Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we’re joined by Markus, a founding team member of Four Sigmatic, and Dave Colina, founder of O2 Hydration, to discuss their latest venture, CPG Fast Track. This innovative coaching community helps early-stage CPG founders scale effectively by combining expert mentorship, peer support, and actionable strategies. Key themes include: Bridging the knowledge gap: Why early-stage founders need affordable coaching and community resources. Tangible wins: How CRO audits and branding exercises have led to dramatic conversion rate improvements. Omnichannel evolution: Why CPG success now requires retail strategies, optimized DTC funnels, and authentic brand storytelling. Whether you’re running a $100K or $1M CPG business, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow. Listen in to learn how to balance paid media, branding, and community support to achieve sustainable success. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to CPG FastTrack 02:00 - Building a Coaching Community for Entrepreneurs 04:00 - The Origins of Four Sigmatic and O2 Hydration 07:00 - Challenges Facing CPG Founders Today 09:00 - Success Stories and Key Value Drivers in Cohorts 12:00 - The Importance of Brand Consistency Across Channels 14:00 - Strategies for Scaling DTC Brands Hashtags: #CPGFastTrack #Entrepreneurship #DTCBrands #StartupGrowth #BrandConsistency #ScalingStrategies #EcommerceTips #CommunityBuilding #PodcastAdvertising #CPGInsights Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where we focus on practical tactics for scaling your DTC business. This week, Eric Dyck is joined by Pilothouse’s social team—Taylor Cain, Aves, and Jacob—to dive into the strategies that power top-performing Q4 sales ads. Key Takeaways: Creative Variety Matters: Balance raw CGC with polished brand imagery to address every awareness stage. Urgency Wins: First impressions count. Optimize the first second of your video and use countdowns to drive action. Landing Pages Are Key: Simplify the buyer journey with deal-specific pages and clear CTAs. Discover how to test, iterate, and keep your campaigns fresh during Black Friday and beyond. From quirky creative ideas to catalog ad best practices, this episode delivers actionable insights for DTC marketers. Topics Discussed: The pros and cons of avoiding sales in your growth phase. How to diversify creative for different stages of customer awareness. Why catalog ads deserve a prominent spot in your strategy. The magic of reusing old high-performing ads with new overlays. Ready to make your ads stand out this Q4? Tune in for expert advice and actionable tactics. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Great Sales Ads 2:15 Diversifying Creative for BFCM Success 4:40 The Psychology of Running Sales 7:00 Types of Creative: CGC to Branded Content 11:30 Using Last-Minute Urgency in Creative 14:20 Optimizing Landing Pages for High Conversion 17:45 Testing and Rotating Past Winning Ads 20:00 Effective Use of Catalog Ads 23:00 Adding Urgency: Countdown Timers and Last Chance Creative 27:45 Dot Style Ads: Capturing Attention with Design Hashtags: #DTCMarketing #EcommerceTips #BlackFridayAds #SalesStrategies #CreativeAds #MetaAds #HolidayMarketing #AdCreativeTips #PerformanceMarketing #DigitalAdvertising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup TikTok Shops are rewriting the rules of e-commerce, and the numbers don’t lie—$1.5 billion in US sales in the summer of 2023 alone. In this special episode of the DTC Podcast, we team up with Charlie Grinnell, Co-CEO of RightMetric, to unveil a groundbreaking report on TikTok Shops. This exclusive research, conducted over summer 2023, provides fresh, actionable insights into what’s working (and why) on this fast-growing platform. Download the report and follow along: https://rightmetric.co/tiktok-shop Whether you're new to TikTok or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is a must-listen for DTC professionals ready to take advantage of this massive opportunity. Key Highlights: Why TikTok Shops are unique: The platform seamlessly combines content and commerce, creating an addictive shopping experience unlike any other. Fresh, exclusive data: This collaborative report between RightMetric and DTC analyzes $1.5 billion in sales data from Summer 2023—offering insights no one else has. Who’s succeeding: Beauty, women’s wear, health, and electronics are among the top-performing categories, with creator-driven content leading the charge. How to win: Learn how to leverage creators, live streams, and strategic content production to maximize revenue. Big opportunity for small brands: Major players haven’t entered TikTok Shops yet, giving early adopters a first-mover advantage. Why listen now? This report is fresh, actionable, and data-driven. If you’re in e-commerce, TikTok Shops could be your next big growth channel. Follow Charlie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliegrinnell/ Timestamps: 00:00 - TikTok vs. Snapchat: Time Spent and User Demographics 02:00 - TikTok Shop: Key Selling Strategies 05:00 - Live Streams Driving Sales on TikTok 09:00 - TikTok’s Unique Algorithm and Content Strategy 15:00 - Top TikTok Shop Categories and Revenue Insights 20:00 - Creator Marketing and Affiliate Strategy on TikTok 25:00 - TikTok Shop Challenges and Best Practices Hashtags: #TikTokMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #TikTokShop #ContentStrategy #AffiliateMarketing #LiveStreamingSales #DigitalCommerce #TikTokAlgorithm #DTCBrands #CreatorEconomy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the All Killer No Filler DTC Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Dougie from Pilothouse’s Google Ads team. With Q4 well underway and Black Friday just around the corner, Dougie shares critical insights for optimizing Google Ads performance during the busiest shopping period of the year. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Google’s slower platform dynamics require earlier budget and bid adjustments. How to avoid costly mistakes during and after Black Friday. Pro tips like using strike-through pricing to boost ad effectiveness. If you're ready to make your Google Ads campaigns thrive this Black Friday, don’t miss this episode. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Google Ads for Black Friday 2:05 - Key Google Ad Budget Strategies 4:30 - Preparing for Black Friday: Budgets and CPAs 6:55 - Avoiding Mistakes During Black Friday 9:20 - Using Scripts and Real-Time Data 12:45 - Post-Black Friday Campaign Adjustments 15:10 - Tools and Tips for Real-Time Attribution 17:30 - Black Friday Expectations for 2024 19:55 - Closing Thoughts and Consumer Trends Hashtags: #BlackFridayAds #GoogleAdsTips #EcommerceMarketing #HolidaySales2024 #DigitalMarketingStrategy #CyberMondayDeals #GoogleAdvertising #PPCStrategies #DTCBrands #Q4Marketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where Eric interviews Meg Higgins from Avalara. With over 10 years in the SaaS space, Meg has focused her career on cross-border e-commerce, empowering mid-market and growing DTC brands to navigate the complexity of sales tax compliance. As Avalara’s SVP of Global Partnerships, she explains how Avalara’s tax compliance solutions help brands mitigate risk with automated, scalable solutions. This episode delves into the risks brands face when ignoring proper tax calculation and why Avalara’s tools are a game-changer for those scaling rapidly. Get started here ➝ https://www.avalara.com/us/en/products/integrations/shopify.html?partnerID=0014000000MH3woAAD&campaignID=701Uz00000NNphJIAT&connectorID=a0nUz000003MOA1IAO&utm_medium=web_referral&utm_source=partner&utm_content=+Link Key Takeaways: Sales Tax Complexities: With over 13,000 tax jurisdictions, Avalara helps businesses avoid costly tax miscalculations. Marketplaces and Compliance: Avalara supports marketplace sellers by automating tax obligations, which is crucial given changing marketplace facilitator laws. Reducing Risk with Automation: Avalara’s API-integrated tools automate tax compliance, saving brands time and reducing audit exposure. Avalara for Shopify: Avalara for Shopify supports merchants by automating tax obligations, helping Shopify users stay compliant with ease as they grow. Practical Examples: From bagel slicing to chocolate bars, small tax nuances can add up—hear real-world tax pitfalls and how Avalara helps brands avoid them. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction to Avalara’s Role in Global Compliance 2:10 - Complexities of Cross-Border E-Commerce Compliance 4:50 - Understanding Economic Nexus and Marketplace Facilitation Laws 7:25 - Biggest Tax Compliance Mistakes for Growing DTC Brands 10:15 - Avalara’s Tools and Partnerships for Streamlining Compliance 12:30 - Future Tax Compliance Trends for E-Commerce Hashtags #DTCpodcast #EcommerceCompliance #TaxCompliance #CrossBorderEcommerce #MarketplaceFacilitation #SalesTax #EconomicNexus #OnlineBusiness #Avalara #EcommerceTips #TaxAutomation #GlobalBusiness #Shopify #SaaS #EcommerceTrends #BusinessGrowth Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Manly Bands started with a problem familiar to founder John—a lack of compelling men’s wedding bands. Now a thriving DTC jewelry brand, Manly Bands offers unique rings made from materials like meteorite and deer antler. In this episode, John discusses how he and his team scaled rapidly, especially during the pandemic, and why recent years have focused on profit optimization. Key Insights Include: Building with Customer Input: Testing creative designs through direct customer feedback to ensure resonant products. Expanding Lifetime Value: From women’s rings to groomsmen gifts, diversifying product lines has helped boost average order value. Mastering Tech and Optimization: Moving to a headless Shopify site and utilizing AI-powered tools to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. Creative Licensing Partnerships: Unique brand collaborations with Jeep and Jack Daniels to appeal to men’s individual personalities. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Importance of Perceived Value in Wedding Rings 02:00 - The Manly Bands Origin Story 05:00 - Unique Designs and Alternative Materials 08:00 - Early Success with Facebook Ads 11:00 - Navigating the COVID Wedding Boom 14:00 - Optimization Strategies Post-Pandemic 18:00 - Expanding Top-of-Funnel Channels 22:00 - Bringing Manufacturing In-House 26:00 - Leveraging Collaborations with Big Brands 30:00 - Black Friday Strategy and Q4 Trends 35:00 - Using AI for Review Management and Efficiency Hashtags: #ManlyBands #WeddingRings #EcommerceGrowth #BlackFridayDeals #CustomerExperience #SmallBusiness #MensStyle #UniqueDesigns #DigitalMarketing #AIinBusiness #DirectToConsumer #MadeInAmerica #BrandCollaborations #ShopifyOptimization #CreativeMarketing #DTCPodcast Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this AKNF edition of the DTC Podcast, we’re joined by Pilothouse’s Jordan Gordon, Director of Retention and Email Marketing. Hot on the heels of launching his own show under the DTC Podcast Network, Jordan shares powerful insights from TWBERP (The World’s Best Email & Retention Podcast). Learn how to turn email into a sustainable revenue machine by optimizing key steps like deliverability, segmentation, and monthly messaging. SUBSCRIBE TO TWBERP➝ https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Mof4UScME42Xga3Rq6x0M Highlights from this episode: Four Pillars of Email Revenue: Inboxing, welcome sequences, funnel support, and maintaining a steady frequency of monthly messages. Why Repeat Purchasers Fuel Growth: Jordan explains why retention drives both revenue and long-term acquisition stability. Essential Black Friday Tips: Start early, stay consistent, and focus on high-impact messaging to capture maximum wallet share. Keep It Simple: How leading brands avoid unnecessary complexity in design and segmentation for a streamlined, effective email program. Jordan’s actionable insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to take their DTC email strategy to the next level. Search “TWBERP” to catch all of Jordan’s top tactics or listen in to this episode of the DTC Podcast for an all-killer breakdown! Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to AKNF with Jordan Gordon 2:00 Importance of Email as a Buffer in Marketing 5:00 Structuring Effective Email Campaigns 8:00 Building Customer Relationships through Themed Email Content 10:00 Why Consistency Matters in Brand Marketing 13:00 Key Black Friday Insights for Email Marketers 15:00 Strategies for Email Segmentation and Privacy Updates 18:00 Preparing for Big Events with Pre-Planned Email Drops 21:00 Anchoring and Cognitive Bias in Marketing 24:00 Where to Get More from TWBERP Hashtags #EmailMarketing #RetentionStrategies #EcommerceGrowth #DTC #CustomerEngagement #MarketingTips #Podcast #BlackFridayPrep #SEO #DigitalMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, brand strategist and cultural commentator Eugene Healey, known for his insights on Instagram and TikTok as @eugbrandstrat, joins us to break down the latest findings from “The Awareness Advantage,” a report by Tracksuit and TikTok for Business. Eugene discusses the report’s key insights into how brand awareness fuels better performance metrics and why brands should abandon the outdated “brand vs. performance” debate. This episode digs into strategies for building sustainable brand equity, the critical role of cultural alignment, and actionable tactics for DTC brands to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Download the report: https://www.gotracksuit.com/au/report/the-awareness-advantage Eugene explains why integrating brand-building with performance marketing isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Tracksuit’s report reveals how brand awareness amplifies performance marketing effectiveness, leading to higher conversion rates and more efficient ad spend. We also explore Eugene’s thoughts on creating cultural resonance, niche-at-scale strategies, and why chaotic content alone won’t make a brand memorable. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Eugene Healey and Brand vs. Performance 2:05 Creativity Over Budget on New Media Platforms 4:20 Duolingo’s Success and Unhinged Brand Marketing 6:45 Deep vs. Broad Strategy for Brand Building 9:10 The Shift to Offline Experiences as Luxury Goods 11:45 AI’s Impact on Brand Building and Social Proof 14:20 Fragmented Content Strategy in Modern Branding 16:55 Navigating the Future of Brand Building in DTC 19:20 The Challenges of Being a Brand Creator Today Hashtags: #BrandBuilding #MarketingStrategy #DTCBrands #ContentCreation #NewMedia #BrandVsPerformance #SocialMediaMarketing #CreativityInBranding #AIGeneration #DigitalMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Pilothouse’s Amazon specialists, Rob and Clifford, dive into the nuances of Amazon’s “cold start” problem and how to leverage the “honeymoon phase” to make new products stand out. They also reveal expert tips on maximizing profitability during Amazon’s high-traffic sales events. Tune in to learn how effective listing variation structures and strategic bidding can dramatically impact your brand’s Amazon success. Key takeaways: Cold Start & Honeymoon Phase: Why Amazon gives new products an algorithmic “honeymoon” period and how to optimize your listing to capitalize on it. Variation Strategy: How to structure product variations (like colors or sizes) to streamline customer experience and drive conversions. Sales Season Strategies: Techniques to minimize ad costs during peak sales events and boost overall profit. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction & Importance of Amazon Variation Structure 2:10 Understanding the Amazon Cold Start Problem 4:35 The Role of Amazon’s Honeymoon Phase for New Products 7:00 Optimizing Product Listings to Rank in Searches 9:15 Effective Use of Variation Structures for Better Shopping Experience 11:40 Prime Day Strategy: Profitability and Bidding Tips 14:05 Maximizing Amazon Ad Spend During Q4 and Black Friday Hashtags: #AmazonSellingTips #EcommerceStrategy #AmazonSEO #PrimeDay2024 #AmazonProductLaunch #AmazonVariations #DTCMarketing #AmazonOptimization #BlackFriday2024 #AmazonSales Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Nick Lamothe, Senior Director of Custom Footwear at Crocs, join us. Nick’s role is all about transforming the way Crocs approaches customization for B2B and team markets, adding value for corporate clients, sports teams, and more. In this episode, we explore: How Crocs leverages customization to tap into B2B and team markets Key strategies in lifecycle marketing and partnerships that support customization growth The process behind scaling a custom product offering within a major global brand Let’s dive in and explore how custom footwear is changing the game for Crocs. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Custom Crocs and UGC with Nick Lamothe 02:00 - Nick’s Career Journey from Adidas to Crocs 06:00 - The Rise of Custom Crocs for B2B and Sports Teams 10:00 - Organic Growth and Lead Generation in Custom Footwear 14:00 - Customization Challenges and Future Innovation with AI 18:00 - Partnering with Creators for Limited Edition Crocs 21:00 - Expanding Customization Globally and Operational Goals 25:00 - Perceived Value of Custom Crocs for Brand Partnerships 27:00 - Closing Thoughts: Endless Possibilities with Custom Crocs Hashtags: #CustomCrocs #DTCpodcast #NickLamothe #CrocsCustomization #EcommerceGrowth #UserGeneratedContent #DigitalMarketing #BrandCollaborations #FootwearTrends #PersonalizedProducts Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where Pilothouse’s Adam and Zavire share essential marketing "don'ts" to help brands optimize their Q4 efforts and avoid costly pitfalls. With Q4’s unique pressures on ad spend and competition, they outline common campaign missteps and how to stay agile in the high-stakes holiday season. Key Insights: Set Realistic Goals: Look at last year’s data and set clear, achievable KPIs to stay grounded. Start Planning Early: Use Q2 and Q3 for testing so Q4 is for execution, not experimentation. Competitor Awareness: Monitor competitor strategies to avoid unnecessary cost hikes. Strategic Discounting: Skip discounts on best-sellers; maximize profit where it’s impactful. Adapt Your Creative: Update ads to align with seasonal changes, even with minor tweaks, to boost engagement. Holistic Budgeting: Don’t neglect the full funnel—retargeting and top-of-funnel investments lead to more sustainable results. Tune in to make sure you’re prepared to dodge these Q4 missteps and optimize each dollar you spend this season. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Biggest Q4 Don'ts 02:10 - Importance of Realistic Goals 04:50 - Starting Early for Q4 Success 07:20 - Competitor Activity Awareness 10:15 - Budgeting Wisely for Increased CPMs 12:30 - Avoid Discounting Best Sellers 15:10 - Leveraging Urgency and Scarcity 18:25 - Don’t Run Out of Stock 21:05 - Adapting Creative for the Season 23:45 - Recognizing Regional & Cultural Holidays 25:30 - Full-Funnel Strategy for Q4 27:00 - Avoid Excessive Testing During Q4 Hashtags: #Q4Marketing #HolidaySalesStrategy #MarketingDonts #DigitalAdvertising #Q4Tips #EcommerceGrowth #ConsumerInsights #MarketingStrategy #CompetitiveAnalysis #ConversionOptimization Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode, Eric interviews Elery Pfeffer, CEO & Founder of Nift, and Geoff Sanders, CMO of Firstleaf, on how Nift’s targeted gifting platform helps Firstleaf scale its wine subscription business. Geoff shares how Firstleaf has increased its investment in Nift 10x over two years while maintaining strong unit economics, a challenge many DTC brands face in a competitive marketplace. Scale User Acquisition Reliably with Nift's Gifting Network: https://www.gonift.com/business/ Try Firstleaf's Wine Subscription on a special deal: https://www.firstleaf.com/dtcpodcast Key insights you’ll learn: How Nift’s gift-based approach works for publishers and advertisers. The power of scaling customer acquisition while maintaining profitability. How Nift’s data-driven targeting improves customer acquisition efficiency. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Firstleaf and Nift Partnership 2:00 Challenges in Scaling Firstleaf's Wine Subscription Service 4:00 Nift’s Unique Gifting Model Explained 6:00 Advantages of Combining Customer Discounts and Media Spend 8:00 Optimizing Customer Acquisition Cost with Nift 10:00 Importance of Testing New Channels and Scaling with Nift 12:00 Selecting the Right Brands and Publishers for Gifting Hashtags: #Firstleaf #NIFT #WineSubscription #CustomerAcquisition #DigitalMarketing #GiftingStrategy #EcommerceGrowth #SubscriptionModel #BrandCollaboration #DTCMarketing #MarketingTrends #BusinessGrowth #TopOfFunnel #CustomerExperience #WineClub Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Marco Canora, founder of Brodo, a leading bone broth brand. Marco shares the journey of how he took his passion for cooking and transformed a small window serving broth in New York City into a thriving direct-to-consumer bone broth business. As a celebrated chef with over 30 years of culinary experience, Marco explains how he combined his expertise in nutrition with traditional broth-making methods to build Brodo. Throughout the episode, we explore how Brodo grew from selling broth to busy New Yorkers to becoming a powerful DTC broth brand. Marco reveals the secrets behind scaling a food business without compromising the quality of the broth. He dives deep into the importance of storytelling, product education, and maintaining traditional cooking methods in the competitive bone broth category. Key takeaways include: How Marco transitioned from a brick-and-mortar restaurant to a DTC broth business. Why maintaining traditional broth-making techniques is key to Brodo’s success. The role of storytelling in building customer loyalty and driving broth sales online. If you're looking to learn how to grow a DTC food brand while staying true to your product's roots, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the leading voices in the bone broth space. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Marco Canora and Brodo’s Journey 2:30 The Origins of Brodo’s Bone Broth Window 5:00 Marco’s Health Journey and Brodo’s Impact 8:20 Transitioning from Shops to Direct-to-Consumer 11:00 Scaling and Marketing Brodo through Meta Ads 14:00 Importance of Storytelling in Building Brodo’s Brand 16:30 The Future of Brodo: Expanding Direct-to-Consumer Hashtags: #BrodoBroth #BoneBroth #DTCPodcast #DirectToConsumer #MarcoCanora #HealthyEating #BrothBenefits #EcommerceGrowth #FoodEntrepreneur #NYCRestaurant #WellnessJourney #OrganicProducts #DTCGrowth #StorytellingMarketing #NutritionFacts Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the All Killer No Filler DTC Podcast, we’re diving into some of the most common and "spooky" mistakes in media buying with Pilot House’s digital marketing team: Taylor Cain, Aves, and Grayson Rudzki. These experts share insights on how to optimize ad performance by avoiding simple yet costly errors that frequently plague ad campaigns. Key Takeaways Include: Creative Alignment: How disjointed messaging between ads and landing pages is burning your ad budget. Ad Copy Best Practices: Why revisiting and testing your ad copy, headlines, and even emoji use is critical in today's fast-scrolling environment. Funnel Continuity: How creating a cohesive experience from the ad click to the post-click can dramatically increase conversions. Retargeting Done Right: Why retargeting ads should provide something new, not just reintroduce your brand. These tactical insights can help you take your media buying and ad strategies to the next level, especially as Q4 approaches. https://oldmediaisdead.com/the-written-word/2015/10/29/top-ten-most-cryptic-and-esoteric-new-emoji Timestamps: [00:00] Avoiding Early Ad Mistakes [02:30] The Power of Proper Ad Copy and Headlines [05:00] Building Alignment in Ad Campaigns [08:00] Effective Calls to Action [11:30] Spooky Ad Retargeting Pitfalls [14:00] Dynamic Product Ads (DPAs) and Frames for Q4 [16:30] Fun Halloween Costume Ideas from the Team Hashtags: #MetaAds #AdOptimization #AdCopyTips #CreativeMarketing #DigitalMarketing #Retargeting #DynamicProductAds #DTCMarketing #Q4AdStrategies Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Gabrielle Noakes, Ecommerce Manager at Dixxon Flannel Co., and Priya Patel, Director of Product Marketing at Okendo. Dixxon Flannel is known for its dedicated cult following and limited-edition flannel drops. Learn how Gabrielle and her team leveraged Okendo’s review and loyalty tools to deepen customer engagement and increase Average Order Value (AOV) by 12%. Discover how Okendo can transform your brand’s growth. Build a thriving loyalty program and generate more reviews➝ https://okendo.io Key Takeaways: Harnessing Customer Feedback: Implementing post-purchase review requests increased reviews to 70,000+ in just two years. Custom Loyalty Programs: Dixxon’s DILF (Dixxon Insider Loyalty Fam) program was tailored to their audience, resulting in 20,000 sign-ups since June. Boosting AOV: Loyalty members spend 12% more than non-members, showing the power of a well-targeted loyalty program. Why Listen: Discover how custom review strategies can transform customer feedback. Learn about integrating brand culture into loyalty programs to drive engagement. Gain insights into managing product drops and maximizing their impact through customer loyalty. Timestamps: 0:00 - Dixon's Origin Story 2:00 - Cult Following and Limited Edition Flannels 4:00 - Creating Authentic Brand Loyalty 6:30 - How Okendo Supports Dixon's Loyalty Program 10:30 - Successful Collaborations: Metallica and More 13:00 - Using Customer Feedback to Improve Products 17:00 - Building a Full Customer Marketing Strategy with Okendo 21:00 - Peak Flannel Season and Expanding Product Line 25:00 - Planning for Black Friday and Holiday Season with Okendo Hashtags: #DixonFlannel #CustomerLoyalty #Okendo #DTCPodcast #BrandCollaboration #FlannelFashion #MetallicaCollab #EcommerceMarketing #CustomerReviews #LoyaltyPrograms #ShopperEngagement #BlackFridayPrep #HolidayShopping #CustomerFeedback #FlannelSeason Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this special edition of the DTC Podcast, we revisit Bart Szaniewski's powerful presentation from the C-Suite Mastermind in Victoria, BC. Bart, co-founder of DadGang.co, shares his incredible journey from selling his first 100 hats to surpassing 250,000 hats sold. What started as a simple idea between friends—celebrating fatherhood with style—has blossomed into a multimillion-dollar business. Bart emphasizes the power of keeping things simple while scaling, a principle that has helped DadGang build organic partnerships with top athletes and global organizations, all fueled by one unifying message: pure dad pride. Key Takeaways: Simplicity at scale: How DadGang grew from a small project into a scalable brand without over-complicating processes. Organic growth: The power of natural, organic partnerships with major athletes like Mookie Betts. Community-first marketing: Bart's strategies for building a strong, loyal customer base through authenticity and connection. Tune in to discover how Bart’s commitment to simplicity and community helped DadGang become an iconic brand for dads everywhere. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:45 - Building a Loyal Dad Community 00:05:15 - From Organic Growth to Celebrity Endorsements 00:09:00 - Keeping Marketing Simple for Dads 00:12:30 - Collaborating with Athletes Like Mookie Betts Hashtags: #DadGang #DadsCommunity #Fatherhood #DTCBrand #HatsForDads #BartSzaniewski #MookieBetts #DTCMarketing #DadLife #CommunityDrivenBrand Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to DTC Podcast. Today we're previewing the newest podcast on the DTC Podcast Network, Pilothouse's Jordon Gordon hosting the WORLD'S BEST EMAIL AND RETENTION PODCAST! Subscribe to TWBERP here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twberp/episodes/Ep-2-BFCM-Email-Strategies--What-Works-and-What-Doesnt--TWBERP-e2pheu2 Get ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday with Pilothouse's Jordan Gordon as he dives into the email and SMS strategies that drive serious sales during the busiest time of the year. In this episode, we explore why consistency is your best friend when crafting Black Friday emails, and why saying “40% off” for the sixth time isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Discover: How to segment your audience for maximum impact The surprising truth about customer purchase behavior during BFCM Why SMS is a game-changer for inbox competition Tips to turn your Black Friday buyers into loyal repeat customers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the world's best email and retention podcast 02:00 - Optimizing Black Friday email messaging strategies 04:15 - Insights on customer purchase behavior during Black Friday 06:30 - Importance of SMS for inbox competition during Black Friday 09:00 - Segmentation strategies for maximizing Black Friday results 12:00 - Turning Black Friday buyers into repeat customers Hashtags: #EmailMarketing #RetentionStrategies #BlackFridayMarketing #SMSMarketing #CustomerSegmentation #EcommerceTips #DTCGrowth #DigitalMarketing #CustomerRetention #CyberMondaySales Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck sits down with Liam Millward from Instant and Lachi Agnew from July to explore how cutting-edge email retargeting is transforming the way DTC brands engage with customers. Try Instant.one ➝ https://www.instant.one/ July, a high-end luggage brand, faced a challenge—how to convert more visitors into buyers when their product isn’t consumable and relies heavily on winning the first purchase. That’s where Instant came in. This conversation dives deep into how July used Instant’s shopper identification tool to send more targeted emails to previously anonymous visitors—leading to a 20% lift in incremental revenue through A/B testing. The episode also unpacks the technical differences between Instant and other data-focused tools. Key insights: How July tested Instant’s technology: A/B testing showed 20% more revenue from email flows. High-intent targeting: Emails are only sent to visitors showing purchase intent (e.g., cart abandonment or multiple visits). Low setup cost: Instant is plug-and-play, with integration completed in 3 days. Staying compliant with Google rules: Minimal email sends with a focus on intent-driven messaging ensures compliance with stricter spam guidelines. Competing in Q4: Why tools like Instant are essential for maximizing Q4 marketing budgets. Connect with Lachi and July: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachi-agnew-2b495bb9/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Liam at Instant.one: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liammillward/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Paid Acquisition Challenges 02:00 - Identifying Anonymous Web Traffic with Instant 04:00 - July's Growth Story and COVID Impact 06:00 - Increasing Email Reach and Revenue with Instant 08:30 - Black Friday and Cyber Monday Strategies 11:00 - Optimizing Email Flows for Higher Conversions 14:00 - Partnerships and Marketing Successes 16:30 - A/B Testing for Improved Marketing Results 18:30 - The Benefits of Instant's Automation Features 21:00 - Key Insights on U.S. Market vs. Australia Hashtags: #PaidAcquisition #EmailMarketing #CustomerRetention #EcommerceGrowth #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #JulyLuggage #EmailFlows #MarketingAutomation #InstantROI #DTCPodcast Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Today we're revisiting Apex Operator Sarah Carusona's talk from C-Suite Mastermind in Victoria BC. Sarah has masterminded growth for brands like Olukai, Roark and now Alpha Lion along with cutting her teeth in the trenches of performancing marketing with Common Thread Collective. In C-Suite Talk she gives you a simple mathematical model where the math actually maths, that actually leads you to your growth goals. The ecom hiking map metaphor Why last touch attribution still rules the day Topline and bottom line dollars are the most important ones Timestamps 00:00 - Intro to Sarah Carusona's Growth Strategy 02:15 - Importance of Real Math in E-commerce Attribution 04:30 - Aligning Business Goals with Key Metrics 06:55 - Balancing New and Repeat Orders for Growth 09:20 - Utilizing Last Touch Attribution and MMM for Clarity 11:35 - Forecasting and Adjusting for Seasonal Trends 13:55 - Leveraging Organic Video Strategy and TV for Brand Recall 16:30 - The Role of YouTube and Streaming in Brand Awareness 18:45 - Q&A and Wrap-up Hashtags #EcommerceGrowth #DTCStrategy #MarketingAttribution #SEO #BrandGrowth #CustomerRetention #BusinessMetrics #YouTubeMarketing #TVAdvertising #GrowthStrategy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup On today's AKNF we're revisiting Warp Drive's Brett Turner's talk at C-Suite Mastermind about the state of CRO in 2025 and the art of not leaving money on the table... This talk focuses on helping you nail your testing methodologies so you can actually be sure that the tests you're running are actually working, also providing some fun live landing page and product page breakdowns that are worth finding on YouTube for the full experience. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to CRO Strategy 02:10 - Importance of Page Speed in CRO 04:45 - Segmenting Traffic for Better CRO 07:15 - Tools for Landing Pages and Testing 09:30 - Headless Commerce Explained 12:20 - Live Website Audit and Key Takeaways 15:45 - Best Practices for Optimizing Above-the-Fold Content 18:30 - Audience Q&A and CRO Tips 20:55 - Final Thoughts on Building a CRO System Hashtags: #CRO #ConversionRateOptimization #EcommerceTips #PageSpeed #ShopifyOptimization #DigitalMarketing #LandingPageOptimization #HeadlessCommerce #WebsiteAudit #DTCMarketing #MarketingTips #SEO #ShopifyTips #PerformanceMarketing #EcommerceGrowth Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to DTC Podcast, today we're sharing another talk from C-Suite Mastermind, with friend of the Podcast Brandon Horoho from Montana Knife Co. Brandon came to C-Suite and blew all our attendees away with this authenticity and story, and showed everyone what it looks like to plan ahead...we're talking 2 years of product launces meticulously planned out so that his team never has any questions about what they need to focus on. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed hanging out with Brandon for a few days, Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Brandon Horoho and Montana Knife Company 02:00 - Origin Story: Building a Legacy Brand 04:30 - Overcoming Challenges: From Custom Knives to Mass Production 07:00 - The Drop Model: Scarcity and Community Engagement 09:30 - Email Marketing Strategy for Product Drops 12:00 - Expanding the Business: New Product Lines and Collaborations 14:30 - Challenges in Paid Advertising and Restricted Industries 17:00 - Growth Through Partnerships and Collaborations 19:30 - Manufacturing Limitations and Future Expansion Plans 22:00 - Nurturing the Community: Social Media and User Engagement 24:00 - Planning Product Drops and Managing Inventory Hashtags: #MontanaKnifeCompany #DTC #BrandonHoroho #KnifeDrops #EmailMarketing #Entrepreneurship #HuntingKnives #DirectToConsumer #EcommerceGrowth #SmallBusinessTips #BrandBuilding #ScarcityModel #SEO #DigitalMarketing #MadeInUSA #AmericanManufacturing #BusinessExpansion #ContentStrategy #MarketingStrategy #Collaboration Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Today's AKNF Podcast is another session from C-Suite Mastermind with Avery from Pilothouse. For her talk she focused on how to grow your brand through ads on social media, in a way that resonates and actually performs with your target audience. Listen and you'll learn practical methods to discover, define, and speak to each of your customer avatars through your social media ads. Work with Aves and Pilothouse ➝ https://pilothouse.co Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Common Mistakes by Brand Owners 05:00 Story of Aunt Lala & Emotional Marketing 10:00 Persona Development: Us on Us 16:00 Case Study: Big Blanket's Persona Segmentation 23:00 The Role of Humor & Getting Weird in Ads Hashtags: #MarketingStrategy #BrandIdentity #CustomerPersona #EmotionalMarketing #CreativeAdvertising #PaidSocials #ContentCreation #SEO #DTCMarketing #PilotHouse #AIInMarketing #PersonaDevelopment #AdOptimization #BigBlanket #AdvertisingTactics #TikTokTrends #MarketingTips Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Today's DTC Podcast is taken from Rick Cadotte's day 2 presentation at C-Suite Mastermind a few weeks back. This event brought together 50 fast growing brands from across the US and Canada for two days of unforgettable learnings and experiences. Rick is the VP of Growth at Four Sigmatic, one of the world's largest ground coffee brands, and this presentation outlines the strategic blueprint he's used to help grow them massively in his time at the helm in marketing. In this talk Rick outlines the small wins that brands can make at each stage of their business, that can add up to MASSIVE results when you stack them Stay tuned to directtconsumer.co to hear about upcoming events. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the C-Suite Mastermind Event 00:02 - Importance of Talking Points in DTC Branding 00:05 - Marketing Strategy with CTV Ads 00:07 - Roku Ads Manager Overview 00:10 - Insights from Rick Cadotte on Brand Momentum Hashtags #DTCMarketing #BrandStrategy #CTVAdvertising #RokuAds #FourSigmatic #DTCBrands #MarketingInsights #BrandGrowth #CMarketing #BrandMomentum #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #MastermindEvent ​ Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome back to the DTC Podcast! Today, we dive deep into the world of Amazon A+ content with Pilothouse's own Amazon experts, Sabrina and Rob. As your ultimate tool for converting potential customers, A+ content is a must-have for any brand serious about succeeding on Amazon. In this episode, Sabrina and Rob break down exactly how to leverage this feature, covering everything from the basics to advanced strategies like cross-selling and A/B testing. Key Insights You'll Learn: Why A+ Content Matters: Understand why A+ content is the most crucial part of your Amazon listing and how it’s your last chance to convince customers. How to Use Premium A+ Content: Discover how you can access Premium A+ content for free and leverage features like carousels, videos, and hotspots. Effective A+ Content Strategies: Learn tips for creating visually stunning and highly informative A+ content that speaks to your customer's needs. Actionable Tips from the Episode: Leverage Premium A+: It’s free if you meet Amazon's criteria, so ensure you use this feature to make your content stand out. Think Like Your Customer: Craft your A+ content by anticipating the problems your product solves and communicating your value proposition effectively. Use A/B Testing: Experiment with different formats, layouts, and content types to optimize conversion rates. Utilize Lifestyle Imagery: Use imagery that resonates with your audience to create an emotional connection and tell your product’s story. 00:00 - Introduction to Amazon A+ Content 04:00 - Designing Effective Amazon A+ Content 08:00 - AB Testing and Analyzing A+ Content Performance 12:00 - Restrictions and Guidelines for Amazon A+ Content 16:00 - Amazon's Evolution in Brand Experiences #AmazonAPlusContent #EcommerceTips #ContentStrategy #SEO #AmazonMarketing #DigitalMarketing #ProductBranding #ABTesting #CustomerEngagement #ContentCreation Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Peter Hamilton, Head of Innovation at Roku, who shares how Roku is reshaping the connected TV (CTV) advertising landscape. With a new self-service ad platform, Roku is breaking down barriers, allowing DTC brands to easily enter the world of television advertising. Get started with Roku Ads Manager for CTV https://advertising.roku.com/solutions/advertise/ads-manager Key insights from this episode: Democratizing TV Advertising: Roku Ads Manager offers a low-entry point for brands to test TV advertising with budgets as low as $500. Interactive Ad Features: Learn about new ad formats that encourage direct viewer engagement through their TV remote. Full-Funnel Strategies: How Roku enables DTC brands to leverage CTV for both awareness and direct conversions. Tune in to understand how to diversify your marketing channels and make the most of CTV with Roku. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & The Evolution of TV Advertising 4:50 - The Role of Creative Strategies in CTV Advertising 9:30 - Roku's Shopify Integration & Action Ads 14:00 - Best Practices for CTV Advertising Campaigns 19:00 - Optimizing Ad Spend & The Future of CTV Hashtags: #CTVAdvertising #RokuAdsManager #DigitalMarketing #TelevisionAds #PerformanceMarketing #eCommerce #ShopifyIntegration #ActionAds #MarketingStrategy #DTCBrands #StreamingAds #AdvertisingTrends #MarketingInsights #AdTech #DigitalAdvertising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠ Today we're digging into the DTC vault to one of this year's most listened to episodes with Niclas Bornling on the power of story telling in footwear. Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast, I’m Eric Dyck. Today, we’re excited to have an incredible guest, Niclas, who has masterfully woven the art of storytelling into the fabric of branding, transforming iconic brands like Salomon, New Era, Keen, Houdini and currently Craft Sportwear, a trail running brand cashing in on the newish wave of niche purpose sportswear, headlined by billion dollar brands On running, and Hoka. In this episode, we delve into the pivotal moments of brand evolution and the power of a compelling narrative in shaping a brand's journey. We'll explore the intersection of brand identity and performance marketing, and the crucial role of storytelling in creating an authentic and engaging brand experience. The Eureka Moment: where niclas realized everything is a story, and how it revolutionized his approach at Salomon and Houdini. Crafting Iconic Brands: Learn how Niclas helped transform these outdoor brands into cultural icons, blending innovation with captivating stories. Future of Branding and why you should never call what you make CONTENT, instead focusing on the fusion of brand story telling and strategic marketing. Niclas also pitches me on changing the name of this podcast to Direct to User, reflecting his philosophy and approach while working with brands like Houdini, where the focus is on viewing customers not just as consumers but as users who actively engage with the product. I'll take it under consideration, but I already have the hat...sooo Join us as we uncover these insightful perspectives with Niclas, offering valuable lessons for brand builders and marketers alike. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Niclas Bornling and the Art of Storytelling in Branding 00:02:00 - The Evolution of Brand Identity at Salomon and the Outdoor Industry 00:14:20 - Breaking Into the Running Shoe Market: Insights from Craft Sportswear 00:33:10 - The Rise of Challenger Brands in Running Footwear: Hoka and On's Success 00:47:30 - Direct Response Marketing Strategies in Sports Apparel Hashtags: #BrandStorytelling #RunningShoes #DTCMarketing #SportsApparel #CraftSportswear #InnovationInSports #AthleteBranding #MarketingStrategies Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠ Advertise on DTC - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/advertise⁠ Work with Pilothouse - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse⁠ Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're joined by the creative minds from Pilothouse: Taylor and Aves, who share their expertise on preparing for smaller but increasingly important holidays, such as Halloween. With Halloween and Thanksgiving on the horizon, this episode dives into strategies to capitalize on these growing consumer moments. Key Takeaways: Why starting your holiday campaigns earlier can yield better results. The benefits of cooperating with cultural trends instead of merely following them. How creative testing methods can find winning ads more efficiently, ensuring you maximize your marketing efforts. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Halloween Trends in Marketing 02:00 - Evergreen Testing and Meta’s Advantage Plus 06:00 - Creative Strategies for Halloween Campaigns 12:00 - Stocking the Pond: Preparing for Q4 16:00 - Creative and Data Integration for Better Ad Performance 24:00 - A Preview of the C-Suite Mastermind Workshop Hashtags: #MetaMarketing #HalloweenCampaigns #EvergreenTesting #MediaBuying #CreativeStrategy #DigitalMarketing #HalloweenTrends #MetaAdvantagePlus #DTCMarketing #Q4Marketing #EcommerceSuccess #MarketingInsights #CreativeAdvertising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we dive deep into the strategies for successful international expansion with Kasper Kubica, co-founder of Carpe, a leading DTC brand specializing in sweat solutions, and Tom Griffin from Passport, a global shipping and internationalization partner for DTC brands. 🚀 Ready to reach your brand’s global potential? Your Passport to easier international growth is here. https://passportshipping.com Kasper shares how Carpe went from a college dorm room idea to a brand with a strong international presence, and how they transitioned from passive international sales to an intentional, strategic approach for global growth. 🌍 Tom provides insights into how Passport simplifies the complexities of international store localization, shipping, duties, and compliance, enabling brands to scale globally without sacrificing profitability or customer experience. Listen to learn: The importance of moving from passive to intentional international growth. How to overcome the logistical and compliance challenges of selling overseas. The critical role of localized marketing in building trust and increasing conversion rates in new markets. Whether you’re already selling internationally or just thinking about it, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you tap into new markets effectively and profitably. Keywords: DTC podcast, direct-to-consumer, international expansion, global growth strategy, e-commerce logistics, Carpe, Passport shipping, international sales, localization, digital marketing, cross-border sales, customer experience Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Carpe's International Expansion 02:00 - Challenges in International Logistics and Compliance 05:00 - The Role of Passport in Carpe's Expansion 08:00 - Localizing Marketing Strategies for International Markets 12:00 - Lessons Learned: Testing and Experimentation in New Markets 15:00 - Profitable International Growth: Key Takeaways for DTC Brands Hashtags: #DTCGrowth #InternationalExpansion #EcommerceLogistics #GlobalMarketing #CrossBorderCommerce #CarpeSweatSolutions #PassportShipping #ScalingDTCBrands #DigitalMarketing #ComplianceSolutions #EcommerceSuccess #DTCpodcast #BrandLocalization #CustomerExperience #GlobalEcommerce Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we sit down with Dejan Rankovic, SVP of Digital at Salt & Stone, a natural personal care brand that’s making waves in the industry. With experience scaling growth at Dr. Squatch and Netflix, Dejan brings a unique perspective on optimizing digital marketing strategies to drive exponential growth. https://saltandstone.com In this episode, we dive deep into: How Salt & Stone achieved 5x growth in digital revenue in under a year. The impact of prioritizing hero products, like the Mini Discovery Set, on customer acquisition and retention. Effective tactics for optimizing ad spend across Meta, TikTok, and other platforms. If you’re looking to grow your DTC brand through actionable insights, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Meet Dejan Rankovic, SVP of Digital at Salt and Stone. 3:00 - Scaling Dr. Squatch and Transitioning to Salt and Stone. 8:00 - Digital Growth Strategy: Achieving 5X growth. 14:00 - Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tactics. 18:00 - Influencer Strategy Deep Dive: Finding the right influencers. 23:00 - Expanding on Amazon: Strategies for growth. 27:00 - Scent as a Key Differentiator in Marketing. Hashtags: #DTCPodcast #DirectToConsumer #DigitalMarketing #BrandGrowth #SaltAndStone #InfluencerMarketing #eCommerceStrategy #MarketingTips #SEO #DigitalRevenue #BusinessGrowth #DejanRankovic #Entrepreneurship #AmazonStrategy #ProductMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're joined by Brian Juhos from the Pilothouse Google Ads team, who shares key insights into optimizing Google Ads campaigns for maximum profitability. In this episode, Brian breaks down common mistakes brands make in their Google Ads strategies and explains why aligning ad campaigns with real business objectives is essential for sustainable growth. Brian discusses how many brands rely on generic ROAS targets or arbitrary product categories, which can lead to wasted ad spend and missed opportunities. He introduces a more strategic approach by segmenting Google Ads campaigns based on real unit economics, such as margins and contribution margins, to ensure every campaign is profitable and well-targeted. Key takeaways from this episode include: Align Google Ads with Business Realities: How to move beyond a single ROAS target and optimize campaigns based on product-specific data like margins and fulfillment costs. Avoid Common Mistakes: Why using blanket ROAS targets or arbitrary product categories can hurt your bottom line and how to structure your campaigns for success. Leverage Smart Bidding Strategies: Insights on using smart bidding effectively and when to consolidate or segment campaigns for optimal performance. Brian also discusses tools and techniques to better understand your unit economics and how to use that data to create smarter, more effective ad campaigns. If you're looking to take your Google Ads strategy to the next level and align it with your business objectives, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you maximize your ad spend. Listen now to learn how to fine-tune your Google Ads campaigns and drive growth for your DTC brand! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Unit Economics in Google Ads 04:00 The Flaws in Traditional Campaign Segmentation 09:00 The Pitfalls of Using Flow Boost Strategies 13:00 Optimizing Google Shopping Ads for Better Profitability 17:00 The Dangers of Over-Segmentation in 2024 21:00 Case Study: Real-Life Application of Advanced Segmentation Hashtags: #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceStrategy #ROASOptimization #AdCampaigns #MarketingTips #DTC #OnlineAdvertising #GrowthHacking #AdPerformance #MarketingPodcast #UnitEconomics #Pmax #ShoppingAds Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we're exploring the transformative role of AI in customer experience with two industry experts: Mike de la Cruz, President of iAdvize, and Katie Himes, CX Lead at Payne Glasses. Experience iAdvize Yourself (and Get Yourself a FREE Pair of Glasses) https://www.iadvize.com/DTC In this episode, we discuss how brands can harness AI to improve customer interactions, drive engagement, and ultimately boost growth. From integrating AI in a way that maintains a human touch to leveraging real-time data for better customer insights, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for any DTC brand looking to improve its customer experience. Key insights include: How AI can help scale personalized customer interactions. The balance between automation and human touch in customer service. Strategies for using AI-driven data to understand and respond to customer needs. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: AI’s Role in E-commerce 2:30 - Payne Glasses' Challenges Before iAdvize 5:00 - Transforming Customer Experience with AI Chatbots 7:30 - The Future of AI in E-commerce: Predictions and Opportunities 10:00 - Boosting Conversions: Real-World Results with AI 13:00 - How to Experience the iAdvize Chatbot and Special Offer 15:30 - Closing Thoughts: Why Now is the Time for AI in E-commerce Hashtags: #Ecommerce #AI #Chatbot #CustomerExperience #DTC #DigitalMarketing #ConversionRate #PayneGlasses #iAdvize #AIAssistant #MarketingTrends #Shopify #OnlineShopping #Podcast #DTCpodcast Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're joined by Kadidja Dosso, founder of Dosso Beauty—a brand offering hypoallergenic braiding hair. Kadidja shares her journey of turning a personal allergic reaction to braiding hair into a thriving business, tapping into an underserved market need. She discusses the challenges of scaling a beauty brand, the importance of clean beauty in hair care, and her strategies for organic growth. https://Dossobeauty.com Key Insights: Market Gap Identification: How Kadidja leveraged her own experience and market research to identify a significant gap in hypoallergenic hair products. SEO Mastery for Organic Growth: The tactics Kadidja uses to drive traffic and sales through SEO without heavy reliance on paid ads. Scaling Challenges and Team Management: The complexities of scaling a DTC beauty brand and managing growth. Listen to learn how Dosso Beauty provides safer and cleaner options in hair care. Timestamps: 00:01:00 Inspiration Behind Dosso Beauty 00:06:00 Overcoming Industry Challenges 00:12:00 SEO Strategies and Organic Growth 00:17:00 Scaling the Business and Hair Deserts 00:24:00 Future Goals and Expansion Plans Hashtags: #DTCpodcast #KadidjaDosso #DossoBeauty #CleanBeauty #HypoallergenicHair #BraidingHair #SEOstrategy #BusinessGrowth #HaircareIndustry #FemaleFounder #Entrepreneurship #OrganicTraffic #HairDeserts #SmallBusinessGrowth #PodcastInterview Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup On today’s episode of the DTC Podcast, we're diving deep into an email marketing strategy with Jordan Gordon from Pilothouse. As we gear up to launch our first NEW Podcast on the DTC Podcast Network: "World's Best Email and Retention Podcast," henceforth known as TWBERP by nerds like us, Jordan shares foundational insights that are crucial for any brand looking to optimize its email marketing efforts. Jordan outlines four key approaches to building an effective email marketing program that can help brands achieve specific goals, whether it’s saving time, maximizing reach, acquiring new customers, or retaining existing ones. These foundational strategies provide a roadmap for businesses to develop email marketing programs that align with their overall business objectives and maximize their impact. Hashtags: #DTCpodcast #PetFoodIndustry #BrandStrategy #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #PartnershipMarketing #OlliePetFood #SEOstrategy #CustomerExperience #DirectToConsumer Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Nicole Sumner, Brand Director at Ollie, joining us. Founded in 2016, Ollie is a leading player in the premium pet food industry, specializing in fresh, high-quality meals for dogs. In this episode, Nicole dives into Ollie’s growth journey, particularly how the company navigated the challenges of balancing customer acquisition with a strong brand identity. Nicole shares her insights on how brand and performance marketing can no longer operate in silos, and how Ollie has successfully integrated these aspects to fuel their continued growth. She also discusses the importance of partnerships, SEO strategies, and the future role of AI in creative processes. Key takeaways include: The evolution of Ollie's brand positioning to better differentiate itself in a crowded market. Strategies for maintaining a premium brand image while scaling. How Ollie leverages SEO and organic growth channels to reduce dependence on paid advertising. If you’re a DTC brand owner or marketer, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to scale your business by integrating brand and performance marketing. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Overview of Ollie’s Growth Since 2016 4:50 - The Role of a Brand Director in a DTC’s Growth Journey 10:45 - Creative Strategy and the Intersection of Brand and Performance Marketing 17:30 - Collaborations: Ollie’s Partnership with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream 23:00 - SEO and Content Strategy: Driving Organic Growth at Ollie 28:45 - Customer Experience: Integrating Brand and Fulfillment at Ollie Hashtags: #DTCpodcast #PetFoodIndustry #BrandStrategy #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #PartnershipMarketing #OlliePetFood #SEOstrategy #CustomerExperience #DirectToConsumer Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the ultimate Q4 preparedness guide with the expert team from Pilothouse. As we approach the busiest time of the year for e-commerce, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why we’re bringing you this in-depth conversation on how to stock the pond and get every aspect of your marketing in line for Q4 success. What You’ll Learn: Stocking the Pond: How to expand your audience pools and get your customers primed for Q4. Content Strategy: Why starting your Q4 content strategy early can lead to a more engaged and ready-to-buy audience. Marketing Calendar: The importance of a well-organized calendar to align your cross-departmental efforts for maximum impact. Tune in to hear actionable insights and strategies that will help you navigate Q4 like a pro. Timestamps: 00:00 - Offer Testing for Q4 Success 02:40 - Stocking the Pond: Building Audience Pools 05:30 - Budget Planning for Q4 Marketing 08:15 - Creating Effective Content Strategies for Q4 12:05 - Building a Cohesive Marketing Calendar Hashtags: #eCommerce #Q4Marketing #BlackFridayPrep #DigitalMarketing #DTCBrands #OfferTesting #ContentStrategy #MarketingCalendar #MetaAdvertising #Pilothouse #MarketingTips #AudienceBuilding #SEO #AdvertisingStrategies #HolidayMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we’re joined by Drew Arciuolo, the visionary VP Marketing behind VKTRY Gear, a brand that has mastered scaling in the competitive world of athletic footwear accessories. In this episode, Drew shares how VKTRY Gear broke through a revenue ceiling and achieved explosive, profitable growth by narrowing their focus and refining their messaging and marketing strategies to resonate deeply with a specific target audience. Note: You can mastermind with Drew and 60 other apex operators in Victoria, BC, on September 18-19, 2024 at our C-Suite Mastermind event. Grab your ticket here. Key Insights: Targeted Marketing: VKTRY Gear's pivot to focus on basketball players rather than all athletes led to 240% growth. Influencer Strategy: The brand leveraged authentic influencer partnerships to amplify their message and drive demand. Evolving Messaging: As awareness grew, VKTRY Gear adapted its messaging to address new consumer concerns, ensuring continued relevance and growth. Tune in to learn how Drew and his team turned VKTRY Gear into a powerhouse in the athletic footwear space by being everywhere for their niche audience but not for everyone. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Sustaining Growth Beyond the First Win 02:45 - The Power of Targeted Messaging 06:00 - Leveraging Influencers and Organic Social Media 10:30 - Evolving Messaging Post-Virality 17:45 - Personal Insights: Imposter Syndrome Hashtags: #DTC #EcommerceGrowth #BrandMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #SustainableGrowth #Entrepreneurship #DirectToConsumer #BusinessSuccess #VKTRYGear #MarketingStrategy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the All Killer, No Filler DTC Podcast, we dive into a lively debate between two Amazon experts, Clifford and Rob, who discuss the merits and drawbacks of focusing your brand's sales efforts on Amazon versus a DTC website. Clifford argues for the power of Amazon’s massive organic reach and built-in marketing services, while Rob makes the case for the control and customer data you retain with a DTC site. Key Insights: Amazon’s Organic Power: Capitalize on Amazon's daily organic traffic and ranking potential by funneling more of your sales through their platform. Customer Data Ownership: Rob emphasizes the long-term value of owning customer data for remarketing and personalization efforts. Multi-Channel Strategy: Use Amazon for core products, but keep exclusive items or collections on your DTC site to drive direct traffic. This episode offers a balanced view of how brands can strategically use both channels to maximize growth. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - The 15% Amazon Referral Fee: What You Get in Return 00:05:00 - The Balance Between Amazon and DTC Sales 00:11:00 - Prime Try Before You Buy: The Apparel Advantage on Amazon 00:15:00 - Using Amazon’s Fulfillment Network for Your DTC Site 00:18:00 - Amazon’s New Video Options & FBA Reimbursement Changes Hashtags: #AmazonVsDTC #eCommerceDebate #DTCStrategy #AmazonSelling #eCommerceMarketing #CustomerData #PrimeTryBeforeYouBuy #AmazonFulfillment #MetaAds #DTCMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where we dive into the strategies behind some of the most successful direct-to-consumer brands. Today, we’re joined by Cherene Aubert, a seasoned marketing expert with a storied career in beauty and e-commerce. Currently driving growth at ILIA Beauty, Cherene shares insights into scaling a beloved brand post-acquisition, transitioning from a DTC powerhouse to an omnichannel giant. https://iliabeauty.com In this episode, Cherene introduces us to the "Tornado Method," which more accurately describers her approach to pulling customers into the brand at various stages rather than simply pushing them through a funnel. She also discusses how ILIA leverages organic growth, innovative offers, and strategic partnerships to maintain a competitive edge in the beauty industry. Key takeaways: The importance of organic growth as a foundation for scaling. Why moving beyond discounts to value-added offers like samples can drive long-term brand loyalty. The role of creative, customer-centric content in today’s marketing landscape. Listen in to learn how ILIA Beauty is redefining growth in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Cherene's Journey 5:00 - The Tornado Method 11:00 - Scaling with Offer Testing 18:00 - Creativity in Digital Advertising 26:00 - Navigating Headless Commerce Hashtags: #DTC #MarketingStrategies #BeautyBrands #EcommerceGrowth #ChereneAubert #ILIABeauty #DigitalAdvertising #OfferTesting #HeadlessCommerce #TornadoMethod Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we’re diving deep into creative strategy and media buying with Henry Banfield from Pilothouse, a senior content manager and media buyer. Henry brings a wealth of knowledge on how to effectively use data-driven creative testing to uncover what resonates most with your audience, which is crucial for scaling DTC campaigns. Follow along visually on: Case Study: https://www.pilothouse.co/clients-success/growoya Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcast Why Listen? Learn the importance of letting your customers' data guide your creative strategy. Discover how to use seasonal sales periods to test and refine your creative approaches. Understand how to apply successful creative angles across different ad formats for maximum impact. Key Insights: Data-Driven Decisions: Henry explains how using data-backed creative testing allows you to understand what messaging and angles your audience responds to, leading to more effective ad campaigns. Iterative Testing: Discover the value of continuously testing different angles and refining your approach to build a successful, scalable advertising strategy. Seasonal Testing: Learn how using periods like Labor Day and Prime Day can be strategic for testing creative approaches before major sales events like Black Friday. Conclusion: If you're looking to scale your DTC brand and want to understand how to make your creative strategy more effective, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview of Creative Strategy 2:30 - Angle Testing: Identifying What Resonates with Your Audience 7:15 - Creative Strategy Insights from the GrowOya Case Study 13:00 - Using Seasonal Sale Periods as Testing Grounds 19:00 - Building Evergreen Creative for Long-Term Success 25:00 - The Role of Animated Explainers in Product Marketing 31:00 - CGC (Content Creator Generated Content) & Final Thoughts Hashtags: #CreativeStrategy #DTCPodcast #GrowOya #AngleTesting #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #PilotHouse #BlackFridayStrategy #EvergreenCreative #AnimatedExplainers #MarketingTips #HenryBanfield #EricDyck Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we have Brock Mammoser, co-founder of Frost Buddy, the innovative drinkware brand that’s taken the market by storm. Frost Buddy's rapid rise to success, fueled by the Universal Can Cooler, showcases their knack for identifying and solving real consumer problems. In this episode, Brock shares the pivotal strategies that helped Frost Buddy scale from a startup to a projected $30 million in sales. Catch Brock at C-Suite Mastermind in September https://events.directtoconsumer.co Key Insights: $30M Sales Milestone: How Frost Buddy achieved this impressive figure in just a few years. TikTok Strategy: Learn how Frost Buddy uses TikTok for both organic and paid media to drive sales and brand awareness, sometimes surpassing Meta in effectiveness. Product Innovation: Discover the story behind the Universal Can Cooler and how it addressed a gap in the market. Scaling Challenges: Understand the hurdles of maintaining profitability during rapid growth and the solutions Brock implemented. Why Listen? Practical TikTok Insights: Gain actionable tips on leveraging TikTok for business growth. Product Development: Hear about the journey from idea to a $30M product that resonated with consumers. Business Strategy: Learn from Frost Buddy's approach to scaling while keeping operations lean and efficient. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: World's First Universal Can Cooler 02:00 - The Birth of Frost Buddy: From Slim Can Coolers to Universal Fit 06:00 - Media Buying Strategies: The Power of Video and TikTok 10:00 - The Role of TikTok in Frost Buddy's Success 14:00 - Operating the Business: Challenges and Turning Points 18:00 - Expansion Plans: Big Box Retail and International Markets 22:00 - Insights on Amazon Sales and Profitability 26:00 - Building a Brand and Customer Loyalty 30:00 - Future Vision: New Products and Scaling Strategies 34:00 - The Importance of Profitability Over Top-Line Revenue 38:00 - Closing Thoughts: Upcoming C-Suite Mastermind Event Hashtags: #FrostBuddy #CanCooler #DTCpodcast #BrockMammoser #Entrepreneurship #TikTokMarketing #Ecommerce #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #AmazonSales #Profitability #BrandBuilding #UniversalCanCooler #ProductInnovation #CSuiteMastermind Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Amazon advertising with Clifford and Rob from Pilothouse. As Amazon continues to be a pivotal platform for DTC brands, understanding the nuances of ad spend can make or break your strategy. In this episode, we uncover the secrets behind effective Amazon advertising, the role of Prime Video ads, and the strategic balance between defending your brand and targeting competitors. Key Insights: Amazon’s Earnings and Growth: Despite recent market fluctuations, Amazon continues to show significant growth, particularly in its advertising sector. Sponsored Ads Cannibalization: Discover how analyzing the incremental impact of ad spend on high-ranking terms versus competitor terms can optimize your budget. Prime Video Ads: Learn about the powerful impact of non-skippable Prime Video ads and how they can drive both awareness and direct sales. Why You Should Listen: Optimize Ad Spend: Learn how to make the most of your advertising budget by understanding incremental impact. Top-of-Funnel Tactics: Explore the benefits of Prime Video ads for broader reach and better attribution. Stay Competitive: Get insights on balancing brand defense and competitor targeting to maintain market position. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and overview of Amazon ads cannibalization 2:00 - Insights from the Amazon earnings call and tech industry trends 4:00 - Analyzing the impact of ad spend on high-ranking search terms 6:30 - The effectiveness of Prime Video ads and targeting strategies 8:45 - Discussion on brand defense and competitor targeting 10:50 - Shifting ad spend to top-of-funnel efforts and streaming TV 12:30 - Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday on Amazon 14:00 - Closing thoughts and upcoming podcast previews Hashtags: #AmazonAds #DTCPodcast #Pilothouse #EcommerceMarketing #AmazonEarnings #PrimeVideoAds #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #DigitalMarketing #AdCannibalization #AmazonStrategy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we're joined by Mike Wu from Monos, a leading brand in the travel and luggage industry. Mike shares how Monos has successfully integrated Zowie.ai into their customer service operations, handling 50% of customer inquiries and freeing their team to focus on more complex tasks. Key Insights: AI Integration: Learn how Zowie.ai is automating responses to common customer inquiries. Efficiency Gains: Discover how AI allows Monos to scale without additional hires. Data-Driven Decisions: Understand the role of AI in providing actionable insights to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Highlights: 50% of conversations handled by AI. Focus on training AI for optimal performance. Strategic scaling without increasing team size. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Mike Wu’s background at Monos 2:00 - Initial challenges at Monos and early customer service struggles 4:30 - Transition to automation and offshore support team 6:30 - Implementing Zowie AI and its impact on customer service 8:45 - High-touch customer experience in the luggage industry 10:45 - Training and managing the AI for customer support 13:00 - Efficiency improvements and real-world examples 15:15 - Future plans for AI in pre-purchase interactions 17:30 - Proactive customer support and sales with AI 20:00 - Balancing automation and human touch in customer service 22:30 - Exploring AI for product returns and quality control 25:00 - Closing thoughts and future outlook Hashtags: #CustomerExperience #AI #Monos #DTC #Ecommerce #CustomerService #Automation #ZowieAI #CX #RetailTech Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we're thrilled to have Brandon Horoho from Montana Knife Company join us. Brandon's returning to the podcast to update us on his fantastic growth, and announce that he's joining us at C-Suite Mastermind Sept 18-19. Come hang with Brandon and I! https://events.directtoconsumer.co On this podcast Brandon shares the incredible journey of growing his brand to eight figures in just three years using a unique drop model. He delves into the nuances of their secret VIP program and how it has fueled customer loyalty and repeat purchases. Tune in to learn how Montana Knife Company continues to innovate and scale despite advertising restrictions. Key Insights: Drop Model Success: Learn how Montana Knife Company uses a drop model to create scarcity and excitement, ensuring consistent sales. Secret VIP Program: Discover the secretive yet effective VIP program that has significantly boosted customer loyalty. Culinary Market Expansion: Understand the strategies behind their successful entry into the culinary market, leading to record sales. Top Moments: The impact of unexpected rewards in their VIP program. Maintaining product quality over quantity in a competitive market. Strategic collaborations for top-of-funnel growth. Overcoming advertising challenges with community engagement. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Brandon Horoho and MKC's Marketing Ethos 2:30 - VIP Program: Building Customer Loyalty with Surprise and Delight 5:45 - Expansion into the Culinary Market and Achieving a Million-Dollar Day 8:30 - Challenges and Strategies for Advertising in Restricted Categories 11:15 - Successful Collaborations: Nature's Metal and Bearded Butchers 14:00 - The Impact of Consistent Product Drops on Customer Engagement 16:45 - Using Black Crow and Retention.com for Data-Driven Marketing 19:30 - Preparing for the C-Suite Mastermind Event in Victoria, BC 22:00 - Future Plans and Maintaining High Energy in Marketing Initiatives Hashtags: #MarketingStrategies #DropModel #MontanaKnifeCompany #CustomerEngagement #VIPProgram #CulinaryMarket #RestrictedAdvertising #BrandCollaborations #DTCMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #CSuiteMastermind #DTCpodcast #PodcastEpisode #MarketingInsights #DigitalMarketing #TopOfFunnel #CustomerLoyalty #BusinessGrowth #BrandonHoroho #EricDyck Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today we have Dougie, the Google Lead from Pilothouse, who shares invaluable insights into optimizing your Google Ads campaigns. Key Insights: Tiered Campaign Approach: Start with specific product keywords and expand gradually. Quality Score Optimization: Ensure ad copy and landing pages are highly relevant and engaging. Strategic Use of Negative Keywords: Funnel traffic effectively by using negative keywords to guide users to the most relevant ads. Highlights: Importance of targeting specific search terms initially. Role of ad copy and landing page relevancy in boosting quality scores. Detailed strategy for using negative keywords within campaigns. Why Listen? Learn how to structure Google Ads campaigns for better relevancy and performance. Understand the nuances of quality score and its impact on your campaigns. Get practical tips on using negative keywords to optimize your ad traffic. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Quality Score 03:00 - Common Misconceptions in Search Campaigns 06:00 - The Three Tiers of Search Targeting 10:00 - Fixing Low Quality Scores and Ad Copy Relevance 14:00 - Strategic Use of Negative Keywords 17:00 - Google’s Decision on Third-Party Cookies 18:00 - Conclusion and Dougie’s Google Ads Audits Hashtags: #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #SEOStrategies #AdCopy #QualityScore #Targeting #OnlineAdvertising #MarketingTips #DTCPodcast #Pilothouse #EricDick #Dougie #GoogleMarketing #SearchCampaigns #NegativeKeywords #ThirdPartyCookies Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're joined by Rebecca Zhou and Stephanie from Soft Services, along with John Chao from Tresl Segments. https://www.tresl.co/dtc Soft Services is a rapidly scaling body skincare company that recently expanded from DTC to an omnichannel presence with Sephora. In this episode, we dive into their strategic use of data to drive growth and retention. https://softservices.com/ Key Takeaways: Omnichannel Strategy: Learn how Soft Services navigates the complexities of integrating DTC and retail data. Personalized Marketing: Discover the impact of their unique marketing campaigns, like the surprise spatula initiative. Data-Driven Decisions: Understand how Trestle's segmentation tools help them make informed business decisions. Why Listen? Get insights into advanced data segmentation techniques. Learn practical strategies for enhancing customer retention. Understand the importance of sustainable practices in product development. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Data-Driven Marketing for DTC Brands 02:00 - Soft Services' Journey and Omnichannel Expansion 06:00 - Leveraging Data for Customer Insights and Retention 12:00 - Optimizing Marketing Strategies with Trestle Segments 18:00 - The Spatula Campaign: Enhancing Customer Experience 25:00 - Conclusion: Future of Data-Driven Marketing for DTC Brands Hashtags: #DataDrivenMarketing #DTCBrands #CustomerRetention #MarketingStrategies #SoftServices #Tresl #JohnChao #RebeccaZhou #StephanieDiSturco #EcommerceSuccess #DigitalMarketing #AIinMarketing #CustomerEngagement #BusinessGrowth #MarketingInsights Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In today’s episode, we have Jen Liao, co-founder of MìLà, a brand that started as a local restaurant and expanded into the nationwide frozen food market. We dive deep into MìLà's journey, exploring their adaptive strategies, the logistical challenges of shipping frozen food, and the innovative marketing campaigns that fueled their growth. Key Insights You Don’t Want to Miss: Adaptability: Learn how MìLà pivoted during the pandemic and found success with frozen soup dumplings. Experimentation: Discover the low-cost experiments that helped validate their business model and find product-market fit. Creative Marketing: Understand the impact of unique campaigns like the red envelope treasure hunt in driving retail sales. Why Listen? Logistical Insights: Gain valuable knowledge on managing the complex logistics of shipping frozen products. Marketing Strategies: Explore creative ways to engage customers and boost retail sales. Scaling Tips: Hear practical advice on scaling from a local business to a national brand. Tune in to learn how MìLà navigated the challenges of scaling their business and what strategies you can apply to your own growth journey. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:00 - Launching MiLa and Initial Challenges 07:00 - Transition to Frozen Food and Nationwide DTC Expansion 14:00 - Creative Advertising Strategies on Meta 20:00 - Overcoming Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges 28:00 - Entering Retail and Unique Marketing Campaigns 36:00 - Future Growth and Product Expansion Hashtags: #DTCPodcast #MiLaFoods #DirectToConsumer #Ecommerce #FrozenFood #MarketingStrategies #RetailExpansion #InfluencerMarketing #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup “Automations become this kind of Frankenstein beast... a series of good ideas put together, but over time, it becomes a mess.” - Jordan discussing the common pitfalls of email automations. Jordan Gordon, Pilothouse Retention Director Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, we have Jordan Gordon, Director of Retention at Pilothouse, sharing his expertise on refining email marketing automations. We delve into the importance of auditing your email setup to avoid inefficiencies and improve customer retention. Key Insights You Don’t Want to Miss: Automations Overload: Learn how to identify and streamline overgrown email automations. Lifecycle Focus: Understand the critical automations for each stage of the customer lifecycle. Accurate Metrics: Discover the importance of accurate email metrics for improving deliverability and performance. Why Listen? Email Efficiency: Gain valuable tips on keeping your email automations lean and effective. Retention Strategies: Explore proven strategies to enhance customer retention through better email practices. Metric Mastery: Learn how to use tools like Klaviyo to analyze and improve your email campaigns. Tune in to learn how to clean up your email automations and boost your marketing efficiency! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Mastermind Events and Addiction to Hosting 2:00 - Overview of C-Suite Mastermind Event 2024 6:00 - Importance of Email Automations 8:00 - Differences Between Campaigns and Automations 12:00 - Streamlining and Simplifying Email Automations 18:00 - Avoiding Automation Overload and Maintaining Efficiency 22:00 - Preparing for Q4: Importance of Early Planning 25:00 - Monitoring Email Deliverability and Addressing Issues 28:00 - Closing Remarks: Upcoming Episodes and Lead Gen Campaign Hashtags: #DTC #EmailMarketing #MarketingAutomation #MastermindEvents #Ecommerce #Q4Prep #InfluencerMarketing #MarketingTips #EricDick #JordanGordon #PilotHouse #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #EmailDeliverability #EcommerceMarketing #BusinessGrowth Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we’re diving into the world of whiskey with Duncan Frew from Wolfie's, the rock star whiskey brand co-founded with Rod Stewart. Wolfie's is not just another celebrity-endorsed product; it's a unique blend of Scottish tradition and rock and roll rebellion. Key Insights: Brand Origin: Inspired by late-night whiskey sessions and rock star stories, Wolfie's was born out of a desire to disrupt the traditional whiskey market. Product Development: Focused on creating a high-quality product with extensive taste testing and market research. Rapid Expansion: From a DTC launch to being sold in 23 countries within a year, Wolfie's is taking the world by storm. Creative Marketing: Utilizing Rod Stewart’s persona to craft a brand that is both respectful of whiskey traditions and rebellious in spirit. Why Listen? Learn how to leverage celebrity influence authentically. Understand the challenges and strategies of rapid international expansion. Get inspired by unconventional marketing tactics that break through the noise. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Event Promotion 03:00 Duncan Frew on the Genesis of Wolfie's Whiskey 07:00 Marketing Strategy: Leveraging Rod Stewart's Influence 12:00 Overcoming Challenges in Distribution and Sales 16:00 The Importance of Repeat Purchases in Whiskey Sales 21:00 Innovative and Outlandish Marketing Tactics 25:00 Supporting Retail with Unique Marketing Approaches 30:00 Thinking Globally, Acting Locally in Whiskey Sales 32:00 Personal Advice on Drinking and Selling Whiskey Hashtags: #Whiskey #WolfiesWhiskey #RodStewart #RockAndRoll #DTCMarketing #BrandBuilding #MarketingStrategy #Ecommerce #StartupStory #WhiskeyLovers #DuncanFrew #DTCPodcast Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's crucial for maximizing your digital marketing efforts: landing pages. Our guests, Aves and Jocelyn from Pilothouse, share their insights on why landing pages are a game-changer for any DTC brand looking to boost conversion rates. Key Insights: Landing Pages vs. PDPs: Understand the significant benefits of using landing pages over product detail pages. Optimization and Testing: Learn how continuous testing can lead to the most optimized landing pages. Warp Drive Tool: Discover how PilotHouse's proprietary tool enhances landing page performance without disrupting ad campaigns. Why You Should Listen: Get actionable tips on creating high-converting landing pages. Learn about the importance of aligning ad angles with landing page content. Discover the strategic advantage of using Pilothouse's Warp Drive tool. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how to leverage landing pages to enhance your DTC marketing strategy. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Mastermind Events and DTC Podcast 2:30 - Overview of the Victoria, BC Mastermind Event 4:00 - Importance of Custom Landing Pages in E-commerce 6:15 - Real-Life Success Stories: Drew Archeolo from Victory Gear 8:45 - How to Make About Pages Shoppable 11:00 - The Role of Landing Pages in Ad Campaigns 13:30 - Effective Use of Landing Pages for Promo Campaigns 15:00 - Problem Agitation vs. Problem Solution in Ads and Landing Pages 17:15 - Evergreen Ads and Landing Pages for Q4 Prep 19:30 - Tips for Beginners: Turning About Pages into Sales Pages 22:00 - The Power of Founder's Story on Landing Pages 24:15 - Technical Elements of High-Performing Landing Pages 26:30 - Enhancing Pages with Personalization and Dynamic Content 28:00 - Case Study: Jewelry Brand Success with Custom Landing Pages 30:00 - The Second Step Optimization with Warp Drive 32:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action Hashtags: #Ecommerce #LandingPages #DTC #DigitalMarketing #ConversionOptimization #EcommerceSuccess #MarketingTips #PilotHouse #SEO #AdCampaigns #MastermindEvents #FoundersStory #Shopify #OnlineSales #CustomerJourney Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video