E136: Talking How to Build an eCommerce App Ecosystem from Scratch w/ Jay Myers, Bold Commerce
NAVIGATING THE TRENCHES OF DIGITAL AND ECOMMERCE: INSIGHTS FROM BOLD COMMERCE'S CO-FOUNDER
In the dynamic world of digital and eCommerce, navigating the landscape requires more than just a solid plan; it demands insights from those who've been in the trenches, crafting solutions that drive significant impact. This was the focal point of an engaging podcast episode with Jason Greenwood, host of the At the Coalface podcast, where he sat down with Jay Myers, the co-founder of Bold Commerce.
THE GENESIS OF BOLD COMMERCE
Bold Commerce, a name synonymous with innovation in the Shopify app world, was co-founded by Jay Myers over a decade ago. Starting as a store owner on Shopify, Myers transitioned into developing apps that would not only solve complex eCommerce problems but also set the course for how online stores leverage technology. From launching its first app in 2012 to becoming the largest app vendor on the Shopify app store, Bold Commerce's journey is a testament to understanding and responding to the evolving needs of digital commerce.
PIVOTING TOWARDS CUSTOM CHECKOUT AND HEADLESS COMMERCE
One of the most remarkable transitions in Bold Commerce's growth trajectory is its pivot towards custom checkout solutions and headless commerce functionality. This shift was born out of the necessity to cater to unique brand requirements, transcending the capabilities of standard eCommerce platforms. The initial custom checkout projects for brands like Time Life showcased Bold's ability to innovate around customer needs, laying the groundwork for its API-based, platform-agnostic checkout solutions.
BUILDING A SWISS ARMY KNIFE FOR SHOPIFY
Bold Commerce's approach to addressing eCommerce challenges was unique. Instead of spreading thin across multiple platforms, Myers and his team decided to deepen their understanding of one platform — Shopify. This led to the creation of over 36 apps, earning them the reputation of a Swiss Army knife for Shopify users. Their suite of apps not only solved standalone problems but were also designed to work synergistically, offering a more cohesive toolset for merchants.
EVOLVING WITH THE INDUSTRY: THE SUBSCRIPTION MODEL
The evolution of Bold Commerce's subscription app highlights an important shift in the eCommerce industry: from viewing subscriptions as a feature to recognizing it as a core business model. This transformation required a deeper, more flexible approach, allowing brands to manage subscriptions through various touchpoints, including SMS and voice interfaces. Bold's forward-thinking strategy in developing an API-first subscription solution underscores its commitment to staying ahead of market demands.
THE FUTURE OF ECOMMERCE: CHECKOUT FLOWS AND THE METAVERSE
As eCommerce continues to evolve, two areas poised for significant impact are checkout flows and the metaverse. Myers sheds light on the concept of checkout flows, emphasizing the need for customizable, context-aware checkout experiences that cater to the unique needs of different customer segments. Furthermore, the discourse around the metaverse suggests a future where the platforms we sell on may become less relevant, making way for a more integrated and immersive digital commerce environment.
CONCLUSION: THE CONSTANT EVOLUTION OF DIGITAL COMMERCE
The insights shared by Jay Myers alongside Jason Greenwood, offer a compelling look into the journey of Bold Commerce and the broader shifts within the digital and eCommerce landscape. As the industry marches towards increasingly customized, user-centric solutions and navigates the promising yet uncharted territories of the metaverse, the lessons from the trenches shared in this podcast are invaluable. For businesses and entrepreneurs looking to leave a mark in the digital commerce space, embracing flexibility and forward-thinking innovation will be key to thriving in this ever-evolving domain.
To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: