How to build a successful e-commerce store with no technical background. Presented by Cody McKibben (Thrilling Heroics) and Jun Loayza (RewardMe)

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1 How to build a successful e-commerce store with no technical background Presented by Cody McKibben (Thrilling Heroics) and Jun Loayza (RewardMe) Cody Jun

2 Background UCLA 2007: B.A. in Economics and Philosophy Left the corporate world after 3 months Failed 2 companies from Successfully sold 2 companies from Closed deals with Whole Foods Market, Sephora, Levi s, and Activision Raised over $1,000,000 in Angel funding Current full-time startup: RewardMe Current lifestyle business: Minted Republic

3 Minted Republic Overview Launched in February 2012 Currently generates over $10,000 in revenue 5 hours of work or less per week 2 partners

4 How to get started The 1st steps to take

5 Why did we choose an online boutique for women s apparel?

6 Establish partners that compliment each other 1. Joseph (Equity): Advertising and Operations 2. Rees (Equity): Development 3. Jun (Equity): Accounting, legal, overall management 4. Christine (Commission): Stylist 5. Kevin (Paid): Photographer

7 Find the manufacturer and negotiate Joseph (partner in Los Angeles) Met with 10 companies in the garment district Set up meetings for me to negotiate and close a deal Terms negotiated We hold no inventory (drop-ship model) We get access to their entire collection (sold to LA boutiques) We pay wholesale prices Manufacturer ships product to customers Manufacturer receives 10% of the profits

8 Build and design the e-commerce store Platform: Shopify Professional $60/month Theme: Shopify premium theme $200 Customized the premium theme Joseph: designed based on premium theme structure Rees: coded the design

9 Model + Photography Catalog and Lookbook shoot

10 Core principle: Copy what works

11 We modeled our site after Nasty Gal

12 Model: Lauren Found on Model Mayhem Cost: $400/day Utilized Kevin s account to reach out to her

13 Photography Team Kevin and Felix: lead photographers Christine: Hair and makeup Cost $3,500 per day $5 per final image Location Studio: Kevin s house Stylist Christine: founder of the manufacturing partner company 10% of profits (from terms) Clothing + Accessories Manufacturing partner gives us samples for the shoot Christine brings accessories from her closet Buy and return from stores

14 Drive Traffic: advertising and SEO

15 Advertising: what did NOT work Google Adwords Facebook Ads

16 Advertising: what DID work Banner ads on fashion blogs Sponsored reviews with fashion bloggers Giveaways with fashion bloggers Giveaway spike

17 Advertising: cost breakdown Type Cost Payment Type Banner ads $50 - $200 per month Sponsored review Free - $200 per review Giveaway Free - $100 per giveaway

18 Prime placement Negotiated with fashion bloggers to get prime placement on site

19 Search engine optimization Anchor text on all sponsored reviews and giveaways Get links from popular fashion sites: Lookbook.nu Chictopia Alt tags for all product images

20 Improve conversions + marketing How to make the sell

21 How we improved conversions Free shipping and 365-day return policy Grapevine reviews Featured items on the home page that were mentioned by fashion bloggers Gave fashion bloggers a widget to embed our product on their blog

22 How we use s Platform of choice: Mailchimp How we collect s: Fashion blogger giveaways On-site: customer can opt-into our newsletter What we send via Style inspirations Announcement of new collection Promotions

23 What s next for Minted Republic

24 Upcoming projects Hire social media manager Launch Minted Republic blog Create a network of fashion bloggers Expand manufacturing partners

25 Jun Loayza President of Minted Republic