Conversion rate optimization is not a “nice to have.” It is the most reliable way to increase profit without increasing spend.
In this episode, Jordan breaks down the financial case for CRO using a simple, realistic model that compares three paths: holding steady, scaling ad spend, and improving site conversion. The results are clear. Spending more on ads can reduce margin, while improving conversion rate increases revenue, efficiency, and profit at the same time.
You’ll learn why brands should maximize low-cost, owned revenue first, how CRO impacts MER, ROI, and margin, and why advertising should support owned traffic growth, not replace it. Jordan also walks through where CRO fits in the broader ecommerce stack, from site fundamentals and email to paid media and awareness channels.
#ecommerce #conversionrateoptimization #cro #emailmarketing #retentionmarketing #ownedmedia #dtc #digitalmarketing #pilothouse #dtcnewsletter #dtcpodcast
00:00 Introduction
00:59 The financial case for CRO explained
03:38 Ads vs CRO: the spreadsheet comparison
08:31 How scaling ad spend can reduce margin
10:28 Why CRO dramatically improves ROI and efficiency
15:45 The real purpose of advertising
Work with Pilothouse: https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcast
Subscribe to DTC: https://www.directtoconsumer.co/
Listen to DTC Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast