Direct to Consumer

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup 📢 Episode Overview: Tammy Phan, CEO & Founder of Luxe Du Jour, built a multi-million dollar luxury resale marketplace that allows customers to shop, sell, rent, and restore authentic designer handbags—all without traditional venture backing or early paid media. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: How Luxe Du Jour grew to 31 employees and expanded into the U.S. The three-step authentication process that builds customer trust Why organic growth outperformed paid ads (and what’s changing now) How luxury resale is outpacing new luxury in the market The most valuable (and least valuable) brands in resale Future of blockchain & luxury authentication 👂 Whether you’re scaling a DTC business, exploring resale, or growing an online marketplace, this episode is packed with insights. 👉 Listen now! Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Organic Marketing Outperforms Paid Media 02:45 – Tammy's Journey from Bag Addict to Business Owner 06:15 – Building Luxe Du Jour Through Instagram 10:30 – How Luxe Du Jour Authenticates Designer Bags 14:20 – The Psychology Behind Buying Luxury Items 17:00 – Using Data to Price and Sell Pre-Owned Bags 21:00 – Challenges Scaling Ads with Trademark Restrictions 24:00 – Renting Designer Bags and Handling Risk 26:20 – The Future of Luxury: Pre-Owned, Blockchain, and Sustainability 30:15 – Tammy's Vision, Team Culture, and Growth Goals Hashtags: #DTCpodcast #TammyPhan #LuxeDuJour #ResaleMarket #LuxuryBags #EntrepreneurJourney #OrganicMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #SustainableFashion #PreOwnedLuxury Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where today we’re diving deep into Amazon advertising, ranking strategies, and the impact of tariffs with Rob and Clifford from Pilot House. If you’re selling on Amazon, you’ve probably noticed that search volume is down for the first time in years. Consumers are pulling back, competition is heating up, and costs are rising—so how do you stay profitable? In this episode, we cover: ✔️ When to prioritize profit vs. incremental revenue in your Amazon ad strategy ✔️ Amazon search volume is down—here’s how to increase conversion rates to stay ahead ✔️ Tariff chaos: How brands are adapting to unpredictable costs and logistics ✔️ Brand equity’s hidden power on Amazon: How to rank without excessive ad spend The key takeaway? Winning on Amazon in 2025 isn’t just about ad spend—it’s about strategic ranking, conversion optimization, and leveraging off-platform brand awareness to dominate search results. Timestamps: 00:00 – Amazon ad placements and bid strategy 02:45 – Using Amazon Rufuss for listing optimization 05:30 – Search volume decline and market shifts 08:20 – Impact of tariffs on ecommerce brands 11:10 – Brand equity and organic ranking on Amazon 14:00 – The power of omnichannel brand awareness Hashtags: #AmazonAds #EcommerceMarketing #AmazonFBA #DTCbrands #DigitalMarketing #AmazonSEO #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingStrategy #RetailTrends #BrandBuilding Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Retail is evolving fast. AI, retail media networks, and shifting consumer behaviors are reshaping how brands sell. But the brands winning in 2025? They’re the ones that blend technology with human connection to create unforgettable shopping experiences. In this episode, we sit down with Marielle Bobo, VP of Content for ShopTalk Spring and Fall, to explore the biggest themes shaping retail in 2025. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Retail’s New Golden Age – Why brands are refocusing on emotional connections. ✅ Retail Media Networks (RMNs) – How first-party data is changing advertising. ✅ AI in Retail – How to use automation without losing your brand’s soul. ✅ Live Shopping & Content Commerce – What brands like True Religion and Lawless Beauty are doing differently. ✅ How to Get the Most from ShopTalk 2025 – Pro networking strategies for attendees. DTC at ShopTalk 2025 🎤 📹 We’re not just talking about ShopTalk—we’re bringing the event to life for our audience! The DTC Podcast team will be on the ground in Las Vegas, recording live interviews with top brands, walking the expo floor for man-on-the-street insights, and capturing the hottest takes from the biggest players in retail. 📍 Find us in the Media Center for exclusive live podcast recordings. 🎥 Catch us on the show floor, getting quick-hit insights from attendees. 🔥 Want to be featured? Track us down—we’d love to chat! Whether you're attending ShopTalk 2025 or just want to stay ahead of the biggest retail trends, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you scale your brand this year and beyond. 🎧🚀 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to ShopTalk 02:15 The evolution of storytelling in retail 04:45 The role of AI and human connection in retail 07:30 What is retail media? Understanding RMNs 10:50 Exciting keynote speakers at ShopTalk 14:20 Content and commerce: How brands engage with creators 17:10 The rise of live shopping and interactive experiences 20:30 Tips for first-time ShopTalk attendees 23:45 ShopTalk networking opportunities and meetups 26:00 ShopTalk afterparty and special events Hashtags: #ShopTalk2024 #RetailTrends #EcommerceMarketing #DTC #RetailMedia #MarketingStrategy #LiveShopping #ContentCommerce #NetworkingEvents #ShopTalkExperience Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Many if not most eCommerce brands spend 15-20% of revenue on advertising—Simple Modern? Just 5%. So how did they become a category leader in drinkware, dominate Amazon, and land major retail deals with Target? In this episode, Bryan Porter, Co-founder & Chief E-commerce Officer of Simple Modern, breaks down their low-ad spend, high-efficiency growth strategy and why focusing on brand trust, product variety, and Amazon SEO led to 50M+ products sold. What You'll Learn: ✅ The Amazon playbook that helped them win top search rankings. ✅ Why they only spend 5% of revenue on ads—and how they drive organic growth. ✅ How they expanded from Amazon to Target without traditional advertising. ✅ Why TikTok virality boosted Amazon sales more than TikTok Shop itself. ✅ How launching an electrolyte brand (Trevi) creates long-term customer retention. One Big Idea: 👉 Customer trust and organic search matter more than ad spend. This is a must-listen for brand builders who want sustainable, profitable growth. 🎧 Listen now! Timestamps 00:00 - Simple Modern’s early growth on Amazon 02:45 - The jump to Target and retail expansion 06:30 - The rise of drinkware as a fashion category 10:15 - Leveraging TikTok Shop for brand awareness 14:50 - Expanding marketing efforts beyond digital ads 19:30 - Scaling through licensing and product innovation 24:15 - Testing TV ads and influencer marketing impact 28:40 - Launching Trevi: Entering the electrolyte market 33:10 - Hiring the right people and building a mission-driven team 37:45 - The role of generosity and company culture Hashtags #Ecommerce #DTC #AmazonFBA #RetailStrategy #BrandGrowth #TikTokMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #ProductLaunch #StartupSuccess #BusinessPodcast Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup 🚨 Meta just updated Advantage+ campaigns – what does this mean for DTC brands? 🚨 Advantage+ has been Meta’s push toward AI-driven ad automation, but with new updates rolling out, advertisers need to adjust their strategies to stay ahead. On this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Pilothouse's Meta ads expert Taylor Cain to break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and the best strategies to maximize Advantage+ performance. What You’ll Learn: 📊 The Key Changes in Meta’s Latest Advantage+ Update 🔎 How to Analyze Audience Segments to See Where Your Budget is Really Going 🎯 Cost Caps & Bidding Strategies That Still Work in an AI-Driven Ad System 📢 Creative & Landing Page Best Practices for Higher ROAS 🚀 How to Blend Advantage+ With Business-As-Usual Campaigns for More Control Meta is simplifying the ad-buying process, but are these changes actually better for advertisers? Tune in to learn how to stay in control, optimize your spend, and scale smarter. 🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of Meta’s evolving ad system! Timestamps: 00:00 – Meta’s latest Advantage Plus updates 02:10 – Why Meta is removing customer caps 04:45 – How Advantage Plus impacts ad performance 07:30 – Best practices for structuring campaigns 10:15 – Creative strategy and audience segmentation 13:00 – The role of cost caps in Meta ads 15:45 – Social proof and Advantage Plus benefits 18:30 – Using landing pages effectively in Meta campaigns 21:20 – Future of business-as-usual campaigns vs. Advantage Plus Hashtags: #MetaAds #FacebookAds #AdvantagePlus #DigitalMarketing #Ecommerce #PerformanceMarketing #PaidSocial #AdvertisingTips #SocialMediaMarketing #AdStrategy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup SMS marketing is one of the most profitable yet underutilized channels in DTC. But too many brands either under-send out of fear or over-send without strategy. On this episode of the DTC Podcast, Postscript’s Sam Melnick joins us to share how AI, segmentation, and conversational commerce are reshaping SMS into a true revenue-driving channel. Find out more about Postscript here: https://postscript.io/ In this episode, you’ll learn: The biggest mistakes brands make with SMS & how to fix them AI-powered SMS: How real-time message optimization drives a 20% revenue lift Segmentation strategies that maximize retention & conversions How leading brands like Jones Road Beauty personalize SMS at scale Why SMS is outperforming email for many brands on peak sales days The future of AI-driven SMS—including Postscript’s new “Shopper” AI agent If you’re serious about SMS as a revenue channel, this episode packed with actionable insights is a must-listen. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why SMS is the next must-have owned channel 02:00 - The biggest SMS mistakes brands make 04:30 - Smart segmentation strategies for SMS 07:00 - How Jones Road Beauty personalizes SMS at scale 09:30 - AI-driven SMS optimization and testing 12:00 - Scaling conversational commerce with AI 15:00 - SMS vs. email: key differences and advantages 18:30 - Maximizing revenue with product drops and urgency 21:00 - SMS deliverability, compliance, and industry trends 24:00 - Why best-in-class SMS solutions outperform all-in-one platforms 27:00 - Postscript’s AI and product innovation roadmap Hashtags: #SMSMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #DTCBrands #MarketingStrategy #AIinMarketing #ShopifyBrands #RetentionMarketing #ConversationalCommerce #Postscript #DTCpodcast #TextMarketing #MarketingAutomation #CustomerEngagement Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup 📢 What if you could scale a DTC brand without spending a dollar on paid media? That’s exactly what Amy Tucker, founder of Salty Britches, did. What started as a homemade anti-chafe solution for her son turned into a multi-channel brand used by ultra runners, triathletes, the military, and outdoor adventurers—all without following the traditional paid ad playbook. 🔹 How she turned a personal problem into a national product. 🔹 The role of organic ambassadors & independent retailers in her growth strategy. 🔹 Why she said NO to big-box retail in favor of 500+ independent stores. 🔹 How a conversation with a Marine Raider led to military procurement. 🔹 Her recent (and reluctant) foray into paid ads & what's working. If you're a DTC founder looking to build a brand with deep customer loyalty and organic traction, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to scale by saying YES to the right opportunities. Timestamps: 00:00 – The power of organic brand growth 02:05 – How Salty Britches started from a personal need 05:50 – Building a product with real customer demand 12:30 – The impact of independent retailers vs. big box stores 18:45 – Ultra running and military adoption of the brand 24:20 – The role of ambassadors in brand expansion 30:10 – Why Salty Britches avoided traditional advertising 35:40 – Running effective ads after years of organic growth 42:05 – The future of marketing: community vs. paid media 48:15 – Final thoughts and brand insights Hashtags: #DTC #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #startupstory #marketing #branding #directtoconsumer #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #founderjourney #brandbuilding #ads #organicgrowth #businessgrowth #ecommercemarketing #saltybritches #chafingcream #ultrarunning #militarygear Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup The era of faceless brands is over. Consumers don’t just want to buy products—they want to connect with the people behind them. In this episode, Aves, Creative Lead at Pilot House, breaks down why DTC founders must take an active role in content creation to build brand affinity, lower CAC, and scale their brand more effectively. 🚀 Key Insights from the Episode: Your face is your competitive advantage. Founder-led content builds trust and differentiates your brand. Stop overthinking it. Grab your phone, record a short video, and start testing. The power of repetition. Your audience won’t remember your story unless you tell it over and over again. Optimize for conversion. Don’t send founder-led ad traffic to a generic PDP—create a dedicated founder story landing page. Consistency wins. Post every day to create lasting brand equity and engagement. If you’re a founder struggling with rising acquisition costs or brand differentiation, this episode will change how you think about content marketing. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: The power of founder-led content 02:05 Why founders should be the face of their brand 04:30 How to create engaging founder content 07:15 The impact of personal storytelling on brand growth 10:40 Using organic and paid content together 14:20 Optimizing the post-click experience 17:50 Consistency is key: Posting daily for growth 21:30 Leveraging your founder story for brand affinity 24:10 Why repetition works in social media 26:00 Final thoughts and call to action Hashtags: #DTC #EcommerceMarketing #BrandBuilding #FounderLedContent #SocialMediaMarketing #MarketingStrategy #PaidSocial #OrganicGrowth #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #ContentCreation #MetaAds #TikTokMarketing #Storytelling #DigitalMarketing #StartupTips Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re talking with Taylor Holiday, Managing Partner at Common Thread Collective (CTC)—one of the leading agencies in e-commerce growth. CTC rode the wave of e-commerce’s explosive growth, scaling from 60 to nearly 200 employees during COVID. But as market conditions changed, so did their approach. Taylor shares how e-commerce brands must pivot from chasing revenue to focusing on profitability and sustainable growth. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why Service Businesses Are Underrated: Agencies can be more profitable than SaaS and DTC brands with the right model. ✅ The Secret to Scaling Agencies: Focus on fewer employees, higher salaries, and keeping the best people doing the most valuable work. ✅ The Right Way to Spend on Ads: Many brands are overspending inefficiently—start by cutting waste, then rebuild smarter. ✅ Why Product Expansion Is Key: Growth isn’t about selling more of the same product; it’s about launching new ones to unlock fresh demand. ✅ Meta Ads in 2025: Advantage Plus is the future—let Meta’s AI do the work but control the outcome through bid caps. ✅ AI in Agencies: CTC uses AI for internal knowledge sharing, customer service automation, and creative strategy. 💡 If you’re an e-commerce brand or agency owner, this is a must-listen episode. Tune in now! Timestamps: 0:00 - The challenge of post-COVID growth for eCommerce brands 2:30 - The shift from revenue growth to profitability in DTC 5:10 - Why agency models need to evolve for efficiency 8:00 - The role of AI in agency operations and creative production 11:45 - Product expansion as a key growth driver in 2025 15:20 - The truth about top-of-funnel marketing strategies 18:50 - The future of performance marketing with Meta’s Advantage+ 22:30 - Should brands invest in TV and YouTube ads? 25:00 - The role of financial planning in marketing success Hashtags: #ecommerce #dtcpodcast #digitalmarketing #growthstrategy #facebookads #metaads #aiinmarketing #advertisingstrategy #marketingtrends #businessgrowth #scaleyourbrand #profitability #directtoconsumer #contentmarketing #onlinemarketing #performanceads Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup On today’s episode of All Killer No Filler, we’re joined by Dougie from Pilothouse to talk about how DTC brands should structure YouTube ads for growth. Many advertisers expect immediate conversions from YouTube, but the real value comes from top-of-funnel awareness that increases brand searches, customer engagement, and long-term conversions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why YouTube should be seen as a demand generation tool, not just demand capture ✅ How to structure YouTube campaigns based on customer awareness stages ✅ The biggest mistakes brands make when running YouTube ads ✅ Why Google’s new measurement tools could change how we track ad success ✅ The right creative strategy for different stages of the funnel 💡 If your brand is running YouTube ads—or considering it—this episode will help you optimize your approach for maximum impact. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to YouTube Marketing Strategy 02:10 Why YouTube is More Than Just Demand Capture 04:30 Structuring Campaigns for Awareness & Conversion 07:00 How to Optimize YouTube Ad Targeting 10:20 Measuring Performance & Brand Search Lift 14:00 The Role of Creative in YouTube Ads 17:30 Budgeting & Scaling YouTube Advertising 20:50 Organic vs. Paid YouTube Growth Strategies Hashtags: #YouTubeMarketing #DigitalAds #PerformanceMarketing #YouTubeAds #MarketingStrategy #BrandAwareness #GoogleAds #DTCMarketing #AdvertisingTips #ContentMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Kim Gamez, founder of Soberish, scaled her business to over $1M in sales in under a year—all without spending a dollar on paid ads. In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Kim shares how she: ✅ Engineered viral content on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to drive millions of views and thousands of purchases. ✅ Turned organic engagement into a scalable eCommerce business, transitioning from influencer to marketplace owner. ✅ Navigated the challenges of selling federally legal hemp-derived products while being restricted by major advertising platforms. Key Takeaways: The anatomy of a viral video: Why starting with the payoff and sparking discussion is crucial. Using humor and mistakes strategically to drive engagement and boost algorithm reach. How to make UGC-style content work for your brand—and why overproduction kills performance. The power of social commerce: How Kim went from affiliate marketer to brand owner using data from her viral videos. Why repurposing content is key: How Kim maximizes ROI on every piece of video she creates. If you’re looking to grow your DTC brand through organic content, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Timestamps: 00:00 – Building a viral content strategy 02:05 – The origin story of Soberish 04:45 – From social media influence to a business 07:30 – Cracking the algorithm for organic growth 10:15 – How to make videos go viral 13:00 – The power of community-driven marketing 15:40 – The Soberish product lineup 18:20 – Growth challenges and the giggle grass strategy 21:10 – Navigating paid ads and retail opportunities 24:00 – Key lessons for entrepreneurs Hashtags: #DTC #Ecommerce #Soberish #Entrepreneurship #MarketingTips #ViralVideos #TikTokGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #BrandBuilding #ContentStrategy #AlcoholFree #GiggleGrass #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #BusinessGrowth Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Today, we’re doing something a little different. We’re featuring an episode from The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast (TWBERP)—a must-listen for anyone looking to maximize revenue from the customers they’ve already acquired. Subscribe to TWBERP Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/30OswCnXzinWp0zBP1kenR?si=gFxF-OOsQY2FNh0Tc_1Q0A TWBERP is where Jordan Gordon and the Pilothouse email and retention team break down the strategies that keep customers engaged and spending, without relying on constant acquisition. In this episode, Jordan dives into a concept that big brands obsess over but most DTC brands ignore—tracking your lifecycle metrics, not just your revenue. He breaks down: 🔹 The 3 key lifecycle stages—Promotional, Customer, and Category—and why tracking them gives you a clearer picture of your business health. 🔹 How to spot margin erosion in your discounting strategy before it tanks your profits. 🔹 Why a growing revenue line can actually be a red flag—and what to look for instead. If you’re serious about scaling your brand sustainably, this one’s a must-listen. Hit play and don’t forget to subscribe to TWBERP! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Lifecycle Metrics 02:00 Why Tracking Revenue Alone Is Not Enough 04:30 Three Key Lifecycle Metrics to Monitor 07:15 The Impact of Discount Strategies on Profit Margins 10:45 Building a Loyal Customer Base vs. Constant Acquisition 14:30 How to Measure Customer Retention Effectively 18:15 The Role of Product Categories in Lifecycle Marketing 22:00 Closing Thoughts & Email Growth Strategies Hashtags: #EmailMarketing #CustomerRetention #LifecycleMetrics #EcommerceGrowth #DigitalMarketing #DTC #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #EmailOptimization #RetentionMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter -⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup 📢 What does it really take to scale a 9-figure DTC brand? Relentless speed, constant reinvention, and never playing defense. In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Curtis Matsko, founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, to break down how he built one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer brands by outpacing the competition at every turn. Curtis doesn't hesitate—he makes decisions fast, learns fast, and scales fast. While most brands overanalyze, he moves forward, makes adjustments in real time, and never stops evolving.✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why "velocity wins"—and how moving fast (not perfection) is the key to DTC success The 3-6-9 hiring framework Curtis uses to keep his team leveling up every year Why 92% of Portland Leather Goods’ ad spend goes to Meta & Google (and why TikTok isn’t even on his radar) How vertical integration in Mexico became their ultimate growth hack—ensuring inventory never kills scaling The truth about luxury brands: Why most "leather" bags aren’t real leather—and why that’s Portland Leather Goods’ biggest advantage How to know when it's time to reinvent your brand—so you don’t end up like the five competitors that went bankrupt This episode is a must-listen for any brand owner looking to scale fast, break through growth ceilings, and build a brand that actually lasts. 🎧00:00 – Curtis Matsko on embracing change in business 02:30 – The origin story of Portland Leather Goods 06:00 – The importance of real leather and craftsmanship 10:15 – Scaling a brand through rapid decision-making 15:40 – The power of customer experience and brand trust 20:20 – How vertical integration fuels growth 25:10 – Hiring, leadership, and internal team development 30:50 – The role of Meta and Google in scaling DTC brands 35:45 – Why customer retention is key in DTC success 40:30 – The future of Portland Leather and business expansion #DTC #Ecommerce #LeatherGoods #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #MetaAds #GoogleAds #MarketingStrategy #CustomerExperience #ScalingBusiness #FounderStory #DirectToConsumer #BrandBuilding #RetailSuccess #Shopify Subscribe to DTC Newsletter -⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠ Advertise on DTC -⁠https://dtcnews.link/advertise⁠ Work with Pilothouse -⁠https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse⁠ Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube -⁠https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Amazon is a crucial sales channel, but most brands fail to merchandise their products effectively. In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Rob & Clifford from Pilot House’s Amazon team break down the key strategies to optimize Amazon listings for better visibility, conversion, and profitability. 🚀 What You’ll Learn: Why variation strategy is critical for increasing visibility and conversions. How to align your Amazon merchandising strategy with your broader brand goals. The importance of shopping your own listings to eliminate friction in the buying process. How to optimize for different levels of buying intent—commodity, fashion, and consultative purchases. Why brands should not rely on Amazon Vendor Central for their merchandising. Amazon is not a passive sales channel. If you're not actively optimizing your merchandising strategy, you're leaving revenue on the table. Tune in to get the insights you need to level up your brand’s presence on the platform. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Amazon Merchandising 02:10 Understanding Amazon’s Unique Shopping Experience 04:50 Strategic Brand Positioning on Amazon 07:30 The Role of Variations in Merchandising 10:15 Traffic Intent and Brand Store Strategy 12:40 On-Brand Aesthetics for Amazon Listings 15:20 Lessons from Dr. Squatch and Manscaped 18:00 Improving the Customer Buying Experience 21:30 Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers 24:50 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts Hashtags #AmazonSelling #EcommerceTips #AmazonFBA #DTC #EcommerceMarketing #AmazonStrategy #DigitalMarketing #OnlineSelling #RetailTrends #AmazonMerchandising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter -https://dtcnews.link/signup 🚀 How do you build a brand that consumers remember before they even see an ad? BYLT Basics is mastering the art of upper funnel marketing. In this episode, Spencer Toomey, BYLT’s growth lead, breaks down how major sponsorships—like their Mike Tyson partnership during his Netflix fight—drove massive Q4 success. 📌 Key takeaways: 📺 TV + Sponsorships = Performance Lift – How upper funnel plays fuel bottom-funnel conversions. 🔍 How BYLT Measures Brand Awareness – Google Trends, post-purchase surveys, and real-time site traffic spikes. 🎯 The New Media Mix – Why brands need to rethink their reliance on Meta and experiment with new channels like Tatari, AppLovin, and YouTube. 💡 Creative Flywheel Strategy – How BYLT is optimizing their ad volume and storytelling to drive impact. This episode is packed with tactical insights for marketers who want to scale without relying solely on Meta ads. Timestamps: 00:00 - Diversifying ad spend beyond Meta 02:10 - The impact of Mike Tyson's sponsorship on BILT 04:50 - Upper funnel strategies and TV advertising bets 07:20 - Leveraging AppLovin for new customer acquisition 10:05 - Creative flywheel: Scaling ad production efficiently 12:45 - Using post-purchase surveys for attribution insights 15:30 - The role of influencers and brand ambassadors 18:20 - Late-night ad launch strategy explained 21:00 - Essential marketing tools: Motion & NoCommerce 23:40 - Future experiments with PMAX, YouTube, and AppLovin Hashtags: #DTCMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #MetaAds #BrandAwareness #CreativeStrategy #AdvertisingTips #GrowthMarketing #YouTubeAds #InfluencerMarketing #MarketingTech #AdOptimization #BusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #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

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Meta’s latest advertising update is shaking up the health & wellness space, restricting event tracking for many brands. This means brands selling supplements, wellness products, or other health-related items may no longer see key conversion events like purchases and add-to-cart in their Meta ad accounts. In this episode, Eric Dyck chats with Pilothouse Meta experts Taylor Cain, Jocelyn, and Aves to break down what’s happening, what brands should do, and how to stay compliant while still driving results. Key Topics Covered: ✅ What’s Changing? Meta’s new event tracking restrictions explained ✅ Who’s Affected? How Meta is categorizing health & wellness brands ✅ Workarounds That Work: Using upper-funnel event tracking to maintain ad performance ✅ Creative & Messaging Shifts: Why brands need to sell a lifestyle, not just a product ✅ Long-Term Impact: Will Meta roll out similar restrictions to other industries? Meta is prioritizing user privacy, and these changes are likely just the beginning. If your brand is affected, tune in to get the insights you need to adapt your strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 - Meta’s new health and wellness ad restrictions 02:15 - What this means for advertisers 05:00 - Meta’s event tracking changes explained 08:30 - Preparing for the new ad policies 11:00 - How brands can pivot their messaging 14:45 - The impact on creative and targeting 18:20 - Future of health and wellness ads on Meta 21:30 - Attribution updates and performance tracking Hashtags: #MetaAds #DigitalMarketing #AdvertisingChanges #HealthAndWellness #DTCMarketing #MarketingNews #PaidSocial #SocialMediaAds #FacebookAds #InstagramAds Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Bradley Keefer, CRO of Keen Decision Systems, to discuss how brands can elevate their marketing game by thinking like investment bankers. Bradley dives deep into why ROAS alone doesn’t cut it anymore and explains how brands can use holistic data to align short-term performance with long-term profitability. Download all these insights and way more: https://keends.com/insights-xyz Key Insights from This Episode: Rethink ROAS: Why traditional metrics fail to account for long-term value. Funnel Balancing: Moving from a 50-50 mix to an optimal 70-30 top-to-bottom strategy. Interaction Effects: How channels like connected TV and organic social can amplify each other. Avoiding Pitfalls: Why “shiny object” channels like TikTok Shop or TikTok ads need careful consideration. Tune in to learn how Keen Decision Systems is helping brands create marketing strategies that deliver predictable, profitable growth. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Marketers Must Justify Their Existence 02:10 - The Investment Banker Mindset for Marketing 04:45 - Rethinking ROAS and Measuring Profitability 07:55 - How Brands Should Balance Top vs. Bottom Funnel Spend 11:20 - The Power of Interaction Effects in Marketing 14:30 - Scaling Up with Tentpole Events and Viral Moments 18:15 - When and How to Move Up the Funnel 22:40 - TikTok vs. Meta: The Future of Social Commerce 26:10 - The Role of AI and Data in Marketing Decisions Hashtags: #MarketingStrategy #DTCGrowth #DigitalAdvertising #Ecommerce #MarketingData #BrandBuilding #ROAS #SocialCommerce #TikTokMarketing #PaidMedia #InvestmentMindset #MarketingMetrics Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Chubbies became a DTC legend by selling proper-length shorts and a brand identity people loved. But behind the scenes, Preston Rutherford and his team had to fight against the short-term addiction of Meta ads that almost ran the company into the ground. In this episode, Preston shares: 🔥 The dark side of performance marketing & how it killed their margins 🎯 Why brands need to invest in “memory structures” to drive future demand 📈 How shifting budget up-funnel can actually make you more money 💡 How to measure brand impact beyond ROAS with Marathon If you’re running a DTC brand and struggling with rising CAC and shrinking margins, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to escape the performance marketing hamster wheel and build a business that lasts. Timestamps 00:00 - The rise of Chubbies and bold marketing 02:45 - The impact of Meta ads and performance marketing 07:30 - Balancing brand awareness and short-term metrics 12:15 - The power of memory structures in brand building 17:50 - Why investing in brand is key to long-term success 23:30 - Measuring brand impact beyond ROAS 28:15 - How Marathon helps brands build sustainable growth 34:00 - The future of brand marketing and performance Hashtags #DTC #EcommerceMarketing #BrandBuilding #MarketingStrategy #PerformanceMarketing #MetaAds #DigitalMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #BrandAwareness #ROAS #GrowthStrategy #ContentMarketing #Marathon #PrestonRutherford #CMO #Chubbies #DirectToConsumer #MarketingTips Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup 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 Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup Advertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertise Work with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

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