Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth
Common Thread Collective
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 5, 2024 • 9min
The Black Friday Budget Mistake That Could Tank Your Monthly Sales
Discover why underspending on Black Friday could wreak havoc on your November sales. Learn the importance of strategic budget allocation to capitalize on this unique shopping opportunity. Explore how past sales data can refine your marketing strategies and get insights into proper pacing for maximum returns. Avoid the common pitfalls of early budget allocation and propel your sales this holiday season with tips for making the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Oct 31, 2024 • 14min
WARNING: Election Week Could Sink Your Ad Performance!
Dive into the eerie effects of Election Week on ad campaigns! Discover how political spending can shift CPMs and reduce conversions, especially in crucial swing states. Learn strategies to maintain ad performance while navigating this turbulent time. The hosts share valuable insights on preparing for revenue rebounds post-election and optimizing campaigns for shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Don’t panic—get the tips you need to keep your ads on track amidst the chaos!
10 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 57min
Want Profits? Here Are the Exact Steps to Ecommerce Success
Join sales experts Matt Axline and Peter Hassan from Common Thread Collective as they unravel their powerful Profit System for ecommerce success. They dive into the importance of data accuracy and financial management, sharing insights on optimizing customer acquisition strategies. Discover how returning customer revenue is vital for growth and learn about the significance of a cohesive marketing strategy. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, they provide actionable steps to thrive in a challenging marketplace.
9 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 27min
Are Political Ads Killing Sales?: State of the Industry
The discussion dives deep into the slowdown affecting seven-figure brands amid rising political ad spending. Experts analyze how consumer behavior is shifting towards value-seeking, impacting sales. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, insights reveal the need for new strategies in a competitive market. The episode also covers the significance of data analytics in navigating holiday sales and adapting to changing consumer trends. Get ready to rethink your eCommerce approach in light of these critical insights!
4 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 27min
5 Must Do Ecommerce Strategies to CRUSH Black Friday Sales
Luke Austin, VP of e-commerce strategy at Common Thread Collective, shares his expertise on maximizing Black Friday sales. He reveals how to craft irresistible offers and increase ad spend without sacrificing profitability. The conversation highlights the importance of Meta ads in Q4 and the strategic use of engaging Reels for high conversion. Luke emphasizes ramping up email marketing and optimizing campaigns to ensure success, making this a must-listen for anyone in e-commerce looking to thrive during the holiday rush.
Oct 17, 2024 • 27min
Taylor's Biggest Critique of Cost Controls
Cost controls in digital advertising face significant limitations, especially when relying on human logic in a dynamic environment. Taylor highlights the challenges of trusting AI in ad management while addressing emotional hurdles that can lead to poor decision-making. The need for a balance between human creativity and machine precision is crucial for long-term campaign success. Insights are shared on optimizing advertising efforts amidst unpredictability, alongside strategies for effective budget allocation and embracing automation in decision-making.
Oct 15, 2024 • 30min
Holiday SEO Tips for 2024: Maximize Organic Traffic and Revenue
In this insightful discussion, Travis Bichelle, Director of SEO at Common Thread Collective, shares his expertise on boosting organic traffic for the holiday season. He highlights essential strategies like optimizing metadata and schema markup to enhance search visibility. Travis also emphasizes the growing importance of image-centric search and how leveraging Google Merchant Center can promote your products effectively. Plus, he offers actionable tips for preparing your site before major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
5 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
Truths We Learned from 67+ Eight Figure Brands That Actually Produced Profit in 2024
Discover the secrets behind 67 thriving eight-figure e-commerce brands that found sustainable profit in 2024. Learn how they adapted to industry shifts while handling inflation and rising competition. Uncover the power of robust profit systems that go beyond just marketing tactics. Dive into the importance of engaging creative ads and customer retention strategies that keep buyers coming back. From AI-driven advertising to compelling storytelling, explore the innovative methods these brands use to navigate a competitive landscape.
Oct 8, 2024 • 56min
Transforming Company Culture: From Employee-Centric to Standards-Centric
Dane Sanders, VP of Employee Development and Performance at Common Thread Collective, dives into the profound cultural shift at CTC from an employee-centric to a standards-centric model. He shares how this transformation drives profitability and high performance while reducing turnover. Key insights include balancing accountability with employee engagement, the significance of aligning culture with customer value, and practical steps for operationalizing cultural changes. This conversation is packed with valuable strategies for leaders and employees aiming for a results-driven workplace.
28 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 35min
Boost Your Holiday Sales with These Email and SMS Strategies
Tommy Lamb, the Director of Email and SMS at Common Thread Collective, shares essential strategies to supercharge holiday sales. He emphasizes the significance of data integrity and audience segmentation for effective campaigns. Listeners learn about shortening cart abandonment windows and leveraging AI-driven features to optimize marketing efforts. Tommy also discusses how to utilize insights from email to enhance paid advertising and the importance of smart testing to boost engagement during this critical retail season.
