How can DTC brands run sweepstakes that actually drive results? In this episode, we break down the full sweepstakes checklist: how to plan, set up, promote, and track a campaign that performs.

We’ve been getting a lot of questions from marketers and DTC founders about sweepstakes, and for good reason - when done right, they can drive serious attention, grow your email list, and create a brand moment that doesn’t depend on constant discounting.

We walk through everything you need to know to run a sweepstakes for your ecommerce brand: how to time it, what to offer, how to promote it with paid, what legal considerations to keep in mind, and the one element that can make or break your results.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Ep 17 - The Sweepstake Tactics To Create Tentpole Moments for more sweepstakes strategy discussion:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5kzE8uNgBBqy9nU3uloppt?si=5586b656d0e045e8

YouTube: https://youtu.be/wSgVjuh3i6Y

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

09:05 The Rise of Sweepstakes in Marketing

18:02 Strategizing Sweepstakes Offers

22:29 Branding and Design Language for Campaigns

28:35 Gamification in Sweepstakes

39:36 Maximizing Post-Purchase Revenue

46:41 Legal Considerations for Sweepstakes

50:34 Tracking Entries and Customer Awareness

01:03:28 Building Effective Funnels for Sweepstakes

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

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Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Rivo.

https://www.rivo.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

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In this episode, we get into a few different areas we've been working through recently, from campaign performance to org structure to how we’re using AI in our day-to-day. We dig into how recent promotions performed across our DTC brands, including Mother's Day and Memorial Day campaigns, and share what we’ve seen work (and not work) when it comes to bundling, gift-with-purchase offers, and mystery boxes.

We also talk through how ecommerce teams are structured inside the brands we work with, including where things can break down between marketing, web, and product.

Finally, we get into how AI is being used practically in our workflows, from tools like ChatGPT and ElevenLabs to how we’re using HeyGen for localization - what’s been useful, what still requires human oversight, and where we’re seeing opportunity.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

03:13 Leveraging AI in Marketing

06:06 Campaign Strategies and Branding

08:56 Sales Performance Insights

11:45 Innovative Promotions and Offers

15:00 Structuring E-Commerce Teams

17:52 Future Planning and Product Roadmaps

40:39 E-commerce Operations and Team Structure

44:16 Maximizing Post-Purchase Profitability

46:18 AI Integration in E-commerce Workflows

54:01 AI's Impact on Customer Experience and Operations

01:00:00 Leveraging AI for Marketing and Data Analysis

01:15:24 Testing and Insights in E-commerce Strategies

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

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Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we break down how we plan, execute, and analyze our go-to-market (GTM) campaigns. We walk through the full product launch process for our DTC brands, from the initial product brief to strategy development, creative asset production, cross-functional collaboration, and post-mortem analysis.

We share how we tier our launches, how different teams contribute (from product marketing to paid media), and the systems we use to keep everything moving, including ClickUp, Figma, and Notion. We also review our go-to-market boards in real time, showing how we centralize assets, messaging, and strategy across every channel to run high-impact, cohesive campaigns.

Finally, we dive into how we're starting to use AI, especially in copywriting workflows, and where human creativity still plays a critical role.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

05:22 Defining Go-To-Market Strategies

12:03 The Product Prequel Process

17:15 Attribution Models and Their Impact

20:22 Understanding Product Launch Tiers

23:39 Collaboration Between Product and Marketing Teams

29:12 Creating Cohesive Marketing Messaging

35:46 The Role of Project Management in Marketing

39:09 Post-Mortem Analysis for Continuous Improvement

45:43 Centralizing Project Management Functions

48:36 Go-To-Market Strategy and Execution

55:27 Comprehensive Creative Briefs for Launches

58:14 Centralizing Creative Assets

01:02:56 Brand vs. Product Messaging

01:05:39 Design Toolkits for Cohesive Branding

01:11:02 Creative Problem Solving with Existing Assets

01:15:24 Leveraging AI for Content Creation

01:19:09 Establishing a Design System

01:22:01 Iterating on Go-to-Market Strategies

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

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Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

As our unofficial “shadow guest”, Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, finally joins us to unpack what growing a brand actually looks like in 2025. From shifting Meta performance and rising creative demands to tighter margins and changing consumer behavior, we explore the real constraints shaping how brands operate today.

We talk about how the best brands are adjusting their messaging to drive performance, how to think about media spend through a margin-first lens, and why bundling, offer structure, and disciplined execution are more important than ever.

Taylor also shares his take on the evolving balance between brand and product-led growth, how to think about testing in a high-cost environment, and why most teams of the future will look leaner, faster, and increasingly AI-powered.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

04:08 E-commerce Challenges and Growth Strategies

11:08 Navigating Meta's Advertising Landscape

18:14 Optimizing for Incrementality and Brand Engagement

25:21 The Role of Brand Activations and Measurement

37:44 Unlocking New Reach in Marketing

40:05 The Short-Term Impact of Advertising

43:39 Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing

46:24 Evolving Marketing Strategies for Growth

49:19 The Role of Creative Campaigns in Business Growth

53:08 The Future of Marketing and AI Integration

01:00:09 The Changing Landscape of Creative Development

01:05:42 The Role of Humans in an AI-Driven World

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

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Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

With rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and declining consumer confidence, brands are being forced to do more with less - and in today’s episode, we break down what that actually looks like in practice, and how we’re adapting our marketing strategies in today’s tough economic environment.

We cover what we’re cutting, what we’re keeping, and where we’re doubling down. From headcount and forecasting to channel prioritization, vendor negotiations, and creative strategy, we share the shifts we’re making to stay lean without stalling growth.

We also get into how our thinking is evolving around incrementality, media efficiency, and value messaging—and why now might be the time to rethink how you define “essential” in your marketing stack. This is a real-time look at how we’re navigating the pressure, adjusting to change, and planning for what’s next.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

03:21 AI in Marketing and Economic Pressures

05:46 Market Trends and Consumer Behavior

09:13 Adjusting Strategies in a Recession

14:51 Vendor Relationships and Cost Management

18:12 Maintaining Growth Amidst Cuts

23:52 Customer Support Innovations

44:16 Navigating Incrementality in Media Spend

47:35 The Importance of Testing and Revalidating Assumptions

50:34 Adapting Marketing Strategies in a Changing Economy

56:51 Understanding Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior

01:00:07 Positioning Premium Brands in a Downturn

01:04:56 Leveraging Retail Opportunities for Long-Term Gains

01:10:19 The Impact of Tariffs on Marketing Messaging

01:20:55 Strategic Growth in a Competitive Landscape

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today on the show, we’re joined by Krista Dalton, the CMO and SVP of Digital at Tecovas, as she takes us inside the brand’s marketing strategy. We get into how Tecovas leverages data, reporting, and merchandising to expand and evolve the brand, all while staying true to its roots. We discuss the importance of understanding customer needs, how to balance creative and data-driven decisions, and the key role of brand evolution in driving growth. Krista also discusses how Tecovas is expanding into new categories while ensuring every offering aligns with their core mission. She also shares how AI is helping streamline data processes and reporting and highlights the importance of a collaborative, cross-functional team in executing Tecovas’ marketing strategy.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

02:36 Current Trends in DTC Marketing and AI Integration

05:31 Understanding the Role of a CMO at Tecovas

11:50 Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting Practices

24:03 Balancing Automation with Personal Insight in Data Analysis

32:51 Understanding Brand and Product Dynamics

38:30 The Importance of Post-Purchase Optimization

56:06 Learning from Failures and Customer Expectations

01:05:39 Craftsmanship and Customer Connection

01:10:55 Navigating the Cowboy Boot Market

01:21:07 Strategic Growth Marketing Initiatives

01:28:39 Leveraging AI for Marketing Efficiency

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

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Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we break down what it actually means to define a high-performing ad creative strategy, and why doing so is essential to unlocking sustainable growth on Meta. We walk through Cody’s 10-point creative framework for shaping the ad strategy at Jones Road Beauty, diving into why creative should be treated as targeting, how to escape Meta’s “local maxima,” and how to feed the algorithm more diverse, strategically aligned inputs. Cody shares his take on creative strategy as prompt engineering for right-brain marketers, reframing how brands should think about influencing Meta’s outcomes.

We also explore the maturity curve of attribution and measurement – why early-stage brands often rely on last-click metrics, and how that approach needs to evolve over time. Finally, we touch on the complexity of deciding which dimensions – audience, ad format, channel, offer, or optimization strategy – are worth prioritizing as you scale.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

02:52 Navigating Economic Pressures and AI in Marketing

05:46 Creative Strategy and Team Structure

09:03 Defining Creative Strategy and Volume

11:46 Creative Diversity and Audience Targeting

15:05 Local Maxima and Creative Inputs

17:47 Post-Purchase Monetization Strategies

21:03 The Role of Media Strategy in Creative Success

27:10 Aligning Creative and Media Strategies

29:56 Influencer Partnerships and Targeting

32:46 New Attribution Models and Performance Measurement

39:26 The Evolution of Attribution Models

42:10 Defining Creative Diversity

44:30 Incrementality vs Attribution in Marketing

47:51 Measuring Marketing Success

53:51 Cohesive Funnels in Marketing

01:07:21 Creative Exploration vs Exploitation

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode of Marketing Operators, we get into a mix of marketing topics that are top of mind for us this week, plus we answer a listener question from the MOperators Hotline.

First, we break down Meta’s Conversion Lift Testing, including how it measures ad performance, its limitations, and when it’s most useful for your business. We also discuss how AI tools are revolutionising creative production, from automating time-consuming tasks like image and video creation to enabling more personalised, scalable content at a fraction of the traditional cost. Next up, we explore product seeding, including effective strategies for influencer outreach, tracking success, and improving hit rates. We wrap up by answering one of our listener’s questions on running incrementality tests for a low eight-figure brand with a million-dollar ad spend split between Meta and Google Search.

Tune in for insights on ad testing, creative strategies, and influencer marketing to help optimize your marketing efforts and create sustainable growth.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 April Fool's Campaigns and Brand Values

02:48 Innovative Product Launches and Creative Processes

05:58 Testing and Measurement Strategies in Marketing

12:05 Incrementality Testing: Meta vs. Haus

17:49 Optimizing Marketing Strategies for Growth

23:47 AI in Influencer Marketing and Brand Ambassadors

31:44 Scaling Influencer Programs with AI

35:57 Optimizing Product Seeding Strategies

39:27 Transforming Customer Support with Technology

46:46 Leveraging AI for Creative Generation

55:19 Exploring New Technologies in Marketing

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/