Ep 494: Why 2025 Is The Year Of Post-Click Optimization

Learn More About WarpDrive (Download The PDF)

36:16

DANMMMMM…Have I got a show for you! First, a lot of Sister Wives tea - new rumors have surfaced Janelle Brown is leaving the show. Plus, Gabe Brown gives a life update after losing and tragically finding his brother Garrison dead. Sadly, Garrison took his own life in March 2024. Then we head over to discuss the new Welcome To Plathville tea. The first pictures of Micah Plath have surfaced after being beat up by his brother Issac and it doesn’t look good for the future of his modeling career. Lastly, we discuss the latest in the Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively case, Justin is back on social media and it was the perfect social media return. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Open and new Sister Wives news 00:05:43 - Janelle Brown leaving the show? Sister Wives Closet is officially closed 00:12:45 - A new pic of Micah Plath’s broken nose has surfaced 00:18:18 - Justin Baldoni back on social media and Taylor Swifts team is pissed at Justin Baldoni MY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: MOM15 for 15% OFF (code expires May 11th, 2025) **SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!** https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershow Show is sponsored by: Download Cash App & sign up! Use our exclusive referral code TSFS in your profile, send $5 to a friend within 14 days, and you’ll get $10 dropped right into your account. Terms apply Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroids Gopurebeauty.com science backed skincare from head to toe, use code TSFS at checkout for 25% OFF your order Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscription Rula.com/tsfs to get started today. That’s R-U-L-A dot com slash tsfs for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance. SkylightCal.com/tsfs for $30 OFF your 15 inch calendar Quince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returns Warbyparker.com/tsfs make an appointment at one of their 270 store locations and head to the website to try on endless pairs of glasses virtually and buy your perfect pair Follow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!*** Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

DTC Podcast « »
Ep 494: Why 2025 is the Year of Post-Click Optimization | AKNF

about a year ago 33:27

MP3•Episode home

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup

If you’re running a DTC brand, you know the struggle: ad costs keep rising, and getting new customers is more expensive than ever. But what if the secret to better performance isn’t in your ads at all?

In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we welcome back Kyle Hitchcox, co-founder of Pilothouse and founder of Warpdrive, a CRO tool that helps brands optimize every step of the shopping experience post-click.

Kyle breaks down the Golden Rules of CRO, how top brands are improving conversion rates, and why landing pages and checkout optimizations are the highest-leverage activities for brands in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why only 3% of visitors are in-market—and how to convert them

✅ The difference between search vs. social traffic and how to optimize for both

✅ How Four Sigmatic & Big Blanket use CRO to drive massive lifts in conversion

✅ Why fast load times (under 2 sec) are a non-negotiable in 2025

✅ How Warpdrive helps brands split-test and improve conversions without disrupting campaigns

Reach out to Kyle on LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why 2025 is the year of post-click optimization

02:03 – Landing pages, cart mechanics, and creative strategies

04:16 – State of DTC: Growth despite economic uncertainty

06:30 – What is post-click optimization? Explained

08:55 – The psychology of user experience timing

11:27 – Balancing branding and performance post-click

13:49 – Where to start with CRO: Closest to the money

15:42 – Pilot House's golden rules for CRO

19:01 – Understanding traffic types and how to optimize each

22:12 – Conversion optimization vs. reducing ad costs

24:05 – Warpdrive: How it works and who it’s for

26:45 – Real brand examples and live test wins

Hashtags:

#PostClickOptimization

#ConversionRateOptimization

#DTCPodcast

#EcommerceTips

#LandingPageOptimization

#WarpDriveCRO

#ShopifyTips

#PerformanceMarketing

#DigitalMarketingStrategy

#MediaBuying

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup

Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise

Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse

Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

611 episodes

#Business #Marketing #Pilothouse

Ep 494: Why 2025 is the Year of Post-Click Optimization | AKNF

DTC Podcast

26 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup

Kyle breaks down the Golden Rules of CRO, how top brands are improving conversion rates, and why landing pages and checkout optimizations are the highest-leverage activities for brands in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why only 3% of visitors are in-market—and how to convert them

✅ The difference between search vs. social traffic and how to optimize for both

✅ How Four Sigmatic & Big Blanket use CRO to drive massive lifts in conversion

✅ Why fast load times (under 2 sec) are a non-negotiable in 2025

✅ How Warpdrive helps brands split-test and improve conversions without disrupting campaigns

Learn More About WarpDrive (Download The PDF)

Reach out to Kyle on LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why 2025 is the year of post-click optimization

02:03 – Landing pages, cart mechanics, and creative strategies

04:16 – State of DTC: Growth despite economic uncertainty

06:30 – What is post-click optimization? Explained

08:55 – The psychology of user experience timing

11:27 – Balancing branding and performance post-click

13:49 – Where to start with CRO: Closest to the money

15:42 – Pilot House's golden rules for CRO

19:01 – Understanding traffic types and how to optimize each

22:12 – Conversion optimization vs. reducing ad costs

24:05 – Warpdrive: How it works and who it’s for

26:45 – Real brand examples and live test wins

Hashtags:

#PostClickOptimization

#ConversionRateOptimization

#DTCPodcast

#EcommerceTips

#LandingPageOptimization

#WarpDriveCRO

#ShopifyTips

#PerformanceMarketing

#DigitalMarketingStrategy

#MediaBuying

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup

Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise

Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse

Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

611 episodes

#Business #Marketing #Pilothouse

All episodes

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 512: Pilothouse’s Q4 Playbook: Meta Media, Mother’s Day, and Creative Strategy | AKNF 24:17

2 days ago24:17

24:17

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck welcomes Avery from Ad-venturous and Taylor Cain from Pilothouse to break down key takeaways from Mother’s Day campaigns and how they inform Q4 preparedness. 🎯 Key Topics Covered: Meta’s evolving ad ecosystem: Advantage+ Shopping is being replaced by Sales campaigns—test both now. Creative strategies for gifting: Use creator-generated content that speaks to gift buyers, and keep promos simple and clear. Memorial Day as a testing ground: Why testing promos and creative during Memorial Day sets the stage for successful Q4 execution. Efficiency vs. scale: Many brands are prioritizing margin over raw volume—learn how this shift affects ad strategies. 🔑 One Big Idea: Start testing now. Memorial Day is your launchpad for Q4 insights and optimizations. Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 00:00 – Meta Mother’s Day promo variations and strategies 02:00 – Instant’s role in email capture and revenue recovery 04:30 – Creative tactics for giftable brands around Mother’s Day 07:00 – Meta’s CPM trends and scaling insights 10:00 – Threads’ emergence and media buying implications 12:30 – Memorial Day as a Q4 testing ground 16:00 – Memorial Day offer strategies and testing recommendations 19:00 – Future plans for the Adventurous podcast Hashtags #DTCMarketing #MetaAds #EcommerceStrategy #Mother’sDayMarketing #DigitalAdvertising #CreativeStrategy #Q4Planning #ThreadsSocialMedia #MemorialDaySales #AdventurousPodcast 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Bonus: Navigating the Tariff Regime with Passport's Alex Yancher: Duty Drawbacks, International Logistics, and the Arbitrage Opportunity Abroad 43:45

4 days ago43:45

43:45

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric interviews Alex Yancher, Co-founder & CEO of Passport, a leading global ecommerce provider powering end-to-end growth for fast-growing DTC brands. Alex breaks down the seismic shifts caused by recent tariff increases, how duty drawback programs work, and why every DTC brand is now — whether they realize it or not — a global brand. Key Takeaways: The US tariff floor is rising to 30–50%, reshaping cost structures for brands. Duty drawback offers a refund path — but only if your inventory data is airtight. Smart DTC brands are moving inventory directly into high-performing international markets. Localizing checkout and language increases conversion rate abroad. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping avoids post-delivery sticker shock, improving customer experience and LTV. Learn how Passport is helping brands like Dolls Kill, HexClad, and others navigate this new era of global DTC. 📦 Learn more about Passport: passportglobal.com Timestamps 00:00 How DTC Brands Can Bridge the Global Sales Gap 02:05 Impact of Tariffs on International Ecommerce Logistics 04:20 Understanding Duty Drawback Programs for Cost Recovery 06:45 Challenges of Shifting Manufacturing Back to the US 09:50 De Minimis Policy Changes and Implications for Ecommerce 12:20 Conversion Strategies for International Sales 14:40 Leveraging Cost Per Click Arbitrage for Global Expansion 17:15 Impact of Postal Leniency on Cross-Border Ecommerce 20:00 Strategies for Smooth International Customer Experiences Hashtags #DTC #InternationalEcommerce #GlobalExpansion #Tariffs #Logistics #DutyDrawback #EcommerceMarketing #ConversionOptimization #CPCArbitrage #PostalLogistics 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 511: IQBar's Will Nitze CPG Playbook: From Rapid Product Market Fit Iteration to Omnichannel Scale 44:49

6 days ago44:49

44:49

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode, IQBAR founder Will Nitze shares his journey from burnout in the corporate world to launching a bar brand rooted in cognitive nutrition. He walks through the steps that took IQBAR from kitchen counter tests to Amazon bestseller and retail mainstay. What you’ll hear is less about hacks and more about the fundamentals: why starting online mattered, how feedback drove product-market fit, and what it really takes to scale profitably in CPG today. Key topics include: Launching DTC to validate demand and iterate fast Why clean label and plant protein were non-negotiables Packaging shifts driven by real-world feedback Scaling into retail once logistics and cost structures were optimized Viewing DTC as one piece of an omnichannel puzzle It’s a grounded roadmap from someone who’s done the work—no shortcuts, just thoughtful strategy. Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps: 00:00 – How IQBAR started from a personal health journey 02:55 – From kitchen experiments to product-market fit 07:10 – Why the brain-focused bar category was a white space 12:10 – DTC vs Amazon vs retail: channel strategy evolution 17:45 – Profitability, scaling, and efficient COGS in CPG 22:50 – Brand evolution: packaging, messaging, and keto pivot 27:10 – Retail shelf strategy and planogram insight 31:25 – Podcast and display ads as top-of-funnel growth levers 34:45 – DTC Twitter, omnichannel mindset, and business realism 37:55 – Exit strategy, Mars dreams, and post-exit vision 41:00 – Tariffs, supply chain chaos, and CPG realities Hashtags: #IQBAR #dtcpodcast #consumerpackagedgoods #ecommercegrowth #omnichannelstrategy #dtcbrand #scalingcpg #founderjourney #brandbuilding #podcastmarketing #supplychainchallenges #cleanlabelproducts #retailstrategy #amazonads #shopifysuccess 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 510: Inside Pilothouse’s YouTube Strategy: Segmenting Campaigns for Scalable Growth | AKNF 24:16

9 days ago24:16

24:16

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric Dyck sits down with Dougie and Adam from Pilothouse to talk about how to properly structure YouTube ad campaigns for long-term brand growth. Dougie and Adam share the evolved Pilothouse perspective on YouTube—not as a direct response platform, but as a powerful top-of-funnel awareness channel. Learn how structuring campaigns based on funnel stages, matched with tailored creative and measurement, can lead to more efficient spend and more impactful marketing. Key Takeaways: Why 80–90% of YouTube spend should be top-of-funnel How to segment users into unaware, aware, consideration, and action The importance of creative matching for each funnel stage How to track impact via Brand Search Lift and Google measurement tools Why a minimum $10K investment is required to see true performance from YouTube If you’re using YouTube like it’s search or shopping, this episode might shift your entire approach. Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 00:00 Scrappy content is outperforming polished YouTube ads 02:00 Shift to demand gen campaigns and YouTube Shorts strategy 04:00 Google’s most impactful scrappy ad example 07:00 Why organic-looking creative builds more trust 09:00 Brands mimicking UGC for TV and YouTube performance 12:00 Man-on-the-street ad formats and scripting tactics 15:00 Best practices for capturing authentic reactions 17:00 Key ad structures: hook, face, CTA, and humor 20:00 How to retarget viewers and build down-funnel sequences 22:00 Geo-targeting and brand saliency measurement tools Hashtags #YouTubeAds #UGCMarketing #DTCMarketing #PerformanceCreative #MediaBuying #VideoAdvertising #MarketingPodcast #CreativeStrategy #AdSequencing #BrandGrowth 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Bonus: How Talkable Cuts CAC with Referral Loops and Wallet-Based Sharing 27:02

11 days ago27:02

27:02

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Foreshew from Talkable to explore how brands can leverage referral marketing to drive sustainable growth. Key Insights: The Decline of Traditional Advertising: Challenges with rising digital ad costs and the shift towards owned channels. Referral Marketing Mechanics: Understanding the components of a successful referral program. Innovations in Referral Sharing: Introducing Talkable Wallet for seamless mobile referrals. Case Studies: Real-world examples of brands achieving significant CAC reductions. Strategic Implementation: Best practices for timing, segmentation, and offer structuring. Takeaways: Referral marketing can dramatically lower acquisition costs. Personalized and timely referral offers enhance customer engagement. Innovative tools like Talkable Wallet make sharing effortless and effective. If you’re a DTC brand looking to build effective referral programs that reduce acquisition costs, enhance customer loyalty, and simplify the referral process to drive sustainable growth, this episode is a must listen. Turn your existing customers into a high-performance revenue channel. Get connected with a Talkable referral expert at www.talkable.com Timestamps 00:00 - Why referral marketing reduces risk and boosts ROI 02:00 - The problem with paid acquisition in today’s ad landscape 04:00 - How referral loops drive compounding customer growth 06:00 - $500M in revenue from one Talkable client case study 08:00 - The Talkable Wallet and how it solves real-world sharing 10:00 - Crafting irresistible offers that drive actual referrals 12:00 - How white-glove service removes the need for internal headcount 14:00 - Identifying the “moments of delight” for peak referral success 17:00 - Referral marketing mistakes: set-it-and-forget-it, generic offers 20:00 - Creative placement ideas: packaging, QR codes, yard signs 22:00 - Viral loops and LTV: why referrals outperform paid ads 24:00 - Framing referral marketing to get CFO and CEO buy-in Hashtags #referralmarketing #customeracquisition #dtcpodcast #talkable #ecommercemarketing #brandgrowth #retentionmarketing #d2cbrands #lifetimevalue #performancebranding #ownedmedia #viralgrowth #marketingstrategy #emailmarketing #customerloyalty 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 509: Tea Time at the Whitehouse: How Art of Tea Scaled Through Story and Quality 39:27

13 days ago39:27

39:27

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we’re joined by Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea. From starting with a backpack and a phone bill to serving Google HQ and the White House, Steve’s journey is rooted in deep product integrity and radical education. Listen in to discover how blending Ayurvedic principles with luxury sourcing has positioned Art of Tea as a quiet giant in the wellness beverage space. What you’ll learn: The logistics of sourcing and storing elite-quality tea ingredients How subscription, loyalty, and a mobile app drive retention The unexpected ROI of writing a founder-focused brand book Why brand partnerships with Hollywood and the White House matter Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 0:00 Intro and Origin Story of Art of Tea 2:30 The Hero’s Journey: From Caregiver to Tea Entrepreneur 6:10 Breaking into Hospitality: Wolfgang Puck and Caesars Palace 9:00 The Truth About Supermarket Tea 11:00 Tea as a Health Ritual and Mindful Practice 14:00 Launching DTC with Dreamweaver and Early Lessons 18:00 Blending Tea with Ayurvedic Principles 21:00 Growing Through Education and Teaching at Conventions 24:00 Subscription and Loyalty Programs That Work 26:00 Using Events, PR, and a Mobile App for Brand Awareness 29:00 Collaborations with Paddington, Dune, and the White House 34:00 Long-Term Vision and Staying Mission-Aligned 38:00 Final Advice for Founders and Entrepreneurs Hashtags #DTCpodcast #ArtOfTea #TeaBusiness #FounderStory #EcommerceStrategy #SubscriptionModel #TeaEducation #ConsumerBrand #SteveSchwartz #TeaCulture #WholesaleToDTC #BrandBuilding #MindfulBusiness #ProductQuality #SustainableGrowth 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 508: How to Scale an Agency: Kyle Hitchcox on Pilothouse's Marketing, Sales, and Content Strategy 42:56

16 days ago42:56

42:56

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck sits down with Kyle Hitchcox, founding partner at Pilothouse, co-founder of the DTC Newsletter, and now a builder behind Warpdrive, a performance-driven CRO tool. This conversation is a masterclass in how content can power agency growth. Kyle shares how Pilothouse grew from affiliate roots into a 180+ person agency, how DTC media became a top-tier lead source, and how LinkedIn is now driving qualified deal flow. If you're building an agency, running a service business, or scaling a DTC brand, this episode breaks down the tactical frameworks behind Pilothouse’s success. Follow Kyle's LinkedIn Content Journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehitchcox/ 🔑 Key Takeaways: How content became Pilothouse’s #1 client acquisition engine The real economics behind launching DTC Media and how it paid off in credibility and deal flow Why media and service offerings must be integrated for long-term growth How Kyle is using LinkedIn to generate inbound leads and personal brand equity Why Pilothouse is investing in CRO with Warpdrive to close the loop from click to conversion 🛠 Tactical Insights for Operators: Invest early in content that attracts your ideal customer—before you're selling Structure your sales team with operators who’ve “been there” to keep discovery authentic and strategic Use paid acquisition to grow media, not just your client base Create a simple but strong case study pipeline to support outbound and inbound marketing Think in “ecosystems”—media feeds agency, agency feeds product Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and new podcast announcement 2:00 Building Pilot House from affiliate roots 4:00 Early growth strategy with DTC Newsletter 10:00 Using Meta ads and LinkedIn to drive leads 14:00 ChatGPT as a new inbound channel 18:00 Structuring a high-performance sales team 22:00 Transition to omnichannel strategy at Pilot House 27:00 Hiring lessons and building long-term talent 34:00 Scaling with personal branding on LinkedIn 39:00 Why B2B content works at low volume 41:00 Thoughts on AI, Zuck’s comments and the future of media buying Hashtags #agencygrowth #digitalmarketing #b2bmarketing #mediabuying #ecommercemarketing #d2cpodcast #growthstrategy #linkedinmarketing #chatgptforbusiness #performanceagency 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Bonus: Tomer Tagrin on Building a Retention-First Future with Data and Personalization 34:40

18 days ago34:40

34:40

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, Eric sits down with Tomer Tagrin, Co-Founder and CEO of Yotpo, the leading retention marketing platform for e-commerce brands. Tomer shares the behind-the-scenes story of Yotpo 2.0, a complete transformation across product, pricing, service, and marketing — built to serve the modern DTC ecosystem. Key Insights: How Yotpo rebuilt its product team to innovate faster in reviews, loyalty, and SMS The real cost and payoff of changing a large SaaS company's culture Why AI will erase code as a competitive moat — and what brands should prioritize now How Yotpo is preparing brands for a future of one-to-one loyalty marketing The strategic power of investing in agency partners beyond simple referrals If you’re building a DTC brand, working at an agency, or leading a SaaS platform, this episode is packed with practical lessons on what true business evolution looks like in 2025. Timestamps 00:00 – Why Yotpo Had to Reinvent Itself 02:15 – Tomer’s Health Journey and Personal Transformation 04:50 – Rebuilding Yotpo’s Culture from the Inside Out 08:10 – AI’s Role in Yotpo’s Product and Marketing Innovation 12:30 – Competing with Klaviyo and the Future of ESPs 16:00 – The Power of AI-Driven Loyalty and Reviews 18:30 – Yotpo’s CDP Acquisition and Vision for 1:1 Marketing 21:00 – Why Agencies Are Critical to Yotpo’s Ecosystem 23:20 – The Marshmallow Test and Long-Term Thinking 26:45 – Advice for Founders Navigating Economic Uncertainty 30:00 – Yotpo’s Future Vision and Personal Habits for Peak Performance Hashtags #DTCpodcast #Yotpo #EcommerceStrategy #TomerTagrin #RetentionMarketing #AIBusinessTools #CustomerExperience #DirectToConsumer #SaaSInnovation #AgencyGrowth #EmailMarketing #SMSMarketing #CustomerLoyalty #FounderMindset #DigitalTransformation 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 507: How to Optimize Subscription Offers for Better Retention and Profit with Jordan Narducci 40:39

20 days ago40:39

40:39

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric welcomes Jordan Narducci—former Global DTC lead at Kellogg and VP at fast-growing supplement brand Momentous. Now an independent consultant, Jordan shares tactical insights on how brands can transform their subscription and retention strategies to dramatically increase lifetime value (LTV). Key Topics: Why subscription design matters more than most marketers think How Momentous grew subscription opt-in from 20% to 50% Common mistakes in welcome offers and retention emails How to use churn surveys, pause flows, and tiered discounts to prevent cancellations Loyalty vs. cashback: What actually works in 2025 The case for paid memberships as an alternative to subscriptions Toolkits: From Recharge to Loop and AI-powered CX Jordan breaks down the analytics, experiments, and frameworks he uses to drive growth in mid-market DTC brands. Whether you're running a supplement brand or looking to scale retention in apparel or beauty, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 00:00 – Why Most Brands Undervalue Subscription Offers 02:15 – Lessons from Running DTC at Kellogg 04:30 – Subscription Strategy in Premium Food & Beverage 08:00 – Tripling Subscription Opt-ins at Momentous 11:00 – Retention vs. Acquisition: The Overspend Trap 14:00 – When Giving Too Much Increases Churn 18:00 – Retention Tactics: Free Gifts, Rituals, and Habit Loops 20:45 – How Subscription Reduces Reliance on Email & SMS 24:00 – Creating “Black Friday Every Day” Offers 28:00 – Churn Prevention via Smart Cancellation Flows 31:00 – Paid Membership Models for Apparel & Non-Habitual Brands 34:00 – Tool Stack & Platform Recommendations 36:00 – The Power of Real-Time LTV Dashboards 38:00 – Building a Consultancy & Website with AI Hashtags #subscriptionstrategy #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips #retentionmarketing #ltvoptimization #dtcbrands #recurringrevenue #shopifyapps #customerloyalty #ecomgrowth 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 506: The PMAX Reset Strategy That Delivered a 37% ROAS Lift | AKNF 22:46

23 days ago22:46

22:46

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode, we sit down with Zavire from Pilothouse’s Google team to dissect a common problem many DTC brands face: Performance Max campaigns that stagnate after a few months of initial success. You’ll hear exactly how Pilothouse helped Benji Sleep break out of this “PMAX plateau” by overhauling their campaign structure — and why the first move was to turn the campaigns off. Key Learnings: Why PMAX campaigns often stagnate after 3-4 months The power of a 5-7 day PMAX "off period" to reset bidding algorithms How segmentation by product or audience unlocks better signal quality and performance Strategic product feed enhancements that drive Shopping ROI The myth of audience signals in PMAX and how to work around it How scripts can provide campaign-level transparency across Google placements How a restructured PMAX approach delivered a 37% ROAS lift and 2.2x conversions for Benji Sleep If your Google Ads results are fading, this episode gives you a practical, tested playbook to turn things around. Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 00:00 – Why PMAX Campaigns Plateau After 3-4 Months 02:05 – Common Pitfalls: CPC Drops and Irrelevant Traffic 04:15 – How to Reset PMAX: Turn Off and Rebuild 06:30 – Campaign Segmentation for Product & Audience Clarity 08:45 – Overcoming Performance Spiral With Strategic Breakouts 11:00 – The Myth of Audience Signals in PMAX 13:00 – Strategic Feed Optimization and Supplemental Data 15:00 – Campaign Structure: Before vs After (Benji Sleep Case Study) 18:00 – Breaking Out Asset Groups vs Full Campaigns 20:00 – ROAS Lift + Conversion Volume Gains 21:20 – Using Scripts to Track PMAX Placements & Attribution Hashtags #pmaxstrategy #googleadsoptimization #dtcpodcast #roasgrowth #performancemarketing #ecommercetips #mediaoptimization #pilothouse #googleadscampaigns #dtcbrands 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 505: How Pins and Aces Built a $25M Golf Brand with Limited Drops and Omni-Channel Expansion 42:45

27 days ago42:45

42:45

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Inside the Growth of Pins and Aces: Scaling a Golf Lifestyle Brand with Nicklaus Mertz Today on the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Nicklaus Mertz, founder of Pins and Aces, a golf brand that grew from a side project to a $25M+ powerhouse. Nick shares the step-by-step tactics that fueled their expansion, including limited-edition drops, a focus on profitability, live selling innovations, and the acquisition of Edel Golf. Key Moments: How Pins and Aces started with $6K and a headcover idea Building a brand beyond Alibaba sourcing Launching viral products like the Beer Sleeve and Liquor Stick Omnichannel expansion: Retail + DTC synergy Growing without raising outside capital Leveraging community feedback to design new products Acquiring Edel Golf to move into hardware Takeaways for Entrepreneurs: Start small, iterate fast, and evolve from customer feedback Community building beats traditional influencer marketing Drops are a sustainable engine for long-term growth Data-informed product development with tools like Particle Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps 00:00 – How Pins and Aces Started from a $6K Side Hustle 02:00 – Turning a DIY Golf Product into a Real Business 08:00 – Building a Brand vs. Drop Shipping Products 14:00 – Collaborations with South Park and Hey Dude Shoes 19:00 – The Bud Light Collab That Changed Everything 22:00 – Drops, Content Strategy, and Creating Community 26:00 – Exploring Live Selling and Whatnot Platform 31:00 – Scaling the Brand While Maintaining Profitability 35:00 – Exit Strategy and Potential Strategic Buyers 38:00 – Using Particle to Track Competitor Performance Hashtags #dtcpodcast #pinsandaces #ecommercegrowth #golfbrand #founderstory #productdrops #liveshopping #influencermarketing #dtcmarketing #brandcollabs 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 504: 6 Reasons Why Your Meta Ads Aren't Scaling: Fix These Creative and Strategy Gaps with Aves | AKNF 20:30

4 weeks ago20:30

20:30

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup On today's special solo episode of the DTC Podcast, Aves from Pilothouse shares a tactical breakdown of the most common — and costly — mistakes brands make in their paid social ad accounts. Based on years of auditing hundreds of accounts, Aves reveals exactly why many DTC businesses struggle to scale, and what to fix immediately. Key insights you’ll learn: Why balancing branded and UGC-style content is critical for a healthy ad account. How underutilized founder stories are hurting DTC brand performance. Why too much "random" content without strategy will plateau your growth. The critical importance of platform-specific editing and quick hooks. Why brand storytelling IS performance marketing in today’s DTC landscape. Takeaways for DTC founders and marketers: Start developing founder-driven content early — it scales with you. Build ads with both sales and brand identity in mind. Shorten your videos and frontload product clarity immediately. Always edit for placement — losing attention is losing money. Invest in building soul and identity into your ad library, not just clickbait. Did 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. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc Timestamps: 00:00 Common Creative Mistakes in Meta Ads 02:10 Why Limited Creative Range Hurts Performance 04:30 The Power of a Strong Founder Story 07:00 Why Too Much Random Content Backfires 09:20 Stop Using Long, Low-Impact Video Ads 11:40 Editing for Specific Ad Placements is Non-Negotiable 14:30 Why Soulless Ad Libraries Kill Your Brand 17:00 Brand vs. Performance? They’re the Same Hashtags: #MetaAdsTips #DTCMarketing #PerformanceCreative #FacebookAdsStrategy #DigitalAdvertising #CreativeStrategy #MarketingMistakes #FoundersStory #BrandMarketing #MediaBuying 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Bonus: Preparing Your DTC Brand for Acquisition: Lessons on the PE Path from Because Ventures 34:30

5 weeks ago34:30

34:30

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In today’s DTC Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Horowitz, founder of Because Ventures, a private equity firm laser-focused on acquiring and scaling DTC brands doing $10M–$100M in revenue. Jeremy shares why VC funding often damages DTC brands and how PE can provide a more sustainable growth path for founders. https://because.ventures https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyhorowitz1/ https://letsbuyabiz.xyz/subscribe Key Topics Covered: Why venture capital is usually a mismatch for DTC brands How PE firms like Because Ventures evaluate acquisition targets The #1 thing founders should do 6–12 months before selling The role of clean SOPs and financials in maximizing valuation How WhatsApp marketing (through their acquisition of Coco AI) is the next SMS in Europe Big Idea: VC is not designed for DTC brands; disciplined operations and a focus on profitable growth are the real success path. Timestamps 00:00 - Top signals PE looks for when acquiring brands 02:00 - Jeremy's journey from agency to SaaS exits to PE 06:00 - What changed in the brand acquisition market since 2020 10:00 - Why VC isn't a great fit for DTC physical products 14:00 - The dangers of scaling too fast with venture capital 18:00 - How PE approaches growth differently from VC 20:00 - Key traits of brands that are acquisition-ready 24:00 - What founders should do 6–12 months before selling 28:00 - The importance of industry benchmarks and P&L metrics 30:00 - Inventory management, CAC payback, and repurchase rate 32:00 - Inside Because Ventures’ first acquisition: Coco.ai Hashtags #DTCgrowth #EcommerceAcquisition #PrivateEquity #FoundersJourney #VentureCapital #CocoAI #BrandExitStrategy #ShopifyApps #WhatsAppMarketing #CashFlowTips 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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 503: Inside Shein’s $30B+ Global Fashion Machine: AI, Micro-Influencers, and On-Demand Manufacturing (LIVE from ShopTalk) 27:09

5 weeks ago27:09

27:09

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Peter Pernot-Day, Global Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Shein, to explore the innovative strategies propelling Shein's global dominance in the fast fashion industry. Key Discussion Points: AI-Driven Supply Chain: How Shein utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize inventory management and forecast fashion trends, ensuring rapid response to market demands. Micro-Influencer Collaborations: The role of micro-influencers in Shein's marketing strategy and how these partnerships enhance brand reach and consumer engagement. Sustainability Initiatives: An examination of Shein's efforts to address environmental concerns and implement fair labor practices within its expansive supply chain. On-Demand Manufacturing: Insights into Shein's production model that starts with limited quantities to test consumer interest before scaling up, reducing waste and aligning with current fashion trends. Navigating Global Challenges: Strategies Shein employs to adapt to international trade policies and maintain its competitive edge in diverse markets. Join us for an in-depth conversation that reveals the intersection of technology, marketing innovation, and sustainability in Shein's approach to revolutionizing the fast fashion landscape. Timestamps: 00:00 - How Shein Gamifies the App Experience 02:15 - Shein's Approach to AI in E-Commerce 04:45 - How Shein Uses Photo Search and Personalization 07:00 - Shein’s Circularity and Sustainability Initiatives 09:15 - How Shein Prepares for Global Economic Challenges 11:40 - Leadership Lessons from Shein’s Corporate Affairs Leader 14:00 - How Shein Encourages Serendipity at ShopTalk Hashtags: #Shein #Ecommerce #AIEcommerce #Sustainability #CircularFashion #ShopTalk2025 #CustomerExperience #FashionInnovation #Leadership #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…

DTC Podcast

1
Ep 502: DTC Survival Guide To Increasing Your Marketing Efficiency: A Fireside Chat with Dave Steele, Pilothouse CEO | AKNF 19:19

5 weeks ago19:19