The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast

This episode is sponsored by ⁠Klaviyo⁠. When in doubt, zoom out.Most brands have a browse abandon and a checkout abandon — and call it done. In this episode, Jordan breaks down the entire conversion funnel support ecosystem: all 9 flows, how they connect, and how many emails each one actually needs.What's covered:The difference between lifecycle and funnel support (and why it matters)All 9 flows: site abandon, category abandon, browse abandon, cart abandon, checkout abandon, back in stock, price drop, recommendations, and funnel flusherWhy back in stock and price drop are long-tail revenue machinesHow to set up flow rules so people move down the funnel — never upWhy discounts don't belong in your funnel support (and the Toms email that proves it)The minimum email count for every flow in your libraryPlus: a live breakdown of browse abandon emails from Thrifty's and Toms — what works, what doesn't, and why hiding your product behind a hero shot is costing you conversions.Referenced episodes:The Only Site Abandon Flow You'll Ever NeedThe Only Browse Abandon Flow You'll Ever NeedSite Funnels Episode 1 & 2Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & what is conversion funnel support?03:15 – The 4 core abandonment flows: site, category, browse, cart & checkout08:30 – How to set up flow rules (people move down, never up)13:19 – Beyond abandonment: back in stock, price drop & recommendations19:11 – The recommendations flow: Amazon-inspired product discovery22:00 – The funnel flusher: when and how to use it24:25 – How many emails does each flow need?26:24 – Live email breakdowns: Thrifty's & Toms34:11 – Why discounts don't belong in funnel support37:37 – Lifecycle discounting: the clean way to structure offersWork 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

This episode is sponsored by Klaviyo. Most ecommerce brands obsess over rates — pop-up submit rate, click-through rate, conversion rate. But rate without throughput is meaningless. In this episode, Jordan breaks down the 15 core touch points every ecommerce brand should be mapping, monitoring, and iterating on — and introduces the framework for how to actually think about them.You'll learn the difference between assets and touch points (and why it matters more now than ever), how to build your minimum viable touch point map, and what views to run through each touch point so you're never flying blind.In this episode:Assets vs. touch points — what's the difference and why it mattersThe 15 core touch points: from unaware landing pages to campaign headersWhy throughput is the metric you should be watchingHow to audit your touch points once a month without losing your mindThe pop-up math that tells you if yours is actually workingPDP real estate — what to put around that add to cart buttonBrowse abandon, cart abandon, and the pre/post cart email frameworkDrop structure — a four email set to monetize any product launchReferenced episodes: 4, 37, 46, 66, 67, 84Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Why throughput beats rate every time05:18 – The 15 touch point map explained08:13 – Touch points 1-3: Unaware, aware, and retargeting destinations10:40 – Home fold 1 & 2: Are you sending people the right place?14:08 – PDP: The highest value real estate on your site19:53 – The pop-up math that tells you if yours is actually working24:13 – Welcome, browse abandon, and the pre-cart email framework30:25 – Campaign header/footer: The highest throughput touch point you're ignoringWork 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

If your store has hundreds — or thousands — of SKUs, your biggest problem isn't your product. It's discovery.Jordan sits down with Julia Whatley, Senior Partner Manager at Rebuy, to break down how smart personalization turns an overwhelming catalog into a guided buying experience. From search-driven add-to-carts to post-purchase subscription upgrades, Julia walks through the full on-site journey and how brands are using Rebuy to lift AOV, drive repeat purchases, and build more intelligent relationships with their customers.In this episode:Why mega-SKU brands have a discovery problem, not a product problemHow one brand hit a 32% AOV boost and 20% bottom-line revenue increaseThe full personalization stack — search, bundles, smart cart, post-purchase, and moreHow to combine Klaviyo segments with Rebuy for truly tailored on-site experiencesThe "complete the look" strategy and the psychology behind purchase behaviorWhat the winning brands of the next three years will have in common00:00 – Intro & meet Julia Whatley, Senior Partner Manager at Rebuy 03:30 – The mega-SKU problem: why large catalogs create analysis paralysis 04:49 – KM Tools case study: 32% AOV boost & 20% bottom-line revenue increase 06:17 – Walking the full on-site journey: search, bundles, smart cart & more 12:49 – Bundle Builder: how 30% of Rebuy revenue flows through this one feature 25:47 – Secret weapons: Smart Links, geo-targeting & the Rebuy rules engine 30:55 – Klaviyo + Rebuy: why the integration is a need-to-have, not a nice-to-have 34:04 – The brands that will win in the next 3 yearsWork 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

In this episode, Jordan breaks down 7 fixes you can implement today to improve your bottom of funnel and turn existing traffic into more conversions.The throughline: you don’t need more traffic—you need to capture more of the traffic you already have.What you’ll learn:How to turn your PDP into a conversion driver (not a dead end) Why small homepage changes can drive outsized revenue The right way to structure pop-ups (including when to double or triple pop) How to fix your abandonment flows to actually convert Why most brands underutilize reactivation (and how to fix it) The strategic mistake behind most underperforming funnels (trust vs. desire)00:00 Why BOFU is more traffic00:41 The fastest way to drive revenue today (email + CRO)01:50 PDP fixes: keep attention above the fold & drive scroll04:42 Homepage tweaks that actually move revenue07:06 Pop-ups done right (timing, double + triple pop)11:25 Abandonment flows: what most brands are missing12:54 Reactivation: why 12 months matters13:54 The full funnel stack (home → PDP → flows)14:25 The big mistake: trust vs desire (and how to fix it)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

In this episode, Jordan dove into the data of 20 ecommerce brands to see what actually happens when you add email and SMS into the mix.The result:→ 3.3x higher median growth→ More revenue from repeat customers→ Stronger overall efficiency (MER, ROAS, P&L)Email and SMS don’t just drive extra revenue.They make your entire acquisition system work better.In this episode:Why retention drives disproportionate growthHow repeat revenue compounds over timeWhy email unlocks more ad spendThe metrics that actually matter (and the ones that don’t)00:00 Why Email & SMS Drive Growth02:48 The 5 Metrics That Matter04:42 3.3x Higher Growth Explained10:01 What This Means for Your BusinessWork 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

Most brands are producing content. Very few are turning it into authority.In this episode, Jordan and Chris Panteli from Linkifi break down how content actually drives growth beyond your own channels—and why backlinks, brand mentions, and external coverage are becoming critical in both Google and AI-driven search.If you’re only thinking about email, ads, and your website, you’re missing a major layer of the ecosystem.We cover:Why content + links still drive search visibility How backlinks build authority (and why most don’t move the needle) The difference between brand mentions vs links—and why both matter How LLMs (like ChatGPT) decide which brands to recommend The simplest way to start getting featured on major publications How to extend your content beyond your own ecosystem00:00 The cheapest revenue channel you’re underusing00:41 The simple SEO formula: content + links02:19 Meet Chris Panteli (Linkifi)05:09 How backlinks actually drive traffic08:26 How AI decides which brands to recommend11:18 How to get featured (even for free)15:26 Good vs bad backlinks (what to avoid)21:16 Building authority across the internetWork 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

Most brands don’t have a testing problem. They have a targeting problem.In this episode, Jordan is joined by Pilothouse strategist Chris Richards to break down why “marketing to everyone” is quietly killing performance — and what to do instead.The reality: growth doesn’t come from more creative, more tests, or more spend. It comes from choosing the right customer and building your entire system around them.We get into how to actually define personas, why most brands get stuck in “tactical spinning,” and how the wrong customer at the top of funnel can break everything downstream — from ads to landing pages to email.If your performance feels inconsistent, this is likely where things are going wrong.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why targeting multiple personas at once weakens your results How to identify the most profitable customer to focus on The biggest mistake brands make when scaling “winning” ads How to align ads, landing pages, and email around one persona What metrics actually matter when validating your targeting00:00 Why most brands struggle to grow00:41 Why specificity beats broad targeting01:53 What persona strategy actually looks like03:14 Building personas from segments + behavior04:34 Why you shouldn’t target everyone at once05:33 Real example: choosing the right customer07:52 The problem with “tactical spinning”10:12 How the wrong customer breaks retention13:04 How to measure if you’re targeting right16:21 Aligning ads, landing pages, and emailWork 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

Email deliverability isn’t a single metric. There’s no dashboard that tells you exactly why you’re going to spam.In this episode of The World’s Best Email & Retention Podcast, Jordan sits down with Pierre Pignault, founder of MailSoar and an “email guy’s email guy,” to break down how deliverability actually works in 2026.From misleading open rates to spam filter behavior, this is a deep dive into how top operators diagnose and fix inbox placement issues.We get into:The 3 signals that actually determine inbox vs spamWhy high open rates can be a red flagHow to tell if your emails are really being seenThe biggest segmentation mistake killing deliverabilityWhy deliverability issues show up weeks after they startHow spam filters actually think (and what they care about)00:00 Fastest way to drive revenue (email + CRO)02:20 Why deliverability is impossible to measure directly08:25 The 3 signals that determine inbox vs spam17:35 Why high open rates can be fake23:44 The #1 mistake killing deliverability (segmentation)29:59 How to fix deliverability in 30 days33:24 What happens when you send too many emailsWork 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

Most ecommerce brands obsess over conversion rate. But according to Dylan Ander, that’s the wrong metric to optimize.In this episode of the World's Best Email & Retention Podcast, Jordan sits down with Dylan Ander — founder of Heatmap.com and author of Billion Dollar Websites — to break down the psychology behind how people actually buy online.Dylan introduces his “Gator vs Judge” framework, a simple way to understand the two forces behind every purchase decision. The “Gator” is the fast, instinctive brain that wants to buy, while the “Judge” is the skeptical brain that introduces doubt, friction, and hesitation.If your website triggers the Judge too early, you lose the sale.If you design a Gator-friendly experience, customers move naturally toward purchase.We also dive into why some of the most common CRO advice may be outdated, including the belief that fewer clicks always lead to more conversions.In this episode, we cover:• The Gator vs Judge framework for ecommerce conversion • Why conversion rate can be a vanity metric • Why more pages visited can actually increase revenue • How to use heatmaps tied directly to revenue • Why your homepage might be your most important landing page • The difference between demographics and psychographics in ecommerce marketing • Why asking customers what they want is the fastest way to improve your site00:00 Why Email + CRO Drive the Fastest Ecommerce Revenue01:21 Meet Dylan Ander (Heatmap.com & Billion Dollar Websites)04:38 The “Choke Point” Framework for Website Conversion07:04 Why More Pages Visited Can Increase Revenue11:17 Using Revenue-Based Heatmaps to Improve CRO17:51 The Psychology of Headlines, Subject Lines, and Conversion22:26 The Gator vs Judge Framework for Ecommerce28:26 Why Your Homepage Might Be Your Best Landing PageWork 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

What changes when you run email every single day?In this episode of the World’s Best Email & Retention Podcast, Jordan Gordon sits down with Rebecca Knight from DTC Newsletter to break down the differences between running email for an ecommerce brand and operating a large daily newsletter.While ecommerce email programs rely on segmentation, automation flows, and purchase signals, newsletters operate under very different constraints. Rebecca explains how daily senders approach deliverability, testing, list hygiene, and engagement when opens and clicks are the primary signals available.They also discuss the systems behind running email at scale, including why every send is tested before going out, how a single bad link can hurt deliverability, and the process used to isolate issues when inbox placement drops.Topics covered include:• The biggest differences between ecommerce email and newsletters • Why daily newsletters require stricter deliverability discipline • How one bad link can tank an entire email send • The testing workflow behind high-frequency email programs • When to suppress or remove inactive subscribers • Why consistency builds reader habits and long-term engagement00:00 Introduction03:15 How the email landscape has changed in the past 5 years05:35 Ecommerce email vs newsletter email: completely different playbooks07:20 Why one bad link can tank your entire email send16:05 When to suppress or remove inactive subscribers24:05 Why consistency and habit matter for newsletter growthWork 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

In this Segmentation Super Episode, Jordan Gordon breaks down the exact segmentation frameworks the Pilothouse retention team uses to drive more revenue from the customers you already have. If your Klaviyo account feels messy, underperforming, or overly broad, this is your reset.You’ll learn why bad segmentation quietly kills inbox placement, how to structure high-signal engagement windows, and the practical segment models you can build today to improve campaign performance. From lifecycle and recency to whales, cohorts, and discount behavior, this episode is packed with actionable systems you can implement immediately.Whether you're new to segmentation or looking to level up an already sophisticated program, this walkthrough gives you the playbook to send smarter and earn more from email and SMS.00:00 Introduction00:29 The #1 Klaviyo killer: bad segmentation03:18 Inboxing, engagement, and list hygiene fundamentals09:08 Core segmentation factors (recency, lifecycle, engagement, product, whales)24:12 Simple segmentation models you can build today38:17 SMS segmentation math and optimizationWork 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

How do you actually build an email audience in 2026 without burning your list or wrecking deliverability?In this episode, Jordan Gordon breaks down the math and mechanics behind sustainable audience growth. From unsubscribe modeling to engagement windows, this is a tactical walkthrough of how smart operators forecast list health and protect future revenue.If your list growth feels unpredictable (or worse, quietly shrinking), this episode shows you exactly what to measure and how to model what happens next.Inside the episode: • Why disengaged subscribers quietly kill future revenue • The simple formula that predicts email revenue with surprising accuracy • How unsubscribe rate compounds faster than most teams expect • Why campaigns alone won’t reactivate cold subscribers • The spreadsheet model that forecasts your list through Q4 2026 • How send frequency impacts both revenue per send and list healthEmail remains one of the most controllable growth channels in ecommerce — but only if you understand the mechanics behind it.00:00 Introduction00:40 The core truth about repeat buyers and email reach01:51 What still matters from the 2025 audience playbook05:39 Why reactivation requires evergreen engagement content09:01 The spreadsheet model to forecast your list growth13:26 The unsubscribe math most brands underestimateWork 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

In Part 2 of this deep dive, Jordan breaks down how to attribute your post-click ecosystem without relying solely on platform reporting. From estimating CRO uplift to sizing Rebuy’s true contribution and pressure-testing retention performance, this episode walks through the math and the mindset operators need to understand where low-cost revenue is really coming from.In this episode:How to estimate CRO revenue impact using direct linear conversion rateTwo practical ways to measure Rebuy performanceWhy MER comparisons often mislead operatorsThe retention metrics that matter more than repeat rateHow to size each growth lever against total Shopify revenue00:00 — Why Post-Click Revenue Matters00:29 — Measuring Rebuy’s True Impact06:42 — How to Calculate CRO Revenue Uplift13:25 — Comparing Channel Revenue Rates14:49 — The Retention Metrics That Actually Matter30:22 — Final Framework and Key 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

Most brands track repeat rate. I don’t.In this episode, Jordan breaks down the five customer retention metrics he actually uses to judge whether an email and SMS program is driving real business results — and the one popular metric he ignores entirely.Because the truth is: strong retention programs don’t always make your email metrics look better. In fact, sometimes open rates and click rates go down while revenue goes up.This episode covers how to measure what actually matters, including:Why repeat rate can send the wrong signals How to track repeat buyers year over year A leading indicator for second purchases and funnel health How to measure reactivation from “stale” customers What your active repeat buyer base says about long-term growthThe one “master metric” that shows if retention is driving incremental revenue00:00 — Introduction03:25 — The metric I don’t track: repeat rate (and why)04:54 — Metric #1: Repeat buyers year over year06:20 — Metric #2: Same-quarter repeat (a leading indicator)09:13 — Metric #3: Stale repeat buyers (95+ day gap)12:35 — Metric #4: Active repeat buyers as a share of your base15:31 — Metric #5: Repeat buyers as a share of incremental growth19:26 — What happens when retention starts driving the business21:19 — Final thoughts on measuring real retention impactWork 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

Attribution doesn’t stop at ads.In this episode, we walk through how to measure the full post-click ecosystem (from email and SMS to CRO and retention) and how these channels work together to drive low-cost revenue.Jordan shares a practical model for evaluating channel impact beyond standard multi-touch attribution, why some of your most important revenue drivers get under-credited, and how to identify opportunities to improve marketing efficiency without spending more.If you’re trying to understand where your real growth is coming from, this is a foundational episode.#ecommerce #emailmarketing #retentionmarketing #attribution #digitalmarketing #dtc #pilothouse #cro #smsmarketing #shopifymarketing00:00 — Introduction00:50 — Defining the post-click ecosystem and how to think about it02:03 — What rising ad costs can reveal about your retention strategy08:22 — How multi-touch attribution fits into the bigger measurement picture19:03 — The 14-metric framework for evaluating your full ecosystemWork 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

Email is still the most predictable revenue channel in ecommerce—but most brands don’t forecast it correctly.In this episode, Jordan Gordon breaks down a simple, highly accurate system for predicting your 2026 email revenue before the year even starts.You’ll learn how to model email revenue using six core components of a healthy email program, including campaigns, welcome flows, post-purchase, reactivation, and abandonment—without relying on gut instinct or vague growth assumptions.Jordan walks through the exact metrics to pull from Klaviyo and Shopify, how to apply top-of-funnel vs list-growth factors correctly, and why email revenue is far more controllable than paid media.#emailmarketing #emailrevenue #retentionmarketing #ecommercegrowth #klaviyo #customerretention #lifecyclemarketing #dtc00:00 Introduction00:59 How to predict your 2026 email revenue05:03 The two growth factors that drive email revenue09:19 The six core components of an email program12:43 Forecasting campaign revenue using revenue per email18:05 Predicting welcome flow revenue27:41 Modeling abandonment revenue from site sessions31:36 Applying list growth vs top-of-funnel growth correctlyWork 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

When email revenue drops, most teams guess. This episode shows how to diagnose it systematically.Jordan breaks down the two real drivers of email revenue decline: fewer emails sent and lower revenue per email sent — and walks through the exact hierarchy of metrics that explain what’s actually happening inside Klaviyo.You’ll learn how to:Identify whether the problem is frequency, send size, segmentation, or list healthUnderstand how segment mix and message mix impact revenueSeparate real performance issues from attribution noiseEvaluate inboxing, relevance, and engagement the right wayUse Shopify, Klaviyo, and attribution models to determine whether purchase behavior actually changed#EmailMarketing #Pilothouse #CustomerRetention #LifecycleMarketing #EmailAnalytics #Segmentation #MarketingAttribution #InboxDeliverability #EcommerceMarketing #DTC00:00 — Introduction01:00 — The only framework you need: emails sent vs revenue per email sent03:12 — The real reasons email volume declines05:33 — Segment mix: the silent lever behind performance10:48 — Tune-out vs opt-out: what’s actually shrinking your list15:40 — Why relevance and inboxing determine revenue per email26:34 — Attribution reality: when revenue falls but growth improvesWork 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

Most brands look at the wrong email metrics.In this episode, Jordan explains how to build a real retention engine in 2026 by focusing on the numbers that actually drive growth: clicks, inbox health, segment performance, and list quality.You’ll get a simple dashboard framework you can set up in minutes to see exactly what’s happening inside your email program — and stop getting fooled by misleading attribution.If email is a big part of your revenue (or should be), this is a must-listen.#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingMetrics #CustomerRetention #EmailAnalytics #DTC #EmailDeliverability #DataDrivenMarketing #MarketingPodcast00:00 – Introduction: Why Retention Beats Acquisition03:04 – The First Metric to Check06:52 – Start With Clicks, Not Revenue10:16 – When Lower Metrics Are a Good Sign14:08 – Tracking True List Growth23:19 – Inbox Health by Domain32:55 – Cleaning Up Underperforming AutomationsWork 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

Advertising gets people to your site... But your site is what actually makes you money.In this episode, Jordan breaks down DEWALT’s ecommerce ecosystem to show what really happens after someone clicks an ad, an email, or a retargeting link. He walks through how DEWALT structures its homepage, category pages, PDPs, email program, and product discovery to turn awareness into revenue, not just traffic.You’ll see how DEWALT balances brand and performance, how their Site Funnels actually work in practice, and where email, CRO, and on-site merchandising fit into a modern post-click revenue engine. #EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #Ecommerce #DTC #CRO #ConversionRateOptimization #PostClickMarketing #CustomerRetention #Klaviyo #ProductDiscovery #EmailStrategy #LifecycleMarketing #Shopify #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingPodcast #PerformanceMarketing #DigitalMarketing #BrandMarketing #EcommerceStrategy #CustomerExperience00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Why DEWALT’s ecosystem works04:33 – The “car vs gas” model for ecommerce09:23 – How DEWALT structures its homepage12:16 – How DEWALT uses email for product discovery18:00 – Why homepage order controls conversion28:14 – Category pages that actually sell33:02 – How PDPs should handle upsells and bundles40:16 – Where DEWALT leaves money on the table43:42 – DEWALT vs Makita: brand site vs ecommerce site47:02 – What to steal for your own siteWork 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

In Site Funnels 2.0, Jordan breaks down how product discovery actually works when you have hundreds, thousands, or even millions of SKUs.This episode is the follow-up to Site Funnels 1.0, shifting from hero-product funnels to the long-tail reality of mega-catalog brands. You’ll learn how to use email, dynamic merchandising, and just 12 digital assets to turn browsing into buying at scale, without spending more on ads.Jordan walks through two discovery funnels, how to use email as a shoppable landing page, and why most brands are massively underusing their biggest revenue engine: their existing traffic and subscribers.#EmailMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #RetentionMarketing #ProductDiscovery #PostClickOptimization #CustomerJourney #LifecycleMarketing #Klaviyo #Shopify #DTC #DirectToConsumer #DigitalMerchandising #ConversionRateOptimization #CRO #GrowthMarketing #RevenueGrowth #MarketingStrategy #CustomerRetention #LongTailEconomy #MarketingPodcast00:00 — Introduction01:00 — “Double your revenue with no ad cost” and the 12-asset funnel idea03:10 — The difference between manageable-SKU brands and mega-SKU brands05:31 — Low-intent vs high-intent traffic and how funnels are split10:23 — How email triples your product discovery at-bats (with real brand data)15:17 — Funnel 1: using five recommendation emails to power discovery23:17 — Funnel 2: turning category browsing into high-intent revenue41:39 — Why doubling conversion rate beats buying more trafficWork 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

In this episode, Jordan breaks down Site Funnels 1.0, a post-click revenue system designed to turn traffic, email, and organic visitors into low-cost, compounding revenue. You’ll learn how the world’s best ecommerce teams think about funnels, choke points, and psychological progression across the site and why improving conversion rate is often the fastest way to grow without increasing ad spend.Jordan walks through how visitors move from homepage to category pages to product pages to checkout, how to identify the moments that control revenue, and how to design funnels for both qualified and unqualified traffic. Hashtags:#ecommerce #cro #conversionrateoptimization #dtc #shopify #emailmarketing #retentionmarketing #growthmarketing #onlinestore #digitalmarketing #funnelmarketing #performancecommerce #customerjourney #postclick #ecommercestrategy Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why a 0.5% conversion rate destroys revenue02:29 – Ads create awareness, websites create revenue11:27 – The four stages every site must solve20:15 – The two-minute rule for conversions32:28 – The five site funnels that drive ecommerce revenue49:41 – Why PDPs are the real revenue engineWork 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need to know—fast—whether your funnel’s working? In this episode, Jordan shares the exact system he used to audit 100+ ecommerce sites in just two days. It’s a crash course in post-click performance: the 7 key metrics that tell you if your site is converting, retaining revenue, and setting you up for repeat purchases.You’ll learn:How to measure funnel health in minutes, not hoursWhich metrics vary wildly by business model (and which don’t)How discount rate, return rate, and completion rate connectWhy Klaviyo’s attribution data tells only part of the storyWhat high-performing homepages, PDPs, and carts have in common Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Purpose of the Metrics Framework02:00 Moving to Port Alberni and Merging CRO with Email Retention04:00 Grouping Accounts by Business Model and Funnel Benchmarks06:00 Key Metrics Overview: From Load Time to Klaviyo Revenue12:00 Real-World Use Case for Assessing Site Performance16:00 Interpreting Cart Add and Conversion Rate Benchmarks22:00 Discount, Return, and Completion Rate Analysis28:00 Klaviyo Revenue Attribution Explained34:00 Meta and Google’s Role in Your Post-Click Metrics44:00 Qualitative Site Walkthrough: Homepage to CheckoutHashtags:#Ecommerce #RetentionMarketing #CustomerJourney #FunnelOptimization #ConversionRateOptimization #EmailMarketing #Klaviyo #CRO #Benchmarking #PostClickMetrics #DataDrivenMarketing #EcomAnalytics #TWBERP #WorldsBestEmailRetentionPodcast #MarketingPodcast #DTCMarketingWork 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

In this follow-up to our ecosystems deep dive, Jordan breaks down how a strong retention system—email, SMS, and CRO—can keep revenue flowing even when acquisition slows.You’ll learn how to measure your persistent revenue ecosystem, track key funnel stages (from new address to repeat buyer), and spot the hidden ROI of brand equity. Plus: real data, cohort math, and a reminder that retention is a methodology, not a channel.Timestamps:00:00 Customer retention as a growth strategy02:00 What is the persistent revenue ecosystem?05:00 Why ecosystems must be multi-channel09:00 Understanding your retention funnel13:00 New vs repeat buyer data deep dive20:00 Real-world brand example: cutting top-of-funnel spend23:00 Turning new addresses into repeat buyers25:00 Final thoughts on persistent revenue strategiesHashtags:#EmailMarketing #CustomerRetention #EcommerceGrowth #LifecycleMarketing #RetentionMarketing #DigitalEcosystems #MarketingStrategy #DTCBrands #RevenueOptimization #EmailStrategy #CRO #SMSMarketing #MarketingFunnels #BrandEquity #MarketingPodcast #TWBERP #Pilothouse #DTCNetwork 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

Why do so many fashion brands use the exact same email template? In this episode, Jordan Gordon unpacks the rise of bland, minimalist design in email marketing AND makes the case for bold, expressive, brand-driven creative.From black-and-white hero shots to transparent CTAs, we break down why inbox sameness is suffocating creativity, and how maximalist design can reignite brand recall, retention, and revenue.If you want your emails to stand out, inspire, and convert, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Pilothouse’s Retention Philosophy02:00 Why Every Brand Is Using the Same Email Template07:00 The Real Purpose of Campaign Emails12:00 Adding Beauty to the Inbox Through Design18:00 The Advantage of Small Brands in Email Creativity25:00 Maximalism in Email: NBA's Bold Approach29:00 Final Thoughts on Brand Recall and Free TrafficHashtags:#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #DTCMarketing #EmailDesign #BrandStrategy #MarketingDesign #CustomerRetention #MarketingPodcast #InboxInspiration #DigitalBranding #MinimalismVsMaximalism #CreativeMarketing 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

Most brands look at their global conversion rate and panic—but what if that number doesn’t actually mean what you think it does?In this episode, Jordan sits down with Evan O’Gorman, former head of CRO at Pilothouse, to talk about why conversion rate alone is a misleading success metric—and what to focus on instead if you want to drive real profit.They cover: ✅ How traffic source and intent shape your funnel ✅ Why retention plays a bigger role in CRO than you think ✅ Common mistakes brands make when optimizing their site ✅ The importance of buyer segmentation, bundling, and LTV ✅ How to align ad, email, and site strategy for long-term growthIf you care about profitable growth, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: Why Global Conversion Rate is Misleading03:00 Full Funnel CRO: Beyond Just Website Testing07:00 Breaking Down Traffic Source Impact on Conversion13:00 Time to Purchase and Retargeting Strategies21:00 Optimizing AOV with Rebuy and Klaviyo28:00 Aligning CRO and Retention for Maximum Profit33:00 Why Optimizing Bottom-of-Funnel Impacts Your Entire BusinessHashtags:#CRO #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceStrategy #DTCGrowth #ConversionRateOptimization #FullFunnelMarketing #CustomerRetention #ShopifyOptimization #EmailMarketing #PerformanceMarketing #EcomTips #DTCBrand #MarketingPodcast #GrowthMarketing #EcommercePodcast #AOV #LTV #MarketingStrategy #Pilothouse 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

In this episode, Jordan breaks down the world of offsite email capture tools: how they use fingerprinting to add contacts without a direct opt-in, why they can be a top source of spam complaints, and how brands are using them to unlock real revenue.You’ll learn:What these tools actually do behind the scenesWhy they can be risky—and how to avoid deliverability damageHow to set them up right (if you’re going to use them)What metrics matter when calculating true ROITimestamps:00:00 - Why retention beats acquisition02:00 - How these list growth tools work06:00 - The risks of spam complaints12:00 - Attribution vs. actual revenue18:00 - Segmentation strategies to protect sender reputation21:00 - When list growth tools are actually worth itHashtags:#EmailMarketing #ListGrowth #RetentionMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #Deliverability #MarketingTools #Fingerprinting #SpamComplaints #DTCMarketing #CustomerRetention #EmailGrowth #MarketingStrategy #Pilothouse #DTCBrands #MarketingPodcastWork 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

Your ecommerce brand isn’t just running campaigns—it’s running an ecosystem.In this episode, Jordan breaks down the three interconnected digital ecosystems every brand relies on:🧱 The Persistent Revenue Ecosystem💰 The Advertising Revenue Ecosystem📣 The Brand Awareness EcosystemLearn how they interact, how to measure them, and what happens when one breaks down. From campaign strategy and CRO to email flows and brand impressions, this is the foundational episode that ties it all together.If you’ve ever wondered why your growth feels stuck—or why your ROAS is slipping despite strong creative—this episode will show you where to look.Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Why Email & Retention Matters02:00 Rethinking the Marketing Funnel as an Ecosystem08:00 The Persistent Revenue Ecosystem Explained17:00 Why Campaigns Aren’t for Revenue27:00 The Role of Your Established Audience30:00 What Makes Advertising Revenue Ecosystems Work36:00 Building Brand Awareness Through Email44:00 Testing and CRO for Homepage vs. PDP47:00 The Full Ecosystem RecapHashtags:#EcommerceMarketing #DigitalEcosystem #RetentionMarketing #EmailMarketing #DTCBrands #CRO #AdStrategy #Klaviyo #ShopifyBrands #MarketingPodcast #CustomerRetention #GrowthMarketing #BrandAwareness #PaidSocial #PerformanceMarketing #DTCStrategy #MarketingEcosystem #MarketingOps #EcommerceGrowth #TWBERPWork 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

Most brands lose customers by default. The real question is: how do you keep them?In this episode, Jordan reframes customer retention—not as a marketing tactic, but as a holistic experience. From bounce-back offers to lost game pieces (yes, really), we dig into the trifecta of true retention: your product, your support, and your follow-up.Learn why post-purchase CX is your most underrated revenue lever, how to create “I’ll buy again” moments, and why a Spotify playlist might do more than a discount ever could.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Customer Retention and Pilothouse02:00 Why the Default Is to Lose Customers04:00 Bounce Back Coupons and the First Five Minutes06:00 Timing and Triggers for Repeat Purchases09:00 How Customer Support Impacts Retention12:00 Creating Better Experiences with Small Touches15:00 The Customer Retention Trifecta: Product, Support, Promotions18:00 Using Zero and First-Party Data for Segmentation20:00 Building a Dune Imperium Email Strategy22:00 Thought Leadership and Ecosystem Building24:00 Discounts as the Final Nudge in the Purchase JourneyHashtags:#CustomerRetention #EcommerceTips #EmailMarketing #LifecycleMarketing #CXStrategy #RetentionMarketing #PostPurchase #DTCBrands #MarketingPodcast #GrowthMarketing #CustomerExperience #DigitalMarketing #ShopifyBrands #BrandLoyalty #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

If you’re still hitting “resend to non-openers,” this one’s for you.In this episode, Jordan delivers a no-holds-barred message of mercy to email marketers everywhere: Stop double tapping cold addresses. He breaks down exactly how this tactic tanks your sender reputation, why Gmail (and Yahoo) are punishing your list, and what to do instead.You’ll learn:Why 3.14% open rates are a red flag (not just a bad day)How Gmail samples your sends—and what happens when you failSmarter, higher-performing ways to double tap without damaging your deliverabilityThe underrated power of sending to your most engaged usersIf you care about long-term inboxing, revenue, and customer relationships… this episode is required listening.Timestamps:00:00 - Why Double Tapping Non-Openers Hurts Deliverability02:00 - Understanding Gmail’s Inboxing Algorithm06:00 - How Pulling Engaged Users Harms Campaigns10:00 - The Dangerous Impact on Sending Reputation16:00 - What to Do Instead of Double Tapping20:00 - Radical Tip: Send to Clickers, Not Non-Openers24:00 - Safer Alternative: Resend to All with New Subject Line27:00 - Automations vs. Double Taps30:00 - Final Rant and Real Fixes for Better Email ResultsHashtags:#EmailMarketing #RetentionMarketing #DeliverabilityMatters #InboxStrategy #EmailListHealth #MarketingMistakes #DoubleTapDisaster #EngagementOverEverything #DTCMarketing #SpamFolderSurvival #OpenRates #EmailTips #RetentionWins #MarketingStrategy #Pilothouse 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

Your welcome email might be costing you customers. In this episode, Jordan breaks down real welcome flows—from brands like Whoop and BC Liquor—to show what works, what doesn’t, and why some emails miss the mark. Jordan covers design vs. marketing, how to write for low-intent subscribers, and why clarity always beats cleverness. Whether you're sending a sleek intro or dangling a discount, your welcome email needs to work harder. Let’s make it convert.Timestamps:00:00 Intro: Why First Impressions in Email Matter02:00 Gmail Dark Mode Design Issues04:00 Outway Welcome Email Breakdown07:00 Kith’s Unique Omnichannel Email Approach10:00 Subject Line Specificity Debate13:00 Cart, Checkout, and Browse Abandon Logic16:00 Breeze Email Breakdown: Clarity and Copy Issues22:00 Obvi’s Use of Social Proof and Visual Hierarchy25:00 Everlane’s High-Converting Subject Line Strategy30:00 Felix & Norton: Where Design Overshadows Clarity34:00 Whoop: Sleek Design, But Missing Value Proposition37:00 BC Liquor: Surprisingly Effective Government Email38:30 Final Takeaways on Welcome Flows and Email PsychologyHashtags:#EmailMarketing #WelcomeEmail #RetentionMarketing #LifecycleMarketing #DTCMarketing #EcommerceTips #MarketingStrategy #EmailDesign #CustomerRetention #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