
Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth
2020 transformed the world of ecommerce forever.
For the modern DTC brand, the rewards have never been greater. But the waters have also never been choppier, and the way forward has never been more uncertain.
So how do you navigate this dangerous new reality?
No matter how you do it, you’d better not do it alone.
That’s where the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast comes in — join Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin as they bring you guiding insights from across CTC’s portfolio of growing DTC businesses.
Whether you need a clear view on the macro issues affecting the world of ecommerce, or want to reorient your business around groundbreaking new big-picture strategies, Taylor & Richard are here to help answer the tough questions about what it takes to scale — and sustain — an ecommerce business.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
I Almost Lost My Business — Here's Exactly How I Fixed It
Tara Austin, founder and CEO of Ruthie Grace, shares her gripping journey of nearly losing her seven-figure e-commerce business. She discusses the critical moments that demanded a turnaround and how transparent leadership reshaped her company culture. Tara reveals her innovative operating system that manages an impressive 450 product launches monthly. Listeners will gain insights into fostering resilience during adversity and the crucial role of effective communication in building a successful team.

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 41min
Taylor & Andrew Break Baseball Cards & Break Down DTC in 2025
Joining Taylor Holiday is Andrew Faris, an e-commerce guru known for his sharp insights on marketing strategies. Together, they tackle the harsh realities of e-commerce, discussing the infinite competition and the creative exhaustion many face. From exploring baseball card collecting to the challenges of launching a new brand, they dissect profitability, customer acquisition, and the nuances of digital commerce. They also reflect on the role of AI in advertising and the importance of intellectual property, weaving in personal anecdotes for a delightful listen.

7 snips
May 29, 2025 • 33min
Meta’s New Attribution Model Will Blow Up Your Ad Strategy—Here’s Why
Tony Chopp, VP of Paid Media at Common Thread Collective, shares insights on Meta's groundbreaking incremental attribution model. He discusses how this new feature can revolutionize ad performance measurement by utilizing continuous holdout testing to achieve real-time conversion tracking. The conversation also delves into the advantages of incrementality measurement over traditional methods, the implications for media buying strategies, and early test results showcasing its effectiveness. A must-listen for anyone in performance marketing!

6 snips
May 27, 2025 • 12min
CMOs: Stop Measuring, Start Creating Moments
Discover how a CMO broke free from data dependency to launch a viral TikTok challenge, racking up over 10 million impressions. Learn why it's time to abandon the myth of perfect attribution and embrace bold marketing initiatives. The concept of 'Best Available Truth' encourages confidence even with imperfect data. Hear about the power of authentic storytelling and how brands can engage communities without getting lost in metrics. This is a call for CMOs to innovate and focus on meaningful connections rather than just numbers.

May 22, 2025 • 32min
Diagnose Your Ecommerce Growth Potential in 5 Minutes
Discover the new Strategic Growth Scorecard that helps assess your e-commerce brand’s growth potential in just minutes. The hosts discuss replacing ROAS with Incremental Marginal Return (IMR) for better insights. Learn the key metrics for sustainable growth and how to spot red flags in customer acquisition strategies. They share a compelling tale of marketing nostalgia through backyard concerts, highlighting the importance of customer lifetime value. This is packed with actionable strategies for navigating today’s volatile market.

10 snips
May 20, 2025 • 31min
95% of Ecommerce Businesses Are Worth NOTHING
Discover why a startling 95% of e-commerce ventures hold no value. The hosts dive into the myths surrounding entrepreneurial success and how social media skews perceptions. They dissect the mindset of entrepreneurs, noting how ambition can sometimes cloud judgment. Additionally, learn about the critical importance of aligning business goals with personal financial aspirations. With insightful tools for evaluating your business's potential, this discussion is a must for anyone navigating the challenging world of online commerce.

May 15, 2025 • 33min
Daily Ad Tweaks Are Wasting Your Budget
Luke Austin, VP of e-commerce strategy at Common Thread Collective, shares invaluable insights into the pitfalls of constant ad tweaking. He reveals how over-managing campaigns can drain budgets and hinder growth. Instead of reactive changes, Luke emphasizes the power of geo holdout testing and team alignment for better decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of trusting data while focusing on creative output to unlock true growth potential. Perfect for brands seeking clarity in a chaotic marketing landscape!

8 snips
May 13, 2025 • 24min
Inside the $10M+ Brand Growth Workflow (Real Client Example)
Discover how billion-dollar ecommerce brands strategize their growth. The hosts delve into performance metrics, revealing why exceeding forecasts can signal trouble. They discuss balancing short-term wins with long-term goals in customer acquisition. Listeners will learn to navigate challenges in gaining new customers while maximizing revenue from existing ones. Also highlighted is the significance of understanding growth metric hierarchies for better decision-making and team alignment.

May 8, 2025 • 26min
We Killed the Growth Map! Here’s What Replaces It
The podcast explores a major shift in media buying as the outdated Growth Map is retired in favor of AI-driven strategies. Discover how AI enhances forecasting and ROAS accuracy, replacing the limitations of human oversight. Learn about innovative tools like Compass and Scout, designed for optimized decision-making. The conversation emphasizes the importance of omnipresence in advertising and the ongoing role of humans in an AI-centric environment. This is not just a tech update; it's a revolution in performance marketing!

May 6, 2025 • 21min
Growth Is a Muscle—Here’s How to Train It
Brands often misidentify their growth issues as needing more strategies, when it's really about taking consistent action. Discover the framework of Quantity, Diversity, and Quality to boost your growth potential. Hear how consistent engagement with marketing tools, like email campaigns, can yield impressive ROI. Learn how creativity in product launches acts like a lottery ticket for businesses. Explore the vital balance between strategic planning and execution for driving robust results.