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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

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AI is changing the way brands approach creative marketing. In this episode, Braydon from Pilothouse dives into how AI tools—especially custom GPTs—are transforming landing pages, ad creative, and brand storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

AI-Driven CRO: How custom GPTs optimize landing pages section by section for higher conversion rates.

AI for Subscription Growth: Why AI-powered page redesigns can dramatically improve MRR.

Automating Ad Mashups: Using AI to remix top-performing ads for faster creative iteration.

Voice AI in Ads: How 11 Labs speeds up ad production with high-quality voiceovers.

Strategic AI Thinking: How AI can assist with brand-level strategy and audience segmentation.

If you’re looking for real-world AI applications in DTC marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Timestamps:

00:00 - AI tools are evolving fast

02:05 - How ChatGPT enhances ad creative

04:30 - Optimizing landing pages with AI

07:15 - Using AI for voiceovers and trailers

10:45 - The power of humor in ads

14:00 - AI-generated mashups for top-performing ads

17:20 - AI for brand-level strategy and deep analysis

20:40 - AI agents and the future of automation

Hashtags:

#AIforMarketing #ChatGPT #DTCMarketing #AdCreative #EcommerceGrowth #AIcopywriting #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #DigitalMarketing #Automation #MarketingTrends

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On this episode of the DTC Podcast, we dive deep into creative advertising with James Mulvey, Head of Content at Motion, the creative analytics and research platform used by brands like HexClad, True Classic, Ridge, and Vuori. James shares insights from their recent report analyzing $100M in ad spend and surveying 500+ DTC advertisers, highlighting how brands can develop ads that scale to six- or seven-figure spends.

Learn the 7 most impactful creative trends: https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Key Takeaways:

What Makes a $1M Ad: Balancing humor, offers, and polished creative.

The Role of Humor: Why funny ads drive deeper engagement and brand affinity.

Lo-Fi Done Right: How details like lighting and casting make or break low-budget ads.

Creative Strategy in 2025: Building a high-functioning team with platform-specific expertise.

AI in Advertising: Practical applications without sacrificing authenticity.

Tune in to learn how to build a creative system that delivers consistent winners.

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we welcome Kurt Elster, Shopify expert and founder of EtherCycle, a consultancy specializing in optimizing Shopify stores for eCommerce brands.

https://ethercycle.com

https://www.instagram.com/kgelster/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtelster/

Kurt dives into tactical advice for DTC founders, focusing on Shopify's most underutilized features and strategies that drive conversions. Whether it's improving your store's navigation, creating high-converting landing pages, or running better promotions, Kurt’s insights are laser-focused on helping Shopify brands grow.

🔑 Key takeaways for DTC founders:

Master navigation and menus: Simplify and prioritize to make it easy for customers to find what they need.

Use landing pages effectively: Stop relying solely on product pages—targeted landing pages drive better results for campaigns.

Leverage Shopify tools: Use Shopify Functions and apps like Matrixify to streamline workflows and enable advanced promotions.

Run free gift with purchase campaigns: Boost AOV and customer excitement without discounting your brand.

If you’re running a Shopify store and want practical advice to optimize performance, this episode is a must-listen!

Timestamps:

0:00 - The power of landing pages for ecommerce

2:05 - The importance of customer conversations

4:20 - Key improvements in Shopify tools

6:35 - Using AI and GPT for ecommerce efficiency

8:50 - Building loyal communities for product launches

11:10 - Planning and consistency for brand success

13:25 - Top-of-funnel strategies and storytelling

15:40 - Exciting AI advancements for personal productivity

18:05 - The sci-fi future of AI and tech integration

Hashtags:

#EcommerceTips #ShopifyExperts #AIForBusiness #PodcastHighlights #DigitalMarketing #CustomerEngagement #DTCBrands #LandingPages #BrandBuilding #ShopifyUpdates

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, Eric sits down with Dougie from Pilothouse's Google team to dive deep into how to leverage Google Ads' Performance Max (PMAX) campaigns for demand capture while building long-term growth strategies.

With the recent Google update allowing shopping campaigns to compete with PMAX on ad rank, Dougie shares actionable insights for structuring hybrid campaigns, integrating first-party data, and tracking true incrementality. Whether you're looking to optimize your ad spend or balance top-of-funnel and lower-funnel efforts, this episode has you covered.

Key Takeaways:

PMAX vs. Shopping: Learn why hybrid campaign structures work better than running PMAX alone, especially for targeting both warm and cold audiences.

Top-of-Funnel Investments: How efforts like TV and YouTube ads create a "halo effect" on demand capture—but only when backed by sufficient budgets.

Attribution Hacks: Why GA4, Northbeam, or Triple Whale should supplement Google’s in-platform attribution to avoid over-attributing conversions.

Practical Adjustments: Dougie explains how feed management, segmentation, and careful audience targeting maximize PMAX performance over time.

Whether you're scaling your DTC brand or refining your Google Ads strategy, Dougie's insights will help you navigate the challenges of 2025 and beyond.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction to PMAX Updates

2:00 - Key Changes in PMAX Ad Prioritization

4:30 - Shopping Campaigns vs PMAX Strategies

7:00 - Leveraging Audience Signals for Better Results

9:30 - Attribution Challenges with PMAX

12:00 - Optimizing Campaigns for Long-Term Performance

14:30 - Incremental Value and Third-Party Tools

17:00 - Attribution Limitations and Platform Insights

19:00 - Google Ads Heist Warning & Closing Thoughts

Hashtags

#PMAXUpdate #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #AttributionStrategy #AdCampaigns #PerformanceMax #GoogleShopping #MarketingInsights #YouTubeAds

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Nosbisch, founder of BRĒZ, the fastest-growing cannabis-infused beverage brand on the market. BRĒZ is at the forefront of a new wave in social drinking, offering a functional alternative to alcohol with none of its downsides. By combining innovative product design, strategic DTC-first approaches, and a deep understanding of compliance in restricted categories, BRĒZ has scaled to $25M in revenue in just 18 months.

https://Drinkbrez.com

@AaronJNosbisch

Here’s what you’ll learn:

🚀 How BRĒZ Scaled in a Highly Regulated Industry

BRĒZ cracked the code for advertising cannabis beverages on Meta by understanding compliance rules and creating educational campaigns.

The brand leveraged its knowledge of restricted categories to navigate policies and pioneer in regulated markets.

🌱 Why Cannabis Beverages Are the Future of Social Drinking

Alcohol alternatives are gaining traction as consumers seek wellness-focused options.

BRĒZ’s formula mimics alcohol’s social effects—euphoria, relaxation, and upliftment—but without the hangovers or negative health consequences.

📈 DTC Strategies That Work for Consumables

BRĒZ optimized pricing to create a high AOV, making paid acquisition viable.

Subscription models with 20–25% discounts boost customer retention and long-term profitability.

🔑 The Role of Innovation and Clarity in Marketing

BRĒZ focuses on clear, authentic messaging that resonates with consumers.

Its marketing doesn’t rely on gimmicks—it educates and informs while showcasing the product’s benefits.

🎧 Why Listen?

This episode is packed with tactical insights for brand builders navigating regulated categories or looking to scale rapidly in DTC. Whether you’re interested in compliance strategies, growth marketing, or category-defining innovation, this conversation is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship.

Listen now and learn how BRĒZ is shaping the future of functional beverages and paving the way for the next generation of alcohol alternatives.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction to Aaron J. Nosbisch and Breeze

2:10 Innovating within restrictions in DTC and cannabis advertising

4:30 The journey of launching Breeze and achieving rapid growth

7:00 Scaling Breeze through direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies

9:15 Challenges in navigating alcohol and cannabis distribution systems

11:30 The rise of functional beverages as a new category

13:45 Building a brand with authenticity and innovation

16:20 Future opportunities in the cannabis and beverage industries

18:50 Closing thoughts and where to find Breeze

Hashtags

#DTC #BeverageInnovation #CannabisBusiness #FunctionalDrinks #DirectToConsumer #Breeze #Entrepreneurship #MarketingStrategies #BusinessGrowth #Ecommerce

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep with Kyle Hitchcox, co-founder of Warpdrive, on why traditional conversion rate optimization (CRO) needs a complete overhaul. Kyle explains how Warpdrive's modular tools empower Shopify brands to optimize their funnels faster and drive more revenue from existing traffic.

Get In Touch→ ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch⁠

Follow Kyle → ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehitchcox/⁠

Key Takeaways:

Modular Page Building: Create branded Shopify experiences in under 24 hours using Warp Drive’s tools.

Faster Funnels: Page speed is a critical driver of conversion—slow-loading stores cost brands millions.

Persistent Attribution: Gain clear visibility across the entire funnel, ensuring data accuracy and actionable insights.

Actionable Optimizations: Focus on high-impact elements like headlines, bundles, and subscription options instead of microtests like button colors.

Whether you're a Shopify brand scaling up or an agency looking to deliver better results for clients, this episode is packed with tactical advice and strategies to drive performance.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction to CRO and Funnel Optimization

2:15 The Evolution of Landing Pages and Their Role in Performance Marketing

5:00 Introducing Warp Drive: A New Approach to CRO

7:45 The Importance of Page Speed for Shopify Stores

10:30 Challenges and Learnings in Building a Software Tool

14:00 AI Integration in Shopify Funnel Optimization

17:00 Invitation to Agencies and Brands: Embrace the Next Era of CRO

Hashtags:

#ConversionRateOptimization

#EcommerceMarketing

#ShopifyTips

#LandingPageOptimization

#PageSpeed

#AIInMarketing

#DigitalMarketingTools

#WarpdriveCRO

#DTCBrands

#PilotHouse

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where we dive deep into actionable strategies for scaling direct-to-consumer businesses. In this episode, Dan Crosby shares the inspiring story of how he bought a personal favorite hydration brand, BioSteel from bankruptcy and reshaped it into a profitable business within a year.

Key Takeaways:

Logistics Overhaul: Learn how consolidating 20+ distribution centers was critical to BioSteel’s turnaround.

Grassroots Partnerships: Discover why investing in youth sports and associations provides better ROI than major sponsorships.

Lean Operations: Hear how Dan rebuilt the brand with a core team of under 10 people.

Amazon Strategies: Insights into BioSteel’s Vendor Central program and pricing challenges.

Tech and Community: How a custom app is scaling BioSteel’s reach while giving back to grassroots teams.

Dan’s journey offers unparalleled insights into reviving a brand, tackling logistics, and making every dollar in marketing count.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction to BioSteel's Turnaround Journey

2:10 - Challenges with Retailers and Bankruptcy Transition

4:25 - Consolidating Logistics for Brand Revival

7:15 - Grassroots Partnerships and Youth Sports Sponsorships

10:00 - Strategic Focus on Amazon and Distribution Models

12:40 - Marketing Shifts: From Elite Endorsements to In-Store Promos

16:00 - Building Tech-Driven Community Engagement

19:30 - Developing Bespoke Products for Professional Sports Teams

22:00 - Exploring New Opportunities with Major Leagues

Hashtags:

#DTCpodcast #BioSteel #BrandRevival #SportsMarketing #CPGstrategy #YouthSports #EcommerceSuccess #AmazonStrategy #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney

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STOP - Have you subscribed to Jordon Gordon's "The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast"?? [TWBERP) → https://open.spotify.com/show/30OswCnXzinWp0zBP1kenR?si=gFxF-OOsQY2FNh0Tc_1Q0A

In this episode, we welcome Jordan Gordon, the host of The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast, to discuss the critical shifts in email marketing for 2025. With inbox deliverability tightening and customer attention harder to earn, Jordan emphasizes the importance of transitioning from static campaigns to automated flows.

Key Takeaways:

Why replacing campaigns with automated flows saves time and drives revenue.

How to use SMS to complement email efforts and maximize engagement.

Tools like Black Crow and Zero Bounce that can transform your email performance.

The "customer vs. buyer" mindset: why understanding the difference is vital for retention.

Scannable Insights:

Automate for efficiency: Reduce campaigns by 30% while boosting relevance.

Dynamic content is key to scaling email efforts in 2025.

Extend email's reach with synced advertising campaigns and SMS integrations.

Whether you're a brand owner or a seasoned marketer, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to optimize your retention marketing playbook.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to 2025 email strategies

02:00 - Importance of abandonment flows and automations

05:00 - Transitioning from growth-at-any-cost to efficient growth

08:00 - Dynamic content and segmentation in email marketing

12:00 - Customers vs. buyers: Building retention strategies

15:00 - Tools for improving inbox placement and customer targeting

20:00 - The role of SMS in 2025 marketing strategies

25:00 - Expanding email lists with ad integrations

Hashtags:

#EmailMarketing2025 #RetentionStrategies #EcommerceGrowth #DTCMarketing #EmailAutomation #CustomerRetention #MarketingTools #SMSMarketing #DigitalAdvertising #FunnelOptimization

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Broukhim, co-founder of FabFitFun, the billion-dollar subscription lifestyle brand that has redefined how consumers discover and experience new products. From its origins as a modest blog to a multi-faceted platform offering curated subscription boxes, exclusive sales, and even B2B services, FabFitFun has become a leader in the subscription space.

Key Takeaways:

Evolution through Innovation: Learn how FabFitFun transitioned from a blog to a billion-dollar customizable subscription box platform.

The Power of Influencers: Early unboxings on social media propelled their growth, and influencer partnerships remain integral to their strategy.

Profitability Over Growth: Discover how FabFitFun adapted to post-COVID market realities by focusing on operational efficiency and customer value.

Building Community: Hear how they’ve leveraged a loyal customer base to iterate, improve, and innovate their offerings.

Whether you're scaling a startup or refining your DTC strategy, this episode offers actionable insights into building and evolving a billion-dollar business model.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro: FabFitFun's Entrepreneurial Journey

2:00 Challenges in Scaling a Subscription Box Business

4:30 Evolving the FabFitFun Membership Experience

7:00 Innovative Marketing Strategies for DTC Growth

9:30 Building Community and Customer Loyalty

12:00 The Role of Influencers and Product Curation

14:30 Strategic Adjustments for Profitability and Longevity

17:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in DTC

Hashtags

#FabFitFun #DTCMarketing #SubscriptionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #EcommerceSuccess #InfluencerMarketing #CustomerExperience #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #Innovation

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