Episodios

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

    Ep 503: Inside Shein’s $30B+ Global Fashion Machine: AI, Micro-Influencers, and On-Demand Manufacturing (LIVE from ShopTalk)
    Apr 28 2025

    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
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • Ep 502: DTC Survival Guide To Increasing Your Marketing Efficiency: A Fireside Chat with Dave Steele, Pilothouse CEO | AKNF

    Ep 502: DTC Survival Guide To Increasing Your Marketing Efficiency: A Fireside Chat with Dave Steele, Pilothouse CEO | AKNF
    Apr 25 2025

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


    Join us for a dynamic fireside chat with Pilothouse CEO and Co-Founder Dave Steele about the inflection point that DTC brands find themselves facing with the global economy and Trump's tariffs. This session delves into on key areas such as consumer behavior, big-picture strategies, offline/online integration, product development, and crafting a powerful brand promise. We also discuss navigating challenges like gaining traction and building a successful aperitif category. This talk offers insights and strategies for anyone looking to thrive in the DTC space.


    Timestamps:


    00:00 - Introduction to Dave Steele

    02:00 - The Impact of Tariffs on Brands

    05:00 - Building Scalable Marketing Systems

    08:00 - Navigating Consumer Behavior Waves

    12:00 - Creative Concepts and Strategic Positioning


    Hashtags:

    #DTC #MarketingEfficiency #TariffImpact #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #AIinMarketing #ConsumerBehavior #BrandGrowth #DTCCommunity #EcommerceMarketing


    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
    Más Menos
    19 m
  • Bonus: How Klaviyo’s CPO Thinks DTC Brands Should Build Customer Relationships in 2025

    Bonus: How Klaviyo’s CPO Thinks DTC Brands Should Build Customer Relationships in 2025
    Apr 23 2025

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


    In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Adil Wali, CPO at Klaviyo, to break down the future of consumer marketing and why Klaviyo is launching a new category: B2C CRM. Adil, a former ecommerce entrepreneur, shares his unique perspective on how brands can shift from chasing transactions to nurturing high-LTV customer relationships using first-party data, smarter segmentation, and product-led retention tools.


    We cover the key insights from Klaviyo’s new “Future of Consumer Marketing” report, talk about why repeat customers are more important than ever, and dive deep into how marketers can drive loyalty without relying on constant discounting.


    Key Takeaways:

    Why B2C CRM is the missing layer in modern DTC marketing

    How brands can use first-party data to fuel loyalty loops

    The strategic pivot from acquisition-heavy tactics to retention-first thinking

    Tactics for building long-term customer value without eroding margins

    How Klaviyo’s roadmap is evolving to meet the biggest challenges DTC brands face


    Topics Covered:

    Adil’s journey from ecommerce founder to CPO at Klaviyo

    The core idea behind B2C CRM and why it’s built for DTC brands

    The shift in consumer behavior from transactional to relationship-driven

    Actionable ways to drive retention and build repeat customers

    What Klaviyo is building next to support this new marketing reality


    Whether you're a growth marketer, brand operator, or founder, this episode gives you a playbook for building stronger, longer-lasting customer relationships in a world where CAC is rising and loyalty is everything.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Why Klaviyo is a data company at its core

    02:05 - Adil Wali’s journey from ModCloth to Meta to Klaviyo

    06:10 - What B2C CRM really means and why it matters now

    09:15 - The convergence of marketing, service, and analytics

    13:00 - Building long-term customer relationships with data

    16:30 - Loyalty beyond discounts: What brands are missing

    19:20 - How Klaviyo helps brands tackle rising CAC

    22:30 - Real-world wins: Klaviyo success stories from top brands


    Hashtags:

    #DTCMarketing #KlaviyoCRM #EcommerceStrategy #CustomerLoyalty #B2CMarketing #ShopTalk2025 #MarketingPodcast #RetentionMarketing #EmailMarketing #AdilWali #DirectToConsumer


    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
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Ep 501: How Mid-Day Squares Scaled to $36M with Careful Costco, Costly Cocao, and a Bitcoin Supply Chain Makeover with Nick Saltarelli

    Ep 501: How Mid-Day Squares Scaled to $36M with Careful Costco, Costly Cocao, and a Bitcoin Supply Chain Makeover with Nick Saltarelli
    Apr 21 2025

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


    In this episode, we sit down with Nick Saltarelli, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares — one of the most disruptive brands in functional CPG. Nick dives deep into how they broke a Costco sales record, built a new refrigerated snack category in mass retail, and fought margin collapse during a global cocoa crisis.


    🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

    How Mid-Day Squares turned 13-day roadshows into viral brand moments

    The radical way they use Bitcoin and WhatsApp to source cocoa and slash costs by 35%

    Why ChatGPT is now a core operational layer in their business

    The book that changed Nick’s thinking about retention and customer acquisition forever

    What it really takes to scale a manufacturing operation to serve Costco and the U.S. market


    This is a tactical, no-BS episode for operators who want to break molds, not just grow linearly.


    Timestamps

    00:00 - How Bitcoin Supercharged Mid-Day Squares’ Supply Chain

    02:00 - Breaking Costco Records With Community-Powered Roadshows

    06:00 - Creating a New Product Category in Costco's Refrigerated Section

    08:00 - Cocoa Crisis and Vertical Supply Chain Innovation

    12:00 - Using WhatsApp and Bitcoin to Revolutionize Global Sourcing

    16:00 - Why Mid-Day Squares Doesn’t Hold Bitcoin — But Trades With It

    20:00 - Scaling Production to Meet Massive Costco Demand

    24:00 - Understanding the Global Cocoa Price Surge

    28:00 - How AI and ChatGPT Are Embedded Into Daily Operations

    32:00 - Breaking DTC Marketing Myths With “How Brands Grow”


    Hashtags

    #middaySquares #DTCmarketing #CostcoLaunch #BitcoinSupplyChain #CPGfounders #CocoaCrisis #VerticalIntegration #ChatGPTforBusiness #ByronSharp #HowBrandsGrow #DirectToConsumer #AIinCPG #ecommercebrands #scalingstartups #entrepreneurmindset


    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
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Ep 500: Why Spending Too Much on Amazon Ads Could be KILLING Your Organic Results + Tariff Strategy for Amazon Sellers | AKNF

    Ep 500: Why Spending Too Much on Amazon Ads Could be KILLING Your Organic Results + Tariff Strategy for Amazon Sellers | AKNF
    Apr 18 2025

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


    In this episode, Eric welcomes back Rob and Clifford from Pilothouse’s Amazon Brain Trust for a tactical breakdown of two timely Amazon topics: the impact of new tariffs and the challenge of balancing ad spend with organic rank.


    Key topics include:

    What brands should do right now if they're affected by tariffs

    How sellers with U.S. inventory are seeing a strategic edge

    Why increased ad spend can harm organic rankings

    The ripple effect of the end of de minimis exemptions on Amazon sellers

    Smart ways brands are clogging the SERP while keeping key listings organic

    How conversion rate is becoming the most important metric on Amazon


    This is a must-listen for any Amazon-focused brand looking to thrive in a shifting landscape of international trade and algorithmic pressure.


    Timestamps

    00:00 - Why new tariffs could cause a massive customs backlog

    02:15 - The hidden fees behind cheap drop-shipped products

    04:20 - How high ad spend can hurt your Amazon organic ranking

    06:45 - The inverse relationship between ad spend and rank

    09:10 - Strategies to boost conversion rate without increasing spend

    11:30 - Juggling paid and organic placements on Amazon

    13:40 - How Amazon separates paid and organic algorithms

    15:30 - Prime Day inflation and endless sales events

    17:00 - Why streaming services are sneaking ads into paid plans


    Hashtags

    #AmazonStrategy #eCommerceTips #TariffsExplained #AdSpendOptimization #PrimeDay2025 #AmazonAds #PaidVsOrganic #DTCInsights #StreamingAds #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
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Bonus: The Marginal ROAS Revolution and How Meta's Algorithm Actually Works with Constantine Yurevich of SegmentStream

    Bonus: The Marginal ROAS Revolution and How Meta's Algorithm Actually Works with Constantine Yurevich of SegmentStream
    Apr 16 2025
    Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck welcomes back Constantine Yurevich, founder of SegmentStream, for a tactical conversation on modern marketing measurement and how to truly optimize media budgets—especially on Meta.Most brands are chasing growth using metrics that mislead, tools they don’t understand, and platforms that aren't incentivized to show the truth. Constantine breaks down exactly why most advertisers are flying blind and how to get back on course.Key Takeaways:ROAS ≠ Profit: Learn why marginal ROAS, not average ROAS, is the metric that should govern every media dollar.The Meta Algorithm Explained: Get a clear look into how Meta's multi-layered ML models (account, pixel, event, creative) actually work—and how to feed them properly.Controlled Budget Shifts: Constantine introduces the concept of “destabilizing analytics” to reveal real campaign performance.Diminishing Returns in Practice: Why most brand search and retargeting campaigns look profitable on paper—but are losing money in reality.Creative Testing Best Practice: Don't isolate creative tests. Instead, inject them into live campaigns to take advantage of trained models.When to Diversify Beyond Meta: Not before ~$1M/month in spend. Most DTC brands diversify too early, sabotaging growth and signal integrity.If you’re a growth marketer looking to scale Meta profitably, this episode is a must listen.Learn more about SegmentStream:SegmentStream Website – Learn how their marketing intelligence platform automates budget allocation using marginal ROASConstantine Yurevich on LinkedIn – Connect directly with Constantine for deep-dive insights and updates Constantine on X (@weird_ceo) – Tactical posts, growth takes, and algorithm breakdownsMarketing Science Newsletter on LinkedIn – Constantine’s unfiltered weekly deep dives into marketing measurement (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7189209704512860160/_Previous DTC Podcast Episode with SegmentStream – Constantine declares that attribution is well and truly dead, so why not use AI to short-circuit the whole process? Timestamps00:00 – Why ROAS is misunderstood02:45 – The real danger of average ROAS06:30 – Understanding marginal ROAS vs. average ROAS10:15 – Budget allocation mistakes DTC brands make16:05 – How to avoid wasting spend on awareness campaigns22:00 – Why Meta’s machine learning dominates27:15 – How to train new conversion events properly34:00 – When machine learning does exactly what you told it to (and that’s bad)38:10 – The myth of omnichannel for lower-spend brands41:55 – Why Meta wins and where other platforms fall short44:10 – How to properly test creatives inside Meta46:15 – Will AI replace media buyers? Constantine’s hot takeHashtags#MarketingAttribution #ROASExplained #PerformanceMarketing #MetaAds #MediaBuying #DTCMarketing #DigitalAdvertising #MarketingAI #EcommerceGrowth #SegmentStream #MarketingPodcast #PaidMediaStrategy #FacebookAds #GrowthMarketing Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
    Más Menos
    49 m
  • Ep 499: Emergency Pod – How Four Sigmatic is Navigating Tariffs Without Losing Customers

    Ep 499: Emergency Pod – How Four Sigmatic is Navigating Tariffs Without Losing Customers
    Apr 14 2025

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


    Today on the DTC Podcast, Rick Cadotte of Four Sigmatic joins for a rapid-fire, tactical discussion about how smart DTC operators should respond to tariff changes, commodity volatility, and geopolitical instability.


    Key Topics Covered:

    How Four Sigmatic keeps prices stable despite rising costs

    What tactical levers to pull before touching price

    Why customer trust is eroded with checkout tariff charges

    Why AI, new legislation, or "macro theory" shouldn't distract your team

    Supply chain reality: why immediate reshuffling isn't feasible or smart

    Creative messaging that actually builds trust during uncertain times


    Rick breaks down his practical framework for decision-making in times of uncertainty and offers a real-world example of cost strategy without consumer disruption.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Why raising prices can hurt product-market fit

    02:15 - How Four Sigmatic responds to supply chain volatility

    04:20 - The impact of tariffs on sourcing and pricing decisions

    07:05 - Geopolitical strategy and long-term economic trends

    10:30 - Should brands react quickly to tariff news?

    13:00 - Creative messaging during economic uncertainty

    16:45 - Brand trust, tariff surcharges, and transparency

    18:50 - Negotiating with suppliers during tariff changes

    19:55 - Final thoughts: avoid shiny objects and focus on fundamentals


    Hashtags:

    #DTCPodcast #RickCadotte #FourSigmatic #TariffImpact #EcommerceStrategy #ProductMarketFit #SupplyChain #BrandMessaging #MarketingEfficiency #GeopoliticsAndBusiness #Doomscrolling #CoffeeEconomics #ConsumerTrust #DigitalCommerce #PodcastClips


    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
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • Ep 498: How Tariff News and Market Volatility Are Shaping Meta and Google Ads Right Now | AKNF

    Ep 498: How Tariff News and Market Volatility Are Shaping Meta and Google Ads Right Now | AKNF
    Apr 11 2025

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


    This episode features a special cross-platform panel from Pilothouse, with experts from Meta, Google, creative, and strategic teams breaking down how the market is responding to recent tariff headlines.


    Key Takeaways:

    Why CPMs are down and how to capitalize on cheaper traffic

    Real-time creative strategies for meeting the moment

    The risks of over-indexing on blended ROAS metrics

    What smart brands are doing (and not doing) in response to economic volatility

    The difference between incremental and marginal ROAS—and why it matters more than ever


    Whether you're managing a multi-platform spend or just trying to make sense of the volatility, this tactical roundtable offers grounded insights you can act on today.


    Timestamps:

    00:00 - How tariffs affect brand messaging and ad strategy

    02:00 - Meta and Google ad performance trends during tariff news

    04:30 - Consumer behavior shifts due to tariff uncertainty

    07:00 - Creative strategies for addressing economic anxiety

    10:00 - How brands are adapting supply chains and ad spend

    13:00 - Why marginal ROAS matters more than ever

    16:30 - Navigating Meta volatility and maintaining performance

    19:00 - Smart targeting and price strategy during uncertainty


    Hashtags:

    #DTCMarketing

    #TariffImpact

    #PerformanceMarketing

    #MetaAds

    #GoogleAds

    #EcommerceStrategy

    #MarketingTips

    #CreativeStrategy

    #CustomerAcquisition

    #ROAS


    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
    Más Menos
    25 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup