
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

Jan 14, 2025 • 8min
How We Forecast Millions in Revenue for DTC Brands
Uncover the secrets behind a powerful forecasting system used by DTC brands to project millions in revenue. The discussion dives into the daily workflows and crucial business metrics that drive growth. Learn how to integrate diverse data sources for real-time profitability assessments. Explore custom regression models that predict performance and adapt to targets. Plus, discover strategies for optimizing ad spend and achieving sustainable growth to elevate your ecommerce game!

6 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 30min
Why Product Development is the Future of Ecommerce Growth
Explore the transformative power of product development as a growth engine for ecommerce brands. Uncover how innovative storytelling can create demand and elevate brand visibility. Discover real-world examples, like a baseball-themed accessory turned into a holiday hit. Learn how aligning product design with cultural moments fosters authentic customer connections and boosts loyalty. Plus, dive into strategies for reallocating media budgets to enhance brand storytelling and supercharge marketing efforts.

9 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 43min
Brands That Win in 2025 Will Do THIS (Are You Ready?)
Discover what sets successful brands apart in 2025, with a focus on strategic storytelling. Learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and create community connections. Explore real-world examples from brands like Born Primitive that effectively align marketing with cultural events. Understand the crucial link between marketing and finance for enhanced business outcomes. Get tips on building a marketing calendar that delivers the right messages and drives customer loyalty.

11 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 34min
25 Predictions for Ecommerce in 2025
Dive into bold predictions for ecommerce in 2025! Discover how automation will revolutionize media buying, with a staggering 98% of processes becoming automated. Explore the enduring importance of human judgment amid rising omnichannel strategies, and learn how platforms like TikTok are reshaping revenue management. The discussion also covers challenges in customer acquisition and the need for innovation in product development. Get ready for a future where AI and strategic planning drive sustained growth!

6 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 12min
2025 Ecom Planning: The Framework That Could 10x Your Profit
Get ready to elevate your e-commerce strategy for 2025! Discover the PROPHIT System, a game-changing framework to bridge the gap between predictions and aspirations. Learn how to align your financial and marketing plans for stable growth while avoiding pitfalls in forecasting. Dive into the importance of integrating finance and marketing, and explore real data insights for informed decision-making. Understand customer churn and the impact of repurchase patterns on profitability within a crucial 130-day window. Optimizing financial planning has never been more essential!

4 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 38min
Meet PAM: The Profit Allocation Model Revolutionizing Ad Budgets
Join Luke Austin, VP of e-commerce strategies at Common Thread Collective, and Tony Chop, VP of paid media at the same firm, as they unveil PAM—the Profit Allocation Model. This innovative tool revolutionizes how e-commerce businesses allocate ad budgets to maximize profitability. They discuss the significance of incrementality for evaluating ad success and share insights on optimizing budget distribution across channels. Tune in to learn how PAM streamlines decision-making and connects business goals with actionable advertising strategies!

6 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 25min
Unlocking Profit: The Hardest (But Most Important) Part of Scaling
Scaling an e-commerce business is thrilling, but many overlook hidden profits. The importance of clarity and alignment around financial metrics is emphasized. The Prophit System is unveiled as a tool to simplify complex data. Understanding revenue definitions and focusing on contribution margins are crucial for informed decisions. Messy data can lead to costly mistakes, making consistency in financial metrics essential for growth and success.

10 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 18min
2025 Starts Here + BFCM Data You Need to See
Explore the latest trends of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, revealing unexpected growth patterns and changing consumer behaviors. Discover how to enhance your strategy for 2025, emphasizing effective planning and the significance of omni-channel marketing. Learn about the shift in revenue from new versus returning customers and its implications for future sales. Dive into exclusive insights that can help brands navigate the complex e-commerce landscape and prepare for a successful year ahead.

7 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 29min
FINAL WARNING: Your Black Friday Strategy is Missing THIS!
Luke Austin, VP of Ecommerce Strategy at Common Thread Collective, shares critical insights for mastering Black Friday. He discusses crafting standout offers to capture attention and the necessity of adjusting ad spend for better ROI, notably shifting focus towards Meta. Luke emphasizes the importance of raising AMER targets and offers creative tips for maximizing ad performance during peak sales. Plus, he reveals why increasing email outreach could be a game-changer for boosting revenue this holiday season.

Nov 21, 2024 • 18min
The Truth About AppLovin: Should You Shift Your Budget NOW?
Is AppLovin the next big thing in ecommerce advertising? Discover why this platform is gaining traction, even rivaling Meta Ads. Brands are reporting impressive returns, thanks to unique advantages like 7-day click optimization. But can it maintain success as competition heats up? Learn how you can cautiously test this promising platform, including tips for leveraging free ad credits ahead of Black Friday. Plus, dive into the shifting demographics in mobile gaming ads and the evolving e-commerce landscape.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.