David Abrahamovitch | Grind: How to build a DTC brand

Building a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand offers an incredible opportunity to connect with customers and foster long-term brand loyalty. But while the rewards can be significant, so too are the challenges and barriers to entry. That’s why I wanted to speak with someone who has successfully navigated this journey for our season focus on sales. From modest beginnings in a Shoreditch coffee shop in 2011, David Abrahamovitch has built Grind into one of the UK’s leading DTC coffee brands. Having built a hugely loyal customer base, it’s estimated a Grind coffee is enjoyed every 2.8 seconds in the UK. David’s business has also grown through partnerships with the likes of British Airways & Soho House.  Keep listening to hear David’s advice on how to build a DTC brand & how to leverage community-building to generate sales.  David’s advice:Accept that everything is sales; sell to yourself constantlyWith every small sale you are building a following and a brandPitching your product should not worry you; you know more than anyone else about it, so you have nothing to fearAlways know your numbers; but also tell the story of the history of the brand, and your plans for its futureBe optimistic - but not delusional!DTC is more work in that you have to have a website / attract people to that website / and  deal with the packaging and the postingWhereas  selling through a retailer you only need to advertise the productBUT DTC gives you access to customers’ data and allows you to build a relationship with themSo selling through both the above is perhaps optimalAdvertising is essential for DTC selling - Facebook / Instagram / email / tube car panels are all useful; expect to spend up to 30% of revenue on marketing which will be a constant burdenRetaining customers is everything; the product must be a good oneIf customers unsubscribe, find out why so that you can fix the problemUse AI to help with small repetitive edits, not to replace people, just to speed up what they doIn order to attract young talent, create a culture that they will understand and like; always be thoughtful with your team and make sure they understand their job, their position and the company mission FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends: Buzzsprout podcast "how to" & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we"d love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show