
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

11 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 30min
Is This the Beginning of a DTC Comeback?: State of the Industry
Join Jeremiah Promer, Founder of NoCommerce, and Yarden, Co-founder of Veros, as they dissect the current DTC landscape. They reveal why growth for seven-figure brands has plateaued and analyze shifting ad performance on platforms like Meta and TikTok. Discover rising consumer optimism that might impact holiday sales and gain insights into the emerging AppLovin ad network. These industry experts provide sharp takes on consumer spending trends, hinting at exciting possibilities for Black Friday and beyond!

6 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 24min
How to Turn Amazon Into a DTC Profit Powerhouse
Struggling with Amazon sales while trying to grow your direct-to-consumer presence? Uncover the secrets to integrating Amazon as a powerful ally instead of a rival. Learn to unify sales strategies, optimize advertising spends, and accurately track incremental revenue across platforms. Discover insightful data integration techniques and the importance of understanding ad impacts for future growth. Richard and Taylor guide you through practical solutions to turn potential conflicts into collaborative profits.

8 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 26min
How We Went from 5 to 30 Clients in 4 Months - We Need More Talent
Joy Sharma, Chief Commanding Officer of CTC Global, takes listeners through an incredible journey, detailing how the CTC Global Accelerator skyrocketed from 5 to 30 clients in just four months. She reveals the secret sauce behind delivering predictable growth for seven-figure brands and addresses the urgent need for top-tier talent to keep up with demand. The conversation also touches on crafting compelling hiring offers akin to nurturing athletes at La Masia, showcasing the drive for excellence in scaling e-commerce.

Nov 7, 2024 • 21min
What Finance Got Wrong About Revenue Forecasting (and How Marketers Can Fix It!)
Explore the disconnect between finance and marketing in revenue forecasting. Discover how traditional financial forecasts often miss the mark due to a lack of insight into marketing actions. Learn about the Event Effect Model, which links marketing events to revenue generation using historical data. Gain insights into the importance of a structured library of marketing activities for better predictions. Understand the need for cooperation between finance and marketing to drive accurate forecasts and successful growth strategies.

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.
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