The Direct to Consumer Playbook: The Stories and Strategies of the Brands that Wrote the DTC Rules Paperback – 3 May 2022

A page-turner ... not normal for a business book. This is easy to consume, but gives real in-depth examples of how DTC businesses succeed (and fail) in the market; what to look our for, and when to pivot.It is very well written and brings the reader into the businesses outlined & also the personalities of their owners. For anyone looking to start a business, for strategies to break-out from mediocre growth, or for a turnaround - this book should be the first book you read.

I read this book as a supplier and advisor to DTC businesses and I thoroughly recommend it for anyone thinking of starting a DTC business or already in a DTC business and looking to expand.The use of the many case studies and first hand stories from successful business owners, together with the input from Mike's own experience, makes this a thoroughly informative read with sound advice put into context. The range of products and industry sectors covered by the examples, the challenges overcome and the different strategies taken, ensures the book is of value to any business, whatever the sector and stage of evolution your business is currently at.

As a Co Founder of a D2C Food startup this is the book I wished we had when we launched.We have figured stuff out as we have gone along and this book would have been like a cheat code to speed up launching a successful D2C business. Even though we are a few months in it is good to get reassurance and validation what we are doing is along the right lines and there are some invaluable lessons that can be learned and I can imagine we'll regularly be dipping in and out of this book as we continue to grow.Mike Stevens has collated some great case studies from those who have been there and done D2C, those who have taken part in the book have been generous with their knowledge sharing and the book is easy to read with key lessons to take away highlighted at the end of each chapter.I'd say if you own/run a D2C business it is well worth the £17.99.DavidCo FounderRoot Kitchen

Written by founder of British challenger confectionery brand, Peppersmith, Mike Stevens writes an inspiring, informative and compelling book all about the world of Direct To Consumer Marketing.It’s an absolute must read for anyone that has even just a tiny bit of interest in launching a product, building a brand or even just fancies a nosey into the do’s and don't of the modern DTC brands.It uniquely brings together learnings, examples and insights into many brilliant brands such as graze, Who Gives A Crap, Heights, Ugly Drinks, Bloom and Wild, Huel, Lick and many more.A simple, helpful DTC masterclass 🌟Emma WalkerPeppersmith Brand Manager

I'm halfway through this book by Mike Stevens. As a professional with 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods brands, I love the balance that the author has struck between sharing the brand's own learnings about how they've grown their e-commerce business, and how he layers his own insight on top of this, which offers even more value. Highly recommended, particularly given the amount of 'quick tip' books and checklists out there, which really only provide a superficial, tactical approach to doing business and a false sense of security to emerging brands. This book highlights the importance of understanding your customer insight and doing the strategic thinking that is necessary to set yourself up for success.

I already have a business and want to add a DTC element. This book and its case studies are more aimed at startup DTC businesses so not particularly relevant to me. Enjoyable read nonetheless.

Some business books are quite boring and repetitive - this one is not!I really like the structure and the summaries at the end of each chapter, to make it really clear on the learnings. Each D2C brand that has been chose is really great too and you learn a lot from each. There is a really good mix that have been chosen and it's exciting to be learning directly from these brands' founders or CEOs. No filler, all useful information and context.The book is written in a really nice, inspiring and inclusive way.Would highly recommend for anyone looking to learn how to grow a D2C brand, from some of the worlds best brands in the space.Sam

Really great info and insights to the stories behind some very well known household brands. Great read for anyone in the D2C space.