#206 HTE - "Tick-Tock! Time for Marketing Mastery!"⏰

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July 12, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes

Hey, buddies! 🎉

What's crackin' in the world of marketing and DTC awesomeness on this fine Wednesday? 

You know, the day that's right in the middle of the week, where we find ourselves plotting marketing magic and dreaming of skyrocketing sales?

Yeah, that's the one!

Well, guess what?

We've cooked up the tastiest, freshest, and most ridiculously insightful edition of our newsletter just for you, fellow marketers and DTC brand owners! 🚀

🔥 It's like a treasure trove of marketing tips, growth hacks, and success stories that'll have you fist-pumping like a marketing rockstar!

So get ready to take your marketing game to the next level, sip on that strategic cup of coffee ☕️, and let's embark on this wild Wednesday adventure together.

🌟 Let's dominate the marketing universe, folks! 🚀

Check it out!

🎧 Threads Listen to Users: Updates Improve Experience and Expand Opportunities

🚀 Prime Day Mania: Amazon's Sales Soar, Competition Heats Up, and Shoppers Stock Up on Deals

💧 E-commerce Potential with Drip: All In One, Stress Free

🎯 TikTok Targets Amazon: Plans to Launch Online Store, According to Report

💥 Power of YouTube TrueView Shorts Ads for DTC and E-commerce Success!

📕 Top Reads Of The Week

⚙️ HTE JOB BOARD: Plenty Of Jobs Await You!

So, scroll down to THE VERY END & read up on what’s yet to come your way!

Threads Listen to Users: Updates Improve Experience and Expand Opportunities

Meta's new social media platform, Threads, encountered some bumps after its recent launch. But they're not ignoring user complaints. In response, they're rolling out updates to tackle those concerns head-on.

One major gripe was the algorithm-driven content presentation.

Well, good news! 

Threads introduces an alternative home feed that lets you chronologically see posts from followed accounts.

No more missing out on the latest updates.

But that's not all. 

Meta is also working on features to enhance your Threads experience. Soon, you can edit your posts, fixing any embarrassing typos or adding missing information. They're even developing a translation feature, breaking down language barriers. Plus, you'll be able to switch between multiple Threads accounts seamlessly.

Marketers, listen up! 

Instagram is extending its branded content tools to Threads, offering opportunities for paid promotions. While direct advertising isn't allowed, brands can transparently acknowledge paid partnerships through text or hashtags until the new tools are fully operational.

Launching a new social media platform is no walk in the park, and Threads has quickly learned that. It's not just about attracting millions of users—it's about providing a familiar and intuitive experience. Meta values user feedback and aims to integrate it, prioritize updates, and navigate commercialization successfully.

So, get ready for an exciting ride on Threads as they address user concerns and strive to keep us scrolling, liking, and sharing for the long haul.

Prime Day Mania: Amazon's Sales Soar, Competition Heats Up, and Shoppers Stock Up on Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a roaring start, with customers flocking to snag great deals.

By 4 pm EDT, the average order size had reached a solid $56.26, up from $52.22 last year. Shoppers seem eager to make the most of the event, with over half of households (52%) already placing at least two orders.

And get this, more than a third of them (36%) have splurged over $100!

But let's zoom out and take a look at the bigger picture.

We expect Prime Day sales in the US to hit a whopping $8.03 billion this year, a cool 10.0% increase compared to 2022.

Now, it's not just Amazon enjoying the party. With fierce competition from Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Nordstrom, other retailers are also vying for a slice of this highly lucrative pie.

Speaking of which, Amazon's share of Prime Day sales is shrinking. Putting it at 59.6%, down from 60.9% in 2019. It seems like Walmart and Target are reaping the benefits, especially as inflation pushes shoppers to seek deals on everyday essentials. 44% of shoppers plan to hit up Target Circle Week in addition to Prime Day, and 33% are eyeing deals from Walmart+.

Now, let's peek at what's flying off the virtual shelves. 

As of this afternoon, the top-selling items on Prime Day range from household necessities like batteries to fancy gadgets like the Apple Watch.

Clearly, customers see this event as an opportunity to stock up and indulge.

But here's the twist: Amazon has changed its strategy this year. In the past, they heavily emphasized tech deals, but this time around, they're adapting to shifting consumer spending patterns. They're offering exclusive discounts that can only be redeemed in-store, capitalizing on shoppers' love for brick-and-mortar experiences. And they're not stopping there.

Oh, and let's not forget their collaboration with Priceline to offer exclusive travel discounts.

They're pulling out all the stops!

It's no surprise that consumers are taking advantage of Prime Day to stock up on essentials, given the economic pressures they face.

People are being strategic with their purchases, from rising inflation to student loan payments and the end of emergency SNAP benefits.

Unleash Your E-commerce Potential with Drip: All In One, Stress Free

Drip have mastered customer data to create mind-blowingly personalized journeys across channels.

Say goodbye to being overshadowed and hello to rivaling the big players. Drip empowers unique brands with powerful tools and a rebel spirit.

With a core of empathy and unwavering support, they'll help you conquer the e-commerce landscape.

TikTok Targets Amazon: Plans to Launch Online Store, According to Report

Guess what?

TikTok has some big plans in store for us! They're about to launch an online store right on their US app next month.

Yep, you heard it right, TikTok is diving into the world of e-commerce!

Brace yourself for some serious shopping fun.

This new online store is going to take TikTok's existing TikTok Shop feature to the next level. It'll be like a one-stop shop where you can find products from both the store itself and TikTok Shop.

Say goodbye to bouncing back and forth between different places.

TikTok is also cooking up something called the "TikTok Shop Shopping Center." Fancy name, right?

It's basically going to be a central hub where you can discover awesome promotions and explore a wider range of products. It's like a virtual shopping extravaganza right at your fingertips.

To make this whole e-commerce adventure a reality, TikTok has teamed up with logistics firms. They're getting all the logistics in place, so you can shop to your heart's content without any hiccups.

Talk about being prepared!

Now, you might be wondering how this will all shake up the e-commerce landscape. Well, with TikTok jumping into the game, they're aiming to take on the big players like Amazon.

That's some serious cash!

But here's an interesting twist. TikTok isn't just all about e-commerce. It's been a powerful marketing tool for other e-commerce giants too. Take Amazon, for example. They've been splurging on TikTok ads like there's no tomorrow. It's a win-win situation for everyone!

Soon, you'll have an online store right at your fingertips. 

Whether you're a shopaholic or just looking for some cool deals, TikTok's got you covered.

According to a new report from FTI Consulting, online retail sales in the U.S. are expected to reach a staggering $1.14 trillion this year, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.

Now, here's the best part. 

That's right, folks, online shopping is taking center stage and stealing the show. While e-commerce sales growth may not skyrocket like it did during the pandemic, it's still projected to outpace store-based sales growth by more than double through 2025.

But what do shoppers really want?

Well, according to a survey conducted by FTI Consulting, personalization is the name of the game.

And guess what? 

Three-fourths of respondents expressed their sheer enthusiasm for receiving product offers and ads tailored specifically to them. It's all about that personal touch, my friends!

Now, here's where things get interesting across the generations. While some Baby Boomers may not be keen on tailored product recommendations, a whopping 72% of Gen Z respondents revealed that they would gladly switch retailers if it meant enjoying a more personalized experience.

Talk about demanding the best!

However, there are some concerns to address.

But fear not!

The survey also highlighted areas where consumers are more receptive to product recommendations.

And let's not forget about the lure of local recommendations and offers, which captured the attention of nearly 70% of survey participants. It's all about that personal touch and getting the best deals, after all.

Unleash the Power of YouTube TrueView Shorts Ads for DTC and E-commerce Success!

Ready to take your brand to new heights in e-commerce? YouTube TrueView Shorts Ads is your guy!

These short-form video ads are a game-changer for direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses. Get ready for a thrilling ride through digital marketing and online sales.

Lights, Camera, Shorts: A DTC Revolution 🌟

In the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, YouTube TrueView Shorts Ads captivate your target audience like never before. With the explosive growth of DTC brands, leveraging short-form video content is a must. Discover how to make your brand shine on the biggest stage of all.

Unveiling the True Potential: The Rise of DTC and E-commerce 💥

DTC revolutionizes how consumers discover and interact with brands. YouTube TrueView Shorts Ads are your secret weapon to cut through the noise and connect with your audience on a whole new level. Explore the untapped potential of this dynamic advertising format and unlock DTC success.

Crafting Compelling Ads for E-commerce 📽️

Lights, camera, and Shorts Ads! Create video content that drives engagement and boosts e-commerce sales. Learn the best practices for designing captivating Shorts Ads that capture attention, tell your brand story, and inspire action. Leave a lasting impression.

Making the Most of TrueView Ads ⚡

Maximize the impact of your TrueView Shorts Ads for e-commerce success. Optimize your campaigns through strategic bidding, audience targeting, and analytics. Outpace the competition and achieve stellar results in the fast-paced world of online sales.

From Views to Conversions: Transforming Engagement into Sales 💰

TrueView Shorts Ads drive real conversions. Discover the art of converting engaged viewers into loyal customers through strategic calls-to-action, enticing offers, and seamless user experiences. Turn those views into dollars.

The E-commerce Revolution: YouTube Shorts as Your Launchpad 🚀

YouTube Shorts is at the forefront of the e-commerce revolution. Explore how Shorts Ads can amplify your brand's growth, boost product launches, and skyrocket sales. Step into the world of e-commerce excellence.

Unleashing the DTC Potential 💡

YouTube TrueView Shorts Ads give you a direct line to engage your audience, build brand loyalty, and drive sales. Leverage the power of Shorts Ads to unlock your DTC potential and dominate the e-commerce landscape.

📕 Top Reads Of The Week

⚙️ HTE JOB BOARD: Plenty Of Jobs Await You!

➡️ Management Accountant - Clear Course 

➡️ Wholesale Channel Lead - Driftaway Coffee

➡️ Associate Consultant (Global Benefits) - Lockton

➡️ Senior Customer Marketing Officer - SQA

➡️ Senior Marketing Executive - The British Red Cross

CHOOSE SUCCESS below and have a great week ahead! Get that D2C business runnin’.