Pillar guides

Long-form guides for DTC operators

Five guides, ~17,000 words. Each is the most comprehensive answer we can write on its topic — opinionated, dated, and free. Read in order if you are early. Skip to what you need if you are not.

The Complete DTC Marketing Playbook for 2026

19-min read · ~3,831 words · Updated 2026-05-25

An operator-grade playbook for DTC marketing in 2026: channel mix, creative cadence, attribution, retention, and the spreadsheets that actually run a brand. No theory, just what works.

The 80-Point Shopify Launch Checklist for New Brands

18-min read · ~3,545 words · Updated 2026-05-25

Every box you should check before your Shopify store goes live: store config, payments, shipping, apps, tracking, legal, content, marketing, and post-launch. Built from 200+ launches.

Building a Meta Ads Creative System That Does Not Fatigue

17-min read · ~3,383 words · Updated 2026-05-25

The creative-supply-chain playbook for Meta ads in 2026: hook library, brief templates, production cadence, exit criteria, and the system that keeps winners coming. From 200+ DTC brands.

The Lean DTC Tool Stack Blueprint for Sub-$1M MRR Brands

17-min read · ~3,407 words · Updated 2026-05-25

The 12-tool stack we recommend for DTC brands doing under $1M MRR, with exact monthly costs, integration notes, what to skip, and when to upgrade. Built from 200+ stack audits.