Episodes
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AI is changing the way brands approach creative marketing. In this episode, Braydon from Pilothouse dives into how AI tools—especially custom GPTs—are transforming landing pages, ad creative, and brand storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
AI-Driven CRO: How custom GPTs optimize landing pages section by section for higher conversion rates.
AI for Subscription Growth: Why AI-powered page redesigns can dramatically improve MRR.
Automating Ad Mashups: Using AI to remix top-performing ads for faster creative iteration.
Voice AI in Ads: How 11 Labs speeds up ad production with high-quality voiceovers.
Strategic AI Thinking: How AI can assist with brand-level strategy and audience segmentation.
If you’re looking for real-world AI applications in DTC marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Timestamps:
00:00 - AI tools are evolving fast
02:05 - How ChatGPT enhances ad creative
04:30 - Optimizing landing pages with AI
07:15 - Using AI for voiceovers and trailers
10:45 - The power of humor in ads
14:00 - AI-generated mashups for top-performing ads
17:20 - AI for brand-level strategy and deep analysis
20:40 - AI agents and the future of automation
Hashtags:
#AIforMarketing #ChatGPT #DTCMarketing #AdCreative #EcommerceGrowth #AIcopywriting #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #DigitalMarketing #Automation #MarketingTrends
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On this episode of the DTC Podcast, we dive deep into creative advertising with James Mulvey, Head of Content at Motion, the creative analytics and research platform used by brands like HexClad, True Classic, Ridge, and Vuori. James shares insights from their recent report analyzing $100M in ad spend and surveying 500+ DTC advertisers, highlighting how brands can develop ads that scale to six- or seven-figure spends.
Learn the 7 most impactful creative trends: https://motionapp.com/creative-trends
Key Takeaways:
What Makes a $1M Ad: Balancing humor, offers, and polished creative.
The Role of Humor: Why funny ads drive deeper engagement and brand affinity.
Lo-Fi Done Right: How details like lighting and casting make or break low-budget ads.
Creative Strategy in 2025: Building a high-functioning team with platform-specific expertise.
AI in Advertising: Practical applications without sacrificing authenticity.
Tune in to learn how to build a creative system that delivers consistent winners.
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we welcome Kurt Elster, Shopify expert and founder of EtherCycle, a consultancy specializing in optimizing Shopify stores for eCommerce brands.
https://ethercycle.com
https://www.instagram.com/kgelster/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtelster/
Kurt dives into tactical advice for DTC founders, focusing on Shopify's most underutilized features and strategies that drive conversions. Whether it's improving your store's navigation, creating high-converting landing pages, or running better promotions, Kurt’s insights are laser-focused on helping Shopify brands grow.
🔑 Key takeaways for DTC founders:
Master navigation and menus: Simplify and prioritize to make it easy for customers to find what they need.
Use landing pages effectively: Stop relying solely on product pages—targeted landing pages drive better results for campaigns.
Leverage Shopify tools: Use Shopify Functions and apps like Matrixify to streamline workflows and enable advanced promotions.
Run free gift with purchase campaigns: Boost AOV and customer excitement without discounting your brand.
If you’re running a Shopify store and want practical advice to optimize performance, this episode is a must-listen!
Timestamps:
0:00 - The power of landing pages for ecommerce
2:05 - The importance of customer conversations
4:20 - Key improvements in Shopify tools
6:35 - Using AI and GPT for ecommerce efficiency
8:50 - Building loyal communities for product launches
11:10 - Planning and consistency for brand success
13:25 - Top-of-funnel strategies and storytelling
15:40 - Exciting AI advancements for personal productivity
18:05 - The sci-fi future of AI and tech integration
Hashtags:
#EcommerceTips #ShopifyExperts #AIForBusiness #PodcastHighlights #DigitalMarketing #CustomerEngagement #DTCBrands #LandingPages #BrandBuilding #ShopifyUpdates
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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, Eric sits down with Dougie from Pilothouse's Google team to dive deep into how to leverage Google Ads' Performance Max (PMAX) campaigns for demand capture while building long-term growth strategies.
With the recent Google update allowing shopping campaigns to compete with PMAX on ad rank, Dougie shares actionable insights for structuring hybrid campaigns, integrating first-party data, and tracking true incrementality. Whether you're looking to optimize your ad spend or balance top-of-funnel and lower-funnel efforts, this episode has you covered.
Key Takeaways:
PMAX vs. Shopping: Learn why hybrid campaign structures work better than running PMAX alone, especially for targeting both warm and cold audiences.
Top-of-Funnel Investments: How efforts like TV and YouTube ads create a "halo effect" on demand capture—but only when backed by sufficient budgets.
Attribution Hacks: Why GA4, Northbeam, or Triple Whale should supplement Google’s in-platform attribution to avoid over-attributing conversions.
Practical Adjustments: Dougie explains how feed management, segmentation, and careful audience targeting maximize PMAX performance over time.
Whether you're scaling your DTC brand or refining your Google Ads strategy, Dougie's insights will help you navigate the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to PMAX Updates
2:00 - Key Changes in PMAX Ad Prioritization
4:30 - Shopping Campaigns vs PMAX Strategies
7:00 - Leveraging Audience Signals for Better Results
9:30 - Attribution Challenges with PMAX
12:00 - Optimizing Campaigns for Long-Term Performance
14:30 - Incremental Value and Third-Party Tools
17:00 - Attribution Limitations and Platform Insights
19:00 - Google Ads Heist Warning & Closing Thoughts
Hashtags
#PMAXUpdate #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #AttributionStrategy #AdCampaigns #PerformanceMax #GoogleShopping #MarketingInsights #YouTubeAds
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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Nosbisch, founder of BRĒZ, the fastest-growing cannabis-infused beverage brand on the market. BRĒZ is at the forefront of a new wave in social drinking, offering a functional alternative to alcohol with none of its downsides. By combining innovative product design, strategic DTC-first approaches, and a deep understanding of compliance in restricted categories, BRĒZ has scaled to $25M in revenue in just 18 months.
https://Drinkbrez.com
@AaronJNosbisch
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🚀 How BRĒZ Scaled in a Highly Regulated Industry
BRĒZ cracked the code for advertising cannabis beverages on Meta by understanding compliance rules and creating educational campaigns.
The brand leveraged its knowledge of restricted categories to navigate policies and pioneer in regulated markets.
🌱 Why Cannabis Beverages Are the Future of Social Drinking
Alcohol alternatives are gaining traction as consumers seek wellness-focused options.
BRĒZ’s formula mimics alcohol’s social effects—euphoria, relaxation, and upliftment—but without the hangovers or negative health consequences.
📈 DTC Strategies That Work for Consumables
BRĒZ optimized pricing to create a high AOV, making paid acquisition viable.
Subscription models with 20–25% discounts boost customer retention and long-term profitability.
🔑 The Role of Innovation and Clarity in Marketing
BRĒZ focuses on clear, authentic messaging that resonates with consumers.
Its marketing doesn’t rely on gimmicks—it educates and informs while showcasing the product’s benefits.
🎧 Why Listen?
This episode is packed with tactical insights for brand builders navigating regulated categories or looking to scale rapidly in DTC. Whether you’re interested in compliance strategies, growth marketing, or category-defining innovation, this conversation is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship.
Listen now and learn how BRĒZ is shaping the future of functional beverages and paving the way for the next generation of alcohol alternatives.
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to Aaron J. Nosbisch and Breeze
2:10 Innovating within restrictions in DTC and cannabis advertising
4:30 The journey of launching Breeze and achieving rapid growth
7:00 Scaling Breeze through direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies
9:15 Challenges in navigating alcohol and cannabis distribution systems
11:30 The rise of functional beverages as a new category
13:45 Building a brand with authenticity and innovation
16:20 Future opportunities in the cannabis and beverage industries
18:50 Closing thoughts and where to find Breeze
Hashtags
#DTC #BeverageInnovation #CannabisBusiness #FunctionalDrinks #DirectToConsumer #Breeze #Entrepreneurship #MarketingStrategies #BusinessGrowth #Ecommerce
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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep with Kyle Hitchcox, co-founder of Warpdrive, on why traditional conversion rate optimization (CRO) needs a complete overhaul. Kyle explains how Warpdrive's modular tools empower Shopify brands to optimize their funnels faster and drive more revenue from existing traffic.
Get In Touch→ https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch
Follow Kyle → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehitchcox/
Key Takeaways:
Modular Page Building: Create branded Shopify experiences in under 24 hours using Warp Drive’s tools.
Faster Funnels: Page speed is a critical driver of conversion—slow-loading stores cost brands millions.
Persistent Attribution: Gain clear visibility across the entire funnel, ensuring data accuracy and actionable insights.
Actionable Optimizations: Focus on high-impact elements like headlines, bundles, and subscription options instead of microtests like button colors.
Whether you're a Shopify brand scaling up or an agency looking to deliver better results for clients, this episode is packed with tactical advice and strategies to drive performance.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to CRO and Funnel Optimization
2:15 The Evolution of Landing Pages and Their Role in Performance Marketing
5:00 Introducing Warp Drive: A New Approach to CRO
7:45 The Importance of Page Speed for Shopify Stores
10:30 Challenges and Learnings in Building a Software Tool
14:00 AI Integration in Shopify Funnel Optimization
17:00 Invitation to Agencies and Brands: Embrace the Next Era of CRO
Hashtags:
#ConversionRateOptimization
#EcommerceMarketing
#ShopifyTips
#LandingPageOptimization
#PageSpeed
#AIInMarketing
#DigitalMarketingTools
#WarpdriveCRO
#DTCBrands
#PilotHouse
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Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where we dive deep into actionable strategies for scaling direct-to-consumer businesses. In this episode, Dan Crosby shares the inspiring story of how he bought a personal favorite hydration brand, BioSteel from bankruptcy and reshaped it into a profitable business within a year.
Key Takeaways:
Logistics Overhaul: Learn how consolidating 20+ distribution centers was critical to BioSteel’s turnaround.
Grassroots Partnerships: Discover why investing in youth sports and associations provides better ROI than major sponsorships.
Lean Operations: Hear how Dan rebuilt the brand with a core team of under 10 people.
Amazon Strategies: Insights into BioSteel’s Vendor Central program and pricing challenges.
Tech and Community: How a custom app is scaling BioSteel’s reach while giving back to grassroots teams.
Dan’s journey offers unparalleled insights into reviving a brand, tackling logistics, and making every dollar in marketing count.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to BioSteel's Turnaround Journey
2:10 - Challenges with Retailers and Bankruptcy Transition
4:25 - Consolidating Logistics for Brand Revival
7:15 - Grassroots Partnerships and Youth Sports Sponsorships
10:00 - Strategic Focus on Amazon and Distribution Models
12:40 - Marketing Shifts: From Elite Endorsements to In-Store Promos
16:00 - Building Tech-Driven Community Engagement
19:30 - Developing Bespoke Products for Professional Sports Teams
22:00 - Exploring New Opportunities with Major Leagues
Hashtags:
#DTCpodcast #BioSteel #BrandRevival #SportsMarketing #CPGstrategy #YouthSports #EcommerceSuccess #AmazonStrategy #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney
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STOP - Have you subscribed to Jordon Gordon's "The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast"?? [TWBERP) → https://open.spotify.com/show/30OswCnXzinWp0zBP1kenR?si=gFxF-OOsQY2FNh0Tc_1Q0A
In this episode, we welcome Jordan Gordon, the host of The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast, to discuss the critical shifts in email marketing for 2025. With inbox deliverability tightening and customer attention harder to earn, Jordan emphasizes the importance of transitioning from static campaigns to automated flows.
Key Takeaways:
Why replacing campaigns with automated flows saves time and drives revenue.
How to use SMS to complement email efforts and maximize engagement.
Tools like Black Crow and Zero Bounce that can transform your email performance.
The "customer vs. buyer" mindset: why understanding the difference is vital for retention.
Scannable Insights:
Automate for efficiency: Reduce campaigns by 30% while boosting relevance.
Dynamic content is key to scaling email efforts in 2025.
Extend email's reach with synced advertising campaigns and SMS integrations.
Whether you're a brand owner or a seasoned marketer, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to optimize your retention marketing playbook.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to 2025 email strategies
02:00 - Importance of abandonment flows and automations
05:00 - Transitioning from growth-at-any-cost to efficient growth
08:00 - Dynamic content and segmentation in email marketing
12:00 - Customers vs. buyers: Building retention strategies
15:00 - Tools for improving inbox placement and customer targeting
20:00 - The role of SMS in 2025 marketing strategies
25:00 - Expanding email lists with ad integrations
Hashtags:
#EmailMarketing2025 #RetentionStrategies #EcommerceGrowth #DTCMarketing #EmailAutomation #CustomerRetention #MarketingTools #SMSMarketing #DigitalAdvertising #FunnelOptimization
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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Broukhim, co-founder of FabFitFun, the billion-dollar subscription lifestyle brand that has redefined how consumers discover and experience new products. From its origins as a modest blog to a multi-faceted platform offering curated subscription boxes, exclusive sales, and even B2B services, FabFitFun has become a leader in the subscription space.
Key Takeaways:
Evolution through Innovation: Learn how FabFitFun transitioned from a blog to a billion-dollar customizable subscription box platform.
The Power of Influencers: Early unboxings on social media propelled their growth, and influencer partnerships remain integral to their strategy.
Profitability Over Growth: Discover how FabFitFun adapted to post-COVID market realities by focusing on operational efficiency and customer value.
Building Community: Hear how they’ve leveraged a loyal customer base to iterate, improve, and innovate their offerings.
Whether you're scaling a startup or refining your DTC strategy, this episode offers actionable insights into building and evolving a billion-dollar business model.
Timestamps
0:00 Intro: FabFitFun's Entrepreneurial Journey
2:00 Challenges in Scaling a Subscription Box Business
4:30 Evolving the FabFitFun Membership Experience
7:00 Innovative Marketing Strategies for DTC Growth
9:30 Building Community and Customer Loyalty
12:00 The Role of Influencers and Product Curation
14:30 Strategic Adjustments for Profitability and Longevity
17:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in DTC
Hashtags
#FabFitFun #DTCMarketing #SubscriptionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #EcommerceSuccess #InfluencerMarketing #CustomerExperience #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #Innovation
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In this episode of the All Killer No Filler DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck sits down with Rob and Clifford from Pilothouse Amazon, to unpack key learnings from a record-breaking holiday season on Amazon. From Black Friday to Q1, they dive deep into the strategies that propelled brands to double or even triple revenue during critical sales periods.
Key insights include:
The importance of deal badges: Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday badges can drastically increase visibility and sales.
Discounting strategies: Prime Exclusive Discounts vs. Lightning Deals—what works best?
Post-Christmas adjustments: How to navigate shifts in ad performance as shopping behaviors change.
Capitalizing on Q1 trends: Aligning content and campaigns with the “New Year, New You” mindset.
Whether you’re a seasoned Amazon seller or just getting started, this episode offers actionable advice to ensure your brand is ready to win on Amazon during the busiest times of the year.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Black Friday and Cyber Monday insights
02:00 - Amazon deal badges and their impact
04:00 - Strategies for maximizing Q5 sales
06:00 - New Year marketing strategies on Amazon
08:00 - Amazon Vendor Program explained
Hashtags:
#DTCpodcast #AmazonStrategy #BlackFridaySales #EcommerceTips #NewYearMarketing #AmazonAdvertising #VendorProgram #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingInsights #AmazonDeals
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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! This episode dives into the entrepreneurial journey of Ludo, founder of FoxFold. Ludo’s company is disrupting the $30B toilet paper industry with innovative dispensers and interfolded toilet paper that reduce waste and cut costs for hotels.
Key Insights:
Cost Savings: FoxFold dispensers reduce toilet paper usage by 40%, solving inefficiencies for hotels.
Dual Product Innovation: The patented dispenser works seamlessly with paper refills, creating a unique ecosystem.
Sustainability Focus: Bamboo-based paper and plastic-free packaging appeal to eco-conscious businesses.
B2B Strategy: Focusing on hotels for rapid scale and strategic partnerships has driven FoxFold's growth.
FoxFold has quickly gained traction with 5,000 bathrooms installed in just months and aims to redefine bathroom essentials in the hospitality sector.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: Reinventing Toilet Paper with Foxfold
02:00 Inspiration Behind Foxfold’s Unique Design
05:00 Tackling Sustainability and Cost in Hospitality
08:00 Developing the Dispenser and Paper Prototypes
12:00 Building a Go-to-Market Strategy for B2B
17:00 The Role of Trade Shows and Strategic Partnerships
22:00 Branding and The Story Behind Foxfold
26:00 Lessons Learned: Innovation and Speed to Market
29:00 Patents, Trademarks, and Navigating Copycats
30:00 Closing Thoughts: The Foxfold Vision
Hashtags
#Foxfold #DTCpodcast #SustainabilityInnovation #BambooToiletPaper #HospitalitySolutions #EcoFriendlyProducts #BathroomInnovation #B2BMarketing #DirectToConsumer #Entrepreneurship
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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we dive into Applovin, the emerging mobile ad network reshaping how DTC brands scale. Join Taylor Cain and Aves from Pilothouse Marketing as they share their hands-on experience with Applovin, exploring its algorithm-driven audience targeting and creative-first approach.
Key Takeaways:
What is Applovin? Learn how this platform enables 9x16 video ads in mobile apps and why it’s creating buzz in the e-commerce space.
Creative Strategy Tips: Discover why humor, entertainment, and long-format storytelling are crucial for success on this platform.
Incrementality Challenges: Understand how to measure new customer acquisition effectively with tools like post-purchase surveys and MTA analysis.
Who Can Advertise? A $20k/day spend on Meta is required to qualify—making it ideal for scaling brands.
Don’t miss this practical breakdown of how to leverage Applovin to tap into new audiences and boost growth.
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to Applovin and Event Announcement
2:10 What is Applovin and How Does It Work?
4:20 Performance Insights: Comparing Applovin to Meta Ads
6:30 Creative Strategies for Applovin Ads
9:00 Incrementality and Measuring Success on Applovin
11:30 Challenges and Limitations of Applovin for DTC Brands
14:20 Future of Applovin and Final Thoughts
Hashtags
#Applovin #DTCAdvertising #EcommerceMarketing #MobileAdNetwork #DigitalMarketing #CreativeStrategies #PerformanceMarketing #MetaAds #MobileAdvertising #DTCInsights
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On this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Samantha Rayner, founder of Better Basics, a mission-led household goods brand focused on reducing plastic and toxins. With years in the consumer product space and a deeply personal story, Samantha shares how Better Basics grew from a purpose-driven idea into a brand that resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Building a Mission-Led Brand: Why sustainability needs to align with product design and function.
Leveraging Vulnerability: The "Save Our Business" campaign that nearly sold out their inventory through authentic storytelling.
Pivoting to a Drop Model: How Better Basics plans to create urgency, reduce waste, and scale intentionally in 2025.
Samantha also talks about the role of community in building a brand and why organic growth through partnerships and storytelling has outperformed paid ads for them. Listen in for actionable insights on navigating the challenges of running a mission-driven, bootstrapped DTC brand.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Starting the DTC Podcast with Samantha Rayner
02:00 - The mission behind Better Basics
05:00 - Tackling plastic and ingredient challenges
07:30 - Partnerships as a growth strategy
10:00 - Bootstrapping challenges and focusing on SKUs
15:00 - Moving to a drop model and pre-orders
18:30 - Authenticity in marketing and the "Save Our Business" campaign
23:00 - Lessons learned from selling out inventory
26:00 - The importance of standing for something as a brand
Hashtags:
#BetterBasics #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyProducts #DTCMarketing #PlasticFree #SmallBusinessJourney #MissionDrivenBrand #Entrepreneurship #ProductDrops #MarketingTips
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In this All Killer No Filler episode, Dougie from Pilothouse’s Google team shares invaluable insights from Google’s latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday data. From e-commerce growth to late-stage holiday strategies, learn how to position your brand for success in the critical Super 5 shopping period (Dec 20–24).
Key Takeaways:
E-commerce vs. Retail: Online sales grew 8% during Cyber 5, while retail remained flat.
Super 5 focus: Prioritize convenience-driven messaging (shipping, pickup, gift cards) to capture late-stage shoppers.
Category leaders: Apparel, toys, and personal care dominated Cyber 5 gifting trends.
PMAX and YouTube: How to maximize awareness and demand generation ahead of major shopping events.
Canada Post strike impact: Why reliable shipping messaging outperformed discounts in the Canadian market.
Discover actionable strategies to optimize your holiday campaigns and close the year on a high note.
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Introducing Pongamia Oil: A Sustainable Seed Oil Alternative
In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we’re joined by Ashley Kleckner, Chief Growth Officer at TerViva, a company revolutionizing sustainable agriculture with Pongamia oil. TerViva transforms beans from the regenerative Pongamia tree into sustainable food ingredients, offering healthier and eco-friendlier alternatives to traditional seed oils.
Key Takeaways:
What is Pongamia Oil? A mid-oleic oil rich in omega-9 fatty acids, perfect for culinary applications from bars to salad dressings.
Sustainability Benefits: Pongamia trees restore degraded soils, require minimal resources, and provide economic opportunities for farmers.
Industry Challenges: Learn how TerViva tackles scalability and cost pressures while maintaining sustainability goals.
B2B Partnerships: Examples like Aloha Bars showcase how brands can integrate impactful ingredients while maintaining quality and consumer appeal.
Discover why functional, sustainable food systems start with better ingredient choices and scalable solutions. Learn more at https://terviva.com/
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introducing Ponova Oil and the Seed Oil Debate
[02:00] TerViva's Regenerative Pangamia Super Tree
[05:00] Comparing Ponova Oil to Traditional Seed Oils
[09:00] Scaling Sustainable Food Ingredients with Partners
[15:00] Challenges in Food Supply Chains and Procurement
[21:00] Functional Benefits of Ponova Oil and Flour
[28:00] Empowering Sustainable Decisions in the Food Industry
Hashtags:
#Sustainability #SeedOilAlternatives #RegenerativeFarming #PonovaOil #HealthyFats #DTCBrands #FoodInnovation #CPGMarketing #CleanIngredients #TerViva
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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric Dyck sits down with Jordan Gordon, host of TWBERP (The World’s Best Email and Retention Podcast) and Retention Director at Pilothouse, to unpack the latest email marketing trends and retention strategies following Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM).
Subscribe to the World's Best Email and Retention Podcast (TWBERP)➝ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/twberp
Jordan shares groundbreaking insights into how inbox providers like Gmail and Yahoo are tightening spam filters by selectively targeting segments of email lists. These changes demand a more refined approach to email marketing—what Jordan calls “sniper segmentation.”
Marketers will learn why untargeted campaigns are becoming obsolete, how to avoid Gmail’s spam pitfalls, and why focusing on flows and automations is the key to maximizing deliverability and ROI in 2024.
Key Takeaways:
BFCM Wins and Losses: Discover why nimble, online-native brands thrived while legacy brands struggled.
Sniper Segmentation: Learn how to ensure your most engaged audiences see your emails while avoiding spam folder pitfalls.
The Future of Segmentation: Why AI-driven tools will dominate email marketing—and how to stay ahead by understanding segmentation fundamentals today.
If you’re ready to adapt your email strategy for a smarter, more competitive digital landscape, this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Banner Year for Shopify and E-Commerce Growth
[02:00] Email Inboxing Changes: Spam Filters and AI Impact
[04:30] Black Friday Cyber Monday Retention Insights
[07:00] Gmail’s Sniper Segmentation and New Rules
[09:30] Automations vs Campaigns: Switching to Flows
[14:00] Dedicated vs Shared IP for Email Success
[18:00] Email Fight Companion: Analyzing Brand Emails
Hashtags:
#Ecommerce #BlackFriday2024 #CyberMonday2024 #ShopifySuccess #EmailMarketing #AIinMarketing #RetentionStrategies #DigitalMarketing #DTCGrowth #MarketingTips
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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we’re joined by Martin Forde, Founder and Principal of Forde Consulting. With a background as a key player in the rapid retail expansion of Dr. Squatch, Martin now helps consumer brands navigate the challenges of scaling into retail.
Martin shares how Dr. Squatch evolved from a DTC powerhouse to a retail juggernaut, breaking into major retailers like Walmart with bold strategies that continue to inspire.
Key insights include:
The Retail Advantage: How treating retail as a customer acquisition channel fuels overall growth.
Endcap Success: The design strategy that turned a bold, disruptive retail display into a velocity machine.
Data-Driven Expansion: Using DTC data to validate retail strategies and negotiate with major partners like Walmart.
Seasonal Products: Leveraging special releases to secure off-shelf placement and drive demand.
Omni-Channel Synergy: Why having a presence on every platform—from Walmart to TikTok Shop—ensures long-term viability.
Tune in to learn how to take your DTC brand to the next level by mastering retail expansion.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Martin Forde and Dr. Squatch's retail strategy
03:00 - Martin's career journey and joining Dr. Squatch
06:00 - Key factors behind Dr. Squatch's DTC and retail success
10:00 - Retail launch strategy: Walmart and beyond
15:00 - Leveraging end caps and seasonal products for retail success
20:00 - Transitioning to omnichannel and building demand in retail
26:00 - The importance of brand awareness for scaling DTC and retail
30:00 - Advising brands on retail expansion and consumer insights
33:00 - How to approach retailers and build key partnerships
Hashtags:
#RetailStrategy #DirectToConsumer #OmnichannelMarketing #BrandAwareness #DrSquatch #EcommerceTips #RetailExpansion #DTCGrowth #ConsumerInsights #ScalingBrands
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In this All Killer No Filler episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric Dyck sits down with Clifford and Rob from Pilothouse to dissect the early results of Black Friday 2024 on Amazon and explore the platform's evolving ad strategies. From the challenges posed by Amazon’s new broad-matching behaviors to the impact of tariff changes, this episode is a masterclass for DTC marketers looking to refine their Amazon playbooks.
Key Takeaways:
Amazon’s new ad targeting quirks: Why you need to scrutinize search term reports more closely than ever.
Branded vs. generic ROAS: How to avoid blending data and ensure growth-oriented decision-making.
Tariff preparedness: Why U.S.-based sellers may hold an advantage in the coming years.
Learn why it’s critical to stay vigilant in managing ad spend and how Pilothouse keeps their clients ahead of the curve on Amazon.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Amazon Marketing Cloud
02:00 - Early Black Friday Returns and Trends
04:30 - Amazon's Broad Match Ads Explained
08:00 - Challenges with AI in Amazon Advertising
12:30 - Amazon Hall and its Implications for Sellers
16:00 - No New Amazon Fees and Scamming Tools
19:00 - Black Friday, Cyber Monday 2024 OutlookHashtags:
#AmazonMarketing #BlackFriday2024 #CyberMondayDeals #AmazonAdvertising #EcommerceTrends #AmazonSellers #AIinMarketing #AmazonFBA #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth
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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
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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
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