ECOMMERCE

MARKETING Podcast

Kickstarter to Retail: The eCommerce Journey – with Casey Hill

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews Casey Hill, the Senior Manager of Growth at ActiveCampaign. Casey shares his extensive experience in software, e-commerce, and content marketing, providing valuable insights on taking an e-commerce business from initial crowdfunding to direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales and eventually into retail. He emphasizes the importance of building organic growth channels and leveraging practical strategies to sustain long-term success.

Key Takeaways

  • Introduction and Background ([00:03] – [02:41])
    • Casey’s journey in the software and e-commerce space.
    • His diverse experience in marketing automation, CRM, consulting, and teaching.
  • Crowdfunding Strategies ([02:55] – [05:04])
    • Importance of building a list before launching a Kickstarter campaign.
    • Using local gaming stores for playtest sessions to gather contacts and drive initial momentum.
  • Transition from Crowdfunding to D2C ([05:40] – [12:35])
    • Asking for consent to contact Kickstarter backers post-campaign.
    • Strategies for sustaining long-term sales, including podcast guesting, review sites, content series, and attending events.
  • Navigating Competitive Ad Spaces ([09:28] – [10:28])
    • Challenges of relying solely on paid ads in a competitive market.
    • Importance of focusing on organic growth channels to maintain profitability.
  • Retail Strategies ([14:07] – [16:54])
    • Starting with small local stores before targeting big-box retailers.
    • Creating a pipeline to nurture relationships with potential retail partners.
    • Tracking and following up with interested retailers to secure long-term partnerships.
  • Scaling to Big-Box Retail ([19:59] – [22:09])
    • Building relationships with procurement representatives at large retailers.
    • Importance of strong sales data and restocking metrics to demonstrate demand.
  • Subscription E-commerce and Influencer Marketing ([23:56] – [30:51])
    • Growth potential in subscription e-commerce for stability and recurring revenue.
    • Leveraging authentic influencer partnerships for effective marketing.
    • Focusing on micro-influencers for higher engagement and cost-effectiveness.
  • Final Thoughts and Fun Fact ([31:48] – [34:51])
    • Casey’s unique journey from cold pitching a university to teaching content marketing.
    • Encouraging proactive outreach and leveraging practical experience for success.

Guest Info

Casey Hill

Senior Manager of Growth at ActiveCampaign

LinkedIn: Casey Hill

Email: [email protected]

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