E158: Talking How To Make eCommerce Customers Your Biggest Influencers & Fans w/ Eugene Yao, eVouch

NAVIGATING THE WAVES OF DIGITAL COMMERCE WITH EUGENE YAO

In today's buzzing world of eCommerce and digital marketing, innovation is the name of the game. What's it really like to be at the forefront of this rapidly shifting landscape? At 'THE ECOMMERCE EDGE' Podcast host Jason Greenwood recently sat down with Eugene Yao, a bright mind and co-founder of eVouch, to dive into his journey and the innovative strides eVouch is making in the eCommerce space. For anyone riding the digital commerce wave, Eugene's story sheds light on the power of adaptation, innovation and the real impact of social proof in today's market.

FROM ACTING TO ECOMMERCE: EUGENE YAO'S UNCONVENTIONAL JOURNEY

Eugene Yao might look younger than his years but his journey through the tech industry is filled with notable achievements. Before diving head-first into the start-up world, Eugene explored the filming industry, dabbling in acting for around three years. However, his career took a significant turn after pursuing a computer science degree. His passion for technology led him to co-found Respondly, an intelligent chatbot platform catered to various industries. But Eugene's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there...

THE BIRTH AND PIVOT OF EVOUCH

The initial concept of eVouch came to Eugene in a rather unexpected way. While out at a cafe, he shared a photo of his meal on Instagram, which directly led to his friend visiting the same cafe minutes later. This sparked an idea: could there be a way to replicate this effect on a larger scale, leveraging customer promotion on social media? Thus, eVouch began as a restaurant marketplace app, rewarding users with discounts for sharing their dining experiences on Instagram.

However, the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges. With lockdowns forcing restaurants to close, eVouch's business model was put to the test. Eugene and his team made the crucial decision to pivot. eVouch transformed into a Shopify exclusive app, focusing on turning shoppers into micro-influencers. This shift wasn't just about survival; it was about tapping into the enormous potential of word-of-mouth marketing in the digital age.

LEVERAGING SOCIAL PROOF IN ECOMMERCE

The core of eVouch's strategy is simple yet powerful: convert your customers into your marketing force. By encouraging customers to share their purchases on Instagram stories, brands can exponentially increase their reach. This method taps into the trust and credibility inherent in personal recommendations, far surpassing the effectiveness of traditional ads. With the ever-increasing costs of customer acquisition, especially amidst the iOS privacy changes, eVouch's model offers a sustainable path to growth.

Eugene shared a prime example of eVouch's impact through Natural Patch, one of their early adopters. With just a minimal setup, Natural Patch saw 200 customers sharing their experiences, reaching 15,000 friends and family members. This level of engagement not only proves the concept but also highlights the potential reach and conversion power lying untapped in every business's existing customer base.

THE FUTURE OF EVOUCH: EXPANDING BEYOND DISCOUNTS

As eVouch continues to grow, Eugene and his team are exploring new incentives to motivate customers. From carbon offsetting to exclusive membership perks, the possibilities are endless. This approach aligns perfectly with the changing landscapes of both commerce and consumer values, where personalization and sustainability are becoming key differentiators.

THE TAKEAWAY

Eugene Yao's journey with eVouch is a testament to the power of innovation, flexibility, and the undeniable impact of social proof in today's digital commerce world. By turning customers into advocates, eVouch is not just helping brands navigate the challenges of the modern market but is also redefining the playbook for eCommerces uccess.

For any brand looking to thrive in the crowded digital marketplace, embracing the principles behind eVouch's success could be the key to unlocking untapped growth potential. Whether you're a start-up or an established player, the lesson is clear: in a world where authenticity and personal recommendations reign supreme, enabling and incentivizing your customers to share their love for your brand can lead to unprecedented growth.

To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: