E86: Talking eCommerce Startup Tech Journeys w/ Nick Raushenbush, Shogun
UNPACKING ECOMMERCE SUCCESS WITH SHOGUN CO-FOUNDER Nick Raushenbush
In the rapidly evolving eCommerce sector, technology continuously reshapes how brands interact with their customers. From enhancing user experiences to integrating cutting-edge solutions, understanding the underpinnings of successful eCommerce platforms can significantly impact business strategies. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nick Raushenbush the co-founder and COO of Shogun, a leading force in improving eCommerce through innovative technology.
THE GENESIS OF SHOGUN
The story of Shogun's inception is quite intriguing. Nick and his co-founder Finbarr Taylor embarked on their journey back in 2015. They noticed a gap in the market where eCommerce platforms were not supplying adequate tools for robust website and page-building capabilities. Shogun was born out of a need to empower brands to enhance their eCommerce experiences without complicating the underlying tech infrastructure. Initially aimed at being a dynamic page builder for frameworks like Ruby on Rails, Shogun pivoted to eCommerce when they discovered a significant demand from Shopify users.
EVOLUTION IN eCommerce AND SHOGUN'S ADAPTATION
Shogun has developed two main products that cater to diverse needs within the eCommerce space. The first, Shogun Page Builder, is a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that integrates seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce. This tool allows merchants to create custom pages that elevate the shopping experience without needing deep technical knowledge.
Their latest innovation, Shogun Frontend, tackles a different aspect of eCommerce. It's an end-to-end platform designed for headless commerce, which acknowledges the increasing trend toward decoupling the front and back ends of eCommerce websites. This approach not only aids in creating faster, more responsive websites but also in managing dynamic content more efficiently.
ADDRESSING MARKET NEEDS WITH HEADLESS COMMERCE
The concept of headless commerce might sound daunting, but it essentially means separating the front-end design of a site from the backend infrastructure, which handles data management and business logic. This separation allows for greater flexibility and performance optimizations. Shogun Frontend provides a solution that simplifies the transition to headless commerce for businesses by integrating seamlessly with existing eCommerce platforms. It also addresses common pain points such as site speed and the integration of third-party applications, which can often slow down eCommerce sites.
THE FUTURE OF eCommerce TOOLS
Looking forward, Shogun continues to innovate by closely monitoring eCommerce trends and evolving customer expectations. As more businesses seek solutions that offer greater flexibility and enhance user experience, Shogun’s tools could play a pivotal role in how eCommerce platforms evolve to meet these demands.
This shift is evident in their proactive approach to integrating with new technologies and platforms, ensuring that Shogun remains at the forefront of the eCommerce technology sector. Their ability to adapt and innovate not only supports the growth of their clients' businesses but also pushes the entire eCommerce industry forward.
CONCLUSION
Nick's insights into the development and future of eCommerce are invaluable for any business looking to refine its online presence. Shogun’s journey from a simple page builder to a comprehensive eCommerce solution exemplifies the type of evolutionary thinking necessary to succeed in today’s digital marketplace. Whether you are a small startup or a large enterprise, understanding and utilizing advanced eCommerce tools can create more engaging and effective customer interactions, ultimately leading to greater business success. With tools like Shogun, businesses have more power than ever to tailor their eCommerce environments to meet both current and future needs.
To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: