DTC POD: How The Best Brands Are Built

Ben Matthews is a general partner at Night Ventures, an early-stage consumer VC fund, focused on culture, community, and creators. They have partnered with some of the most famous people on the internet including Mr. Beast, Kai Cenat, and Hasan Piker.In this episode of DTC Pod, Ben and Blaine discuss:Lessons from incubating and investing in early-stage consumer companiesThe key elements of successful talent-driven brands, including audience fit and long-term commitmentChoosing the right business opportunities based on market potential and operational feasibilityStructuring effective partnerships between creators, operators, and investorsThe future of TikTok and emerging monetization avenues for content creatorsInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Business Launch and Growth2. Talent-Driven Brands3. Challenges in Creator Partnerships4. Creator-Audience Relationship5. Employment Trends and AI Impact6. Content Commerce Trends7. TikTok’s Future and Market Impact8. Elements of Business Success9. Incentive Structure in Partnerships10. Importance of Having an Audience11. Monetization Opportunities for CreatorsTimestamps00:00 Ben Matthew’s background and Night Ventures06:05 Building business with talent: the case of Mr. Beast10:54 What works in creator-brand partnerships15:25 Picking the right talent to represent a brand19:42 Picking the right business and products23:01 Incubating early-stage consumer companies30:07 Investing in early-stage consumer companies33:03 Future trends in the creator-commerce space35:19 Future trends in the content creator landscapeShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ben Matthews - General Partner at Night VenturesBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Isabel Mendez is the founder and design director at Antara Studio, an award-winning full-service design partner for purpose-driven brands. With a focus on brand, content, and design, Isabel and her team help companies create cohesive and emotionally resonant identities across all touchpoints.In this episode of DTC POD, Blaine and Isabel discuss:The three necessary phases for creating a brand identityWhat makes a good brand story and how brands can effectively communicate itHow brands can adapt to trends while remaining true to who they areInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. DTC Brand Design Trends2. Stages of Brand Identity Building3. Characteristics of a Good Brand Story4. Consistency in Branding5. Branding as a Holistic ProcessTimestamps00:00 Starting the design studio Antara03:39 From freelancing to building a team05:10 The basics of building a great brand07:45 Branding as graphic communication10:21 Owning assets vs having a brand12:26 Phases of brand identity construction16:21 What makes a good brand story21:09 Brand case study: Star Fades International25:15 Establishing a design story for brands26:55 Brand application and consistency29:48 Design trends and timelessness33:33 What’s next for AntaraShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Isabel Mendez - Founder and Design Director of Antara StudioBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

John Sampogna is the co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, a modern advertising agency that specializes in brand storytelling, paid media, e-commerce, and digital experiences.In this episode of DTC Pod, John discusses brand storytelling strategies across all sorts of media channels. He shares insights on crafting impactful campaigns and tips for finding and leveraging undervalued marketing gems like connected TV, static out-of-home, and podcasts. We explore the importance of understanding target audiences, the 3-3-3 rule for keeping your messaging on point, and finding that sweet spot between top-of-funnel brand-building and lower-funnel performance tactics.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Brand Storytelling Strategies2. Buying and Crafting Campaigns3. Linear vs Connected TV4. Audience Understanding5. 333 Rule for Messaging6. Advertising Tactics and Budgeting7. Undervalued Marketing Channels8. Brand Story vs Product StoryTimestamps00:00 John Sampogna’s background; Wondersauce vision03:54 Serving Fortune 1000 businesses and DTC startups06:05 Starting and scaling an advertising agency10:11 What is brand storytelling and how can brands get it right13:23 Media budgets and audiences in funnel strategy18:44 Connected TV, static out-of-home, and podcasts25:42 Strategizing for connected TV vs linear TV28:58 Steps for creating an effective brand or product story34:28 How Wondersauce onboard and work with clientsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  John Sampogna - CEO and Co-Founder of WondersauceBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Haley Weidenbaum is the CEO and co-founder of Everhem, a DTC company specializing in custom window treatments, including shades and drapery. In this episode of DTC Pod, Haley discusses the strategies that have helped Everhem grow and differentiate itself in the market. She discusses the challenges of online shopping for custom products and how Everhem addresses them through thorough guides and customer support.Haley also shares insights on Everhem's dual business mode—how they serve both interior designers and regular consumers, and how they adapt their offerings to meet the unique needs of each customer segment.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Window Treatment Market Landscape2. Everhem's Niche and Positioning3. Interior Design Trends and Forecasting4. Challenges in Custom Window Treatments5. Business Operations and Customer Service6. Designer and Consumer Experience7. Initial Business Journey and Growth8. COVID-19 Impact and Market ResponseTimestamps00:00 Haley Weidenbaum’s background in interior design4:00 From doing interior design to starting Everhem07:51 COVID and the home industry boom08:40 Importance of providing exceptional customer service13:45 Everhem as the one-stop shop for window treatment19:01 Catering to regular consumers and trade partners24:15 Prioritizing key markets, managing expectations strategically27:34 Window treatment industry and where Everhem fits34:19 Using trends to forecast supply chain & manufacturing37:42 Logistics, packaging, unboxing experience40:02 Next step for Everhem: building authentic relationshipsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Haley Weidenbaum - Co-Founder and CEO of EverhemBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Ismail Salhi is the co-founder and CEO of Wildgrain, a fast-growing DTC subscription service that delivers artisanal breads, pastries, and pasta directly to customers' doorsteps. In this episode of DTC Pod, Ismail shares his journey of rapidly scaling Wildgrain to over 80,000 subscribers since launching during the pandemic in 2020. He shares the key strategies that have driven Wildgrain's success: focusing on product quality, customer experience, and efficient operations.Ismail discusses their decision to outsource baking to local bakeries—a move that  positioned them as a larger buyer than Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in some markets.He also emphasizes the importance of investing in logistics tech to optimize product delivery and streamline processes. This focus on tech integration across all business areas has been crucial to their ability to scale effectively.We also explore Wildgrain's customer acquisition strategies, which involve education marketing, meta, and influencers.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Business Model and Sustainability2. Entrepreneurial Advice3. Logistics and Distribution4. Customer Support Tools and Efficiency5. Customer Acquisition and Retention6. Product Development and Market Introduction7. Tech and Operations Partnership8. Seasonal Growth and Marketing9. Consumer Behavior Dynamics10. Marketing and Product Differentiation11. Consumer Engagement and Customization12. Scalability and Operational Management13. Market Insights and Future PlansTimestamps00:00 Ismail Salhi’s background; Wildgrain’s founding story04:24 From starting a home bakery to outsourcing production07:23 Wildgrain’s product and customer experience08:56 Working with partner bakeries and distribution centers10:08 Building tech for reliable, temperature-sensitive deliveries13:58 Automated system streamlines tasks across all departments15:47 Initial customer acquisition, education marketing, influencers20:06 Product mix and how it affects inventory 23:07 Creating different custom boxes to cater to different diets24:28 Optimizing product operations, automating, outsourcing27:06 Shipping carriers, tech for allocating orders28:42 Seasonal growth and effects on marketing spend31:50 Ismail Salhi on running the business with his wife33:41 Time and lifestyle management as a parent entrepreneur36:14 Ismail Salhi’s advice for DTC foundersShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ismail Salhi - Co-Founder and CEO of WildgrainBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Christian Rivera is the founder of The Ecommerce Accountants, a firm that specializes in tax, accounting, and business structuring for e-commerce companies. Their clients include social media marketing agencies, dropshippers, digital marketers, Amazon automation, Amazon FBA, and internet coaches/gurus.In this episode of the DTC POD, Christian explores key accounting issues that e-commerce businesses must address to succeed, such as sales tax compliance, revenue recognition, and inventory accounting. He also unpacks tax strategies that can help entrepreneurs set up smarter finances and maximize their profitability.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. E-commerce Accounting Challenges2. Sales Tax Management3. Revenue Recognition4. Inventory Accounting5. Financial Strategies and Advice6. Inventory Management and Financing7. Business Entity Structures8. Growth Patterns of Successful Brands9. Tax Planning and OptimizationTimestamps00:00 Christian Rivera’s background and company04:47 Accounting and tax for commerce brand08:05 How sales tax works and where it applies13:46 How every successful entrepreneur starts16:44 VAs, agencies, and managing paid traffic19:45 Inventory management for DTC brands22:55 Strategies for inventory financing25:16 Tax planning and optimization27:57 S corp and LLC: difference and benefits33:37 Tax strategies for foreign-owned businesses 36:52 Puerto Rico's Act 60 tax incentive program39:39 Tax strategies for American entrepreneurs45:24 Christian Rivera’s advice for DTC foundersShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Christian Rivera - Founder of The Ecommerce AccountantsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Zach Ranen is the co-founder of David, a protein bar brand which disrupted the market with 50% more calories from protein than any other bar and a groundbreaking dollar-to-protein ratio. In this episode of the DTC POD, Zach shares David's pre-launch and launch strategies, leading to 1M+ dollars in sales in the first week. This includes engaging with influencers like Peter Attia and Andrew Huberman and giving away 20,000 product samples. Zach also gives insights into their R&D process, how they built the David brand, their product-led approach to growth, and future plans.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Pre-Launch and Launch Tactics2. Product-Led Approach to Growth3. Product Sampling Marketing4. Influencer Partnerships5. Viral Marketing Strategies6. Brand Development 7. Naming and Visual IdentityTimestamps00:00 The idea behind David protein bars05:59 From working in private equity to founding Raize and eventually David16:55 Balancing taste with nutrition in developing David protein bars24:22 David as a product-led company27:52 Brand building for David: name, packaging, launch35:04 Key lessons on manufacturing, distribution, product launch, and virality43:53 David’s $10M seed funding, key investors, and influencers48:10 Next steps for growth, channel allocation, strategyShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Zach Ranen - Co-Founder and President at DavidBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Ariana Farahani is the founder and CEO of Plant Press, a fast-growing functional beverage brand offering a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. In this episode of DTC Pod, Ariana shares her journey of developing Plant Press from a homemade recipe to a nationally distributed product. She discusses the importance of gathering consumer feedback and iterating on the product based on data, which led to pivotal changes like focusing solely on clean caffeine and adjusting flavors.Ariana also goes into the strategic decisions behind Plant Press's distribution strategy, from securing early retail partnerships with local bodegas and fitness centers to navigating the complexities of working with broadline distributors, including the key growth channels that proved successful early on.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Product Development and Iteration2. Marketing and Distribution Strategies3. Funding and Capital Allocation4. DSD vs Broadline Distributors5. Market Trends and Consumer Preferences6. Company Growth and Retail ExpansionTimestamps00:00 From studying medical cannabis to founding a caffeine brand04:11 Early days of Plant Press, producing the minimum viable product06:21 Key iterations in the manufacturing process of Plant Press09:05 Using quantitative and qualitative customer feedback10:48 Getting Plant Press to stores: key accounts and strategy13:31 Self-funding, seed fundraising, and capital budgeting for Plant Press19:23 Direct store delivery (DSD) vs broadline distribution21:50 The need fo in-store product sampling and demos for CPG brands24:52 Energy drink trends: emphasis on clean energy, hydration27:42 Changing consumer preferences and how big players can catch up30:32 Plant Press’ expansion to new distribution channels32:04 What’s next for Plant PressShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ariana Farahani - Founder & CEO of Plant PressBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Shri Kanase is the founder of Yoru Marketing, a boutique agency that specializes in Google Ads for e-commerce brands. Prior to this, he successfully scaled his e-commerce brands to over $3.5 million in four years. With extensive first hand experience, Shri has guided 23,000+ store owners via his YouTube channel and established one of the fastest-growing blogs in the e-commerce and PPC space.In this episode of DTC Pod, Shri shares his insights on developing effective Google Ads strategies for e-commerce brands. He covers key topics such as initial campaign setup, Google Ads learning phase, keyword targeting, budgeting, ad placement focus, and ongoing optimization. Shri also discusses his "TPS approach" for testing, ensuring profitability, and scaling successful campaigns.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Ad Platform Differences2. Google Ads Keyword Strategy3. Algorithmic Learning Period in Google Ads4. Budgeting for Google Ads5. Google Ads Bidding Strategy6. Testing and Scaling Google Ads Campaigns7. Google Ads Placement Strategy8. Google Ads for YouTube9. Google Ads Campaign OptimizationTimestamps00:00 Shri Kanase’s boutique marketing agency03:51 Fundamentals of Google Ads07:35 Launching a Google Ads campaign for the first time10:43 How to do keyword research for Google Ads13:55 Google Ads budget and bidding strategy 19:01 How and when to reward or punish Google algorithm21:10 Best practices for Google Ads placement22:45 Creating effective Google Ads creatives24:49 Tips for running Google Ads campaign on Youtube26:51 Feed-only approach to Performance Max campaigns29:52 TPS approach: testing, profitability, scaling34:46 How to win with Google Ads in 2024Show notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Shri Kanase - Founder & CEO at Yoru MarketingBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Sam Lee is the Vice President of Amazon DSP at Trivium, a full-service Amazon agency. With a background spanning Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Amazon PPC, Sam has developed deep expertise in Amazon DSP and has successfully managed advertising for over 200 brands.In this episode of DTC Pod, Sam provides a comprehensive overview of Amazon DSP, its functionality, and its potential for driving brand growth. He shares practical insights on topics such as when brands should consider investing in DSP, what budget and review thresholds are recommended, and how to develop effective DSP strategies tailored to specific brand goals. Sam also emphasizes the importance of product differentiation, page optimization, and integrating Amazon DSP into a cohesive multi-channel marketing approach to drive overall sales growth.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Amazon DSP Overview2. Budgeting for Amazon DSP3. Amazon DSP Strategy4. Tips for Amazon Success5. Amazon Product Differentiation6. Amazon Trends and OutlookTimestamps00:00 Sam Lee’s background in Amazon DSP03:38 What is Amazon DSP05:24 Where Amazon DSP ads show up06:24 Getting started with Amazon DSP advertising08:17 Product-based Amazon DSP strategies09:21 How Amazon DSP ads boost conversion rates11:24 Leveraging Amazon’s first-party data through DSP15:28 Creatives for Amazon DSP ads17:04 Amazon DSP as part of the overall marketing strategy20:19 Creating an Amazon strategy for a brand22:11 Characteristics of brands that do well on Amazon24:22 Amazon product trends in 202426:13 Amazon’s future, importance of holistic marketingShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Sam Lee - Vice-President of Amazon DSP at TriviumBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Aurelian Lis is the CEO of Dermalogica, a global skincare brand rooted in skin treatment expertise. With a background in atomic physics, laser optics, and extensive experience in the cosmetics industry, Aurelian has led Dermalogica to significant growth and innovation since taking the helm post-acquisition by Unilever.In this episode of DTC Pod, Aurelian discusses the strategies that have driven Dermalogica's success, including delegating authority to the right people, empowering employees to innovate, and effectively integrating AI and machine learning across various functions. He stresses the importance of maintaining genuine personal connections with customers and staying true to the brand’s core values while proactively adapting to new trends, tech, and consumer preferences.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Growth Strategies2. Innovation and AI Integration3. Employee Empowerment4. Global Team Structure5. AI-Powered PersonalizationTimestamps00:00 Aurelian Lis’s journey from physics to finance to skincare06:04 Joining Dermalogica as the CEO08:08 Dermatologica’s channels and decentralized structure12:13 Delegating authority and pushing for innovation18:09 Generative AI and face mapping23:53 Dermalogica Tribe, technology, and the importance of human touch30:36 Key learnings from 9 years with Dermalogica33:33 Advice for DTC operators and foundersShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Aurelian Lis - Global CEO of DermalogicaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Benjamin Witte is the founder and CEO of Recess, a beverage brand focused on creating products that promote relaxation and mental wellness. Inspired by the rise of functional ingredients like CBD, nootropics, and adaptogenic herbs, Benjamin saw an opportunity to pioneer a category of beverages that could help people unwind in a healthy way.In this episode of DTC POD, Benjamin shares his journey of launching Recess and the key strategies that have contributed to its success, including a focus on efficient brand impressions and an omnichannel approach to distribution.We discuss the significance of riding secular tailwinds, the advantages of having a broader mission when launching a brand, and the potential benefits and risks of a platform strategy. The conversation also touches the future of the functional beverage space and the role that Recess aims to play in shaping it.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Product Launch and Market Timing2. Brand Awareness and Media Strategy3. Regulatory Challenges in the CPG Space4. Supply Chain Evolution5. Retail Expansion and Distribution Strategy6. Building and Growing the Recess Team7. Trends in the Beverage IndustryTimestamps00:00 From working at startups to founding Recess04:36 Trends at the early days of Recess08:04 How UGC factored in the launch of Recess10:02 Validating the idea behind Recess11:44 Key learnings from the early days of Recess14:20 Importance of brand impressions to beverage companies16:51 Generating earned media through IG content18:03 Trajectory of growth for the Recess team21:17 Expanding Recess from just DTC to DTC and retail22:52 Shifting to a more scalable supply chain model24:15 Recess as a platform brand; expanding the product line28:37 Insights on the non-alcoholic beverage trend31:45 Mood powders as part of the Recess expansion strategy33:48 What’s next for RecessShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Benjamin Witte - Founder and CEO of RecessBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Rob Schutz is the co-founder of the unicorn Ro, a healthcare company that initially offered ED medications and later expanded into other products and services for sexual health, weight loss, fertility, hair, and skin. Prior to Ro, Rob was instrumental in the exponential growth of BARK/BarkBox, a now prominent subscription service for dog products. Currently, at Snagged.com, he is focused on helping businesses acquire premium domain names and digital assets.In this episode of the DTC POD, Rob shares valuable insights into the growth strategies that have contributed to the success of both BARK/BarkBox and Ro. He discusses the importance of focusing on core, consistent marketing channels such as paid search, paid social, and email, while also allocating a separate budget for testing and exploring new, experimental strategies and channels.Rob offers practical advice for founders and marketers, stressing the need to plan for scale, set and clearly communicate priorities, foster strong relationships between growth and marketing leaders, and structure teams effectively as the company experiences rapid growth. He also shares his expertise in domain brokerage, discussing strategies for acquiring and negotiating domain names to help build strong brand identities.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. DTC Marketing Strategies2. Optimizing Marketing Budget3. Testing Marketing Channels4. Digital Marketing Challenges5. Building and Structuring Teams6. Importance of Domain NamesTimestamps00:00 Rob Schutz’s DTC experience: BARK/BarkBox, Ro, Snagged.com07:37 Process of acquiring domain names11:10 Why Rob Schutz founded Snagged.com14:28 From User Acquisition Manager to VP of Growth at BARK/BarkBox16:27 Lessons from BARK/BarkBox’s growth journey20:56 Strategies for choosing and testing growth channels26:09 Transitioning from BARK/BarkBox to Ro29:00 Challenge with digital performance platforms in the early days of Ro31:33 Rolling out Ro’s ED medication state-by-state, launching other products35:47 Planning for scale around high quality of care35:51 Iterations around how to structure the team as Ro scaled41:47 Rob Schutz’s advice to founders46:35 Sports sponsorship as a performance channel48:10 Snagged.com’s domain servicesShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Rob Schutz - Co-Founder of Ro and Founder of Snagged.comBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Mina Elias is a multiple 7-figure seller in the supplement industry, investor, Amazon PPC expert, and founder of Trivium Group, a full-service Amazon agency. With his extensive experience in helping brands thrive on Amazon, Mina brings valuable insights to the conversation around expanding to emerging platforms like TikTok Shop and navigating the evolving e-commerce landscape.In this episode of DTC Pod, Mina explores the potential of TikTok Shop as a powerful platform for reaching younger audiences and driving sales. He offers practical advice on setting up a TikTok Shop account, engaging affiliates to create authentic and compelling content, and leveraging competitor insights through tools like FastMoss to optimize ad strategies. Mina also explores the synergistic relationship between TikTok Shop and Amazon, highlighting the positive impact on Amazon sales and organic ranking when brands effectively leverage external traffic from TikTok. He discusses the importance of setting realistic budgets for testing ad content on TikTok, emphasizing the need for brands to focus on quality content creation and authentic representation. Throughout the conversation, Mina stresses the significance of adapting to the unique storytelling aspects of the TikTok platform to maximize success and cautions against overengineering content, as authenticity is key to resonating with the TikTok audience.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Amazon vs. TikTok Shop2. TikTok Shop Basics3. TikTok Shop Logistics4. TikTok Affiliate Marketing5. TikTok Competitive Analysis6. Cross-Platform Effects7. TikTok-Amazon IntegrationTimestamps00:00 Mina Elias’ background in Amazon03:34 TikTok and future shopping trends06:12 How TikTok solved the content problem for brands09:15 How TikTok merged affiliate and attribution10:12 How to start selling on TikTok Shop: account and page setup, logistics14:29 Affiliate marketing on TikTok: manual and automated outreach17:42 Strategies for running ads with affiliate content19:18 Budgeting for TikTok ads, data analysis with FastMoss23:51 Finding the right TikTok creators for your brand25:33 The impact of TikTok Shop on Amazon sales and organic rankingShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Mina Elias - Founder of Trivium Group and Chief Executive Officer at MMA Nutrition LLCBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Michelle Cordeiro Grant is an accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for creating innovative, community-based businesses. In 2016, she founded the intimates brand LIVELY and sold it three years later for $105 million. Following this successful exit, she pivoted to her next venture: GORGIE, a wellness energy drink.In this episode of DTC Pod, Michelle shares valuable insights on building a successful DTC brand from the ground up. She discusses the importance of building a community around the brand, leveraging social media, and using data and customer feedback to drive product innovation.Michelle also touches on the strategic decisions behind GORGIE's retail expansion, partnering with influential creators, and creating a magazine to inspire and connect with customers. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes authenticity, quality, and customer-centricity as crucial elements in establishing a strong brand identity.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Brand and Community Building2. Data-Driven Product Development3. Nurturing Retail Partnerships4. Strategic Market Positioning5. Defining and Capturing Your ICP6. Organic Influencer Partnerships7. The Intersection of Fashion and CPGTimestamps00:00 Michelle Cordeiro Grant’s background; the idea behind GORGIE03:46 How customer feedback factored in product and brand development for GORGIE07:40 Community as a buzzword vs as part of brand identity10:01 Community building as an integral part of brand building11:28 How to keep an online community engaged; consumer vs community funnel16:50 GORGIE’s partnerships: Erewhon, Whole Foods, Sprouts, H-E-B, etc.20:05 Overlaps between two industries: fashion and CPG22:14 The story and vision behind GORGIE’s magazine23:57 Defining GORGIE’s ICP and building a brand around them26:54 GORGIE’s growth channels, how they nurture top-of-funnel and retain customers29:42 Year two of GORGIE: online and retail initiatives31:19 Brand-creator partnerships and the importance of organic alignmentShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Michelle Cordeiro Grant - Founder and CEO of GORGIEBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Noah Tucker is the founder of Social Snowball, an automated affiliate and referral marketing platform for e-commerce that drives significant revenue for over 2,000 brands, including Solawave, Obvi, and Javy Coffee.In this episode of the DTC POD, Noah shares powerful strategies for brands to supercharge their affiliate programs and drive significant revenue growth. He covers how to find and choose the right influencers, why it’s important to keep the activation process as smooth as possible, what brands can do to keep affiliates engaged, and how to measure the success of an affiliate program.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The Evolution of Affiliate Marketing2. Affiliate Marketing Challenges Faced by Brands3. Affiliate Discovery, Activation, and Engagement4. Affiliate Program Commissions5. Attribution in Affiliate Marketing6. Affiliate Marketing Trends and Future OutlookTimestamps00:00 Evolution of the meaning of “affiliate” in e-commerce05:07 Challenges brands face when running an affiliate marketing program07:32 Strategies for affiliate activation: engagement flow and tier structures11:52 Things that get influencers interested in working with a brand15:09 Optimal affiliate marketing commission rates15:49 How to choose the right influencer for affiliate partnership19:18 Strategies for finding and recruiting affiliate partners23:11 How to measure the success of an affiliate program25:03 Affiliate marketing trends and future outlook29:05 Attribution in affiliate marketing; a tool that prevents coupon code leaks33:11 Key initiatives of Social SnowballShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Noah Tucker - Founder of Social SnowballBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Ellen Marie Bennett is the founder and chief brand officer of Hedley & Bennett, a culinary lifestyle brand that started as a B2B company, offering high-quality aprons to professional chefs, and later expanded both its product line (to include other kitchen items) and customer base (now largely DTC).In this episode of DTC Pod, Ellen shares her journey of starting the company while working as a line cook. She emphasizes the importance of a slow and steady approach to building a business, focusing on financial responsibility and gathering feedback from core customers to improve products. Ellen discusses her strategic approach to marketing, building an engaged community, and expanding the brand through collaborations with chefs, influencers, and creators. The conversation also touches on Hedley & Bennett’s expansion into DTC, their plans to go omnichannel, and how they’re investing sustainably for long-term success.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Grassroots Marketing2. Strategic Financial Management3. Customer Feedback in Product Development4. Building a Brand Community5. Product Seeding and Influencer Marketing6. Expanding from B2B to DTC7. Business Growth and SustainabilityTimestamps00:00 How Hedley & Bennett came about05:05 Why Ellen Marie Bennett started an apron brand07:28 Financial lessons from the first years of Hedley & Bennett15:03 Building a brand community16:03 How Hedley & Bennett expanded from B2B to DTC21:05 The importance of strong customer partnerships24:13 Product seeding and influencer marketing29:04 How customer feedback factors in the product iteration cycle33:09 Prioritizing long-term brand vision and investmentsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ellen Marie Bennett - CEO and Founder of Hedley & BennettBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Josh Piepmeier helps challenger brands outperform their fiercest competitors by targeting the highest-volume, most profitable keywords in their industry. With his company Meriwether, he crafts strategic SEO campaigns that drive immediate profits and build long-term, sustainable growth. Josh’s SEO approach has successfully gone head-to-head with giants like Amazon, Tiffany’s, and Macy's for competitive purchase-intent keywords. His expertise has transformed businesses struggling to gain traction into thriving enterprises with significant customer acquisition from organic search results. In this episode of DTC Pod, Josh provides real-world examples of how businesses have benefited from investing in SEO and offers advice for DTC brands looking to build an effective SEO strategy. We cover topics such as establishing topical authority, the relationship between ads and organic search traffic, and the impact of AI on SEO.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Importance of Investing in SEO2. SEO Strategies for E-commerce Brands3. When to Invest in SEO4. Role of Branded Search in SEO5. Relationship Between Ads and SEO6. Topical Authority vs Domain Authority7. The Impact of AI on SEO8. E-commerce vs Non-E-commerce SEOTimestamps00:00 Josh Piepmeier’s background04:25 When brands should start investing in SEO07:04 How to optimize for branded searches10:36 Off-page SEO for new domains13:54 E-commerce SEO vs standard SEO16:58 Google AI updates and how it’s affecting SEO 20:16 On using AI for website content22:46 How paid ads factor into SEO26:03 How to create an effective SEO strategy30:00 Importance of topical authority for small brands33:20 Outcomes for brands that have focused on SEOShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Josh Piepmeier - Founder of MeriwetherBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Mina Elias is a multiple 7-figure Amazon FBA seller and renowned PPC expert. He is also the founder of Trivium Group, a company that helps brands navigate and dominate the Amazon marketplace.In this episode of DTC Pod, Mina details a holistic approach to enhancing the presence and profitability of any brand on Amazon, focusing on three pillars: traffic, click-through rate, and conversion rate. He covers the factors affecting each of these metrics and how to drive growth at every stage of the Amazon sales funnel.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Strategies for New Amazon Brands2. How to Grow Traffic, CTR, and CVR on Amazon3. Factors that Affect Sales and Conversion on Amazon4. How to Optimize for Paid and Organic Search on Amazon5. Tips for Optimizing Amazon Product Listings6. Ways to Increase AOV and LTV on AmazonTimestamps00:00 Mina Elias’ background, how he started an Amazon agency04:04 Three core pillars to scaling your brand on Amazon05:39 Maximizing product visibility through strategic paid advertising11:13 How to budget for Amazon spending13:31 Tips for structuring Amazon PPC campaigns, setting up Amazon DSP16:52 Growing your organic traffic on Amazon19:33 Breaking in as a new brand; the importance of product differentiation21:17 Seven factors that affect click-through rate (CTR) on Amazon25:04 How price affects Amazon reviews and star ratings27:33 Split testing discounts, coupons, and tracking profits31:22 Best practices for optimizing Amazon product titles32:21 Why choose Amazon FBA over FBM33:34 How to earn the Amazon Best-Seller Badge35:03 Factors that affect conversion rate on Amazon36:45 Considering the buyer's perspective when creating an Amazon strategy38:09 Optimizing videos on Amazon product listings39:39 How to write effective Amazon bullet points40:05 Amazon virtual bundles and how they affect conversion rate42:51 Brand story; standard Amazon A+ Content vs Premium A+ Content45:19 Leveraging user-generated content (UGC) to boost Amazon sales46:25 Amazon Posts and Amazon Storefront47:47 Importance of reviews with images on Amazon and how to get them50:01 Ways to increase average order value (AOV) on Amazon51:13 Ways to increase lifetime value (LTV) on Amazon53:03 Testing and optimizing Amazon product listingsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Mina Elias - Founder of Trivium Group and Chief Executive Officer at MMA Nutrition LLCBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Will Baumann is the co-founder and CEO of Fourthwall, a company that empowers creators to sell products online without needing to be e-commerce experts.At Fourthwall, they handle sales tax, supply chain, customer support, and more so creators can focus on making content and growing their community.In this episode of DTC Pod, Will shares his insights on the complexities of building a business out of one’s personal brand and how Fourthwall has been aiding this process for over 50,000 creators.Will also touches on the power of creators today, the trends they’re seeing at Fourthwall in terms of product popularity and paid ad usage, and Fourthwall’s differentiation strategy, growth channels, and future plans.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. E-commerce for Content Creators2. Fourthwall’s Target Audience and Market Positioning3. How to Get Started with Fourthwall4. Merchandising Strategies for Creators5. Growth Channels: Word-of-Mouth, Cold Outbound, SEO6. Community-Driven Sales vs Paid Ads7. The Power of Content CreatorsTimestamps00:00 How Fourthwall helps creators build their businesses06:39 What creators need to know about sales tax 09:50 Identifying a customer persona for Fourthwall11:53 Steps to get set up with Fourthwall14:09 Fourthwall then vs now, from manual to automated processes18:12 Distribution trends on Fourthwall, community vs paid ads19:05 The most popular products creators sell and how to scale20:10 Starting a business vs creating a new revenue stream22:04 Fourthwall’s future plans and growth projections24:10 Positioning against Shopify and Pietra25:44 How Fourthwall reaches its ICPs: word of mouth, cold outbound, SEOShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Will Baumann - Co-Founder and CEO at FourthwallBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic