Restoring Marketing Signals in the Post Cookie World With Mandar Shinde

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Restoring Marketing Signals in the Post Cookie World With Mandar Shinde

Mandar Shinde

Mandar Shinde is the CEO of Blotout, a Y Combinator restoring identity and data accuracy in a cookieless era. He also volunteers with ProductNation/iSPIRT, a nonprofit sourcing public goods for Indian product startups. In this role, Mandar helps enable data democratization with zero trust. As a data-driven entrepreneur, he has experience in privacy, analytics, blockchain, advertising, compliance, and cloud computing.  

 

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [1:28] Mandar Shinde shares the genesis and iterations of Blotout
  • [6:48] How to navigate a post third-party cookies landscape
  • [12:42] Why customer data platforms (CDPs) must evolve to address the latest data storage issues
  • [16:02] The roadmap to sustainable, compliant, and effective digital data management 
  • [24:53] How dynamic data scoring can improve advertising API performance
  • [29:06] What is the connection between unified data and marketing outcomes?
  • [37:05] Mandar talks about the shift toward data decentralization
  • [42:17] Predictions on how major platforms will adapt to data fragmentation

In this episode…

The deprecation of third-party cookies threatens the stability of targeted marketing, and businesses are navigating uncharted territories. With the cornerstone of personalized advertising crumbling, how can companies navigate the landscape without relying on third-party data?

Apple’s aggressive stance on data privacy has placed limitations on digital advertising, specifically after the advent of iOS 14, which allows users to opt out of third-party tracking. Data-driven eCommerce entrepreneur Mandar Shinde emphasizes adjusting your lifecycle and performance marketing strategies to align with the shifts in data regulations and online tracking. This involves conducting an internal assessment of your customer data collection, storage, and processing systems to ensure compliance and effective adaptation. Transitioning to first-party data collection by adopting CDPs and server-side tracking is a viable solution to privacy concerns in a cookieless environment.

In today’s episode of The Digital Deep Dive, Mandar Shinde, the CEO of Blotout, joins Aaron Conant for a discussion about adapting to a cookieless landscape. Mandar talks about the imminent shifts and the necessary actions brands must take to ensure their digital presence and customer relationships remain strong.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

  • "The world is coming to an end where only the device might remain as the attribution of choice for unifying data."
  • "You have lost the third-party cookie, but when the first-party cookie gets deprecated, you're dealing with a multidimensional problem."
  • "Brands must become the source of truth and take charge of the data because, in a couple of years, somebody could be asking, 'How did my data end up there?'"
  • "We play the game theory chess board every day, trying to evaluate feeding the monsters or moving towards data decentralization."
  • "The next few years will be interesting, but once the right tools are in place, owning and compliantly managing data will create a path to success."

Action Steps:

  1. Analyze the dependency on third-party cookies within your current digital marketing strategy: This step is essential as it prepares marketers for the shift away from a method that has been foundational, addressing the immediate need to innovate.
  2. Develop a robust first-party data collection and management system: By focusing on first-party data, brands can gain control and reduce future risks related to data privacy and compliance issues.
  3. Implement server-side tracking to improve data accuracy and speed: Server-side tracking can offer precise and real-time data that significantly enhances marketing performance.
  4. Establish unified identifiers for reliable cross-channel marketing outcomes: Using a common identifier ensures all marketing channels work harmoniously, leading to improved segmentation, targeting, and personalization.
  5. Stay educated on the latest data privacy laws and technological advancements in the digital marketing space: Continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field is critical for staying compliant and seizing opportunities driven by innovation.

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

David Sanborn

David Sanborn manages strategy and operations for GIZMO, a developer and manufacturer of consumer electronics. He is also the Co-founder of Kiid Coffee, a unique food brand that uses creative marketing to target nutritional gaps in children’s food. As an inventive entrepreneur, David has built and sold several brands, including Basics Brands, which he expanded into the pet retail space before selling it. 

 

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [00:21] David Sanborn describes his journey of building a brand from the ground up
  • [03:45] The value of networking in building business relationships and identifying growth opportunities
  • [07:12] Leveraging partnerships to streamline product development
  • [10:35] How to navigate the challenges of launching a brand
  • [21:11] Why David launched Kiid Coffee
  • [31:08] The changing landscape of SaaS and marketing plugins in the e-commerce industry
  • [34:15] How innovative companies address eCommerce problems with unique strategies

In this episode…

Starting a brand from scratch, creating an unparalleled product, and selling it successfully are seemingly basic yet daunting challenges in today’s competitive eCommerce marketplace. What does it take to cut through a saturated market and carve out a space for your products?

David Sanborn, a serial entrepreneur, has conquered the challenge of branding and innovation in the modern digital landscape. He maintains that strategic partnerships and mentors are invaluable resources for product development. These industry professionals can share ideas and strategies that can expedite launch and enhance innovation. Before launching your product, test its market fit to allow for customer feedback and ample refinement. Additionally, digital marketing is essential for brand awareness, so by integrating a mission-driven approach into your creative strategies, you can stimulate authentic consumer engagement and cement a long-term presence in the market.

In this episode of The Digital Deep Dive, Aaron Conant meets with David Sanborn of GIZMO to share innovative approaches to launching an eCommerce brand. David breaks down the intricacies of product development, the importance of market-fit testing, and how to stand out in a competitive market through creative marketing and genuine value creation.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • "You have to be a good marketer… An amazing product without anyone knowing about it may as well not exist."
  • "Every product has to have thought about marketing from the very beginning."
  • "Not everything is just right there on page one of Google, but you can get there."
  • "I'm jumping back in as a brand because I find it so fun to solve a problem and understand the consumer."
  • "Kids drinking coffee is not the craziest thing; it's a concept that immediately gets a reaction."
Action Steps:
  1. Utilize networks, including manufacturers' in-house resources, to efficiently develop and iterate product concepts: This leverages expertise and can speed up the development process.
  2. Craft a brand story that resonates and compels sharing: This can create customer connections and drive word-of-mouth marketing.
  3. Research thoroughly before investing in patents or complex development procedures: David Sanborn’s cautionary tale of expensive patents that weren't necessary reinforces the importance of validating the market first.
  4. Cultivate resilience and be resourceful when tackling challenges in business: David’s experiences showcase the power of not getting discouraged but instead leveraging setbacks as learning opportunities.
  5. Consider partnerships and influencer collaborations wisely to elevate brand visibility and credibility: David’s success story about networking underlines the potential of the right partnerships to scale a brand effectively.

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Aaron Schwartz

Aaron Schwartz is the Co-founder and President of Orita, a software company that improves email deliverability. He is also an advisor and investor in various commerce tech companies, including Passport and EcoCart. Previously, Aaron spent seven years building and managing DTC brand Modify Watches and was the President of Loop.

 
Daniel Brady

Daniel Brady (DB) is the CEO of Orita. As a neuroscientist turned data scientist, he has helped leading eCommerce brands organize their data sets. DB has also worked with CEOs, CTOs, and other leaders to build eCommerce companies. 

 
 
 
 

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [4:34] The counterintuitive approach of sending fewer emails to increase revenue
  • [5:56] What are the complexities and risks associated with email deliverability?
  • [8:14] Rethinking customer engagement by aligning communication with consumer behavior
  • [10:37] How leveraging machine learning can streamline lifecycle marketing efforts
  • [13:27] The financial benefits of optimizing marketing channel usage with AI
  • [20:28] Daniel Brady and Aaron Schwartz describe the changing landscape of tech vendor selection in the digital space
  • [34:20] Orita.ai's upcoming innovations tackling marketing stack efficiency

In this episode…

Customers are often overwhelmed by an inbox flooded with marketing emails, leading them to unsubscribe, much to brands’ dismay. Yet these brands are constantly grappling with finding the right balance in their communication frequency to keep customers engaged without driving them away. How can you maintain engagement in your email campaigns while saving money?

Using machine learning, data scientists and brand builders Daniel Brady (DB) and Aaron Schwartz have revolutionized customer data usage and engagement. You can implement AI into your email and SMS campaigns to analyze consumer data and identify communication patterns. This allows you to discover optimal touchpoints and avoid inundating your customers with emails. Periodically auditing your email lists can improve deliverability and help maintain higher subscriber engagement. Ultimately, building and nurturing long-lasting customer relationships through email marketing engagement boosts brand loyalty and customer lifetime value.

Tune in to the latest episode of The Digital Deep Dive as Aaron Conant welcomes DB and Aaron Schwartz of Orita to discuss enhancing your email marketing campaigns. Together, they share the financial benefits of leveraging AI to enhance email campaigns, how to select tech vendors, and how to optimize your tech stack.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

  • "The real power in AI and machine learning comes from solving specific, data-heavy problems that can work almost automatically without burdening the user."
  • "We all have unsubscribed from brands that we love, and it's because we receive content more often than we want to."
  • "With email marketing, it's not just about the frequency but the precision in reaching out at the moment when the customer is most receptive."
  • "Creating a delightful customer experience isn't just about the creative content but knowing when and how often to engage through data intelligence."
  • "It's essential to think about marketing not as individual channels, but as an interconnected system that caters to human behavior and preferences."

Action Steps:

  1. Perform an email deliverability audit with tools like Orita.ai to identify areas of improvement.
    • This is effective because it detects inefficiencies and potential threats in email marketing strategies.
  2. Construct a probabilistic model to assess the risks and benefits of your email marketing frequency.
    • This allows for strategic decision-making when it comes to engaging customers and prevents overload.
  3. Streamline your tech stack by identifying core tools that provide comprehensive benefits.
    • This simplifies operations, saves costs, and enhances the effectiveness of digital marketing efforts.
  4. Schedule regular data review sessions to ensure machine learning tool performances are aligned with brand objectives.
    • This keeps email strategies agile and responsive to market shifts and customer behavior.
  5. Explore machine learning solutions for other marketing channels, such as SMS and direct mail.
    • This expands the brand's reach with precision, leveraging data for targeted and profitable customer communication.

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

David Cost

David Cost is the VP of Digital and eCommerce at Rainbow Apparel Co, an omnichannel fast-fashion retailer offering women’s, plus-size, and children’s clothing. In his role, he manages over 1,000 stores in the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands and has grown the eCommerce business over 9x. 

David has developed new eCommerce technologies as a beta tester and early adopter for companies, including Oven Bits, BloomReach, and Instant Labs. He has also served on customer advisory boards for Salesforce and Shopify and has spoken at CommerceNext and other industry events. 

 

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:28] How to leverage first-party cookies in a post-third-party landscape
  • [12:39] Navigating customer acquisition costs
  • [17:25] David Cost shares his thoughts on AI for first-party cookies
  • [23:58] The importance of segmented first-party data
  • [27:11] Product videos as an emerging tool to drive conversions
  • [30:16] How TikTok has altered the shopping process
  • [32:37] Profitability: the foundation for every eCommerce brand

In this episode…

Third-party cookies are sunsetting, and although an official date hasn’t been set for their demise, brands must consider alternatives. How can you continue targeting customers in a post-cookies world?

Website cookies include first-party, generated from the brand, and third-party, originating from outside sources. Third-party cookies only store information for seven days, whereas first-party cookies can retain data for up to 20 years. According to eCommerce executive David Cost, You can bypass third-party cookies by gathering relevant consumer information through a brand-exclusive data layer and sharing it with others. This allows you to create and optimize marketing messages to retarget customers and boost conversions. Leveraging first-party cookies also lowers customer acquisition costs, ensuring you can easily identify and retain your top purchasers.

In the latest episode of The Digital Deep Dive, Aaron Conant welcomes David Cost, the VP of Digital and eCommerce at Rainbow Apparel Co, to discuss solutions for the demise of third-party cookies. David shares his thoughts on using AI to create first-party cookies, how product videos drive conversions, and why you need segmented first-party data. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Andrea Moore

Andrea Moore is the Chief Digital Officer at NEST New York, a fast-growing, leading fragrance lifestyle brand. As a C-suite executive and omnichannel leader, she has experience launching, building, and scaling digital businesses to $100 million. Andrea is also an angel investor, an advisory board member at ShopTalk, and an Adjunct Professor at FIT. 

 

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Andrea Moore talks about the shift from digital to omnichannel 
  • How DTC brands can diversify into multiple channels
  • Assessing new technology for your tech stack 
  • Key considerations for leveraging AI solutions
  • The role of data in utilizing AI tools
  • Advice for prioritizing tech initiatives: focus on your business goals
  • Security, leadership, and KPIs: the industry’s most pressing pain points

In this episode…

During the pandemic, brick-and-mortar brands began shifting to digital, with pandemic-born brands launching DTC exclusively. In the pandemic’s aftermath, DTC has become less profitable, so brands must integrate online and in-store efforts to survive. How can you build a robust omnichannel strategy?

As omnichannel brand builder Andrea Moore says, it doesn’t matter where your consumers shop as long as they purchase from you and not your competitors. You can establish storefronts on Walmart, Amazon, and Target’s online marketplaces as well as your personal website and brick-and-mortar shop. By targeting your customers where they shop, you can dominate the market. Omnichannel strategies often require a significant amount of tech tools to execute effectively, and it can be challenging to determine the precise fit for your tech stack. Andrea advises assessing your business goals, go-to-market strategy, and margin structures to capitalize on profitable growth opportunities.

Join Aaron Conant in today’s episode of The Digital Deep Dive as he sits down with Andrea Moore, the Chief Digital Officer at NEST New York, to discuss omnichannel brand strategies. Andrea shares how brands should consider data when utilizing AI, the digital landscape’s most urgent issues, and how AI will impact leadership roles. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Matthew-Rosenfeld

Matthew Rosenfeld is the Founder and CEO of Crush, which provides boutique Amazon management services for retail and DTC brands. He is also the Founder of Retail Racer, which leverages proprietary software to automate retail outreach for DTC brands. As a former Amazon seller, Matthew has launched, acquired, and sold multiple brands.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Matthew Rosenfeld shares his thoughts on Amazon aggregation 
  • The key components of Amazon — and how to sell on the platform
  • Vital considerations for advertising on Amazon and integrating efforts with DTC brands
  • Navigating Amazon’s shifting landscape to achieve success on the platform
  • Three metrics to analyze profitability on Amazon 
  • Why you need to launch your brand on Amazon 
  • What is the future of Vendor Central?

In this episode…

As Amazon gains a greater presence in the market, launching your brand on the platform is crucial for driving awareness. Yet some brands are hesitant to take this leap, fearing that Amazon will drop product prices and allow others to resell products on their sites. How can you generate sales and profitability on Amazon without exhausting resources?

Selling on Amazon provides an opportunity to drive traffic to your DTC storefront, but Amazon veteran Matthew Rosenfeld warns that the platform’s landscape is constantly shifting, so you must develop calculated strategies to avoid major losses. The two main components retail-first brands should focus on are demand capture and net new customer acquisition. Without capturing sufficient demand on social media platforms like Meta and TikTok, brands that exceed $3-5 million in annual revenue experienced profit losses. Consumer purchase intentions are substantially higher on Amazon, so brands must acquire new customers on the platform to boost conversion rates.

In today’s episode of The Digital Deep Dive, Aaron Conant sits down with Matthew Rosenfeld, the Founder and CEO of Crush, to make the case for why your brand should have an Amazon presence. Matthew shares his perspective on brand aggregations in the Amazon space, the future of Vendor Central, and how to analyze profitability on the platform.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Amitai Sasson

Amitai Sasson is the VP of eCommerce at overstockArt.com, the largest online retailer of handmade oil paintings in the US. In his role, he has designed and developed the company’s online store, with annual sales of over $2 million. Amitai is also responsible for enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and supply chain systems. As an eCommerce authority and web marketer, he specializes in developing innovative technology solutions to improve sales and performance.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Amitai Sasson talks about the beginnings of overstockArt.com — and how the company scaled its online presence
  • How to navigate shipping costs 
  • Considerations for third-party shipping and website plug-ins 
  • Driving traffic to your eCommerce site through technology integrations
  • What does the demise of third-party cookies entail for data collection? 
  • Amitai shares how he drives free traffic to overstockArt.com 
  • overstockArt.com’s inventory management technology
  • The impact of AI on eCommerce

Online shopping has become the norm, and some brands operate entirely from an eCommerce model. Despite this, eCommerce is still in its infancy, so brands are struggling with the basics, like sales, shipping, and traffic. What strategies can brands employ to stay ahead of the eCommerce game?

According to eCommerce specialist Amitai Sasson, shipping costs are rising, but packaging products in smaller boxes can reduce fees. He also recommends that brands with essential products utilize Shopify for third-party shipping to provide consumers with a seamless shopping and checkout experience. You must also understand your website traffic drivers by analyzing first-party data, available inventory, best-selling products, and ad spend. Additionally, integrating new technology into your website may increase your traffic and conversion rates.

Welcome back to The Digital Deep Dive as Aaron Conant welcomes Amitai Sasson, the VP of eCommerce at overstockArt.com, to discuss the latest eCommerce trends. Amitai talks about overstockArt.com’s early online presence, how the demise of third-party cookies impacts data collection, and how to drive free traffic to your website.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Todd Hassenfelt

Todd Hassenfelt is the Global Digital Commerce Senior Director of Strategy and Execution at Colgate-Palmolive, an innovative growth company that reimagines a healthier future for people, pets, and the planet. He has extensive leadership experience in brick-and-mortar and eCommerce channels, serving as a leader on both sales and marketing teams. 

Todd has also sold some of the top brands in the US to multiple channels, including C-stores, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, supermarkets, and eCommerce. As an eCommerce and content contributor, his articles appear in publications such as BRAVE Commerce, Ecommerce Braintrust, and The Digital Shelf Cast.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • The impact of economic turbulence and debt on the eCommerce landscape
  • How brands can pivot to address decreased consumer spending
  • Targeting consumers with sound retail media strategies
  • Todd Hassenfelt explains how to make informed business decisions
  • Is product bundling an effective strategy?
  • How to manage and diversify ad spend appropriately
  • Financial trends in the DTC space

In this episode…

Following post-pandemic spending sprees, credit card interest debt in the US has reached a staggering $578 billion. With consumers cutting back on spending to pay off their debts, how can eCommerce brands adjust their strategies to retarget them?

The proliferation of retail media has simplified online shopping significantly, with consumers making purchases through buy now, pay later options after using a QR code through a connected TV ad. To address consumer spending cuts and increased budgeting, eCommerce and digital strategy engineer Todd Hassenfelt advises offering discounts and perks like subscribe and save initiatives to encourage quick purchases. You can also bundle products to provide consumers with greater value for their money and promote routines and regiments. When retargeting customers through retail media, advertise your lowest-priced products first and reevaluate your messaging to capture budget-conscious consumers.

The Global Digital Commerce Director of Strategy and Execution at Colgate-Palmolive, Todd Hassenfelt, returns to The Digital Deep Dive to talk with Aaron Conant about pivoting eCommerce strategies during economic turmoil. Todd shares frontrunning financial trends in the DTC space, how to manage and diversify ad spend to align with consumer spending habits, and how to make informed business decisions.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Destaney Wishon

Destaney Wishon is the Co-founder and CEO of BTR Media, a retail media company empowering growth for brands. The company rebranded from BetterAMS, where Destaney started as an Account Executive, providing perspective on new industry standards for brands’ eCommerce strategies. She is passionate about providing in-depth, strategic recommendations on sponsored products, brands, displays, and DSP. As an Amazon advertising thought leader, Destaney has spoken in over 9,000 podcasts and events.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • The evolution of Amazon marketing
  • How entrepreneurs can adapt to the evolving digital landscape
  • Strategies for creating engaging and consistent content
  • The current state of paid media 
  • Destaney Wishon addresses the fundamental change in paid media dollars and ad spend 
  • How is Amazon competing with other leading retail media networks?
  • Scaling an agency strategically

In this episode…

As the digital landscape evolves seemingly by the day, Amazon is no longer the only advertising platform to invest in, and entrepreneurs are inundated with business growth strategies. How have advertising and media evolved, and how can entrepreneurs adapt to the constantly shifting space?

As a digital advertising strategist regularly pivoting to address challenges in the digital landscape, Destaney Wishon notes that Amazon has transitioned into a media company to compete with retail media networks like Walmart. Rather than investing solely in niche Amazon ads like PPC, brands must diversify their spending to include sponsored product, brand, and display ads and social media platforms like TikTok. As entrepreneurs transition out of their companies’ daily operations, they must create effortless, consistent, and engaging content to scale. Destaney recommends hosting networking events or podcasts to develop partnerships and create outreach strategies on LinkedIn to navigate the digital space effectively.

Tune in to this episode of The Digital Deep Dive as Aaron Conant talks with Destaney Wishon, The Co-founder and CEO of BTR Media, about the current state of Amazon advertising and entrepreneurship in the space. Destaney explains how paid media has skyrocketed, how to scale an agency strategically, and content creation strategies.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

Chris Perry

Chris Perry is the Co-founder and Chief Learning Officer at firstmovr, a satellite Center of Excellence (COE) for eCommerce education and change management. He is also an Executive Educator and Keynote Speaker at Path to Purchase Institute. With over 12 years of experience as an eCommerce leader and executive educator, Chris aims to empower leaders to embrace change with actionable knowledge, strategies, and KPIs.

 

 

Apple
google
Spotify
Stitcher
Amazon
Tune in
Deezer
Player FM

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • How to execute an omnichannel strategy across multiple touchpoints
  • The importance of a full-funnel media strategy
  • Chris Perry addresses the social commerce boom
  • Driving commerce growth through agency of record (AOR) partnerships
  • Category management strategies to drive incrementality
  • How often should you update your data, workflows, and processes?
  • Advice for winning in-store and online
  • Training and education for first movers

In this episode…

The eCommerce landscape is advancing rapidly, and first-mover organizations are capitalizing on digital trends for 2024. What eCommerce projections should you observe, and how can you implement them to drive explosive growth in 2024?

First mover and change leader Chris Perry notes that shoppers expect omnichannel integrations at every touchpoint, so everything from online and in-store shopping experiences to retail media should include omnichannel strategies. With the rapid adoption of retail media, first movers must dismantle advertising and media silos to develop a full-funnel approach that engages audiences. As Gen Z consumers shop on social media platforms like TikTok, social commerce has become the leading driver of digital, making it crucial for first movers to leverage. Additionally, increasing acquisitions and partnerships have led to competition, so by partnering with agencies of record (AOR), you can enable long-term leadership and growth. Category management strategies are imperative in generating incremental omnichannel growth. To ensure effective omnichannel capabilities, you must update your processes, details, and workflows.

In this episode of The Digital Deep Dive, Aaron Conant welcomes Chris Perry, the Co-founder and Chief Learning Officer at firstmovr, to discuss the leading digital commerce trends for 2024. Chris shares how to develop winning online and in-store shopping strategies, how to promote first-mover leadership training and education, and how to execute omnichannel strategies.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About BWG Connect...

BWG Connect provides executive strategy and networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. We network and knowledge share together to better understand and adapt to the newest trends, strategies, and pain points shaping growth in the digital space. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.

In addition, we have had 1x1 conversations with over 5,000 brands and have a real-time pulse on what digital strategies are successful and why. This in-depth knowledge allows our team to operate on the cutting-edge and provide our clients with best-in-class guidance on how to win in the digital world. We have provided free consultations and strategy sessions for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune-100, to enable growth, resolve issues and make curated service provider introductions that can impact your digital footprint.

We have held to the philosophy of providing high-level insights and actionable knowledge with no sales pitches in order to provide to our network the ability to listen, learn and act to improve themselves as well as their organizations. Our ultimate goal is to be the resource out there to help digital executives find the research they need to excel in the modern marketplace.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of our current or past events, you can find them here. If you are looking for help & would like to set up some time to chat with our team, you can schedule a time or reach out directly to Aaron@bwgconnect.com or Tiffany@bwgconnect.com.

BRINGING TOGETHER INFLUENTIAL EXECUTIVES AND SENIOR PROFESSIONALS

What is BWG Connect?

BWG Connect provides executive strategy & networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution. BWG has built an exclusive network of 125,000+ senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events on an annual basis.
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