Podcast Summary
Welcome to the twenty-fourth episode of The Digital Shelf Insider Podcast hosted by Shreshta. In this marketplace-focused conversation, we’re joined by Shauna Pannone, Pre-Sales Solutions Director at ChannelEngine and a seasoned expert in e-commerce operations and global marketplace strategy.
Shauna shares sharp, data-backed insights from ChannelEngine’s latest shopper behavior study, revealing how buyer journeys, pricing expectations, and content performance are evolving across top platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and beyond. From review visibility to AI-driven tools, this episode explores what brands must do to thrive in 2025’s competitive digital shelf landscape.
Key themes
In this episode, Shauna unpacks practical strategies, trends, and systems that sellers need to succeed on modern marketplaces, from choosing the right channels to deploying smart automation and analytics.
Marketplaces Are the New Search Engines
Shauna reveals that a majority of shoppers now begin their purchase journey on marketplaces, not search engines or brand websites. Visibility where consumers start matters more than ever.
Reviews Drive Trust and Sales
With 77% of shoppers checking reviews before buying, brands need to monitor, analyze, and respond to review content on marketplaces to build credibility and boost conversion.
Price, Product, and Shipping Still Rule
The top three drivers of marketplace purchases are price, product selection, and shipping cost. Competitive pricing strategies and logistics matter.
Smarter Expansion Needs the Right Tools
Shauna emphasizes the value of structured onboarding, partner networks, and centralized dashboards to manage listings, orders, and strategy across global marketplaces.
AI Is Becoming Essential
Integrating AI across category mapping, content creation, and bundling helps sellers streamline operations and drive growth without manual drag.
Social Commerce Isn’t Optional Anymore
With over 40% of users purchasing directly via social platforms, brands must think beyond traditional retail models and tap into creator-driven demand generation.
Key Highlights
Here are some standout insights from Shauna’s conversation with Shreshta:
- 47% of consumers start product discovery on marketplaces; only 24% on search.
- Cross-border commerce is growing, but each region demands strict listing localization.
- Virtual bundles are helping sellers move inventory and increase average order value.
- AI tools are already reshaping how listings, content, and promotions are executed.
- Influencer trust drives conversions: 45% of U.S. shoppers rely on creator endorsements.
- Performance reporting across marketplaces must be centralized to measure ROI accurately.
Takeaways
Here are the tactical lessons from Shauna’s conversation that marketplace sellers and brand teams can put into action:
- Don’t ignore where shoppers begin. Marketplace SEO matters.
- Review analysis isn’t just customer support; it’s a revenue lever.
- Expand selectively. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work for marketplace scaling.
- Use AI and analytics to simplify operations and free up team bandwidth.
- Bundle strategically and price smart to stay competitive and profitable.
- Treat social commerce like a primary channel, not an afterthought.
Conclusion
This episode with Shauna Pannone is essential listening for digital shelf managers, e-commerce teams, and brand strategists navigating the crowded and evolving world of online marketplaces.
If your 2025 goals include smarter expansion, sharper content, and better ROI from marketplaces, this episode gives you the blueprint. Watch now!
Disclaimer: The content shared in the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart is for general informational and discussion purposes only. The insights, opinions, and perspectives expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not constitute professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements by MetricsCart or any affiliated entity.
