DTC POD #330 - The Ultimate Marketing Mix: An Omnichannel Approach to Winning Both Shelves and Screens

DTC Pod Linkedin
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New snack attack on the block! 🍫 @Colin Flood, VP of Marketing at @Unreal, drops by DTC Pod to unwrap insights with @Blaine Bolus. From e-commerce beginnings to scaling across a sweet 25,000+ retail doors, Unreal's journey is nothing short of impressive. Colin shares the secret sauce behind launching new chocolate treats, targeting tactics, and the delicious challenge of marketing healthier snacks. Hear how Unreal is creating cravings in-store and online, expanding into @Target stores, and why community joy is at the candy core of their strategy. Tune in for a masterclass in omnichannel indulgence and the strategy shift for Amazon marketing. Full episode here: [Podcast Link] #dtcpod #marketing #omnichannel #retail #ecommerce #amazonstrategy #chocolate #snacking

1️⃣ One Sentence Summary
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Unreal Snacks marketing strategy and expansion with VP Colin Flood.

💼 LinkedIN - 6 Reasons Post
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Not leveraging a D two C strategy in today's economy is akin to throwing money out the window. Here's why going direct-to-consumer is an absolute game-changer for brands: 1. Direct customer relationship. By going D two C, brands like Unreal Snacks forge a direct relationship with their customers. This hands-on approach helps in gathering valuable first-party data and feedback, allowing for better product development and customer service. 2. Higher margins. Eliminating the middleman means Unreal has higher profit margins. More control over pricing strategies and the ability to reinvest in marketing or product innovation can be a significant competitive advantage. 3. Brand storytelling on your terms. Unreal can communicate its brand story, mission, and values directly to consumers without distortion. This authentic connection can build a more robust and loyal customer base dedicated to the "better-for-you" chocolate movement. 4. Agility and speed to market. Direct-to-consumer channels enable companies like Unreal to roll out new products, like their latest snackable treats, quickly and efficiently. They can test, learn, and iterate faster than if they were solely reliant on traditional retail. 5. Access to real-time data. D two C operations give Colin Flood and his team at Unreal the ability to analyze customer data and adapt marketing campaigns on the fly, making their strategies as dynamic and responsive as the market demands. 6. Building a community. Launching new initiatives like the D to C pod's Slack community encourages conversation and idea-sharing among founders and operators. This type of engagement breeds innovation and can lead to collaborative growth opportunities. TAKEAWAY: Direct-to-consumer is not just a channel; it’s a powerful growth engine. Embrace the higher margins it offers. Tell your brand story the way it's meant to be told. Be agile, test quickly, and learn from real-time feedback. Utilize the wealth of customer data to optimize your operations. Foster a robust community around your brand and industry – join the conversation on platforms like the D to C pod Slack group.

Interview Breakdown
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In this snackable discussion, I sit down with Colin Flood from Unreal – the healthy snacks brand revolutionizing the chocolate industry. Discover how Unreal's strategic marketing maneuvers and omnicharchical approach are driving awareness, delighting consumers, and scaling their presence in the indulgent snacking game. Today, we'll cover - Unreal's journey from a natural product niche to mainstream retail, and their strategic e-commerce expansion - The launch of four delicious new products by Unreal and how they're focusing on distribution and awareness - The challenges and strategies behind marketing budgeting and initiatives across various channels - The intricate dance between retail and digital experiences, and tactics for driving in-store purchases from online engagement - Colin's insights on the marketing mix essential for expansion and increased retail sales, including leveraging online platform capabilities and shopper data Tune in for a delectable episode that's sure to satisfy your appetite for marketing excellence and chocolatey innovation.

🔑 7 Key Themes
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1. DTC marketing and retail expansion strategies. 2. Community engagement and consumer network growth. 3. Omnichannel approach to consumer interaction. 4. Effective budgeting techniques for marketing efforts. 5. Innovative product launches and distribution awareness. 6. Scaling challenges in e-commerce environments. 7. Amazon advertising tactics and platform utilization.

💬 Keywords
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D to C pod, Slack community, D to C founders, HubSpot, sales hub, AI-powered sales tools, integrations, Colin Flood, Unreal Snacks, healthy snacks brand, e-commerce, retail growth, Costco, marketing strategies, dark chocolate pretzels, milk chocolate pretzels, chocolate covered almonds, coconut snacks, product awareness, Target stores, LinkedIn networking, social i would answer "slight difference" but you already said that the word "delve" is prohibited.edia platforms, marketing data analysis, budgeting for marketing, out-of-category targeting, funnel strategies, online-to-offline activations, Amazon advertising, Whole Foods, omnichannel presence.

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Colin Flood 00:04:41 00:04:42

Unfortunately, the provided transcript does not contain any specific quotes that directly address the topic of marketing. If there's additional text or another topic you'd like me to extract quotes from, please provide the relevant section of the transcript.

Colin Flood 00:08:55 00:09:11

Marketing Strategies in a Changing Retail Landscape: "And it's been fun to sort of start to dive into those different platforms and ecosystems and figure out how we can build visibility in them, how we can help drive sales. It's for the most part been from more of a lower funnel spectrum."

Colin Flood 00:10:55 00:10:56

Sorry, the provided transcript does not contain any additional direct quotes specifically about marketing beyond what has already been extracted. If you have more text or a different transcript, please provide it, and I'll be happy to help extract more quotes for you.

Colin Flood 00:12:23 00:13:01

The Evolution of Online Brand Experience: "How visually compelling can you make your product when you're looking at their site? Is it primarily done through a website, an app? What are sort of the ways in which you can really build a bit of a brand experience?"

The Significance of Product Detail Pages: "I would say today, like a lot of retailers are starting to build out brand pages where brands can actually get in there and start to recreate their look and feel more so than you have been able to pass. But I would say that the product detail page still really important place and worth spending time, effort, investment in doing that."

Colin Flood 00:14:02 00:14:17

Marketing Efficacy: "So we would be very visible when the vegan consumer is searching for vegan chocolate, vegan snacks, whatever it in, you sort of build out sort of a view into those search queries that you know you are qualified to be there for and making sure that you have exposure there."

Search Query Strategy: "You have strong visibility, you're winning share in those queries."

Colin Flood 00:16:16 00:16:31

Impulse Buying in Retail: "You can have a moment of discovery and then a moment of purchase, like one and the same. You don't need always to provide all of this breakdown of why to buy a piece of chocolate if you're like, that looks freaking good. Let me go buy it."

Digital vs. In-store Display Advertising: "We find ways to sort of get in front of them from a display perspective to let them know that, you, what we are and sort of invite them into our category a little bit. But it's done within a retail environment. And so we see there's, there's a better return than trying to do that where, you know, many DTC brands certainly have success doing that in social."

Colin Flood 00:23:05 00:23:19

Marketing Strategy Expansion: "And to start it was a focus around how we activate retail and supporting that and then more for our brand side and how we organically or within our own channels are activating what's the look and feel the brand."

Colin Flood 00:26:36 00:26:37

Apologies, but the provided text does not contain a direct quote specifically addressing "marketing" for me to extract. If there is additional text that includes content on marketing, please provide it, and I will be happy to extract a relevant quote for you.

Colin Flood 00:31:52 00:32:07

Innovative Product Launch Strategies: "We launched some new products in late March and we don't launch any new items in quite a few years. And it just brought a lot of excitement and a lot of it was our existing consumer base. So it's certainly bringing in new consumers."

Colin Flood 00:36:59 00:37:12

Marketing Focus for New Products: "So, excuse me, there will be a, you know, well into next year sort of a focus around just building, building those out, making sure there's strong awareness and distribution around those products."

📚 Timestamped overview
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00:00 Experience in e-commerce, marketing, and brand impact.

04:24 Growing natural food company expanding distribution widely.

07:38 Adapting marketing strategy to reach diverse retailers.

10:39 Balancing in-store and online marketing strategies.

15:57 In-store marketing yields better returns for brands.

19:24 Integration with Amazon beneficial for direct consumer rights.

22:49 Team expanded from 3 to 8, focused on retail, brand, consumer experience.

25:37 Understanding consumer needs and reaching broader market.

29:03 Retail strategy driven by data and goals.

31:04 New product excitement, targeting and reactivation strategies.

36:47 Launching four new snackable chocolate products, expanding to new retail locations.

38:30 Support the show, rate, review, follow, subscribe.

❇️ Key topics and bullets
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Podcast Introduction - Introduction of the podcast DTC POD and its host, Blaine Bolus. - Announcement of the new Slack community for D to C founders and operators. - Mention of sponsorship by HubSpot and its sales hub for businesses. Guest Introduction - Introduction of the guest, Colin Flood, VP of Marketing at Unreal. - Background on Unreal's inception by two brothers and its growth trajectory. - Expansion of Unreal into Costco and focus on e-commerce and D to C operations. New Product Launches - Launch of four new snack items by Colin Flood and Unreal. - Strategies for building awareness and distribution of the new products. - Contrast of new snackable items to existing confections. Expansion Plans - Unreal's upcoming expansion into Target stores. - Ways to connect with Colin Flood and Unreal Snacks online. Listener Engagement - Encouragement for listener support through ratings, reviews, and subscriptions. - Directions for accessing show notes and the DTC POD weekly andnewsletter. Marketing Strategies and Approach - Colin Flood's insights into data-driven marketing and budgeting. - Discussion on successful and unsuccessful marketing initiatives. - Exploration of strategies for aligning retail and digital experiences. Omni-Channel Presence and Marketing Team Evolution - Unreal's omnichannel presence and team focus on retail activation and branding. - Emphasis on engaging with consumers through social media and community. Retail and Digital Marketing Mix - The marketing mix for increasing sales in retail. - Combining in-store and online marketing strategies. - Leveraging basket data for targeted consumer visibility. Market Dynamics and Education - Demand for chocolate and educating the market on new products. - Discussion on Amazon advertising and how it compares to other platforms. Amazon Strategy - Colin's approach and strategy regarding Amazon advertising. - The pivot in the conversation to Amazon-specific marketing talk. Big Initiatives for the Year - Brief on the big initiatives Unreal is concentrating on for the current year. - Strategies for driving consumer engagement and increasing brand awareness.

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Hey there, it's Blaine Bolus from DTC POD. Just wrapped up an incredible chat with Colin Flood, VP of Marketing at Unreal Snacks. Colin shared insights on scaling a healthy snack brand from a natural niche to powerhouse retailers like Costco and soon, Target. We discussed Unreal's latest snackable treats set to elevate our munching game. Colin gave us the lowdown on their savvy marketing blend, balancing in-store tactics and online dominance. We dove into how they hone in on Amazon's robust tools to skyrocket visibility and sales. Plus, he detailed their approach to data-driven decisions and budgeting to bolster expansion across channels. For an inside look at building a ubiquitous snack brand and leveraging community for explosive growth, tune in to DTC POD Episode #330 with Colin Flood. Don't forget to swing by dtcpod.com for more insights. Catch you there!

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🎙️ New Episode Alert – DTC POD 🚀 Get your headphones ready! In Episode #330, we're joined by the VP of Marketing at Unreal, Colin Flood. He peels back the curtain on navigating the sweet intersection of retail expansion and digital storytelling for a brand that's redefining indulgence in the snacking world. 🔑 Key Takeaways from our chat with Colin: - 🎯 Effective Budgeting & Marketing: Learn how Unreal uses a percentage of revenue to create flexible marketing budgets with guardrails, allowing them to double down on high-opportunity initiatives. - 🔄 Bridging Digital and Retail: Discover the strategies Unreal employs using packaging and online-to-offline activations to boost in-store traffic and customer reactivation. - 🛒 Omnichannel Visibility: Colin shares insights into the crucial role of in-store and online marketing, emphasizing packaging, promotions, and maximizing visibility on platforms like Amazon and Instacart to drive sales. In this insightful conversation, we uncover how Unreal Snacks is shaking up the confectionery space with their new snackable treats and setting the stage for a grand entrance into Target stores. 📈 Learn about the unique challenges of online chocolate sales, the importance of community engagement, and how to catch your consumer's eye in a crowded digital shelf. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of the D to C space and how Unreal is crafting joy in every chocolate bite, without compromising on health or taste. 📌 Bonus: Catch the behind-the-scenes of the upcoming DTC Slack community - a hub where founders and operators can connect and exchange industry pearls. 🎧 Tune in to Episode #330 with Colin Flood on DTC POD and don’t forget to support us with your ratings and reviews! Check out the show notes and subscribe to our weekly newsletter at dtcpmaking dtcpod.com for more insights! #DTCPod #UnrealSnacks #MarketingStrategy #RetailExpansion #Podcast #Ecommerce #DigitalMarketing #CommunityBuilding #BrandAwareness #Omnichannel #Episode330

✏️ Custom Newsletter
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Subject: 🍫 Dive into the Sweet Success of Unreal Snacking with DTC POD Episode #330! Hey Snack Enthusiasts! Sink your teeth into the latest DTC POD episode, where we unwrap the delicious journey of Unreal – a brand dishing out healthier chocolate treats that are taking both the retail and the D to C world by storm. 🌟 Episode #330: Colin Flood - A Taste of Innovation at Unreal 🌟 🎙️ Listen Now: [Insert Episode Link] 🍬 Introduction: Welcome to DTC POD episode #330! This week, we have the pleasure of chatting with Colin Flood, the VP of Marketing at Unreal. We explore the ins and outs of nurturing a brand from its natural roots to a widespread presence in conventional retailers. Get the inside scoop on how Unreal is conquering new frontiers and innovating snack time one chocolate bite at a time! 🗝️ Top 5 Keys from the Episode: 1. **Community Building Tricks**: Learn how to grow a supportive network of D to C founders and operators. 2. **AI-Powered Sales Scaling**: Get insights into how HubSpot is revolutionizing sales hubs for businesses. 3. **Multi-Channel Marketing Mastery**: Uncover the strategies behind Unreal’s expansion into Costco and digital platforms. 4. **Innovative Product Awareness**: Find out how Colin and his team are successfully building buzz around their scrumptious new chocolate treats. 5. **Navigating Retail Challenges**: Get real with us as we discuss the nitty-gritty of scaling issues and understand how to flip potential setbacks into revenue drivers. ✨ Fun Fact: Did you know Unreal is marching into Target stores next month? Get ready to fill your carts and indulge in Unreal goodness! 🎉 Outro: Our conversation with Colin Flood is a treasure trove for anyone looking to boost their marketing game or simply take a peek behind the curtain of a thriving snack empire. Don't forget to send some love Unreal's way by visiting unrealsnacks.com and connecting with Colin on LinkedIn. 🙌 Call to Action: Before you dive into the episode, we have a tiny favor to ask. Support DTC POD by leaving a rating and review, and subscribe for a weekly dose of insider knowledge. Don’t miss out on our crispy show notes and juicy weekly newsletter over at dtcpod.com. Happy Listening & Snacking, Blaine Bolus & The DTC POD Team P.S. Craving more delicious discussions? Join us in our brand new Slack community and be at the forefront of D to C innovation! Sign up for the waitlist today. 🚀 🎧 Tune in now to Episode #330 and conquer the digital shelves with Unreal insights: [Insert Episode Link] Catch you on the flip side, [DTC POD Signature]

🐦 Business Lesson Tweet Thread
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1/ Got a sweet tooth for business growth? Take a bite out of Unreal's playbook from DTC POD's latest episode featuring Colin Flood, VP of Marketing at Unreal Snacks. 🍫 2/ In retail, visibility is king. Colin's strategy? Pack a punch on the shelf AND online. Brick-and-mortar isn't just about stacking products – it's a stage for your brand's story. 3/ Online's a different beast. Your digital shelf needs the same oomph. From product detail pages to search visibility, your online game can't skimp on the icing. 4/ Enter Amazon: it's not just another marketplace. It's got levers, pulleys, and whole kitchens for cooks to play in. Whole Foods integration? That’s the cherry on top. 5/ Here's the twist: selling chocolate online isn't all sweet. The heat's on with shipping costs melting margins. But with the right community and in-store push, the brand stays cool. 6/ Basket data isn't just numbers, it's a treasure map. Opting for collaborations and promotions, Colin's team finds paths to consumers through ever-complementary snack hunts. 7/ Taking notes from Unreal, remember: Diversify your bites, align your teams for taste, and make every retail and social encounter an indulgent experience for the consumer. 8/ On DTC POD #330, Colin Flood unwrapped insights that aren't just for snack brands, but any entrepreneur looking to savor the taste of success across multiple channels.

🎓 Lessons Learned
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1. Title: "Building DTC Community" Description: Launching a Slack community to foster connections and idea-sharing among D to C founders and operators. 2. Title: "Sales Hub Advantages" Description: HubSpot's sales hub helps businesses increase revenue and deals with AI features and an extensive range of integrations. 3. Title: "Unreal Growth Journey" Description: From natural markets to major retailers, Unreal's strategic growth showcases success in both conventional channels and direct-to-consumer sales. 4. Title: "Marketing Diverse Channels" Description: Colin Flood discusses navigating marketing strategies across different retail platforms and ecosystems while expanding reach. 5. Title: "Snacking Innovation" Description: Launch of four snackable Unreal products to build awareness, distribution, and educate consumers on new chocolate snack uses. 6. Title: "Target Retail Expansion" Description: Unreal's upcoming entry into Target stores indicates growth and increased accessibility for consumers. 7. Title: "Data-Driven Budgeting" Description: Flexible, revenue-based budgets with guardrails enable responsiveness to marketing opportunities and channel expansion. 8. Title: "Retail and Digital Synergy" Description: Strategies for connecting in-store purchases with digital activations emphasize a seamless consumer journey across retail and digital. 9. Title: "Marketing Mix Tactics" Description: Discussing the blend of online and offline marketing to boost retail presence and sales through strategic collaborations and promotions. 10. Title: "Community Over Conversion" Description: Focusing on consumer joy and community engagement to drive brand awareness and ubiquity in the chocolate snack market.

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Based on the discussions and insights from Episode #330 with Colin Flood on the DTC POD, here is a comprehensive list of maxims for direct-to-consumer (D2C) founders, operators, and marketers to live by: 1. **Build Community Connections**: Endeavor to foster a thriving community for sharing ideas and experiences among D2C stakeholders. 2. **Embrace AI and Integration**: Utilize AI-powered tools and seek out integrations to streamline sales processes and enhance growth. 3. **Focus on Better-for-You Products**: When developing products, prioritize healthier alternatives that meet consumer demand for quality and wellness. 4. **Expand with Strategy**: Grow your retail presence thoughtfully, identifying key conventional retailers that align with your brand's values and customer base. 5. **Be Adaptive in Marketing**: Tailor your marketing strategies to suit different platforms and ecosystems to maximize effectiveness. 6. **Innovate for Awareness**: Launch new products strategically to build awareness and distribution while educating consumers on their unique benefits. 7. **Bridge Digital and Retail Experiences**: Use packaging and activations that drive online consumers to make in-store purchases, enhancing the omnichannel experience. 8. **Flexibility in Budgeting**: Keep a flexible budget with set guardrails, allowing for investment in promising opportunities. 9. **Analyze and Optimize**: Learn from both successful and unsuccessful marketing initiatives to refine targeting and channel strategies. 10. **Manage Retail and Digital Harmoniously**: Invest in in-store visibility as much as digital presence, understanding each channel’s importance in the marketing mix. 11. **Fine-Tune Online Strategy**: Leverage platform-specific capabilities to enhance online visibility and target consumers effectively. 12. **Prioritize Consumer Enjoyment**: Engage with consumers on social and community levels, valuing engagement and joy over immediate conversion. 13. **Aim for Ubiquity**: Strive to become a go-to choice in your product category by cultivating community engagement and establishing a robust consumer network. 14. **Seek Targeted Visibility**: Use granular targeting in online searches to position your products where likely customers will find them, including marketplaces like Amazon, Instacart, and similar platforms. 15. **Understand Basket Data**: Utilize shopping basket data to target customers looking for complementary products, creating opportunities for impulse buying online. 16. **Collaborate with Retailers**: Forge solid partnerships with retailers for promotions and display strategies that benefit both parties and enhance product visibility. 17. **Capitalizing on Platform Marketing**: Recognize the unique capabilities of platforms such as Amazon and optimize your strategy to fit within their ecosystems. 18. **Evolve with the Market**: Adapt the structure of your marketing team to focus on different aspects as needed, including retail activation, branding, customer experience, and balancing performance with brand-building. 19. **Educate the Market**: When introducing new products, invest in consumer education to foster adoption and integration into everyday life. By adhering to these maxims, D2C business leaders can navigate the complexities of expanding their brands, both online and in physical retail spaces, while remaining connected with their consumers and responsive to market changes.

📧 Podcast Thank You Email
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Subject: Huge Thanks, Colin! 🎉 Your DTC POD Episode is Live! Hey Colin, Just wanted to shoot you a quick note to say a massive THANK YOU for joining us on DTC POD! It was a blast chatting with you about Unreal's journey and all the innovative things you're doing in the D to C space. Guess what? Episode #330 is officially out in the wild! 🚀 It's now live for our listeners to tune in and get the inside scoop on all things chocolate and retail strategy from your experience at Unreal. It would be awesome if you could share the episode with your network - every tweet, post, and share really amplifies the reach and helps us keep these conversations going. Plus, engaging with any content related to the episode on your fav social platforms would mean the world to us. If you need any specific links or graphics to post, just let me know! I've got you covered. Again, your insights were invaluable and I'm sure our audience is going to eat it up (chocolate pun intended 😄). Here’s hoping the episode helps in building even more buzz for Unreal's exciting inroads into Target and beyond. Thanks a million for bringing your A-game to the show, Colin. Keep in touch, and let's catch up soon—virtually or over some Unreal snacks! Best, Blaine Bolus Host of DTC POD

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1. Unreal snacks started 13 years ago by two brothers with a mission to create 'better for you' chocolate snacks and have since grown to distribution in over 25,000 doors. 2. Colin Flood spearheaded the launch of four new snackable items at Unreal, including dark chocolate and milk chocolate-covered pretzels, dark chocolate-covered almonds, and a coconut-covered snack. 3. Despite the challenges of shipping chocolate, Unreal is expanding into Target stores, signaling significant growth for the brand's retail presence.

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Title: Navigating the Sweet Spot: Unreal Snacks' Omni-Channel Marketing Adventure Introduction: Crafting a Winning Strategy in the Confectionery Domain In episode #330 of the DTC POD, host Blaine Bolus sits down with Colin Flood, the VP of Marketing at Unreal, a rising star in the healthy snacks and chocolate industry. During the conversation, they explore the nuances of delivering scrumptious treats while navigating the complex world of D to C and retail marketing. With Unreal's expansion into new products and retailers like Target, the discussion offers valuable insights into the confectionery market's evolving landscape. Creating Connections in the Digital Age Unreal isn't just another chocolate company. It's an innovative brand, born from a desire to offer healthier snack options without compromising on taste. Starting from its roots in e-commerce, Colin discusses Unreal's progression towards a dynamic presence in the retail space. This episode highlights how the brand leverages a blend of marketing mediums, from traditional retail strategies to emerging digital platforms, to build a bridge between the online and offline worlds. Product Expansion and Market Education The latest offerings from Unreal—delightful variations of dark and milk chocolate covered pretzels, almonds, and a coconut snack—are more than just new products; they are educational tools for consumers to rethink snacking. Colin Flood shares their approach to increasing product familiarity and leveraging their expanded portfolio to cultivate consumer interest. Adaptable Budgeting and Data-Driven Marketing Blaine delves into the inner workings of Unreal's approach to budget allocation, emphasizing the brand's adaptive strategy that scales with revenue. Colin unveils the backbone of their marketing initiatives—data. By thoroughly understanding consumer behavior and market trends, Unreal has been able to activate unique campaigns that drive engagement and keep the dialogue with their audience fresh and fruitful. From Unsuccessful Attempts to Strategic Triumphs Even a successful brand like Unreal faces obstacles. Blaine and Colin candidly discuss some of the missteps taken, particularly in paid social efforts and the logistics of shipping chocolate products. However, these challenges have only fueled their focus on innovative strategies that merge the physical with the digital, enhancing the customer journey from screen to store. Harnessing Amazon's Dynamic Advertising Landscape Discussing the vast ocean of Amazon advertising, Colin Flood distinguishes it as a platform with distinct advantages like increased control and nuanced targeting options. He explores the similarities and contrasts with other platforms and portrays how Whole Foods' integration provides additional layers for targeting and consumer engagement. Expanding Footprint and Merging Retail with Digital Marketing For Unreal, every chocolate has a story, and storytelling unfolds on various stages—from packed shelves in brick-and-mortar stores to the digital storefronts of e-commerce giants. Colin elaborates on how Unreal approaches its marketing mix with an eagle-eye view of both in-store experiences and online touchpoints. Through tactical promotions and intentional display strategies, coupled with robust retailer collaborations, the brand ensures its packaging narrates the brand ethos, encouraging impulsive yet informed purchases. Conclusion: Satisfying the Craving for Community Engagement As Unreal prepares to tantalize taste buds in Target stores and beyond, their ultimate mission remains unchanged: to establish themselves as a ubiquitous presence in the indulgent snacking segment. By prioritizing joy and value over immediate conversion, they are set on a course to transfix consumers with a community-centric approach that fosters lasting connections. With resonant branding and an omnichannel mindset, Unreal is charting a delicious course for success in the snack food industry, proving that the combination of health consciousness and chocolate enjoyment is indeed a recipe for delight.

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Brace yourself for an insider's perspective on scaling a delectable brand in the snack world with Colin Flood, VP of Marketing at Unreal. In today’s podcast, Colin unwraps the journey of a snack empire—how Unreal's confectionery innovation and strategic marketing initiatives have led to their expansion into over 25,000 retailers, including a much-anticipated launch in Target stores. In episode #330, we'll crunch through topics such as: - The art of marketing mix that fosters retail growth and ramps up sales. - Crafting a budget that complements revenue and flexes for golden opportunities. - Innovative product launches and strategies to rejuvenate consumer interest. - The intersection of data analysis, marketing channels, and online-offline retail experiences. - And Amazon’s unique advertising landscape, packed with potential for brands like Unreal. Get ready for a treat as we dissect marketing tactics that have helped Unreal snack their way to success.

🔘 Best Practices Guide
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Title: Essential Marketing Strategies for Expanding D to C Retail Brands 1. Build an Online Community: Foster connections and idea-sharing among D to C operators through platforms like Slack. 2. Embrace Omnichannel Presence: Leverage both e-commerce and physical retail channels to drive brand awareness and sales. 3. Adapt Marketing to Platforms: Customize marketing strategies for diverse ecosystems, focusing on customer engagement over direct sales. 4. Optimize In-Store and Online Visibility: Invest in product packaging, in-store displays, promotion strategies, and ensure detailed product pages for digital shelves. 5. Utilize Data-Driven Budgeting: Allocate marketing budgets based on revenue percentage, with flexibility for high-opportunity investments. 6. Target Out-of-Category Consumers: Broaden your customer base by activating interest in related areas and creating an impulse-purchase environment. 7. Integrate Retail and Digital Experience: Drive in-store traffic using online-to-offline activations and packaging cues. 8. Focus on Consumer Networks: Prioritize community engagement to expand brand reach and encourage indulgent snack ubiquity.

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Cover Slide: "10 Powerful Marketing Tips From Colin Flood" Slide 1: Title: Don't Guess Explanation: Use data-driven strategies aligned with revenue to allocate budget efficiently. Slide 2: Title: Don't Stall Explanation: Seize opportunities for over-investment when promising growth channels emerge. Slide 3: Title: Don't Repeat Explanation: Innovate with new products and targeting tactics to re-engage your customer base. Slide 4: Title: Don't Blanket Explanation: Refine paid social strategies by focusing on the success of funnel stages. Slide 5: Title: Don't Isolate Explanation: Blend retail and digital experiences to spur in-store visits and online reactivation. Slide 6: Title: Don't Overlook Explanation: Optimize Amazon ads with its unique features and Whole Foods integrations. Slide 7: Title: Don't Disjoint Explanation: Unify the marketing team under retail activation, branding, and customer experience. Slide 8: Title: Don't Convert Only Explanation: Prioritize creating joy and community engagement alongside conversion metrics. Slide 9: Title: Don't Ignore Packaging Explanation: Enhance packaging for standout brand presence in-store and online visibility. Slide 10: Title: Don't Miss Trends Explanation: Target compatible product categories and optimize for impulse buys online.

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Cover Slide: "10 Essential Marketing Tips from Colin Flood" Slide 1: "Community First" Connect with other D-to-C leaders via Slack for idea-sharing opportunities. Slide 2: "Sales Hub" Utilize HubSpot to enhance revenue with AI features and extensive integrations. Slide 3: "Retail Expansion" Focus on increasing product distribution to conventional retailers for growth. Slide 4: "Snackable Innovation" Launch new snack products to build awareness and diversify consumer education. Slide 5: "Data-Driven Budgeting" Allocate marketing funds as a revenue percentage with flexible guardrails. Slide 6: "Cross-Channel Strategies" Implement out-of-category targeting to engage returning and new consumers. Slide 7: "Retail-Digital Bridge" Sync online and in-store experiences through packaging and activations. Slide 8: "Amazon Leverage" Utilize Amazon’s unique advertising tools to increase product visibility and sales. Slide 9: "Omnichannel Presence" Create consumer joy engaging through social media, prioritizing long-term connections. Slide 10: "Retail Collaboration" Maximize both in-store displays and online presence for a cohesive marketing mix. CTA Slide: "Join the Conversation" Connect with Colin Flood on LinkedIn, discover Unreal Snacks, and support DTC POD with your ratings and reviews.

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Tweet 1 Connecting with other DTC founders just got easier! Our new Slack community is about to launch, bringing a wealth of shared knowledge at your fingertips. Get ready to spark conversations that ignite growth! Tweet 2 Mastering the art of closing deals is crucial for businesses. Discover how AI-powered sales hubs with a plethora of integrations could be the game-changer your company needs to scale up and thrive. Tweet 3 At Unreal, it's all about satisfying your sweet tooth responsibly. Our chocolates are designed to delight your taste buds while honoring your health. Indulge in a snack that’s as good for you as it is delicious. Tweet 4 From a bootstrap dream to dominating 25,000 retail doors, Unreal's journey is a masterclass in brand expansion. Witness how a relentless focus on e-commerce can lead to sweet success across the nation. Tweet 5 Success is all about evolution. See how Colin Flood's strategic play into Costco and beyond has led to an exciting array of Unreal snackable delights. It's about bringing joy through treats that treat you right. Tweet 6 When marketing your product, remember that consumer education is key. It’s not just a treat, it’s a movement towards healthier snacking options. Prepare to drive this point home across all your platforms. Tweet 7 Navigating the complexities of a multi-channel expansion? It's all in the data and the agile budgeting, flexing to seize the moment while keeping a steady hand on the revenue rudder. Tweet 8 Online or in-store, each point of sale is an opportunity to amplify your brand presence. Invest wisely in packaging and visibility to turn browsers into loyal customers. Tweet 9 Chocolate in the mail? Unreal faced the challenges shipping conveys. Learn about the hurdles of delivery logistics and the innovative ways to sweeten the deal despite them. Tweet 10 Community over conversion, every time. Engage with your fans and customers authentically, and watch as their joy for your brand translates into sustained indulgence and expanding influence.

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Did you know that Unreal Snacks brings joy beyond taste? Their packaging isn’t just practical, it's part of their strategy to bridge your digital purchases with the in-store experience. Keep an eye out for their unique designs and online-to-offline activations next time you're shopping – it might just be the nudge you need to pick up a new favorite treat! #MarketingMeetsDesign #UnrealEngagement

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If you're looking to elevate your approach to marketing, consider these transformative mindset shifts: 💭 Reframe the concept of budgeting from limiting to empowering. Think of your budget less as a set of constraints and more as strategic guardrails designed to steer you towards more efficient and impactful decisions. This perspective, as Colin Flood from Unreal suggests, lets you dynamically allocate resources, ensuring you can capitalize on opportunities as they arise. 💭 Embrace an omnichannel mindset. Viewing retail and digital not as separate entities, but as complementary forces, can revolutionize your strategy. Just as Colin's approach integrates packaging and in-store activations with online experiences, aiming for cohesive consumer engagement across all platforms can amplify your brand's presence and foster loyalty. 💭 Focus on consumer joy rather than immediate conversion. Prioritizing consumer engagement and creating a community around your brand will lead to natural, sustainable growth. As Unreal has demonstrated, building a joyful brand experience can turn customers into advocates, organically driving awareness and expanding your consumer base. Tune into Episode #330 of DTC POD with guest Colin Flood for more insights into building a brand that resonates both in-store and online. Don’t forget to support our show through your ratings, reviews, and subscriptions, and for in-depth details, visit our show notes and weekly newsletter at dtcpod.com.

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If you're looking to ramp up your D to C marketing and sales strategies, here are five insightful tactics and strategies that could propel your business forward: 📈 Prioritize omnichannel presence to boost consumer engagement. Unreal’s Colin Flood underscores the importance of balancing between a strong retail activation, branding, and customer experience. Infuse joy into your social media encounters and focus on community building, rather than driving for immediate conversions. 📊 Embrace data-driven budgeting with agility. Colin approaches budgeting by allocating a percentage of revenue as his guide. He implements flexible budgets with guardbars, allowing him to capitalize on emerging opportunities effectively. Take this cue to keep your marketing budget dynamic, and don't shy away from investing in promising new initiatives. 🎯 Employ out-of-category targeting to re-engage existing customers. Experiment with targeting customers in categories adjacent to your products, which can rekindle interest and introduce your products to a broader audience. Colin's success with this method could inspire you to think creatively about how your products fit into the lives of consumers beyond the obvious. 🔍 Leverage platform capabilities for increased visibility. Dive into the unique abilities of platforms like Amazon, Instacart, and Target to gain targeted visibility. For example, utilize Instacart’s and Amazon’s basket data to create impulse purchase opportunities, just as Colin Flood uses detailed page strategies and in-store promotions to capture attention. 🔄 Integrate packaging and online-to-offline activations to drive in-store traffic. Colin Flood's use of strategic packaging and activations that tie digital experiences to physical retail purchases can offer insights into creating a seamless brand journey for customers. Consider how your packaging can tell your brand's story and entice online shoppers into physical stores for a full-circle experience. By adopting these strategies, you can refine your approach to connecting with customers and strengthen your brand across channels. And remember, like Colin, focus on creating 'snackable' and shareable moments that resonate with consumers wherever they are in their journey.

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Overrated: Traditional Marketing Mixes. Traditional channels are exhausting your budget without tapping into the digital era’s agility and insights. Underrated: Strategic Omni-Channel Activation. Here's the precise framework Unreal Snacks leveraged to dominate the healthy indulgence sector: The Double-Sided Rule Focus on dual presence: In-store and Online. A stringent, two-pronged marketing strategy that keeps your products top of mind, wherever your consumers might be. Five Finger List Five fundamental elements that Unreal Snacks emphasizes for retail presence and sales growth: 1. In-store Promotion Tactics 2. Online Marketing Strategy 3. Unified Brand Messaging 4. Retailer Collaboration 5. Customer Engagement Points Market in One Market Cut through the industry jargon. Simplify the understanding of your product's market with bullets that paint a clear picture. Provide five core points that encapsulate your unique value in today's market and the outlook. Tagline Craft your brand identity into one compelling line: Unreal Snacks: “Crafting indulgence, the smarter way.” Control Vernacular Carve out a niche with signature terminology: Unreal Snacks calls it “snackable wellness.” Use language that becomes synonymous with your product and dominates the conversation. Retail & Digital Expansion Simple yet systematic. Describe your approach to growing in both physical and e-commerce spaces in a concise format. Fundamentals of Visibility Details matter. Describe how you enhance your in-store presence and nail your online visibility with pristine packaging and compelling product detail pages. Prove It, Don’t Just State It Deploy data-driven graphics showing growth in distribution points and consumer engagement numbers. Visuals convey your success story more effectively than words. The Team Behind the Treats Consumers invest in brands as much as in products. Highlight the masterminds behind Unreal Snacks who turn chocolate into a health-conscious choice – qualifications, past wins, and the passion driving their efforts. And if you’re venturing into new retail spaces without a historical playbook… Shift the focus towards your strategic vision and team, illustrating that a robust blueprint and dynamic group are on hand to drive success in new ventures. At Unreal Snacks, we apply the 3 C’s: • Creativity, Community, and Consumption • Clarity, Commitment, and Celebration Define your C’s with the precision of a chocolatier crafting the perfect treat.

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Idea #4: The Art of Data-Driven Budgeting Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making in marketing budget allocations with insights like: 1. Utilizing Revenue Percentages: Colin Flood explains that Unreal operates its marketing budget based on a percentage of revenue, ensuring expenditures align with financial health and business scale. 2. Implementing Budget Guardrails: Colin discusses setting flexible boundaries around spending, which allows for quick adaptation and taking advantage of emerging marketing opportunities without overspending. 3. Flexibility for Opportunity Investment: Unreal adopts a nimble approach to marketing investments, with readiness to inject additional funds into initiatives that showcase tangible results, blending structured budgeting with agile responses to market trends.

Tweet thread on learnings
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Tweet 1: Just finished our latest chat with Colin Flood from @UnrealSnacks on DTC POD and came away with some major insights on the holistic approach to marketing across multiple channels. The best strategies from an indulgent snacking giant: 👇 Tweet 2: 1. Marketing in a Multi-Channel World 🌐 Having an omnichannel presence is a must. @UnrealSnacks connects across digital and retail, focusing on consumer joy and engagement. It's not always about instant conversions but building lasting relationships. Tweet 3: 2. Scale Economically 📈 When expanding, @Colin_Flood emphasizes the balance between retail activation and digital strategies, keeping close tabs on what the data is showing. It’s all about smart use of resources and crafting experiences both online and offline. Tweet 4: 3. Beyond the Shelves – The Consumer Community 🛒 One gem from the discussion: create community and consumer networks to drive brand awareness. For @UnrealSnacks, it's about being a staple in snack indulgence, not a one-off purchase. Tweet 5: 4. Product Launch Education 📚 Rolling out new snacks means educating the market. @UnrealSnacks uses packaging and in-person activations to inform and excite consumers about their healthier choices, bridging the gap between product discovery and purchase. Tweet 6: 5. The Power of Basket Data 🛍️ Smart targeting involves understanding consumer behavior. @UnrealSnacks leverages data from shopping baskets to present customers with complementary products, nudging those impulse purchases even in the digital aisle. Tweet 7: 6. Amazon and Adapting to Platform Nuances 📦 Different platforms offer unique capabilities. @Colin_Flood shares how Amazon advertising requires a distinct approach, taking advantage of its levers for visibility in the ever-competitive online space. Tweet 8: 7. The Importance of Visibility, Online and In-Store ✨ Success in retail means standing out. @UnrealSnacks works with retailers on promotions and display strategies, whilst also ensuring strong online product pages and brand presence. Tweet 9: 8. Flexibility Is Key in Marketing 🔄 Budgeting with guardrails yet being ready to invest in new opportunities allows @UnrealSnacks to quickly pivot and adapt to what’s working, which is critical in the fast-paced world of D to C sales. Tweet 10: 9. Elevate with Brand Networks 🌐 @Colin_Flood underscores the role of the consumer network in expanding @UnrealSnacks' reach. It's a blend of joy-infused community engagement and strategic visibility that defines their marketing mix. These were just highlights from a riveting episode #330 of DTC POD with Colin Flood! For a full dive into Unreal's marketing strategies and insights, catch the full episode – it’s a playbook for modern D to C success. #dtcpod #marketingsuccess #ecommerce

Future State, 6 reasons post
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In under a year, Unreal Snacks has amplified its presence, launching four new indulgent products, expanded to key retailers like Target, and positioned itself as a leader in healthier chocolate options. As the VP of Marketing, Colin Flood has seen the D to C sector evolve from a mere online marketplace to an integral part of the consumer journey. However, the real potential for D two C growth lies ahead, riding on the synergy between digital and in-store experiences. BACKGROUND: Shifting trends dictate a merge between digital engagement and traditional retail strategies, particularly in the food and snack industry. Consumers crave convenience and health-conscious choices, but they're also looking for that in-store tangibility. The D to C model is the bridge between these desires, collapsing the gap and streamlining the path from discovery to purchase. Old D to C: - Heavy reliance on digital presence - Limited in-store interaction - Standardized marketing across channels - Obstacles in scaling logistics New D to C: - Unified online and offline brand experiences - Strategic partnerships with big-name retailers - Customized marketing for various platforms - Efficient logistics for nationwide distribution With these goals in mind, the D to C space could redefine the consumer buying experience, but it requires strategic pivots and robust operational changes. Here are my 6 recommendations: 1. Cultivate a community platform for D two C founders and operators on Slack to foster shared knowledge and co-innovation. 2. Partner with platforms like HubSpot to utilize their sales hub, enabling a unified system that tracks, engages, and converts customers across multiple touchpoints. 3. Invest in in-store experience enhancement, creating cohesive branding across both digital and physical points of sale, ensuring consumers receive the same message and value proposition regardless of where they interact with the brand. 4. Leverage AI-driven data analytics to tailor marketing strategies on various platforms, allowing for more effective allocations of budgets with the flexibility to invest in high-opportunity areas. 5. Embrace omnichannel marketing, focusing on the harmony between retail activation and digital branding, to seamlessly integrate customer experiences. 6. Innovate packaging and online-offline activations, capturing consumer attention in retail settings and encouraging digital re-engagement and impulse purchases. With these steps, we could see Unreal Snacks not only leading but also setting new standards for how D to C businesses operate and engage. P.S. Which of these recommendations resonate with you for a D to C brand's growth? Do you believe an integrated online-offline approach is the future for expanding retail presence and increasing sales? Share your thoughts!

About the Episode
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In the latest episode of DTC POD, Colin Flood, VP of Marketing at Unreal, gave an insightful look into the company's marketing endeavors as they ramp up awareness for their latest snack offerings. Engaging in a revealing conversation with Blane Bolus, Colin detailed how Unreal aligns its marketing budget with a percentage of revenue, setting flexible guardrails to allow for over-investment in promising opportunities. Key to their strategic plan is activating out-of-category targeting, which has proven successful in not only drawing in new customers but also revitalizing the interest of existing ones. Colin candidly reflected on the hurdles they've faced, from the high costs associated with shipping chocolate dragging down their paid social funnel, to the complexity of creating a demand for new product categories within the realm of indulgent snacks. Colin also shed light on the sophisticated synergy between retail and digital channels at Unreal. The company employs imaginative tactics to bridge these experiences, leveraging packaging and activations that nudge online consumers toward in-store purchases. This dual strategy extends to their engagement with keyword targeting across various platforms, where Amazon Presence is noted to have its own unique intricacies, including Whole Foods integration. Recognizing the evolving structure of the marketing team, Flood emphasized the fresh focus on retail activations, fostering a distinctive brand presence, and crafting seamless customer journeys that prioritize the joy of the consumer's experience. Lastly, Colin discussed how Unreal's omnichannel presence is vital to their mission of becoming a ubiquitous force in indulgent snacking. By dissecting the marketing mix essential for the brand's expansion into new retail landscapes, Colin highlighted the nuanced blend of in-store and online strategies. Embracing the importance of robust collaborations with retailers, efficient promotions, and strategic display tactics, he underscored the potency of packaging and product detail pages that catch a consumer's eye online. Further elevating their approach, Colin revealed how Unreal taps into basket data to forge impulse buys by targeting shoppers in related product categories, ensuring that their new scrumptious snacks are just a click away from tantalizing taste buds.

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