
DTC Podcast
Weekly discussions between disruptive direct to consumer ecommerce brands and our amazing team about marketing, funnels, and everything scaling related. Subscribe to our newsletter for highlights and step by step tactical insights 👉🏻 📦 directtoconsumer.co
Latest episodes

Jul 12, 2024 • 32min
Ep 421: How to Grow Your Top of Funnel With Humor, Controversy, and Drops with Aves from Pilothouse | AKNF
Avery from Pilothouse, a digital marketing agency, discusses using humor in ads to boost engagement, sparking controversy to drive comments, and leveraging limited edition drops for new audiences. The podcast explores top funnel strategies, humor in advertising, engaging with the audience, controversial ads, limited edition product drops, emotional targeting, and TikTok content.

Jul 10, 2024 • 31min
Bonus: Effective UGC Strategies with Minisocial's Kirsten Baumberger and Austin Rogers
Explore the evolution of UGC with Kirsten and Austin from minisocial. Learn about high-volume influencer campaigns, content repurposing, and leveraging AI for efficient influencer briefs. Discover trends in DTC, including personal care innovations and the role of TikTok Shops in e-commerce.

Jul 8, 2024 • 35min
Ep 420: Innovating The Cheese Puff: Ffups Sam Tichenor Scales Snacking (without the Health Claims)
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Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we're joined by Sam Tichnor, founder of FFUPS, (yes that's puffs backwards) a snack brand that’s shaking up the puff market with innovative flavors and a focus on simplicity. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from working at Harry's to creating FFUPS, his insights on the snack industry, and the strategic shifts that have defined his brand's growth.
https://ffups.com
Key Insights:
Customer Engagement through DTC: Learn how Sam uses DTC as a strategic tool for market testing and customer engagement.
Retail Expansion: Discover the challenges and strategies behind transitioning from DTC to retail.
Flavor Over Health Claims: Understand how FFUPS differentiates itself by focusing on interesting flavors and simplicity rather than competing in the "better for you" space.
Tune in to hear how FFUPS is redefining what it means to be a puff snack and the lessons Sam has learned along the way.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Initial Strategy
02:00 - Adjusting Go-to-Market Strategy
05:00 - Building FFUPs: Inspiration and Market Gaps
07:00 - Flavor Innovation and Consumer Preferences
10:00 - Challenges and Insights from Amazon Sales
12:00 - Future Plans and Marketing Strategies
15:00 - Importance of Sampling and Retail Presence
18:00 - Using DTC for Customer Engagement
21:00 - Content Creation and Social Media Strategies
24:00 - Closing Thoughts and Final Insights
Hashtags:
#DTCpodcast #FFUPs #SamTichnor #SnackInnovation #GoToMarketStrategy #PuffSnacks #ConsumerEngagement #FlavorInnovation #DTCPodcastEpisode #FoodEntrepreneur
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Jul 5, 2024 • 27min
Ep 419: Google Ads Brand Bidding Do's and Don'ts with Dougie from Pilothouse's Google Team | AKNF
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Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we have Dougie from Pilothouse, our Google Team Lead, to dive into a topic that's crucial for optimizing your Google Ads strategy: branded search. We'll uncover the do's and don'ts of managing branded search campaigns to maximize incrementality and ROI.
Key Takeaways:
Incrementality Analysis: Learn how to determine the true value of branded search traffic.
Segmentation Strategies: Discover why and how to segment branded search from non-branded search campaigns.
Competitor Insights: Understand when and how to bid on competitor brand terms effectively.
This episode is packed with tactical insights to refine your Google Ads strategy and make the most of your branded search spend. Don't miss Dougie's expert advice on Google Ads.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
02:00 - Importance of Separate Targets for Branded Shopping and Branded Search
04:30 - Understanding Incrementality in Branded Traffic
06:45 - Segmenting Branded Traffic and Optimizing CPC
09:00 - Handling Competitor Bidding on Branded Terms
11:30 - The Role of Ad Copy and Landing Pages in Branded Campaigns
14:00 - Balancing Brand Spend and Non-Brand Spend
18:30 - Case Studies and Real-World Examples
21:00 - The Impact of Competitor Bidding and Manual vs. Automated Bidding
23:30 - Closing Thoughts and Hockey Discussion
Hashtags:
#BrandBidding #DigitalMarketing #GoogleAds #BrandedSearch #Pilothouse #AllKillerNoFiller #DTCpodcast #MarketingTips #ROAS #Ecommerce #InfluencerMarketing #SEO #MarketingStrategy #HockeyTalk
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Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Jul 3, 2024 • 33min
Bonus: How DTC Brands are Scaling Word of Mouth Marketing and Manufacturing Virality with Social Snowball's Noah Tucker
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Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we have Noah Tucker, the founder of Social Snowball, joining us to discuss innovative affiliate marketing strategies. Social Snowball is revolutionizing how brands leverage word-of-mouth marketing by focusing on modern affiliates, including influencers, creators, and customers.
Start snowballing: https://socialsnowball.io
Key Insights:
Modern vs. Legacy Affiliates: Understanding the evolution of affiliate marketing and why modern affiliates like influencers and creators are more effective.
Customer Referral Programs: How to design customer referral programs that go beyond basic loyalty incentives to drive meaningful revenue.
Manufacturing Virality: Strategic approaches to making content go viral through coordinated influencer efforts.
Tune in to learn how Social Snowball's unique approach to affiliate marketing can help your brand grow by tapping into the power of word-of-mouth.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Social Snowball with Noah Tucker
02:30 The shift towards influencers becoming affiliates
04:50 The impact of TikTok Shop on influencer marketing
07:15 Word of mouth as the ultimate marketing channel
09:30 Understanding modern affiliates: creators, influencers, ambassadors
12:00 Effective strategies for influencer affiliate partnerships
14:30 Manufacturing virality through branded content
17:00 Successful customer affiliate programs and their impact
19:45 Examples of brands excelling with affiliate strategies
22:30 The role of loyalty programs in affiliate marketing
25:00 Educating customers about affiliate programs
27:30 The future of influencer marketing with AI
Hashtags:
#AffiliateMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #SocialSnowball #DTCPodcast #Ecommerce #DigitalMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #MarketingStrategy #WordOfMouth #TikTokShop #BrandGrowth #MarketingTips
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Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Jul 1, 2024 • 49min
Ep 418: Building a Global, Omnichannel Apparel Brand - Paka's Kris Cody on his Peruvian Retail Journey
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Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we have Kris, the innovative founder of Paka Apparel, joining us. Paka is making a significant impact in the outdoor apparel market with its unique use of alpaca fiber. In this episode, Kris shares the journey from digital growth to opening a flagship store in Cusco, Peru.
PakaApparel.com
Key Insights:
Omnichannel Strategy: Integrating physical retail with a strong digital foundation.
Customer Connection: Enhancing brand authenticity through a tangible retail experience.
Sustainability: The importance of ethical sourcing and supporting local communities.
Why Listen?
Learn how to effectively integrate physical and digital retail strategies.
Understand the value of creating a deep connection with customers through authentic experiences.
Gain insights into sustainable business practices and ethical sourcing.
Tune in to discover how Kris is turning Paka into a brand that not only thrives in the digital world but also creates lasting impressions in the physical realm.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Finding Your Calling
02:30 - The Importance of Persistence in Entrepreneurship
05:00 - Leveraging Influencer Marketing with Ral
07:30 - Building Paka Cafe: Challenges and Successes
10:00 - The Impact of Physical Retail in a Digital Age
12:30 - Overcoming Bureaucracy: Opening a Store in Peru
15:00 - The Origin Story of Paka Apparel
17:30 - Partnering with Legendary Weavers in Peru
20:00 - The Science Behind Natural Fibers
23:00 - Future Vision for Paka: Expansion and Innovation
26:00 - Hiring a General Manager: Trust and Growth
29:00 - Balancing Work and Personal Life as an Entrepreneur
32:00 - Advice for Aspiring DTC Founders
35:00 - The Importance of Sustainability in Fashion
38:00 - Engaging with the Paka Community
41:00 - Long-Term Goals and Vision for Paka
Hashtags:
#SustainableFashion #DTC #PakaApparel #Entrepreneurship #InfluencerMarketing #Retail #Ecommerce #StartupJourney #NaturalFibers #BusinessGrowth #FashionBrand #Paka #DTCpodcast #SmallBusiness #EthicalFashion
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Jun 28, 2024 • 33min
Ep 417: Build Your Own Brand GPT (and Maybe Your Butler?) Evan and Braydon from Pilothouse on AI for Creative Output and Personal Productivity | AKNF
Join Evan and Braydon from Pilothouse as they discuss building custom GPTs for efficiency, enhancing ad strategies with AI, and using tools like Fireflies and Motion for productivity. Explore the future of AI in digital marketing and how it can revolutionize workflows.

Jun 24, 2024 • 39min
Ep 416: Sarah Carusona Tames The Omnichannel Beast for Alpha Lion [C-Suite Mentor Podcast]
Former Head of Growth at Olakai, Sarah Carusona, shares insights on omni-channel marketing, content strategy, and managing brand-agency relationships. Learn about developing a mathematical model for media channel effectiveness, the value of content in brand building, and tips for maximizing ROI. Tune in for actionable insights to elevate your DTC marketing strategies.

Jun 21, 2024 • 16min
Ep 415: The Gucci and Ralph Lauren of Email Design with Jordan Gordan from Pilothouse | AKNF
Jordan Gordon from Pilothouse discusses simplifying email design through single destination and content-rich emails, inspired by the strategies of Ralph Lauren and Gucci. He shares tips on optimizing emails for dark mode and enhancing readability, offering practical advice for boosting email campaign performance.

Jun 19, 2024 • 34min
Bonus: Has AI Triggered a "Generational Cull" of Software Vendors? Wunderkind’s Richard Jones on the Outcome-Based Future of SaaS.
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Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into the future of SaaS with Richard Jones, the CRO of Wunderkind. Wunderkind is a pioneering performance marketing solution, leveraging AI to drive revenue for e-commerce brands.
In this episode, Richard shares his bold prediction of an impending generational shift in the SaaS industry, driven by AI and its potential to replace human-centered workflows with outcome-based services. With nearly 30 years in the SaaS space, Richard's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the next big wave in technology.
Key Insights:
AI's Role in SaaS Evolution: How AI will transition SaaS from human-centered workflows to outcome-based services.
Wunderkind's Unique Model: Learn about Wunderkind's managed service approach and outcome-focused business model.
The Future of E-commerce Marketing: How AI-driven campaigns and identity networks can significantly boost e-commerce revenue.
Tune in to discover how AI is poised to revolutionize the SaaS industry and why Wunderkind is perfectly positioned to lead this change.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - The Role of AI in E-commerce: From Human to AI Agents
04:00 - Transition from On-premise to Cloud-based SaaS Solutions
08:00 - The Impact of AI on SaaS Business Models
11:00 - AI-Driven Outcome-Based Solutions: A New Paradigm
14:00 - The Future of Customer Data Platforms in an AI-Driven World
17:00 - Wunderkind’s Unique Business Model and AI Integration
20:00 - How Wunderkind Drives Incremental Revenue for E-commerce Brands
23:00 - Building Identity Networks and First-Party Data Collection
27:00 - Future of E-commerce: Wunderkind Express for Small Businesses
29:00 - Closing Thoughts: The Generational Cull and Future Predictions
Hashtags:
#Ecommerce #AI #SaaS #Marketing #CustomerData #Wunderkind #DigitalMarketing #AIinEcommerce #BusinessGrowth #DTCPodcast #RichardJones #TechTrends #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #IdentityNetwork #RevenueGrowth
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