
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

6 snips
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.

4 snips
May 1, 2025 • 38min
How Skullcandy Used a Competitor to Win New Customer
In this conversation, Brian Garofalow, CEO of Skullcandy and an expert in brand strategy, reveals how collaborating with Bose transformed their market approach. He shares insights on leveraging 'product as marketing' and strategic retail partnerships. The discussion dives into how the partnership aimed to enhance brand perception and appeal to a younger audience. Brian also highlights the significance of storytelling in marketing and offers lessons for DTC brands on building long-term equity through innovative collaborations.

9 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 43min
We Built Our Own Incrementality Testing Tool
Discover the innovative incrementality testing tool that revolutionizes marketing measurement. Dive into why this testing method is superior and how it makes geo holdout experiments more cost-effective. Hear real-world impacts from brands already benefiting from this approach. The conversation reveals essential strategies for optimizing advertising, including market selection and revenue analysis. Tune in if you're ready to transform your ad budget planning and eliminate guesswork in your marketing efforts!

Apr 24, 2025 • 21min
March Report Card: Did We Hit or Miss the Forecast
Discover how clients fared in March 2025, with a surprise twist on contribution margins exceeding expectations by 11.68%. Dive into the challenges of revenue forecasts and cash flow management in e-commerce. The importance of data-driven accountability in agency partnerships takes center stage, advocating for transparency and a rigorous report card system. The podcast also examines how to navigate growth forecasts, emphasizing self-reflection and strategic adjustments for future success.

17 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 54min
2025 Guide to Profitable META Media Buying
Discover the latest updates to Meta's advertising algorithms and how they impact e-commerce strategies. Learn why cost caps aren't enough and how to adapt bidding strategies for optimal results. Dive into the importance of creative diversification and attribution windows in measuring success. Explore innovative ways to re-engage lapsed customers and maximize profitability in the post-pandemic landscape. Streamline your media buying practices and leverage data-driven insights for effective campaigns. It's your blueprint for thriving in the evolving world of online advertising!