👋 Hey Fastlane Insiders,

Happy Thursday! Whether you're squeezing in a quick read between calls or looking for that next strategy to unlock growth, I'm glad you're here.

Breaking Trade News for DTC Brands: Some potentially good news on the international trade front! Today, President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a framework for a new trade deal that could signal shifts in global commerce. While the baseline 10% tariffs on UK goods will remain in place, Trump has agreed to reduce auto tariffs from 25% to 10% on the first 100,000 British vehicles and eliminate the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum.

In exchange, the UK will ease trade barriers on American exports including ethanol, beef, and machinery, creating a $5 billion opportunity for US exporters. For Shopify merchants involved in cross-border trade, this could be the first sign of how Trump's tariff strategy might play out with other trading partners like Canada. I'll be watching closely as the final details get ironed out in the coming weeks.

On the podcast, I sat down with Kyle Hency (Chubbies Shorts, Loop Returns, now GoodDay OS) to break down ERP systems for Shopify merchants.

If you've ever felt buried in spreadsheets or frustrated by clunky software, you'll want to hear how GoodDay OS is reimagining ERP to be simple, scalable, and actually enjoyable-right inside your Shopify admin. Kyle shares firsthand how brands are ditching chaos for clarity and unlocking new efficiencies that fuel real growth.

Some exciting topics this week with my latest insights...

Curious about buying backlinks in 2025? Want to know if this strategy works for DTC brands and stays within Google's guidelines?

If you want to get ahead of your competition (without risking Google penalties), I'm sharing practical, safer SEO approaches that successful brands are implementing right now.

I'm also exploring how Endear CRM is helping Shopify retailers increase repeat purchases by up to 72% through highly personalized, automated customer outreach. If you're still working with basic customer lists, you'll definitely want these strategies.

Let's jump in!

– Steve

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🎧 New Podcast Episode!

Breaking Free from Spreadsheet Chaos: How GoodDay OS Is Reimagining ERP for Shopify Brands

If you’re still juggling spreadsheets and patchwork apps, you’re not alone-and honestly, you’re missing out on what the fastest-growing Shopify brands are already embracing. I sat down with Kyle Hency (yep, Chubbies Shorts and Loop Returns) to crack open how GoodDay OS is flipping the ERP script for operators like us.

Here’s the thing: Most ERPs were built for the Fortune 500, not for scrappy, scaling Shopify brands. GoodDay OS changes the game by living right inside your Shopify admin-think inventory, POs, vendors, and more, all in one place. No more middleware headaches or clunky, overpriced software. Just a single source of truth that grows with you, whether you’re at $2M or scaling to $80M and beyond.

If you don’t check this out, here’s what you’ll miss:

• Why legacy ERPs never worked for SMBs-and how GoodDay OS is actually built for Shopify brands, by Shopify operators.

• Seamless integration: manage everything without ever leaving Shopify.

• The magic of moving from scattered spreadsheets to a unified, trustworthy platform.

• Real stories: Brands that traded chaos for clarity (and unlocked serious growth).

• Transparent, revenue-based pricing-no sticker shock, no hidden fees.

Ready to experience what operational clarity really looks like? Don't miss this opportunity. Tools built by people who've actually run ecommerce businesses are the ones that make a genuine difference for your store.

[ LISTEN NOW ] → Unlock the clarity and control your brand deserves-before your competitors do.

💡 Knowledge Drops of the Week

Buying Backlinks for Shopify In 2025

Let's talk straight: buying backlinks isn't dead-it's evolved. In 2025, Shopify brands are playing a higher-stakes game where the right backlinks can boost your rankings dramatically, while poor choices can seriously harm your store's visibility. The era of cheap, mass-produced links is behind us. Today's successful brands use a smarter, more disciplined approach that helps them outperform bigger competitors with deeper pockets.

The truth is, winning stores aren't randomly throwing money at link brokers. They're strategically focusing on relevance, authority, and building real relationships with publishers. Imagine knowing exactly which paid links will actually improve your rankings, how to identify risky sources before they waste your budget, and how to create a natural mix of paid and organic links for a sustainable profile. That's what the Fastlane Framework offers-practical strategies, real examples, and a step-by-step plan you can apply to your own store.

If you want to:

• Get ahead of competitors with high-quality, niche-relevant backlinks that bring actual traffic

• Avoid Google penalties by carefully vetting every link source for real traffic and editorial standards

• Build a sustainable backlink strategy that grows your SEO value over time (instead of putting your domain at risk)

• Learn from DTC founders and SEO experts who've scaled using both paid and earned links-without negative consequences

The brands succeeding in 2025 view backlinks as strategic investments, not quick fixes. It's about making every link count-and I'll show you exactly how to do this, one step at a time.

[ READ NOW ] → See what your competitors wish they knew.

72% Higher Repeat Sales for Shopify Retailers

Are your customers buying once and disappearing? If you're still using basic customer lists or a generic CRM, you're missing out on serious revenue. I just published my hands-on review of Endear, the retail-specific CRM that's helping brands like REFORMATION and GANNI achieve up to 72% higher repeat purchase rates.

What makes this platform different? It transforms all that customer data you're already collecting into a personalized sales engine. Imagine turning passive browsers into loyal buyers with interactive lookbooks that double mobile conversions. Or sending perfectly timed, behavior-triggered messages that make customers feel like VIPs.

I've broken down exactly how top Shopify brands are using Endear to:

• Sync online and in-store purchase data for targeted follow-ups

• Create shoppable content that converts directly from emails and texts

• Build stronger customer relationships with personalized touchpoints

The full review includes pricing details, real case studies, and my take on whether it's worth adding to your tech stack. Ready to see what a 72% sales lift could look like for your store?

[ READ NOW ] → Learn about Endear and discover the strategies top Shopify retailers use to increase repeat sales and customer loyalty

🔥 Tool of the Week: Opensend – Turn Anonymous Traffic Into Revenue

Ever wondered who's browsing your Shopify store but leaving without a trace? Opensend is the clever tool that helps you identify those anonymous visitors and turn them into customers.

Here's why Shopify brands are loving Opensend in 2025:

• Capture Hidden Leads: Opensend identifies up to 30% of your anonymous site visitors and captures their verified emails-even when they don't fill out a form. This means you can potentially double your email list just by installing one tool.

• Privacy-Friendly Technology: Their AI-powered identity graph matches real humans (not bots) while keeping your data secure and compliant with current privacy laws.

• Works With Your Existing Tools: Installs quickly and syncs new leads directly to your Klaviyo or other email marketing platforms, automatically feeding them into your abandoned cart and welcome flows.

• Performance-Based Pricing: You only pay for new leads you actually receive, ensuring every dollar goes toward real, high-intent contacts.

• Proven Results: Brands using Opensend have seen 12x ROI and significant revenue increases within the first month of implementation.

If your store gets at least 15,000 monthly visitors, Opensend could help you capture revenue that's currently slipping through your fingers. The setup takes minutes, and their support team gets consistently high marks from users.

Want to see who's been window shopping on your store? Try Opensend for just $1 and watch your customer list grow.

[ TRY OPENSEND ] → See how much revenue you’re leaving on the table!

🚀 Keep Building, Keep Sharing, Keep Thriving!

Thanks for spending part of your Thursday with me and for being such a valuable part of the Fastlane community.

Your feedback shapes every edition of this newsletter, so hit reply and let me know what clicked with you, what you're currently testing in your store, or what topics you'd like to see covered next. I always enjoy hearing about your wins, challenges, and ideas.

Stay tuned for next week-I'll be sharing insights on community-driven growth strategies (which are becoming one of the most important factors for eCommerce success in 2025), fresh customer retention tactics, and a new tool that could give your Shopify store an immediate competitive advantage.

Keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible with your store, and I'll see you back here next Thursday!

– Steve
eCommerceFastlane.com