Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Is paid magazine advertising effective for spirits brands?
Magazine advertising for spirits brands has **very limited ROI** and should not be relied upon to drive sales. The community consensus is clear: paid features in publications are expensive, unmeasurable, and deliver minimal commercial return. Key findings: - **Brand visibility only** — Magazine ads work as a prestige play ('as seen in GQ') rather than a sales driver. Members noted you might get a 'pretty good deal' but shouldn't expect any sales increase. - **Unmeasurable impact** — Unlike paid social or PPC, magazine advertising provides no trackable metrics or attribution. - **Never pay rate card** — If you do advertise, negotiate heavily; don't pay published rates. - **Better alternatives exist** — Members recommend spending the budget on **paid social or PPC** instead, where you can at least measure ROI and attribute conversions. **Bottom line:** Unless you have a specific brand-building goal (e.g., positioning in a premium tier) and accept there will be no measurable sales lift, members advise redirecting budget elsewhere.
What are effective strategies for running sponsored ads on Amazon, and should one hire external consultants?
Members recommend hiring an Amazon expert consultant rather than managing campaigns in-house, unless you have significant prior experience. **Nom Com** is the recommended agency—several brands including Boatyard Gin, Seven Tails, and Avellen use them, and members have offered introductions to their contacts there. The consensus is that Amazon advertising expertise is specialist enough to warrant external support.