Hey Reader,

I've been diving deep into building e-commerce brands and wanted to share some key takeaways that really clicked with me. It's all about figuring out what to sell and how to make it awesome. Honestly, it's not as scary as it seems.

Even if you don't have an e-commerce brand, the insights in this email are still valuable. The strategies for understanding your audience, testing ideas, and leveraging social media can help any business or project. Whether you're starting something new or improving an existing venture, these tips can guide you to success.

Here's the lowdown:

1. It's Not Just About the Product Many people think you need a groundbreaking idea to start, but it's more about finding something that fits your audience and that you can market well. Don't get too hung up on finding the perfect product. You can test lots of ideas at once and see what gets traction.
2. Solve a Problem or Make It Look Good When coming up with product ideas, think about these two angles:
   • Solve a Problem: Even a small one, like a better way to carry gym shoes.
   • Offer an Aesthetic: If you can't fix a problem, what kind of look or vibe can you create that people will want? Think about the overall look, feel, and the story behind your brand.
3. Test, Test, Test Don't just launch a bunch of stuff and hope it works. Sample a bunch of things and see what gets a good reaction. How?
   • Wear Your Samples: See if you get compliments.
   • Post Online: See what gets comments and engagement.
   • Take It to Events: See what people are drawn to.
4. Don't Be Afraid to Share Don't keep your ideas secret. Post about your samples, your tools, everything! You'll get valuable feedback.
5. Think Beyond Just Online Sales While e-commerce is great, don't forget about retail. Having a physical presence in stores means you move way more inventory. Start making connections with buyers, go to trade shows, and get your line sheet ready.
6. Social Media Is Your Friend When launching a brand, social media should be top of mind. But don't just do the same old thing. Make content that stands out. Maybe focus on a theme or a community that goes along with the brand.
7. Consider Doing It "TV Style" Think of your brand like a TV show with characters, storylines, and a schedule of content. Also, think about any "enemies" or "competitors" that would create drama. What will make your content different from all the other brands out there?
8. Go for Depth Over Breadth Instead of trying to sell everything, focus on building deeper connections with your audience. Find what works and really go deep with that, instead of expanding into a ton of random stuff.
9. Experiences and Partnerships Are Key Think about offering more than just products, like challenges, events, or meetups. Partner with other brands to reach new audiences and build your brand's story. Don't just do a collab t-shirt. Build something more meaningful.
10. Local Is the New Global Don't forget to tap into your local community and focus on building a presence where you are. Make content that really resonates with people nearby, and it will also appeal to those interested in your location.
11. Don't Get Caught Up in "Big Numbers" It's better to have a smaller group of people who are really into your stuff than a huge audience that's not engaged. You can have a much stronger, more profitable business if you focus on the right people.
12. Always Be Experimenting The e-commerce space is always changing. Try new things and see what sticks. Don't be afraid to change course if something's not working.

I know it seems like a lot, but if you take it step by step, you can totally build something awesome. I'll keep digging into this stuff and share more as I delve deeper.

Let me know what you think or if anything jumps out at you.

Tristan