Marketing Operators

00:00 Introduction and Overview 07:44 Benefits of Sweepstakes in E-commerce 13:43 Content and Experiences in Sweepstakes 19:43 Engaging Customers and Driving Revenue 25:09 Quality of Leads and Entry Mechanics 32:47 Building Brand Awareness and Equity 35:08 Timing Sweepstakes for Maximum Impact 38:37 Website User Experience and Education 40:01 Integrating Sweepstakes into the E-commerce Experience 43:55 Optimizing Landing Pages and Funnels for Sweepstakes 46:43 The Importance of Retention and Referral Programs 49:37 Exploring Direct Mail as an Acquisition Channel 57:17 Creating High-Quality Content and Building Trust 01:05:10 The Need for Ongoing Testing and Optimization Operators Exclusive Slack: ⁠⁠⁠https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-20pd2eq4n-UVM6oTQkdltEwLINwkCWIA⁠ Powered by: Motion. ⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠ Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠ http://prescient-ai.io/operators Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠ https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc Haus. ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Haus.io/operators Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

00:00 Introduction 08:47 Content Creation and Collaboration 26:15 Cadence of Creative Ideation and Review Meetings 29:30 Balancing Net New Concepts and Iterations 29:59 Exploring New Personas and Concepts 32:06 Understanding Customer Insights for Creative Ideation 34:37 Finding Inspiration from Other Brands 51:55 Balancing Performance and Brand Alignment 59:23 Perception of Ads and Naming Conventions 1:04:57 Importance of Naming Conventions for Data Analysis 01:07:52 Organizing Tests and Categorizing Hooks 01:09:05 Budget Allocation and Testing Methodologies 01:14:51 Testing Approaches and Scaling Strategies 01:20:01 CBO and ABO Campaigns for Testing and Scaling 01:23:48 Considerations for Budget Allocation and Fluctuations 01:26:11 Testing Approaches and Budget Allocation Operators Exclusive Slack: ⁠https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/s...⁠ Powered by: Motion. ⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠ Aftersell. ⁠https://www.aftersell.com/⁠ Richpanel. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc⁠ Haus. http://Haus.io/operators

Today we’re exploring how DTC brands can reach new audiences on Meta using partnership ads, and how they can improve performance and strengthen the paid social mix, as well as checking in on how Ridge's sweepstakes are going so far. We talk through how partnership ads compare to whitelisting, our experiences working with creators of all sizes, and what’s actually driving ROI. We also get into the role of gifting, why ads run from a creator’s handle often outperform those from a brand handle, and why single-handle creator ads usually feel the most native. Finally, we cover how partnership ads function as signal engineering, whether they truly deliver incremental reach, and the role of creative in making them work.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters:00:00 Introduction07:06 Influencer Marketing Strategies18:06 Partnership Ads vs. Traditional Ads27:23 Signal Engineering and Audience Insights35:20 Navigating Meta's Advertising Challenges44:37 Leveraging Influencer Marketing for Targeted Reach01:00:20 Enhancing Customer Experience Through PersonalizationPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today we’re joined by Brett Curry from OMG Commerce, and we’re grilling him on all things YouTube advertising - where to start, strategy, creative, and how to drive results.We discuss where YouTube sits in the channel mix, how it compares to Meta, why it’s still underused by most operators, as well as the challenges of measuring success on YouTube - from attribution challenges to incrementality and brand lift.We also get into creative: what makes a good hook, how to structure a YouTube ad, and the differences between polished content and UGC-style ads. Brett also shares his approach to testing, how many creatives you really need, and the metrics that matter most.Finally, we cover bidding, account structure, and how YouTube can unlock performance across your whole media mix when it’s done right.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters:00:00 Intro11:42 Understanding YouTube: Consumption Patterns and Measurement22:36 The Lift Trifecta: Measuring Success on YouTube30:07 Navigating Attribution Challenges in YouTube Advertising37:34 Optimizing Conversion Events42:39 Account Structure and Automation45:59 Creative Strategies for YouTube Ads01:01:06 Measuring Success and Iteration in CampaignsThe Black Friday Operators Online EventSign up here: https://www.9operators.com/black-fridayPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Ariana Ferwerda, co-founder and CEO of Halfdays, to unpack the strategy and philosophy behind building a true community-first DTC brand, and why that approach has worked so well for them.Ariana shares her journey of launching a brand that struck product-market fit in its first season and grew 10x from their first to second season. We dive into the how and why behind Halfdays’ community-led approach - from the early customer insight that shaped their brand mission, to how they took a different path than the typical early-stage DTC playbook, and how that thinking informs their approach to growth.She shares what it actually looks like to operationalize community at scale, from their ambassador model to how they decide when to lean on community, and when to tap into performance or influencer marketing instead.We also get into how they measure the impact of community-led initiatives, what brands often get wrong when they jump into community without a clear reason, and when leading with community simply isn’t the right fit - plus much more.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters:00:00 Introduction 12:46 Ariana's Journey to Half Days22:57 Product Market Fit and Growth Strategies33:07 The Importance of Community in Brand Strategy45:18 Activating Community: Events and Engagement01:00:20 Measuring Community Impact and SuccessThe Black Friday Operators Online EventSign up here: https://www.9operators.com/black-fridayPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

From measuring brand health beyond ROAS to breaking down viral awareness plays and running focused growth sprints, we’re getting into the topics on our minds as Marketing Operators right now.We kick things off with baseline revenue - how we define it, how we track it, and why it’s one of Connor Rolain’s go-to metrics for gauging brand momentum, resilience, and reliance on paid media. We also get into its blind spots, how paid activity can still influence it, and why it should be paired with other brand health signals.Then we break down Cozy Earth’s $25K “Bed Rot Challenge” campaign - why it’s such a perfect, MrBeast-style awareness stunt built for social, and how we’d tie it more closely to actual sales.Next, Cody takes us inside a growth sprint he’s running to fix high incremental CPAs on Meta - sharing the framework he’s using, how he rallied growth, creative, and data around it, and the results so far.Finally, we wrap with a MOPs Hotline question on aligning product and marketing, from deciding which products belong in the hero acquisition funnel to launching new ones for fresh audiences without losing your core customer.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:23 Measuring Brand Health: The Baseline Revenue Metric09:07 Navigating Brand Marketing and Incrementality16:22 The Role of Upper Funnel Marketing23:25 Innovative Campaigns: The Cozy Earth Bed Rot Challenge40:33 Engaging with TikTok and SMS Marketing Strategies46:53 Building Teams Around Sprints for Clarity and Action54:51 The Importance of Recurring Meetings and Accountability01:07:29 Collaborative Product Development and Marketing Alignment01:19:43 Leveraging Customer Feedback for Product DevelopmentCody's X Post: https://x.com/codyplof/status/1954611362111410540Episode 66: DTC Marketers - Where Are You Wasting Your Time? Follow us on XPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today on the show we’ve got a very special guest, one of the OGs of ecommerce, Ezra Firestone.He’s been around forever, running brands like Boom by Cindy Joseph, building software companies like Zipify, and creating training businesses like Smart Marketer, all while staying hands-on in the game as the DTC landscape keeps evolving.We get into how he went from top wig drop-shipper to building and exiting nine-figure brands, and how that journey shaped the way he thinks about marketing today. Ezra breaks down the creative frameworks and persona funnels he’s using to scale - building tailored journeys that speak directly to specific customer mindsets and motivations - and why a one-size-fits-all approach no longer cuts it in today’s performance landscape.He also shares why most brands are underusing Amazon and Shop App, how to approach them as full-funnel growth channels, and what it looks like to prepare your brand for AI-native discovery through structured data and platform-level optimization. Plus, we get into Meta ad theory, challenger brand tactics and how Ezra’s role has evolved from hands-on operator to long-term strategist focused on sustainable growth, supporting great teams, and staying aligned with what actually matters.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters00:00 Introduction09:07 The Drop Shipping Business Model Explained19:26 The Shift from Drop Shipping to Brand Ownership29:21 Content as a Core Strategy in E-Commerce39:18 Storytelling and Engagement in Marketing45:04 Maximizing Amazon and Shop App Opportunities56:07 The Rise of LLMs and SEO Strategies59:20 Optimizing E-commerce Operations for Success01:00:13 Transitioning from Operator to Navigator01:06:32 The Importance of Strategic Thinking in Business01:14:08 Evaluating Business Models: E-commerce vs. Agency vs. SoftwarePowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today we’re joined by Connor Dault, CMO of Grüns, to talk about his move into the company, how he got up to speed, and the steps he took to work effectively with a team that was already performing at a high level.We cover his onboarding approach, how he finds quick wins without disrupting existing success, and how Grüns spots opportunities by pairing customer feedback with cultural trends. Connor breaks down their persona-based marketing strategy, balancing cohesive messaging with high testing velocity, and deciding when to quietly test versus go all-in on a new idea.He also shares the approaches that drove early growth, from Meta advertising to retention-focused customer experience, and the channels now driving scale, including CTV, YouTube, influencer partnerships, and closer cross-team alignment.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you enjoyed this episode, check out Episode 49 when Connor Dault was first on the show - How Digital Product Fuels DTC Growth with Connor DaultChapters00:00 Introduction07:22 Onboarding and Team Dynamics in Marketing15:15 Building Cohesion Across Marketing Strategies23:12 Navigating Brand Messaging and Consumer Engagement35:09 Tactical Approaches to Marketing Campaigns38:15 Strategic Hook Development41:47 Testing and Personalization Strategies44:41 Seasonal Marketing and Campaign Planning48:31 Growth Strategies and Revenue Bands51:51 Unlocking New Marketing Channels01:04:52 Innovative Projects and Measurement01:10:23 Leadership and Feedback CulturePowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today we’re getting into how acquisition offers - particularly in pop-ups - can do much more than drive opt-ins. The type of offer you lead with shapes who you acquire, how much they spend, and future LTV. We share examples from the offers we run on our brands, comparing blanket discounts with offers like cashback and second-order incentives, and how those choices impacted retention, AOV, and customer lifetime value.We also discuss why some offers that looked successful on the surface ended up hurting long-term performance or creating poor customer experiences, and how simple changes led to big lifts in repeat purchase rate. We also touch on whywhy very few teams are testing their pop-ups rigorously, what makes offer testing difficult, and how to build an approach that’s aligned with long-term goals - not just short-term wins.We also dig into Meta’s recent performance trends, using the latest data from the Haus report. We share what they’re seeing across ASC and manual campaigns, how different optimization strategies are playing out, and why it's getting harder to rely on Meta as a consistent acquisition engine.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Operators Podcast Episode 123: The Meta Incrementality Report: Lessons from 640 Haus Experiments Chapters:00:00 Introduction 02:34 The Power of Cash Back Offers05:28 Data-Driven Insights on Pop-Up Offers08:19 Retention Metrics and Customer Engagement11:06 Testing Methodologies for Pop-Up Offers14:19 Holistic Approaches to Customer Acquisition17:14 Innovative Second Order Offers20:05 Challenges in Optimizing First Touch Points26:10 Future Trends in E-commerce Offers35:43 Optimizing Data Reporting and Analysis38:00 Evolving Marketing Strategies and Cash Back Offers41:05 Insights from Meta's Campaign Performance Report44:52 Understanding Incrementality in Marketing49:04 Navigating Meta's Advertising Changes54:43 Leveraging Bundle Builders for Increased ConversionsFinance Operators Episode: How CashBack beats discount codes & More with Dan GlazerPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

When we heard Eric Seufert talk at the Meta Summit we knew we had to have him on the show.Eric is the founder of Mobile Dev Memo and partner at Heracles Capital, and he joins us today for a deep dive into how today’s smartest marketers approach measurement. We unpack the difference between deterministic and probabilistic attribution, why incrementality testing beats last-click reporting, and how to make sense of CAC, LTV, and payback periods across different business models. Eric shares insights on Meta’s evolving AI infrastructure, signal loss, and platform opacity, explaining why a single tool can’t give you the full picture, and why the greatest marketers are the ones that think like data scientists. He also introduces the concept of signal engineering: how to guide automated ad platforms by sending higher-quality signals and intent data.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please hit the subscribe button, comment, share and like - it helps us reach more people, get more great guests on the show and keep bringing these episodes to you every week.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠.00:00 Introduction 06:42 The Role of Discord in Gaming Advertising09:21 Eric's Journey in the Gaming Industry19:04 Understanding Freemium Models in Mobile Gaming26:08 Incentivized Advertising in Gaming29:55 Understanding Measurement Tools in Advertising30:24 Deterministic vs. Probabilistic Measurement33:14 Attribution Models and Measurement Tools39:16 Geo Lift Studies and Their Application43:03 Common Sense in Marketing Measurement54:10 Operationalizing Incrementality Testing56:25 Understanding Incrementality and Testing Strategies01:00:33 Navigating the Meta Ecosystem and AI Changes01:06:40 Signal Engineering and Optimizing for Conversions01:09:44 Radical Experimentation in Creative Strategies01:21:55 Breaking Out of Targeting LoopsMeta's AI advertising playbook (with Matt Steiner):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-5-episode-23-metas-ai-advertising-playbook-with/id1423753783?i=1000711081020Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today, we dig into the Meta performance issues we’ve been seeing firsthand - where spend is up, reach is down and performance isn’t tracking the way it used to. We unpack what’s been going wrong, and share the tactical changes we’ve tested to get better results.We get into where we’ve historically over-invested or moved too slowly, how we’re thinking about creative and spend caps right now, and why simplifying account structure might be more powerful than layering on more campaigns. We also discuss where performance has started to turn around as a result of strategic shifts and tests.We also touch our amazon prime day results so far, recent product drops and more.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 introduction05:16 Event Insights and Networking08:06 Product Launch Challenges11:30 Marketing Strategy and Tier Systems13:56 AI Automation in Marketing17:14 Prime Day Performance Analysis20:04 Meta Advertising Roadmap26:07 Channel Diversification Strategies29:04 New Product Launches and Incrementality31:50 Funnel Diagnostics and Performance Metrics34:36 Creative Strategies for Different Audiences37:42 Testing and Optimizing Campaigns40:35 Leveraging Partnership Ads43:51 Final Thoughts on Meta and Future StrategiesPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by James from Boring Marketing to dig into how smart DTC marketers are actually using AI - not just to move faster, but to build more efficient systems and workflows.We talk about how AI can support content systems and internal processes, the difference between prompting and system-building, and why using AI just to generate content won’t drive results on its own. James shares how he’s using MCPs to improve creative output, how agents differ from real workflows today, and how to get more out of your team by designing AI to work alongside them.James also walks us through how he’s thinking about building repeatable content frameworks using AI, and later breaks down a Shopify product page to show how vague, vibe-based copy, often the result of poor AI implementation, can fall flat.To wrap up, James shares his take on what the biggest implementation of AI in the second half of 2025 will be, and what marketers should be paying attention to now.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠.00:00 Introduction 04:33 The Evolution of Boring Marketer08:41 Understanding Agents vs. Workflows12:50 The Year of Efficiency in AI17:40 Getting Started with AI Workflows21:27 Research and Analysis with AI28:46 Vibe Coding vs. Traditional Automation36:25 Tactical Approaches to Creative Generation42:32 Scraping Ads and Analyzing Competitors46:19 Building a Unique Marketing Brief48:16 Learning to Use AI Tools Effectively50:08 The Future of AI in Marketing58:59 Creating a Brand Analysis01:01:00 The Future of AI Tools in E-commerce01:05:09 Closing the Loop with AI Workflows01:11:31 Building a Shopify Site with AI01:22:45 The Future of Media Buying with AIPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In ecommerce marketing today, acquisition costs are rising, tariffs are up, and growth is harder to come by, which means DTC brands are under pressure to do more with leaner teams. That got us thinking about where are marketers - and our teams - wasting time, and how can we work more efficiently without sacrificing performance?In this episode, we break down the marketing workflows, habits, and internal processes that slow teams down and drain resources, from spending too long refining content that should’ve shipped, to full landing page redesigns, creative testing that never scales, and attribution deep dives that don’t lead to action.We also talk about how to run a lean marketing team without losing output, where DTC marketers tend to overcomplicate, and how to better prioritize what actually drives performance, and much more.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Kickoff and Prime Day Preparations02:53 Marketing Strategies for Major Sales Events05:45 Driving Traffic to Amazon: Strategies and Insights09:07 The Importance of Attribution Links11:54 Exploring Paid Traffic for Amazon14:52 Wasting Time in E-commerce: Identifying Inefficiencies17:54 The Balance of Ad Volume and Quality21:11 Learning from Product Launches: Successes and Failures23:46 The Role of Plain Text Emails in Retention27:13 Leveraging Existing Products for New Launches41:49 Wasting Time and High Leverage Attachments48:29 Customer Service Tools and Efficiency57:01 Evaluating SEO and Affiliate Marketing01:01:08 Setting Clear Goals for Marketing Functions01:04:32 Retail as a Growth Channel01:10:40 Operationalizing Marketing Insights01:18:49 The Interconnectedness of Digital and Retail RevenuePowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

This week, we’re talking AI creative, product page testing, and Shopify updates - plus, we’re joined by Steve Rekuc from Common Thread Collective who walks us through how he built the Spending Power metric at CTC, what it tells us about shifting consumer demand, and how brands can use it to adjust spend and planning month to month. We also dig into seasonality vs macro-driven variability, and why awareness of your environment is key to making smarter decisions.We also discuss the viral Kalshi ad and discuss how we’re approaching AI tools for creative development, from visual quality to concept support. We also talk about recent PDP testing wins, what changed, and how to think about the structure of your product pages going into peak season.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? ⁠Click here⁠.00:00 Introduction02:57 Analytics Reporting and Year-Over-Year Comparisons07:12 Data Warehousing and Shopify Analytics10:54 AI in Marketing and Creative Strategies16:53 Consumer Confidence and E-commerce Predictions23:00 Insights from Common Thread Collective34:20 Understanding Spending Power37:14 Incrementality Testing for Marketing Efficiency40:01 Seasonality and Brand Performance43:41 Predicting Future Spending Power46:59 Consumer Confidence and Spending Trends49:47 Insights from Data for Brand Strategy52:27 Iterating on Product Design and User ExperienceKalshi Ad: https://x.com/PJaccetturo/status/1932893260399456513Steve's X Thread: https://x.com/RSteveData/status/1931107166792159711Episode 64 with Dylan Anders:YouTube: https://youtu.be/QJvj3z68rbE Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iwer8FNwuwzDDnAV5X7JV?si=ab23e70a86404639Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today we’re joined by Dylan Ander, founder of heatmap.com, to talk attribution, LTV, CAC, creative testing, and what actually moves the needle in media buying performance.We unpack why conversion rate alone isn’t the best indicator of success and what to look at instead, from holdout testing and CAC payback windows to 60-day LTV. Dylan shares his approach to attribution when platform data (especially from Meta) falls short, and how to build creative testing frameworks that truly help scale spend.We also dive into the nuances of media buying across channels, how to interpret noisy performance data, and the signals that actually matter. Dylan breaks down how to use on-site surveys to gather clearer attribution insights - what to ask, how to ask it, and how to use the data. Plus, we get into pricing strategy: why many brands hesitate to raise prices, and how pricing impacts both conversion and LTV.Finally, Dylan walks through an audit of Cody’s website using heatmap and revenue data, offering tactical, high-leverage feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and what to test next.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Meta Summit Takeaways02:47 AI in Marketing Strategies06:08 Introduction to Dylan Ender09:04 Core Web Analytics Insights11:55 Customer Feedback and CRO15:13 The Importance of AOV and Conversion Rate17:58 Revenue Per Session vs. Conversion Rate20:50 Price Testing Strategies39:41 Revenue Testing and Feedback42:08 The Importance of Price Testing43:36 Challenges in SaaS Pricing44:57 Understanding Heat Maps and Analytics52:58 Live Testing vs. Split Testing56:20 The Role of Customer Feedback in Marketing01:01:12 Understanding Funnel Metrics01:08:53 Optimizing Navigation for Better User ExperienceEpisodes discussed in the show:Episode 1 - A Deep Dive into Attribution and Measurement Episode 27 - How We Set Goals, Attribution Limitations and KPIs for Growth? Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we dive into Meta ad performance, Shopify’s latest AI features (including Sidekick), and we answer your DTC marketing questions from our MOps Hotline.We start with unpacking how Meta is performing for us right now - why it’s still the most powerful channel in the stack, but also less forgiving than it used to be. Cody shares the thinking behind his recent tweet on Meta volatility and how we’re adapting creative and media buying to respond.Next, we discuss to Shopify’s latest AI announcements and tools - from Sidekick to generative features inside the Shopify platform. We discuss whether these updates are useful for ecommerce operators, or just more hype.Ad finally, we get into a round of your questions from our MOps Hotline, covering email vs SMS strategy, SKU-level segmentation, channel prioritization, and more.Want to submit your own DTC or ecommerce marketing question? Click here.00:00 Introduction 04:34 Leveraging AI in Marketing07:05 The New Metric: Cost Per 1000 Accounts Reached19:26 Optimizing Meta Advertising Strategies27:38 AI Innovations in Shopify37:34 The Future of E-commerce with AI44:12 Incrementality Testing for Ad Spend51:41 Effective Marketing Measurement and Reporting01:02:54 Pricing Strategies and Conversion RatesMehtab's X Thread:https://x.com/mehtabkarta/status/1924547703373189179?s=46Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

How can DTC brands run sweepstakes that actually drive results? In this episode, we break down the full sweepstakes checklist: how to plan, set up, promote, and track a campaign that performs.We’ve been getting a lot of questions from marketers and DTC founders about sweepstakes, and for good reason - when done right, they can drive serious attention, grow your email list, and create a brand moment that doesn’t depend on constant discounting.We walk through everything you need to know to run a sweepstakes for your ecommerce brand: how to time it, what to offer, how to promote it with paid, what legal considerations to keep in mind, and the one element that can make or break your results.If you enjoyed this episode, check out Ep 17 - The Sweepstake Tactics To Create Tentpole Moments for more sweepstakes strategy discussion:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5kzE8uNgBBqy9nU3uloppt?si=5586b656d0e045e8YouTube: https://youtu.be/wSgVjuh3i6YIf you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction09:05 The Rise of Sweepstakes in Marketing18:02 Strategizing Sweepstakes Offers22:29 Branding and Design Language for Campaigns28:35 Gamification in Sweepstakes39:36 Maximizing Post-Purchase Revenue46:41 Legal Considerations for Sweepstakes50:34 Tracking Entries and Customer Awareness01:03:28 Building Effective Funnels for SweepstakesOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we get into a few different areas we've been working through recently, from campaign performance to org structure to how we’re using AI in our day-to-day. We dig into how recent promotions performed across our DTC brands, including Mother's Day and Memorial Day campaigns, and share what we’ve seen work (and not work) when it comes to bundling, gift-with-purchase offers, and mystery boxes.We also talk through how ecommerce teams are structured inside the brands we work with, including where things can break down between marketing, web, and product.Finally, we get into how AI is being used practically in our workflows, from tools like ChatGPT and ElevenLabs to how we’re using HeyGen for localization - what’s been useful, what still requires human oversight, and where we’re seeing opportunity.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction03:13 Leveraging AI in Marketing06:06 Campaign Strategies and Branding08:56 Sales Performance Insights11:45 Innovative Promotions and Offers15:00 Structuring E-Commerce Teams17:52 Future Planning and Product Roadmaps40:39 E-commerce Operations and Team Structure44:16 Maximizing Post-Purchase Profitability46:18 AI Integration in E-commerce Workflows54:01 AI's Impact on Customer Experience and Operations01:00:00 Leveraging AI for Marketing and Data Analysis01:15:24 Testing and Insights in E-commerce StrategiesOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we break down how we plan, execute, and analyze our go-to-market (GTM) campaigns. We walk through the full product launch process for our DTC brands, from the initial product brief to strategy development, creative asset production, cross-functional collaboration, and post-mortem analysis. We share how we tier our launches, how different teams contribute (from product marketing to paid media), and the systems we use to keep everything moving, including ClickUp, Figma, and Notion. We also review our go-to-market boards in real time, showing how we centralize assets, messaging, and strategy across every channel to run high-impact, cohesive campaigns.Finally, we dive into how we're starting to use AI, especially in copywriting workflows, and where human creativity still plays a critical role.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction05:22 Defining Go-To-Market Strategies12:03 The Product Prequel Process17:15 Attribution Models and Their Impact20:22 Understanding Product Launch Tiers23:39 Collaboration Between Product and Marketing Teams29:12 Creating Cohesive Marketing Messaging35:46 The Role of Project Management in Marketing39:09 Post-Mortem Analysis for Continuous Improvement45:43 Centralizing Project Management Functions48:36 Go-To-Market Strategy and Execution55:27 Comprehensive Creative Briefs for Launches58:14 Centralizing Creative Assets01:02:56 Brand vs. Product Messaging01:05:39 Design Toolkits for Cohesive Branding01:11:02 Creative Problem Solving with Existing Assets01:15:24 Leveraging AI for Content Creation01:19:09 Establishing a Design System01:22:01 Iterating on Go-to-Market StrategiesOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsNorthbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

As our unofficial “shadow guest”, Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, finally joins us to unpack what growing a brand actually looks like in 2025. From shifting Meta performance and rising creative demands to tighter margins and changing consumer behavior, we explore the real constraints shaping how brands operate today.We talk about how the best brands are adjusting their messaging to drive performance, how to think about media spend through a margin-first lens, and why bundling, offer structure, and disciplined execution are more important than ever.Taylor also shares his take on the evolving balance between brand and product-led growth, how to think about testing in a high-cost environment, and why most teams of the future will look leaner, faster, and increasingly AI-powered.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction 04:08 E-commerce Challenges and Growth Strategies11:08 Navigating Meta's Advertising Landscape18:14 Optimizing for Incrementality and Brand Engagement25:21 The Role of Brand Activations and Measurement37:44 Unlocking New Reach in Marketing40:05 The Short-Term Impact of Advertising43:39 Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing46:24 Evolving Marketing Strategies for Growth49:19 The Role of Creative Campaigns in Business Growth53:08 The Future of Marketing and AI Integration01:00:09 The Changing Landscape of Creative Development01:05:42 The Role of Humans in an AI-Driven WorldOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/