If you’ve never run a crowdfunding campaign before, you might be surprised at just how hard it can be. And that’s why many creators-to-be choose to work with crowdfunding marketing agencies.

Working with the right crowdfunding marketing agency can dramatically change the success odds of a campaign, turning one that might otherwise scrape by into one that shatters its funding goals. This is true whether you’re launching a tech gadget, publishing a tabletop game, or introducing a brand-new consumer product.

But beyond just making the choice to work with an agency, you need to choose the right one for you as well. This is another big deciding factor in whether your campaign succeeds or becomes another crowdfunding statistic.

To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled this list of eleven agencies. Each one was selected based on a proven track record, client success stories, quality service offerings, and deep expertise across major platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and equity crowdfunding sites. Each agency has its own strengths, but all of them have one thing in common: they know how to turn great ideas into great campaigns.

1. LaunchBoom

LaunchBoom isn’t just another marketing agency. They are the architects of modern crowdfunding strategy. Since their first launch in 2013 withEcoQube, they’ve built a crowdfunding empire that’s hard to ignore.

The numbers speak for themselves: 1,000+ products launched, $175M+ raised across Kickstarter, Indiegogo, BackerKit, and Gamefound. Reviews are consistently glowing as well, with 152 reviews on Trustpilot and 75 on Google, both averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Their highlighted campaigns boast some staggering fundraising figures:

• Lomi (composting solution): $7,228,029
• The Crooked Moon (tabletop RPG): $4,020,234
• Kosmos (luxury stargazing): $1,918,337
• Give’r Frontier Mittens: $1,356,709

LaunchBoom pioneered the pre-launch reservation funnel, a system that’s now considered industry standard. Their approach is simple but effective: get people to put down small deposits (usually $1) before launch to reserve the best deal. Those depositors are 20-30 times more likely to buy than email subscribers alone because their purchasing intent has already been proven.

They’ve built proprietary software calledLaunchKit that handles everything from landing page creation to A/B testing to AI-powered copy generation. Plus, they’re both Kickstarter and Indiegogo certified experts with an official Kickstarter partnership through theirLearning Lab program.

They also wrote the bestselling book on crowdfunding,“Crowdfunded,” with 346 reviews and 4.7 stars on Amazon. It’s through this book that you can learn more about their funding philosophy and get a sense of what they would be like to work with as agency partners.

2. GrowthTurbine

This Canadian agency brings something unique to the table: deep expertise in equity crowdfunding. While most agencies focus on rewards-based campaigns, GrowthTurbine specializes in Reg CF, Reg D, and Reg A+ offerings alongside traditional crowdfunding.

Their full-scope approach covers branding, market validation, and post-investment strategy. If you’re looking to raise capital rather than just pre-sell products, GrowthTurbine knows how to manage the quirks and complexities of equity crowdfunding regulations, as well as investor relations.

They’re particularly strong with Wefunder partnerships and have built a reputation for versatility across real estate and traditional crowdfunding niches. For campaigns that need to balance compliance with marketing effectiveness, they’re one of the top crowdfunding marketing agencies to consider.

3. Jellop

When Kickstarter chose an official advertising partner, they picked Jellop. That partnership alone tells you everything you need to know about their capabilities.

With over $1.4 billion raised through their campaigns, Jellop operates at massive scale. Their pay-per-performance model means they only succeed when you do, and their proprietary analytics platform gives them insights that most agencies can only dream of.

Jellop’s exclusive relationship with Kickstarter is a huge asset. And it makes them one of the best Kickstarter marketing agencies available.They’re particularly well-regarded for their knowledge of Kickstarter’s algorithm, their ability to massively scale reach quickly, and for having direct access to Kickstarter’s team when campaigns need extra support.

If you’re launching on Kickstarter and want an agency with inside access, Jellop is hard to beat.

4. BackerCamp

Based in Barcelona but serving clients globally, BackerCamp has cracked the code on international crowdfunding. With over 5,000 clients across 30+ countries, they understand how to adapt campaigns for different markets and cultures.

Their performance-driven approach is based on their twin strengths in marketing strategy and creative content production. They’re particularly strong at creating video content that plays well with audiences across different regions, which is crucial for campaigns targeting global backers.

BackerCamp’s international strategies have helped countless campaigns succeed in markets they never thought possible. If your product has global appeal, they know how to unlock it.

5. Rainfactory

Oakland-based Rainfactory takes a full-stack approach to product launches. They don’t just handle crowdfunding—they integrate it with broader digital marketing strategies, including Shopify launches and Meta advertising.

Their strength lies in understanding how crowdfunding fits into your larger business strategy. They’re not just thinking about campaign success; they’re thinking about what happens after you’ve raised the money.

Rainfactory’s track record includes both high fundraising totals and fast product adoption rates. They understand that a successful campaign is just the beginning of building a sustainable business.

6. Brand Refinery

As the UK’s first crowdfunding consultancy, Brand Refinery brings deep experience and a methodical approach to campaign preparation. They’re masters of the pre-launch phase, focusing on readiness assessments, storytelling, and campaign tier structuring.

Their competitive analysis and strategic consultation services help campaigns avoid common pitfalls before they happen. Brand Refinery’s approach is thorough and systematic, making them an excellent choice for first-time campaigners who need guidance through every step of the process.

7. Samit Patel

Samit Patel offers flexibility that larger agencies can’t match. With done-for-you, done-with-you, and DIY options, they adapt to your budget and involvement level.

Their TLFES Strategic Planning System is tailored to individual campaign goals, and their coaching helps founders develop the skills they need for long-term success. If you want to learn while you launch, Samit Patel provides that educational component alongside campaign execution.

8. The LaunchPad Agency

With a 92% success rate, The LaunchPad Agency has refined their approach to a science. Their phased launch model combines PR, media outreach, and influencer marketing for maximum visibility.

They’re particularly strong at creating cinematic campaign videos that capture attention and drive pledges. With over 250 million video views across their campaigns, they understand how to create content that spreads.

9. Enventys Partners

Enventys Partners is the only agency on this list that handles both product development and marketing. From initial design through fulfillment, they offer true end-to-end services.

With over $100 million raised across more than 4,000 campaigns, they’ve seen it all. Their vertically integrated approach means fewer moving parts and better coordination between development and marketing teams.

If you have an idea but need help bringing it to market, Enventys Partners can handle everything under one roof.

10. Altosbiz

Altosbiz focuses on the human side of crowdfunding: community building and storytelling. Their hands-on approach to campaign visuals, copy, and PR creates campaigns that connect emotionally with backers.

They’re known for their transparent go/no-go assessments. Before taking on a client, they’ll honestly evaluate whether your product is ready for crowdfunding success. That honesty saves everyone time and money.

11. Crowdfunding Nerds

When it comes to tabletop and TTRPG campaigns, Crowdfunding Nerds is in a league of their own. Their team includes actual game designers and Kickstarter veterans who understand the gaming community from the inside.

With $30+ million raised through board game campaigns, they’ve built their reputation on deep industry knowledge. If you’re launching a game, you want people who speak the language and understand the audience.

Crowdfunding Marketing Agencies Compared: Key Features at a Glance

Making the right choice among the best crowdfunding marketing agencies will come down to your specific needs. Here’s a quick chart to help you narrow your options.

What to Look for in the Best Crowdfunding Marketing Companies

There are many more agencies than just the ones you see on this page. So it’s important, when doing your research, to know what to look for in potential partners.

Here’s what we believe separates the top-tier crowdfunding marketing companies from the rest:

• Industry Specialization: Generic marketing doesn’t work in crowdfunding because you need people passionate enough to back you months before receiving a product. So look for agencies that understand your specific industry, whether it’s tech, gaming, consumer products, or equity offerings. A board game expert won’t necessarily succeed with a tech gadget, and vice versa.
• Pre-Launch Expertise: The most critical phase of any campaign happens before launch. The best agencies focus heavily on building pre-launch momentum through email lists, reservation funnels, and community building. If an agency only talks about launch-day tactics, they’re missing the bigger picture.
• Platform Relationships: Agencies with official partnerships or certifications are well-positioned to understand platform algorithms and best practices. Jellop’s Kickstarter partnership and LaunchBoom’s certifications across multiple platforms, to give you some examples, show that they have insider knowledge that translates to better results.
• Transparency and Content: The best agencies share their knowledge freely. Look for agencies that publish case studies, create educational content, and openly discuss their methodologies. If they’re secretive about their process, that’s not a good sign.
• Proven Track Records: Anyone can claim to be a crowdfunding expert. Look for agencies with documented success stories, verified client testimonials, and specific campaign results. The best crowdfunding marketing agencies aren’t shy about sharing their wins.

Why Partner with a Crowdfunding Agency?

Running a crowdfunding campaign yourself might seem cost-effective, but the reality is more complex. Professional agencies bring several advantages that often justify their fees:

• First-Day Momentum: Campaigns live or die based on their first 48 hours. Agencies know how to create the pre-launch buzz and day-one coordination needed to trigger platform algorithms and media attention. That early momentum often determines overall campaign success.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Crowdfunding is full of hidden traps. Poorly structured reward tiers, inadequate shipping planning, compliance issues, and timing mistakes can kill campaigns. Experienced agencies have seen these problems before and know how to avoid them.
• Access to Networks: Top agencies have relationships with influencers, media contacts, and other promotional channels that take years to build. They can open doors that would remain closed to individual campaigners.
• Time and Expertise: Running a campaign is a full-time job that requires skills most entrepreneurs don’t have. While you focus on product development and business strategy, agencies handle the complex marketing and operational details.

The investment in a professional agency often pays for itself through higher funding totals and reduced post-campaign headaches.

Final Thoughts

The difference between a successful crowdfunding campaign and a failed one often comes down to execution. Great products fail every day because of poor marketing, while mediocre products succeed with expert promotion.

Choosing the right agency isn’t just about campaign success—it’s about setting your entire business up for long-term growth. The best crowdfunding marketing agencies don’t just help you raise money. They set you up for months and years to follow. And they do this by helping you build sustainable businesses that continue growing long after the campaign ends.

The agencies on this list have proven they can deliver results across different industries, platforms, and campaign types. Your job is to find the one that best fits your specific needs, budget, and goals.

Ready to launch your next big idea? Compare the best crowdfunding marketing agencies above and reach out to get expert help to take your campaign to the next level.

And if you need help shipping? Reach out today for a no-cost crowdfunding fulfillment quote.

Best Crowdfunding Marketing Agencies: Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Choose the Right Crowdfunding Marketing Agency?

Start by reviewing case studies in your industry. A great track record with tech products doesn’t guarantee success with board games or consumer goods. Ask for specific examples of campaigns similar to yours.

Set clear budget expectations upfront. Agency fees typically range from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on scope and services. Some work on retainer, others use performance-based pricing. Understand the model before committing.

Check platform certifications and partnerships. Agencies with official relationships understand platform algorithms and best practices better than those working from the outside.

Finally, ask for a custom proposal that outlines their specific strategy for your campaign. Generic approaches rarely work in crowdfunding.

What Is the Difference Between Crowdfunding Agencies and General Marketing Firms?

Crowdfunding agencies specialize in time-sensitive, community-driven campaigns that follow unique rules and best practices. They understand platform algorithms, backer psychology, and the importance of pre-launch momentum.

General marketing firms focus on ongoing campaigns and brand building. They’re great for long-term marketing but often lack the specific expertise needed for successful crowdfunding campaigns.

Crowdfunding requires especially keen skills when it comes to social proof generation, launch phase planning, PR coordination, and community management that general firms usually don’t have. The timing, messaging, and tactics are substantially different from traditional marketing.

What Platforms Do These Agencies Work With?

Most agencies specialize in rewards-based platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which represent the majority of crowdfunding campaigns. Some also work with newer platforms like BackerKit and Gamefound.

For equity crowdfunding, agencies typically work with Wefunder, SeedInvest, StartEngine, and other SEC-regulated platforms. These require different expertise due to legal compliance requirements.

Many agencies also integrate crowdfunding with direct-to-consumer strategies, helping transition successful campaigns to ongoing Shopify or Amazon sales.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Crowdfunding Marketing Agency?

Agency pricing is highly variable, and is influenced on factors including scope, services, and agency tier. Basic consulting might start around $5,000, while full-service campaign management can exceed $50,000.

Most agencies use one of three pricing models:

• Retainer: Monthly fees ranging from $3,000 to $15,000
• Project-based: Fixed fees for specific deliverables
• Performance-based: Percentage of funds raised (typically 5-15%)

The best among the crowdfunding marketing companies often combine models, charging a base retainer plus performance bonuses. This aligns their incentives with your success while ensuring they’re compensated for their work regardless of outcome.

How Long Before My Launch Should I Hire an Agency?

Hire an agency at least 3-4 months before your planned launch date. The best campaigns require extensive pre-launch preparation including audience building, content creation, influencer outreach, and PR planning.

Some of the most successful campaigns start building their audiences 6-12 months before launch. The earlier you start, the stronger your launch will be.

Last-minute agency hires rarely succeed because there’s insufficient time for proper preparation. Crowdfunding marketing agencies, when you compare them by success rate, consistently emphasize the importance of adequate lead time for campaign preparation.

Let’s say you have an amazing business idea–but you don’t have the money to get it off the ground. You’d hardly be alone here, since lack of funding is one of the most common challenges that startups run into. That’s why Kickstarter, and other crowdfunding tools are so attractive. Why raise funds from venture capitalists or bankers when you can ask individuals directly?

This is the concept behind Kickstarter, and crowdfunding in general. The appeal is undeniable. And that’s why Kickstarter has been able to help creators raise over $8 billion since its birth in 2009. It seems like everyone from famed author Brandon Sanderson to the creators of Pebble Watch and an unfathomable number of board game creators turn to the platform when it’s time to make money.

Kickstarter culture has become a complex and powerful beast over the last 15 years. So to help give you the context you need to succeed, we’re going to answer a few questions in separate sections. We’ll start by talking about what Kickstarter is, then we’ll discuss how you can use it in business and when it makes sense to do so. Then we’ll give you practical tips and additional resources toward the end.

What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that allows creators to fund their creative projects through the financial support of the crowd. The crowd here being a metaphorical one, dispersed around the world, made up of all kinds of people who are interested in the project.

Kickstarter was founded in 2009 and has since been the go-to venue for the funding of thousands of projects. Campaigns range from films and music to technology and design.

One of the calling cards of the Kickstarter business model is its all-or-nothing funding policy. Creators set a funding goal and a deadline, and they must meet or surpass this goal within the time frame to receive the funds. If the goal is not met, no money changes hands.

Can Kickstarter Be Used To Start A Business?

Absolutely, and in fact, there is a lot of precedent for that these days. Kickstarter is a very popular place for entrepreneurs to raise capital for their startup businesses. Kickstarter, as well as its peers like Indiegogo and Gamefound, allow individuals to present their business ideas to a wide audience. If the audience takes a shine to their offers, they can become backers, letting the entrepreneur secure funding through pre-sales or donations.

A classic example of this is the Pebble E-Paper Watch. It’s the first truly high-profile example of a business that started on Kickstarter. Their campaign in 2012 became the most funded in Kickstarter’s history at the time, raising over $10 million from nearly 70,000 backers. Kickstarter has only grown as a platform since.

Kickstarter has guidelines for starting a project which state that creators are responsible for completing their project and fulfilling each reward. Additionally, projects must fit into one of Kickstarter’s 13 categories, and they cannot fundraise for charity, offer financial incentives, or involve prohibited items.

Can Kickstarter Be Trusted?

Kickstarter has a strong reputation as one of the foremost crowdfunding platforms worldwide. To date, Kickstarter has been home to over 265,000 campaigns and has helped creators to raise almost $8.3 billion dollars since its inception in 2009.

Campaigners are also expected to be very transparent. For one, project funding progress is always publicly visible. Plus, creators are expected to share regular updates on project development and fulfillment of rewards.

As for protections and remedies for backers, Kickstarter ensures that creators are legally obligated to fulfill their promises. If a creator cannot fulfill a project, they must provide a refund or offer an explanation, detailing how funds were used, and the work done towards the project completion.

This does not mean that every single campaign ships and that every backer is pleased. However, given Kickstarter’s status as a platform for businesses to launch products in their early stages, it has been remarkably successful and reliable.

Kickstarter also has a dispute resolution process. It encourages backers and creators to communicate and work out issues amongst themselves. For egregious situations or policy violations, Kickstarter can intervene and take action such as suspending the project or banning the creator.

Why Use Kickstarter Instead of Regular Ecommerce?

To better answer this question, I’d like to share some insights from Darian Shimy, the Founder & CEO of FutureFund. His firm specializes in fundraising and volunteering for K-12 schools, so he has a lot of experience in the fundraising model that Kickstarter is based upon.

Shimy states that one of the primary reasons why you might use Kickstarter is to “assess the viability of a new product before fully developing or launching it. Crowdfunding allows entities to test concepts in a low-risk manner by generating interest and support for proposed products/services in a short campaign.”

The big idea here is that Kickstarter and other tools like it can be used for marketing research. Unlike eCommerce, you can see if there is interest in a product before spending a lot of money manufacturing it. And while eCommerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce certainly have the ability to take preorders, they just aren’t quite as public as Kickstarter and its peers.

In short, Kickstarter can be used for market validation. For many business owners, this alone is worth the time and effort that goes into launching a campaign.

When Would You Choose Ecommerce Over Kickstarter?

Before you launch a Kickstarter campaign, it’s worth considering whether or not it is the best possible fit for your project. As Shimy states, “crowdfunding campaigns typically feature a few defined product reward tiers for a limited period.” In contrast, he states that “eCommerce provides constant browsability and purchasing opportunities.”

Put another way, one purpose of a crowdfunding campaign is to narrow the audience’s focus onto a single item with perhaps a few variants. If the goal is to start a business with multiple products right away, eCommerce is probably a better way to launch. Bear in mind that, should you successfully fund, you can always transition from Kickstarter to eCommerce after funding and fulfillment.

Tips for Starting a Business on Kickstarter

If you are thinking about starting a business on Kickstarter, here is a high-level overview of what you will need to do in order to launch your first project:

1. Define Your Project: Detail what your project is, why it’s valuable, and how you plan to accomplish it. Be precise and thorough to create trust with potential backers.
2. Set a Funding Goal: Analyze your budget carefully. Include production costs, shipping, taxes, and Kickstarter’s fees to set a realistic and achievable goal.
3. Plan Your Rewards: Rewards should be enticing and offer value for money. Consider different tiers to cater to a range of backers. Include behind-the-scenes access or exclusive versions of your product for higher tiers.
4. Create a Compelling Story: People connect with stories. Why are you passionate about this project? How will it benefit your backers? Use this narrative to engage your audience emotionally.
5. Use High-Quality Media: High-quality photos and videos are crucial. They present a professional image and give potential backers a clear understanding of your project.
6. Write Clear, Concise Copy: Keep your text easy to understand and get straight to the point. Use bullet points and headers to make your campaign easily skimmable.

In addition to creating a project, you will also need to promote it as well. Here are a few simple tips to help you with that:

1. Use Social Media: Use platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to spread the word. Regular updates and engagement with your audience can boost your project’s visibility.
2. Build a Pre-Launch Mailing List: A mailing list is a powerful tool for building hype before your campaign launch. Use lead magnets (like sneak peeks or discounts) to encourage sign-ups.
3. Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers in your niche can get your project in front of a larger audience. Ensure the influencer’s audience aligns with your target market.
4. Press Releases: Reach out to relevant media outlets and bloggers. A well-written press release can lead to valuable coverage and increased visibility.

Remember, successful crowdfunding requires careful planning, compelling storytelling, and active promotion. Kickstarter can provide a significant boost for your business, but your success on the platform will depend heavily on how much of an audience you are able to build on your own. Then once you have a community, you must proactively engage with your community and deliver on your promises.

Additional Resources For Launching a Kickstarter

Running a Kickstarter campaign is exciting, but difficult! Knowing where to start and what to do doesn’t come easy. That’s why we’ve put together this list of articles to help you run the crowdfunding campaign of your dreams.

If you’re looking for more general advice on how to run an eCommerce business, check out his series of articles instead.

And if you’re a bit further along and you’re worried about shipping and fulfillment, this set of articles will be perfect for you.

Good luck in your next business venture!

FAQ

What percentage of Kickstarter campaigns actually succeed?

Historically, about 39% of Kickstarter campaigns reach their funding goals. Success rates vary significantly by category—technology projects have lower success rates (around 20%) while games and design projects perform better (50-60%). Preparation and pre-launch audience building are key factors in success.

How much does it cost to run a Kickstarter campaign?

Kickstarter charges 5% of funds raised, plus payment processing fees of 3-5%. However, budget for additional costs like video production ($2,000-10,000), marketing, samples, and fulfillment planning. Many successful campaigns spend 10-20% of their goal on campaign creation and promotion.

Can I run multiple Kickstarter campaigns for the same business?

Yes, many businesses launch multiple campaigns for different products. However, Kickstarter requires each campaign to be for a distinct project. You can absolutely re-launch a project for the same product if your previous campaign didn’t fund successfully, but you must create a completely new project and submit it again for approval. Successful fulfillment of previous campaigns builds credibility for future ones.

What happens if I exceed my funding goal?

You keep all the money raised, minus Kickstarter’s fees. Many campaigns use stretch goals to add features or products when they exceed their target. However, be careful not to over-promise—additional funding often means additional complexity and costs.

How long should my Kickstarter campaign run?

Most successful campaigns run 30-45 days. Shorter campaigns (under 30 days) create urgency but may not allow enough time to build momentum. Longer campaigns (over 45 days) often see declining backer interest in the middle period.

What if I can’t fulfill my promises to backers?

You’re legally obligated to fulfill rewards or provide refunds. If you can’t complete the project, communicate transparently with backers about how funds were used and what work was completed. Kickstarter may intervene in cases of suspected fraud or gross negligence.

Subscription boxes seem unstoppable now. But as recently as 2010, the business model barely existed. Rather, it was around 2011 when subscription boxes started to take off, with brands like BirchBox, Dollar Shave Club, and NatureBox becoming household names.

According to Market Research Future, the US subscription box industry was valued at $13.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $44.5 billion by 2032, which is more than triple!

Because subscription box businesses are so hot right now, a lot of people want to cash in. You might be one of them since you’re reading this article! So let’s talk about how you can start a subscription box business in 10 easy steps.

1. Understand the basics of subscription boxes.

As with any business, you need to thoroughly understand the market before you jump in. To help you do that, we’re going to go over the basics of the subscription box business model. This will help you determine whether it’s right for you.

What’s a Subscription Box?

Easyship said it best: “subscription boxes are recurring and physical deliveries of given products which are packaged with the aim of offering consumers additional value and a unique experience, added to the actual product contained within each box.”

Basically, subscription box buyers receive boxes full of unique and interesting products on a regular basis. Subscribers pay for a recurring subscription and receive boxes on a regular basis, usually every month. The boxes are full of physical items, many of which are surprises carefully curated to please the subscriber. Many subscription boxes show customers how much they saved on the retail value of the items contained within.

Last but not least, subscription boxes are almost always gorgeous. The packaging and the contents are often beautiful and made specifically for people to record unboxing videos.

Benefits of the Subscription Box Business Model

From a business perspective, there are a lot of benefits to the subscription box business model. But we wanted a first-hand perspective here, and for that, Ben Ajenoui, Marketing & Managing Director at the eCommerce platform, Opencart, was happy to oblige.

“Our move into subscription box services was driven by the growing demand for recurring revenue models in the retail space,” says Ajenoui. “Many of our users were asking for more streamlined ways to offer subscription-based products, and we saw an opportunity to support them.”

It’s no surprise that Opencart transitioned into the subscription box space when you consider the value of recurring revenue. The following five facts, taken together, make a really strong case for starting a subscription box business:

1. Since boxes are sold on a subscription basis, revenue is much more predictable than with most kinds of eCommerce.
2. Because subscriptions are recurring transactions, the average customer has a much higher lifetime value than other businesses.
3. It’s harder to win a subscriber than it is to win a buyer, but once you do, the odds of retention are much higher.
4. Subscription boxes are all about the unique experience, which gives companies great opportunities for branding.
5. Because subscription boxes are sent out around the same time of the month in large batches, this simplifies shipping and fulfillment.

Disadvantages of the Subscription Box Business Model

Of course, the subscription box model isn’t perfect. We can think of five negative considerations that you need to weigh in as well.

1. According to Pitchbook, the amount of venture capital going into subscription box startups has gone down in the last few years. This could be a sign that the subscription box boom is over. Alternatively, it could be a consequence of massively overhyped companies like Blue Apron going downhill, but not an indicator that the industry at large is failing. Make of it what you will.
2. To prepare subscription boxes to send, you need a lot of upfront capital to begin with.
3. Subscription boxes live and die on their ability to seem luxurious and unique. That means you need a strong understanding of the fundamentals of marketing and branding to succeed.
4. Because subscription boxes have become so popular, there is a lot of competition.
5. Much of the magic of subscription boxes stems from the novelty of the items in them. That means when the novelty wears off, so does the perceived value of the subscription box.

There are also some operational challenges to consider as well. Among them, Ajenoui lists “recurring billing, [setting up] flexible product options, and [implementing] advanced customer management tools.” Before getting into the subscription box business, it’s worth considering if your team has the operational chops to set all of this up.

2. Identify a real market need.

In order to build a successful business of any type, you need to identify real needs in the market and come up with a wait to meet them. Otherwise, people have no reason to want to buy from you at all!

This is especially true in the subscription box business model. The reason for this is because getting someone to sign up for a subscription is harder than getting them to sign up for a single purchase. That means your subscription box needs to be so compelling that it overcomes customers’ objections so that they do not hesitate to subscribe.

“Convenience, personalization, and the excitement of regular deliveries” rank high in terms of customer values, according to Ajenoui. As you work on the particulars of your subscription box model, it’s worth considering how these values intersect with the kind of products you sell.

3. Research your competition and find a unique niche.

Because the subscription box business is fairly crowded, you need to find a niche that stands out among similar subscriptions. Your customers have lots of different options, so you need to provide something popular in a way that no one else is. This is where market research is essential!

If you want to stand out among your competition, don’t try to create a new product entirely. It’s much easier to deliver better quality products than your competition than to completely forge your own path. One way that you can do this? Find good suppliers and form great relationships with them.

4. Figure out what to put in the subscription box.

At this point, you will want to figure out what your subscription box itself will be like. Subbly suggests considering the following factors:

• Pricing
• Number of items
• Type of products and their packaging
• Size of the box
• Design and aesthetic
• Engagement experience
• Written content and packing information

Naturally, this will be different for every industry and for each type of box. What you want to do here is figure out how to take several different items and figure out how you can tie them together and create a unique experience for the box opener.

5. Master the unboxing experience.

Much of the magic of subscription boxes comes from the feeling your subscribers will have when they are opening the box. There is a reason why many people take videos of themselves unboxing subscription boxes and post them online. There’s a reason people watch these videos, too – vicarious pleasure is a very real thing and it compels many new people to subscribe to your box!

So how do you actually do that? We have a few suggestions:

1. Use custom packaging so that when your box arrives in the mail, people are immediately excited about it.
2. Pack the boxes in such a way that not all items are seen at once. One way you can do this is by covering the contents with a thin sheet of cardboard and putting a small letter on top for people to read before opening the rest of the box.
3. Make sure the individual items themselves are bright and colorful and that their packaging really stands out, making a feast for your subscribers’ eyes.

6. Set up the supply chain.

Understanding the supply chain is one of the key success factors for subscription box businesses. You need to make sure the boxes are a reasonable size and weight, so you need to have all that information from your item suppliers in order to proceed. Hopefully, you will also receive a discount on the items themselves so that you have a healthy profit margin. You may need to tweak the items in the box in order to get them to fit or to get the price to be reasonable.

It’s also smart to look into sourcing products from multiple regions. Nearshoring or dual-sourcing, which means sourcing products from two different countries, can help you avoid unexpected cost spikes if tariffs increase or trade disruptions occur.

Especially important to subscription box businesses is having good relationships with custom packaging providers such as Noissue or Arka. While custom packaging definitely costs more, remember that the experience is the selling point, not the items themselves which can all be purchased individually.

Lastly, you will want to work with a fulfillment company that you trust. Odds are, the items and packaging will arrive separately and in large quantities. While you can pack and ship your own items, companies like Fulfillrite can take care of that for you. In particular, preparing subscription boxes in advance would be considered a kitting project. As far as receiving the supplies themselves and then sending out the subscription boxes, both of those are very routine tasks that can be cost-efficiently handled by a fulfillment company on your behalf.

6.5. Watch out for increasing supply chain costs.

One more factor to plan for: rising supply chain costs. Tariffs on imported goods have increased unpredictably in recent years, and many subscription box companies are feeling the pinch.

“We’ve seen a noticeable uptick in landed product costs for our clients,” says Chris Rivera, CPA & Founder of The Ecommerce Accountants. “Especially those sourcing from China and Southeast Asia. Tariffs have compressed gross margins and forced many brands to rethink their sourcing and pricing strategies. This has been particularly disruptive for high-volume sellers in competitive niches where price sensitivity is high.”

“Tariff changes in 2025 have really pushed anyone shipping from China to rethink their numbers,” says Todd Stephenson, Co-Founder of Roof Quotes. “If you’re in that boat, it’s smart to talk with your suppliers and see if they can shift production to places like Vietnam or India. You can’t just sit back and hope things go back to normal, you have to plan like these tariffs are sticking around. That means adjusting your pricing and making sure your operations can handle higher costs.”

7. Start marketing your subscription box before launching the service.

Treat your subscription box service launch like you would any other product launch. You need to start marketing it long before you actually start shipping boxes. At a minimum, you need a good brand name, logo, and website. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always use Shopify.

Marketing for a service launch is more complicated than we can adequately discuss in a post like this, but we’ll give you a few tips here:

• Build your website with conversions in mind. Everything on your site needs to ultimately increase the odds that someone will subscribe to your service.
• Create a sense of urgency with special offers and landing pages. Getting new subscriptions is harder than retaining them!
• Remember the marketing funnel: first someone becomes aware you exist, then they become interested, they think about buying from you, then they ultimately choose to buy from you. Then after that, they choose whether or not to purchase from you again.
• Customize your boxes as much as possible.
• Build a mailing list.
• Start content marketing online, including guest blogging.
• Implement a referral program.
• Look into pay-per-click advertising on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

If you want to research this subject in more depth, we stumbled across this fantastic guide that will show you how to market your subscription box!

When in doubt, consider the advice of Ajenoui. “The most effective strategy for acquiring subscribers has been offering a seamless, customizable experience.” Clearly, providing a good customer experience is not something that can be overlooked!

8. Figure out shipping and fulfillment.

We touched on this before, but it’s especially important. If you have 500 subscribers, that means someone will need to receive all your supplies and packaging, prepare the subscription boxes, apply postage, and then send them to your subscribers. You can do this yourself, but it makes a lot more sense to work with a fulfillment company since they specialize in handling large quantities of orders at once.

If you go through a fulfillment company, you don’t have to worry about assembling the boxes by hand. All you have to do is design the packaging, pick the items, and go find customers. Everything else can be taken care of for you, leaving you with a lot more time to find subscribers and make money!

9. Take feedback, make improvements, and retain customers.

As with any business, once you start shipping your first few subscription boxes, you will need to gather customer feedback. Customer retention is essential, so try to incorporate feedback as much as you can. Make improvements when they are recommended. In the long run, it will pay off!

When it comes to retention, Ajenoui advises offering “personalized engagement, exclusive offers, and flexible subscription management.” He later mentioned that “streamline your operations with a reliable platform is essential for scaling and long-term success.”

As you gather feedback, consider what questions you can ask to ensure that you are in line with Ajenoui’s thoughts on best practices.

10. Establish great customer service.

Customer retention is essential for a subscription-based model. That means that once you have started shipping boxes, you need to have excellent customer service in order to keep customers subscribed. Do anything and everything you can to keep customers happy. Be sure they can reach by phone, email, and – if you have the resources to adequately manage it – social media!

Final Thoughts

Subscription boxes provide customers with unique experiences and business owners with unique opportunities. If you can combine the ability to surprise and delight customers with pragmatic business expertise around matters like supply chain management, then this business model could work wonders for you. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be well on your way to success!

FAQ

How much money do I need to start a subscription box business?

Initial costs vary widely but expect $10,000-50,000 minimum. This covers inventory for your first few months, custom packaging, website development, marketing, and fulfillment setup. Factor in 3-6 months of operating expenses since subscriber growth takes time.

How do I price my subscription box?

A common rule is the 3x markup: if your product costs are $10, charge around $30. This covers packaging, shipping, customer acquisition, and profit margins. Research competitor pricing and survey potential customers to find the sweet spot between value perception and profitability.

What’s the biggest mistake new subscription box businesses make?

Underestimating customer acquisition costs and churn rates. Many founders assume subscribers will stick around longer than they actually do. The average subscription box has a 5-10% monthly churn rate, meaning you need continuous marketing investment to maintain growth.

Should I handle fulfillment myself or outsource?

Start in-house if you have fewer than 200 subscribers and adequate space. Beyond that, outsource to a 3PL experienced with subscription boxes. They understand the complexity of kitting multiple items and managing monthly shipping spikes.

How do I deal with seasonal demand fluctuations?

Plan inventory 3-4 months ahead and communicate with suppliers about expected volume changes. Consider seasonal product variations or limited-edition boxes to capitalize on peak periods. Some businesses offer gift subscriptions during holidays to boost revenue.

What if customers complain about receiving duplicate items from previous boxes?

Maintain detailed records of what each subscriber has received and implement systems to avoid repeats. Many successful subscription boxes create item pools for different subscriber tenure levels, ensuring longer-term customers get fresh variety.

Getting started in eCommerce can be tricky. Even with all the wonderful eCommerce software like Shopify and WooCommerce, it still takes hours of setup even if you’re tech-savvy. What if you just want to start selling online without all the hassle?

Thankfully, PayPal has a very user-friendly option for entrepreneurs with a single product to sell. The idea is simple: you set up a PayPal Business Account and then you add PayPal Buy buttons to your website.

Seriously, that’s it! The configuration couldn’t be simpler and it’s a great stopgap to use before your business is large enough to justify setting up something more permanent, like a Shopify store.

So without any more preamble, let’s talk about how you can add PayPal Buy buttons to your website.

1. Create a PayPal Business account.

Before you can follow any of the steps in this guide, you will need to set up a PayPal Business Account. You can do that by going here and following all the prompts.

2. Log into your PayPal account and click Business Tools.

After you’ve set up your PayPal Business Account and logged in, you will see a home page like the one above. Click on Business Tools to proceed.

3. Scroll down and click Online Checkout.

 

4. Click Get Started.

5. Click Set up Pay Links and Buttons.

At this point, please note that you have a lot of options for integrating PayPal onto your store. When you click on Set up Pay Links and Buttons, you will have a chance to configure buttons for different products in different styles. At the end of the process, you will receive an HTML code which you will paste into your website.

If you are using a major platform like WooCommerce or Shopify, you may want to check Connect to an ecommerce platform and follow the steps provided by Shopify. If you’re custom-coding your site, Have a custom-built site is probably the better option.

If you don’t have a website and you simply need a very easy page for payments, click Accept payments without a site in the No website? No problem section.

The rest of this guide will talk about what happens when you click Set up Pay Links and Buttons.

6. Select Payment Buttons.

When you click Payment Buttons, you will have a chance to setup a payment button for different products or services in a style of your choosing. If you don’t have a website, you might prefer the Payment link & QR code option instead.

In the steps to follow, we will assume you click Payment Buttons.

7. Enter product details and customize buttons and thank you page.

To create and customize your button, there are several fields you can fill out.

• Item Name and Description: Enter an item name and an optional item description.
• Price: Set a price, which can either be “one set price” or “customer set price” which allows customers to set their own price (appropriate for tipping or situations where partial payment is acceptable.
• Quantity: You can also optionally set Quantity to allow customers to buy multiple items at a time up to a maximum limit.
• Images: You are able to add up to five images associated with your item.
• Button Labels: You can choose optionally to label your buttons, choosing between available text options such as “PayPal”, “Buy Now”, or “Checkout”.
• Customer Note: Tell customers what details you need like “Delivery Instructions.” You can even require customers to enter a note.
• Product ID: Include your product identifiers or SKU numbers.
• Variants: Let customers know if your product or service is available in up to 3 variations like color, size, type, etc. (You are able to adjust price per variant.)
• Inventory: This lets PayPal keep track of your items and variants.

When you click the Checkout tab, there are additional fields.

• Shipping Address: Enable to collect shipping address at checkout.
• Shipping Fees: Enable to set shipping fee for this item, including free shipping.
• Taxes: Enable to set the tax rate for this item.

Finally, on the Confirmation tab, you have one option.

• Auto-return URL: Choose a URL to let customers automatically return to your site after checkout.

8. Click Build It.

 

Once you have configured all button options to your satisfaction, click on Build It to generate the code you will insert on your website.

9. Add the button to your website.

When you’re done, you will have the ability to add the button to your website in a few ways:

• Payment Link: Simply copy and paste the payment link and send by email, text, or social media.
• QR Code: Gives customers a scannable link that will take them to your payment page.
• Stacked Buttons: Copy the HTML or React snippet and paste to your website. (Shows multiple buttons including “PayPal” and “Checkout”).
• Single Button: Copy the HTML or React snippet and paste to your website. (Shows just one checkout button).

Final Thoughts

There you go! Adding a PayPal button to your website is one of the fastest ways to start selling items online.

Remember: if you need help storing and shipping items once they start selling, Fulfillrite can help. We provide order fulfillment for businesses like yours. You can request a quote to learn more.

Navigating the complex world of subscription box order fulfillment may seem overwhelming. But with the right strategies and tools, order fulfillment processes can quickly become a subscription box business owner’s best friend.

Adopting advanced technology, streamlining your processes, fostering strong supply chain relationships, preparing for scalability, and keeping a pulse on emerging trends can turn fulfillment from a challenge into a competitive advantage.

Remember, a successful fulfillment process is more than just sending boxes—it’s about crafting a unique, satisfying customer experience that drives loyalty and growth. Your patrons aren’t just buying a box; they’re investing in a promise you make every month.

Let’s ensure you deliver on that promise perfectly every time.

Why Order Fulfillment is So Important in the Subscription Box Business

Order fulfillment is the heartbeat of any subscription box business. It is the series of steps that bridges the gap between a customer placing an order and receiving their curated box of goodies right at their doorstep. The process begins with managing inventory and extends through packaging, shipping, and delivery of the subscription boxes.

Fulfillment plays a vital role in shaping your customers’ experiences and, by extension, their loyalty to your subscription box service. A well-executed fulfillment process ensures that the orders are accurately packed, labeled, and promptly delivered.

In a business model that relies heavily on customer retention, your patrons will come to appreciate and expect the seamless service your business offers with each delivery. After all, remember that 87% of customers “are highly likely to shop again with an online store after a positive delivery experience.” Therefore, an effective fulfillment process significantly contributes to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

However, the importance of order fulfillment isn’t limited to creating positive experiences. It’s equally crucial in preventing negative ones. For example, 69% of consumers are “less likely to shop with your business if you fail to meet your delivery window.”

Mishaps in the fulfillment process, such as incorrect items, late deliveries, or damaged goods, can quickly tarnish your brand’s reputation. In addition, in today’s digitally connected age, customers are likely to share their dissatisfaction online, which can discourage potential subscribers. In the worst-case scenario, a poorly managed fulfillment process can lead to a high churn rate, impacting revenue and growth.

In a nutshell, the order fulfillment process isn’t just about getting boxes from point A to point B. It is about crafting a positive experience that encourages your customers to maintain their subscriptions and promotes the growth of your business. Doing it right can transform a one-time buyer into a long-term, loyal subscriber and, ultimately, become a key competitive advantage for your subscription box business.

Why Order Fulfillment is So HARD in the Subscription Box Business

The subscription box business is unique in its nature, and as such, it presents its own unique set of challenges in the realm of order fulfillment.

First off, customization complexities. A significant allure of subscription boxes is their personal touch, their ability to deliver surprises catered specifically to the customer’s tastes. However, this tailored experience means each box is unique, making the fulfillment process more intricate. It must cater to various preferences, sizes, and themes, complicating packing and inventory management.

Next, we encounter considerable swings in order volume at any given time. Some subscription boxes go out at certain times of the month, for example. Building routines and standard procedures around this feast-or-famine demand volume can be difficult.

Thirdly, inventory management. Predicting stock levels becomes a fine art with varying customer preferences and changing trends. You want to avoid being left with excess stock or a shortage that could lead to disappointed customers. Balancing this tightrope is no easy feat.

Then there are the more common logistical hurdles found in any eCommerce business. Delivery accuracy and speed are vital in any e-commerce business, and subscription boxes are no different. Ensuring that each unique box reaches the right customer in the right place and time is a significant challenge.

On top of all this, there are the unique struggles of scaling up. As your business grows, so do your challenges. More customers mean more boxes, deliveries, and opportunities for things to go wrong. Maintaining the same level of quality and efficiency during expansion can be a herculean task.

How To Handle Order Fulfillment For Your Subscription Box Business

Understanding and overcoming these challenges might seem intimidating. However, proven strategies and tools can make order fulfillment more manageable and efficient for your subscription box business.

1. Use the latest technology for inventory management and order tracking.

Adopting advanced technological tools can make navigating the complexities of a subscription box business significantly easier. This is particularly true when managing inventory and tracking orders—two core components of your operation.

Consider utilizing cloud-based inventory management systems such as Zoho Inventory or Quickbooks Commerce. These platforms provide real-time updates on stock levels, track the movement of items across various locations, and even manage reordering processes. They use powerful analytics to anticipate future stock needs based on past patterns, helping to prevent overstocking or understocking issues that could impact your bottom line and customer satisfaction.

Order tracking is another area that benefits immensely from technological advancements. Tools like ShipStation or EasyShip offer end-to-end tracking solutions that update you on the whereabouts of your shipments and provide your customers with real-time delivery updates. This level of transparency can significantly improve the customer experience, allowing your subscribers to anticipate when they will receive their curated boxes.

In terms of automation, even simple technologies such as address validation can reduce the risk of human error. This results in fewer misdirected shipments, greater profit margins, and more time to spend on strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

2. Streamline processes for maximum efficiency.

Efficiency is the key to successful fulfillment operations, and streamlining your processes can significantly enhance this. Here’s how you can achieve it in your subscription box business.

Start by conducting a thorough analysis of your current processes. Tools like process flowcharts can help visualize every step, from inventory management to box delivery, and identify potential bottlenecks or wasteful activities.

Next, implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for repetitive tasks such as box assembly and labeling. For instance, adopting an assembly line approach—where each team member is responsible for a specific task—can improve speed and reduce errors.

Finally, embrace the principle of continuous improvement. Regularly review your processes and make data-driven decisions for incremental enhancements. For example, if a particular supplier consistently causes delivery delays, it might be time to consider alternatives.

Remember, a streamlined operation results in faster delivery times, fewer errors, and higher customer satisfaction.

3. Foster relationships in the supply chain industry.

Building strong relationships within your supply chain is critical to the smooth operation of your subscription box business. These relationships encompass your suppliers, logistics providers, and even your delivery personnel.

With suppliers, open communication and mutual trust are paramount. Regularly share updates about your business, growth plans, and challenges. For example, if you anticipate a spike in demand during the holiday season, notifying your suppliers in advance can ensure they’re prepared to meet your increased needs.

Also, consider partnering with logistics providers who specialize in subscription box services. Companies such as Fulfillrite are familiar with the unique needs of this business model and can offer invaluable support and expertise.

4. Prepare for scalability.

As your subscription box business expands, it’s vital to prepare your fulfillment operations for scalability. Anticipating future needs can ensure a smooth transition during periods of rapid growth.

Consider your storage needs. As your customer base grows, you may need to hold more inventory. If you choose to manage orders on your own, warehouse management systems like Logiwa can help optimize your warehouse space and track inventory across multiple locations.

As your operations expand, consider outsourcing fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider (3PL). By their nature, 3PLs specialize in handling increased order volumes, freeing up your time to focus on core business strategies.

Finally, regularly revisit your scalability plan. As your business evolves, so should your strategies to ensure continuous growth and success.

5. Be aware of emerging trends and technologies in fulfillment.

Staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies in fulfillment can give your subscription box business a competitive edge. You may want to select a fulfillment partner with a forward-thinking philosophy toward implementing new technology.

Regardless of whether you ship on your own or with a partner, though, here are a few promising technologies to watch out for:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing inventory management and demand forecasting. AI-driven tools like EazyStock can predict future inventory needs based on past data and patterns, helping you avoid overstocking or stockouts.

Automation in warehousing, including the use of robots for picking and packing, can increase efficiency and accuracy. Companies like Amazon are already leveraging this technology.

Drones and autonomous vehicles for delivery are gaining momentum. Though not widespread yet, keeping an eye on this trend could position your business ahead when it becomes mainstream.

Blockchain technology, despite its primary association with cryptocurrency, can also be used for tracking shipments in a way that improves transparency and security in the supply chain. For instance, IBM’s Food Trust uses blockchain to track food products from farm to consumer.

Invest time in understanding these trends and consider their potential benefits for your business. Being an early adopter could pay dividends in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Successfully managing order fulfillment for your subscription box business is complex. It involves juggling customization intricacies, dealing with order volume surges, optimizing inventory, overcoming logistics hurdles, and preparing for scalability. However, with the right strategies in place and by harnessing the power of the latest technology, these challenges can transform into opportunities for growth.

Streamlining your processes, fostering strong supply chain relationships, planning for scalability, and staying ahead of emerging trends can significantly enhance your fulfillment operations. Remember, at the heart of it all, your goal is consistently providing an excellent customer experience. Ultimately, this will drive customer loyalty, foster retention, and contribute to your business’s long-term success.

FAQ

Should I handle fulfillment in-house or outsource to a 3PL?

Start in-house if you’re shipping fewer than 500 boxes per month and have adequate storage space. Beyond that volume, consider a 3PL specializing in subscription boxes. They understand the unique challenges of customization, irregular shipping schedules, and seasonal spikes that subscription businesses face.

How do I handle inventory for seasonal or limited-edition items?

Use demand forecasting tools based on historical data and subscriber preferences. For limited editions, consider pre-orders or waitlists to gauge demand. Always maintain a small buffer stock for popular items, but avoid overordering seasonal products that may become obsolete.

What’s the best way to manage customization at scale?

Implement customer preference profiles in your system and use automated picking software that can handle multiple SKU combinations per order. Some 3PLs offer kitting services where they pre-assemble customized combinations based on subscriber data you provide.

How can I reduce shipping costs for subscription boxes?

Negotiate volume discounts with carriers, optimize box sizes to reduce dimensional weight charges, and consider regional fulfillment centers to reduce shipping distances. Some subscription businesses also offer shipping upgrades as paid add-ons to offset premium delivery costs.

What happens when subscribers change their address mid-cycle?

Implement address change cutoff dates (typically 3-5 days before shipping) and clearly communicate these to subscribers. Use address validation software to catch errors early and maintain updated subscriber databases with automated sync between your subscription platform and fulfillment system.

How do I handle damaged or missing items in subscription boxes?

Establish clear policies for replacements and refunds. Track damage rates by carrier and packaging type to identify improvement opportunities. Many subscription businesses maintain emergency inventory specifically for replacements to avoid disappointing long-term subscribers.

Want to get organic traffic to your store so you can make some sales? Ecommerce search engine optimization, or SEO, is how you do that.

Optimizing your website for search engines will help increase visibility, attract potential customers, and improve your chances of turning those visitors into buyers.

SEO can be broken down into a bunch of smaller disciplines. There’s technical SEO, which is about your site’s speed, structure, and security. Then there’s on-page SEO which is focused on making individual pages more searchable. Then there is content marketing and link building, which is about making pages people want to read and then getting those pages in front of readers.

It’s a lot to take in, especially if you don’t have a technical background. It’s for that reason that we compiled this guide to give you some actionable tips to help you get started.

So let’s begin with a quick definition of eCommerce SEO.

What is Ecommerce SEO?

Ecommerce SEO is all about optimizing your online store to rank higher in search engine results. Unlike general SEO, eCommerce SEO zeroes in on product and category pages, optimizing for relevant keywords, and enhancing the user experience to turn visitors into customers. It targets specific search terms to attract shoppers actively looking for the products you sell.

Good SEO impacts your store’s visibility, making it easier for customers to find your products. High search rankings lead to increased organic traffic and better conversion rates. Effective SEO strategies also boost your online presence, helping you attract and retain customers, which ultimately drives sales and growth.

In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how exactly you can optimize for SEO.

Technical SEO Tips

Optimizing the technical aspects of your site is crucial for better search engine rankings. But technical SEO can get complex if you research it online.

To help you get started, here are some concrete steps to help you optimize your technical ESO.

#1: Optimize your site structure.

A well-organized site structure is a must for SEO. As Nikola Baldikov, CEO of Inbound Blogging, suggests, “start with defining your categories. They should be logical and intuitive, so both users and search engines can browse the website easily.”

He continues, saying, that “if you don’t know where to start, try checking what your competitors are doing and gathering some ideas. Simply uploading products without considering the organization can cause your visitors to get confused and hurt your sales.”

#2: Make sure your website is mobile-friendly.

Mobile optimization is key since search engines prioritize mobile-friendly sites. After all, 45% of web users shop through their phones.

Brandon Schroth, Founder at Reporter Outreach, emphasizes that “mobile phones are the most popular form of devices used to perform online shopping.” He goes on to say that “if a website is not mobile optimized, user experiences may be imperiled, in addition to search rankings being affected.”

Make sure your site is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes. This is because a mobile-friendly site enhances user experience, reduces bounce rates, and boosts search performance. Or, put in a less technical way, people stay on your site for longer and are more likely to buy.

#3: Improve site speed.

Fast-loading websites rank higher and offer a better user experience. “Speed matters more than you think,” says Nathaniel Miller at The SEO Marketing Dad. “Make sure your site loads fast and looks great on mobile. Customers expect quick, seamless experiences, and Google rewards it too.”

If you want to improve your site’s load time, then optimize images, turn on browser caching, and minimize HTTP requests to improve loading times. Use tools like GTMetrix to find and fix speed issues.

#4: Secure your site with HTTPS.

Security is a ranking factor, and HTTPS ensures that data exchanged between your site and users is encrypted. Make sure you have a valid SSL certificate to secure your site. Additionally, HTTPS improves user trust and can lead to better search engine rankings, as search engines prefer secure sites.

If you have trouble doing this, use Why No Padlock to troubleshoot.

On-Page SEO Strategies

On-page SEO is all about optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and attract more relevant traffic from search engines. Here are some specific tips you can apply today to improve your on-page SEO.

#5: Optimize product pages with targeted keywords.

Make sure to incorporate relevant keywords naturally in your product titles and descriptions. Use keywords that your potential customers are likely to search for. Be sure to also include them in headings, subheadings, and bullet points. This helps search engines understand your content and rank your pages higher for those specific terms.

But that said, avoid the temptation to stuff keywords into product titles and descriptions. You instead want to incorporate relevant keywords naturally. Tom Jauncey of Nautilus Marketing advises that you “optimize product pages with unique, keyword-rich descriptions and high-quality images. Too many eCommerce sites rely on manufacturer descriptions, which can hurt rankings. Make sure each product page offers value in terms of content.”

#6: Use high-quality images and optimize alt text.

“The first SEO tip for an eCommerce site is image optimization,” says SEO consultant, Jase Rodley. “Since eCommerce is all about visuals, make sure all product images are high quality and have descriptive alt text with relevant keywords. This helps with SEO and accessibility.” He also recommends using user-generated content like customer reviews and testimonials, which he says, “adds fresh unique content to your product pages and builds trust with potential buyers.”

#7: Create compelling meta descriptions.

Meta descriptions are short descriptions of your page that can be sent to search engines. Usually, they are 160 characters at most.

You need to write concise and compelling meta descriptions for each page. This will involve summarizing the page content and including targeted keywords.

Now you should know – meta descriptions not always appear in search results. It depends on the search terms used and, frankly, whether or not Google feels like using your meta descriptions.

But all the same, well-written meta descriptions increase the odds that searchers turn into visitors.

#8: Optimize URL structures for clarity and keywords.

Create clear, concise URLs with relevant keywords. Avoid long, complex URLs. Google, and other search engines, tend to dislike long URLs or ones that contain irrelevant information like random numbers.

Additionally, as Ross Kernez from SEO Meetup suggests, building links from trustworthy websites in your industry can further enhance your site’s rankings by signaling credibility and relevance to search engines. “Aim to get links from well-known, trustworthy websites in your industry,” says Kernez. “These good links help boost your site’s ranking in search engines.”

Content Marketing for SEO

Creating valuable content is a good way to improve your search rankings. Sometimes, this means improving the quality of your product pages with reviews or FAQs. Other times, it means creating blog posts, videos, and other forms of content to help answer questions that your customers may have.

No matter how you choose to go about it, content marketing is a proven way to help boost your SEO.

#9: Start a blog related to your niche.

It’s not relevant for every niche, but it works like a charm when it is! Regular blog posts can improve your search rankings and also help you establish your site as an authority in your industry.

Blogging allows you to create keyword-rich content that attracts organic traffic. In order to do this, write about topics relevant to your niche, addressing common questions and sharing useful knowledge.

#10: Use user-generated content.

Encourage customers to leave reviews and testimonials on your site. User-generated content (UGC) adds credibility and naturally incorporates relevant keywords.

“Feedback and reviews from your existing customers offers social proof and helps to convince and convert new customers,” says Michelle Symonds, CEO of Ditto Digital.

It’s not hard to understand why search engines like UGC. Much like human beings, search engine bots like seeing proof that your brand is as good as you say it is!

Positive reviews can also improve your search rankings and attract more visitors by showing that you have satisfied customers.

Building up UGC takes time. But one way you can speed up the process is by remembering to ask customers to leave reviews. Many will if you remember to ask!

#11: Build a keyword-rich FAQ page.

Create an FAQ page that addresses common questions and concerns related to your products. As you answer questions, you will naturally use keywords in the questions and answers.

“I would recommend that sites prioritize their product descriptions,” says Kim Butler from Online Optimism, “being sure to answer any potential questions their customers might ask. You could also include this in frequently asked questions after descriptions to add more value.”

In addition to being good for SEO, adding FAQs improves user experience, on top of simply driving organic traffic to your site.

Link Building Techniques

Search engines tend to favor websites that other sites link to. When other sites link to your website, these are called backlinks. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your website will rank.

So here are some tips on how you can build up your backlinks.

#12: Implement a link-building strategy.

“Link building, [such as] building links to the root of your domain via brand mentions, is not only important but is one of the most natural ways to obtain backlinks over time,” says John White from Complete White Label. “I recommend doing this via expert commentary campaigns.”

That’s just one technique you can employ though, as there are a lot of ways you can get backlinks. Many of them boil down to networking.

To acquire quality backlinks, reach out to the owners of larger sites. Offer to create guest blog posts or strike up a partnership. A lot of this will come down to outreach, often cold outreach, done via email or social media.

Another good way to build up your link profile is by getting mentioned in the media. You may also consider using websites like Qwoted or HARO to get in touch with reporters.

#13: Partner with influencers for content outreach.

Collaborate with influencers to create and share content that includes links to your site. Influencers can reach a wider audience and provide high-quality backlinks. This not only improves your link equity but also drives targeted traffic.

“Apart from increasing your credibility,” says Brandon Schroth from Reporter Outreach, “this will also help expand your brand’s reach. Moreover, these collaborations help in producing creative and original content that can be published on social networks and other digital media, thus generating quality backlinks and increasing the visibility of your website.”

Overall, this is a smart way to increase brand awareness. This is especially true in some niche markets such as cosmetics.

It’s also useful to remember that influencers aren’t just people with big Instagram or TikTok followings. Reporters, reviewers, bloggers, and even community organizers are all influencers in the broader sense of the term. Don’t overlook them because of all the people talking into ring lights!

#14: Use internal linking wisely.

“Don’t skip out on the importance of internal linking,” advises Nathaniel Miller from The SEO Marketing Dad. “Internal linking is a powerful way to guide users and spread link equity. Don’t overlook it.”

Internal linking helps distribute page authority throughout your site and improves navigation. Link related products, blog posts, and category pages to enhance user experience and SEO. Be sure your most important pages receive the most internal links.

You will also want to make sure you use descriptive anchor text. That means avoiding turning words like “here” into links. The linked text itself needs to tell you something about the page that is being linked to.

Advanced SEO Tips

SEO advice can become very complex. If you follow all of the previous tips but are still looking for further ways to improve, here are a few more things you can do.

#15: Use schema markup for rich snippets.

Schema markup helps search engines understand your content. When you use schema markup, it can improve search result visibility with rich snippets.

Rich snippets include additional information below the meta description in the search result. That might include a product rating, number of reviews, price, delivery cost, returns policy, and similar information.

Paul DeMott, CTO at Helium SEO, explains that using it for “highlights like stock, ratings, and pricing can boost your presence on search engine result pages by offering rich snippets.”

In order to add rich snippets, you need to implement schema markup. This can get complex, so here is a guide on how you can do this in Shopify.

While complex, it is often worth it. That’s because rich snippets improve click-through rates by making your listings more attractive.

#16: Optimize for voice search.

Voice search is becoming more common. So think about the kinds of keywords people will use when using Siri for search.

Think about how you can get your pages to rank when using natural spoken language. Think about the kind of long-tail keywords that reflect how people speak.

Truthfully, this is very hard to do. But if you answer common questions directly in your content, such as descriptions, you will improve your odds of appearing in the voice search results. This is because of the conversational nature of copywritten text online.

For more information, check out this post by Design Rush on voice search best practices.

#17: Focus on local SEO if applicable.

You might also consider optimizing your eCommerce site for local search if you have a physical store or target a specific region. Include your business address, phone number, and operating hours on your site. Use local keywords.

If nothing else, create a Google My Business listing to improve your visibility in local search results.

#18: Use comparison pages.

“Comparison pages targeting keywords like ‘Product A vs. Product B,’ are perfect for capturing bottom-of-funnel shoppers who are ready to buy but need that final push,” says John Butterworth of Mint SEO.

“They’re searching for specific product comparisons, so give them a clear breakdown of features, benefits, and pricing to help them decide. If your page has a clear winner, it’s likely the customer will purchase that product straight after reading.”

#19: Make gift guides for seasonal SEO.

Another underrated tip, advocated for by Hemapriya Natesan is creating seasonal guides. She says that you can “create blogs centered around popular themes, like holiday gift guides, that incorporate long-tail keywords.”

On those pages, you can “showcase your products with high-quality images, customer experiences, and descriptions that illustrate why they’d make thoughtful gifts.”

It should be noted this can be a solid way to acquire first-time customers since shoppers tend to be more open to new brands during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to SEO, there is one animating principle. Make a site that people want to find!

In practice, that means creating a site that is easy to use, secure, and loads quickly. That’s where technical SEO comes in. Every single page needs to be useful, which is where on-page SEO is handy.

The best sites make content that users want to find and distribute it to other websites where it can be found. To accomplish that, you need content marketing and link-building.

Take a few of these tips and think about how you can apply them to your site. There’s a good chance that they’ll help you improve your eCommerce SEO game!

Further Resources

For further learning and implementation of advanced SEO techniques, consider the following tools and resources:

• Google Search Console: Monitor and maintain your site’s presence in Google search results.
• Ahrefs: Comprehensive SEO toolset for keyword research, backlink analysis, and site audits.
• Moz: Offers tools and resources for SEO learning, including keyword explorer and link-building strategies.
• SEMRush: An all-in-one marketing toolkit for SEO, including competitive analysis and site audits.
• Yoast SEO: A popular WordPress plugin to optimize on-page SEO.
• Neil Patel’s Blog: Extensive resources and guides on SEO best practices and strategies.

FAQ

How long does it take to see results from eCommerce SEO?

SEO is a long-term strategy. You might see some improvements in 3-6 months, but significant results typically take 6-12 months or longer. Technical fixes like site speed improvements can show faster results, while content marketing and link building take more time to compound.

Should I hire an SEO agency or do it myself?

It depends on your budget, time, and technical comfort level. If you’re just starting out, focus on the basics yourself—technical SEO, product page optimization, and creating quality content. As your business grows, consider hiring professionals for more advanced strategies like link building and technical audits.

How do I choose the right keywords for my products?

Start with how your customers actually search. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Answer The Public to find relevant terms. Focus on a mix of high-volume competitive keywords and longer, more specific phrases that your ideal customers might use. Don’t ignore local keywords if you serve specific geographic areas.

Is it worth optimizing for voice search?

Voice search optimization is becoming increasingly important, especially for mobile users. Focus on natural, conversational language in your content and FAQ sections. Answer questions directly and concisely, as voice assistants often read featured snippets aloud.

How many keywords should I target per page?

Focus on one primary keyword per page, with 2-3 related secondary keywords. Avoid keyword stuffing—search engines prefer natural, helpful content over pages crammed with keywords. Your primary keyword should appear in the title, URL, and naturally throughout the content.

Do I need to optimize every single product page?

Yes, every product page should have unique, optimized content. Avoid using manufacturer descriptions across multiple products. Each page should have unique titles, descriptions, and relevant keywords while maintaining helpful, readable content for your customers.

Shoppers are impatient. Every additional tenth of a second it takes a store to load can drop conversion rates by 7%. Can you imagine how much money a Shopify store owner could lose over a 2-second delay?

Slow websites provide bad user experiences. This alone causes people to turn away from stores they would otherwise shop from. But it can also negatively impact search engine rankings too. That’s another huge problem in its own right since so many Shopify store owners count on being listed high in Google Shopping ratings.

Fixing a slow website is tricky and technical. But thankfully, it’s easier to troubleshoot issues on Shopify than it is on most platforms. In this guide, we’re going to talk about what makes Shopify stores load slowly and why it matters (in the words of actual store owners).

We’ll wrap up with clear steps you can follow to troubleshoot your slow store.

Why Your Shopify Store Is Loading Slowly: 3 Common Reasons

Shopify stores can load slowly for a lot of reasons — oversized images, sluggish apps, theme issues, you name it. We’re going to talk about each of these in a little more detail so you can understand why each one of these causes loading issues.

This is not an exhaustive list. Truth is, there are a million reasons why your Shopify store could be loading slowly. You might have a server issue or some kind of obscure coding problem. But 95% of the time, something much simpler is giving you trouble.

Here are three loading time issues that come up all the time and that you are going to have some control over.

1. Your images are too big.

Big images are, by far, the most commonly cited reason why Shopify stores load slowly. Nearly every source we asked for advice on this matter told us this, independently of one another.

Jose Gomez, Partner at Summit Metals, put it best. “Websites generally load slowly because images are not optimized in size. For example, people might upload a JPG that is 3MB.”

On its own, that isn’t a problem, but clarifies, saying that “multiplied by 20 images, your cell phone will take a while to load [the web page].”

There are ways you can troubleshoot this, which we’ll get into more later. Gomez recommends converting images to WEBP format, which cuts size by about 70% without sacrificing quality too much. Meanwhile, Steve Sacona, Founder of Top 10 Lawyers, recommends using tools like Photoshop or free online converters to compress images to smaller sizes. In our experience, we’ve found either technique can work well.

2. One or more of your apps is slowing down your site.

Remember the days when iPhones only had 8 or 16 GB of storage? Take a second and rewind to the days of having to delete apps to make room for your music. Shopify works like that.

If your store has app after app that you are not using, it might be slowing the site down. Consider purging unneeded apps and reap the benefits of faster load times.

“Carefully choose the apps that you add to your store, and remove any that aren’t needed,” suggests Justin Christopher, Manager of Ecommerce and Marketing at Klatch Coffee. “In addition to removing the app, you might need to check to make sure the app automatically removes any code that it installed, because old apps can leave behind code that slows your site. Shopify store owners can run before-and-after tests using Google Lighthouse to ensure that newly-added apps aren’t slowing their store.”

3. You’re using a slow Shopify theme.

When themes don’t work properly, they can slow down your page. Themes are all made by developers, and developers make them by writing code. The way the code is written can have a huge impact on how the website itself is loaded when it runs that code.

Practically speaking, if your theme is the problem, the only option you really have is to switch themes. Granted, there are many other things you can troubleshoot first, which we’ll talk about. But if you keep having stubborn performance issues, your theme might be the problem after all.

Why Shopify Store Loading Time Matters

If you want to really understand why loading time matters so much, it helps to hear what other store owners have to say.

Gomez says that “Google/Bing Search Engine crawlers rate your site based on how fast your site runs. The reason for this is they want to give users best user experience (which means smooth loading times.”

Christopher states that “site speed is critical for usability. We know that visitors quickly abandon slow-loading websites, especially mobile users, which make up about 70% of our audience.” He then expressed the value of using Lighthouse, Core Web Vitals, and Search Console to find and fix issues.

“There is a reason loading time is important for many reasons. Ignoring this essential aspect can scare away prospective buyers, because an average online shopper is quite impatient, and every additional second of waiting increases the bounce rate and decreases the satisfaction rate,” says Ben Schreiber, Head of Ecommerce at Latico Leathers. “Even a [one-second] delay can lead to fewer conversions, according to research. SEO is also adversely affected by slow websites as search engines such as that of Google take loading speed as a factor when indexing web content. Reduced download times mean enhanced popularity and increased chances of converting visitors into regular clients.”

Sacona states that “fast loading times are essential for keeping visitors on your site and can directly impact your business’s bottom line. From a legal standpoint ᅳ seeing to it that your website performs efficiently is not just about user experience ᅳ it’s about seeing to it that your business against potential disputes & maintaining your market position.”

Taken all together, one thing is clear. Making your Shopify store fast is not just an intellectual exercise. It has a direct impact on your profitability.

How To Speed Up Your Shopify Store: 7 Steps

With all of the above in mind, we would like to provide some tips on how you can speed up your Shopify store. Try each of these steps one at a time, and in the order they are listed below. Use free tools like GTMetrix, Pingdom, and PageSpeed Insights to measure changes in performance as you go along.

Why follow these specific steps?

This is a technical point, but it’s helpful to understand, so bear with us. You are trying to optimize three different factors:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): The amount of time it takes to load the largest object on the page. Less time is better.
• Interaction with Next Paint (INP): The amount of time it takes for a website to respond after a user interacts, such as by clicking on something. Less time is better.
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): The amount that objects appear to “jump around” as the website loads. Less shifting is better.

The tips that we’re going to share require relatively little technical expertise but should make a large impact on these three figures. Don’t get too hung up on the figures themselves, though, they are ultimately just ways to quantify how it feels to use your website. And you want it to feel good, so use your human judgment.

1. Optimize your images.

If your website is loading slow, you should check your images first. That’s because overly large image files are both the most likely reason for your website to be loading slowly and one of the easiest to fix.

There are two ways main ways to optimize images, and either will work. You can either convert them to WEBP or use a tool – paid or free – to compress the images to a smaller file size. It doesn’t matter which one you use, it only matters that the file size is relatively small.

Of the two, we personally find WEBP preferable since it’s a little less technical than compressing images and certain speed measurement tools tend to like it better than optimized PNG and JPG files.

When you compress images, look at them closely and make sure the quality is still good before you use them on your website. You want the smallest file that still looks good.

Windy Pierre, Ecommerce Growth Marketer at Ecommerce Manager Dot Com has some additional recommendations for image optimization. He says it’s best to “[avoid making] the main picture load lazily. Only make pictures that you can’t see right away [should] load lazily. For more control, it’s better to use Shopify’s automatic lazy loading or the section index.”

He also advises against using special effects for main pictures.  “While making pictures fade in might seem cool, it can make the website slower. It’s better to remove them for a faster website.”

2. Remove apps you don’t use.

Having too many apps is a sure way to slow down your Shopify store. The easiest thing you can do is start removing ones you don’t use.

Sacona is a fan of this approach, saying that a “quick fix is cutting back on unnecessary plugins and streamlining your site’s design to reduce the number of elements that need to load.” Removing extra apps is a great way to do this and requires relatively little explanation.

 

3. Eliminate pop-ups and lightboxes.

You likely want to avoid removing apps that you use on a regular basis. But if you’ve optimized your images and removed unnecessary apps, and you’re still running into load time issues, you might need to consider removing some marketing-related apps. Of those, the easiest thing to check for are slow-loading pop-ups and lightboxes.

“Don’t use big pop-ups. Pop-ups for cookie consent and signing up for newsletters can take a long time to load and be the most significant thing on the page,” says Pierre. If you use them, he advises that you “make sure the text or pictures in these pop-ups are small.”

4. Disable apps one by one.

If you are still having problems with loading time after optimizing images, removing old apps, and turning off pop-ups and lightboxes, you need to go a bit further. At this point, we recommend that you start disabling apps one by one and seeing how each removal affects performance. Odds are, you’ll find at least one app is tanking your load time and it’s only by disabling them one by one that you’ll be sure which one it is.

5. Toggle your lazy loader settings.

Lazy loaders cause images to load only when they are needed. For the most part, lazy loading helps a lot with site performance and Shopify’s Dawn theme enables it by default.

But sometimes, lazy loading has problems and you need to turn it off or on. This can get a bit technical, so here is a video that can walk you through the process of enabling and disabling lazy loading. It’s best to try both ways and see which one gets a better performance.

6. Make sure your CDN is working properly.

CDN is short for content delivery network. CDNs basically save a copy of your website’s files in various servers all over the world. When people load your website, the files come to them from servers that are located physically closer to them. That means the actual electronic information that moves in physical form through fiber optic cables doesn’t have to go as far.

This is nice, since Shopify’s development team has not figured out how to move data faster than the speed of light. Give them a couple of years, though, and we’re sure they’ll figure it out!

If you use Shopify to host your store, you are automatically using their CDN. For the most part, Shopify’s CDN is excellent and probably won’t give you any trouble. But if you can’t quite get the performance you need, here is a tutorial that will walk you through replacing the default CDN with one of your choosing.

7. Use a fast Shopify theme.

If you have followed the above steps and you are still running into issues, it’s possible that your theme is slowing down your website. We saved this tip for last because switching Shopify themes requires a lot of extra work and it’s not something you want to do lightly.

But if you do get to this point, Justin Christopher recommends that you “choose a theme for your Shopify store that makes fast loading a priority, and comes from a reputable developer. Quality themes include regular updates that include bug fixes and new features, as well as performance improvements.”

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About User Experience

This article has focused on technical fixes, and those are important. But don’t forget about things like ease of navigation and checkout. This dramatically affects perceived speed of the website, whether or not it loads in 300 milliseconds or not.

“One of the easiest wins to improve your conversion to check out process is to simplify the checkout experience for the user,” says Dan Korte of Riseabove Apparel. “I can not think of any more effective way to remove friction from your checkout experience, than offering a guest check-out setting with a streamlined check-out, and talented graphic presentation.”

That is to say, don’t forget to test how your site feels to use while you’re testing how long it takes to load.

Final Thoughts

A slow Shopify store doesn’t just frustrate customers—it costs you money. Every second of delay means fewer conversions and lower sales. If your store isn’t loading fast enough, you’re essentially turning away shoppers who are ready to buy.

Speed matters. It affects user experience, search engine rankings, and ultimately, your bottom line. With so many factors influencing loading times, you can’t afford to ignore the problem. Start with the basics: optimize images, remove unused apps, and choose a theme designed for performance.

Fixing a slow store takes effort, but it’s worth it. Follow these steps, track your progress, and watch your store’s performance improve. A faster site leads to happier customers and a more profitable business.

Scaling your eCommerce store is no small feat—and who better to guide the way than those who’ve done it themselves? We reached out to a variety of experienced eCommerce experts to find the strategies that work in the real world.

In this article, we share their insights, drawn from real-world experience. Then we turn their thoughts into clear steps you can follow so you can scale efficiently and sustainably.

This guide covers everything from streamlining operations to fostering long-term customer loyalty. Along the way, we’ll also talk about important metrics you can watch so you can make smarter decisions.

Whether you’re trying to optimize a successful business or grow your brand into something much bigger, this advice can help you as you grow.

How do I make eCommerce scalable?

Scaling an eCommerce store means you have to think like a civil engineer. Let’s say you’re building a skyscraper. You know that if the foundation isn’t rock-solid, everything is going to end up being unstable under the weight of every extra pound of girders and beams.

That means your goal is to create systems that grow with your business. That means streamlined operations, efficient logistics, and scalable technology.

Try to scale without these, and you’ll find that scaling just means multiplying problems. Efficiency is the name of the game.

Below are specific steps to make eCommerce scalable, broken down into actionable tips.

1. Tighten your backend systems.

Matthew Engelage, founder of Chin Mounts, emphasizes that “scaling a broken system just increases frustration.” Your inventory management, shipping processes, and customer support need to operate seamlessly. Without these foundations, every new order risks becoming a headache. He also warns to “keep an eye on your margins. Growing quickly doesn’t mean much if you’re not profitable.”

Tip: Either use software or make better use of existing software to manage your inventory and order fulfillment. The less manual work involved, the more room you have to grow.

2. Find your bottlenecks.

“Scaling effectively is all about efficiency,” says David Taylor, founder of Academized.com. Take time to analyze where your business slows down. Is your team underperforming? Is your customer acquisition cost (CAC) unsustainable?

Put another way, you need to focus on “solving the right problem in the right way,” to borrow words from Olivia Tapper, Co-founder & COO of PetPortraits.com.

Or if you prefer this put even more starkly, Michael Alexander, Managing Director of Tangible Digital says that “I have noticed that the largest mistake made by companies when scaling is to get lost between momentum and a real progress. Growth is very exciting initially, but when the processes involved in it might not be able to maintain the pace, the situation collapses. Not scaled is not growth, but merely a weakness preparing to manifest itself. Authentic success must be anchored on the ground that will be in a position to handle the existing wins, not to mention the battles of tomorrow.”

“Excessive growth and scaling on a thin margin regularly ruins the cash flow,” warns Paul Ferrara, Senior Wealth Counselor at Avenue Investment. “The increase in stock of 1,000 to 10,000 units a month may hold $250,000 in stock yet the revenue will be stuck in receivables. These liquidity crunches are prevented through the linking of inventory growth to the available working capital and credit terms of suppliers.”

Tip: Review your figures, not just your feelings. Taking a hard look at your key business data will help you find the actual underlying issues that are holding you back the most, whether they’re in your marketing, pricing strategy, or operations.

3. Build the right team.

At the heart of operations is people. “If they’re not performing, their role and contribution might be unclear,” says Tapper.

Keeping underperformers for too long can drag down growth. Instead, invest in talent aligned with your values and goals.

Tip: With any new hires you make, follow a checklist that you develop before interviewing begins. That way you have a better chance of making sure every role contributes directly to scalability.

4. Automate and optimize.

“Focus on automating like a pro,” advises Kumar Vaibhav Tanwar, Founder of Clickworthy Digital Marketing. Automation is your best friend when scaling. Tools for inventory, customer relationship management, and order processing will help you cut down on manual errors and free up time.

Muhammad Imran Khan of Brand Ignite highlights platforms like Shopify Plus for their scalability, stating that “improving website performance and user experience ensures that increased traffic can be managed without hiccups.”

Tip: Use platforms that grow with you. Automate repetitive tasks to handle higher volumes without sacrificing quality.

5. Strengthen supplier relationships.

Strong supplier relationships are critical, says Brandon Hartman of BeyWarehouse. “Ensuring that you have a great working and professional relationship with the suppliers you work with means that you can expect consistent high-quality items and timely delivery.”

The opposite is also true: a rocky supply chain can derail growth.

Tip: Treat suppliers like partners. Clear communication and reliability build the trust needed for scaling.

6. Master financial planning.

Andy Gartland of Fitstraps UK stresses the importance of managing overhead costs during growth. “Think new employees, expanded warehousing, and fulfillment costs. Always make double sure that these costs are factored into your scaling plan to avoid unsustainable growth.”

Tip: Track media spend efficiency holistically, not just through platform metrics. Make sure every dollar works toward sustainable revenue growth.

7. Scale marketing effectively.

Before you spend a lot of time and money building systems to scale, you need to have compelling reasons to believe your marketing systems can help you bring in leads. Otherwise, you risk ballooning operating costs and not having the revenues to make up for it.

Tapper highlights the importance of understanding your customer acquisition costs and lifetime value (LTV). “What’s your ratio between LTV and CAC? Understand if you can scale the current ads or need to improve the marketing.”

Tip: Benchmark your CAC against industry standards. Test higher price points or adjust marketing strategies to maximize ROI.

8. Optimize customer experience.

Brian Lim of iHeartRaves points out that “maintaining proper coordination between inventory, order service, and online customer service” is key to managing larger volumes without sacrificing satisfaction.

His logic makes perfect intuitive sense, too. If you win a bunch of new business and you find yourself unable to fill orders, process returns, or answer questions in a timely manner, that new business is not likely to stick around for long.

Tip: Streamline logistics and focus on a seamless customer journey. Use scalable tech to ensure consistency across every touchpoint.

What’s the formula for eCommerce business success?

The formula for success in eCommerce isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe. Rather, it’s more useful to think of it like a balance of strategies tailored to your brand, customers, and goals.

At its core, success hinges on attracting the right audience, converting them into customers, and nurturing those relationships for the long term.

Combining sustainable channels like SEO and content marketing with high-intent strategies like paid ads and email campaigns will help you create a growth engine that’s both effective in the short run and adaptable in the long run.

Here’s how to build your formula for success.

1. Prioritize high-intent traffic.

“Focus on what brings in real customers, not just traffic,” says Matthew Engelage of Chin Mounts. He highlights the value of search ads, organic SEO, and email marketing. Social media might generate awareness, but higher intent platforms drive conversions. “Retargeting is also a must—remind people why they clicked in the first place.”

Tip: Focus ad spend on platforms where users actively search for products, like Google Ads, and combine it with retargeting campaigns to recapture interest.

2. Leverage the long-term power of SEO.

SEO is often overlooked by eCommerce businesses, but Olivia Tapper calls it the “[backbone traffic]” for sustainable growth. “When your potential customers are searching for your product or service, they find you]” SEO’s ROI grows over time as consistent investments lead to compounding results.

Tip: Conduct keyword research to target what customers are actively searching for. Optimize your site to rank higher, and let SEO reduce reliance on paid traffic.

3. Use content marketing to engage and educate.

“Creating engaging and educational content is a great way to bring in organic traffic,” says Brandon Hartman of BeyWarehouse. “Organic traffic is high-value traffic since these people [are likely searching] with intent to buy.”

Tip: Publish blog posts, tutorials, and product guides that answer customer questions and establish your brand as an authority in your niche.

4. Blend digital channels for sustainable growth.

David Taylor stresses the importance of combining “content your readers will like, SEO to boost your visibility, personalized targeted ads, and automated email campaigns.”

Muhammad Imran Khan echoes this sentiment, suggesting a mix of SEO, content, and paid campaigns, complemented by “retargeting ads and personalized product recommendations.”

Tip: Use SEO for organic visibility, email campaigns for retention, and paid ads for instant results. Layer retargeting ads and product recommendations to boost ROI.

5. Build trust with user-generated content and influencers.

For brands in beauty and personal care, Khan has seen “influencer partnerships and UGC” build trust and engagement. “It’s been a game-changer for the brands I’ve worked with.”

Tip: Encourage customers to share reviews and photos of your products on social media. Partner with influencers who resonate with your target audience for added credibility.

6. Diversify your acquisition strategies.

Andy Gartland recommends a “balanced mix between many channels” to scale effectively. “Google Ads provides high-intent traffic, SEO reduces reliance on paid channels, and email marketing helps retain customers longer.” Social media ads on Meta and TikTok drive retargeting and keep the brand top-of-mind.

Tip: Avoid over-reliance on any single channel. Use a combination of Google Ads, SEO, email, and social media for a more resilient growth strategy.

7. Balance acquisition and retention.

Brian Lim reminds us to “balance acquisition efforts with nurturing existing customers for steady growth.” Retaining loyal customers is often more cost-effective than constantly finding new ones.

Tip: Use automated email flows to keep customers engaged post-purchase. Personalized campaigns can upsell, cross-sell, or simply remind them of their next purchase.

8. Test, measure, and refine.

No formula is perfect out of the gate. “Think holistically,” says Gartland, “[because] in-platform metrics tend to be inflated.” Reviewing data from all campaigns will help you make sure your approach stays efficient.

Tip: Regularly audit your marketing efforts to identify what works best. Adjust ad spend, refine content strategies, and experiment with new tools to improve results.

What’s a good eCommerce conversion rate? And what other KPIs should I be tracking?

Scaling your eCommerce store is not just about growth—it’s about sustainable growth. To make smart decisions, you need to rely on certain specific key metrics that provide meaningful information about the health of your business.

Metrics like customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and conversion rates reveal whether you’re attracting the right customers and converting them profitably. These metrics, paired with insights like cart abandonment rates and average order value (AOV), form the foundation of a data-driven approach to scaling.

1. Lifetime value (LTV) vs. customer acquisition cost (CAC).

The relationship between LTV and CAC is a cornerstone of scaling decisions. “If LTV is at least 3x your CAC, you’re on the right path to sustainable scaling,” says Oun Art, Founder & Chief Link Strategist at LinkEmpire.io.

“If CAC is creeping up and LTV isn’t keeping pace, you’ve got a problem,” warns Matthew Engelage. Increasing LTV ensures long-term profitability, even as you grow.

Tip: To increase LTV, focus on upselling, cross-selling, and building loyalty programs. Reduce CAC by targeting high-intent customers through optimized marketing strategies like retargeting and SEO.

2. Conversion rate optimization.

Your conversion rate indicates how effectively you’re turning visitors into customers. “Conversion rates ensure decisions are backed by actionable insights,” explains Muhammad Imran Khan. A low conversion rate can highlight issues in your product pages, checkout process, or pricing.

Tip: Use A/B testing to refine page designs and calls to action. Review your checkout process to make sure it’s easy to use, has minimal steps, and no surprise fees.

3. Cart abandonment.

A high cart abandonment rate signals potential friction in your checkout process. “Cart abandonment signals that something’s off with your checkout process or pricing,” says Engelage. Customers abandoning carts means you’re losing sales at the final step.

Tip: Simplify the checkout experience, offer incentives like free shipping, and send automated cart recovery emails to recapture lost sales.

4. Average order value (AOV).

A higher AOV allows you to generate more revenue without acquiring more customers. “I prioritize AOV and [LTV]” says Brandon Hartman. By encouraging customers to spend more per purchase, you boost profitability without increasing CAC.

Tip: Offer product bundles, volume discounts, or recommendations for complementary items at checkout to increase AOV.

5. Return on ad spend (ROAS) and marketing efficiency ratio (MER).

ROAS and MER help you measure the effectiveness of your ad spend. Return on ad spend can be calculated by sales made through ad by spending on ads. Marketing efficiency ratio, on the other hand, is calculated by dividing total revenue by spending on ads.

“MER gives a much clearer, more objective view of your growth potential,” explains Andy Gartland, especially when platform-reported metrics inflate results.

Tip: Evaluate MER to assess your total ad efficiency relative to revenue, and use ROAS to fine-tune individual campaigns.

6. SEO metrics, various.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) metrics guide decisions on organic growth potential. “[Keyword volume, competitiveness, clickthrough rates, and conversion rates] show whether SEO is a good investment,” says Olivia Tapper.

Tip: Analyze keyword data to understand market demand and prioritize ranking for terms with high intent. A well-optimized site will help reduce your reliance on paid ads.

What is the key to customer retention?

Customer loyalty is earned, not given. It’s built on a foundation of trust, consistency, and meaningful engagement.

To foster loyalty, you need to prioritize delivering value—through high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and personalized experiences.

Loyalty programs, thoughtful gestures, and consistent follow-ups go a long way in keeping your customers happy and engaged.

Ultimately, the secret to loyalty is making your customers feel valued at every touchpoint. Here is how you do that.

1. Prioritize product quality.

“All you really have to do is consistently provide great, high-quality products]” says Brandon Hartman. Customers are discerning and won’t hesitate to seek alternatives. “If you’re able to consistently release and sell high-quality products, it builds trust.”

Tip: Invest in product development to guarantee quality. Regularly survey your customers for feedback and act on it to meet their expectations.

2. Deliver exceptional customer service.

Matthew Engelage advises making returns “hassle-free” and answering questions quickly. Olivia Tapper highlights the importance of “a customer support team that really cares.” She further clarifies, saying that “our own brands have an amazing person who constantly gets praise in feedback from customers.”

Tip: Train support teams to handle issues empathetically and efficiently. Offer multiple channels for support, like live chat, email, and phone, and ensure quick response times.

3. Create personalized experiences.

“Treat customers like VIPs,” suggests Kumar Vaibhav Tanwar. “Remember their names (and their cart items), and send discounts before they wander to competitors.” Personalized interactions show customers that you see them as individuals, not just transactions.

Tip: Use CRM tools to track customer behavior and preferences. Send tailored product recommendations and exclusive offers based on their purchase history.

4. Leverage loyalty programs.

Loyalty thrives on appreciation. “[Loyalty programs, personalized email campaigns, and exclusive offers for repeat customers] work well,” says Muhammad Imran Khan. “Gamified points systems and unannounced rewards” can add a fun, engaging layer to loyalty-building, suggests Brian Lim.

Tip: Implement tiered rewards programs with benefits like discounts, early access to products, and special gifts. Use gamification elements like point challenges or badges to encourage engagement.

5. Use small gestures to build trust.

Oun Art stresses the power of “small surprises—like a thank-you note or bonus gift.” These gestures may seem minor, but they create positive emotional connections with your brand.

Dan Korte of Riseabove Apparel suggests “using as many value channels as possible [because] as customers engage with your brand after the purchase, (personalized experiences, points, and rewards, and brand loyalty via follow up engagements) will be your highest return channels.”

Tip: Include personalized thank-you notes in orders. Occasionally surprise loyal customers with bonus gifts or exclusive perks.

6. Engage through social media.

“We build loyalty through active social engagement,” says Andy Gartland. Staying visible and interactive on platforms like TikTok, Meta, and YouTube nurtures a sense of community and keeps your brand top of mind.

Tip: Respond to comments and messages promptly. Share user-generated content and highlight loyal customers in your posts to foster a stronger bond.

7. Optimize email marketing.

Targeted email campaigns are another powerful tool. “Segment your emails based on customer click rates and tailor them to each subscriber’s engagement level,” suggests Gartland. “Automated follow-ups and exclusive offers keep customers engaged.”

Tip: Use email automation tools to send personalized messages at key moments—welcome emails, post-purchase follow-ups, and re-engagement campaigns.

8. Deliver consistently.

“Consistency is key—both in product quality and communication,” emphasizes Khan. Customers stay loyal to brands that meet their expectations time and again.

Tip: Maintain reliable shipping times, and ensure your messaging aligns across channels. Consistency builds trust and reinforces your brand’s credibility.

9. Build a community.

Brian Lim highlights how “social sharing tools and gamified engagement foster stronger emotional ties to the brand.” Communities provide customers with a sense of belonging, making them more likely to return.

Tip: Create forums, Facebook groups, or branded hashtags where customers can interact with each other and your team. Foster an inclusive and supportive environment.

Final Thoughts

Success in eCommerce isn’t about doing one thing perfectly—it’s about combining the right strategies consistently. You need to try certain strategies and observe how they work, ideally with empirical metrics like CAC, LTV, and conversion rates. This test-and-observe approach will help guide you toward smart and battle-tested decisions.

You need a strong foundation of your business and a plan for fostering long-term relationships with your customers. You must focus your attention on the essentials like streamlined systems, high-quality products, and personalized customer experiences. That is how you set yourself on the path to create a business built for growth.

Manufacturing is at the heart of many businesses. Whether you’re making kitschy Etsy crafts or Silicon Valley high tech devices, the manufacturing process will be a huge part of your success. It is, after all, where your products are turned into physical reality. This is true whether you’re making something with massive machinery or with your own two hands.

Even as early as the manufacturing stage, you need to be thinking about logistics. You can optimize and tweak the supply chain after a product is created, it’s true. Yet there are few opportunities where simple smart decisions can make such a massive impact quite like what we’re about to talk about.

#1: Don’t start manufacturing until you know your numbers.

Once you start manufacturing, you cross a threshold where you can’t easily turn back. That’s because manufacturing necessarily implies tying up a bunch of cash flow and waiting until the run is complete before you have inventory ready to sell.

This is why eCommerce operators like Dan Korte of Riseabove Apparel insist that “before abandoning the prototype stage and heading off for manufacturing, entrepreneurs should know the minimum order quantities, lead time, and quality control considerations, so that they do not make irreversible mistakes, have excess costs, or miss customer expectations.”

Paul Ferrara, Senior Wealth Counselor at Avenue Investment, has similar thoughts. He says that “cost modeling based on volume is usually omitted by entrepreneurs who go through from prototype to manufacturing.” To illustrate his point, he uses the example of “a product that costs $25 each in small batches could reduce to $10 at 10,000 units but would need $90,000 to equip the tools. The capital cost cannot be covered by firm orders or prepayments and this has the effect of straining cash and delayed breakeven.”

In short, don’t commit to manufacturing before you completely understand what you’re getting into.

#2: Reduce item weight to reduce postage cost.

Nothing tips the scales on price like weight. At least, this is true for the supply chain process. Whether you transport cargo by air, sea, rail, or road, you will be billed by weight. Not all means of transportation are equal when it comes to price, time, or quality of service, but this rule remains the same.

Once your inventory arrives at a warehouse, you’re not out of the woods. Not by a long shot! Indeed, whether you store goods in your own warehouse or use a third-party service like Fulfillrite, order fulfillment costs are driven by weight as well. When you send goods through a carrier like UPS, USPS, FedEx, or DHL, they will always ask you the same question. “How much does it weigh?” Weight will drive cost there, too.

At the manufacturing level, you have the ability to dramatically cut costs. The difference between a 4.5-pound product and a 5-pound product is huge. For bulk shipments in freight, you can pay a lot less because your 5,000-unit shipment of products weighs 10% less than it otherwise would have. Once it’s time to fill orders, you’ll save once more on postage costs.

In short, even at the manufacturing stage, you need to ask yourself: “how do I make this shipment as light as possible?”

#3. Reduce item size as another way to reduce postage cost.

Packing cargo for transportation is a giant game of Jenga. Individual items are packaged after manufacturing, usually in boxes. Those boxes are then put into master containers. The master containers are then loaded into standard-sized shipping containers. We’re referring to the big 20-foot metal containers, as well as containers better suited for different modes of transport. The larger your product is in terms of volume, the more containers you will use, and the higher your bill will be.

Again, it doesn’t stop there. Carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL are also playing cargo Jenga. The more room you take up on their trucks and planes, the higher the postage costs will be. This is unavoidable no matter how you choose to fulfill orders.

Once again, subtle differences made at the manufacturing level can go a long way. A product whose longest dimension is 7 inches will cost more to ship than a product whose longest dimension is 5 inches. Some people even design products around the size of USPS flat rate mailer boxes. That’s how big of a factor physical size is when shipping.

#4. Book cost-efficient transportation.

One of the biggest trade-offs in supply chain management is time vs. cost. You can air ship goods from anywhere in the world far faster than sea shipping, but it costs a lot more. Likewise, sea shipping can take two months or more, but the cost is very low compared to everything else.

Why does this matter when manufacturing goods? It’s simple: where you manufacture goods determines transportation cost. Many businesses like to use landed cost to evaluate different manufacturing and shipment solutions. The landed cost includes the original price of the product, transportation fees (both inland and ocean), customs, duties, taxes, new 2025 tariffs, insurance, currency conversion, crating, handling, and payment fees.

Tariffs, especially those recently expanded in 2025 on key imports from China, can drastically raise landed costs. Be sure to research whether your product category—such as electronics, EV-related parts, or metal components—is affected. If it is, consider sourcing from alternative countries or reshoring production when feasible.

Or, put more plainly, it may be cheaper to have goods manufactured near you. The labor costs may be higher, but you avoid excessive transportation fees and customs.

The ways to transport goods are as follows, from cheapest and slowest to the most expensive and fastest:

• Sea shipping
• Rail shipping
• Truck shipping (less-than-truckload or full truckload)
• Air shipping

Which transportation method or methods you choose for your business depends on how long you can wait, how far your goods have to go, and what you’re willing to spend. Imagining the entire process of shipping from start to finish may decide where manufacturing takes place.

#5. Comply with all regulations.

Nothing can break an otherwise efficient supply chain quite like exports and imports. Let’s be completely clear about this: if you are not following all laws and regulations for your industry, your shipments will be delayed. At the manufacturing stage, the single best thing you can do from a logistics standpoint is to obey the law.

It sounds unbelievably obvious when stated like that, but the implications are more complicated. If you’re not sure where to start, find out the tariff code for your product. Then figure out applicable regulations from there.

Another piece of the puzzle that can derail an otherwise cost-efficient supply chain would be customs fees. Based on your tariff code, customs fees or taxes may be levied upon your inventory. You have to pay those fees one way or another. Sometimes your supplier will pick up the tab and then bill you for it later. Other times, you have to pay a freight forwarder or a customs broker. It depends on the specifics of your situation.

In 2025, tariff rates on goods from some countries—especially China—have increased significantly in certain categories. Reviewing updated Harmonized System (HS) codes and cross-checking against current tariff schedules is critical before choosing a supplier.

The point is that customs fees need to be baked into your cost estimates. It may even make it more sensible to commence manufacturing within the borders of your own country. As tariff structures shift, manufacturers in countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and India have become more attractive for U.S. importers. Consider whether diversifying suppliers could reduce your customs burden.

#6. Label your products for warehouse use.

Scannable bar codes are the backbone of order fulfillment. There’s a reason why nearly every product you purchase has one of these labels on them. Items must be uniquely identified, and bar codes – which are nothing more than a series of numbers represented by bars and spaces – help all sorts of companies do this. These companies range from distributors to retailers to order fulfillment services like Fulfillrite.

Each individual item must have a scannable bar code. That means you need to buy a bar code from either the GS1 or a reputable bar code reseller. Your packaging or, in some cases, the item itself needs to include the bar code. The bar code must also be large enough to be useable, which is at least 1.175 inches wide and 0.816 inches tall (for the commonly used UPC-A codes).

Why is this relevant during manufacturing? The reason is simple: it’s far easier to get this right early than to pay a company to apply labels later. At Fulfillrite, for example, we charge $0.39 per item to affix labels. This can be a lifesaver if you’ve made a critical mistake, but it can add up quickly. It’s an expense most business owners would rather avoid.

#7. Outsource fulfillment to a third party.

Fulfillrite is an order fulfillment company. We warehouse your inventory, fill orders, and generally make your day better. In fact, we had a whole post recently that explains how we and our peers can make running your business a lot easier.

If you decide to take the plunge and use Fulfillrite or a similar company’s fulfillment services, you naturally want to get the best bang for your buck. How can you do that? Turns out there are a lot of ways, many of which happen at the manufacturing level.

As we had mentioned above, you want to make your items as small and lightweight as possible. Naturally, you’ll also want to apply bar codes correctly. Avoid using hazardous materials, if at all possible.

This last point is especially valuable: if items are sold as a set, manufacture them as a set in a single box. It is possible for a fulfillment company to bundle common items into a single package to send to a customer. This is called kitting and the process is labor-intensive. If you manufacture sets of items to be stored in a single box, you’re basically kitting items without having a fulfillment company do the kitting for you. It’s not always feasible, but when it is, it’s a big money saver.

Final Thoughts on Manufacturing & Logistics

Even at the earliest stages of making a product, you need to be thinking about logistics. All products which are created must be stored, transported, and sent to customers. A little bit of forethought can make this process smooth and cost-effective.

This won’t just save you money on the margins. An effective supply chain, especially one backed up by companies like Fulfillrite, can become a major competitive advantage for your business. Keep your items light, compact, legal, labeled, and ready to ship. You’ll be glad you did!

Shipping your own orders gets old fast. But finding the right eCommerce fulfillment partner to take care of it is a tough decision and one you want to make properly.

Picking the right eCommerce order fulfillment partner (3PL) can save you time, money, and energy. That way, you can focus on growing your business because you’re not the one putting every box in the mail.

But if you pick the wrong one, shipments might get lost and customers might get angry. You might end up paying bills and not entirely understanding why.

It’s complicated. So to help you pick the right eCommerce fulfillment partner – and tell when it’s the right time to be thinking about this in the first place – we’ve put together this guide.

Step 1: Make sure you need eCommerce order fulfillment.

Before hunting for an eCommerce fulfillment partner, make sure your business genuinely needs one. Hiring help with fulfillment can streamline your operations by cutting down on the time spent shipping orders. But it’s also one of the most important business decisions you will make, and it’s not something you want to do lightly or at the wrong time.

Here are six surefire signs you need help. Even a single yes means it’s time to consider hiring an order fulfillment center.

#1: Your customer base is growing faster than you can keep up.

A rapidly growing customer base is a fantastic problem, but it’s still a problem! Having too many customers can overwhelm your ability to fulfill orders.

To scale your business effectively, you must manage increased demand without sacrificing quality. Third-party logistics (3PL) companies can help by taking over the fulfillment process. This will allow you to focus on other growth areas.

According to Chris Matthews from Zatu Fulfilment in the UK, “as your orders start to increase, you may find more and more of the time that should be spent on growing your business is taken up with shipping out orders. You may be finding that your inbox is swamped with shipping queries and return requests. These are signs it is time to speak with a 3PL.”

#2: Order fulfillment is becoming slow or inaccurate.

When order volumes spike unexpectedly, delays and mistakes often follow. Slow or inaccurate fulfillment frustrates customers and tarnishes your reputation.

Partnering with a 3PL can ensure orders go out on-time, intact, and to the right addresses. That helps cut down on customer complaints and boosts repeat business.

#3: Your employees are working too much.

Overworking employees to meet order fulfillment demands is unsustainable, increasing labor costs and leading to burnout, which negatively affects productivity and morale. Outsourcing to a 3PL can relieve this pressure, providing additional resources to handle peak times without overburdening your team.

#4: Your business is becoming really complex.

As your business grows, so does its complexity. Managing multiple sales channels, inventory locations, and shipping options can become overwhelming. A 3PL partner can streamline these operations, offering integrated solutions to keep everything running smoothly.

#5: Shipping is chipping away at your profits.

High shipping costs can eat into your profits and deter customers. A 3PL can leverage its network and negotiating power to secure better shipping rates, reducing costs and improving your bottom line.

Be mindful that tariffs and customs duties can drive up landed costs. Fulfillment partners who can assist with customs paperwork or who are located near major ports of entry may help reduce these costs.

#6: You have run out of space.

Running out of storage space can limit your growth potential. Partnering with a 3PL provides access to their warehousing facilities, allowing you to scale without investing in additional infrastructure.

That means you don’t have to spend money paying for a storage unit!

Step 2: Decide how many warehouses you need.

Deciding you need a 3PL in the first place is an important step. The next important step before even making calls is to decide how much help you need.

If your store barely exceeds 100 orders per month, one warehouse might suffice for a lean, straightforward operation. No need to overcomplicate things by building a much larger network.

Centralizing inventory in one location simplifies bulk shipping and reduces costs. When issues come up with order fulfillment, that also means you have a single point of contact.

However, if you’re handling a high volume of orders, you might need multiple warehouses. That could mean having several within a country or even warehouses spread across the globe. The key is to make sure you have enough order volume at each location to justify the cost.

Having too few warehouses can slow shipping and hike costs, especially for long-distance or international deliveries. But the opposite is true as well. Too many warehouses can lead to soaring freight, storage, and overhead expenses.

You need to do a meticulous cost-benefit analysis before you sign any papers. If multiple warehouses are necessary, you have two options: either find a fulfillment partner with multiple suitable locations or partner with several fulfillment centers. In the latter case, managing all warehouses and inventory efficiently requires robust inventory management software like NetSuite, ChannelApe, Skubana, or QuickBooks Commerce.

“Look at where your target audience is and cater to their needs,” says Chris Matthews with Zatu Fulfillment. “If you are finding you have a high cart abandonment rate for one region compared to another, chances are they are looking for region friendly shipping options. In an age of next day shipping, customers don’t want to have to wait for orders to be processed and sent across the Atlantic.”

Step 3: Review service offerings.

Before reaching out to warehouses, you need to figure out what services you need. Sure, there are plenty of fulfillment partners for small, lightweight, eCommerce items.

However, if your inventory includes hazardous materials, fragile goods, perishables, or items needing refrigeration, you’ll need to dig deeper. For stores with a high SKU-to-order ratio, such as apparel companies with diverse sizes and colors, a specialized partner can make a world of difference.

Look for fulfillment partners adept in handling your particular type of products.

Also, think about value-added services. Many fulfillment partners offer extras like kitting and assembly, customization and personalization, and even refurbishment services. If these are crucial to your business model, be sure your chosen partner can meet these needs.

Some fulfillment partners even specialize in simplifying international returns, which can help reduce costs and friction if you sell heavily into the EU, UK, or Australia.

Step 4: Carefully narrow down your choices.

Please Note: The information in this section comes directly from Will Schneider at Warehousing & Fulfillment. He runs a company that specializes in matching fulfillment centers, like ours, with sellers who need help shipping.

What you read in this section was previously part of a guest post, which we’ve bundled into this post for your convenience.

Make no mistake about it – your choice of order fulfillment provider is a make-or-break decision.

Unfortunately, most companies make a huge mistake when vetting fulfillment providers: they put the emphasis on product and service specialization, technology integrations, and location rather than some of the more important selection criteria.

This is an understandable first instinct, as it’s certainly important to make sure a fulfillment company will be able to perform the required tasks in a suitable location.

However, not only do most fulfillment companies in the current landscape perform a comprehensive set of services and integrate with numerous technology platforms, but there are also some more critical things that need to be investigated to make the right choice. Simply put, these more common selection criteria are not always reliable indicators of the order fulfillment provider that best fits your business needs.

Of course, investigating compatibility in terms of product and service specialization, technology capabilities, and location are not without value. But more pertinent factors foretell whether a fulfillment company is worth the cost. Here is a comprehensive list of things to look for in a 3PL provider.

Key Factor #1: The Right Quality of Service

A high-performing fulfillment provider is easy to identify if you know a few things to look for. The following key concepts will point you in the right direction and help you eliminate the wrong companies from your shortlist.

Guaranteed Performance with Accountability

A 3PL company must be able to operate at a high level, and when they do make mistakes, they must take accountability for errors. Unfortunately, many companies will tell you anything you want to hear – assuring you that they will perform high-quality work and rarely ever drop the ball.

But how do you know if their promises will be kept?

The easiest way to gauge whether a fulfillment provider is trustworthy is to go straight to their contract or agreement. Reliable companies have SLAs (service level agreements) and are willing to include performance guarantees in their contractual agreements with customers. Unreliable companies who don’t take ownership of mistakes will have agreements that “pass the buck” and avoid any penalties for lack of performance.

3PLs that provide performance guarantees will include the following in their contracts:

• Specific performance guarantees that they will meet, including the timeframe to receive goods into their warehouse, inventory accuracy, order accuracy, and sometimes even shipping accuracy.
• Remedies for lack of performance, such as reimbursement for mis-shipments and lost inventory over an acceptable level, will be noted as well.

Performance is the foundation of a healthy 3PL relationship, and the right 3PL will have a pathway to measuring and being accountable for performance. Any service you consider should guarantee performance rates through a contractual agreement.

Key Factor #2: Regular and Consistent KPI Measurement

The fulfillment provider should measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – and this is non-negotiable. KPIs track progress against specific targets set by your contract. KPIs often concern quality, costs, speed, efficiency, resource utilization, or personnel compliance.

It’s one thing to list KPIs in the agreement, but it’s altogether different to have codified processes and technologies that enable the measurement of them. A reliable fulfillment company will have documented processes and procedures for every task performed in the warehouse, and online reports will be available to view results on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

Take inventory management, for example. Operating with a low percentage of inventory loss (lost or damaged product) requires:

• Having a thorough receiving process to ensure products are counted correctly, entered in the system correctly, and placed in the proper area within the warehouse
• Performing routine inventory counts, whether cycle counts or yearly counts, to ensure no mistakes are uncovered
• Executing a near flawless order picking strategy, so that incorrect items or quantities aren’t picked
• Providing a robust set of reports for staff, management, and customers to view in real-time

All these things combined will result in a low level of errors. It won’t guarantee perfection, as no fulfillment company is perfect, but it will ensure proper levels of performance.

So how do you know if a provider meets the mark in this area? Simple…ask for the processes and procedures manual and/or ask for a demo of their technology system and reporting. If a company doesn’t have these key components, you may want to drop them from your short list of options.

One other important note about KPIs – the best order fulfillment providers hold regular meetings with your business about KPIs. A reliable line of communication ensures that fulfillment companies are accountable for results and that they are being proactive instead of reactive. High-performing fulfillment providers will have monthly meetings or at least quarterly meetings to discuss performance.

Key Factor #3: Positive and Truthful Customer Reviews

The hallmark of quality service is positive feedback. Search for reviews and ratings of the fulfillment provider on the internet – this will give you a glimpse into their performance.

The overall quality of the reviews is more telling than the number. Pay attention to what clients say about the order fulfillment company. Then pretend you’re the client. Would you be satisfied with its performance? Do its practices encourage customers to shop for your product again? Or do its practices deter customers?

Key Factor #4: A Culture of Honesty and Integrity

A quality 3PL provider emphasizes its honest business practices. You can gain tremendous insights into an operation by the types of deals they strike and the transparency of their overall operations and relationships.

Be Wary of Back-Door Deals and Middlemen

The fulfillment provider should dissuade back-door deals that negatively impact your pricing – and they should champion your best interest. Without these measures, the relationship is built on a foundation of secrecy and lack of transparency, and you may pay more for your fulfillment services than needed.

Sometimes, providers strike deals with brokers or middlemen to increase their earnings. It’s not to say that every brokered deal is inherently bad, but they are extremely challenging and oftentimes harmful to you, the client. Unfortunately, by inserting another party, these providers most likely add an additional layer of costs to your business.

There are a few matchmaking services that are legit, matching you to the best fulfillment companies and only charging a small fee for the connection that does not in any way impact your pricing. But unfortunately, most lead generation companies, ‘top list’ websites, brokers, or fulfillment marketplaces take a cut of the deal anytime they refer your business to the fulfillment company. When commissions are involved, it’s far too easy to “play favorites” and pass deals to the companies that pay the highest dollar for referrals. This leads to extremely biased matches and should be avoided.

At the end of the day – be careful who you trust. Your fulfillment provider should be completely open with you about the structure of your deal. After all, if they can’t be honest with you about this important component, can you trust them fully with your inventory?

Key Factor #5: Best Match for Size of Operations

Another relevant factor is the size of the order fulfillment service. In many cases: small 3PL providers best match with smaller businesses, and larger 3PL providers best align with larger companies. A single provider usually cannot serve all business sizes equally.

The search engines make this type of analysis extremely difficult, because most of the top results are filled with larger 3PL providers. If you find yourself in the boat of startup operations and/or lower order volumes, keep searching past the first few pages of results and keep an open mind for single-location and smaller fulfillment providers, as they will likely offer the best overall pricing and terms.

Other Factors That are Important to You

Based on personal preferences, other factors may rank high to you. These factors are not the same for every business.

Perhaps it’s important to you that the fulfillment provider is close in physical proximity to your business. In that case, make it a priority to evaluate fulfillment companies on their locations. It might make economic sense to choose the fulfillment provider nearest to you.

In another example, you could prioritize the “personal fit” of the staff at the fulfillment facility. If you want to feel at ease around the personnel, choose the facility with that in mind.

Other businesses prefer a facility that matches their company style. Perhaps an eco-friendly business seeks facilities that reduce their carbon footprint or use recycled material.

Therefore, prioritize any important “other” factors that are most important to you before conducting your search.

Step 5: Request quotes.

Once you’ve shortlisted a few promising fulfillment partners, it’s time to request quotes. This part is simple.

But how these companies handle pricing? Not so much.

There are four main fee types:

1. Pick-and-pack
2. Postage
3. Account and storage
4. Value-added services

Pick-and-pack covers warehouse labor, while postage depends on package weight, destination, and speed. Both are applied on a per-order basis.

Then there’s account fees and storage fees. Account fees vary widely by company but are usually low. Storage fees depend on your inventory volume.

Value-added services like kitting, assembly, and refurbishment are typically priced on a per-project basis. This is because there is a lot of manual labor involved.

When reviewing quotes, forecast your sales volume and potential need for value-added services.

Use the quotes to estimate your total cost. The cheapest option isn’t always best, but the overall cost should be competitive.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an eCommerce fulfillment partner is a strategic move. If you pick the right one, you can more efficiently fill orders and keep customers happy. You’ll save a ton of time and possibly some money too.

It’s not an easy decision to make and it’s one you need to be careful about. You need to consider service quality, reviews, communication, transparency, and a number of other factors. But if you do your due diligence, you can find the right partner.

Having a good relationship with a 3PL makes it much easier to run an order-based business. That’s why so many companies call their 3PLs an “eCommerce fulfillment partner.” Because that’s what they are – key partners in keeping the business running!

FAQ

How much does 3PL fulfillment typically cost?

Costs vary widely based on order volume, product size, and services needed. Expect to pay $2-3 per order for pick-and-pack, plus actual shipping costs and monthly storage fees (typically $0.50-2.00 per cubic foot). Account setup fees range from $0-500. Always request detailed quotes from multiple providers to compare total costs.

How long does it take to switch to a 3PL?

Implementation typically takes 4-8 weeks. This includes contract negotiations, system integrations, inventory transfers, and testing. Complex businesses with multiple sales channels or special requirements may take longer. Plan ahead and avoid switching during peak seasons.

What happens if my 3PL makes mistakes?

Reputable 3PLs include performance guarantees in their contracts, covering mis-shipments, inventory losses, and accuracy rates. They should provide service level agreements (SLAs) with specific remedies for errors, such as reimbursement for lost items or expedited replacement shipments.

Can I use multiple 3PLs simultaneously?

Yes, many businesses use different 3PLs for different regions or product types. However, this requires robust inventory management software and adds complexity to operations. Start with one provider and expand strategically as your business grows.

How do I handle returns with a 3PL?

Most 3PLs offer returns processing services, including inspection, restocking, and refurbishment. Discuss return policies upfront and ensure your 3PL can handle your specific return requirements. Some specialize in international returns processing, which can be valuable for global businesses.

What if I outgrow my 3PL?

Choose 3PLs that can scale with your business. Ask about their capacity limits, expansion capabilities, and what happens if you exceed their capacity. Many 3PLs have multiple facilities or partnerships that allow for growth without switching providers.

Launching a successful Kickstarter campaign requires a ton of different skills.

Strategic planning. Marketing and promotion. Supply chain management. People skills. The list goes on!

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of every single tip we can think of to help you increase your odds of Kickstarter success.

We’ll cover everything from setting realistic funding goals, to building a strong social media presence, to creating compelling campaign pages, and much more.

Pre-Launch Preparation

Most of your Kickstarter success is baked in long before you hit the launch button. It’s because of this that you need to focus on research, setting realistic goals, and building up an initial support base.

Below, you will find some specific tips on how you can do that.

#1: Choose the right platform (it might not be Kickstarter!)

Kickstarter is the biggest crowdfunding platform. But it’s not the only one.

Kickstarter is ideal for film, music, and games. So it’s great for those needing all-or-nothing funding to avoid insufficient capital.

Indiegogo performs well in the tech, fitness, and home products niches, plus it offers flexible funding. That is, you don’t have to reach 100% of your goal in order to raise capital.

Then there’s Gamefound, which is a growing alternative to Kickstarter for board game creators.

Make sure you choose the platform that best fits your project’s needs. That might very well be Kickstarter – but don’t just pick it because it’s the first name that comes to mind!

#2: Set a realistic funding goal

Set a goal too low and you won’t be able to fulfill your promises. Set a goal too high and you lower your chances of funding.

Calculate the minimum amount needed to create your product, considering all costs, including production, shipping, and marketing. Setting a realistic goal helps you attract more backers and also helps you deliver on your promises.

Once you figure out the minimum amount you need – don’t go too far beyond that. Stay in the Goldilocks zone.

#3: Research campaigns – both successful and unsuccessful

You need to understand what makes other campaigns successful. Go to Kickstarter and look at campaigns. Find successful and unsuccessful ones and learn as much as you can about why they have or haven’t succeeded.

There’s no reason to create plans completely from scratch. There’s also no reason to duplicate others’ mistakes!

Pay extra close attention to the campaigns that line up most with your niche.

#4: Line up your earliest backers

Build initial support by reaching out to friends, family, and contacts before launching. Early backers can help create momentum, attracting more support as a result.

Personal connections are often the first to pledge, so their support can be critical in the initial stages of your campaign.

Few people want to be Backer #1. But if Mom wants to put $100 in, you don’t have to deal with that problem.

#5: Create a pre-launch landing page

Collecting email addresses is one of the best ways to stay in touch with potential backers so you can start marketing early. Gathering emails means that you can tell a huge group of people when the campaign is live.

One way you can convince people to provide their email is to build a landing page. On the page, you can tease your project and encourage visitors to sign up for updates.

This is one of the most effective ways to build stream for projects before they launch.

#6: Build a strong social media presence

Social media helps you connect with potential backers, creating a community around your project before you launch. Share behind-the-scenes content, updates, and teasers to build excitement.

Think about the platforms where you are going to be most likely to find potential backers. Prioritize using platforms first instead of spreading yourself thin over too much channels.

#7: Set up email marketing

We touched on this in #5, but it’s so important that it bears repeating. Build an email list so you can notify potential backers about your launch and provide updates.

Regularly communicate with your subscribers, providing exclusive insights and early access to your campaign. This is traditional wisdom because, when combined with other smart marketing tactics, it can be very effective!

#8: Prepare press releases for media outreach

Get your project featured in relevant media and blogs. Draft compelling press releases and pitch them to bloggers, journalists, and influencers in your industry. Early media coverage can help build credibility and then attract more backers to your campaign, increasing your chances of success.

#9: Engage with the Kickstarter community

Join forums and groups to network and gather support. Participate in discussions, share your project updates, and seek feedback from experienced creators. When in doubt, look for Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and certain subreddits.

#10: Plan your logistics

Before you announce a launch date, make sure you have a plan for production, shipping, and fulfillment to avoid delays. You also need to do some detailed logistics planning to make sure you can deliver rewards on time, maintaining backer trust.

Consider partnering with reliable suppliers and shipping companies to streamline the process. Don’t forget to make a budget too!

Campaign Page Setup

Your campaign page needs to give people great reasons to back your project. That means have high-quality visuals, clear copywriting, and all the information backers need to feel like they can trust you.

Here are some tips on how you can make a campaign page for the ages.

#11: Create a captivating campaign video

Your campaign video is going to be one of the first things that people notice when they see your campaign. Make sure you use high-quality visuals and audio. Your video needs to have a strong narrative as well as a clear call to action.

You want to introduce your product, show people why they should back it, and tell them what to do next. It’s an easy way to increase the number of pledges you see. The vast majority of successful campaigns, after all, have videos!

“The most effective crowdfunding campaigns are typically built on storytelling, building a community, and transparency,” says Dan Korte of Riseabove Apparel. “The elements of good story-telling, the ongoing connection with potential customers, and the transparency of information carry much more value than the product, or even ideas, itself.”

#12: Design a visually appealing campaign page

Your campaign page needs to look beautiful. That means using lots of high-images and breaking up the sections of your page with easy-to-read headers for maximum skimmability.

Every bit of text you use needs to serve some function. You need to provide a lot of information, but not at the expense of good looks. Appealing pages lead to increased pledges!

When in doubt, look at what the most financially successful campaigns in your niche are doing.

#13: Write an excellent campaign page

Clearly explain your project, its benefits, and how backers’ funds will be used. People need to know exactly what they’re buying, why it’s great, and what makes it different from all the other products.

Every line of text you use needs to help potential backers understand your vision and the value of their support. Use straightforward language, because that’s the best way to keep your copy clear and avoid confusion.

#14: Make your unique selling proposition (USP) immediate and clear

Use an eye-catching headline and concise summary to grab attention. Clearly state what makes your project unique and why backers should support it. A strong USP can differentiate your campaign from others.

This is extremely important because Kickstarter is a noisy marketplace, and unless your USP is super clear, you’ll blend into the crowd.

#15: Add a detailed FAQ section

Address common questions and concerns to build trust. Cover topics like reward fulfillment, project timeline, and risks involved.

Pro tip: write your FAQ in advance so you can copy and paste it into your campaign page right after you go live.

#16: Take and use great product photos

Use images that show your product in use and resonate with your audience. High-quality photos can make your product more relatable and appealing, helping potential backers envision it in their own lives. Visual storytelling is a powerful tool to enhance your campaign.

Even if you’re on a shoestring budget – buy a few lamps and get some bright LED bulbs. This will dramatically improve your picture quality, even on an older model iPhone.

#17: Provide detailed product specifications

If your product is technical, make sure you provide all the information you can. The more specific you can be, the better.

When in doubt, make sure customers know how big the product is, how much it weighs, and what materials go into making it. This will help backers feel like they are making an informed purchase as a result.

#18: Share your journey and story

Personalize your campaign by sharing your background and the creation process. Let backers know who you are, why you created this project, and the challenges you’ve faced. This connection builds trust and makes your campaign more relatable and engaging.

People buy products. But they back creators.

Marketing and Promotion

If you launch your Kickstarter, but don’t tell anyone about it, you probably won’t fund. You need to have a killer marketing and promotion plan if you want to succeed on Kickstarter.

Because marketing is so important to success, we’ve compiled a list of marketing tactics that might work for you.

#19: Use Facebook and Instagram ads

Meta, which includes Facebook and Instagram, remains one of the best advertising systems in the world. It’s also one of the most approachable.

With Facebook and Instagram ads, you can target your audience and make sales while your campaign is live. Facebook’s robust targeting options allow you to reach specific demographics, increasing the likelihood of attracting backers who are interested in your project.

#20: Collaborate with influencers

Partner with relevant influencers to promote your campaign. Because the right influencers can reach a large audience and lend credibility to your project.

Choose influencers who align with your project’s niche and values. That way, you can be sure their followers are likely to be interested in your campaign, enhancing its visibility and appeal.

Influencers don’t necessarily have to be social media stars, mind you. They can also be TV and radio professionals, reviews with well-read blogs, or even local community organizers. The point is that you want to find people who know people.

#21: Use multiple marketing channels

Don’t rely on one marketing channel for success. Use social media, email marketing, and online ads to reach your target audience in as many places as possible.

Every marketing platform has unique benefits that can enhance your campaign’s visibility. A multi-channel approach will help you make sure you catch potential backers wherever they are online.

#22: Run pre-launch ads

You can use Facebook, Instagram, Google, and other ad platforms before you launch your campaign. As long as you have a landing page and a way to collect emails, it’s actually best practice to generate as many leads as you can before launching. That way, you can dramatically increase the odds of day 1 success.

#23: Engage in online communities

This is similar to the advice on engaging with the Kickstarter community.

Join forums and groups to network and gather support. Participate in discussions, share your project updates, and also seek feedback from experienced creators. When in doubt, look for Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and certain subreddits.

Reward Strategy

Your campaign is only as good as your rewards. That’s because rewards are what get people to take action in the first place!

With that in mind, here’s how you make sure your rewards are doing their fair share of the heavy lifting.

#24: Offer great rewards

This is a simple tip, but it’s so important. Make sure backers like your rewards before you launch your campaign. If you don’t get an enthusiastic response to your rewards, then you should probably delay your launch date until you do.

#25: Set strategic reward tiers

On Kickstarter, the structure of your reward tiers can make or break your campaign. Create tiers that not only offer tangible value but also enhance the Kickstarter experience.

Start with a low-entry “Thank You” tier that allows backers to show support without a significant financial commitment.

Then your mid-level tiers should offer the core product plus unique add-ons that aren’t available post-campaign.

For high-level tiers, consider offering limited edition items or experiences that tap into the exclusivity that Kickstarter backers often seek, like signed prototypes or an invitation to an exclusive launch event.

#26: Include early bird specials

Create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers. For example, you could provide early bird specials which incentivize backers to pledge early, helping build momentum for your campaign. This can help push you over the funding goal early on in the campaign.

#27: Provide exclusive rewards

Offer unique items or experiences that aren’t available outside of Kickstarter. Exclusive rewards add value and entice backers to support your campaign at higher levels. These can be limited edition products or special experiences related to your project. Exclusivity makes your campaign more attractive and can drive higher pledge amounts.

#28: Use bulk packages

Encourage larger pledges with discounted multi-unit rewards. Bulk packages provide better value and can increase the average pledge amount. As an added bonus, offering bulk options helps reach your funding goal faster by encouraging bigger pledges.

#29: Offer behind-the-scenes content

Engage backers with exclusive insights and updates. Share behind-the-scenes content that showcases your project’s development, challenges, and successes. Part of the appeal of Kickstarter and similar platforms is the chance to feel like you’re “in on something” early in its development – so take advantage of this!

Campaign Management

You can’t just launch your campaign at 9 in the evening. Nor can you launch it, forget about it, and check back in 30 days later. You need to be hands-on about how you manage your Kickstarter campaign.

Here are some tips on how you can do that effectively.

#30: Launch at the right time

Time your launch for maximum impact. Pick the right launch month, day of the week, and time of day. It needs to line up with your audience’s availability and interest.

When in doubt, Tuesday or Wednesday is a good day to launch. Choose a reasonable launch hour like 9, 10, or 11 in the morning eastern time. Don’t launch between mid-November and mid-January. And lastly, avoid major holidays.

#31: Engage with backers

Respond promptly to comments and messages to build a strong community. Answer questions, acknowledge feedback, and keep the conversations going. Remember: this is part of what makes Kickstarter appealing. Backers have a direct line to the people making the things they want!

#32: Provide regular updates

Keep backers informed about progress, challenges, and successes. Regular updates build trust and maintain interest. Share milestones, production updates, and any hurdles you’re overcoming.

In general, you should be sending a Kickstarter update at least once per week during the campaign. Then after the campaign, it’s a good idea to send an update at least once per month. More is often advisable, depending on your situation.

#33: Thank your backers

Show appreciation and acknowledge support throughout the campaign. Regularly thank your backers through updates, comments, and personal messages.

This advice may seem basic. But when gratitude is absent, it’s noticeable, not to mention off-putting.

#34: Address challenges transparently

Be honest about any issues and how you plan to resolve them. In fact, backers expect Kickstarter campaigns to be a little chaotic.

It’s for that reason that being open about unexpected challenges and even mistakes can go a long way toward keeping trust.

#35: Monitor and adjust your strategy

Stay flexible and make necessary changes to your campaign based on feedback and performance. Part of what makes Kickstarter such a good launch platform is that backers will be vocal about what they like and don’t like. That makes it easier to know when to pivot.

#36: Stay flexible with sourcing and fulfillment.

Recent U.S. tariff changes have made supply chains more volatile. As Mark Ainsworth, Digital PR and Marketing Director at Max Web Solutions, put it, “several of our clients who trade in the U.S. have been hit with higher landed costs due to the new tariffs.”

It’s smart to start thinking about sourcing flexibility, pricing cushions, and fulfillment partnerships early in the process — not after you fund.

Post-Campaign

Launching a campaign is fun. Funding successfully is even more fun.

But what do you do after the funds clear?

At that point, you’re on the hook to keep your promises. But there’s a lot that goes into that. Here is what you need to do next.

#37: Fulfill your promises

Yes, it’s obvious, but it’s necessary. Ship rewards on time and keep your promises.

This is harder to do than you think. Most Kickstarters ship late, so if you manage to ship yours out on time, you’ll make a good impression.

Do this well and it will help build your credibility, keep your backers happy, and lay the groundwork for future success.

#38: Continue engaging with your community

Keep backers updated even after the campaign ends. Regular communication helps maintain the community you built during the campaign.

Share updates on product development, future plans, and any new projects. That way, you can keep in touch with the people you worked so hard to find in the first place!

#39: Launch a dedicated website

Use the momentum to continue promoting your product and attract new customers. A dedicated website allows you to showcase your product, provide updates, and also sell directly to new customers.

Kickstarter campaigns draw a lot of attention. You can use the visibility and community from your campaign to kickstart your eCommerce operations too.

#40: Create a newsletter

If you’re spending money collecting email addresses, you shouldn’t just email them once and then let the leads slip through your fingers. Keep backers and potential customers informed about your journey and future projects with regular updates.

Newsletters are a classic form of ongoing communication that can help you build a loyal community over time. Plus, it keeps your audience invested in your success.

#41: Seek feedback

Use your Kickstarter surveys – as well as any direct message conversations you have going – as a chance to understand what worked and what can be improved.

Gathering feedback from backers will help you understand your campaign’s strengths and areas for improvement. Then you can use this information to help you launch even better campaigns in the future!

Additional Tips

Kickstarter, both as software and as a cultural entity, is pretty complex. Some of the tips and tricks on how to use it don’t fall into a neat category. But you still need to know them!

Here is all the advice we can think of that doesn’t neatly fit into one of the previous categories.

#42: Use Kicktraq

Kicktraq is a cool website that’s been around for almost as long as Kickstarter. You can type in any Kickstarter URL and check out its funding data and a bunch of other stats. When you research other campaigns, this can help you get a feel for how their funding process went. For example, did they fund quickly or steadily over the course of weeks?

#43: Set stretch goals

Stretch goals motivate backers to continue pledging even after the main goal is met. While not required, they’re considered a tradition on Kickstarter.

If you decide to set stretch goals, clearly communicate what additional funds will be used for, such as enhanced features or extra rewards, to maintain excitement and support. And, of course, make sure you can actually ship your stretch goals!

#44: Create a sense of urgency

To some extent, the time-limited nature of Kickstarter campaigns already creates a sense of urgency. If you want to dial it up a little more, consider offering limited-time offers like early birds or rewards with limited quantities. This can encourage backers to pledge earlier and help boost campaign momentum.

#45: Proofread meticulously

Typos are bad. Check your spelling and grammar. Make sure there are no mistakes.

Yes, this is an obvious tip, but it’s so important. Putting effort into quality control shows people you care.

#46: Use a professional editor

If you can swing it, consider hiring an editor to polish your campaign materials. A professional editor can enhance the clarity, coherence, and overall quality of your content. They’re also more likely to catch typos that you miss.

#47: Optimize for mobile

Kickstarter is a bit unusual in that it’s common for creators to put most of their content inside of images rather than plain text. This advice flies in the face of traditional advice when it comes to mobile usability.

However, what you can do is make sure you check your campaign page on your phone. All the text needs to be clear and legible. Ideally, it shouldn’t take forever to load as well, although your ability to influence that is somewhat limited by Kickstarter’s page editing software.

#48: Include testimonials

If you have endorsements from early supporters or industry experts, share them on your page. Like with any other kind of product launch, testimonials can build credibility and trust with potential backers.

Highlight positive feedback and quotes that emphasize the value and quality of your project, because that will make it more appealing to prospective backers.

#49: Highlight previous successes

If applicable, mention past successful projects to build credibility. Showing your track record of successful projects can reassure backers that you can and will deliver on time. Also highlight key achievements and positive outcomes from previous campaigns to instill confidence in your current project.

#50: Be authentic and personal

Let your personality shine through in your campaign materials. Authenticity helps build a connection with backers.

Share your passion, vision, and the story behind your project in a genuine way. Personal touches can make your campaign more relatable and engaging.

#51: Invest in basic equipment

Use tripods, microphones, and proper lighting for a professional video. High-quality videos enhance your campaign’s appeal. Basic equipment like a stable tripod, clear audio from a microphone, and good lighting can significantly improve the production value of your campaign video, making it more persuasive.

You would be surprised how inexpensive quality equipment is on Amazon and other online stores can be. A $50 microphone and $40 tripod and ring light can go a long way. And if that doesn’t work – check with your local library, as many now have on-site recording rooms.

Because of how easy it is to create quality videos these days, you don’t have an excuse not to!

#52: Follow up with surveys

Gather backer feedback to improve future campaigns. Surveys are an effective way to understand backers’ experiences and gather insights for improvement.

Use this feedback to refine your approach, address any issues, and enhance future projects. Engaging backers in this way also shows that you value their input.

#53: Maintain momentum post-campaign

Keep the excitement alive with continuous marketing and engagement. After your campaign ends, continue to promote your product and engage with your backers.

Use social media, email updates, and your website to keep your audience informed and involved. Sustained engagement helps build a loyal community and drives ongoing interest in your project.

Crowdfunding is not just a way to get one high-profile success. If you use it properly, you can set up a business for the long run.

Final Thoughts

It takes a lot of different skills to succeed on Kickstarter. This long list is evidence of that fact!

But don’t let the overwhelming size of this article scare you off the platform. Kickstarter is a proven way for upstart entrepreneurs to get noticed for a simple reason: because it’s a great place to try new ideas. Modern-day Kickstarter is a great place to build an audience, and lay the foundation for a lasting business.

Kickstarter success is not just about your launch day. It’s about everything you do leading up to it and everything you do after it. You don’t have to do everything perfectly – just focus on making something people want and being thoughtful in the way you get it to them!

If you followed the news in the post-pandemic season, you probably noticed that a lot of goods were in short supply. Everything from semiconductors to sausage, rental cars to lumber had been hard to come by. You could blame the pandemic for many of these shortages, sure, but the underlying issues were more complex. And one of those issues? Inventory management practices.

The 2010s were defined by lean supply chains. Everything was shipped just-in-time with little buffer for disruptions. This was really good for efficiency and profits, but really bad for handling unexpected events.

So with that in mind, we’re going to talk about what inventory management is and how you can do it well. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of running out of stock when you need it. That means more money in your pocket, more happy customers, and a generally less stressful life as a business owner.

What is inventory management and why does it matter?

When you boil it down to the basics, inventory management is the process of tracking where products are, where they’re going, and when to order more. That’s really it!

Simple as the concept may seem, though, the practice is hard. You have to monitor a lot of moving parts while simultaneously predicting the future a la demand estimation. It looks easy until you have to do it.

But it’s worth building your skill set, because mastering inventory management best practices has many benefits for your business. We can think of four right here:

1. You’ll be less likely to run out of stock. That means your customers can keep shopping anytime they please.
2. You’ll be less likely to have too much stock. Holding onto excess inventory costs money in storage, not to mention the sunk cost of ordering too much in the first place. Good inventory management will keep you from over-ordering in the first place.
3. You’ll have higher profits. Good inventory management helps you know what to sell, which increases revenue, while also helping you keep costs in check.
4. You’ll benefit from better cash flow. If you get a sense of how much to spend and when to spend it, you won’t find yourself overcommitting large sums of money to buying more products when the timing is not good.

In short, inventory management helps you find a balance between two extremes. You don’t want to run out of items and you don’t want to hoard them, and this is the process by which you find the happy medium.

What are common inventory challenges that sellers run into?

To answer this question, I reached out to John Heberling, Senior Partnerships Manager at Kickfurther, an inventory financing firm. In response, he first mentioned the risk of ordering too much at once, stating that “direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands often struggle to balance stock when entering retail. A big purchase order sounds exciting, but without the capital to produce inventory for both retail and DTC channels, businesses risk losing revenue and growth opportunities.”

Heberling followed up by saying that “ordering too much of the wrong SKU leads to dead stock, tying up cash and adding storage costs.” To state another way, you simply don’t want to buy items – or variants of items – that won’t sell.

Other common and devastating issues mentioned by Heberling include “waiting too long to place an inventory order. [This] can destroy your bottom line—forcing you to pay for costly air freight or, even worse, leading to stockouts that cause missed sales.” He stresses that it’s particularly important to place timely orders in advance of busy seasons like the holidays.

There’s another new pressure too: unpredictable tariff costs. Chris Grippo, owner at The Shop Tinkerers, adds: “Costs are up across the board, especially for anything coming out of China. It’s forcing our clients to reevaluate sourcing, pricing, and margin strategy faster than we’d like.”

Paul Ferrara, Senior Wealth Counselor at Avenue Investment, points out another common issue. “Intuitive inventory systems tend to oscillate between excess inventory and stock outages.”

He advises using instead “a 90 day rolling average of sales, with the safety stock as [20% of monthly sales].” He says this will “provide a smoother reorder point that allows margins to be preserved and minimizes losses in clearance.”

Between the negative impacts of bad inventory processes, the ease of making common mistakes, and difficulty making inventory intuitive, it’s clear that smart inventory management has never been more critical to success.

8 main types of inventory

The whole idea of inventory management is to keep track of where products and other materials are so that you have visibility into the day-to-day operations of your business. Yet not all inventory is the same, and in order to have meaningful conversations about it, you must categorize inventory into different types.

1. Raw materials. These are the materials that you use to create your products. Even if you are not the manufacturer of your products, it’s important to pay attention to the availability of raw materials.
2. Unfinished products. These are the products that you or your manufacturer are currently working on making, but that are not ready to sell.
3. Finished products. These are products that are ready to sell right now. They are often stored in a warehouse or fulfillment center such as our own.
4. In-transit goods. These are goods that are being transported somewhere else, such as finished goods en route to the warehouse or to the customer.
5. Cycle inventory. This is inventory which is bought from a manufacturer or other supplier and shipped directly to your customer. (This is the only kind of inventory present in dropshipping businesses.)
6. Buffer inventory. Also known as safety stock, this is the inventory that you keep around in case something bad happens that prevents you from getting the inventory you need.
7. Packing inventory. This is the inventory you keep for your packing supplies, such as finished packaging or even bubble wrap and mailers.
8. MRO inventory. This is inventory needed for maintenance, repair, and operations. This supports the production process, and is not what goes out to your customers.

9 tips for inventory management

1. Find good inventory management software

You can manage inventory by hand or in a spreadsheet, and that’s fine for a little while. It doesn’t scale well, though.

If you want to keep track of inventory while minimizing upkeep, look into inventory management software. Some good options include Orderhive, Zoho, and even Quickbooks.

2. Categorize your inventory by priority

Not all inventory is the same. It helps to categorize your inventory so that you can understand which inventory is moving and which inventory is making you money.

Experts typically suggest segregating your inventory into A, B and C groups. Items in the A group are higher-ticket items that you need fewer of. Items in the C category are lower-cost items that turn over quickly. The B group is what’s in between: items that are moderately priced and move out the door more slowly than C items but more quickly than A items. – 10 Essential Tips for Effective Inventory Management, Business News Daily

By prioritizing inventory using an A, B, C system, you’ll come to find that most of your profits will come from a relatively small amount of your stock. This is the Pareto principle (or 80/20 rule) at work. If you need to narrow down your focus in order to effectively manage your inventory, consider focusing on just the 20% of your inventory that brings the most money.

3. Keep track of all relevant data

Inventory management requires keeping track of a lot of different types of data. That includes SKUs, bar codes, countries of origin, product values, lot numbers, HS codes, and a lot more. Using your inventory software of choice, make sure that you are rigorous about tracking all the relevant data for each kind of item you carry.

It may also be a good idea to track information like the cost of the item, its seasonal sales patterns, and whether or not there are hard-to-come-by supplies that go into its manufacturing. Having data organized like this will help you find answers to unpredictable questions that may arise as your day-to-day business operations take place.

4. Monitor sales

Ultimately, every company wants and needs to make money. The best way to keep doing this is to observe which items are bringing in the most revenue.

But what do you look for when you monitor sales? A few things come to mind:

• How much is each type of item making?
• Are there seasonal patterns to sales?
• Do the sales for one item increase the sales for other items?
• Do you tend to sell more on specific days of the week or times of the day?

5. Get a feel for sales cycles

After enough sales monitoring, you will start to see how sales cycles work. You can then use this information to sell to customers when they are most likely to be buying. You can also use this information to make sure you have new stock ready to go for whenever the next round of sales is going to come in.

6. Be proactive about quality control

Customers expect your products to be good ones. If someone’s first experience with your brand involves a dud product, then they probably aren’t going to come back. If a regular customer has a bad experience, they might be a little too lenient, but only if it doesn’t happen again.

For every new batch of inventory you receive, it’s worth your time to test the merchandise. This is doubly true if something has changed recently that may affect the quality of the product. Better safe than sorry!

7. Make sure you have a good returns process

Returns are a part of life in retail. This is especially true in eCommerce where return rates can be 30% or higher. You need to make sure you have a good returns process.

Part of that returns process will involve figuring out what to do with the inventory when it is received once more. Some returns can be put back into inventory and resold, others need to be thrown away, and still others may need repair or refurbishment. No matter what the case is, make sure you have well-defined processes for inventory management when the returns inevitably come in.

8. Order your own restocks (at least at first)

Once you have a feel for your inventory cycles, you will also have a feel for when to restock. At first, order restocks on your own. Even the best software or account managers cannot always see all the variables that are necessary to know when to order more inventory. Once you determine the pattern in your decision to restock, then it’s time to delegate to someone else!

9. Conduct regular audits

No matter how good you are at tracking inventory, you will occasionally make mistakes. Sometimes, an item isn’t scanned on the way out. Other times, it’s stolen from your store or your warehouse. These things happen.

Every once in a while, be it annually or weekly, it’s worthwhile to audit your inventory and find out how much you truly have. Nothing is quite as uncomfortable as thinking you have 100 items in stock when you actually have none!

Final Thoughts

Good inventory management can keep your customers happy and your profits healthy. The basic idea is simple, to be sure, but when you apply these simple principles around forecasting, flexibility, and quality control, you can gain a major competitive advantage.

And in a world where tariff hikes and supply chain disruptions are more common, keeping tight control over your inventory isn’t just smart. It’s required.