750w,\n/static/e983560526b3a037c5f2388ac8f03145/b956e/email-automation-new-templates.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.4228515625}}}},"metaData":{"title":null,"description":"Discover three new marketing automation templates integrated directly into Shopify that will save you time and enhance your business. These templates include a welcome email series with a discount or brand story, as well as a thank you email customized for first or second-time customers. Learn expert tips from Ezra Firestone"},"banner":{"title":"Level Up Your Marketing Automations: Ezra Firestone's Expertise in New Templates","showTitle":true,"image":{"altText":"Level Up Your Marketing Automations: Ezra Firestone's Expertise in New Templates","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f89878","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e983560526b3a037c5f2388ac8f03145/b956e/email-automation-new-templates.webp","srcSet":"/static/e983560526b3a037c5f2388ac8f03145/d1fa5/email-automation-new-templates.webp 750w,\n/static/e983560526b3a037c5f2388ac8f03145/b956e/email-automation-new-templates.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.4228515625}}}}},"timeToRead":null,"sections":[{"fieldGroupName":"post_Acfpost_Sections_ArticleRichTextContent","content":"

Marketing automations are designed to save you time and boost your business—that’s kind of their whole thing. Set up an automation to reach your customers at the right time, with the right message, and let it do the work for you on autopilot.

\n

That’s why we’re excited to share three new marketing automation templates, built directly into Shopify, that will have you up and running with marketing best practices in just a few minutes:

\n\n

Create automation

\n
\"New
\n

Our team didn’t build these alone, either. We worked with Ezra Firestone, whose commerce marketing experience is the stuff of legend. He’s the founder and CEO of Boom! By Cindy Joseph, CEO of oVertone and Zipify, and the founder of Smart Marketer.

\n

His expert advice is weaved into how these automation templates work, from content tweaks to the timing of each email. But he has more advice than can fit into a template, so read on to get all of his top tips to make the most of your welcome series and thank you emails.

\n

Your welcome series is a perfect introduction to you and your business

\n

One of the best ways to engage new subscribers is to send them a series of welcome emails in the first few days after they join your list, instead of just a single welcome email. This gives you a better chance to build a strong connection right from the start, and keeps your brand top of mind.

\n

\"Welcome

\n

But if you’re wondering what to say in four whole emails, we’ve got you covered with advice from Ezra.

\n

Email Idea: Introduce yourself

\n

“What would be interesting as one of the first emails to send—which increases the intimacy between the brand and the subscriber, and it just works—is a ‘meet the founder’ or ‘our story’ email,” says Ezra.

\n

Introducing yourself and sharing your brand’s story is a great way to build trust and establish a personal connection with your subscribers. Plus, almost every brand has a founder or leader who can step in as the face of this email.

\n

\"Example

\n

Email Idea: Mix promotional and relationship-building emails

\n

When it comes to a welcome email series, it’s not just about closing the sale every time. Balance out your promotional content with more information about your business to keep your subscribers engaged and interested.

\n

Not sure what else to include as relationship-building content? “Every brand could do manufacturing transparency emails. Every brand could do social proof,” says Ezra. “The point of these emails is to build trust between you and your subscribers. Here’s some ideas of what you could include in there: where you’re located, why you started your brand, who you’ve served in the past, or a story about how your product helps somebody.”

\n

“The point of these emails is to build trust between you and your subscribers.”

\n

Email Idea: It’s not just about discounts

\n

Incentives in your emails can help you close a sale, but that doesn’t mean you always have to offer a discount. Consider other ways to motivate your subscribers to take action, like free shipping or hassle-free returns.

\n

“Some kind of incentive to take action is going to work so much better than not including one, even if it’s a free shipping threshold communication. Just something to incentivize the shopping experience from the first communication, you know, even if it’s like ‘hassle-free returns’ or ‘free shipping with returns,’” says Ezra.

\n

Set up thank you emails to connect with new and returning customers

\n

Showing gratitude to your customers, both new and returning, has never been easier. With the new thank you automation template, you can set up different emails based on whether someone just placed their first or second order with your store.

\n

\"Thank

\n

On top of that, Ezra has a tip to take this template a step further with a small customization. He recommends adding a wait step, and then sending a second (or even third) email after the first thank you, to hype up the order that’s en route. It’s something he does, and sees working, in his businesses.

\n

“We have our pre-arrival excitement builder emails, which are like, ‘Hey, before your order arrives, here’s what you should know.’ One of the things that pre-arrival excitement builders do is they reduce refund rates, and they increase the number of reviews you get. So we have that category of email: Here’s what your product’s gonna look like when you get it, here’s what you need to know, all that stuff.”

\n

You can either add that content directly to your thank you email, or add a wait step and a second email to your thank you automation.

\n
\n
\n
\n

Email Idea: You don’t need tons of images in every email

\n

And last but not least, if you’re worried that you might not have images for every one of these new emails, that’s OK, says Ezra. In fact, it might even perform better.

\n

“One thing that’s interesting is that what’s performing best for us most of the time are HTML light emails,” says Ezra. That means fewer images, less formatting, and more text—more like an email you’d send to a friend, less like a branded email.

\n

There’s a time and a place for leading with imagery, but it’s worth testing out whether low-formatting emails will work for your brand, too.

\n

Boost your results with new marketing automation templates

\n

Whether you want to upgrade your current welcome email to a series, add thank you emails to your repertoire, or explore the rest of the available marketing automation templates, you can now do it all right within Shopify. Just make sure that as you set up new automations, you’re considering how they all work together—you don’t want to accidentally send three welcome emails at the same time!

\n

https://www.shopify.com/blog/marketing-automation-templates-welcome-thank-you

\n"}]},"page_header":{"background":null,"backgroundOpacity":100,"color":null,"fieldGroupName":"page_header","title":"Ezra Firestone's Automation Boost","opacity":100,"position":"on","size":{"desktop":64,"tablet":null,"mobile":null},"spaces":{"top":null,"bottom":null,"leftright":null,"units":"em"}},"link":"/blog/level-up-your-marketing-automations-ezra-firestones-expertise-in-new-templates"},{"id":"cG9zdDo2MDMw","title":"How James Hoffmann Found His Niche and Became the Coffee Expert on YouTube","date":"07.06.2023","slug":"how-james-hoffmann-found-his-niche-and-became-the-coffee-expert-on-youtube","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles"}]},"levels":{"nodes":[]},"acfPost":{"fieldGroupName":"acfPost","excerpt":"While James has cemented his status as the go-to coffee expert on YouTube—with a community of close to two million subscribers on the platform—he didn’t start drinking the beverage himself until after he got into the bean business. \r\n“I started working in coffee before I started drinking coffee, which is kind of weird,” he says. “I was demonstrating little espresso machines in a nice department store in London. I had no idea what I was doing, but the more I read and discovered about coffee, the more interested I got. And it became a full-blown obsession pretty quickly.”","squaredImage":{"altText":"How James Hoffmann Found His Niche and Became the Coffee Expert on YouTube","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#088868","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/5409ffbc55aa434e5798ae4018b0a921/98549/Masters_JamesHoffman_03.webp","srcSet":"/static/5409ffbc55aa434e5798ae4018b0a921/2b35b/Masters_JamesHoffman_03.webp 750w,\n/static/5409ffbc55aa434e5798ae4018b0a921/98549/Masters_JamesHoffman_03.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.423828125}}}},"metaData":{"title":null,"description":"Discover the journey of James Hoffmann, the renowned coffee expert on YouTube, as he shares his tips for creating engaging content and building a niche community. Overcome the fear of public failure, develop expertise outside of content creation, and establish a clear distinction between personal and brand channels. Learn how James turned his passion for coffee into a thriving YouTube channel and multiple successful businesses. Listen to his insightful interview on Shopify Masters"},"banner":{"title":"How James Hoffmann Found His Niche and Became the Coffee Expert on YouTube","showTitle":true,"image":{"altText":"How James Hoffmann Found His Niche and Became the Coffee Expert on YouTube","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#088868","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/5409ffbc55aa434e5798ae4018b0a921/98549/Masters_JamesHoffman_03.webp","srcSet":"/static/5409ffbc55aa434e5798ae4018b0a921/2b35b/Masters_JamesHoffman_03.webp 750w,\n/static/5409ffbc55aa434e5798ae4018b0a921/98549/Masters_JamesHoffman_03.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.423828125}}}}},"timeToRead":null,"sections":[{"fieldGroupName":"post_Acfpost_Sections_ArticleRichTextContent","content":"

If you’ve ever searched for a video about coffee, chances are you’ve seen James Hoffmann.

\n

While James has cemented his status as the go-to coffee expert on YouTube—with a community of close to two million subscribers on the platform—he didn’t start drinking the beverage himself until after he got into the bean business.

\n

“I started working in coffee before I started drinking coffee, which is kind of weird,” he says. “I was demonstrating little espresso machines in a nice department store in London. I had no idea what I was doing, but the more I read and discovered about coffee, the more interested I got. And it became a full-blown obsession pretty quickly.”

\n

This obsession led to James developing a multifaceted career within coffee that spanned winning the World Barista Championship, opening Square Mile Coffee Roasters, and acquiring a café called Prufrock Coffee. His biggest passion, however, is sharing what he’s learned through all these experiences with others.

\n
\"A
Before James started on YouTube, he had extensive experience in coffee, from winning the World Barista Championship to running a roastery and café. Square Mile Coffee Roasters
\n

James began sharing his coffee knowledge online through blogging and eventually found himself on YouTube.

\n

\n
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Shopify Masters.
\n

In this latest video podcast collaboration with Learn with Shopify and Shopify Masters, James shares his tips for creating content that resonates with a niche community.

\n

1. Overcome the fear of failing publicly

\n

Starting anything new comes with a learning curve. For content creation, there’s the added pressure of having your learning process and failed attempts seen by the public. And for James, that was an important hurdle to overcome.

\n

“I hate failing publicly,” admits James. “But I had to. I think I just accept that that’s part of the process of making videos.”

\n
\"James
James says that the YouTube algorithm works in beginners’ favor when learning and creating videos. James Hoffmann
\n

The algorithm, though, can work in a beginner’s favor.

\n

“The good thing about YouTube is, despite the fact that billions of people use it, YouTube won’t show your video to them unless it’s any good,” James says. “And so you can get into the habit of making and publishing and building a small audience and kind of going through that process of learning and developing what you want to do early without really that many people seeing it.”

\n

2. Have an expertise and passion outside of content creation

\n

Even though James transitioned his career into being a YouTuber full time, he still stresses the importance of having an expertise and passion outside of video making.

\n

“I think spending time to develop expertise is really important,” he says. “I spent quite a long time trying to educate myself about coffee and also to practice sharing coffee before I started making content, and that definitely made that bit easier.”

\n
\"
James’ expertise and passion in coffee allowed him to work beyond YouTube, where he’s written books on the subject and provides useful content to a wider audience.  James Hoffmann
\n

Developing his expertise and passion also allowed James to create content that was helpful to his community.

\n

 

\n
\n

 

\n

“If it’s a passion, you’ll have a great time doing that, even if you never make a video about it ever,” says James. If you do wanna start making videos, those will be useful to a much wider audience of people.”

\n

3. Build distance between personal and brand channels

\n

It takes a little bit of research to connect Square Mile Coffee Roasters and Prufrock Coffee to James. This is something he’s done deliberately. “I feel like, in principle, there’s a fundamental difference between a personal channel and a brand channel,” says James. “There are plenty of brand channels I watch and enjoy, but a personal channel makes a promise that you’re interacting with me, an individual. I’m trying to get you excited and interested in coffee [whereas] the purpose of a brand channel would be to sell you a product or to build a long-lasting relationship.”

\n
\"A
James has made a clear separation between his YouTube channel and the businesses he runs, to solely focus on educational coffee content. Square Mile Coffee Roasters
\n

The separation of the businesses James works on from his YouTube channel has allowed him to establish trust in the coffee knowledge he shares.

\n

“If I’m looking like I’m here to build a relationship with you that’s just about education, but quietly trying to just sell you products, I don’t think that’s being honest, and I don’t think that helps you build a real, meaningful, lasting relationship with your audience that way,” he says.

\n

These are just some of the tips James shares on how he’s turned his passion for coffee into a thriving channel and multiple businesses.
\nTo hear more about James’s career and business journey, listen to his full interview on Shopify Masters.

\n

https://www.shopify.com/blog/james-hoffmann-niche

\n"}]},"page_header":{"background":null,"backgroundOpacity":100,"color":null,"fieldGroupName":"page_header","title":"Coffee Expert James Hoffmann","opacity":100,"position":"on","size":{"desktop":64,"tablet":null,"mobile":null},"spaces":{"top":null,"bottom":null,"leftright":null,"units":"em"}},"link":"/blog/how-james-hoffmann-found-his-niche-and-became-the-coffee-expert-on-youtube"},{"id":"cG9zdDo2MDI0","title":"Shopify Markets Pro: 10 Ways To Optimize Your Store After Activation","date":"07.06.2023","slug":"shopify-markets-pro-10-ways-to-optimize-your-store-after-activation","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles"}]},"levels":{"nodes":[]},"acfPost":{"fieldGroupName":"acfPost","excerpt":"Congratulations on activating Shopify Markets Pro! You’ve just taken a step toward global greatness. We understand that venturing into international markets can be daunting, but with Markets Pro in your corner, it’s now easier than ever before. To accelerate your journey to international selling success, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of best practices. Follow these top tips to maximize your success when selling internationally with Markets Pro.","squaredImage":{"altText":"Shopify Markets Pro: 10 Ways To Optimize Your Store After Activation","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#082828","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/6952f5b3195ee54fa4629b79b94a2213/e1bd7/Blog-header-checklist.webp","srcSet":"/static/6952f5b3195ee54fa4629b79b94a2213/7513b/Blog-header-checklist.webp 750w,\n/static/6952f5b3195ee54fa4629b79b94a2213/e1bd7/Blog-header-checklist.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.5244140625}}}},"metaData":{"title":null,"description":"Unlock global greatness with Shopify Markets Pro! Take your business to new heights with our comprehensive checklist of best practices. From ensuring duties collection to optimizing shipping rates, localizing your store, and investing in international marketing, we've got you covered. With Markets Pro"},"banner":{"title":"Shopify Markets Pro: 10 Ways To Optimize Your Store After Activation","showTitle":true,"image":{"altText":"Shopify Markets Pro: 10 Ways To Optimize Your Store After Activation","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#082828","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/6952f5b3195ee54fa4629b79b94a2213/e1bd7/Blog-header-checklist.webp","srcSet":"/static/6952f5b3195ee54fa4629b79b94a2213/7513b/Blog-header-checklist.webp 750w,\n/static/6952f5b3195ee54fa4629b79b94a2213/e1bd7/Blog-header-checklist.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.5244140625}}}}},"timeToRead":null,"sections":[{"fieldGroupName":"post_Acfpost_Sections_ArticleRichTextContent","content":"

Congratulations on activating Shopify Markets Pro! You’ve just taken a step toward global greatness. We understand that venturing into international markets can be daunting, but with Markets Pro in your corner, it’s now easier than ever before. To accelerate your journey to international selling success, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of best practices. Follow these top tips to maximize your success when selling internationally with Markets Pro.

\n
\n

Your Markets Pro optimization checklist

\n\n
\n

Start optimizing your store

\n

1. Ensure duties collection by using Markets Pro labels

\n

All international orders must be fulfilled using a Markets Pro–generated shipping label from our partner carrier accounts. This is to ensure correct duties handling, as Markets Pro guarantees duties amounts, collects them on your behalf, and remits them to carriers and customs agencies. While you have to use Markets Pro labels on international orders (this does not apply to domestic orders), how you fulfill those orders is up to you. Here are your options:

\n

Print labels from Shopify

\n

Make sure your warehouse staff know how to retrieve labels in your admin.

\n

Use a compatible 3PL

\n

Shopify Markets Pro orders can be fulfilled through compatible fulfillment services. The list of compatible partners continues to grow and will be updated in help docs.

\n

Custom integration 

\n

If you or your 3PL require an integration, make sure to follow the integration steps and exclusively use Markets Pro labels for non-domestic orders.

\n

2. Add new markets for your top regions and localize their buyer experience

\n

At activation, Markets Pro automatically creates an International market that includes all global regions you can sell to. This is to ensure you’re set up to sell everywhere from day one. To apply additional localization settings to specific regions, you can set up single country markets. For example, you can set up a single country market called “Canada,” while the long tail of countries (the dozens of countries from which you get less frequent sales), remain in the new International market that Markets Pro created for you.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

Advantages of setting up single-country markets

\n\n

3. Find and grow international opportunities

\n

Go into your store’s analytics and take a look at where you’re getting organic traffic. To better convert this traffic into sales, make sure you’ve set up markets for these regions. You can do this by adding these countries to the International market or by creating one or more additional markets.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

4. Grow organic search volumes by adding subfolders

\n

A subfolder is a localized extension to your URL that will optimize SEO in that country. Organic search volume grows by more than 10% on average when subfolders are enabled.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

Best practices for subfolders

\n

While subfolders help with organic search exposure, be mindful not to create too many unique URLs. We recommend creating single-country markets with subfolders for countries or regions where you are specifically focusing on growth and/or have unique experiences or different content.

\n

Having unique subfolders based on the presence of a local currency or local language alone is not recommended; the experience should be differentiated based on unique content or structure of the site. For example, if you’re based in the US, and you sell to Canada (where there are two dominant languages, English and French) and you also sell in France (where the dominant language is French), you’re better off targeting Canadian French and France French on a single shop.com/fr subfolder. Only if you had different experiences between the two (for instance different pricing, images, or different product catalogs) would you want a unique country-language subfolder pair like shopxyz.com/fr-ca and shopxyz.com/fr-fr.

\n

Learn more about subfolders and SEO strategy in the Help Center.

\n

5. Improve conversion by translating your store

\n

Boost traffic, improve your SEO, and build trust with audiences around the world by localizing the content on your Shopify store for different markets. On average, brands see a 13% increase in conversion rate when a storefront is translated into a buyer’s local language.

\n

The Translate & Adapt app is built by Shopify, specifically for Shopify. It lets you auto-translate up to two languages for free and manually add as many translations as you wish. The side-by-side editor makes it easy to compare and review your translations, and can also be used to adjust content between markets that speak the same language to ensure cultural, seasonal, and regional relevance.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

Download the app here.

\n

See more localization options here.

\n

6. Optimize your shipping rate strategy

\n

At activation, Markets Pro will suggest what shipping rates to charge customers across different countries. You will have the option to select flat rates that are calculated based on your expected label costs on average, or dynamic rates that cover your label costs per order. You can also choose to opt out of those options and set shipping rates yourself. If you decide to set your own rates, consider your business goals:

\n

Setting rates to prioritize margin

\n

If your goal is to protect your margins, then you may decide to pass the entire cost of the label to the buyer using flat rates (to cover your average label cost) or dynamically calculated rates (to pass along the cost on a per order basis).

\n

We generally recommend the flat rate approach, as this provides the best buyer experience; customers know what they are going to be charged for shipping upfront and can factor that into their buying decision, rather than waiting until they get to checkout. Flat rates encourage buyers to increase cart size and boost average order value, with peace of mind that the shipping rate will not change.

\n

If you choose the flat rate strategy and sell a wide range of product sizes (e.g., 1 to 20 pounds), consider setting two flat rates to cover the increased cost for higher weight products (e.g., 1 to 8 pounds and 9 to 20 pounds).

\n

Learn more about how to configure shipping rates here.

\n

Setting rates to prioritize growth

\n

If your goal is to increase global sales volume, then keeping shipping costs low could help boost conversion at checkout. Consider subsidizing the shipping rates (charging the buyer less for shipping than your label cost). You can do this by creating subsidized shipping flat rates and/or free shipping rates.
\n
\nA common practice is to subsidize label cost, keeping shipping rates low while increasing international product prices to offset the subsidy. This approach encourages higher checkout conversion and also protects margins. If you’re transitioning from offering standard shipping methods to express shipping, this approach is especially recommended.

\n

Learn more about how to adjust product prices by market here.

\n

7. Update your shop’s shipping policies and FAQs

\n

Update your store’s shipping policies so customers know the new benefits of your online store. For example:

\n\n

\"Shopify

\n

8. Invest in marketing to supercharge growth for your international markets

\n

Now that Markets Pro is handling the operational complexity and buyer experience for your global business, it’s up to you to grow brand awareness in these new markets. Start investing in marketing campaigns in your top secondary markets to build a customer base and drive international sales.

\n

Traffic Generation

\n

Create region-specific campaigns: To optimize advertising in new regions, we recommend splitting your campaigns and localizing both their copy and imagery. If you use dynamic retargeting in Facebook, Google, or Pinterest, localize information like language, pricing and stock availability to the buyer’s regional preferences. There are many options when it comes to displaying the local currency and language with your social advertising and retargeting. Here are a few recommendations that work well with Shopify Markets:

\n\n

Check these guides to learn more about advertising on social media platforms:

\n\n

Make sure to review the advertising policies on your chosen ad platform based on industry and region.

\n

Find and partner with regional influencers: Regional influencers can help you drive traffic, convert new buyers, and sell your products in the new regions you’re expanding to. Connecting with the right influencers is easily done with Shopify Collabs, Shopify’s influencer marketing tool built right into your admin. Install Collabs in the app store, set up your brand profile, and get started recruiting creators by clicking on Recruit.

\n

There you’ll find a huge database of influencers you can search and filter by location, keywords, social platform, audience size, and more. Sending samples, incentivizing with affiliate commissions, tracking performance, and paying commission can all be done right from Shopify, and Collabs is also free to install with your Shopify plan.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

Lead Capture and Nurture

\n

Create first-purchase promotions for international customers: Check your current customer list to see if you have any customers who live in your new countries already (i.e., signed up to be on your email list, but haven’t made a purchase because you didn’t sell there at the time.) Save that segment, set up an exclusive discount that can only be used by that segment, and then send a Shopify Email to that segment promoting the discount and your new availability there.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

Add or update an instant answer in Shopify Inbox: Let international customers know your new shipping availability in the new countries by updating the automatic answers customers can find in your Shopify Inbox online store chat.

\n

Add Shopify Forms to your store to build your email list: When you’re promoting your store in a new market, you’re spending time and money getting people to your store, and it’s important to make the most of every visit you get. Shopify Forms is a free lead capture tool that lets you easily promote discounts or other benefits of being on your list, so even if someone isn’t ready to buy, you can email them and build a relationship.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

You can download the Shopify Forms app here.

\n

Limitations

\n

Shopify Forms works with Shopify Email’s double opt-in, and won’t trigger any marketing automations from Shopify until an email is confirmed. However, we don’t yet support multiple languages on a form, so localized stores can only show a form in one language for now.

\n

9. Comply with regional consumer privacy rules

\n

While Markets Pro is GDPR compliant with the information it accesses through Shopify’s checkout, it does not imply compliance on behalf of the merchant or the data/cookies merchants have access to when a consumer visits their storefront.

\n

Merchants should use explicit opt-ins in order to comply with UK and EU consumer privacy rules. Consider installing Shopify Privacy and Compliance to manage consent and data sharing, and build trust with your online store visitors.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

For more options, see third-party cookie tracking apps that block tracking or provide data/cookie management.

\n

10. Prepare to receive weekly payouts

\n

Markets Pro payments are made four times per month, with “Flow Commerce”appearing as the depositor on your banking statement. You can find payout details in your admin by taking the following steps:.

\n\n

The breakdown of fees include taxes, duties, remitted VAT, shipping costs, and the Markets Pro processing fee. For accounting purposes, refer to the fee breakdown by clicking on each order.

\n

\"Shopify

\n

Only fulfilled orders with valid tracking numbers are eligible for payouts. Transactions will be shown as pending until the next payout is issued.

\n

More detailed information about payouts is available in the Help Center.

\n

Get ready for global greatness

\n

We hope that this checklist of best practices will help you make the most of your experience with Markets Pro. Remember, expanding your business globally is a journey—one that can be accelerated with the right combination of steps.

\n

For more motivation to reach for global greatness, check out a merchant success story from WOLFpak— a brand that leveraged Markets Pro to grow cross-border revenue by 528%.

\n

https://www.shopify.com/blog/markets-pro-optimization

\n"}]},"page_header":{"background":null,"backgroundOpacity":100,"color":null,"fieldGroupName":"page_header","title":"Shopify Markets Pro: Optimization Tips","opacity":100,"position":"on","size":{"desktop":64,"tablet":null,"mobile":null},"spaces":{"top":null,"bottom":null,"leftright":null,"units":"em"}},"link":"/blog/shopify-markets-pro-10-ways-to-optimize-your-store-after-activation"},{"id":"cG9zdDo1ODk4","title":"It’s Actually a Great Time To Start a Business (No, Really)","date":"05.06.2023","slug":"its-actually-a-great-time-to-start-a-business-no-really","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","name":"General Articles"}]},"levels":{"nodes":[]},"acfPost":{"fieldGroupName":"acfPost","excerpt":"If you’re thinking of starting an ecommerce business, don’t let the macroeconomics of it scare you. Despite falling valuations of public and private companies, it’s still possible to raise money from venture capital firms.\r\nJon Sakoda is a founder of Decibel Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in infrastructure software, and he’s worked in the industry for more than 15 years. Ahead, hear Jon’s insights about starting a company—and getting it funded—in 2023.","squaredImage":{"altText":"It’s Actually a Great Time To Start a Business (No, Really)","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f8f8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/95b538fe3bd22d342865b7c50c6f0829/b956e/Masters_Bridge_Jon_Sakoda_05.webp","srcSet":"/static/95b538fe3bd22d342865b7c50c6f0829/d1fa5/Masters_Bridge_Jon_Sakoda_05.webp 750w,\n/static/95b538fe3bd22d342865b7c50c6f0829/b956e/Masters_Bridge_Jon_Sakoda_05.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.4228515625}}}},"metaData":{"title":null,"description":"Discover insights from venture capital expert Jon Sakoda on starting and funding a company in 2023. Learn about the opportunities and challenges in the current market, the optimism in the venture capital industry, and the bright future of ecommerce and AI. Tune in to the Shopify On Location miniseries for invaluable lessons on innovation and risk-taking. Listen now!"},"banner":{"title":"It’s Actually a Great Time To Start a Business (No, Really)","showTitle":true,"image":{"altText":"It’s Actually a Great Time To Start a Business (No, Really)","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"fullWidth","backgroundColor":"#f8f8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/95b538fe3bd22d342865b7c50c6f0829/b956e/Masters_Bridge_Jon_Sakoda_05.webp","srcSet":"/static/95b538fe3bd22d342865b7c50c6f0829/d1fa5/Masters_Bridge_Jon_Sakoda_05.webp 750w,\n/static/95b538fe3bd22d342865b7c50c6f0829/b956e/Masters_Bridge_Jon_Sakoda_05.webp 1024w","sizes":"100vw"},"sources":[]},"width":1,"height":0.4228515625}}}}},"timeToRead":null,"sections":[{"fieldGroupName":"post_Acfpost_Sections_ArticleRichTextContent","content":"
\"It’s
\n
\n

 

\n
\n

Join us each Thursday for Shopify On Location in San Francisco, a special miniseries from the podcast team. For the new few months, tune in for invaluable lessons about how to innovate and when to take risks. Listen to Shopify On Location here:

\n

\n
\n

If you’re thinking of starting an ecommerce business, don’t let the macroeconomics of it scare you. Despite falling valuations of public and private companies, it’s still possible to raise money from venture capital firms.

\n

Jon Sakoda is a founder of Decibel Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in infrastructure software, and he’s worked in the industry for more than 15 years. Ahead, hear Jon’s insights about starting a company—and getting it funded—in 2023.

\n

\n

There is no bad time to start a company

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During his career, Jon has started his own companies and invested in others through several difficult times: the bust of the dot-com bubble in the early 2000s, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis.

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“With the fullness of time, most people would say that there really isn’t a bad time to start a company,” Jon says. “The challenge is you have to survive the short term in order to get to the long term.”

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Jon finds there’s often an emotional element that pushes founders toward starting a business. “I don’t think founders are wholly rational,” he says. “I think there is a part of you that really feels like, even though maybe there’s something safer to do, you still want to take the riskier path.”

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Venture capital is still growing

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There are also plenty of reasons to be optimistic about raising money this year. According to Jon, there are still about 1,000 active venture capital firms in the US, and they’re on track to invest in 12,000 to 15,000 companies this year.

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Jon’s optimism comes from the data on the venture capital industry’s “dry powder” (the amount of capital in funds that is set aside to invest in startups). “The industry has just been growing bigger and bigger and has healthier balance sheets,” he says.

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Jon also notes that venture capitalists are eager to make investments, even when the economy isn’t in an upswing. “We try not to pay attention to macroeconomic conditions when we’re making new investments in new companies,” he says. “In general, the smaller you are, the macroeconomic conditions, in theory, don’t affect you as much because you are focusing usually on technology or product.”

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The future of ecommerce and AI looks bright

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In terms of new business, some industries look even more promising. One emerging technology has taken hold of the conversation in consumer and business products lately: AI. “What has been many years of research is now being open sourced and made widely available through APIs to everybody and productized in ways that we have not yet seen,” Jon says.

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And he remains bullish on the future of ecommerce. “I can’t think of a lot of industries where you’re adding a trillion dollars of net new market every couple of years, like ecommerce does,” Jon says. “If you’re a founder and you’re trying to break into a new market, this is one of the more obvious places to spend one’s time.”

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To hear more about Jon’s research on the venture capital market and his thoughts on being “a recovering entrepreneur,” listen to the full interview on Shopify Masters.

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