80/20 of Ecom: 2/21/25: The Top 5 Ecom Growth Drivers in 2025—Are You Aligned?

AI, social commerce, supply chains, and more—don’t fall behind the trends shaping e-commerce.

Author

Gary Huang
February 21, 2025

In this week’s edition of 80/20 of Ecom, we’re covering:

✅ AI Rufus Training – Learn how to optimize your listings with Amazon’s new AI

✅ Top 5 Drivers of Ecommerce in 2025 – What’s shaping e-commerce this year?

✅ Amazon Launch Strategy – Why PPC alone isn’t enough

✅ Tax Credit Alert – Get up to $32,220 back from the IRS

✅ Amazon Japan Research Tool – Helium 10 just improved its accuracy

Let’s dive in!

Recently, Mina Elias joined me for an exclusive AI Rufus training for our 7 Figure Seller Summit community.

Amazon’s AI Rufus is becoming even more integrated into search and Sponsored Brands ads—if you’re not optimizing for it, you will get left behind.

🎥 Watch the replay now to learn:

✔ How Rufus AI scans & interprets listings for better search visibility

✔ Title & bullet optimization with ChatGPT & Data Dive

✔ Navigating Amazon’s Negativity Score for better performance

✔ Boosting profitability through better pricing & cost negotiation

✔ How TikTok Shop drives traffic & Amazon rank

ShipStation recently released a study on the top five growth drivers for e-commerce in 2025.

Here’s what’s fueling growth this year:

🔥 AI & Digital Transformation in Supply Chain (55%)

🛍️ Expanding Presence on Marketplaces (46%)

📱 Social Commerce Growth (46%)

🎯 Personalized Shopping Experiences (44%)

🌎 International Expansion (42%)

Takeaway for Sellers:

🔹 AI is everywhere – If you’re not using it, you’re falling behind.
🔹 Cost control is key – Tariffs are rising, so optimizing logistics & supply chain costs is a must.
🔹 International Expansion is the future – Amazon Japan just became the #2 biggest marketplace worldwide—if you’re looking for less competition and high demand, now’s the time to look at Japan.

Liran Hirschkorn, 7 Figure Seller Summit speaker and founder of Incrementum Digital, recently shared his thoughts on Amazon launch strategies—and why relying only on PPC is a big mistake.

Liran Hirschkorn

📌 He breaks down:

✅ Why PPC costs are skyrocketing and how to offset them
✅ How to leverage external traffic (TikTok, Facebook, Influencers) for better rankings
✅ The role of organic ranking & social proof in a strong launch strategy

Amazon sellers who only rely on PPC will struggle—see why by reading his full breakdown:

If you’re a 1099 contractor, Single-Member LLC, or Sole Proprietor, you could qualify for up to $32,220 in federal tax credits.

The Sick Leave & Family Leave (SLFL) Tax Credit is NOT a loan—it’s free money from the IRS, and the deadline to claim it is April 18, 2025.

🎥 Watch the training replay to see how to get your tax credit.  

💰 We’re seeing sellers get back an average of $7,200—don’t leave money on the table!

No time to watch? Check your eligibility instantly: 📩 Fill out this application

If you’ve been struggling with accurate sales data for Amazon Japan, you’re not alone.

Most research tools for Japan have questionable accuracy, but Helium 10 has fine-tuned its algorithms, making it more reliable than before.

📌 If you’re considering Amazon Japan, here’s what you get:

✅ More precise product & keyword research
✅ Better sales estimates than most tools on the market
✅ Insights to gauge demand before launching

📢 Exclusive Offer for 80/20 of Ecom Readers:

You’re Selling to Influencers & Don’t Even Know It

I take your order list and match it to a 35-million-profile influencer database. You’ve got hidden VIPs in there—75 influencers per 5,000 shoppers on average. Want the list?

📢 In Case You Missed It

📩 Want to be Featured in the 80/20 of Ecom Newsletter?

I work with brands and sellers to help them grow, scale, and succeed. Here’s how we can work together:

💼 Sponsorships – Promote your service to 13,000+ engaged e-commerce sellers.
🎯 Consulting – Get tailored strategies for Amazon Japan, sourcing, or profitability.
🤝 Partnerships – Let’s collaborate on webinars, content, or events.
📩 Contact me: gary [at] 8020sourcing.com