Prepare to have your perspective shifted.

📦 Your Daily Tariff Check-In

The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports in response to India’s continued import of Russian oil. Meanwhile, Canada will lift 25% retaliatory tariffs on \$21B worth of U.S. goods starting September 1 to encourage new trade talks.

💰 Training the Google Ads Algorithm with Quality Conversion Data

Pilothouse reveals how quality conversion tracking is key to training Google Ads for better performance and true net-new customer growth. By switching from GA4 to server-side data with Elevar, brands can feed the algorithm accurate signals and optimize campaigns more effectively.

🎧 The Math Behind Influence and Why Most Influencer Marketing Fails with Yash Chavan from SARAL

On this DTC Podcast episode, SARAL founder Yash Chavan reveals the math-driven framework that turns influencer marketing into a predictable growth engine. He explains why most brands fail with “spray and pray” tactics and how to scale awareness with ambassador programs, partnerships, and measurable impact.

🎧 Labor Day Creative Wins to Carry into Q4

This Ad-venturous episode shares a Labor Day creative checklist to boost Q3 promos and set brands up for a strong Q4. From UGC overlays to focused landing pages and short-form video tactics, Aves breaks down quick wins that drive conversions.

📦 Your Daily Tariff Check-In

China criticized U.S. tariffs on India’s Russian oil purchases, calling them bullying tactics and urging stronger China-India cooperation. India’s 50% tariff rate is scheduled to take effect on August 27, 2025.

🔥 Caudalie’s IG Engagement Trick: Swipe To Reveal Carousels

Caudalie boosted Instagram engagement by using “swipe-to-reveal” carousels that build curiosity and guide users slide by slide to a product reveal. This tactic leverages dopamine-driven payoffs and Instagram’s algorithm to increase reach, visibility, and launch excitement.

⛳ Vice Golf Email Strategy: A Swing with Room to Soar

Vice Golf’s welcome email strategy sets a solid foundation but needs stronger storytelling, clearer offers, and better sequencing to improve conversions. Pilothouse recommends leading with brand value, extending promotional windows, and optimizing messaging to build trust and drive more first-time purchases.

🎧 How Pilothouse Engineers Welcome Email Flows That Convert

Pilothouse shares strategies for building high-converting welcome email flows that boost purchase rates and shorten time-to-buy. The episode covers sequencing tactics, educational content, and cadence testing to drive revenue and customer trust.

📦 Your Daily Tariff Check-In

The de minimis exemption allowing duty-free U.S. shipments under \$800 ends on August 29, 2025. Importers are scrambling to adjust as the loophole closes, impacting international shipping strategies.

🎉 The Peak End Rule: Design Better User Experiences!

The peak-end rule shows that users remember the most intense moment and how an experience ends, not the entire journey. Designing joyful, rewarding interactions with positive emotions can boost engagement and build stronger brand affinity.

🎧 How Obvi’s Meta Playbook Rebuilt Growth After Pixel Issues 

Obvi’s CMO Ash Melwani shares how the brand rebuilt growth after Meta pixel issues by optimizing tracking, consolidating creatives, and diversifying into TikTok and retail. The episode highlights strategies for scaling through better ad structure and big-box store expansion.

📦 Your Daily Tariff Check-In

Trump expands steel and aluminum tariffs to include \$138B in finished goods like furniture components, baby gear, and motorcycles. Section 232 duties now impose a 50% tariff on these imports.

🎒 Build A Creative That Feels Real, Not Staged

Baggu’s back-to-school ad uses a simple, UGC-style top-down shot of a packed backpack to create an authentic, relatable feel. The minimal ad copy and bold visual design drive clicks while subtly showcasing multiple Baggu products.

🎧 Google’s 90% “New Customer” Illusion: How To See What Your Ads Are Really Doing 

Pilothouse’s Dougie reveals how Google’s cookie-based tracking falsely labels up to 90% of customers as new, skewing ad performance data. Learn how to fix attribution errors, feed better data into Google, and use tools like Elevar for accurate net-new customer tracking.

📦 Your Daily Tariff Check-In

The U.S.–China trade truce extends to November 10, but holiday inventory shortages and higher prices are still expected due to early ordering timelines. Retailers have reduced imports, including Christmas trees, leading to limited options for shoppers.

✏️ Why Q3 is the New Q4

Q3 is the key prep season for DTC brands to win Q4, with lower CPMs, cheaper testing, and a chance to refine top-performing creative and offers. Start testing ads, offers, and audiences now to scale efficiently and maximize ROAS during BFCM and holiday sales.