2/4/26

Episode Summary

Scott selects several real Shopify stores by searching a specific long-tail query (“Valentine’s gift for wife of 30 years”) and examines how they appear in different search experiences (Google Search, Google Shopping, Google Gemini) and how well the stores are optimized for that query.

He walks through multiple Shopify stores and product pages to evaluate how they communicate value, structure their content, and use structured data (for things like holiday relevance), highlighting areas where many stores could better tailor for specific shopping scenarios like Valentine’s.

Throughout the episode he discusses practical aspects such as SEO structured data, visual merchandising, how stores promote seasonal offers, and accessibility (e.g., ADA compliance scores).

The episode is focused on actionable insights to help Shopify merchants improve product visibility and on-site experience by learning from real examples.

Show Links

Products

 * Artic Angel - https://articangel.com/products/special-gift-for-wife-i-cant-live-without-you-gold-heart-necklace
 * Bearaby - https://bearaby.com/products/the-napper
 * Lola Blankets - https://lolablankets.com/products/rosewater
 * Master & Dynamic - https://www.masterdynamic.com/products/mw75-active-noise-cancelling-wireless-headphones
 * Prime Choice - https://primechoiceshop.com/products/i-cant-live-without-you-to-my-wife-necklace-1
 * Pure Enrichment - https://pureenrichment.com/products/purebliss-luxury-towel-warmer

Apps



 * Datify - https://apps.shopify.com/datify
 * Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla
 * Linear Shopping Experiences - https://apps.shopify.com/linear-shopping-experience

Video & Transcript 

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-178-lets-review-some-shopify-stores

Episode 178 - Let's Review some Shopify Stores

1/21/26

Episode Summary

The host, Scott Austin, talks with Jordan Brannon from Coalition about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for online stores and why it has become a major concern for Shopify merchants. They discuss how ADA compliance is currently not clearly defined in law, leading to a surge in lawsuits from attorneys targeting e-commerce sites.

Key points covered include:

 * What ADA compliance means for online stores and why it matters domestically in the U.S. context.
 * How stores built with Shopify themes may be partially compliant out-of-the-box but often require additional work, especially after customizations or apps are added.
 * Tools and practices that help evaluate and improve accessibility, such as contrast checks and alt text for images.
 * Limitations of low-cost ADA apps and the need for deeper adjustments like CSS changes and structured content.
 * Discussion on when to bring in an agency for compliance support and what to look for in a partner.

Overall, the episode emphasizes that ADA compliance is important for accessibility and legal risk reduction, but achieving it requires more than just add-on tools — it involves careful evaluation and ongoing effort.

Show Links

 * Coalition - https://coalitiontechnologies.com/
 * Wave Evaluation Tool for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofh
 * axe DevTools Web Accessibility Testing for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbdd
 * Accessibly Shopify app - https://apps.shopify.com/accessibly-app?ref=835204
 * AccessPro Accessibility Widget - https://apps.shopify.com/access-pro?ref=835204
 * Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla

Video & Transcript 

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-177-ada-compliance-with-jordan-brannon

Episode 177 - ADA Compliance in Shopify Stores

1/7/26

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Scott Austin appears as a guest on the Day in a Canoe Podcast, hosted by Nathan Mersereau. They discuss Scott’s personal and professional journey, including his early life growing up in Connecticut, his decade in the U.S. Coast Guard, 12 years at Microsoft, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Scott also talks about his work with Shopify brands through the JadePuma agency and shares his perspective on technology—especially AI—and how he uses it effectively while being mindful of its limitations. The conversation highlights broader themes of true wealth, curiosity, relationships, and lifelong learning rather than focusing solely on ecommerce topics.

Show Links

 * Day in a Canoe Podcasts - https://planningalt.com/insights/tag/day-in-a-canoe-podcasts
 * Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-176-day-in-a-canoe-podcast

Episode 176 - Day in a Canoe Podcast

12/24/25

Episode Summary

Guest & Topic

 * Host Scott Austin brings on attorney Brenda Pagliaro to explain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance as it applies to e-commerce websites, especially Shopify stores.

Key Points

 * ADA compliance requirements are complex and evolving, and many store owners are confused about what they must do to make their sites accessible. 
 * Pagliaro outlines background on the ADA, how accessibility regulations are interpreted for websites, and why online stores often get targeted with demand letters and lawsuits. 
 * There is no guaranteed way to prevent getting sued; the focus should be on mitigating risk by implementing accessibility practices, documentation, processes, and using tools (like accessibility apps), though none are a silver bullet. 
 * Many cases settle before court, but even settlements and legal defense can be costly for small stores. 

Practical Takeaways

 * Ecommerce site owners should take ADA compliance seriously, proactively prepare for potential claims, and combine accessibility tools with internal policies and ongoing review to reduce legal risk.

Show Links

 * Brenda Pagliaro - brendapagliarollc@gmail.com or brenda@mediationworksfl.com
 * Brand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendar

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-175-talking-ada-compliance-with-an-attorney

Episode 175 - Talking ADA Compliance with an Attorney

12/10/25

Episode Summary

🎙️ What the episode is about

 * The episode is actually the host — Scott Austin of JadePuma — being interviewed on another podcast, where he reflects on running a Shopify-focused agency, his career journey, and what it takes to build a sustainable ecommerce business.
 * Scott describes how JadePuma serves mostly smaller or early-stage Shopify stores — founders and small teams, rather than big brands. He emphasizes his preference to work directly with decision-makers.

🔎 Key Themes & Lessons

 * Running a Shopify-only agency — Scott explains why he chose to focus exclusively on Shopify (vs. other platforms or marketplaces): because Shopify offers flexibility, control over your storefront, and strong infrastructure.
 * Consistency and work ethic over “overnight success” — He warns against the “get-rich-quick” narratives. According to Scott, building a successful ecommerce business — or agency — takes persistent effort, long hours, and gradual progression.
 * The hardest part is often customer acquisition and growth scaling — Scott says that while product creation or building the website/platform may seem hard, finding customers (and then retaining them) is the real, ongoing challenge.
 * One flexible theme + repeatable processes = scalability across niches — He claims that using a single well-known theme (in his case a “Flex” theme) and mastering it lets him quickly deploy stores across various industries, without needing different themes for each niche.
 * Growth comes from cumulative daily effort, not shortcuts — He shares a real client example whose revenue multiplied ~20× over a few years. The key: sticking with a plan, iterating consistently — even when progress seems slow — instead of chasing quick wins or marketing hype.

✅ Main Takeaway

Scott’s core message: building a Shopify-based business (or agency) is “hard work.” It’s not glamorous or immediate success. It requires discipline, consistency, honest effort over the long haul. There are no shortcuts — but with steady execution, small wins compound over time.

Show Links

- Badgezilla: https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-174-this-shopify-stuff-is-hard-work

Episode 174 - This Shopify Stuff is Hard Work

11/26/25

Episode Summary

Host Scott Austin interviews his business partner Charles Swayne about how app-development for Shopify has matured—especially via the newer “extension only” app model released in 2023.  They cover the differences between public apps, private apps, and extension-only apps, and share real-world examples of how these new capabilities are being used to solve client problems more cost-effectively.

Show Links 

 * Discount Code Report - http://seguno.com/unique-discount-code-benchmarks 
 * Cara - cara@seguno.com 
 * Becky - becky@caddislife.com 

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-173-discount-codes-in-shopify

Episode 173 - Discount Codes in Shopify

11/12/25

Episode Summary

Host Scott Austin interviews his business partner Charles Swayne about how app-development for Shopify has matured—especially via the newer “extension only” app model released in 2023.  They cover the differences between public apps, private apps, and extension-only apps, and share real-world examples of how these new capabilities are being used to solve client problems more cost-effectively.

Show Links 



 * Charles Swayne - https://jadepuma.com/charles
 * Linear Shopping Experiences - https://apps.shopify.com/linear-shopping-experience

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-172-shopify-app-development-just-got-easier

Episode 172 - Shopify App Development Just Got Easier

10/29/25

Episode Summary

Scott Austin reviews three real Shopify stores and shares practical insights on what makes a store effective — and where many fall short. He looks at design, navigation, product presentation, branding, and storytelling, highlighting simple changes that can improve trust, clarity, and conversion. It’s a hands-on episode full of actionable tips for anyone who wants to make their Shopify store look better and sell more.

Show Links 

Stores reviewed:

 * YumEarth - https://yumearth.com/products/organic-fruit-snacks-variety-box
 * Truly Good Foods - https://shop.trulygoodfoods.com/products/berry-good-120-pack-1-5oz-mini-snack-bags
 * Ella's Flats - https://ellasflats.com/products/ellas-flats-everything-snack-packs



 * Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla 

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-171-lets-review-some-shopify-stores

Episode 171 - Let's Review some Shopify Stores

10/15/25

Episode Summary

The host, Scott Austin, interviews filmmaker Jake Isham on how to use video as a storytelling tool for brands and e-commerce stores.

💡 Key Takeaways

Why video matters for e-commerce & brand building

 * Jake argues that video is one of the strongest ways to convey brand identity, build trust, and engage audiences — especially because good video content can attract attention in a crowded space. 

What makes a video “great”

 * Uniqueness and visual hooks are crucial to grab attention. 
 * Use storytelling over just listing specs — focus on the problem your product solves and the emotions around it. 
 * Speak your customer’s language. Use their words when describing their pain points or needs. 

Experimentation is key

 * You might not know up front which video concept will “stick,” so try multiple versions and see what resonates. 

Practical advice for smaller brands / DIYers

 * Many small brands start using just their phone and free editing software. 
 * Be realistic about the time investment needed for shooting, editing, and refining video work. 
 * Distribute videos broadly: YouTube is emphasized (as the 2nd largest search engine) and has SEO benefits beyond just a video channel. 

Show Links 

 * Website - https://www.jakeisham.com/
 * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeisham/
 * Brand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendar 

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-170-storytelling-with-video

Episode 170 - Storytelling with Video

10/1/25

Episode Summary

The episode stresses that video content is essential for Shopify brands—without it, you risk being invisible. Guest Sonja from Partly Sunny Projects shows how authentic, consistent TikTok videos (often cross-posted to Instagram and YouTube Shorts) build brand identity and engagement.

Key points:

 * Video differentiates your brand when products are commoditized.
 * Consistency beats perfection—Sonja made thousands of trial videos before finding her rhythm.
 * Keep it simple—a phone and in-app editing are enough.
 * Focus on engagement and branding, not just hard sales or vanity metrics.

Takeaway: Start making videos now. Authenticity and persistence matter more than polish.

Show Links 

 * Partly Sunny Projects - https://partlysunnyprojects.com/ 
 * Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla 

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-169-create-videos-or-fail 

Episode 169 - Create Videos or Fail

Want to get the most out of your Shopify business? Listen to the Shopify Solutions Podcast to get concrete examples and recommendations on how to build and grow your eCommerce business. Hosted by Scott Austin, owner of JadePuma [https://jadepuma.com], a Shopify-focussed agency. Scott has decades of e-commerce business with the biggest companies and the smallest stores and everything in-between.

Scott Austin

Shows