Podcast host Shaun Ryan, and Feiman discuss how the online and catalog retailer of pool cues, billiards tables and accessories is using social media to connect with customers – including a blog that’s “written” by Pooldawg’s ceramic bulldog mascot Frank.

Feiman explains that the “Frank’s Dawg House” blog (which Feiman himself writes) is a key part of the retailer’s social media strategy, and has attracted quite a following.

PoolDawg also operates a Facebook fan page, currently with almost 600 fans, and a Twitter feed. Both the Facebook fan page and Twitter feed alert fans to interesting news articles about the game of pool, as well as sales and promotions at the PoolDawg site.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Transcript: Mike Feiman from PoolDawg

Length 18 mins and 38 secs.

Transcript: Pat Pepe from West Florida Components

Length 15 mins and 48 secs.

Coastal Contacts is an online retailer of contact lenses and eyewear that operates web storefronts in the U.S., Canada and Japan.

Shaun and Braden trade ideas on the retailer’s recent expansion of its product lines, and attracting and retaining customers with interactive product features.

Listen to the audio to find out more about Coastal Contact’s interesting story.

Transcript: Braden Hoeppner from Coastal Contacts

Length 23 mins and 20 secs.

In this podcast interview, Hadley and Shaun, discuss how search is becoming an ever more important part of the online user experience.

Hadley states that, “search has become more and more central to how people find things and navigate online. It’s how they understand the online world. And the trend is for search to become a much bigger part of the interaction model.” He also addresses the big challenges facing site owners in particlular the popularity of mobile devices, and the constraints they place on search.

To find out more listen to Shaun’s interview with Hadley.

Transcript: Hadley Reynolds from IDC

Length 39 mins and 23 secs.

Transcript: Rob McNair from the Tiso Group

Length 29 mins and 41 secs.

Folica.com offers more than 5,000 hair care and styling products for women and men. In the podcast interview, Lizzy Klein and host Shaun Ryan, CEO of SLI Systems, discuss how to capitalize on social networking buzz about a company, as well as the need to organize an online storefront based on customer buying habits.

Lizzy also discusses the forthcoming redesign of Folica.com, which will incorporate channels that allow shoppers with specific hair care needs to fine-tune their navigation of the site. The redesigned site will incorporate user-generated content, as well as expert advice from top hair care professionals.

Transcript: Lizzy Klein from Folica

Length 16 mins and 34 secs.

Shaun and Jason discuss how Motorcycle Superstore had a 60% growth rate this year through the economic recession and the secrets to their success. Jason talks about some of their upcoming projects including expanding internationally, a new customer loyalty program and a personal shopping assistant.

Motorcycle Superstore offers the largest online selection of motorcycle gear including helmets, parts, apparel, tires and so much more. They also have a loyal following of their online and print magazine, Motorcycle USA.

Transcript: Jason Miller from Motorcycle Superstore

Length 17 mins and 12 secs.

Shaun and Sascha discuss the value for ecommerce businesses in supporting the entire lifecycle of customer needs – from education to installation – thereby building long-lasting relationships with customers.

AltEstore provides renewable energy products such as solar panels and efficient batteries. The company works hard to educate customers about the benefits of renewable enery, and how to install and maintain the systems they buy from AltEStore.

Deri notes that in a tough economic climate, ecommerce businesses that simply provide products will find it difficult to engage customers. AltEstore’s ecommerce site has gradually added instructional videos and articles under a “learn” tab on the site, encouraging visitors to the get the most out of their purchases from the company.

Transcript: Sascha Deri from Alternative Energy Store

Length 26 mins and 07 secs.

Online Golf is based in the UK, north of London. They sell all types of golf equipment from accessories, clubs & clothing etc, via their online store and a small bricks and motor store. Online golf is the market leader in their niche market of online retailing for golf and they provide a business that’s very customer orientated.

Online Golf sells 7000 products online and is a pan-European business so they deliver products to all of the main EU countries, including Germany and France. They have experienced a 30% growth rate this year, which defies the current UK economy and they are continuing to grow to annual revenues of 15 million through their strategy of putting the customer first.

Transcript: Lee Brown from Online Golf

Length 23 mins and 50 secs.

Transcript: Larry Joseloff from Shop.org

Length 9 mins and 48 secs.