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Free shipping looks like a no-brainer to boost sales online. Customers love it. Sellers think it’s a win. But it’s not that simple. I’m Raj Jha, and I’ve spent years advising companies on real strategies that grow profits—not just sales numbers. Today, I’m breaking down why free shipping might be costing you more than it’s worth, and what you should do instead.
Why Free Shipping Isn’t the Golden Ticket
At first glance, free shipping seems like an easy way to remove friction and get more buyers. You drop the shipping fee, customers don’t feel the extra cost, and they buy more, right? The research tells a different story.
Researchers at Dartmouth’s Tuck Business School studied this in depth. They published their findings in the Journal of Marketing Research under the paper titled Free Shipping and Product Returns. The takeaway: free shipping encourages customers to make riskier purchases.
Riskier purchases mean customers buy things they usually wouldn’t. Why? Because the shipping cost, which acts as a small brake, disappears. Without that friction, customers gamble on products they’re unsure about.
More buyers sound good until you realize what happens next: returns shoot up. Riskier purchases lead to more returns. Customers try things out and send them back because they weren’t fully committed to the buy in the first place.
Here’s the problem: returns eat into your profits. They cost you shipping fees, restocking, and sometimes the product can’t be resold at full price. So, free shipping boosts sales but also boosts returns. You have to weigh these two forces.
High-Risk vs. Low-Risk Products: What You Sell Matters
The researchers divided products into two buckets:
- High-risk products: Items hard to evaluate without seeing or touching them. Think jeans, bras, cosmetics, anything with fit, feel, or quality questions.
- Low-risk products: Items where customers know exactly what they’re getting. Vacuum cleaner bags, storage boxes, mirrors—products with little guesswork.
Free shipping mostly pushes up purchases in the high-risk category. Customers are more willing to gamble on that $250 pair of boots if they don’t have to pay shipping. But they also return more of those risky buys.
If you sell products that need to be tried before buying, free shipping is a double-edged sword. You get more sales, but you also get more returns.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Free Shipping’s Hidden Costs
The research showed free shipping increases order volume by 11%—a decent bump in sales.
But here’s the kicker: when you factor in the lost revenue from shipping fees and the cost of increased returns, your profits drop by 0.7%. That’s a net loss, not a win.
Compare that to other promotions like coupons, which have a very different impact.
Coupons vs. Free Shipping: What Actually Works
Coupons don’t just push high-risk purchases. They boost sales across the board—high-risk and low-risk items alike. That balanced growth means you’re not skewing your basket toward items prone to returns.
Because coupons don’t disproportionately encourage risky buys, your return rate doesn’t spike like it does with free shipping. That keeps your profit margins healthier.
The bottom line: coupons stay profitable for sellers. Free shipping often doesn’t.
How to Decide What Works for Your Business
Don’t assume free shipping is right for you just because it’s popular. The key is to test and measure.
Step 1: Classify Your Products
Go through your product catalog. Split your items into high-risk and low-risk buckets. Ask yourself:
- Which products need to be seen or touched to evaluate?
- Which have fit, style, or color issues that are hard to judge online?
- What does customer feedback and complaint data tell you about returns?
If your inventory leans heavily on high-risk items like fashion or gadgets with subjective quality, free shipping might do more harm than good.
Step 2: Run a Controlled Test
Run an experiment with your customers:
- Offer free shipping to one group.
- Offer a coupon (say, $10 off) to another group.
- Track sales, returns, and net profit per customer over a month.
This isn’t guesswork. It’s data-driven decision-making. The Dartmouth study ran this on over 700,000 customers and proved it works. Your data will tell you what’s better for your shop.
Step 3: Adjust Your Strategy
If free shipping leads to higher returns and lower profits, pivot. Use coupons or tiered discounts instead.
Tiered discounts are simple: spend $50, get 10% off. These incentives keep sales up without flooding you with returns like free shipping does.
Measure, scale what works, and drop what doesn’t.
Don’t Default to Free Shipping
Free shipping looks like a win until you see the hidden costs:
- Higher return rates
- Lost shipping revenue
- Lower net profits
- Unpredictable, unsustainable growth
Instead, focus on smarter incentives like loyalty rewards, tiered discounts, and targeted promotions that build lasting customer value and steady profits.
What Comes Next
If you want to grow your online business, don’t fall for the free shipping trap. It’s not about more sales. It’s about better profits. Use data, test your offers, and most importantly, know your products. The right strategy depends on what you sell and how your customers behave.
For more insights on scaling your business the scientific way, visit the CEO Workbench. And if you want to dive deeper into improving sales and customer loyalty without sacrificing profits, check out my guide on testing your way to success.
Ignoring customer reviews isn’t just a missed opportunity; it can cost you sales. Studies show that responding to your reviews in the right way can boost ratings, increase conversions, and strengthen your reputation. Yet, most businesses either ignore reviews or respond incorrectly, inadvertently hurting their sales.
Researchers from USC and Boston University investigated whether replying to reviews actually impacts businesses. They focused on hotels on TripAdvisor, but the findings are applicable to any business that receives online reviews. Spoiler alert: responding to reviews does move the needle, but there’s a catch. It not only changes your ratings but also alters how customers review you, potentially increasing negative reviews. Stick around, as we’ll cover how to turn even negative reviews into a win for your business.
Reviews are Make or Break
Online reviews are far from mere noise; they can make or break a business. The researchers found that when hotels began responding to reviews, their TripAdvisor ratings increased by an average of 0.12 stars. While that may seem small, it’s significant on a five-star scale where most ratings hover between 3 and 4.5 stars. This seemingly minor boost led to 27% of hotels improving their ratings by half a star within six months. Furthermore, they received 12% more reviews overall. More reviews and higher ratings? That sounds like a no-brainer, right?
However, there’s a twist. Responding to reviews not only garners praise but also leads to fewer, yet longer, negative reviews. Customers who feel scrutinized may either skip venting or decide to elaborate on their grievances, providing detailed accounts of their experiences. This dual outcome raises an important question: is responding to reviews worth it for your business?
What the Research Reveals
To understand this, we need to look at how the researchers conducted their study. They compared hotels that responded on TripAdvisor with their ratings on Expedia, where responses are rare. Using a method called “difference in differences,” they tracked ratings before and after hotels initiated responses. They even analyzed if guests who stayed at the same time rated differently based on whether they reviewed before or after a hotel responded.
The result was a clear increase: a 0.12 star boost and a 12% rise in the volume of reviews. This method can work for any business, whether you’re in retail, dentistry, or food service. The driving factor here is psychology. When you reply, customers feel heard. This acknowledgment makes them more likely to leave feedback—especially positive feedback. However, for negative reviews, it raises the stakes. Customers know you might call them out, which can lead to elaborate critiques.
Understanding the Trade-offs
What does this mean for your business? If you have a plethora of vague complaints, responding could help clarify those issues. However, brace yourself for more detailed critiques. The good news? You’ll likely receive fewer negative reviews overall, and the ones you do get will be longer and more constructive. This makes it easier to address specific concerns, which is beneficial for both you and future customers.
For instance, if you manage to get that 0.12 star boost, your rating might improve from 4.1 to 4.2 stars. While that’s not a massive leap, it can make you stand out from competitors. Additionally, that 12% increase in reviews means more opportunities for positive feedback. If you have 100 reviews, that’s 12 more chances to showcase your strengths or defend against negative comments.
Implementing a Review Response Strategy
So, how do you make this work without screwing it up? The research doesn’t provide a perfect response template, but it does hint at effective strategies. Here’s a three-step plan to respond like a pro:
- Reply to Everything: Yes, you read that right. Respond to positive, negative, and neutral reviews at about the same rate—around 31%. Every reply shows you’re engaged. Thank a five-star fan to keep them coming back and tackle the one-star rants to demonstrate transparency. Start with your most visible platforms—Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor—and respond to every review, even the older ones.
- Stay Professional: Negative reviews can become more detailed when you respond, as customers feel watched. Avoid getting defensive. Acknowledge their issue calmly, like, “We’re sorry that your meal was cold,” or “We’re sorry that shipping was delayed.” Offer a fix, a discount, or a promise to improve. This approach cuts short baseless complaints and builds trust with future readers of those reviews.
- Test and Track: This is not about guesswork. Understand what works for your business. Pick a 30-day window to respond to all reviews and measure your results. Did your average rating climb? Are you getting more reviews? Are the negatives longer but less frequent? The study shows that noticeable results can take about six months, but you can test faster than that.
Dealing with Longer Negative Reviews
One downside to this approach is that negative reviews may become more detailed, turning a simple complaint into a lengthy account of dissatisfaction. While that can be daunting, remember that the research indicates fewer negative reviews overall. Customers either skip venting or pour their hearts out in essays. For your business, this means you can choose between cleaner ratings with occasional deep dives or a pile of unchecked gripes.
Every review is an opportunity. It’s a chance to build trust, recover a dissatisfied customer, or showcase why people love your business. Responding isn’t merely about damage control; it’s about creating a strong, customer-focused brand that people trust over competitors.
What To Do Next
Responding to reviews isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. If you’re looking for a proven way to turn reviews into more sales, don’t miss the chance to implement this strategy. Remember, the goal isn’t just to manage your reputation; it’s to build a brand that resonates with your customers.
For more insights, visit the CEO Workbench for free resources on scaling your business scientifically: CEO Workbench. Also check out my book, The Business Unlock, for which shows how to set up your business for AI-ready scale.
Complaints are inevitable in business. They suck. No matter how much effort you put into getting results for your customers, things will go wrong. Ignoring problems only sets money on fire. There’s a way to handle complaints that can transform them into revenue. I’ve managed to turn complaints into over $90,000 in revenue. Here’s how you can do it too.
The Cost of Ignoring Complaints
Research shows that complaints can significantly impact your sales. A study by Marton Varga of Bocconi University and Paulo Albuquerque found that products were 41.8% less likely to be purchased if early reviews included a negative one. This is especially critical in the early days of your company. Each additional negative review reduces purchase likelihood by another 26.87%.
But it’s not just about reviews. Complaints on social media can hurt your business, too. A study from Belk College of Business found that responding to complaints on social media can damage your brand. This highlights the importance of minimizing complaints and handling them with care.
Three Strategies to Turn Complaints into Revenue
Ready to apply these strategies? Here are three effective ways to turn complaints into cash:
1. Use Humor
Your instinct when getting blasted might be to reply defensively. But research shows that a humorous response to a rude complaint increases purchase intentions by 18.3%. In contrast, a polite apology only increases intentions by 8.9%. Humor disarms criticism and shows you’re listening. If humor isn’t your style, combine a sincere apology with a touch of humor for maximum impact.
2. Take It Offline
Online flame wars lead to negative outcomes. Instead, create a specific channel for complaints—whether it’s email, DMs, or phone calls. Engaging directly with customers offline makes it easier to resolve issues and turn complaints into cash.
3. Conduct Exit Interviews
When you receive a complaint, treat it as an opportunity for an exit interview. This approach allows you to diffuse the situation and build a custom solution for the customer. Instead of losing them, you can reset the customer relationship and even turn angry customers into advocates. You can also create case studies that showcase how you addressed specific pain points, transforming negativity into an asset.
What To Do Next
Complaints don’t have to be a setback. They can be a powerful opportunity to enhance your business. By using humor, taking conversations offline, and conducting exit interviews, you can turn complaints into cash.
Are your ads doing more harm than good? If you’ve ever wondered why your campaigns aren’t delivering the results you expected, you’re not alone. The biggest mistakes advertisers make are also the easiest to fix. Today, I’ll show you how to run ads that engage prospects and create sales—not annoy them. You’ll learn why some ads drive prospects away and how to fix it using my 3-7-30 rule. Here’s the kicker: there’s one mistake that could ruin even the best ad strategy. Stick around to find out what it is and how to avoid it.
Think about the last time you were at a party, and someone you just met wouldn’t stop talking to you. They follow you around, repeating the same stories, completely oblivious to your growing irritation.
That’s exactly what most businesses do with their ads, costing them a lot. This idea is backed by research in a paper called Trade-offs in Online Advertising: Advertising Effectiveness and Annoyance Dynamics Across the Purchase Funnel. It tells us what happens when you annoy your customers, why you’re doing it, and what you can do about it.
Here’s a common scenario: you’re running ads, spending good money, but the conversions start dropping. You’re frustrated, wondering why your campaigns aren’t working. The answer might be that you’re showing the same creative too many times, actually pushing potential customers away. Even if you’ve heard of frequency capping, you might be using outdated rules of thumb instead of clear guidelines that research has shown work.
The Research
Researchers studied 5,000 people’s reactions to online ads, discovering how we should approach running our ads. Here’s the first rule: for people just becoming aware of a product, showing the same ad three times made nearly 40% of them annoyed.
… But here’s where it gets interesting: people who have already shown interest—maybe they’ve visited your website or searched for similar items—are way more tolerant. Only about 3% of them get annoyed after three views. However, push it to seven views, and over half of them start getting irritated.
It’s like that TV commercial that plays every single break during your favorite show. It starts out fine, but by the end, you are desperate for something else, telling yourself, “I’ll never buy from that advertiser.”
But there’s nuance based on your audience. If you’re talking to a younger audience, every five-year drop in age can boost annoyance levels by 7.4%. Younger consumers grew up with countless notifications and ads, so they’re wired to tune out repetitive marketing.
On the other hand, wealthier audiences see a 6.1% jump in frustration for every additional $10,000 in income. They have more options and higher expectations, so they have no patience for being bombarded by the same ad. If you’re marketing to the affluent, setting your advertising limits lower pays off.
For more educated demographics, every extra year of schooling increases annoyance by 3%. They tend to be critical thinkers, and if you’re repeating the same message, they’ll notice and won’t be happy about it.
The 3-7-30 Rule
Now, let’s break down the 3-7-30 rule, a framework that can transform your ad strategy.
First, cap the exposure at three views for people at the awareness stage—those just discovering your brand. Why three? Because the majority of them aren’t ready for deeper engagement. Pushing more views too soon irritates them, causing brand damage and usually getting low ROI.
Next, for people who have already shown genuine interest—like those who visited your website or added something to their cart—you can increase the number of ads they see to seven views. At this point, they’re in research mode. Repeated exposure won’t bug them as quickly; in fact, they often welcome extra information. But don’t keep slamming them with the same ad. Use several different ads, each doing one of three things: talking about a different benefit of your product, answering a specific objection, or using testimonials.
Finally, no matter where your prospects are in your funnel, review your creative every 30 days. Consider if it needs a refresh. If any ads are showing fatigue or not performing like they used to, rotate them out. This ensures you’re not showing the same images and copy for too long—even to your loyal fans. People get bored quickly, and fresh angles keep you top of mind without becoming annoying.
When people first encounter your product, they’re passively receiving information. Repeated exposure feels like interruption. But once a prospect shows interest, everything changes. They want to learn more. Think about researching a new phone; you’ll happily look at multiple reviews and comparisons. But if that exact same ad keeps popping up, it becomes annoying. So, apply the 3-7-30 rule and you’ll not only save your ad budget but also scale your business.
Think about the last time you received a handwritten note. Maybe it was a Christmas card from your grandmother or a love letter that meant the world to you. There’s something special about handwritten messages that email just can’t match. Today, I’ll show you how this simple insight can double your customer spending, backed by scientific research. Stay tuned until the end, as I’ll reveal how to turbocharge this strategy and one mistake that can ruin it-
The Study
A fascinating study from the University of Maryland and Yonsei University found that when customers received a handwritten thank you note, their future spending doubled. It went from $25.97 to $527 after receiving just one simple note. This represents a 10.5% increase from a small gesture.
I applied the same strategy when I ran a marketing agency (though it works for any kind of company). I transformed my pricing model, charging clients from $1,800 a month to over $20,000 a month in part by adding more human touch. Now, back to the study. Here’s the kicker which makes this easy: even a high-quality photocopy of a handwritten note worked just as well as the original. The key was the human touch, not the original ink on paper.
Luxury brands like the Ritz Carlton use handwritten notes as part of their customer service strategy. So do ultra high-end consumer good. If the world’s top luxury brands are doing this, what does that tell us about its effectiveness? If you implement this strategy, you’ll be associated with quality and luxury too.
The Implementation
Now, how do you make this work in your business? The research showed three critical findings:
- Notes work best with existing customers, not cold prospects. They need to have a relationship with you, like having bought something from you once.
- Do not combine these notes with discounts or free gifts. That reduces the effect. Discounts and free gifts are separate strategies.
- A simple “Dear Customer” works. You don’t need extensive personalization.
You might be thinking, “I can’t write hundreds of notes by hand.” Let me share a story about Joe Gerard, the world’s greatest car salesman, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. He was famous for sending out thousands of personal notes and greeting cards every month to current and former customers. Over his career, he sold 13,001 cars—about 867 cars a year. Most car salesmen sold about 100 to 120 cars a year. That’s a massive difference.
He did it the hard way, writing all these notes by hand. You could do that, or hire an assistant. But with modern technology, it’s even easier. Companies like Handwritten, Simply Noted, and Scrib can do this for you. Some have real people writing the letters; others use robots with real pens that make the handwriting indistinguishable from a person’s. Some can even connect your CRM to the writing service for high-volume sending.
Best Times to Use Handwritten Notes
Let’s look at the best times to use handwritten notes:
- Post-purchase follow-up: Thank customers for their purchase and welcome them to your brand family.
- Customer service recovery: Turn negative experiences into positive memories.
- Business milestones: Celebrate customer anniversaries or acknowledge loyalty program achievements.
- Special occasions: Send birthday acknowledgments or holiday greetings. For holidays, consider sending letters on Thanksgiving rather than Christmas, as they stand out more.
Handwritten notes create what I call a memory anchor. They connect your business to the same emotional place as family members and love letters. In a world full of digital noise, that is incredibly powerful.
Do This Next
The science is clear: handwritten notes can double your customer spending. Luxury brands are already doing it, and now you have the research and practical steps to implement it in your business. Want to learn more? Check out CEOworkbench.com
Did you know that there’s a specific kind of nudge in sales that can triple your conversions without being high-pressure or sleazy? Early in my sales career, I used the typical tactics like “limited time offer” or “only two left” to drive sales. Sure, that boosted sales in the short term, but it also led to high returns and customer regret. Honestly, pressuring people feels icky, and I’ve generated over $440 million in sales without resorting to scare tactics. It’s all about real urgency that boosts conversions while keeping returns low.
Recent academic research “The Effect of Pressure and Self-Assurance Nudges on Product Purchases and Returns in Online Retailing” revealed how to achieve this. This article breaks down this study and shows how you can apply it in the real world to triple your sales.
First, what’s a nudge? Think of nudges as subtle signals that guide action without forcing the customer. By the end of this article, you’ll learn:
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How to get sales results without high pressure.
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How to reduce customer regret and returns.
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Exactly how to implement this in your business, all backed by scientific research.
Let’s face it, being too salesy is cringe-worthy. You know it and the prospects know it. The numbers we’ll discuss show that this approach backfires spectacularly. Some people go the opposite route, saying, “Take all the time you need, here’s some information.” While that feels polite, it often leads to lost sales because customers aren’t guided toward a decision. Feeling good doesn’t pay the rent.
This is where the nudge comes in. A nudge is that gentle prompt, like saying, “Order today for 48-hour shipping,” instead of “Buy now or you’ll regret it forever.” One clarifies a benefit without panic, while the other slaps you in the face with stress. There’s a huge difference between a nudge and a pressure tactic.
Now, what does the research tell us? Researchers from NYU’s Stern Business School, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Dongguk University studied the effects of different nudges on online shoppers. They found that:
- Time pressure nudges increased sales from 2.4% to 6.9%, almost tripling, but returns also soared from 0.5% to 2.2%—more than a 4x increase.
- Social pressure nudges went up 5.1%, but returns crept up from 0.5% to 1.3%.
- Reassuring nudges, however, saw returns drop dramatically by 69.3% compared to pressuring nudges. This suggests that when customers feel confident, they keep their purchases and come back for more.
The bottom line? You want the increased sales of these nudges without the large spike in returns, and that’s what a reassuring nudge can deliver.
If you’re ready to apply these tactics fast, I’ve created a free mini-masterclass called Scale with Science. No hype, just proven methods to lift sales and keep customers happy for the long haul. Click the link to grab it.
So, how do you spark urgency without pushing people over the edge? Here are some non-pushy nudge ideas that build momentum and get results:
- Look at Zappos. They allow customers to return items up to 365 days later. This might sound insane, but it reassures people. Harvard Business Review noted that Zappos built customer loyalty and reduced returns long-term. When people trust you, they’re less likely to bail.
- Here are some templates to apply this:
- Order by this date for this benefit: e.g., “Order by October 30th for priority shipping.”
- 72 people chose this option in the last 7 days: This shows popularity without screaming “You must do it now.”
- Limited stock due to demand: Honest as long as it’s true, but keep it factual, not frantic.
Now, let’s ensure you implement this correctly to avoid creeping returns. Combine the most effective nudge, which is time pressure, with a reassuring nudge. Here’s how:
Four Steps to Implement Nudges in Your Sales Process
- Identify Pressure Points: Look through your sales pages, emails, and ads for anything that screams “hurry” or “act now.” Does it feel helpful or pushy? Rephrase to calmly state a benefit or real deadline.
- Layer in Reassurance: Add size charts, product demonstrations, photos, or success stories. Clarify your return and refund policies early in the sales process. People don’t mind urgency if they feel safe making the purchase.
- Track Key Metrics: Watch your conversion rates, churn rates, and time on page. If you notice returns creeping up, it might mean you’re leaning too hard on hype. Offset that with more credibility.
- Watch for Overload: Too many disclaimers or too much information can sabotage your message. Keep it concise and clear.
Always measure these before and after changes. Are you seeing fewer returns? Are conversions up? Used correctly, nudges boost your revenue while keeping returns low. They shift from letting customers think forever to gently guiding them toward a decision.
To save you time, I’ve compiled key lessons from generating over $440 million in revenue. You can watch the full breakdown and actionable insights by clicking here.
What if you could boost your revenue by nearly 50% just by changing how you make your ads? If you’re like most companies, you’re leaving a lot of profit on the table by relying solely on static images. A groundbreaking study from Babson College reveals that customers are willing to pay 45% more for products showcased in video rather than static images. But here’s the kicker—most businesses are using video wrong, and it’s hurting their conversion rates.
In this article, I’ll show you how to properly utilize video in your ads, based on scientific research, including surprising findings about video orientation that could double your engagement rates. Plus, I’ll reveal the specific video format proven to increase view completion rates.
Understanding the Power of Video Ads
A recent study conducted by Babson College and the University of Miami found that when people were shown a premium hotel room in video format, 81% chose it compared to just 52% when they saw static images. That’s a massive difference… Think of video as giving your customers a test drive of your product or service. Instead of just staring at a parked car, they get to see it in action.
Major companies are already capitalizing on this insight. For instance, in 2017, Amazon introduced product videos across their platform because they recognized that dynamic presentations drive sales. But there’s more—this study also looked at price resistance. When a premium coffee maker was shown in video format, people were willing to pay $43.30 on average, compared to just $29.91 for the same product shown in static images.
This raises an important question: is video production worth the investment? Let’s do some quick math. If you sell a premium product for $100 and video can increase willingness to pay by 45%, you’re looking at a potential revenue of $145 per sale. Even with a modest conversion rate, the return on investment becomes clear.
How to Implement Video Ads Effectively
Let’s break down how to apply these findings to your e-commerce product pages, and later, we’ll touch on other types of businesses.
- Before I dive into the exact framework for creating high-converting video ads, I have a free mini-masterclass called Scale with Science. This will give you a shortcut to scaling your business, including my step-by-step method for implementing video ads that convert.
Choosing the Right Video Format
Research from Ghent University has revealed that not just any video will do. They found that vertical video ads had a 57% completion rate compared to 43% for horizontal videos. Engagement rates were also significantly higher—55% for vertical versus 45% for horizontal. Major brands, including Airbnb, have adapted to this reality by implementing seamless vertical image slideshows.
Understanding how people use their devices is crucial. Innovative companies are now creating vertical captures for software demos that feel native to mobile viewing, resulting in higher engagement and better completion rates, leading to more conversions.
Three Simple Steps to Implement Video Ads
1. Start with Your Best Static Ads: Identify your highest-performing static ads—those that sell products with emotional or experiential benefits. For instance, if you’re selling hotel rooms or spas, dynamic presentations can increase preferences by nearly 30%.
2. Shoot in Vertical Format: When creating video content, shoot in vertical format first. Remember those completion rates I mentioned? People are less likely to rotate their phones, which means they’re more likely to keep watching.
3. Test with Different Audiences: Younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, process vertical video content more fluently than older generations. Tailor your formats based on your target demographic.
If you’re concerned about production costs, start with simple dynamic presentations like image slideshows. Studies show that even basic dynamic formats outperform static images in driving premium product selection.
Remember, the way you present your products can significantly impact your sales. So, get started on those video ads and watch your revenue grow-
I believed the “exit strategy myth” and it cost me 3 years of my life.
Let me save you from this evil trap.
I used to think success looked like this:
- Start company
- Work 24/7 for 5-8 years
- Exit for millions
- Finally be “happy”
What a fucking spectacular lie.
The truth? I watched countless entrepreneurs achieve their “dream exit” only to feel empty 3 months later.
I’ve been there too.
After selling my second business, I had the cash but felt utterly lost. The post-exit depression hit HARD. Nobody talks about this part.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me:
Less than 4% of businesses sell for life-changing money. You’re basically playing the lottery while sacrificing your prime years.
I’ll never get the years I missed with young kids back. I want them back.
Is that a gamble you’re really willing to take?
Instead, try the approach that transformed my relationship with entrepreneurship:
- Reverse engineer from your LIFE, not your exit
Start by asking: “What would make me happy on a random Tuesday in 20 years?”
Not “what business can I sell?” but “what life do I actually want?”
- Choose your entrepreneurial path intentionally:
THE CASH FLOW KING:
- Build once, profit forever
- Limit work to 15-20 hours weekly
- Location independence
- Complete control of your time
THE BUILDER:
- Create systems that run without you
- Build multiple businesses simultaneously
- Take extended time off between ventures
- Advisory role only
THE MOONSHOT (tread carefully):
- Venture-backed, high-risk approach
- 99.99999% fail completely
- Requires total life sacrifice
- Ask yourself: “If I fail, will it still be worth it?”
Here’s the question that changed everything for me:
“If I had to live the same exact workday, with the same schedule, same problems, same rewards… FOREVER… would I be happy?”
If the answer is no, you’re building the wrong business.
Don’t sacrifice a decade of happiness for a “maybe” payday that statistics say probably won’t happen.
A miserable centi-millionaire is still miserable.
I’ve coached dozens founders through this process, and the ones who designed businesses to support their ideal life (not the other way around) were consistently happier.
Even before the imaginary exit.