Friday, July 7

#1 - 🤖 Generative AI for e-comm

📰 TL;DR - In a nutshell, generative AI is AI that is able to create something new, like text, an image, or a video, based on inputs. And it’s being used for some pretty cool stuff in e-commerce and this piece takes a look at those. You’re probably already familiar with using generative AI for customer service, like a chatbot, but brands are also using it as virtual sales associates and fashion assistants. Google is, of course, offering virtual try-ons, and others are using it to create new products quickly.

💡 Insight - The current hype over AI is really about generative AI, like ChatGPT. Another exciting app is Midjourney, which can generate visual assets. If you’re not already digging into these tools, you’re behind the curve. I think one of the more accessible and exciting ways to use this kind of AI is to understand natural text inputs from customers, like what Ruti and Zalando are doing, as noted in this piece.

➡️ You can read the article here...

#2 - 🔎 Optimize your website & learn SEO for free

📰 TL;DR - Unlock the full potential of your website with Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (AWT), the ultimate solution for small website owners and SEO beginners. Experience automated site audits, track your keyword rankings, explore backlink sources, and receive valuable optimization insights.

💡 Insight - AWT, the freemium version of Ahrefs, is specifically designed to empower small website owners and those new to SEO. Here's why you should choose AWT:

• Get started easily and enjoy the benefits at no cost.

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➡️ Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders. Sign up for free.

📣 If you want to reach our audience of 10,000+ DTC store owners, tap here 

#3 - 🧵 Find your e-comm favs on Threads

📰 TL;DR - Threads is here! Meta launched in Twitter competitor on Wednesday evening, which you may already be well aware of due to a flood of notifications. It’s very similar to Twitter in many ways that matter and because you can sign up automatically with your Instagram account, many people have already hopped over. Jaquory Lunsford put together a handy list of e-commerce people known on Twitter who have signed up, so you can start building a community on Threads.

💡 Insight - Hoping to see you all on Threads as we all sort out which platform to spill our inner thoughts on! I also wanted to note that, at least in my feed, I’m already seeing a ton of brands who have joined, including DTC brands. If you’re already on Instagram is does seem like a no-brainer. For brands, Twitter has become increasingly less advertiser-friendly under Musk so it will be interesting to see whether Threads can steal away attention from marketers. There are not actually ads available on Threads as of yet, but it feels inevitable.

➡️ You can read the tweet here...

#4 - 🛠️ Things worth checking out

🐳 DATA - Triple Whale is easily my favorite DTC data analytics and analysis tool, check it out here.

👀 MOVES AND TRENDS - Read the latest DTC news and trends roundup from AdAge — always worth a look! Check it out.

💊 CARE/OF - DTC vitamin and supplement brand Care/of is now available on Amazon, the first place other than their own website. Read here.

☕️ COFFEE KING - In this podcast episode from Shopify, find out how a coffee brand wormed its way into the hearts and bellies of Silicon Valley.

📌 SMALL BIZ - Here’s a roundup of small business trends in the US for 2023.

#5 - 🤫 Your new FB ad cheatsheet

📰 TL;DR - I came across this tweet from Martin Istvanic where he compiled a true treasure trove of all his tweets with insights about Facebook ads. And — bless him — you don’t need to like, or tweet, or follow, it’s all in a link in a reply to this one. It has case studies, audits, tips, calculators, thumbnail advice… just a ton of info.

💡 Insight - This gets technical in spots, which is great, but a good starting point is his recaps, like “10 most common mistakes in FB ad accounts.” The hacks and tips section is also great!

➡️ You can read the tweet here...