DTC Podcast

Discover why Amazon requires a unique strategy, far from the typical DTC playbook. Learn about the dangers of viewing Amazon as merely 'free traffic' and the importance of strategic ad spending. Hear insightful tactics on optimizing PPC campaigns, especially in niche markets like running shoes. Get the scoop on upcoming prep service cutoffs and the complexities of managing seller feedback. This conversation is packed with actionable insights that every brand selling on Amazon should know!

Yuki Kinoshita, co-founder of Plufl, an innovative direct-to-consumer brand known for its human dog bed, shares insights on rapid growth and strategic pivots. He discusses navigating an $8M tariff setback while maintaining stable prices and the successful launch of new products like the Hugl cooling pillow. Yuki emphasizes the importance of leveraging TikTok creators for cost-effective marketing and using customer feedback to guide product innovation. With lessons from Shark Tank and retail challenges, he provides valuable strategies for fellow DTC founders.

Explore how Pilothouse views content as a vital growth driver for Q4, emphasizing the impact of diverse video types on audience engagement. Learn why video excels at attracting cold traffic while static images boost retargeting conversions. Discover strategies for refreshing top-performing ads and the importance of testing concise video hooks. Uncover the value of employee-generated content in fostering brand trust and how a well-stocked creative pipeline can combat rising ad costs.

Liam Millward, Co-Founder & CEO of Instant, dives into leveraging anonymous website traffic to fuel e-commerce success. He reveals how Instant can identify 40% of previously unknown visitors and dramatically boost email revenue with minimal setup. Brands like ThirdLove and Truly Beauty have reported staggering 11-21x ROI. Liam shares insights on Q4 preparation, effective email flows, and the importance of A-B testing for optimization. Get ready to transform your traffic into loyal customers!

In a lively discussion, Marnie Rabinovitch, founder of Thigh Society, shares her inspiring journey from personal frustration with chafing to creating a size-inclusive underwear brand. With just $8K in savings, she navigated the challenges of bootstrapping while working full-time. The conversation highlights her innovative marketing strategies, including leveraging Meta ads and authentic customer content. Marnie emphasizes the importance of real customer pain points and the brand's impressive growth, selling over 2 million pairs of her anti-chafe slip shorts.

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this week's AKNF DTC Podcast discover how Pilothouse’s TikTok Shop division empowers DTC brands to build self-sustaining commerce systems on TikTok.With Senior Account Manager Debbie, we unpack:🎯 GMV Max ads — TikTok’s new all-in-one ad format requiring strong creative engines🤝 Affiliate network strategy — powering 80%+ of TikTok Shop conversions✨ Organic-first creative — viral hooks for content that grabs attention💡 Community and “halo effect” — how TikTok presence fuels off-platform salesWhy listen:Understand TikTok’s unique commerce ecosystemLearn how GMV Max changes ad creative strategyGet tactical advice on building affiliates and viral hooksSee why TikTok strengthens broader brand ROIDid you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Book a quick demo by August 1 to get your first month free and unlock a new incremental revenue channel before Q4: instant.one/dtcTimestamps:00:00 TikTok vs Meta: Platform Potential & Challenges02:00 Introducing GMV Max: TikTok’s New Ad Framework04:20 Organic Content Strategies by Brand Type06:45 Affiliate Marketing Drives TikTok Shop Sales08:45 Understanding TikTok's Affiliate Ecosystem11:00 Live Selling on TikTok: Infomercial Vibes & Limitations13:20 Viral Moments & TikTok’s Unreliable Growth Pattern15:00 Brand Examples: Pine-Sol, Sour Patch Kids & Going Viral17:00 Viral Hook Strategies That Drive Attention18:40 High-GMV Affiliates & Retainer Collaborations20:00 How Pilothouse Onboards Brands to TikTok21:30 AI in TikTok Strategy: Where It Fits and Where It Doesn’t22:45 The Future of TikTok: Regulation, Chaos & OptimismHashtags:#TikTokShop#DTCMarketing#AffiliateMarketing#SocialCommerce#TikTokAds#ContentStrategy#ViralMarketing#EcommerceTips#GMVMax#PilotHouse#DTCGrowth#OrganicContent#TikTokStrategy#LiveSelling#TikTokAffiliate Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Justin Jefferson, VP of Strategy & Insights at Keen Decision Systems, shares his expertise on how over 600 DTC brands are facing Q4 uncertainty and margin pressures. He discusses the alarming fact that fewer than 7% of brands are confident in their forecasts and offers solutions to improve this. Jefferson emphasizes the pitfalls of reactive planning, the importance of scenario modeling for balancing short-term defense and long-term growth, and challenges the reliance on outdated ROAS metrics. His insights stress the value of disciplined investment and the need for agility in marketing strategies.

Sarah Hoffman, Founder of Maker Wine, shares her journey in revolutionizing the canned wine industry. She discusses overcoming the stigma of canned wine with quality sourcing and innovative marketing strategies. Virtual tastings have become a powerful tool for growth, while partnerships with United Airlines and NBA arenas expand their reach. Hoffman emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community engagement, and a unique subscription model to attract younger audiences and boost revenue in a competitive market.

Dive into the world of advertising where creativity seems to have taken a backseat. Discuss iconic campaigns like the 'Got Milk?' ad, which blends humor and relatability, making it unforgettable. Explore how modern marketers can revive creativity by understanding consumer emotions and engaging in brainstorming sessions. Discover the importance of trusting your creative process while crafting ads that resonate. Get practical tips to refine your approach and make marketing not just effective, but adventurous!

Laura Thompson and Connie Lo, co-founders of Three Ships Beauty, share their inspiring journey from a condo kitchen startup to a successful omnichannel brand. They discuss redefining natural vs. clean beauty and how transparency has built consumer trust. Their retail strategies emphasize the importance of education and product trials. They also reveal efficient content creation techniques and the shift from macro to micro influencers for authentic engagement, all while navigating fundraising and scaling in the competitive beauty market.