The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast

Welcome to The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast, or as we've been calling it, TWBERP. Dive into weekly episodes designed to help new and seasoned email and retention marketers make the most out of their email program. Get educated, get inspired, and get your notebook ready because you've got some work to do. Hosted by Pilothouse's Jordan Gordon on the DTC Podcast Network.

Ep 65: Where Email Revenue Actually Comes From

In this episode of the World’s Best Email Retention Podcast, Jordan breaks down real buyer data to show which customers truly drive email and retention revenue, and which ones don’t.Using a simple but powerful buyer-group framework (recent vs. stale, first-time vs. repeat), Jordan unpacks why email doesn’t chase the same dollar as ads, why most campaign revenue comes from buyers ads no longer influence, and why optimizing email metrics alone can lead brands to miss their most additive revenue.#EmailRetention #CustomerLifecycle #EcommerceOperators #DTCBrands #RetentionStrategy #EmailROI #ShopifyBrands #MarketingAnalytics #GrowthMarketing00:00 – Why retention, not acquisition, defines efficient growth01:29 – Email metrics vs. the real retention source of truth02:10 – The two models every operator needs to understand retention06:31 – The buyer framework that explains where email revenue comes from19:08 – Why email monetizes customers ads no longer reach24:26 – The revenue impact of stale repeat buyersWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

12-23
34:06

Ep 64: The Financial Case for CRO

Conversion rate optimization is not a “nice to have.” It is the most reliable way to increase profit without increasing spend.In this episode, Jordan breaks down the financial case for CRO using a simple, realistic model that compares three paths: holding steady, scaling ad spend, and improving site conversion. The results are clear. Spending more on ads can reduce margin, while improving conversion rate increases revenue, efficiency, and profit at the same time.You’ll learn why brands should maximize low-cost, owned revenue first, how CRO impacts MER, ROI, and margin, and why advertising should support owned traffic growth, not replace it. Jordan also walks through where CRO fits in the broader ecommerce stack, from site fundamentals and email to paid media and awareness channels.#ecommerce #conversionrateoptimization #cro #emailmarketing #retentionmarketing #ownedmedia #dtc #digitalmarketing #pilothouse #dtcnewsletter #dtcpodcast00:00 Introduction00:59 The financial case for CRO explained03:38 Ads vs CRO: the spreadsheet comparison08:31 How scaling ad spend can reduce margin10:28 Why CRO dramatically improves ROI and efficiency15:45 The real purpose of advertisingWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

12-16
24:22

Ep 63: Black Friday: What Worked

Black Friday is the biggest stress test of your email system, and this year delivered some clear winners. In this episode, Jordan breaks down the real tactics that moved revenue: odd-hour sends, plain-text power plays, mystery-angle subject lines, triple taps (and when a pentatap might make sense), plus where revenue actually came from across engaged, unengaged, prospects, and buyers.#emailmarketing #ecommerce #dtc #retentionmarketing #pilothouse #blackfriday #marketingstrategy #q400:00 — Introduction00:28 — Inboxing Is Getting Harder01:00 — Subject Line Mystery vs Clarity02:40 — Odd-Hour Sending Wins03:10 — Why Plain Text Performs06:05 — Triple Taps: What We Saw10:58 — Penta Taps: Use With Caution14:03 — Where Black Friday Revenue Actually Came FromWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

12-09
25:08

Ep 62: Where Should That Click Go? Landing Pages, Homepages, and PDPs

Most brands obsess over ads and ignore the moment that matters most: where the click lands. In this episode, Jordan Gordon and Pilothouse strategist Taylor Cain break down how to decide whether traffic should go to your homepage, a PDP, a collection, or a dedicated landing page—plus how to diagnose when conversion rate issues aren’t about your ad at all.You’ll learn:When a landing page outperforms your homepage (and when it doesn’t)How consideration level, pricing, and message clarity determine the ideal click-through pathWhy “anchoring” and UX sequencing can dramatically change conversion ratesHow testing new PDP structures (including delaying price) can increase resultsHow to build fast, scrappy landing pages that plug cleanly into ShopifyWhat heatmaps, scroll behavior, and section-level engagement reveal about frictionWhy iteration beats theory — and how to develop a testing mindset that actually finds signal#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #CRO #LandingPages #EcommerceStrategy #DTCMarketing #ShopifyBrands00:00 — Introduction01:00 — When a Landing Page Beats Your Homepage03:00 — How Disrupted Traffic Changes Your Funnel06:00 — Rising Prices, Rising Consideration10:00 — PDP vs Landing Page: Which One Converts Better?14:00 — Why Testing Beats Theory Every Time20:00 — The Underrated Power of Email Capture on Landers29:00 — Inside a High-Performing Landing Page Build Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

12-02
37:41

Ep 61: Last-Minute BFCM Checklist (12 min)

In this quick 12-minute episode, Jordan breaks down the 10 essential checks every brand should make before launching their BFCM emails. From segmentation cleanup to triple-tapping safely to avoiding coupon-code errors that kill conversions, this is your last-minute guide to protecting inboxing and maximizing revenue on the biggest email day of the year.You’ll learn: • The segmentation fixes that instantly reduce spam risk • How to double-tap and triple-tap without hurting deliverability • Why “send only to non-openers” is dangerous • How to set abandoned flows for BFCM week • The right way to test subject lines on Black Friday • How to safely expand your list size using incremental sends • The universal site banner setup every brand should have live#emailmarketing #ecommercemarketing #dtc #bfcm #blackfriday2025 #retentionmarketing #klaviyo #deliverability #cro #dtcnewsletter #twberp #marketingpodcast Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

11-25
12:10

Ep 60: Deliverability Office Hours: Jordan Asks Everything (feat. senders.co)

Email might be the oldest channel in the digital stack, but it’s never been more complicated. In this episode, Jordan sits down with Benny Rubin (CEO of senders.co) and deliverability expert Omer to get straight answers to the questions brands never get clear guidance on.From engagement windows, static send sizes, and domain reputation to inboxing myths, blacklists, warming strategies, ESP limitations, and how Gmail/Yahoo actually judge your sends, this is a full deliverability deep dive.If you’ve ever wondered why your campaigns suddenly tanked, why one ESP rejects more than another, or whether you should really be sending to that wider window… this episode is for you.#EmailMarketing #Deliverability #Klaviyo #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #LifecycleMarketing #InboxPlacement #Sendersco #DTCMarketing #MarketingPodcast00:00 — Introduction04:01 — The Real Triggers Behind Deliverability Crises10:20 — Engagement Windows & Why Opens Aren’t What You Think16:29 — Why Some Domains Play by Different Rules24:14 — The Truth About “Delivered” vs. SMTP Reality35:19 — Static Send Size: How Much Variance Is Safe?42:57 — Should Segments Be Combined to Save Inboxing?Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

11-18
46:59

Ep 59: Under the Hood: What’s Really Happening in Your Account

Think your email program is performing just fine? You might want to take another look. In this episode, Jordan lifts the hood on a real (anonymized) account to show how misleading metrics, privacy opens, and bot clicks can make an email program look healthy when it’s actually underperforming.You’ll learn how to spot the signs of deliverability decay, interpret your data accurately, and understand what’s really happening inside your email engine, so you can turn false positives into real performance.#EmailMarketing #Deliverability #EcommerceMarketing #CustomerRetention #EmailStrategy #RetentionMarketing #DTC #MarketingPodcast #DigitalMarketing #LifecycleMarketing #DataDrivenMarketing #Pilothouse #TWBERP #EmailOptimization00:00 – Introduction01:00 – How inbox privacy changes hide real performance issues06:00 – Bounce rates, open rates, and what they actually tell you10:00 – When high click rates mean your emails aren’t reaching anyone12:00 – Klaviyo benchmarks vs. reality: the top-performer gap18:00 – The silent destroyer: misconfigured flows and false metrics26:00 – How to audit your own account (and what the data really means)Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

11-11
30:56

Ep 58: Email Deliverability, Explained — with Benny Rubin of Senders.co (Part 1)

What actually determines whether your emails land in the inbox or the spam folder?In this episode, Jordan Gordon sits down with Benny Rubin, founder and CEO of Senders.co, for a deep dive into the mechanics of deliverability.They break down how domain age, subdomains, and warmup patterns affect reputation, why engagement ratios matter more than send volume, and what Gmail and Microsoft really look for when evaluating your sends.00:00 – Introduction and Why Deliverability Matters02:00 – Meet Benny Rubin of Senders.co07:10 – Domain Age, Warmup, and Subdomains15:22 – Cold Email, Ratios, and Reputation23:14 – Why Open Rates Lie33:27 – Fingerprints, Frequency, and Testing45:03 – Fixing Deliverability at Scale#EmailMarketing #Deliverability #RetentionMarketing #Klaviyo #InboxPlacement #EcommerceMarketing #DTC #MarketingStrategy #EmailOptimization #CustomerRetention #MarketingOperations #Pilothouse #SendersCo #TWBERP Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

11-04
54:08

Ep 57: Shaan Arora on the Real Pop-Up Levers: Copy, Timing, Segmentation

Every brand uses a pop-up... but most leave serious revenue on the table.In this episode, Jordan sits down with Shaan Arora, founder of Alia, to break down the real pop-up levers that drive conversion: copy, timing, and segmentation.You’ll learn what 150 million monthly pop-up views reveal about what actually moves the needle, how AI testing is changing optimization, and why design isn’t the difference-maker you think it is.Plus, the Pilothouse team’s early experiments with Alia (including one that 5x’d a welcome flow) and where Shaan sees the future of email, SMS, and personalization heading.#EmailMarketing #Retention #Ecommerce #PopUps #CRO #ConversionOptimization #DTC #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceStrategy #AI #MarketingStrategy #CustomerAcquisition #CustomerRetention #EmailDesign #MarketingAutomation #ListGrowth #Shopify #RetentionMarketing #GrowthMarketing #MarketingData #Alia #Pilothouse #TWBERP00:00 – Intro: Why every brand uses pop-ups—and why most get them wrong01:31 – Shaan Arora (Alia) joins to break down what really moves conversions03:56 – How Alia grew from 0 to 2,500 brands and 150M monthly pop-up views09:07 – The real levers: copy, timing, and segmentation11:05 – Testing, AI optimization, and why design matters less than you think14:36 – Authenticity, AI, and the future of email & SMS17:56 – Smart offers and one-to-one pop-up personalization24:40 – Shaan’s top tips: timing, mystery offers, and full-screen testingWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

10-28
29:06

Ep 56: The 4 Stages of the Website Purchase Funnel

Your website has just two minutes to make money, literally.In this episode, Jordan Gordon breaks down the four critical stages of the website purchase funnel and how to keep visitors moving from “just looking” to “ready to buy.”You’ll learn: • What needs to happen in the first two seconds of every session • How to prove your site is trustworthy in under 15 seconds • The simple formula to reduce bounces and boost conversions • How to find and fix your site’s biggest “choke points” using heatmaps#CRO #EcommerceMarketing #DTC #EmailMarketing #Retention #WebsiteOptimization #ConversionRateOptimization #MarketingPodcast00:00 — Introduction and why average session time matters03:31 — The 4 stages of the website conversion funnel04:01 — Stage 1–2: Hook visitors fast (load speed, visuals, messaging)07:57 — Stage 3–4: Build trust + convert in under 2 minutes21:32 — Finding “choke points” with heatmaps and testing25:51 — Final takeaways: simplicity wins, every second countsWork with Pilothouse: ⁠⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcast⁠Subscribe to DTC: ⁠⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

10-21
31:29

Ep 55: Talk Turkey - The Q4 Email Gut Check

It’s crunch time.  Jordan Gordon breaks down a no-BS audit you can run this week to see whether your email program is actually inboxing, or just propped up by Apple Privacy opens and bot clicks. From ISP splits (Gmail vs. iCloud) to the “ladder” segmentation test (0–30 / 31–60 / 61–90+ days), Jordan shows how to spot false signals, clean up your sends, and shift from campaign volume to revenue-driving automations before Black Friday.What you’ll learn:How to read ISP-level signals and uncover the Apple Privacy mirageThe ladder test: a simple way to see who’s truly receiving your emailsBot clicks (Proofpoint, Outlook/G Suite) vs. real engagement—and what to excludeWhen to cool campaigns, tighten segmentation, and let flows carry Q4Why “more sends” can tank deliverability—and how to ramp safely  #emailmarketing #retentionmarketing #ecommercegrowth #deliverability #klaviyo #customerretention #dtcpodcast #marketingops #inboxing #emailstrategy #q4prep #blackfriday2025 #ecommercemarketing #emailsegmentation #automations #pilothouse #dtcbrands #marketingpodcast #growthmarketing #digitalmarketing00:00 — Introduction01:32 — Talk Turkey: The Q4 email gut check begins05:53 — The deadly combo: Increasing audience and frequency at once10:13 — The risk of scaling sends without the right tools12:12 — How to run an ISP-level audit (Gmail vs. iCloud)14:07 — The Ladder Test: Find out who’s really seeing your emails18:58 — The bot-click trap and false engagement signals34:56 — Less is more: Shrink sends, grow deliverability and revenueWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

10-14
45:37

Ep 54: How to Win Black Friday 2025 (and Keep Your Reputation Intact)

Black Friday isn’t about clever tricks; it’s about doing the basics better (and not tanking your sender reputation while you’re at it).In this episode, Jordan breaks down The Pilothouse Way to win Black Friday: how to increase send volume without burning your list, why “double-tapping non-openers” is a fatal mistake, and the counterintuitive truth about who actually buys and when.You’ll also learn:Why boring subject lines outperform “creative” ones during BFCMHow to structure every email assuming it’s the only one your subscriber opensThe simple post–Black Friday tactic that turns one-time buyers into repeat customers#EmailMarketing #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #CustomerRetention #EmailStrategy #Deliverability #MarketingTips #DTC #DigitalMarketing #MarketingPodcast #Pilothouse #TWBERP #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingStrategy #LifecycleMarketing #EmailAutomation #BFCM #PerformanceMarketing0:00 — Introduction2:00 — What Actually Drives Results3:00 — Cadence and Frequency: How Much Is Too Much?5:00 — The Double-Tap Disaster6:00 — How Buyers Actually Behave (and Why It Matters)8:00 — The Boring Secret to Black Friday Success13:00 — Turn Black Friday Buyers Into December Buyers19:00 — The “Saucy” 30% Repeat Purchase TacticWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

10-07
25:37

Ep 53: Examining Urban Outfitters’ Impressive Email Machine

In this episode, Jordan breaks down exactly why it works. From full-bleed, image-driven emails that feel like window shopping to seamless category pages that reinforce continuity, UO shows how to connect inbox to onsite in a way that drives real platform revenue.You’ll learn:Why simple, image-first templates can outperform copy-heavy emailsHow UO ties email campaigns to category pages for frictionless shoppingSmart discovery tactics like “shop by fit” and complete-the-look recsWhat other brands can steal from UO’s approach to retention#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #UrbanOutfitters #DTC #DigitalMarketing #CustomerRetention #EmailDesign #EcommerceStrategy #MarketingPodcast #LifecycleMarketing #Klaviyo #Pilothouse #EmailStrategy #BrandBreakdown #MarketingTips00:00:00 Introduction00:01:00 Platform revenue & landing page continuity00:04:00 Subject lines, frequency, preheader text00:07:00 Sale emails & scalable templates00:09:00 Full-bleed “window shopping” email design00:24:00 Complete-the-look recs on PDPsWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

09-30
30:34

Ep 52: Don’t Let This Tactic Tank Q4

In this episode of The World’s Best Email Retention Podcast, Jordan explores a list growth approach that looks appealing on the surface but can create hidden risks for your email program. He explains how these tactics affect deliverability and reporting, and what to focus on instead to keep your channel strong heading into Q4.0:00 – Introduction0:56 – An overview of certain list-growth tactics4:59 – How permission impacts deliverability9:22 – Examples of client deliverability challenges12:39 – What the data shows about subscriber quality22:23 – Broader implications for the email ecosystem#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #Deliverability #ListGrowth #EcommerceMarketing #MarketingPodcast #DigitalMarketing #CustomerRetention #EmailStrategy #Q4MarketingWork with Pilothouse: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcast⁠⁠Subscribe to DTC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠⁠⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

09-23
26:19

Ep 51: Email Like a Billion Dollar Brand on a Five-Figure Budget (Part 2)

We’re back with Part 2 of Email Like a Billion Dollar Brand on a Five-Figure Budget.In this episode of the World’s Best Email & Retention Podcast, Jordan digs into the playbook billion-dollar brands use, and shows how to apply it without the billion-dollar resources. You’ll learn:Why you should launch everything as a testThe simple segmentation model that can transform your campaignsHow cadence, subject lines, and destinations shape resultsWhy “set it and forget it” is a dangerous trap for growing brands 👉 Subscribe for more practical strategies to keep your list engaged and your retention revenue flowing.#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #CustomerRetention #EmailStrategy #LifecycleMarketing #MarketingPodcast #EmailSegmentation #ABTesting #EcommercePodcast00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Launch every campaign element as a test04:29 – What to test first: triggers, cadence, subject lines & more10:23 – How bad segmentation wrecks inboxing13:49 – The simple six-segment model for smarter targeting22:35 – Using product segmentation to drive hero sales25:59 – Created date segmentation: this year’s vs. last year’s business31:22 – Base analysis and the truth about repeat buyers36:44 – Key takeaways on testing, frequency & segmentationWork with Pilothouse: ⁠⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcast⁠Subscribe to DTC: ⁠⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

09-16
38:50

Ep 50: Email Like a Billion Dollar Brand on a Five-Figure Budget (Part 1)

In this episode, Jordan shares how to build a high-leverage email program that acts like a billion-dollar engine, even on a lean budget.You’ll learn:Why email is the most reliable “free traffic” channelThe power of recommendations by categoryHow to structure clean funnels that convertAutomation tactics big brands use to keep margins fatPerfect for entrepreneurs, marketers, and operators who want to make email their most profitable channel.#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #LifecycleMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #DTCMarketing #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #EmailAutomation #CustomerRetention #OwnedMedia #GrowthMarketing #MarketingPodcast #BillionDollarBrand #EmailTips #MarketingPlaybook #Klaviyo #Shopify #EmailStrategy #MarketingGrowth #EcommerceTips00:00 Introduction: Why email is the cheapest customer channel00:05 Big brands, free traffic, and push-button revenue00:11 Core email models: fashion, Subscribe & Save, single-SKU00:20 Buy-online vs buy-in-store strategies00:23 The Awareness Table: shifting from paid to owned00:36 Automating like a billion-dollar brandWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

09-09
50:00

Ep 49: American Eagle vs. Everlane (Part 2 – Brand vs. Revenue)

In Part 2 of our American Eagle vs. Everlane breakdown, we shift focus to Everlane. Jordan Gordon dives into how the DTC-first brand approaches email and onsite strategy compared to AE’s revenue-driven program.From minimalist design choices to refined upsell tactics, we explore how Everlane uses email as a brand-building tool while American Eagle leans on volume to hit quarterly numbers.You’ll learn:Why Everlane’s minimalism works as more than just an aestheticThe difference between brand-driving vs. revenue-driving email programsKey upsell and cross-sell tactics that stand out onsiteWhat marketers can take away from both approaches#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #LifecycleMarketing #EmailStrategy #CustomerRetention #Retention #BrandBuilding #RevenueGrowth #BrandVsRevenue #EcommerceStrategy #AmericanEagle #Everlane #DTC #DirectToConsumer #Ecommerce #TWBERP #DTCPodcast #MarketingPodcast #EcommercePodcast00:00:00 - Intro00:01:00 - Brand vs. Revenue00:03:00 - Everlane’s DTC Reality00:06:00 - Subject Lines & Preheaders00:09:00 - Short Subject Lines00:13:00 - Minimalist Email Design00:20:00 - Artistic Visuals00:28:00 - Final TakeawaysWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

09-02
33:43

Ep 48: American Eagle vs. Everlane: Who Wins the Inbox? (Part 1)

In this episode, Jordan Gordon from Pilothouse breaks down how these two apparel giants approach email, onsite creative, and retention strategy. From American Eagle’s triple-tap sends and maximalist promos to Everlane’s minimalist subject lines and brand positioning, we explore what actually works and what’s just noise.👉 Listen in to uncover:The ROI of splashy celebrity campaigns vs. subtle brand buildingHow email frequency impacts inboxing and long-term loyaltyLessons smaller brands can steal from billion-dollar retailersIt’s the World’s Best Email & Retention Podcast, and Part 1 of this matchup sets the stage for a heavyweight battle in the inbox.#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #DTCMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #DigitalMarketing #AmericanEagle #Everlane #InboxWars #CustomerRetention #EcommerceGrowth #BrandStrategy #MarketingStrategy #CustomerExperience #MarketingPodcast00:00 – Retention is the cheapest growth lever02:00 – American Eagle vs. Everlane: framing the matchup05:00 – Celebrity campaigns: hype, sales, and stock price08:00 – Market cap & trading-range reality check13:00 – Everlane’s DTC-first retention edge16:00 – Subject line strategy: % off vs. $35 anchor21:00 – Email frequency & inboxing risks27:00 – Onsite teardown: homepage, pop-ups, and PDP missesWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

08-26
32:47

Ep 47: Retention Bootcamp: Mastering Your Welcome Experience

We’re digging back into the AKNF archive for this classic session of Retention Bootcamp. In this episode, Jordan and Eric break down the welcome experience, from merchandising to education to lifestyle content, and show you how to craft a sequence that drives first purchases, shortens time-to-buy, and boosts 30-day purchase rates.If you’ve been leaning too hard on coupons or sending “one and done” welcomes, this replay will give you a proven framework for building sequences that actually sell.#EmailMarketing #CustomerRetention #WelcomeSeries #RetentionBootcamp #LifecycleMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #DTCRetention #DTCGrowth #EcommerceEmail #ShopifyMarketing #MarketingStrategy #DigitalMarketing00:00:00 – Introduction 00:03:00 – The 4-Email Welcome Framework 00:06:00 – Coupons vs. Brand Promise: Getting the Balance Right 00:13:00 – Finding the Right Cadence (Daily vs. Every Other Day) 00:14:00 – Educational Emails That Build Trust 00:17:00 – Lifestyle Content: Let Them See Their Life With Your Product 00:21:00 – Testing Frequency & Handling Opt-Outs 00:26:00 – Metrics That Matter: Time-to-Buy vs. 30-Day Purchase RateWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

08-19
31:15

Ep 46: The Only Browse Abandon Email You'll Ever Need

Think your browse abandonment email is doing the job? Think again.In this episode, Jordan breaks down the only browse abandon flow you’ll ever need—from trigger to send timing, segmentation, and dynamic content strategy—so you stop leaving easy revenue on the table.You’ll learn:How to time emails to hug buying intent without feeling pushyThe 5 dynamic merchandising types that actually drive clicks (and which to avoid)Why subject lines are the secret to higher on-page conversion, not just opensHow to turn a “maybe later” shopper into a customer without discounting too soonIf you’ve got a weak, one-and-done browse abandon, this is your blueprint for building a revenue machine that runs on autopilot.#EmailMarketing #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceTips #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingAutomation #MarketingStrategy #CustomerRetention #ConversionRateOptimization #EcommerceStrategy #EmailAutomation #CustomerEngagement #EcomTips #ShopifyStores #EmailDesign #EmailFlows #AbandonedCart #LifecycleMarketing #RetentionMarketing #DTCGrowth #EcommerceConversions #BrowseAbandon #AbandonmentEmail #BrowseRecovery #EmailFlowsThatConvert #RetentionEmail #CustomerLifecycle #Klaviyo #KlaviyoFlows #EcommerceRetention #EmailOptimization #TriggeredEmails #LifecycleEmailMarketing #RetentionTactics #RetentionRevenue #FlowOptimization #EmailRevenue #DTCEmail #DTCStrategies00:00 – Introduction00:55 – The #1 mistake brands make with browse abandon emails04:12 – Trigger logic that catches shoppers before they’re gone for good08:47 – The “20 minutes + 8 hours” timing rule for maximum intent13:15 – Why your subject line impacts revenue more than open rates20:50 – Dynamic merchandising types that actually drive clicks27:45 – Funnel Flusher: the last-chance email that recovers lost revenue35:40 – The “no prices in email” rule that saves you from costly mistakesWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

08-12
38:44

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