TLDR;
This YouTube video transcript by Jordan Bown provides a comprehensive guide to building a successful e-commerce business, focusing on dropshipping as a starting point. It covers various aspects, from mindset and product selection to branding, marketing, and scaling, with real-world examples and case studies. The course emphasises the importance of community, continuous learning, and adapting to the ever-changing e-commerce landscape.
Key points:
- Dropshipping is a method, e-commerce is the goal.
- Branding and storytelling are crucial for long-term success.
- Mindset, spirituality and personal development are as important as business strategies.
- Community support and continuous learning are essential for growth.
- Data tracking and analysis are vital for informed decision-making.
Initiation [0:00]
Jordan Bown introduces his free e-commerce course, highlighting its extensive content (over 20 hours of 4K video) and the resources provided, including a custom platform and private community. He emphasises the course's practical approach, showcasing real-world examples and strategies from his own successful brands. Bown challenges viewers to value the free information and commit to the course, promising that it equips them with the tools to transform their lives. He also mentions the importance of community support and the availability of student success managers.
Dropshipping 101 [19:15]
The chapter explains the basics of dropshipping, where you sell products without holding inventory, relying on suppliers to ship directly to customers. It highlights the importance of branding and storytelling to build trust with customers, moving beyond basic dropshipping to create a genuine e-commerce brand. The chapter contrasts a poor dropshipping store with BlendJet, a successful brand that started with dropshipping and evolved into a recognised name with custom products and fast fulfilment.
Discover [32:21]
This section focuses on the importance of self-discovery and mindset for success in dropshipping and e-commerce. It emphasises the need to understand one's inner world, including thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and identity, to control the outer world. The chapter introduces the seven principles of the universe and recommends reading "The Kybalion" to understand these principles. It also discusses the importance of setting precise goals, holding faith, and feeling worthy of success, while avoiding fear, lack, and doubt.
Transform [57:55]
This chapter discusses transforming one's inner world to achieve success. It recommends reading "The Untethered Soul" and "The Four Agreements" to understand the self and the power of words. The chapter explains how the subconscious creates perceived reality based on actions, emotions, beliefs, and identity. It also touches on the responsible use of psychedelics for self-evaluation and healing. The chapter stresses the importance of feeling worthy of success and avoiding fear and doubt. It concludes by highlighting the importance of luck and timing, and the need to be ready for opportunities.
Control [1:34:41]
This section focuses on dopamine and its role in achieving success. It explains how dopamine, a navigational chemical in the brain, rewards actions that further the evolution of the species. The chapter discusses how modern society has created easily accessible sources of dopamine, leading to addiction and a lack of real fulfilment. It introduces the concept of a dopamine detox, which involves cutting out all forms of instant gratification and replacing them with healthy habits. The chapter provides a detailed protocol for a dopamine detox and stresses the importance of prayer and setting intentions.
Case Study: My $770K Store (Tik Tok) [1:56:46]
This chapter provides a case study of a TikTok store that generated $770,000 in sales. It reveals that the store sold personalized necklaces and keychains, primarily targeting the US market. The store's success was attributed to effective TikTok ads and a high mobile conversion rate. The chapter also discusses the challenges of ad account shutdowns and the importance of adapting to changes in the TikTok algorithm.
Case Study: My $2m Store (Facebook) [2:19:43]
This section presents a case study of a Facebook store that generated $2 million in sales. The store focused on men's fashion and had a high average order value. The success was attributed to bulk testing products and investing in email marketing. The chapter also discusses the importance of having a story behind your brand and building a team to manage customer support and fulfilment.
Top Niches + Store Examples [2:35:52]
This chapter discusses top niches for e-commerce, including beauty, problem-solving products, clothing, and passion communities. It provides examples of successful stores in each niche, such as Four Chicks (beauty), BlendJet (problem-solving), and Cowboy Elf (clothing). The chapter emphasizes the importance of branding, storytelling, and targeting a specific audience.
Building a Skyscraper [3:17:50]
This section uses the analogy of building a skyscraper to explain the process of creating a successful e-commerce brand. It emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation, which includes understanding the inner world, setting precise goals, and having a clear plan of action. The chapter also discusses the importance of a vision board, daily affirmations, and cultivating a winner effect.
Importance of Products [3:42:36]
This chapter focuses on the importance of selecting the right products for your e-commerce business. It introduces a 10-point blueprint for identifying winning products, including having a wow factor, a sales price of at least $40, a 3-4x multiplier on cost of goods, high perceived value, solving a problem, being used daily, targeting a specific community, being small and lightweight, avoiding electronics, and being non-seasonal. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of understanding the laws of nature and aligning your inner world with your goals.
How To Find Winning Products [4:20:16]
This section outlines a 15-step strategy for transforming a dropshipping store into a seven- or eight-figure brand. It involves scouring TikTok for viral products, creating a website and TikTok account for the product, posting organic videos, using spark post ads, hiring a virtual assistant and 3PL team, investing in a UGC agency and influencers, hiring a marketing agency and email/SMS retargeting team, and ordering products in wholesale with custom logos. The chapter also provides a breakdown of potential revenue at each stage.
Live Product Research [4:42:28]
This chapter features a live product research session, demonstrating how to find winning products using various methods. It covers the reverse method (finding products with existing viral ads), the supply and demand method (identifying trending topics and matching them with products), and the AAA method (scouring Amazon, Alibaba, and AliExpress). The chapter also emphasizes the importance of using Google Shopping and checking affiliate offers.
Suppliers and Fulfillment [6:20:03]
This section focuses on suppliers and fulfilment, recommending AutoDS as the best fulfilment company due to its low cost of goods and various tools. It provides a step-by-step guide on signing up for AutoDS and highlights its features, such as a TikTok ad spy, a winning product section, and AI integrations. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with the owner of AutoDS for custom solutions.
Branding In Depth [6:47:02]
This chapter provides an in-depth look at branding, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creating an emotional connection with customers. It contrasts a poor store (24 Decor Shop) with a successful brand (BlendJet) to illustrate the difference between a basic dropshipping operation and a genuine e-commerce brand. The chapter also outlines a 15-step strategy for transforming a dropshipping store into a seven- or eight-figure brand.
Legal Troubles [7:21:24]
This section discusses potential legal troubles in e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of avoiding trademark and patent infringements. It recommends using Google Patents and the USPTO website to research potential legal issues. The chapter also stresses the importance of having a clear understanding of the legal rules that confine your reality.
AI & How To Use It [7:40:26]
This chapter explores the use of AI in e-commerce, particularly focusing on chat GPT. It highlights the importance of using AI as a tool to brainstorm ideas, generate content, and optimize processes. The chapter also cautions against relying too heavily on AI and emphasizes the need for human creativity and judgment.
Naming Your Brand [8:03:59]
This section focuses on naming your brand, emphasizing the importance of choosing a name that is short, simple, memorable, and legally safe. It recommends using a combination of words or creating a new word to avoid trademark issues. The chapter also stresses the importance of aligning the brand name with the target audience and the overall brand message.
Logo Design [8:31:47]
This chapter provides a guide to logo design, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, readability, and conveying the brand's emotion. It recommends using a text-based logo with minimal design elements and selecting colors that align with the brand's message. The chapter also provides a step-by-step guide on creating a logo using Canva.
Store Setup [9:07:01]
This section provides a step-by-step guide on setting up a Shopify store, including connecting a domain, setting up payment methods, and configuring shipping settings. It also emphasizes the importance of creating a professional and trustworthy website design.
Early Game Apps [9:22:52]
This chapter discusses essential apps for a new Shopify store, recommending Debutify for its customizable themes and features, and Loox for importing product reviews. It provides a step-by-step guide on setting up these apps and highlights their importance for creating a professional and trustworthy website.
Importing Products [9:50:29]
This section focuses on importing products into your Shopify store, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling product titles and descriptions. It also discusses the importance of setting up a SKU system and organizing your products into collections.
Website Design [10:35:27]
This chapter provides a detailed guide to website design, emphasizing the importance of creating a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. It covers various aspects, including header images, product descriptions, testimonials, and guarantees. The chapter also provides a step-by-step guide on customizing the Debutify theme.
Klaviyo Setup [11:35:56]
This section focuses on setting up Klaviyo, an email marketing platform, to create abandoned cart email flows. It provides a step-by-step guide on connecting Klaviyo to your Shopify store and creating a three-email sequence to retarget customers who added items to their cart but didn't complete the purchase.
Content Creation [11:44:50]
This chapter discusses content creation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the algorithms of social media platforms and creating engaging videos that resonate with your target audience. It provides a list of video styles that work well on TikTok and stresses the importance of having a clear call to action.
Crushing Organic [12:37:44]
This section focuses on crushing organic content, emphasizing the importance of having a clear strategy, producing high-quality videos, and optimizing them for the algorithm. It also discusses the importance of building a community and engaging with your audience.
Content Creation In Action [13:03:20]
This chapter provides a practical demonstration of content creation, showcasing the process of making video ads for a specific product. It covers various aspects, including finding inspiration, filming the shots, editing the video, and adding text and music.
TikTok ads setup [13:22:32]
This section provides a step-by-step guide on setting up a TikTok ad account, including connecting your Shopify store, verifying your identity, and setting up your payment method.
Credit Cards [13:33:54]
This chapter discusses the importance of credit cards for e-commerce businesses, emphasizing the benefits of earning points and rewards. It recommends the American Express Business Gold Card as the best option for dropshippers due to its high rewards on advertising and product costs. The chapter also cautions against the dangers of credit card debt and stresses the importance of responsible spending.
Tik Tok Ads: Testing [13:54:33]
This section focuses on testing strategies for TikTok ads, emphasizing the importance of having a clear goal, a specific audience, and a compelling offer. It also discusses the importance of using high-quality video ads and tracking your results to optimize your campaigns.
Reading Analytics [14:31:07]
This chapter provides a guide to reading analytics, explaining how to interpret key metrics such as cost per purchase, return on ad spend, and conversion rate. It also discusses the importance of understanding your customer funnel and identifying areas for improvement.
UGC [14:57:20]
This section focuses on user-generated content (UGC), emphasizing its importance for building trust and credibility with customers. It provides tips on finding UGC creators, negotiating prices, and managing the content creation process.
Facebook Setup [15:20:53]
This chapter provides a step-by-step guide on setting up a Facebook business page, including connecting your Instagram account and creating an ad account.
Facebook Ads: Testing [15:42:25]
This section focuses on testing strategies for Facebook ads, emphasizing the importance of having a clear goal, a specific audience, and a compelling offer. It also discusses the importance of using high-quality video ads and tracking your results to optimize your campaigns.
Virtual Assistant [16:33:12]
This chapter discusses the importance of hiring a virtual assistant (VA) to manage customer support, handle chargebacks, and perform other administrative tasks. It recommends Omar, a trusted VA with extensive experience in e-commerce, and provides his contact information.
Omni-Presence [16:43:21]
This section focuses on achieving omnipresence online, emphasizing the importance of creating a consistent brand message across all platforms. It discusses the need to have a clear understanding of your target audience and to tailor your content to their specific interests and needs.
Influencers [17:02:49]
This chapter explores the world of influencers, providing tips on finding the right influencers for your brand, negotiating prices, and measuring the results of your campaigns. It also discusses the importance of building relationships with influencers and creating long-term partnerships.
Scaling [17:20:22]
This section focuses on scaling your e-commerce business, emphasizing the importance of having a solid foundation, a clear plan of action, and a team of dedicated professionals. It discusses various scaling strategies, including vertical scaling (increasing ad budgets) and horizontal scaling (expanding into new demographics).
Tracking Data [17:51:01]
This chapter emphasizes the importance of tracking data to make informed decisions about your e-commerce business. It recommends using BProfit to track your profit margins and Triple Whale to track your advertising analytics.
Legal Structures [18:00:33]
This section discusses legal structures for e-commerce businesses, recommending the creation of an LLC (limited liability company) to protect personal assets. It also emphasizes the importance of obtaining a business license and hiring a CPA (certified public accountant) to manage taxes.
Shopify Issues [18:10:21]
This chapter addresses potential issues with Shopify, such as payment holds and account shutdowns. It provides advice on how to handle these issues and emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication with Shopify support.
Payment Processor Issues [18:16:07]
This section discusses potential issues with payment processors, such as Stripe and PayPal, and provides advice on how to handle chargebacks and disputes.
Payment Reserves [18:24:24]
This chapter addresses the issue of payment reserves, where payment processors hold a percentage of your earnings to cover potential refunds or disputes. It provides advice on how to manage payment reserves and minimize their impact on your business.
