Limited Supply

So, what’s YOUR Black Friday strategy? 

The holiday season is right around the corner. For people in the DTC world, it’s time to gear up, get excited, and get it together. 

Nik talks to Hattie Gilpin, the Director of Operations at wellness brand Wellbel, about attracting consumer attention via email subject line, discounts, subscriptions, and more. Should you apply your discount code to every subscriber on your list? Does a ‘gift with purchase’ actually attract more sales? When should you order package inserts?

Plus, Hattie talks about the importance of customer service—and how operations AND marketing need to work together to anticipate order volume ASAP. 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Motion helps DTC brands ship more winning ads. Track your competitors, save ads to your swipe file and analyze your creatives with beautiful creative reporting. 

Visit motionapp.com or watch a demo of Motion here

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Did you know there’s a Slack channel with 5,000+ marketers…and Nik is answering their questions? 

Nik’s dipping his fingers into the mailbag and sharing the truth about brand ambassadors and influencer marketing. And despite what you’ve heard, UGC isn’t dead—but inauthentic and lazy UGC is. We all know influencers are important, but when’s the best time to contact them about your product? How do you create consistency without breaking the bank on a brand agency? 

Plus, it’s time to get creative. Nik shares tips on how your messaging on Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday should differ, but still be creative. Should you keep it simple? Absolutely. Should you make it quick? Yes. 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Haus is an automated, self-serve platform that allows you to configure regional experiments to measure incrementality, optimally allocate marketing dollars, and maximize growth. Test all your marketing channels, both online and offline, measure the impact across all your sales channels (DTC, Amazon, and retail), and calibrate your platform reporting for incrementality with Haus.

Add scientific rigor to your marketing and make the most impact with your spend. To learn more, go to haus.io/limitedsupply to get started.

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

How do you discover something magical in the DTC space?

For this week’s guest Ryan Babenzien, CEO of Jolie, he looked at everyday things: the shower. Wellness. Vanity. Your wallet. And then the filtered shower head took the world by storm. How do you create a successful product when there’s already a ton of stuff out there? Why is everyday customer behavior so important to a wellness brand? Ryan shares his framework, his history from other brands, and how gut and instinct play a role in your success. 

Plus, Nik and Ryan talk about packaging—how does it differ between wellness brands and other CPG products? When you’re a DTC brand, a way to polish things is to make sure you have efficient packing. No packing peanuts, just simple and easy. Do creators care about packaging being environmentally friendly? (Hint: yes.)

Then, it’s all about people influencing people. Word of mouth—from influencers, UGC, your friends and family—all play a role in the success of a product. How can you make sure these positive words are converting? 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Haus is an automated, self-serve platform that allows you to configure regional experiments to measure incrementality, optimally allocate marketing dollars, and maximize growth. Test all your marketing channels, both online and offline, measure the impact across all your sales channels (DTC, Amazon, and retail), and calibrate your platform reporting for incrementality with Haus.

Add scientific rigor to your marketing and make the most impact with your spend. To learn more, go to haus.io/limitedsupply to get started.

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

It’s not about you, it’s your brand awareness. 

In this solo episode, Nik breaks down brand awareness and how to do it right. There’s a difference between brand recognition, excitement, and affinity. But some of those go awry, it can really affect how people view your brand. How do you interact with creators on social media? How much content should everyone make about your brand? When people see your logo or brand, what comes to mind? 

Plus, Nik gives an example of how he tackles product launch—he’s excited about it, but there’s a couple things that can be improved. There’s a lot that goes into a launch, like storefront (brick-and-mortar, eComm), email, SMS, organic social, paid social, the list is almost endless. How do you launch something that really pops? 

Then, it’s all about keeping those customers. We’re talking drop strategy, VIP discount codes, and even inventory. Why should you send one email per day for the first three days? Are TikTok and Instagram really their own funnels? Nik shares his perspective. 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Haus is an automated, self-serve platform that allows you to configure regional experiments to measure incrementality, optimally allocate marketing dollars, and maximize growth. Test all your marketing channels, both online and offline, measure the impact across all your sales channels (DTC, Amazon, and retail), and calibrate your platform reporting for incrementality with Haus.

Add scientific rigor to your marketing and make the most impact with your spend. To learn more, go to haus.io/limitedsupply

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

What even is incrementality? 

For our guest this week, Olivia Kory of Haus, incrementality is everything—it’s strategy, it’s how the world goes ‘round in DTC. We talk tools, conversions, and how Meta and Google can help set that up for you. How does the funnel play a role in incrementality? What’s geotesting and why does it matter? Does company size play a role? 

Plus, Nik talks about filling and flushing the toilet: everyone in DTC is prepping for the holiday season. Using data from last year, DTC brands can really set themselves up for success by experimenting, observing, and more. 

Then, there’s a debate between brand marketing and performance marketing. Where should you spend your money? When do you start creative prep? Who should do the reporting? Olivia and Nik weigh the pros and cons. 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Haus is an automated, self-serve platform that allows you to configure regional experiments to measure incrementality, optimally allocate marketing dollars, and maximize growth. Test all your marketing channels, both online and offline, measure the impact across all your sales channels (DTC, Amazon, and retail), and calibrate your platform reporting for incrementality with Haus.

Add scientific rigor to your marketing and make the most impact with your spend. To learn more, go to haus.io/limitedsupply spelled H-A-U-S dot io slash limited supply to get started.

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Are hacks even real?

According to Nik, they aren’t—so that’s why he’s sharing his Top 40 TIPS for conversion, social proof, audience, and copy to see more site conversions. Should you do your mobile site first, or is desktop king? How do you leverage social proof for your brand? How can you make a discount pop without being too obnoxious?

Plus, Nik talks about how your site should be ADA compliant because accessibility is important to reaching more people. Partnering that with a simplified checkout experience and easy-to-understand copy are steps in the right direction. It’s not rocket science, even if it can feel overwhelming sometimes. 

And don’t forget to check out more helpful tips from Nik here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Haus is an automated, self-serve platform that allows you to configure regional experiments to measure incrementality, optimally allocate marketing dollars, and maximize growth. Test all your marketing channels, both online and offline, measure the impact across all your sales channels (DTC, Amazon, and retail), and calibrate your platform reporting for incrementality with Haus.

Add scientific rigor to your marketing and make the most impact with your spend. To learn more, go to haus.io/limitedsupply 

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

What are Nik’s messages like? 

If you answered, “Hey Nik, I’ve founded (insert company here). It should be doing this, but it’s not. What should I do?” you’d be correct. Starting a brand isn’t easy work—so that’s why Nik has a playbook ready. Should you do a pre launch test? What conversion events should matter to you? What even is a water report? There’s a ton of concerns that a lot of founders don’t ask about, but should. 

Plus, in this solo episode, Nik reveals that your content should make sense to three people: your mom, buzzed people, and fifth graders. He explains how all three are related, even if they probably shouldn’t be in the same sentence. 

Then, Nik speaks survey: what did they buy and did they like it? How can you, as a brand, take information and improve your ops? Customer experience is a goldmine—one that you could be missing out on.

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

Haus is an automated, self-serve platform that allows you to configure regional experiments to measure incrementality, optimally allocate marketing dollars, and maximize growth. Test all your marketing channels, both online and offline, measure the impact across all your sales channels (DTC, Amazon, and retail), and calibrate your platform reporting for incrementality with Haus.

Add scientific rigor to your marketing and make the most impact with your spend. To learn more, go to haus.io/limitedsupply

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Ready for a rapid-fire round of questions about DTC as big as The Cheesecake Factory menu? 

CMO of Jones Road Beauty and Nik’s X-Mutual-turned-IRL-friend Cody Plofker is back on the pod—and they’re talking about incrementality, building creative teams, and more. What should you look for in building a team? What’s attribution and why is it click-based? Is Cody frugal or cheap? 

Then, Nik chats about how he uses TikTok and Reddit to understand new audiences. How can we reach new people? What do they care about compared to our current market?

Plus, Cody reveals how Jones Road is gearing up for Black Friday, with new strategies, customization opportunities, and setting realistic (but BIG) sales goals. 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

AfterSell empowers businesses to maximize their revenue potential with upsell, cross-sell, and post-purchase engagement solutions. Our data-driven tools and seamless integrations help you transform customer interactions and boost revenue effortlessly.

To learn more visit aftersell.com/limited.

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

What’s changing with DPA? Does attention actually matter most in advertising? Are DPA and catalog ads the same?

Nik’s talking with Dan Pantelo, the founder of Marpipe HQ, where they’re on a mission to make DPA ads even better. Find out Dan’s five strategic tips everyone should know about catalog ads and why DPA is growing rapidly. When should we NOT use DPA? Does DPA matter more than UGC? Dan explains it all.

Heard about DPA from others?  Well…there’s a good chance you’ve heard a misconception or two. Dan and Nik break down how big it actually is, creative possibilities, and why using a tool can be effective in the long run.

Plus, find out why shooting products in different contexts is important (Hint: it’s the reason why people wear clothes in clothing ads). 

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

AfterSell empowers businesses to maximize their revenue potential with upsell, cross-sell, and post-purchase engagement solutions. Our data-driven tools and seamless integrations help you transform customer interactions and boost revenue effortlessly.

To learn more visit aftersell.com/limited.

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

What’s a season of Limited Supply without Nik to answer some of the Slack channel’s hottest DTC questions?

Nik’s dipping his fingers into the mailbag and unleashing his biggest CRO tips and tricks yet. Find out the five questions your landing page must answer and learn the difference between adding a promise and a guarantee to your site. Should your checkout page have a slide-out cart, a separate cart page, or both? Nik settles the age-old question once and for all.

Will this year mark the death of months-long holiday sales? Well… if you haven’t already heard the sounds of Home Depot Halloween animatronics screeching through the aisles yet, then just know that August is the month to *finally* get your hands on that 12-foot tall skeleton. Nik breaks down how to plan for the early holiday sales cycles and reveals his ultimate playbook for maximizing your holiday revenue through affiliate marketing.

Plus, find out the ultimate holiday hooks for gifting ads, how the election will affect ad spend, and the best way to build a successful offer.

And don’t forget to check out Nik’s helpful hacks here:

nik.co/tiktokads

nik.co/everydaydose

AfterSell empowers businesses to maximize their revenue potential with upsell, cross-sell, and post-purchase engagement solutions. Our data-driven tools and seamless integrations help you transform customer interactions and boost revenue effortlessly.

To learn more visit aftersell.com/limited.

00:03:11 - Maximize Audience Building for Q4

00:09:15 - Favorite Hooks for Gifting Ads

00:14:38 - Utilizing Direct Mail for Q4

00:17:35 - Important Site Optimization Areas

00:26:32 - Enhancing Product Pages with Social Proof

00:29:06 - Incorporating FAQs on Product Pages

00:30:55 - Simplifying Site Navigation for Better Conversions

00:32:17 - Optimizing Cart and Checkout Pages

00:35:09 - Building a Successful Offer: Core Characteristics

00:38:21 - Plan Early for Holiday Sales

00:40:42 - Maximizing Email Offers for Audience

00:43:40 - Increasing Your Holiday Revenue with Affiliate Marketing

00:47:49 - Addressing Questions and Feedback for Future Episodes

Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.

Check out the Nik’s DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ

And if you’re looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik’s most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.

Follow Nik:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma