Contents

EN Underline
  1. In This Episode
  2. Why the Direct to Consumer Model Matters
  3. Check Out the Episode to Learn More
  4. Take Advantage of This Exclusive Offer
  5. Timestamps
  6. Related Links
  7. You May Also Enjoy…

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In This Episode

The direct to consumer (DTC) model has been one of the biggest stories in business this century. The DTC wave is led by brands like Gymshark and The Hut Group, both now valued at over $1 billion, as well as MVMT, a watch company that grew to become a $300 million brand in just five years after its founding.

But just how are these companies generating so much revenue at this ridiculous pace? It all has to do with the DTC business model, which also requires a different approach to digital marketing.

Let’s look at an example.

Why the Direct to Consumer Model Matters

At Thinkplus, we’ve worked with several DTC brands over the years. One company that’s a current client of ours is Soccer Supplement.

As the name suggests, Soccer Supplement sells health supplements specifically designed for the performance needs of footballers/soccer players (we won’t get into the argument of the proper term to use).

If we had marketed this brand in, say, 2010, the process would have looked like this:

First, we’d take their product to local independent stores and beg them to stock it.
We’d have to sell the product at a discount of Recommended Retail Price (RRP) so they can take their cut and make money from each sale.

Let’s assume the partnership is successful and the supplements sell well. The next step would be to move to a larger retailer.

A large supermarket agrees to stock our product. However, they also require a brand advertising campaign, such as an in-store display or product launch, to drive people to their stores.
The supermarket demands a larger discount on RRP to make their cut, making your margins thinner.

While this model can be effective — especially for fast-moving consumer goods — it’s worth noting that selling through a middleman means that you often don’t have a direct relationship with buyers.

You won’t know who’s buying your product, where they’re from or what their preferences are.

The DTC model completely flips the script and cuts out any middlemen. This means you have complete control over the sales funnel, the customer experience and the marketing campaigns.

Check Out the Episode to Learn More

Now for the fun part — evaluating successful DTC marketing campaigns.

Join us as our Head Ninja Tim breaks down what makes DTC companies unique and how brands that use this business model market themselves online.

We’re also introducing the Thinkplus Star Marketing System — a five-step framework that analyses successful marketing campaigns into five key elements:

  • Positioning
  • Presence
  • Process
  • People
  • Progression

It’s a system that’s perfect for evaluating the dynamic nature of DTC marketing campaigns.

Take Advantage of This Exclusive Offer

We also have an exclusive ContentKing offer for our YouTube followers and podcast listeners! Go to www.ContentKingApp.com/ExposureNinja/ and get a FREE 28-day extended trial of ContentKing.

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction
01:28 — Why Direct to Consumer Marketing Is a Big Deal
05:43 — Star Marketing System
10:36 — Positioning (feat. Gymshark)
12:22 — Presence (feat. Smile Direct Club)
14:12 — Process (feat. Smile Direct Club and Lounge Underwear)
18:03 — People (feat. The Hut Group)
22:20 — Progression (feat. Myprotein)
26:05 — Actionable Direct to Consumer Tips

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