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...
Thu, April 24, 2025
How did our clients actually perform in March 2025? On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard break down the latest performance scorecard across our client portfolio—revealing exactly how we stacked up against forecasted revenue, spend, and contribution margin goals. Spoiler: We beat margin expectations by +11.68%, but that’s just the beginning. Here’s what you’ll learn: The exact numbers behind our March forecast (and how close we came) Why most agency case studies are misleading How to evaluate an agency with real data, not anecdotes How CTC forecasts client growth using a self-scrutinizing model Why contribution margin is our north star metric—and what that means for your brand If you’ve ever wondered how to hold an agency accountable (including your own), this is the episode for you. Show Notes: Common Thread listeners get $250 by depositing $5,000 or spending $5,000 using the Mercury IO credit card within your first 90 days (or do both for $500) at mercury.com/ctc .! What Drove March?: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/march-lessons-from-ecommerce-growth-strategy Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group , Column, N.A. , and Evolve Bank & Trust , Members FDIC. The IO Card is issued by Patriot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Learn more about cashback . Working capital loans provided by Mercury Lending, LLC NMLS ID : 2606284.
Tue, April 22, 2025
Meta’s ad platform has changed—again. In this episode, we break down the exact strategies we’re using at Common Thread Collective to drive profitable growth for ecommerce brands in 2025. You’ll learn: Why cost caps alone won’t cut it anymore How we’re adapting bidding strategies to Meta’s new algorithm The role of creative diversification in targeting & scale How to use attribution windows (like 1-day view) without losing your shirt The importance of incrementality and media measurement What we’re doing right now to unlock growth in high AOV accounts Whether you’re running Meta ads for a $500K brand or a $50M powerhouse, this is your tactical blueprint for media buying that actually works in 2025. Show Notes: Go to alialearn.com and mention our podcast on the demo, toget 30 days free and 20% off! Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, April 17, 2025
What if you could get full funnel growth support, media buying, strategy, forecasting, creative direction, for just $5K/month on a month-to-month agreement? In this episode of the Podcast, Richard and Taylor break down the $5K Global Accelerator Program that’s helped over 50 seven-figure brands grow through one of the most volatile economic environments in recent memory. You’ll learn: Why this program was built specifically for $1M–$10M brands The systems and structure behind its outsized results How CTC leverages global talent, proven frameworks, and technology to deliver enterprise-grade strategy Why brands are staying longer, scaling faster, and spending smarter We’re opening up 12 new spots this month—this is your chance to join the movement. Show Notes: Common Thread listeners get $250 by depositing $5,000 or spending $5,000 using the Mercury IO credit card within your first 90 days (or do both for $500) at mercury.com/ctc .! Get our Global Accelerator Program: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/accelerator The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group , Column, N.A. , and Evolve Bank & Trust , Members FDIC. The IO Card is issued by Patriot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Learn more about cashback . Working capital loans provided by Mercury Lending, LLC NMLS ID : 2606284.
Tue, April 15, 2025
Tariffs are here—and they’re not hitting every brand the same. In this solo episode, Taylor walks through a critical 4 part framework designed to help ecommerce founders and operators craft the right response based on their unique balance sheet realities. Whether you’re cash rich with deep inventory or strapped for both, this episode will help you determine your strategic posture: go on offense, get lean, or something in between. What’s covered: The 4 key variables shaping your response (cash, inventory, debt, velocity) How to know which type of brand you are What to adjust in your CAC targets and growth strategy Real examples from CTC’s private client webinar This isn’t one-size-fits-all advice—it's an actionable strategy based on your business’s real financial position.. Show Notes: Go to alialearn.com and mention our podcast on the demo, toget 30 days free and 20% off! Get our Tariff Relief Plan: http://ctctariffrelief.com/ The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, April 10, 2025
If you’re waiting for things to “go back to normal” in ecommerce… stop. In this episode, Taylor and Richard break down why chaos is no longer the exception “it’s the rule” and what that means for how you run your brand. From unpredictable macro shifts to supply chain disruptions, stability is out. Adaptability is everything. We dive into the 7 core traits of anti-fragile brands, why your inventory strategy might be your biggest risk, and how to make smart decisions in a volatile market. Whether you’re trying to maximize EBITDA or just stay alive in the current landscape, this conversation will help you plan, act, and build with uncertainty in mind. Show Notes: Go to Opensend.com/book-a-demo and start your 2-week trial for just $1. Get our Tariff Relief Plan: http://ctctariffrelief.com/ The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, April 08, 2025
In this episode of the Podcast, Richard is joined by Steve Rekuc, our Director of Data, for a deep dive into what Q1 taught us — and what’s coming next. We’re breaking down the latest from our Direct to Consumer Confidence Index (DTCCI) and revealing what macroeconomic signals, consumer sentiment, and real brand performance tell us about the road ahead. Spoiler: It’s not just vibes anymore — the data shows real shifts in behavior that you need to understand. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Q1 consumer sentiment hit record lows How shoppers are thinking (and acting) in the face of economic uncertainty What our data reveals about new customer acquisition struggles The impact of tariffs, stock market drops, and shifting confidence on Q2 forecasts How Facebook’s Andromeda update is influencing ad performance (hint: high CTR, low CVR) Why future and present purchase sentiment matters more than ever What our MER based DTCCI forecast predicts for April and beyond Whether you’re a DTC founder, performance marketer, or ecommerce operator, this conversation is packed with insights to help you navigate a turbulent Q2. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Get our Tariff Relief Plan: http://ctctariffrelief.com/ Get the DTCCI: https://dtcci.co/ The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Fri, April 04, 2025
Emergency Update for Ecommerce Brands: Tariffs have arrived and they’re already impacting your bottom line. Costs are rising, margins shrinking, and uncertainty is high. But you’re not alone. In this special episode, Taylor Holiday (CEO, Common Thread Collective) breaks down the immediate impact of these tariffs and announces the CTC Tariff Relief Program—an emergency initiative designed specifically to protect your profitability, reduce your costs, and offer vital cash-flow relief. What You’ll Learn: Immediate steps to reduce your operating expenses by at least 20% Strategies for managing cash flow in uncertain times How to maintain growth despite sudden cost increases Details on the CTC Tariff Relief Program (including a special $500 guarantee) Get our Tariff Relief Plan: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/tariff-relief
Thu, April 03, 2025
Are you overlooking YouTube ads in your marketing strategy? On today’s podcast, we’re breaking down why most brands are significantly underestimating YouTube and how it’s quietly becoming the hidden gem driving real, profitable growth for smart advertisers. Joined by Rachel Kwon (Head of Paid Search) and Tony Chopp (VP of Paid Media) from Common Thread Collective, we dive into: Why YouTube ads are misunderstood and undervalued by most brands Key insights from recent incrementality studies that reveal YouTube’s true potential Practical strategies for integrating YouTube ads effectively into your current marketing mix A step-by-step approach for testing and scaling your YouTube investment If you’re serious about unlocking your next level of profitable growth, you can’t afford to ignore YouTube any longer. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, April 01, 2025
The future of ad creative just changed forever. In this episode of the Podcast, we break down the latest ChatGPT model update that literally broke the internet — and why it’s the biggest shift in AI-generated creative since GPT-3.5. Jacob Posel joins to explain how this update unlocked a wave of AI ads so good… you can’t deny it anymore. From viral Twitter threads to wild reactions from the creative world, this is the moment where AI became a real force in advertising. What You’ll Learn: Why the new GPT update is a game-changer for ad creative The exact moment Jacob realized AI had “solved” ads What happens when media buying meets infinite creative Why most brands still don’t believe this is real — and what that means How you can prepare for the future of AI-generated video, creative, and strategy For marketers, creators, and founders: This is your wakeup call. The game just changed. Get obsessed or get left behind. Show Notes: Go to Opensend.com/book-a-demo and start your 2-week trial for just $1. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, March 27, 2025
Are you stuck at six figures, unsure how to scale without burning your budget on expensive agencies or freelancers? You’re not alone. Most growing ecommerce brands face the same struggles—limited resources, information overload, and the stress of choosing the right growth strategies. In this episode of the podcast, Richard and Grant Zanini, VP of Education at CTC (and founder of our ADmission program ), break down how to break through from six to seven figures—without hiring an expensive marketing agency. You’ll discover: Why hiring agencies often fail at this growth stage—and what you should do instead. How to find the RIGHT advice in a world full of “gurus” and misinformation. Practical ways to get direct, actionable support for your brand at a fraction of agency prices. Common pitfalls most entrepreneurs face at this critical stage and how to avoid them. Ready to level up your ecommerce brand? Let’s dive in. Show Notes: The ADmission portal is now only $97/mo. — check it out here . Go to Opensend.com/book-a-demo and start your 2-week trial for just $1. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, March 25, 2025
Meta just flipped the script on media buying — and if you’re still running ads the old way, you’re already falling behind. In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about Meta’s new AI-powered advertising engine: Andromeda. We’re talking about: The death of cost caps and the rise of AI optimization Why Advantage+ Shopping is the new default How to structure your ad account for 2025 and beyond Why creative volume (yes, 5,000 ads, not 5) is the key to winning The future of profit-optimized campaigns, incrementality testing, and more This is the biggest shift in Meta ads since iOS14, and it’s already live. Whether you’re a media buyer, brand owner, or performance marketer — this is essential listening. Watch to learn how to restructure your Meta ad account and take full advantage of what’s coming. Show Notes: Go to Opensend.com/book-a-demo and start your 2-week trial for just $1. Meta Andromeda: Supercharging Advantage+ automation with the next-gen personalized ads retrieval engine Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, March 20, 2025
In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we sit down with Jack Zamichides, CEO of D Louise, to explore the journey from a small, scrappy startup to a fast-growing jewelry brand on the path to eight figures. Key Topics Covered: Trusting the Process – How D Louise committed fully to CTC’s creative volume methodology — and saw results almost immediately. Building Stability – Why relying on big product drops or seasonal moments is risky, and how D Louise shifted toward a more predictable growth model. From Side Hustle to Full Commitment – The pivotal Black Friday moment that convinced Jack to go all-in on the business. If you’re an e-commerce founder looking for actionable insights on scaling efficiently, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing proven strategies and building a stable foundation for growth. Show Notes: - Get your first 100 chargebacks handled absolutely free! Just visit chargeflow.io and enter the code "CTC100" after activation. - Explore the Global Accelerator : https://commonthreadco.com/pages/accelerator - The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, March 18, 2025
In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast , we’re diving into the crucial role of accurate forecasting in driving e-commerce growth — especially during challenging times. Inspired by our upcoming Sharpen Your Skills episode, this discussion unpacks why many brands struggle with overly optimistic forecasts and how an unbiased, data-driven forecast can provide the reality check needed to reset and rebuild. Key Topics Covered: - The E-Commerce Intervention – Why many brands today need a forecasting “intervention” to identify the cold, hard reality of their current state. - Rooting Forecasts in Reality – How unbiased, third-party forecasting exposes overestimations and reveals realistic growth targets. - The Power of Data-Driven Forecasting – Why accurate forecasting starts with data, not desire — and how this truth can save your business. - Aligning Ambition with Attainability – How to set aggressive yet achievable goals using accurate forecasting models. - Forecasting as a Growth Lever – Why your forecasting process can be the difference between stagnation and sustainable growth. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to set meaningful growth targets, this episode will help you reset your approach and build a forecast rooted in reality. Show Notes: - Get your first 100 chargebacks handled absolutely free! Just visit chargeflow.io and enter the code "CTC100" after activation. - The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Fri, March 14, 2025
In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we’re diving into influencer marketing and seeding—a foundational strategy that often gets overlooked in the rush to optimize ad accounts. This episode is a prelude to our new Sharpen Your Skills episode dropping tomorrow (Season 2, Episode 3) - which covers this even more in depth! Key Topics Covered: - The Influencer Foundation – Why influencer marketing was my starting point in marketing and why it still matters today. - Beyond Paid Media – How influencer-driven distribution impacts brand growth beyond just running ads. - Seeding Strategies – The importance of getting products in the right hands and how top brands execute seeding effectively. - Influencers as Growth Levers – Why influencer relationships, not just transactions, drive sustainable demand. - Rethinking Brand & Distribution – How the best-performing brands integrate influencers into their broader marketing strategy. If you’re relying too much on paid media and want to unlock new growth levers, this episode is for you. Show Notes: - Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb - The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, March 13, 2025
In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we’re diving into influencer marketing and seeding—a foundational strategy that often gets overlooked in the rush to optimize ad accounts. This episode is a prelude to our new Sharpen Your Skills episode dropping tomorrow (Season 2, Episode 3) - which covers this even more in depth! Key Topics Covered: - The Influencer Foundation – Why influencer marketing was my starting point in marketing and why it still matters today. - Beyond Paid Media – How influencer-driven distribution impacts brand growth beyond just running ads. - Seeding Strategies – The importance of getting products in the right hands and how top brands execute seeding effectively. - Influencers as Growth Levers – Why influencer relationships, not just transactions, drive sustainable demand. - Rethinking Brand & Distribution – How the best-performing brands integrate influencers into their broader marketing strategy. If you’re relying too much on paid media and want to unlock new growth levers, this episode is for you. Show Notes: - Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb - The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, March 11, 2025
This episode isn’t just about a viral Tecovas ad—it’s about the bigger picture of authentic marketing. We sit down with Krista Dalton, CMO of Tecovas, to break down the full story behind their marketing success. From understanding the customer to building the right product, finding the ideal distribution channels, and crafting memorable ads—this episode dives into how great marketing is built from the ground up. We cover: -How deeply understanding your customer and product can unlock new marketw -Why the best campaigns don’t always rely on direct response—they can thrive by tapping into identity -The strategy behind Tecovas’ marketing success and what it reveals about growth marketing and TAM Krista Dalton shows us how authentic marketing extends from a brand identity, to the final ad unit. Don’t miss this one. Show Notes: -Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. -Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.com -The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, March 06, 2025
Ever wondered what would happen if you ranked every employee in your company? We did exactly that—and the results were eye-opening. In this episode of the Podcast, we dive deep into the Key Employee Index, our custom-built employee scorecard that tracks performance, impact, and cultural fit at Common Thread Collective. Our VP of Employee Development & Performance, Dane Sanders, breaks down: Why we created an employee ranking system How we objectively and subjectively score employees The unexpected impact on team morale and company culture How this scorecard helps us retain top talent and improve performance Some people think ranking employees is ruthless—but we’ve found that clarity creates opportunity. By measuring who’s truly driving results, we’re able to develop, reward, and support our best employees while creating an elite, high-performance culture. Watch to see how this scorecard transformed our business—and why you might want to try it in yours. Show Notes: Talk to an expert and see SARAL in action - https://bit.ly/4gN6Nbo Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, March 04, 2025
If your paid media feels less effective than ever, your measurement system might be the real problem. Many 8-9 figure ecommerce brands are unknowingly starving their own growth because they’re looking at the wrong data. As brands expand beyond DTC into Amazon, retail, and omnichannel marketing, traditional metrics like MER and ncROAS no longer tell the full story. In this episode, we break down the biggest measurement mistakes that are causing brands to pull back on ad spend too soon, leading to stalled growth and missed opportunities. If you want to know how to properly assess the efficiency of your ads—and stop making costly decisions based on incomplete or misleading data—this is a must-watch. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your reported ad efficiency is lower than reality (and what to do about it) The hidden impact of Meta & YouTube ads on Amazon & retail sales How to assess incrementality instead of just relying on platform-reported ROAS The #1 measurement mistake brands make when scaling to 8-9 figures A step-by-step plan to fix your data and unlock scalable growth Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, February 27, 2025
DTC Twitter lost it over this Tecovas ad—but was the outrage justified? In this episode, we break down the viral controversy sparked by Taylor Holiday’s tweet, why so many misunderstood the ad’s real impact, and what it reveals about the future of growth marketing. Was this ad truly a “bad” direct response play, or was it actually a genius move that expanded Tecovas’ audience and drove real sales? We dive into the strategy behind the ad, the power of product innovation, and why growth marketing is about way more than just ad formats. Watch to learn: Why Taylor Holiday’s Tecovas tweet stirred up DTC Twitter The real definition of growth marketing (hint: it’s NOT just ads) How Tecovas’ approach sold out a product despite the criticism What ecommerce brands can learn from this controversy Show Notes: Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb Tweet: https://x.com/TaylorHoliday/status/1890505039074009295 Explore Compass : adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, February 25, 2025
AI is rapidly changing the ecommerce landscape, automating tasks once handled by humans and raising the question—are ecommerce jobs at risk? In this episode, we dive deep into the future of AI in ecommerce, breaking down how AI is transforming everything from inventory management to ad buying, and whether human expertise can still compete. Will AI completely replace ecommerce jobs? What skills will still be valuable in an AI-driven world? How can brands use AI to their advantage instead of fearing it? Join us as we explore the pros, cons, and potential future of AI in ecommerce. Is this the end of human-led ecommerce, or just the beginning of a new era? Show Notes: Get your first 100 chargebacks handled absolutely free! Just visit chargeflow.io and enter the code "CTC100" after activation. Explore Compass : adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, February 20, 2025
Most ecommerce brands are bleeding cash without even realizing it. Margins are shrinking, competition is fiercer than ever, and the game has changed. But there’s one secret weapon that can turn the tide: accountants who understand marketing.In this video, we break down why financial professionals need to step across the bridge and integrate marketing insights into their strategy. If you’re an accountant, CFO, or financial consultant, this is your COVID moment—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine your value and stand out in the industry.What You’ll Learn: Why ecommerce brands are struggling with unprofitable growth How accountants can bridge the gap between finance & marketing The biggest financial mistakes ecommerce businesses are making Why understanding ad spend & customer acquisition costs is crucial How we used this strategy to 3X our growth while others struggled Don’t be another black-and-white cow in a crowded field. Be the Purple Accountant. Podcast in collaboration with A2X: https://www.a2xaccounting.com/ Are you an accountant or bookkeeper wanting to connect with ecommerce businesses? A2X can help! Learn more about the A2X Partner Program here: https://www.a2xaccounting.com/accountants Show Notes: Get your first 100 chargebacks handled absolutely free! Just visit chargeflow.io and enter the code "CTC100" after activation. Explore Compass: adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, February 18, 2025
The last few years have been brutal for DTC brands. From the COVID boom to the Ozempic era, skyrocketing acquisition costs, vanishing venture capital, and economic shifts have crushed many ecommerce businesses. But here’s the twist—2025 could be the best year in DTC history. In this video, we break down the evolution of DTC brands, why so many have struggled, and the key strategies that will separate the winners from the losers. We share real data, case studies, and the exact playbook top brands are using to not just survive—but thrive—in this new era. What you’ll learn: The rise and fall of DTC (and what caused it) Why traditional growth strategies no longer work The new playbook for profitability and sustainability How smart brands are reinventing acquisition, cash flow, and product strategy Why 2025 will mark the beginning of a massive DTC comeback If you’re running an ecommerce brand or looking to scale in 2025, this is a must-watch. The game has changed—are you ready to adapt? Show Notes: Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb Explore Compass : adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, February 13, 2025
Struggling to connect your creative strategy with financial planning? Meet Compass, the tool that automates and streamlines ad creative planning like never before. In this episode, we break down how Compass revolutionizes the way brands develop, manage, and scale their creative assets—seamlessly integrating with your media and financial strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Compass connects creative strategy to financial planning The step-by-step workflow of building a data-driven media plan How AI helps automate creative ideation, audience targeting & campaign execution Why meta’s latest ad updates demand more creative—and how Compass solves this How to plan, generate, and launch 300+ ads with efficiency Want to start using Compass for your brand? Visit adcompass.ai to learn more and get started. Show Notes: Talk to an expert and see SARAL in action - https://bit.ly/4gN6Nbo Explore Compass: adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, February 11, 2025
Struggling to scale your ecommerce ads? Spending too much time guessing what works? Meet Compass – the creative operating system designed to take the guesswork out of ad strategy! With Compass , you’ll get: Data-Driven Ad Planning – Know exactly how many ads you need each month AI-Powered Creative Insights – Discover winning audience, offer, and angle combinations Seamless Integration with Your Financial Plan – Align your creative efforts with your business goals Smarter, Faster Ad Execution – Say goodbye to endless iterations and wasted ad spend Watch as we break down how Compass revolutionizes creative strategy and helps brands maximize ad performance with AI-driven insights. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, February 06, 2025
Margins are shrinking, debt is rising, and ecommerce brands are feeling the squeeze. In this episode of the Podcast, we dive deep into the financial realities facing DTC brands in 2025. Is the ecommerce game still worth playing? Or has the landscape shifted in ways that make profitability harder than ever? Joining Taylor are Lio from Finaloop and Drew from Iris Finance, two of the sharpest financial minds in the space, to break down the data, trends, and what it means for your business. We’ll cover: The latest financial benchmarks for 8-figure brands Why revenue is up, but profitability is down How rising debt levels are impacting growth The path forward for brands trying to survive and thrive Practical strategies to protect your margins and improve cash flow If you’re running an ecommerce business, this is a must-watch. Don’t let the market catch you off guard—stay ahead of the curve. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, February 04, 2025
Ecommerce is facing major challenges in 2025—rising ad costs, AI disruptions, and now, new tariffs. If you’re running a brand, you need to know what’s coming and how to adapt before it’s too late. In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we break down: The biggest threats to e-commerce right now How AI is reshaping the workforce and business costs Why traditional marketing strategies are failing The key moves you need to make to stay profitable Don’t get left behind—watch now to future-proof your business! Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends Antifragile Scorecard: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/antifragile-ecommerce Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co
Thu, January 30, 2025
2024 was all about getting the fundamentals right—fixing tracking, managing costs, and ensuring brands could survive in a tough market. But 2025? It’s time to WIN. In this episode, we break down the strategy behind breaking the model—moving beyond predictable growth and pushing into new frontiers of scale. Luke Austin, VP of Ecommerce Strategy at Common Thread Collective, shares insights from real brands that are outpacing their forecasts by leveraging high-impact marketing initiatives, influencer collaborations, and product launches. If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start scaling aggressively, this episode is for you. Want help implementing this strategy? Visit commonthreadco.com and smash that “Hire Us” button. Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co
Tue, January 28, 2025
Are you really measuring your ads the right way? In this episode we dive deep into the world of incrementality testing—what it is, why it’s so important, and why most brands struggle to operationalize it effectively. We break down the biggest mistakes marketers make when it comes to ad measurement and how to avoid them. Learn the secrets to building a consistent testing system, understanding your ad performance, and driving better results for your business. Key topics covered: What is incrementality testing? Why it’s so hard to apply test results consistently How to turn data into actionable insights The tools and frameworks to operationalize your findings If you want to stop guessing and start making data-driven decisions, this episode is a must-watch. Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co
Thu, January 23, 2025
In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the incredible growth story of Born Primitive, the ecommerce brand that has redefined what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Founder Bear Handlon shares how the company went from selling a single product out of a garage to becoming a multimillion-dollar powerhouse in apparel, fitness, and tactical gear. We break down the secrets to scaling big, including: Creating Unforgettable Products: How solving specific customer problems and staying close to the community led to innovative designs like the Savage One footwear and tactical apparel. Building a Brand with Purpose: The importance of authentic storytelling and living out values that resonate deeply with customers, from supporting veterans to launching campaigns with cultural impact. Executing Bold Campaigns : A behind-the-scenes look at some of Born Primitive’s most iconic campaigns, such as the Operation Overlord 80th Anniversary Savage One launch, and how it blended storytelling, product design, and charitable giving for massive success. Leveraging New Categories for Growth: How expanding into tactical and outdoor gear unlocked new customer cohorts and revitalized growth in saturated markets. The Power of a Strong Team: Insights into how Bear empowered his team to execute his bold ideas while he focused on leading with vision and strategy. Discover why Born Primitive’s approach to combining purpose-driven branding, unique storytelling, and relentless innovation has set them apart from competitors—and how these strategies can inspire your own ecommerce journey. This is a masterclass in scaling for founders, marketers, and anyone passionate about building impactful, long-lasting brands. Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, January 21, 2025
Discover the key to transforming your ad strategy with creator-driven content that delivers real results. In this episode, Richard and Adrianne reveal how brands can integrate high-quality creator content into their campaigns to maximize performance and ROI. We’ll break down: Why most ads fall flat and how to fix them. The importance of properly briefing creators for ad success. How to align your paid and organic teams for seamless content creation. A proven structure to create scroll-stopping, performance-driven videos. Tips for sourcing authentic creators that resonate with your target audience. The secret to scaling ad performance with data-driven creative strategies. If you’re ready to bridge the gap in your ad strategy and unlock the full potential of creator-driven content, this is the missing link you’ve been searching for! Show Notes: Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb Explore our Creator Content: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/contact The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, January 16, 2025
Is TikTok on the verge of being banned in the United States? In this episode of the Podcast, we dive into the Supreme Court hearing that could determine TikTok’s future and its potential impact on the ecommerce industry. What does this mean for advertisers, brands, and creators who rely on TikTok as a platform? We’ll break down: The reasons behind the potential ban. How the decision could reshape ad budgets and content strategies. The platforms that might benefit if TikTok disappears. What ecommerce brands should do to prepare. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most critical conversations shaping digital marketing today. Whether you’re a TikTok user, advertiser, or just curious about what’s next, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss! Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, January 14, 2025
Discover the step-by-step process behind CTC’s Prophit System, our proven method used to forecast millions in revenue for leading DTC brands. In this video, we dive into the daily workflows, data integration techniques, and forecasting models that drive real results. From aligning 35+ critical business metrics to creating actionable insights for growth, this is the ultimate guide to building a scalable, data-driven operating system for your brand. Watch now to see how we optimize ad spend, improve ROAS, and achieve sustainable growth. Don’t forget to subscribe for more ecommerce insights! Show Notes: Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, January 09, 2025
Discover why product development is the ultimate growth engine for ecommerce brands in today’s competitive market. In this episode of the Podcast, we talk how creative, story-driven product development can fuel demand, elevate your brand, and revolutionize your marketing strategy. Learn how innovative ideas, like turning a baseball sliding mitt into a Christmas stocking, or creating custom braces for a soccer star, create buzz, drive engagement, and build lasting connections with customers. We’ll explore the power of aligning product, story, and cultural moments to maximize ROI—not just in sales but in brand credibility and customer loyalty. Key Takeaways: Why storytelling and product innovation are critical to long-term success Real-world examples of brands turning unique ideas into marketing wins How investing in product-driven marketing can supercharge your ad efficiency Show Notes: Talk to an expert and see SARAL in action - https://bit.ly/4gN6Nbo Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, January 07, 2025
What separates the brands that thrive from the ones that struggle in 2025? It all comes down to one thing—strategy. In this video, we dive deep into the key elements that the most successful brands are mastering to dominate the ecommerce landscape this year. From crafting compelling brand stories to building cohesive marketing plans, we’ll show you how to connect your creative vision with measurable business outcomes. Winning in 2025 isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about creating a brand narrative that resonates deeply with your audience, shows up consistently across all channels, and drives demand like never before. You’ll also learn: Why most brands fail to tell a cohesive story and how to fix it The importance of aligning your marketing and financial plans Real-life examples of brands like Born Primitive and True Classic that are redefining success How to build a marketing calendar that saturates your audience with the right message Why marketing leadership is more critical than ever in 2025 Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm The Mark of a Maker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD2oUqk3abo
Mon, December 23, 2024
Get ready for 2025 with 25 bold predictions for the future of ecommerce! From the rise of AI in media buying to the transformation of product development into the ultimate growth strategy, this episode dives deep into the trends and changes set to reshape the industry. Learn why automation will dominate, what threatens Shopify, and how brands can stay ahead in an increasingly omni-channel world. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or ecommerce enthusiast, these insights will help you prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Full 25 predictions list: https://x.com/TaylorHoliday/status/1869774814543532131 Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, December 17, 2024
This episode is brought to you by: Finaloop: https://www.finaloop.com/ Are you ready to crush your 2025 ecommerce goals? In this video, we reveal the PROPHIT System – a proven framework designed to help ecommerce brands create accurate, data-driven financial and marketing plans. Discover how to: Bridge the gap between what’s likely to occur and what you want to occur. Align your financial plan with your marketing strategy for predictable growth. Avoid the common pitfalls of "hope-based" forecasting. Build realistic goals that challenge and inspire your team without leading to burnout. Whether you’re a CEO, head of marketing, or finance leader, this system will help you optimize every dollar spent and drive profitable, sustainable growth. Watch as we break it down step-by-step, using real data and actionable insights! Show Notes: Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, December 10, 2024
Discover the ultimate tool for optimizing your ecommerce ad budgets! In this episode, we introduce PAM—the Profit Allocation Model—a game-changing framework developed by the experts at Common Thread Collective. PAM isn’t just a tool; it’s a revolutionary system that ensures your ad spend is perfectly aligned with your profitability goals. We’ll walk you through how PAM simplifies complex decisions about total budget allocation, channel-level distribution, and campaign-specific targets. Learn why incrementality is the gold standard for measurement and how PAM connects business objectives to actionable insights for Meta, Google, and beyond. If you’re tired of guessing where to allocate your ad spend, PAM is here to do the heavy lifting. Tune in to see how this innovative model is transforming ecommerce growth strategies for brands of all sizes. Ready to let PAM guide your business to success? Visit https://prophitsystem.com / to learn more. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, December 05, 2024
Scaling your ecommerce business is exciting—but are you unknowingly leaving profit on the table? In this episode of the Playbook Podcast, Richard and Taylor dive into the hardest (but most critical) part of scaling: achieving clarity and alignment around your financial metrics. Discover why the Prophit System is the ultimate tool for cutting through chaos, unifying your data, and driving bottom-line growth. We explore: The hidden complexities of revenue definitions. Why contribution margin is the real metric you should focus on. How messy data and conflicting definitions can derail your decision-making. Ready to start planning your most successful year yet? Click here to learn more about how Common Thread Collective can help: https://prophitsystem.com/ Show Notes: Get funding with Clearco - https://bit.ly/40MtSpB The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, December 03, 2024
Get the inside scoop on the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) trends and what they mean for the future of ecommerce! In this episode of the podcast, Richard and Taylor discuss early BFCM data, revealing surprising growth trends, shifting customer behaviors, and what it all means for your 2025 strategy. Here’s what we cover: How BFCM sales are evolving and what to expect in December Key insights on new vs. returning customer revenue trends Why 2025 is shaping up to be the year of great planning Tips for creating a winning omni-channel marketing strategy Exclusive insights from the CTC Profit System Ready to start planning your most successful year yet? Click here to learn more about how Common Thread Collective can help: https://prophitsystem.com/ Show Notes: Get funding with Clearco - https://bit.ly/40MtSpB The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, November 26, 2024
Are you ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Time is running out, and your Q4 success depends on taking action NOW. In this episode, we reveal the 5 MUST DO strategies to dominate the busiest shopping season of the year. What You'll Learn: How to craft the perfect Black Friday offer that stands out in a crowded market. Why you MUST adjust your ad spend—and which platform will deliver the biggest ROI. The critical importance of raising your AMER target and how to do it right. Creative tips to maximize performance on Meta (and beyond!). Why sending MORE emails than ever before could be your secret weapon. Don’t wait! Implement these strategies TODAY to avoid leaving revenue on the table this holiday season. Show Notes: Get funding with Clearco - https://bit.ly/40MtSpB GET $100 OFF AN ADMISSION MEMBERSHIP - https://www.youradmission.co/?ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, November 21, 2024
Is AppLovin the ecommerce advertising breakthrough we’ve all been waiting for? With claims that it’s almost as good as Facebook Ads—if not better—this mobile in game ad platform has quickly become the talk of the industry. But is it worth your time, energy, and budget? In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Richard and Taylor pull back the curtain on the hype surrounding AppLovin and reveal what’s really happening behind the scenes. Here’s what we cover: Why AppLovin is gaining attention: From its rapid growth to its ability to rival Meta Ads, find out what’s fueling the buzz. The results we're seeing so far: Learn how some brands are achieving Meta-level ROAS and scaling their campaigns. AppLovin's unique advantages: 7-day click optimization, no need for new creatives, and access to untapped high-value audiences. Where skepticism remains: Can AppLovin sustain its early success? What happens when competition ramps up? Our recommendations: How you can test this platform with minimal risk, just in time for Black Friday. If you’re wondering whether this platform can transform your ecommerce growth strategy, this is a must watch. Plus, we share actionable tips on how to test AppLovin now—including how to take advantage of their free ad credit offer—and what metrics to look at to gauge success. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, November 19, 2024
Dive into the latest insights from the ecommerce industry with our October State of Industry Report! Join Taylor, Steve, Jeremiah, and Yarden as they break down October’s key data trends, highlight growth opportunities, and share surprising insights about ad performance, consumer sentiment, and what it all means for Black Friday and beyond. In this episode: Why DTC growth for seven figure brands has stagnated. The latest on ad performance for Meta, Google, and TikTok. Everything you need to know about AppLovin: the new ad network taking ecommerce by storm. Insights into consumer spending habits and rising discount rates. Why consumer optimism about the economy might shake up your holiday sales strategy. PLUS: Get a sneak peek of our upcoming special report on AppLovin and why every DTC marketer needs to pay attention! Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, November 14, 2024
Struggling to balance your Amazon sales with your DTC (direct-to-consumer) growth? In this episode, we reveal how to transform Amazon from a competitor into a crucial ally for boosting your entire ecommerce business. Join Richard and Taylor as they break down why Amazon and DTC should no longer be siloed, and how incorporating Amazon into your forecasting can revolutionize your profitability. Discover why most brands mistakenly separate Amazon from their DTC strategies, leading to inefficiencies and competition within their own sales channels. Learn how to merge your media spend and revenue tracking for Amazon and your website into one cohesive strategy, identify true incremental revenue, and make smarter advertising decisions that maximize returns across all platforms. We also share practical insights on new data integration techniques, how to run geoholdout studies, and why understanding the impact of your ad spend across channels is mission critical for ecommerce growth in 2025. Show Notes: Get funding with Clearco - https://bit.ly/40MtSpB Get Our Prophit System - https://commonthreadco.com/pages/ecommerce-strategy The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, November 12, 2024
Welcome back to the Podcast! On this episode Taylor is joined by Joy Sharma, to discuss the explosive rise of the CTC Global Accelerator – scaling from 5 to 30 clients in just 4 months. With demand through the roof, we’re now on a mission to find exceptional talent worldwide! Highlights: How the Accelerator delivers predictable, profitable growth for 7-figure brands. Why brands are lining up – and how we’re breaking growth barriers. Our urgent need for elite talent to join the team and make a global impact. We’re Hiring! If you’re ambitious and driven, this is your chance to learn from the best, work with cutting-edge systems, and elevate your career. Show Notes: Get funding with Clearco - https://bit.ly/40MtSpB Apply Now - https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/globalaccelerator Let’s Connect - https://commonthreadco.com/pages/accelerator The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, November 07, 2024
Get the Prophit System: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/ecommerce-strategy In this episode of the podcast, we explore the critical disconnect between finance-driven revenue forecasting and the actual marketing actions that generate revenue. Richard and Taylor jump deep into how finance teams often miss the mark when predicting revenue growth—because they lack control over the marketing levers that drive results. Join us as we unveil CTC’s Event Effect Model, an approach that empowers marketers to take charge of revenue forecasting. By leveraging historical data, marketing events, and detailed actions, this model allows ecommerce brands to transform their future predictions into actionable plans. Discover: Why traditional financial forecasts often fall short How marketing actions like product launches, promotions, and ads directly influence revenue The innovative strategies CTC uses to model marketing-driven revenue growth How to use marketing events as building blocks for more accurate predictions If you’re ready to rethink how your ecommerce brand approaches revenue forecasting and take control of your future, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Hit that subscribe button, drop a like, and let's dive into the future of revenue forecasting! Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, November 05, 2024
Are you making the critical Black Friday budget mistake that could sabotage your entire month’s revenue? In this episode of the Podcast, we talk about why underspending on Black Friday could be the biggest misstep for your November sales and how to avoid it. Taylor breaks down the importance of concentrated spending on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and shares actionable insights on pacing your budget for maximum returns. Don’t let outdated strategies or early-bird sales trends pull you away from what really works! Topics Covered: The unique opportunity Black Friday provides for ecommerce brands How to avoid spreading your budget too thin leading up to Black Friday Data-backed insights on why Black Friday outperforms other sales days Tips for maximizing efficiency on Black Friday and Cyber Monday If you’re looking to make the most of your holiday sales season, this episode is a must-watch. Hit subscribe for more eCommerce strategies and tips, and make sure you’re ready to win big this Black Friday! Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, October 31, 2024
In this special Halloween episode Taylor and host Richard dive into the spooky truth behind Election Week’s impact on ad campaigns. With an unprecedented wave of political spending flooding digital platforms, advertisers need to prepare for shifting CPMs, reduced conversions, and increased competition—especially in swing states. From understanding the effects on Meta and Google ads to insights on how to handle performance dips, we’ve got the data and strategies to help you weather the storm. Don’t panic! Taylor and Richard walk through what to expect, how to adapt, and why staying the course is critical for keeping your ads on track as we approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Tue, October 29, 2024
Are you struggling to keep your ecommerce business profitable? In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into Common Thread Collective’s Profit System—the tried-and-true method helping ecommerce brands achieve predictable, consistent growth. Join host Richard and our sales experts, Matt and Peter, as they walk us through the key steps to building a data-driven strategy for profitability, even in challenging markets. From data integrity and customer acquisition models to marketing allocation and performance tracking, we cover every essential part of this system that’s transforming brands and helping them not just survive but thrive in 2024 and beyond. Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, October 23, 2024
In this month's State of the Industry, we tackle some of the biggest questions facing ecommerce brands in 2024. Why are 7-figure stores seeing a slowdown in growth? How are political ad spending and shifting consumer behaviors affecting your bottom line? And most importantly, what can you do about it heading into the critical Q4 period? Join our panel of experts as we break down the data behind the Direct-to-Consumer Confidence Index (DTCCI) and explore theories on why revenue growth is stalling. We’ll discuss the impact of the upcoming election, the growing trend of value driven consumers waiting for bigger discounts, and how large ecommerce brands are adjusting their strategies in a tighter, more competitive market. Plus, we’ll dig into what this means for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and your holiday sales. If you’re navigating the complexities of ecommerce right now, this episode is packed with insights to help you adjust your strategy and drive profitability. Don’t miss these critical discussions on the future of DTC brands! Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, October 22, 2024
Want to dominate this Black Friday and Cyber Monday? In this episode Richard and Luke reveal the top 5 essential strategies that will supercharge your sales and help you maximize profits during the busiest shopping season of the year! From crafting irresistible offers to optimizing your media spend, we’re giving you a proven game plan to stand out from the competition and make sure your business ends the year with a bang. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, these tips are critical to your success. Here's what we cover: How to create a killer Black Friday offer that customers can't resist The secret to increasing your ad spend without hurting profitability Why focusing on Meta (Facebook & Instagram) ads is crucial in Q4 How to optimize your creative for high-conversion placements like Reels The power of email marketing – and why you need to send more emails than ever Don't miss these must-do strategies – your Black Friday success depends on it! Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, October 17, 2024
In this episode, Taylor shares his biggest critique of cost controls in digital advertising. Join Richard and Taylor as they explore the limitations of cost controls, including the challenges of relying on human logic and consistency in a constantly evolving ad landscape. They dive into the role of AI in ad management, the struggle to trust automation, and the emotional hurdles that often lead to poor decision-making. Taylor also shares insights on how to optimize campaigns for long term success by balancing human creativity with machine driven precision. This episode is a must watch for anyone interested in digital marketing strategy, campaign optimization, and the future of AI in ecommerce! Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, October 15, 2024
Get ready for the holiday season with expert SEO insights designed to help you maximize organic traffic and boost revenue! In this episode Richard sits down with Travis Bichelle, CTC’s Director of SEO, to break down essential SEO strategies tailored for Q4 and holiday promotions in 2024. From understanding organic search declines to building robust metadata, schema markup, and leveraging Google Merchant Center, we dive into actionable steps to ensure your ecommerce site captures holiday shoppers and increases conversions. Plus, we share a sprint checklist to optimize your site’s performance before Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond! Key Takeaways: Holiday SEO tactics to increase organic traffic How to use metadata and schema markup effectively Leveraging Google Merchant Center for visual search results Preparing for Q5 with clearance strategies and 301 redirects Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, October 10, 2024
In 2024, working with over 67 eight-figure ecommerce brands gave us an insider view of what it really takes to produce sustainable profit in today’s competitive landscape. These brands not only achieved significant revenue but also balanced it with strategies that drove genuine profitability—no easy feat in the current market climate. In this in-depth video, we’re sharing the hard truths, pivotal insights, and key takeaways we learned from these standout brands. From high-level strategic decisions to the day-to-day tactics that drive success, we’ll cover it all, including: Adapting to Industry Shifts: How these brands pivoted their approach to stay ahead amidst fluctuating market demands, economic pressures, and digital advertising changes. The Power of a Solid Profit System: Why the most profitable brands don’t just rely on individual marketing tactics—they implement robust systems designed to consistently generate positive ROI. Media Buying That Delivers: Insights on effective ad spend allocation and platform strategies, and how these brands optimize performance across Google, Meta, TikTok, and beyond. Creative That Drives Conversion: Discover the importance of creative volume and how brands efficiently produce ad content that resonates with today’s audience. Customer Retention and Reactivation: Strategies these brands use to engage loyal customers and re-engage lapsed buyers, maximizing revenue beyond the first sale. Efficient Operations for Profit-Driven Growth: How a lean and intentional approach to operations and costs can make the difference in achieving real profit. If you're a brand founder, marketer, or ecommerce leader looking to build a profitable business, this video is packed with invaluable insights directly from the front lines of profitable ecommerce. Learn the tactics and mindset shifts that are helping the industry’s top players win in 2024—and discover how you can apply them to your own business. Hit play to dive into these powerful strategies, and don’t forget to subscribe for more industry insights, success stories, and actionable tips for profitable growth in ecommerce. Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, October 08, 2024
In this episode, we look at the cultural transformation that took place at Common Thread Collective, shifting from an employee-centric approach to a standards-centric model. Join us as Taylor and Dane Sanders, CTC's VP of Employee Development and Performance, discuss how rethinking company culture can drive profitability, enhance team performance, and reduce turnover. Learn how CTC balanced high standards, accountability, and employee engagement to create a thriving workplace where people are empowered to perform at their best. Whether you’re a leader looking to boost your company’s culture or an employee interested in understanding what makes high-performing teams tick, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for building a resilient and results-driven culture. Tune in to discover: The key differences between employee-centric and standards-centric approaches Why aligning company culture with customer value improves satisfaction and profitability Practical strategies CTC used to operationalize culture shifts and set employees up for success Don't miss this powerful conversation on transforming company culture for sustainable growth! Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, October 03, 2024
Looking to boost your holiday sales? In this episode, Richard and Tommy Lamb, Director of Email and SMS at Common Thread Collective, break down the key email and SMS strategies you need for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season. Key Takeaways: Data Integrity: Clean up your email data for more effective campaigns. Audience Segmentation: Learn how to personalize your messages using advanced tools like Klaviyo. Shortening Email Flows: Discover why shortening cart abandonment windows is essential during the holiday rush. New Platform Features: Leverage AI-driven features to automate and optimize your campaigns. Cross-Channel Strategy: Use insights from email to improve your paid ad performance. Testing & Tactics: Smart testing to improve engagement and conversions during Q4. Whether you're running a small business or a large ecommerce store, these expert tips will help you maximize sales during the busiest time of the year! Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, October 01, 2024
In this episode Richard and Taylor, dive deep into the often overlooked challenge of business goal setting and shareholder value. Why do so many entrepreneurs fail to pay themselves, even when their businesses are thriving? Taylor shares his insights on the cultural norms, financial misconceptions, and psychological traps that keep business owners stuck in a cycle of reinvestment, constantly betting it all on growth. Learn why many business leaders unknowingly give away their profits to external parties like advertisers and suppliers, and why it’s crucial to shift your mindset from scaling at all costs to actually realizing financial value. If you're an entrepreneur struggling with how to take money out of your business or wondering why your efforts aren't leading to personal wealth, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: The difference between making money and winning in business Why entrepreneurs are addicted to reinvesting every profit How to set financial goals that prioritize shareholder (and personal) value The surprising reasons business owners don’t take distributions Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, September 26, 2024
In this episode, we're diving deep into the latest Black Friday trends for 2024. Join Richard and Taylor as they break down the key data from our Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer database. We’ll discuss the rising discount rates, creative offer strategies, and how macroeconomic trends are shaping this year’s ecommerce landscape. Whether you're a brand looking to get creative with your discounts or trying to stay ahead of the competition, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you win this holiday season. Key Points: Data driven discounting strategies for Black Friday Insights from over 2,000 ecommerce brand offers How to structure your Black Friday offers to stand out The impact of inflation and deflation on pricing and discounts Creative tactics beyond sitewide discounts Get ready to maximize your Black Friday sales and make data work for you this holiday season! Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital Get the BFCM Database Now: https://commonthreadco.com/products/black-friday-offer-database
Tue, September 24, 2024
In this episode, Richard and Taylor discuss one of the biggest challenges founders face: the balance between human connection and data driven decision making. While much of business focuses on metrics and analysis, Taylor shares insights from recent in person conversations with clients and fellow CEOs that reveal a different story. They discuss the emotional side of entrepreneurship, why team development often outweighs marketing strategies, and how building genuine human connections can lead to better decision making. Tune in to hear about the struggles founders are facing today, how they’re navigating the challenges of leadership, and the crucial importance of building a supportive community. Key topics covered: Team building vs. data driven decisions CEO challenges around compensation and equity The role of emotional support in business leadership How human connection influences success Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, September 19, 2024
In this episode, Richard sits down with Aileen McKenna, Director of Creative Strategy and Performance, to discuss the ultimate creative strategy for the 2024 holiday season. Together, they break down how to approach each phase of the holiday shopping period, from the "7 Peaks and 1 Valley" concept to optimizing creative for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond. They’ll share actionable tactics for maximizing momentum, navigating media price surges during election season, and using influencer marketing and organic strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Learn how to ride the "holiday rollercoaster" with confidence, build urgency with creative messaging, and use data-driven tactics to close out the year strong. Whether you’re a brand prepping for the holiday rush or looking for fresh strategies, this episode is packed with tips to boost your ecommerce success. Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, September 18, 2024
In this month’s edition of the DTC Index, we take a comprehensive look at the state of ecommerce as we recap August's performance and prepare for the crucial Q4 holiday season! Join our expert panel as they unpack valuable insights that can shape your strategy in the coming months. What You’ll Learn: August Performance Recap: Discover how seven-figure and eight-figure brands fared in August, including key metrics on revenue growth and media performance. Consumer Sentiment Analysis: Gain insights into the shifting attitudes of consumers and how their spending behavior is evolving in response to economic trends. Q4 Gifting Strategies: Explore the implications of a shorter gifting window this year and how it could affect your holiday sales strategies, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Ad Spend Optimization: Learn about the latest trends in ad spend across platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok, and how to allocate your budget effectively to maximize conversions. With 95% of the market comprised of seven-figure and smaller brands, understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone involved in DTC marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you navigate the upcoming holiday season with confidence. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, September 17, 2024
In this episode, Richard and Taylor explore what it truly means to be a change agent within an organization. Drawing from their experiences at Common Thread Collective (CTC), they dive into the challenges and rewards of driving meaningful change without relying on external crises. Key Topics Discussed: Embracing Conflict: Understanding why willingness to engage in healthy conflict is essential for initiating change. Building Trust and Authority: Strategies for developing trust through consistency and effective communication. Confidence and Preparation: How being well-prepared boosts confidence to make bold decisions. Emotional Health: The importance of emotional resilience in supporting others and managing personal well-being. Overcoming Inertia: Tips for influencing organizational culture and encouraging innovation. Career Growth at CTC: Insights into how CTC fosters an environment where employees can become impactful change agents. Whether you're an aspiring leader or someone looking to make a significant impact in your current role, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on building trust and authority to drive positive change. Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, September 12, 2024
In this episode, Richard and Taylor dive into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of business success: the relationship between entrepreneurs and their accountants. Taylor shares insights from his recent talk at an accounting conference in Toronto, where he explored how accountants can bridge the gap with marketers and become invaluable strategic partners for business growth. We discuss practical tips on how entrepreneurs can set the right expectations, demand faster financial reporting, and utilize their accountants' expertise to gain actionable insights. Learn how to transform your P&L into a powerful decision-making tool, understand the concept of "four quarter accounting," and why every business owner should have a 13-week cash flow forecast as their most important financial document. If you’re looking to optimize your accounting processes and grow your business, this episode is a must-watch! Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, September 11, 2024
This episode is unlike any other — we’re excited to introduce you to CTC's first ever AI bot guest! Join Taylor as he sits down with Jacob Posel, who is a real human, designed to revolutionize the way we think about creative strategy in ecommerce. From discussing how AI is streamlining creative workflows to understanding the impact of machine learning on ad production, this conversation dives deep into the future of ecommerce. Learn how AI is helping brands create high-quality content quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Key Topics: The unique role of AI in creative strategy How AI is enhancing ecommerce and marketing Real life examples of AI generated content The evolution of creative processes with AI Practical tips for integrating AI into your business Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, September 05, 2024
Get ready for the holiday season with essential Google Ads strategies that will help you maximize your sales and profitability! In this episode, Richard is joined by Tony Chopp to discuss the six critical steps you need to take to optimize your paid search campaigns for the upcoming holiday rush. From mastering promotional visibility to understanding search demand, Tony shares actionable insights and proven tactics to ensure your Google Ads strategy is holiday ready. Learn about effective use of AI tools, monitoring your feeds, optimizing conversion tracking, and more to make the most of your ad spend during the busiest time of the year. Show Notes: Go to https://mercury.com/thread today to see if you’re eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, September 03, 2024
In this episode, Richard and Taylor discuss how to navigate the complexities of a distressed business. They dive into three critical steps for de-stressing a struggling business, from cutting costs to optimizing customer acquisition strategies and narrowing down focus areas to regain profitability. Drawing from their experience at CTC and real-world examples, they provide practical advice on how to reset and thrive, even in challenging times. Whether you're facing financial challenges, managing layoffs, or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers actionable insights and guidance to help you and your business recover and succeed. Plus, learn how to maintain your mental health and stay resilient as a business owner during difficult periods. Watch now to learn how to turn things around and create a healthier, more sustainable path forward for your brand. Show Notes: Go to mercury.com/ctc to see if you're eligible for Mercury Working Capital The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, August 28, 2024
In this episode, Richard is joined by Tony Chopp, CTC’s VP of Paid Media, to talk holiday media buying strategies for Q4. They discuss the critical role of incrementality in paid media, how to prepare your ad accounts for the busiest season of the year, and the 7 C’s of CTC’s media buying principles that can elevate your campaigns on Meta and Google. Discover how to build high-performing evergreen campaigns, the importance of clean conversion tracking, and why catalog and calendar campaigns are essential for your holiday success. Key Takeaways: Understanding Incrementality in Paid Media The 7 C’s of CTC’s Media Buying Principles Best Practices for Holiday Ad Campaigns How to Leverage Catalog and Core Campaigns Building for Success: Why Starting Early Matters Show Notes: Go to http://zamp.com/thread today and sign up for free sales tax service for the rest of the year. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, August 27, 2024
In this episode, we talk about what could be the most consequential Meta update of all time. Richard and Taylor break down Meta's latest ad optimization changes and what they mean for your business. We explore the two key updates: optimizing for third-party measurement tools like Google Analytics and Northbeam, and the introduction of optimization for incremental conversions. Taylor explains why these updates are game-changers and how they could either make or break your ad strategy. Is optimizing for third-party tools really the best choice, or should you focus on driving true incremental conversions? We cover it all, providing insights into how these changes will affect your approach to Meta advertising and ultimately, your bottom line. Show Notes: Go to http://zamp.com/thread today and sign up for free sales tax service for the rest of the year. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, August 22, 2024
Welcome to the official kickoff of the 2024 holiday season! In this video, we're diving into what's shaping up to be a weird and challenging Q4 for ecommerce brands. Our VP of Strategy at CTC, Luke Austin, joins us to break down the three big reasons why this holiday season is so unusual and what you need to do to navigate it successfully. Cyber Monday in December? Yep, that's happening, and it’s throwing off all our usual planning and forecasting. A shorter holiday period: Thanksgiving and Black Friday are the latest they can possibly be, leaving us with less time to drive revenue. Election year impacts: Political ad spending is set to spike, driving up advertising costs and impacting consumer behavior. We’ll walk you through the strategies we’re using to adapt, from adjusting media plans and offer strategies to taking advantage of post Christmas opportunities. Don't miss our detailed breakdown of how to stay ahead in this condensed and competitive holiday season. Stay tuned for more insights from our channel experts in the coming weeks! Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all things eCommerce this Q4. Let's tackle this weird holiday season together! Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, August 20, 2024
Welcome to the July edition of the State of the Industry podcast. In this episode, we talk about the influence of political spending on direct to consumer (DTC) businesses. Join us as we explore how the upcoming presidential election could impact advertising costs, consumer behavior, and overall business performance. We’re joined by industry experts Jeremiah, Yarden, and Steve, who provide valuable insights from data and trends across Meta, Google, and other platforms. We'll also revisit key data from the 2020 election to see how it compares to this year’s trends. Plus, we’ll analyze July's ecommerce performance, from revenue growth to advertising ROAS on various platforms. Don't miss out on the insights that could help you navigate Q4 in this crucial election year! Visit DTCIndex.com and use code SUMMER50 for 50% off your first edition, including access to previous reports. Show Notes: Go to www.shipbob.com/thread today and sign up for your FREE 60-day extended trial. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, August 15, 2024
In this episode of the podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome a special guest from the Google empire, Ginny Marvin, Google Ads Liaison. With years of experience in paid search and digital advertising, Ginny shares her journey from the early days of Yahoo to becoming the bridge between advertisers and Google’s internal teams. Join us as we dive deep into all things Google Ads, including the role of an Ads Liaison, the challenges and opportunities facing advertisers today, and the latest updates on products like Performance Max (PMAX). Ginny offers invaluable insights into how product decisions are made at Google, how to optimize your ad campaigns for maximum ROI, and what to expect in the ever-evolving landscape of digital advertising. Show Notes: Go to www.shipbob.com/thread today and sign up for your FREE 60-day extended trial. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, August 13, 2024
In this episode Richard and Taylor discuss a common challenge faced by ecommerce brands today: spending more to acquire the same number of customers. Taylor breaks down the key reasons behind this issue, exploring topics like channel diversification, media spend allocation, and the complexity of optimizing ad performance. They discuss how expanding into platforms like Amazon or diversifying media channels beyond Meta can lead to inefficiencies if not measured and managed correctly. Taylor also offers actionable insights on how to improve the incrementality of your ad spend, ensuring that each dollar spent drives meaningful growth. Whether you're struggling with rising CPMs, inefficient ad spend, or just trying to scale your ecommerce business effectively, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Key Topics Discussed: Channel diversification and its impact on efficiency The pitfalls of media spend allocation Strategies for improving ad incrementality Insights on scaling your e-commerce business Show Notes: Go to www.shipbob.com/thread today and sign up for your FREE 60-day extended trial. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, August 08, 2024
This episode is a blend of Taylor's passions: baseball and ecommerce. We're joined by Josh Shapiro and Bill Rom of Baseball Lifestyle 101, two legends who have just pulled off an extraordinary marketing feat during the off-peak season for ecommerce. How did they do it? In this episode: Josh shares his journey from starting a baseball focused Instagram account at 15 to building a multi-million dollar ecommerce business. Bill, Josh's mentor and co-founder, talks about his transition from a strength and conditioning coach to a marketing leader. The duo dives into their unique co-founder dynamic and the strategies that skyrocketed their brand's success. Discover how consistent, quality content and deep community engagement led to a $1.4 million sales day. Learn about the importance of live events, product teasing, and understanding your customer base in creating viral marketing moments. From early struggles to massive triumphs, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to blend their passions into a thriving business. Don't miss out! Show Notes: Go to www.shipbob.com/thread today and sign up for your FREE 60-day extended trial. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, July 30, 2024
In this episode, Richard and Luke Austin go deep into the concept of incrementality. They discuss how CTC helps brands answer three critical questions for a predictable and profitable ecommerce growth plan: What should my total budget be to maximize profitability? How should this budget be allocated across channels for the most incremental outcome? What is the campaign-level media plan and expected profit outcome? Luke shares insights into CTC's partnership with Measured, a platform offering best-in-class incrementality testing and budget optimization tools. They explore real-world examples of how understanding incrementality can drastically shift budget allocations, leading to more efficient customer acquisition and better overall performance. Show Notes: Particl’s exclusive 2-week free trial and a 20% discount off your first month using the code "CTC." http://Particl.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, July 24, 2024
In this episode, we are thrilled to have Nick Stoltz, Chief Strategy Officer at Measured, as our guest. Join us as we jump into the world of ecommerce measurement, focusing on the critical topic of incrementality. Nick shares his extensive experience in the industry, discussing the importance of accurate measurement and how it has evolved over the years. We explore the challenges brands face with various measurement solutions and the pitfalls of relying on a single tool to solve all measurement problems. In this episode, we cover: -The concept of incrementality and why it’s crucial for understanding the true impact of your media spend. -The role of Measured in helping brands navigate the complex landscape of ecommerce measurement. -Common misconceptions about platform-reported results and how to approach them. -Strategies for optimizing media mix and making data-driven decisions. -The importance of a structured testing roadmap and how to prioritize measurement efforts. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for ecommerce professionals looking to improve their measurement strategies and boost sales. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, this discussion will provide you with a deeper understanding of incrementality and how to leverage it for your business. Show Notes: -Particl’s exclusive 2-week free trial and a 20% discount off your first month using the code "CTC." http://Particl.com -The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, July 23, 2024
In this episode of the podcast, Richard and Taylor jump into some of the hottest topics in ecommerce right now. Fresh off the July 4th weekend tweet, Taylor shares his hottest ecommerce takes that have sparked conversations and debates across the industry. Highlights from the episode: -The importance of creating more ads and why having a top-notch video editor on your team can be a game-changer. -Why the advice "test everything" might not be as effective as you think. -The shift in buying behaviors and how future generations may view brand websites. -The massive potential of physical retail and why it's still a dominant force in sales. -How mastering Excel can significantly boost your value in any organization. Show Notes: -Particl’s exclusive 2-week free trial and a 20% discount off your first month using the code "CTC." http://Particl.com -The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, July 17, 2024
Welcome back to the eCommerce Playbook Podcast! This episode is extra special because we’re revealing something groundbreaking. Back in January, Taylor tweeted about finding a "magical wizard" who learns faster and works harder than anyone we’ve ever met. Today, we unveil that wizard and share an exciting new service. Meet Joy Sharma, the genius behind our new CTC Global Accelerator. This program offers world-class growth services tailored for brands under $10 million in revenue, at a price that makes total sense. Joy's relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unique approach have driven incredible results for our clients, transforming their businesses and turning losses into significant profits. In this episode, Joy shares his personal journey from India to becoming a leading growth marketer, his unique method of learning from the best in the industry, and how he’s applying all this knowledge to help small brands grow. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in the current market and how remote work and global talent are changing the game. If you're a seven-figure brand looking for affordable, high-quality growth services, this is the episode you don't want to miss. Learn more about the CTC Global Accelerator and how it can help you achieve sustainable and profitable growth. Show Notes: Particl’s exclusive 2-week free trial and a 20% discount off your first month using the code "CTC." http://Particl.com Take your brand from 7 to 8 figures: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/accelerator The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, July 16, 2024
Welcome back to the eCommerce Playbook Podcast, State of the Industry edition! This special biannual mega episode dives deep into the first half of 2024, comparing it against the first half of 2023 to answer the burning question: How is the ecommerce industry doing? Key Topics Covered: -Year-over-year e-commerce trends for H1 2024 vs. H1 2023 -Insights into ad performance on Meta and Google -The impact of Advantage Plus and Performance Max campaigns -Consumer confidence and economic indicators -Trends in gifting and average order value (AOV) -Incrementality of ad spend and challenges with attribution Join us as we explore the data and trends shaping the ecommerce landscape in 2024. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive analysis and expert commentary! Get 50% off our latest issue with code: SUMMER50 Show Notes: Richpanel will save you money without sacrificing any quality of experience for your customer. Check them out at https://www.richpanel.com/ . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, July 11, 2024
Hey everyone, Richard here! While Taylor is out of town, we're diving back into an insightful episode from October of last year titled "How to Build a Map to Profitable Growth." With the expansion of the Prophit System in Q3, this discussion on core components of forecasting and setting daily expectations is more relevant than ever. In this episode, we explore: The Prophit System and its significance for predictable, profitable growth. The importance of daily monitoring and adjustments in achieving business goals. Detailed steps for diagnosing business challenges and creating a comprehensive growth map. Real-life examples of forecasting and adjusting strategies to stay on track. Join Taylor and Richard, as we share our experiences and insights to help your e-commerce business thrive in 2024 and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable information to guide your journey to sustainable growth.
Tue, July 02, 2024
With Q2 officially in the books, Taylor and Richard pause to reflect on the first half of the year and give advice on how to readjust expectations for the second half. Discussion points include which key metrics to re-examine, how to beat the summer slump, and the surprisingly neglected revenue lever you should take advantage of as Q3 kicks off. Show Notes: Book a call today to see if the Prophit System can transform your brand’s trajectory. https://meetings.hubspot.com/ctc/summer-24-campaign-offer The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, June 27, 2024
On this episode, Taylor and Richard sit down to further unpack what we mean when we talk about being “against” creative testing. Topics of discussion include the importance of getting everything right before you start designing an ad, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into a great piece of creative, and why Ryan Reynolds (probably) would hate iterative creative testing. Show Notes: Go to getredo.com today and Redo will waive all setup fees making the software completely free. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, June 20, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast! Today, we're joined by Marshall Morris, the co-founder and president of HomeLife Brands. Marshall shares insights on how there's a hidden asset within your eCommerce business that could generate millions at an 80% margin. In this episode, we explore the innovative approach of HomeLife Brands, a hybrid eCommerce company with a diverse income stream, including flagship brands like iHeartDogs.com and The Hero Company. Marshall discusses the value of monetizing digital data, the power of post-checkout offers, and the importance of diversifying revenue streams. Learn how to leverage your customer base beyond traditional eCommerce methods and discover the secrets behind their success in creating profitable and sustainable businesses. Don't miss out on this valuable conversation packed with actionable insights for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Show Notes: Go to getredo.com today and Redo will waive all setup fees making the software completely free. Book a call with my team to see if the Prophit System can transform your brand’s trajectory. https://meetings.hubspot.com/ctc/summer-24-campaign-offer The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, June 18, 2024
On this episode of the podcast, CTC Director of Growth Strategy Luke Austin sits down with Richard to break down a phenomenon we noted in our most recent monthly DTC Index report: Google is losing Share of Wallet to Meta. Luke breaks down why this is happening, how Google is dropping the ball when it comes to product updates, and why Meta is better for incrementality. Show Notes: Book a call with my team to see if the Prophit System can transform your brand’s trajectory. Visit Parker today to learn how to scale with a focus on profitability. https://bit.ly/4bSvSif The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, June 13, 2024
Welcome back to another edition of the State of the Industry Report! This month, we're diving deep into the data and trends from May, brought to you by the experts at the DTC Index. Join us as we analyze key ecommerce moments and explore consumer sentiment and macro performance. Topics Covered: -Overview of May's key ecommerce moments, including Mother's Day and the start of Father's Day shopping. -Analysis of consumer sentiment and macroeconomic trends. -Year-over-year performance data showing substantial growth for ecommerce brands. -Breakdown of creative output and volume for top-performing brands on Meta. -Insights into AOV by different channel sources. -Performance comparison of ASC versus BAU for ecommerce brands. Key Insights: -May reported strong year-over-year growth for both seven-figure and eight/nine-figure brands. -Consumer sentiment remains stable and slightly optimistic. -Significant increases in ad spend on Meta with steady ROAS. -Interesting trends in consumer behavior, such as higher AOV for gifts despite a lower gifting rate. In-depth Analysis in This Month's Report: -Creative output of top performers. -Channel source impact on AOV. -ASC performance versus traditional BAU campaigns.
Mon, June 10, 2024
Last week, CTC’s media buyers flew to San Francisco to get the latest on upcoming product rollouts at the 2024 Meta Performance Summit. On this episode of the show, Taylor and Richard recap the event, highlighting three key product innovations that prove that Meta is listening to the ecommerce industry, and what those innovations mean for profit-first media buying. Show Notes: Visit Parker today to learn how to scale with a focus on profitability. https://bit.ly/4bSvSif The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Mon, June 03, 2024
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard talk about a recent flap on Twitter around the best way to test creative, and dig into a controversial take: That iterative creating testing is a waste of time and money. Then they break down what really matters — building a marketing calendar that tells a unique story. Show Notes: Visit Parker today to learn how to scale with a focus on profitability. https://bit.ly/4bSvSif The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, May 30, 2024
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard talk about our recent expansion of the Prophit system into organic and owned channels, how it gets us closer to our goal of building a complete system for Ecommerce growth, and Taylor’s reflections on turning 40. Show Notes: Get 50% off your first month of Motion when you mention Common Thread Collective to the Motion team. https://bit.ly/3VkuQ9n The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, May 23, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast! Today, Taylor is joined by Kyle Hency, co-founder of Chubbies and CEO of GoodDay Software. They dive into Kyle’s journey from Chubbies to Loop Returns and now GoodDay Software, sharing invaluable insights on: Building and scaling Chubbies, a leading ecommerce brand Creating Loop Returns to solve operational challenges The importance of effective inventory management Introducing GoodDay Software, a game-changer in ERP solutions Kyle discusses the critical role of data integrity in making better inventory decisions, enhancing operational efficiency, and opening new sales channels. Follow Kyle and GoodDay Software: Website: gooddaysoftware.com Twitter: @gooddaysoftware Don’t miss this episode packed with practical advice from one of the top minds in ecommerce. Subscribe for more insights on business growth and operational excellence. Show Notes: Visit https://bit.ly/4bSvSif today to learn how to scale with a focus on profitability. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, May 21, 2024
In this episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast, Taylor and Tony Chopp, the VP of Paid Media from Common Thread Collective, explore the shifting landscape of Google Ads and the challenges posed by the implementation of PMAX. With over 20 years of experience in digital advertising, Tony brings invaluable insights into how AI developments are reshaping the strategies for Google Ads, particularly with PMAX's impact on advertising effectiveness and budget allocation. Tony breaks down the complexities of Google Shopping, the nuances of data feeds, and how brands can effectively navigate the ever-evolving digital advertising space. He also shares his journey from learning painful lessons in eCommerce advertising to becoming a data feed expert, making this session a goldmine for marketers looking to enhance their Google Ads proficiency. Key topics covered include: The transition to PMAX and its industry-wide repercussions. Strategies for managing brand and non-brand PMAX campaigns to maximize ROI. Analyzing recent shifts in ad spend distribution within the eCommerce sector. This episode is packed with actionable advice and strategic insights to help you leverage Google Ads for your business advantage in the AI era. Don't miss out on understanding the current dynamics of digital advertising from one of the industry's seasoned experts! Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, May 16, 2024
Welcome to the April edition of our State of the eCommerce Industry Report! Our experts are here to break down everything that's happening in the market right now. We’re covering everything from impressive revenue growth across different brand sizes to significant shifts in advertising strategies and the evolving roles of platforms like PMAX and Advantage Plus. Plus, we'll discuss the recent turbulence in Shopify and Meta stock values. Wondering how to adjust your digital marketing or just curious about the future directions of eCommerce? This episode is packed with must-know info and actionable insights. Stay tuned as we chat about the real-world data that’s shaping our strategies and predictions, making sure you're equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of online business. Don't miss out on this informative and engaging session—hit that play button now for a deep dive into the state of eCommerce! Show Notes: Get the DTC Index - https://www.dtcindex.com/ The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, May 14, 2024
In this episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast, we're diving deep into why organic revenue is essential for sustainable growth. Richard and Taylor are joined by Travis Biechele, the brand-new Director of SEO at CTC. They discuss the strategic reasons behind CTC's shift towards SEO and how we're leveraging organic growth to build a stable revenue foundation for our clients. Learn about Travis's journey from a random tweet to becoming CTC's SEO Director. Hear about his innovative approach and dedication to driving results, and find out why he's the perfect fit for leading our SEO efforts. Show Notes: Get your free ticket to Make Ads That Convert: https://bit.ly/3UzCv26 The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, May 09, 2024
In this episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast, Taylor is joined by Steven Borrelli of Cuts Clothing. Steven shares how his brand, Cuts, launched as a small team focused on men's T-shirts and rapidly grew into a GQ giant. He discusses the pivotal post-COVID era, navigating supply chain disruptions, inventory challenges, and the surge in demand for new products. He also reflects on lessons learned from launching products, understanding growth vs. seasonal items, and coordinating marketing, finance, and operations to drive cash-based marketing strategies. Tune in as we unpack how to navigate unpredictable demand, refine cash flow models, and build seamless teamwork between departments. Learn about the importance of liquidation, ordering strategies, and the nuances of contribution margins. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is a goldmine of insights on building a successful e-commerce business that scales efficiently while minimizing costly missteps. Show Notes: Get your free ticket to Make Ads That Convert: https://bit.ly/3JTlXxa The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, May 07, 2024
Last week, Taylor sat down with Sean Frank from Ridge and Tomer Tagrin of Yotpo to discuss the future of ecommerce SaaS companies. This week, Taylor joins Richard to clarify an important point from that discussion — brand equity is still the difference maker for both SaaS and DTC businesses. Show Notes: Get your free ticket to Make Ads That Convert: https://bit.ly/3QEwaRN The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, May 02, 2024
In this special edition of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Richard sits down with CTC Sales Directors Matthew Axline and Peter Hassan to discuss the most common mistakes brands make, the organizational error that destroys profitability, and the one thing they’d rather not have to say on sales calls anymore. Show Notes: Get your free ticket to Make Ads That Convert: https://bit.ly/4bkY5Ox The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Mon, April 29, 2024
In this episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast, we've convened a panel of experts from the ecommerce industry to dive into one of the most debated topics today: SaaS pricing. Today's discussion features insights from Sean Frank of Ridge, and Tomer Tagrin of Yotpo, with moderation by Eric Dyck from DTC. This episode promises to offer an in-depth exploration of the strategies, challenges, and innovations shaping SaaS pricing in ecommerce. Tune in for a riveting conversation filled with expert analyses and real-world perspectives. Join us for an episode packed with valuable takeaways and straight talk from some of the top minds in the business. Show Notes: Get your free ticket to Make Ads That Convert: https://bit.ly/3Wg5kDe The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, April 23, 2024
In this episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast, we’re diving into the world of marketing incrementality and its impact on brand growth. Join Taylor and Luke as they explore the nuances of incrementality, attribution tools, and the quest for measurable ROI. Luke, our resident tactician, shares his expertise on how brands can strategically allocate their resources to maximize incremental contribution to their bottom line. Whether you're a marketer seeking clarity on where to invest your budget or simply curious about the evolving landscape of digital marketing, this episode is for you. Show Notes: Get 50% off your first month of Motion when you mention Common Thread Collective to the Motion team. https://bit.ly/44aWUiw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, April 18, 2024
Join us for a raw and honest discussion as we dive into the evolution of company culture and the challenges faced by CTC in maintaining focus amidst changing priorities. In this episode, Orchid and Dane explore the journey of realization about the shift in priorities from personal dreams to core company objectives. From the inception of a visionary employee program, "Tell Me Your Dreams," to the realization of its impact on company culture, we uncover the pivotal moments and reflections of leadership. Learn about the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with professional obligations and the critical role of culture alignment in driving organizational success. Discover how this CTC navigated the transition from embracing personal dreams to prioritizing client service excellence, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore the importance of setting clear boundaries, defining company purpose, and aligning culture with core business objectives. Show Notes: -Get 50% off your first month of Motion when you mention Common Thread Collective to the Motion team. https://bit.ly/44aWUiw -The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, April 16, 2024
Welcome to the March edition of our State of the eCommerce Industry Report! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the performance of the industry throughout March. Joined by experts from various data conglomerates, we unravel the trends and insights shaping the eCommerce landscape. We're excited to share teasers from our latest report, which goes live on Monday, April 15th at https://www.dtcindex.com/. Make sure to sign up for immediate access to the full report and past issues in PDF format. In this episode, we're looking into Mother's Day trends, drawing from data collected in 2023 to anticipate 2024's market dynamics. From purchasing patterns to timing insights, we equip eCommerce businesses with actionable strategies for maximizing sales during this crucial holiday period. Furthermore, we delve into consumer confidence metrics, highlighting significant milestones reached in March. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, our survey data reflects a cautiously optimistic outlook among DTC shoppers, offering valuable implications for business strategies. Additionally, we unveil intriguing revelations about media buying trends on major platforms. From Meta (formerly Facebook) to TikTok, we analyze spending, CPM rates, and ROAS fluctuations, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the e-commerce advertising landscape. Ultimately, our goal is to empower eCommerce businesses with data-driven insights to navigate the ever-evolving market landscape. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the eCommerce industry and uncover actionable strategies for success. Don't miss out on the latest industry insights—subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve!
Tue, April 16, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast! Today we dive deep into the fascinating world of marketing economics with CTC alumni Andrew Faris. Join us as we explore the concept of Negative Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) and how it's revolutionizing the way businesses approach customer acquisition. In this episode, we discuss the idea of getting paid to acquire customers through strategic content creation. We explore real-world examples, including the innovative tactics used by successful businesses like Missouri Quilt Co. and others, who have turned their marketing expenses into profit centers. Discover how content-first businesses are not only avoiding traditional paid acquisition costs but are actually generating revenue from the content they create. From YouTube channels to subscription-based magazines, we uncover the strategies behind this game-changing approach to marketing. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. "With $10M In Revenue And $0 In Ad Spend, Isaac Medeiros Is In A Class Of His Own" (Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3SgdOZa Apple: https://apple.co/43SQi7m) "Growing Profitability ft. Alan Doan of Missouri Quilt Co" Ecommerce Playbook Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvrtLkJOXM NVIDIA CEO Jensen Yang's "I Wish You Suffering" Video: https://twitter.com/petergyang/status/1768645902263369776 Kevin Espiritu On Negative Cac: https://twitter.com/kevinespiritu/status/1770159574194217368 Subscribe to Andrew's pod: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewfarispodcast
Thu, April 11, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the eCommerce Playbook Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating journey of Loop Earplugs (GQ score of 148), a brand that has not only disrupted the earplug industry but has also redefined how we perceive hearing protection. Join us as we sit down with Dimitri O, one of the co-founders of Loop Earplugs, for a conversation on their remarkable evolution and strategic pivots. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, April 09, 2024
Most brands put a huge amount of time and effort into hiring staff — multiple rounds of interviews, reference calls, take-home assessments. So why don’t brands put the same effort into hiring an agency? In this episode, Taylor and Richard talk through the 5 questions to ask an agency before you hire them … and who you should seek the answers from. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, April 02, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the E-Commerce Playbook Podcast! Today's episode is one for the books, featuring a guest who needs no introduction other than "your mom's favorite." Yes, you heard that right, it's none other than Alan Doan, co-founder of the Missouri Star Quilt Company, a.k.a Dr. Bill Nye on Twitter! In this episode, Alan shares the fascinating journey behind the Missouri Star Quilt Company, from its humble beginnings to becoming the world's largest quilt shop, with over a hundred million in revenue annually and a whopping 400 employees! But what sets them apart isn't just their impressive stats; it's their commitment to community, authenticity, and genuine connection with their customers. Discover how Alan and his team built an engaged, loyal audience through their YouTube channel, offering everything from quilting tutorials to product demos, and revolutionizing the quilting industry one stitch at a time. Tune in as Alan dives deep into the philosophy behind their success, the importance of authenticity in ecommerce, and the joy of building meaningful relationships with customers. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a newbie to the craft, this episode is sure to inspire and delight! Don't miss out—hit play now and join us on this incredible journey with Alan Doan! Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, March 28, 2024
Big news from Meta this week: “Engaged” audiences are now available for reporting in Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns. But what does this change really mean for brands, and how is it useful if you can’t optimize against it? CTC Director of Growth Strategy Luke Austin joins Richard on the pod this week to talk about the rollout of the Engaged Customers Audience and how you can harness it to get insight into customer LTV. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, March 21, 2024
In this episode, Taylor and Brian Garofalow take listeners on a captivating journey through Brian's remarkable career path, tracing his evolution from a passionate skateboarder in Southern California to his current leadership role as CEO of Skullcandy. Throughout their discussion, Taylor and Brian—affectionately known as BG—explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. BG's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and cultivating meaningful connections. From his early experiences in the vibrant world of board sports to navigating the complexities of tech startups and ecommerce ventures, BG's diverse background provides invaluable insights for listeners at every stage of their own career journeys. Show Notes: Get 30 free days of Toki’s cutting-edge customer loyalty platform (including cashback and paid membership programs) at buildwithtoki.com/ctc. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, March 19, 2024
In our recent DTC Index Monthly report, we analyzed the ways Meta seems to have “broken” over the last several weeks. But if Meta’s broken, what can you do about it? On this episode of the pod, Taylor and Richard dive deep into what to do — and what NOT to do — when the fundamental system your ads are built on stops working properly. Show Notes: Sign up for the DTC Index here: https://www.dtcindex.com/ Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, March 14, 2024
In this episode of the State of the Ecommerce Industry brought to you by the DTC Index, we dive into the hot topics swirling around the ecommerce landscape. Join us as we dissect the noise surrounding Meta's performance, the impact of the Super Bowl, and the Valentine's Day shopping frenzy. Our team of experts, including Jeremiah Prummer from KnoCommerce, Wyatt Mayhem from Cast Metrics, Yarden Shaked from Varos, and Steve Rekuc from Common Thread Collective, bring you exclusive insights based on extensive data analysis and industry expertise. From uncovering gifting trends around Valentine's Day to evaluating the effectiveness of Super Bowl commercials for brands like Elf and Etsy, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to provide you with actionable insights. But the burning question remains: Was Meta truly broken in February? Find out as we dive deep into the data and separate fact from fiction in this highly anticipated episode. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, March 07, 2024
Dive into the fascinating journey of Duke Cannon Supply Co. on the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast! Join Chris Lutz, Director of Digital and Ecommerce, as we explore the brand's unconventional path to success—from specialty retail to major chains like Target and Walmart. Discover how Duke Cannon's unique packaging and merchandising strategy sets them apart on every shelf. Chris shares insights into their digital marketing challenges on platforms like Meta and TikTok, emphasizing humor and authenticity to engage their audience. Show Notes: -The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, March 05, 2024
Inertia is as much a law of organizational dynamics as it is a law of physics. So what do you do about it? On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard discuss Taylor’s recent week working directly with client accounts and his observations on the absolute importance of motivating your team to swift, decisive action. Show Notes: Get started with CTC’s Prophit System here .
Thu, February 29, 2024
Welcome to a new episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast! In this interview, we delve into the success story of Carnivore Snax, one of the fastest-growing brands in e-commerce, breaking barriers by selling food online with an insane GQ score of 226.8. Mark Ritz, the founder and CEO, shares insights into the unique challenges of selling meat snacks on the internet and the brand's journey. Discover the origins of Carnivore Snax, born out of the founder's commitment to the carnivore diet. Mark explains the significance of their focus on providing a simple, high-protein snack that aligns with the trending prioritization of protein in diets. Show Notes: Get 30 free days of Toki’s cutting-edge customer loyalty platform (including cashback and paid membership programs) at buildwithtoki.com/ctc . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, February 27, 2024
Join Taylor and Richard as they dive into the T-shaped marketer concept by Brian Balfour, exploring key skills at the base, marketing foundation, and channel expertise layers. Taylor emphasizes specialization and taking bets on emerging channels for career success. Tune in for actionable insights and expert advice on excelling in e-commerce marketing. Subscribe now for more valuable discussions! Show Notes: Get started with CTC’s Prophit System here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, February 22, 2024
Travis and Taylor, a new album announcement from Beyoncé, a Martin Scorsese-directed ad — the Super Bowl was a night of massive cultural moments. On this episode, Taylor (Holiday) and Richard sit down to discuss the biggest night in advertising, the necessity of creating outsized cultural moments for any brand, and whether those Temu ads made any sense. Show Notes: See how Oddit can help, or get a free design from them right here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, February 20, 2024
🚀 Exciting News in Ecommerce! 🚀 Get ready for a wild ride as we dive deep into the chaotic world of ecommerce with the masterminds behind the scenes. In this video, we are thrilled to introduce our powerhouse team, each bringing their unique expertise and data to the table. Meet Yarden, the Co-founder and CEO of Varos, a massive data co-op sitting on a treasure trove of information from 6,000 e-commerce-related stores. Discover how Varos aggregates, anonymizes, and analyzes data from various platforms, giving unparalleled insights into the industry's dynamics. Next up is Jeremiah, Founder and CEO at KnoCommerce, the survey platform with a qualitative edge. Learn how Jeremiah's team works with 3,300+ brands, delving into billions of dollars in online revenue to provide exclusive and meaningful insights not found anywhere else. Enter Wyatt Mayhem, the Founder of CastMetrics, bringing a whole new dimension to our data consortium. Wyatt gives us a peek into his world of consumer transaction-level credit card data, offering a panoramic view of how people are spending trillions of dollars across the United States. Last but certainly not least is Steve, the Senior Data Analyst at Common Thread Collective. Watch as Steve weaves the threads of data together, crafting compelling narratives from the information provided by our data nerds. But that's not all! Join us on this thrilling journey as we launch the DTC Data Consortium, where these industry leaders will unravel the mysteries of January's ecommerce landscape. From platform insights to ad spend trends and customer acquisition dynamics, get ready to be in the know. Don't miss out on this ecommerce rollercoaster! Head to DTCindex.com to sign up for our monthly newsletter and podcast, where we'll dissect the state of the industry and provide you with the latest and greatest insights. Stay ahead of the curve with the DTC Data Consortium – your ticket to understanding the chaos of ecommerce!
Thu, February 15, 2024
Tune in to the latest episode of the E-commerce Playbook Podcast! In this episode, Taylor dissects the success of Jones Road Beauty with Cody Plofker, CRO of Jones Road Beauty. Discover their outstanding GQ score of 177.39 and unparalleled spending power, making them a true outlier in the beauty industry. Learn about the collaboration between Common Thread Collective and Jones Road Beauty in building a spend model and achieving a remarkable 1% accuracy in revenue prediction. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, February 13, 2024
The most crucial role on any ecommerce creative team isn’t the strategist, it’s the Creative Operations Manager. So why do so few ecommerce brands and agencies have this role? On this episode, Taylor and Richard discuss the importance of this role, how we deploy creative ops at CTC, and what characteristics to look for in a Creative Ops Manager. Show Notes: Get started with CTC’s Prophit System here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, February 06, 2024
After relaunching the email marketing service at Common Thread Collective, Taylor and Richard sit down to discuss how our service has changed since the last time we’ve offered it, how we plan email campaigns to maximize revenue, and how the scope of email marketing can — and should — expand beyond retention. Show Notes: Get started with CTC’s Prophit System here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, February 01, 2024
Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast! In this interview episode, we sit down with Cherene Aubert, the VP of Digital and Ecommerce at ILIA Beauty, a powerhouse beauty brand with a GQ score of 221. Cherene shares her expertise in decoding growth strategies, dissecting the DNA of successful ecommerce giants, and navigating the nuanced world of cosmetics and skincare. Join us as Cherene delves into ILIA Beauty's journey, from its roots in skincare to its focus on clean and performance-driven cosmetics. Learn how Cherene applies her extensive experience in growth strategy to elevate brands, drawing from her impactful roles at CTC and Bobbie. Show Notes: Grapevine’s partnering with Common Thread Collective to offer listeners a discount on their first campaign. Click here to book a demo with Grapevine today! The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 31, 2024
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co In this episode, CTC Director of Growth Strategy Luke Austin takes a turn on the mic, demonstrating how to forecast revenue for the most important, predictable source of revenue: Email.
Tue, January 30, 2024
aylor recently set off a firestorm on DTC Twitter/X by claiming that “top-of-funnel” platforms — those that claim to raise brand awareness without any clear path to conversion lift — is essentially a scam. On this episode, Taylor and Richard dig into the thinking behind that clickbait headline, breaking down exactly why channels like TV are a dangerous temptation to ecommerce operators. Show Notes: Get started with CTC’s Prophit System here . View Taylor’s tweet here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, January 25, 2024
In today's episode, we interview Dave Huffman, CMO of Ancestral Supplements, a unique and rapidly growing brand with a GQ score of over 397. Discover their market positioning, the power of community, and their innovative approach to product development. Join us for insights into health trends, effective marketing, and the success story of Ancestral Supplements. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 24, 2024
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co It’s a common question: Where is the biggest opportunity for me to spend my advertising dollars? In this episode, Taylor lays out exactly where the vast majority of smaller businesses should be allocating their marketing budget.
Tue, January 23, 2024
On this episode of the podcast, CTC Director of Growth Strategy Luke Austin sits down with Richard to identify the key characteristics of the brands that are best set up to thrive in 2024’s profit-first environment. Show Notes: Get started with CTC’s Prophit System here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, January 18, 2024
Welcome to the first episode of a new series on the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast! In this series, we step aside from the usual interviews and dive into the world of brand operators, exploring successful brands through the lens of their GQ score (Growth Quotient). To kick off the series, we interview Dave Rekuc, President of Bambu Earth, our own brand with a GQ score of 119.7. Explore the strengths and weaknesses of this middle-market bootstrap ecommerce brand that's expected to hit $12 million in 2023. From high LTV to low carrying costs, discover the key attributes that make Bambu Earth a successful skincare brand. Show Notes: Grapevine’s partnering with Common Thread Collective to offer listeners a discount on their first campaign. Click here to book a demo with Grapevine today! https://qc0fgbadvc8.typeform.com/to/qwVSYUqV?utm_campaign=CTC&typeform-source=email The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 17, 2024
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co As the post-holiday slump hits, many brands are facing a dreaded “revenue valley” — a down moment where people just aren’t buying. In this episode, Taylor unpacks the tactics you need to survive any post-peak revenue hangover.
Thu, January 11, 2024
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard shift focus from long-term 2024 predictions to the most important trends happening right now — the decline of the “Head of Growth” role, the shift toward fixed fees for vendors, the rise of the Chief Operating Officer, and more. Show Notes: Get 30 free days of Toki’s cutting-edge customer loyalty platform (including cashback and paid membership programs) at buildwithtoki.com/ctc . See Taylor’s Ecommerce Ins and Outs tweet here . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, January 04, 2024
As we enter a new year, Taylor and Richard walk through 5 critical ecommerce trends that we expect to take off in 2024. 1. The rise of the product influencer brands 2. Less, better stuff trend 3. The ***** grift comes to an end 4. Contribution margin shows up in Shopify Dash 5. ****** bubble pops Gotta listen to fill in the blanks... Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, December 21, 2023
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co In this episode, Taylor breaks down one of the most crucial metrics in ecommerce: LTV. Watch to learn more about how to measure it, how it impacts different industries, and how to grow it into an elite level.
Thu, December 21, 2023
In this final episode of our 5-part series on the Prophit system, Taylor and Richard get on the mic to wrap things up, explaining how all the elements of the system work together to deliver on a daily plan for predictable, profitable growth. Show Notes: Elevar is offering 50% off Expert Installation ($1000 value) with the purchase of a subscription (Essentials Plan or above) by January 19, 2024*. Please complete this short form to take advantage of the offer. *Offer available for new Elevar clients only The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, December 14, 2023
What do you do when your Meta ads account is on fire? How about when you need more creative? And what do you do when the account is performing too well? In this episode, Richard chats with Max Rosewater, Senior Paid Social Buyer at CTC, about the key parts of his decision-making process — and, how to translate your forecast into a day-to-day, channel-specific media plan. Show Notes: Elevar is offering 50% off Expert Installation ($1000 value) with the purchase of a subscription (Essentials Plan or above) by January 19, 2024*. Please complete this short form to take advantage of the offer. *Offer available for new Elevar clients only The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, December 07, 2023
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co In this episode, Taylor breaks down one of the most crucial metrics in ecommerce: LTV. Watch to learn more about how to measure it, how it impacts different industries, and how to grow it into an elite level.
Thu, December 07, 2023
On this episode, Richard chats with Aileen McKenna, Director of Creative Strategy & Performance at CTC, about the creative aspect of our growth methodology: How to use your topline financial goals to operationalize your creative production, and how to come up with good creative ideas — quickly. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, November 30, 2023
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard discuss Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2023 — the good, the bad, and what this year’s business-as-usual BFCM means for the ecommerce landscape in 2024. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, November 29, 2023
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co In this episode, Taylor and Richard talk creative — but from an unexpected angle. Listen in as Taylor breaks down how to calculate creative needs by determining month-by-month Spend/aMER requirements.
Fri, November 24, 2023
We're taking a break this week from our regular episodes for Black Friday. In the meantime, we're dropping a preview of Taylor's 2023 BFCM Q&A with ADmission members. To watch the entire episode, head over to youradmission.co to get started on an ADmission
Thu, November 16, 2023
On this episode of the podcast, Richard chats with Luke Austin, Directory of Growth Strategy at CTC about part 2 of our growth methodology: how to build a forecasting model that ladders up to your business goals and provides clear marching orders for your creative and paid media efforts. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Tue, November 14, 2023
ADmission members-only episode preview. Unlock full episodes at youradmission.co In this first episode of our brand-new bonus series, Taylor and Richard sit down to talk everything Cost Caps — why you should be using them, when to use cost caps vs min ROAS bidding, and how to set up your cost cap campaigns in Meta Ads manager. Then, they discuss the biggest barrier to Cost Caps success — creative volume — and how to make sure you have the creative you need to support your desired spend.
Wed, November 08, 2023
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard embark on part 1 of a 5-part series on CTC’s new growth methodology: the Prophit System. They kick the series off by discussing the crucial beginning of the journey: defining a business objective that will lead to the outcome that you want. Show Notes: Want access to our new bonus episodes? Join ADmission today: youradmission.co Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, October 26, 2023
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor is joined by Connor Rolain, Head of Growth at Hexclad, and Connor MacDonald, CMO at Ridge.com, to talk their BFCM strategy — from pacing your sale strategy to the tradeoff between offer simplicity and inventory constraints. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, October 19, 2023
The past few episodes of the Ecommerce Playbook focused on the profitability struggles that will define 2024. But this week, Taylor and Richard demonstrate how you reach profitability: a clear forecast that sets daily expectations across dozens of key metrics. Show Notes: Get V2 of the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit before the price goes up here: https://bit.ly/46WU14Q Want us to put this system in place for you? We’d love to talk. Just get in touch with us at https://commonthreadco.com/pages/ecommerce-strategy to get started. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, October 19, 2023
The past few episodes of the Ecommerce Playbook focused on the profitability struggles that will define 2024. But this week, Taylor and Richard demonstrate how you reach profitability: a clear forecast that sets daily expectations across dozens of key metrics. Show Notes: Get V2 of the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit before the price goes up here: https://bit.ly/46WU14Q Want us to put this system in place for you? We’d love to talk. Just get in touch with us at [link] to get started. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, October 11, 2023
New customer revenue is plummeting as brands run earlier, more frequent discounts, and returning customer revenue may not be far behind. Looking at the state of ecommerce this month, CTC Director of Growth Strategy Luke Austin sits down with Richard to discuss why he’s worried about Q4 2023, and the one thing that clearly distinguishes winning brands from the field as we move into 2024. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc Purchase the full BFCM Offer Database here: https://commonthreadco.com/products/black-friday-offer-database The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, October 04, 2023
The feeling among ecommerce brand leaders right now is pretty uniform: September was a bad month. And we have the data to substantiate that feeling. In this episode, Taylor and Richard dive into this week’s DTC Index newsletter and break down why last month’s “sponge squeeze” could have a major impact on performance moving forward. Show Notes: Sign up for the DTC Index here to get up-to-date information on key ecommerce trends: https://commonthreadco.com/products/dtc-index Purchase the full BFCM Offer Database here: https://commonthreadco.com/products/black-friday-offer-database The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, September 27, 2023
On this episode, Taylor and Richard dive into the 2023 BFCM Offer Database, a massive spreadsheet that documents Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers from 700+ ecommerce brands. Discussion includes why you definitely should run an offer on Black Friday, a surprising truth about Buy One, Get One offers, and the role of novelty in “breaking the noise” on the biggest weekend of the year. Show Notes: Purchase the full BFCM Offer Database here: https://commonthreadco.com/products/black-friday-offer-database If you’re a $10M - $100M ecommerce brand with a Growth Quotient (GQ) of 130 or greater, we’ll cover $25k of ad spend when you become a CTC client. Apply here: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/contact-holiday-ad-spend The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, September 21, 2023
On this episode, Taylor and Richard break down the most important trends in ecommerce, and discuss what the future holds for margin innovation, AI, and the connection between marketing and finance. Show Notes: For a limited time, join our membership program , ADmission, plus get access to all of our flagship ecommerce products for no additional cost. Get started at Stamps.com today for a four-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale! If you’re a $10M - $100M ecommerce brand with a Growth Quotient (GQ) of 130 or greater, we’ll cover $25k of ad spend when you become a CTC client. Apply here: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/contact-holiday-ad-spend The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, September 14, 2023
On this episode, CTC’s Director of Creative Strategy & Performance Aileen McKenna joins Taylor & Richard to discuss the urgency of building great evergreen ad creative in September and October, how to systemically brainstorm new ad ideas, and the right place to expend effort and resources when Black Friday comes. Show Notes: If you’re a $10M - $100M ecommerce brand with a Growth Quotient (GQ) of 130 or greater, we’ll cover $25k of ad spend when you become a CTC client. Apply here: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/contact-holiday-ad-spend The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, September 07, 2023
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard talk to Common Thread Collective COO Orchid Bertelsen about breaking through the pre-Holiday doldrums, how to build a revenue peak that works for your brand unique needs, and why even us aging millennials should be on TikTok. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc If you’re a $10M - $100M ecommerce brand with a Growth Quotient (GQ) of 130 or greater, we’ll cover $25k of ad spend when you become a CTC client. Apply here: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/contact-holiday-ad-spend The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Wed, August 30, 2023
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor is joined by his brother, QALO co-founder KC Holiday, and producer Cory Hamilton, the OG CTC employee, to reflect on the early days of CTC, how ecommerce has changed over the years, and how to grow an ecommerce business from the ground up. Show Notes: Go to ShipStation.com/thread today and sign up for your FREE 60-day extended trial. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Wed, August 23, 2023
The theme of our 2023 Holiday strategy: Your Black Friday/Cyber Monday outcome depends on the foundation you set in August. In this episode, Taylor and Richard break down the decisions you need to make right now to set yourself up for holiday success, from inventory planning to creative volume to revenue forecasting. Show Notes: If you’re a 130+ GQ brand between $10-$100M, we’re so confident that we can win for you that we’re willing to give you a free month. Just click here to start the application process. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co
Wed, August 16, 2023
Q4 success starts in Q3. And the most successful brands on Black Friday have one thing in common: They plan their entire marketing effort around four distinct revenue “mini-peaks” within the holiday season. On this episode, Richard talks with CTC Director of Growth Strategy Luke Austin and Senior Ecommerce Data Analyst Steve Rekuc, breaking down our comprehensive four-part plan to tackle BFCM for our clients in 2023. Show Notes: The Edge Summit, hosted by Bloomreach, is a one-of-a-kind collective conversation on the future of marketing and AI. Learn more at theedgesummit.com . If you’re a 130+ GQ brand between $10-$100M, we’re so confident that we can win for you that we’re willing to give you a free month. Just click here to start the application process. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, August 10, 2023
Leadership is a combination of two major skills: Knowing when the organization is heading in the wrong direction, and knowing which direction to go instead. On this episode, Taylor reflects on a recent 180 we’ve made as a business and why he thinks it’s the right time to make that change. Then, Taylor and Richard discuss the incredible power of saying “no” and how it forms the basis of strategic decision making. Show Notes: If you’re a 130+ GQ brand between $10-$100M, we’re so confident that we can win for you that we’re willing to give you a free month. Just click here to start the application process. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Wed, August 02, 2023
For ecommerce entrepreneurs and agency owners alike, creative continues to be the most important variable — and the trickiest to operationalize. On this episode, Taylor and Richard talk about a recent breakthrough at CTC: A new framework, courtesy of CTC Director of Creative Strategy Aileen McKenna, that reliably generates good creative ideas — quickly. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc
Thu, July 27, 2023
What makes a great brand? What businesses are most likely to grow quickly? Why not ask the leader of the brand with the highest Growth Quotient score we’ve ever seen? In this episode, Taylor and Richard chat with Heart & Soil CEO Dean Brennan about the brand strategy that’s led to massive first-order profitability, dirt-cheap CAC, and 200%+ 1-year LTV growth. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm If you’re a 130+ GQ brand between $10-$100M, we’re so confident that we can win for you that we’re willing to give you a free month
Thu, July 20, 2023
Once you have your ecommerce tactics down and you’re successfully turning a profit, you’re confronted with a deceptively complicated question: what do I do with all this money? In this episode, Taylor talks to Dave Rekuc, president of Bambu Earth, and Mike Beckham, co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, about the smart way to put money back into your business. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, July 13, 2023
In many ways, $1M to $20M is the most exciting growth stage for any ecommerce business — you know you have a business that works, but you’re small enough that you have the freedom to innovate without being held back by bureaucracy. On this episode, Richard talks with ecommerce growth expert (and former Ecommerce Playbook host!) Andrew Faris about the keys to success for brands at this crucial growth stage. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm Want an easier way to source UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc Get in touch with Andrew at ajfgrowth.com , and check out his podcast here .
Wed, June 28, 2023
Over the past several weeks, CTC Growth Strategist Luke Austin’s been conducting an experiment across a number of our clients to answer a simple question: are third-party attribution tools like Rockerbox and Triple Whale actually more accurate than native platforms like Facebook and Google? On this episode, Taylor and Richard talk with Luke about the results of the experiment, why CTC is skeptical about third party attribution tools, and the steps you should take to test your own attribution tools. Show Notes: The ADmission All-Access Sale is on until the end of the month — go to commonthreadco.com/allaccess to get all of our products free with an ADmission membership. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, June 22, 2023
Every brand has a mission statement. Every brand should have a clear business philosophy. But how do you take those ideas and create a framework for your people to actually put them into action? On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard discuss how CTC is taking our core philosophies and turning them into repeatable behaviors across the entire agency. Show Notes: The ADmission All-Access Sale is on until the end of the month — go to commonthreadco.com/allaccess to get all of our products free with an ADmission membership. The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, June 15, 2023
On this episode, Taylor talks to CTC’s Senior Ecommerce Data Analyst Steve Rekuc and Kno Commerce CEO Jeremiah Prummer about the launch of the Direct-to-Consumer Confidence Index (DTCCI) — a real-time view of the macroeconomic sentiment of your customers. Learn about the origins of the DTCCI and how to use it to help grow your ecommerce business. Show Notes: Want Custom Insights On Your Customers? Sign up for the Direct to Consumer Confidence Index - DTCCI.co The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm Early bird pricing is still available on the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit for podcast listeners only — just use code POD197 at https://bit.ly/3VstFmI to get the lower price.
Thu, June 08, 2023
On this episode, Taylor reports back from his trip to the Second Annual Meta Performance Marketing Summit, revealing new insights on Advantage +, Measurement360, and just how good Meta is at telling a brand narrative. Plus, he shares his thoughts with Richard on the steps you should take to anticipate upcoming changes to Meta ad products. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Wed, May 31, 2023
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu says: “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” It’s crucial to focus on the big picture first. But what about the day-to-day? What tactics can you use to accelerate victory? In this episode, Taylor and Richard introduce the 3 P’s — Plot, Pivot and Profit — and break down how this system transforms the way you execute on a daily basis. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Thu, May 25, 2023
In this episode, Taylor and Richard dive deep into Bambu Earth’s Growth Quotient score — what stories do the numbers tell? How do you interpret your Growth Quotient score? How do you transform the knowledge gained from the Diagnostic tool into action? Join us for the first episode in a three-part series on the Growth Quotient — what it means, how to affect it, and how to use it to form a strategic basis for growth. Show Notes: Get the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit for free when you join Admission: https://bit.ly/3WfyP5T The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Wed, May 17, 2023
With returning customer revenue plateauing, the ecomm world is in for a rough ride — in Taylor’s words, “I thought ecommerce was through its worst period but I was wrong. There are some REALLY hard days upcoming and brands have not made the hard decisions to prepare.” In this episode, Taylor and Richard discuss the upcoming ecommerce drought, the importance of cost management, and the key indicators of success in the next three months. Show Notes: Get the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit for free when you join Admission: https://bit.ly/3WfyP5T The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm
Wed, May 10, 2023
The 2020-21 COVID boom set unrealistic expectations for year-over-year growth. So, when brands saw 2022 YoY revenue figures start to drop, they started “squeezing the sponge” — wringing every last bit of revenue out of their existing customer base without acquiring new customers. Now, that’s coming around to bite most brands: returning customer revenue growth is almost nil, and efficiency is about to take a nosedive. On this episode, Richard talks with CTC Growth Strategy Manager Luke Austin about what the future holds, and the tactics he’s using to manage the upcoming dip for his clients. Show Notes: Early bird pricing is still available on the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit for podcast listeners only — just use code POD197 at https://bit.ly/3VstFmI to get the lower price. Check out Luke Austin’s tweet on the state of returning customer revenue: https://twitter.com/itslukeaustin/status/1654622951206166529?s=20 The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, May 04, 2023
Ever find yourself scrambling to make up a deficit in the last couple weeks of each month? We’ve all been there. Fortunately, there’s a solution — it just requires a major mindset shift. On this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Taylor and Richard discuss the true value of forecasting and the key behavior that can get you to your revenue goals: spending your time, effort, and money at the very beginning of the month, not at the end. Show Notes: Early bird pricing is still available on the Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit for podcast listeners only — just use code POD197 at https://bit.ly/3VstFmI to get the lower price. Check out Luke Austin’s tweet on CTC’s performance relative to goal here: https://twitter.com/l_ukeAustin/status/1653163136642613249?s=20 Taylor’s tweet on why you should frontload monthly spend: https://twitter.com/TaylorHoliday/status/1653058505476112384?s=20 The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, April 26, 2023
Early Bird Pricing (one week only) (30% off regular price) Get the Toolkit: https://commonthreadco.com/products/ecommerce-diagnostic “We see too many business owners, marketing managers, and CMOs make the same mistake over and over: Solving problems they don’t actually have. Most often, this looks like attempting to solve poor Facebook ROAS by pumping the account full of new creative or using the latest media buying “hack”. But what if the COGS on your product mix is so high, you’ll never turn a profit on your paid media spend? What if the people you do get to purchase … never return to your store? Or, on the flip side — what if your customer value grows so significantly over 60-180 days that first-order profitability actually doesn’t matter? In each of these cases, poor Facebook ROAS is a small part of a much larger problem, or it isn’t a problem at all. How would it change the way you run your business if you could precisely identify your weak points and expend all your energy running after your biggest opportunities? That’s what this tool aims to help you do.” Ecommerce Diagnostic Toolkit contains: ✔️ A 15-page guide to the principles behind rapid growth ✔️A breakdown of the 10 metrics that go into Growth Quotient ✔️ A 26-question interactive Growth Quotient assessment ✔️ A custom downloadable report breaking down your Growth Quotient score ✔️ Recommendations on next steps based on your results Buy Now: https://commonthreadco.com/products/ecommerce-diagnostic Want an easier way to source the good kind of UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc
Wed, April 19, 2023
It’s an age-old dilemma — do I focus on what’s right in front of me, or do I step back and look at the larger picture? On this episode, Taylor and Richard make the argument that establishing the “why” is much more important than the “how” — especially in a world where AI is making operational excellence less and less of an important differentiator. Show Notes: Explore how SegMetrics can help you tackle ecommerce marketing challenges at https://bit.ly/3AdTrl2 . Effortlessly connect all your marketing tools with our library of over 90 integrations at https://bit.ly/3AiayC0 . Schedule your personalized demo, ask questions, and discover how SegMetrics can help your e-commerce business grow at: https://bit.ly/40jEE2J . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, April 13, 2023
How do two guys who have never worked together before come together to build a successful influencer agency? On this episode, Taylor sits down with Kynship co-founder Taylor Lagace to discuss building a business around your values, how to find authenticity in your influencer content, and key tactics to build an ROI-focused micro-influencer network. Show Notes: Explore how SegMetrics can help you tackle ecommerce marketing challenges at https://segmetrics.io/solutions/ecommerce Effortlessly connect all your marketing tools with our library of over 90 integrations at https://segmetrics.io/integration/ . Schedule your personalized demo, ask questions, and discover how SegMetrics can help your e-commerce business grow at h ttps://segmetrics.io/book-a-demo/ . The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, April 05, 2023
Inventory management is the bane of many ecommerce brands’ existence — balancing lead times and cash outlay with demand can feel like an unsolvable issue. But with the right data, it can become much easier. In this episode, Taylor sits down with Braden Larsen, Head of Marketing at CTC client Sparkle in Pink, to discuss the tool he uses to keep ahead of per-SKU sales velocity, how he manages Sparkle in Pink’s massive number of SKUs, and how to use data to streamline your inventory management. Show Notes: Check out Sparkle in Pink here: https://sparkleinpink.com/ Download the Inventory Planner app here: https://apps.shopify.com/inventory-planner The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Thu, March 30, 2023
“Brand is the bridge between how much your product costs and how much your customer is willing to pay.” But what if you could measure that “bridge” objectively? In this episode, Richard and Taylor talk about Taylor’s controversial new formula for quantifying the value of your brand. Then, Richard has a conversation with Jules Vertrees, CTC client and founder of Verve Culture, a brand that sources beautiful home goods & gourmet foods from artisans around the world. Learn More About SegMetrics (Sponsored): Learn how SegMetrics can help you overcome challenges in your ecommerce marketing at https://bit.ly/3zjdAph . Instantly connect every marketing tool in your funnel with our library of over 90 integrations at https://bit.ly/3G50gIM . Book a one-on-one demo, get answers to your questions, and learn how SegMetrics can help your business grow by visiting https://bit.ly/3G70LlS . Show Notes: Taylor’s tweet on quantifying brand: https://bit.ly/3nBGQVu 21 Antifragile Tactics Podcast: https://bit.ly/3zht5Om Check out Verve Culture here: https://verveculture.com/ The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, March 22, 2023
For most of us, ecommerce is still a new phenomenon. For Smart Marketer founder Ezra Firestone, driving sales online has been his main pursuit since the days when you had to fax customer orders to the manufacturer. In this episode, Taylor and Ezra discuss his life in ecommerce, how it’s developed in the 15 years since, and how that experience gives him a unique perspective on what you need to do to thrive in the current environment. Show Notes: For more content from Ezra, check out his LinkedIn , Instagram , and Twitter . Checkout Ezra’s haircare brand, oVertone, here . Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, March 15, 2023
Here at CTC we talk a lot about how ROAS is a poor guiding metric for ad account decisionmaking. That’s because it doesn’t take into account your ad spend’s impact on your entire business. So what should you use instead? In this episode, Richard and Taylor break down a new way to think about profit in an environment where capital isn’t cheap. Show Notes: Get a $200 credit to Insense’s all-in-one creator platform here: insense.pro/lp/ctc Watch Taylor’s video: How to Media Buy Like an Investor The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, March 08, 2023
Influencers, staged unboxing videos, paid posts — at this point, even people outside of the ecomm business know that most UGC isn’t actually user-generated. On this episode, Richard and Taylor go deep on the history of bullsh*t in advertising, the ethics of “fake UGC,” and Taylor’s barometer for determining how much BS is too much. Show Notes: Want an easier way to source the good kind of UGC? Streamline your process with SARAL’s chrome extension: http://getsaral.com/champions/ctc Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, March 01, 2023
In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Taylor chats with Connor Rolain, Head of Growth at HexClad, and Richie Mashikov, Head of Growth at Birdie. They discuss forecasting, unit economics, and the rules for growth amidst uncertainty. Show Notes: Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. Connect with Richie: https://www.shesbirdie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmashiko/ https://twitter.com/richiemashiko Connect with Connor: https://hexclad.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-rolain-b190ab148/ https://twitter.com/connorrolain
Thu, February 23, 2023
How do I make paid search work for my business? In this episode, we go straight to the source as Taylor sits down with Ben Kruger, Senior Ecommerce Growth Consultant at Google, to discuss how to scale your online store profitably using Google Ads. Show Notes: Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, February 15, 2023
Though AI (via media buying algorithms) has always played a role in ecommerce, tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E have brought the conversation about AI and work into the mainstream. In this episode, Richard and Taylor dive into the relationship between AI and margin efficiency, the unique ways we’ve used AI to speed productivity, and the role humans play in a world where computers can do everything better than we can. Show Notes: Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, February 08, 2023
his episode features Jordan West, an entrepreneur and owner of Canada-based ecommerce agency Upgrowth Commerce. Richard, Taylor, and Jordan discuss his transition from paramedic to full-time business builder, as well as Jordan’s ideal business model, doing business in Canada v. the States, and where they think ecommerce is headed in 2023. Show Notes: Check out Jordan’s podcast, Secrets to Scaling Your Ecommerce Business: https://bit.ly/3JMYC1k Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, February 01, 2023
Success on Facebook is as much about what you sell as it is about how you sell it. In this episode, Richard and Taylor talk about an overlooked aspect of paid social success: merchandising your ad account. Then, they dip into the podcast mailbag and give some advice to a listener who runs a high-SKU online retail business. Show Notes: Taylor’s video on ad account merchandising: https://bit.ly/3DxveIC Richard’s article on creative, featuring the product Venn diagram: https://bit.ly/3HNNQ9t CTC Articles on Performance Max: https://bit.ly/3HtTfBg Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 25, 2023
In part 2 of our two-part series on investing, Taylor talks with Jason Bornstein, Principal at Forerunner, the San Francisco-based venture capital firm behind DTC juggernauts like Away, Warby Parker, and Glossier. Listen as Jason breaks down current industry trends, the kinds of businesses he’s still excited about in 2023, and how to impress him on a pitch call. Show Notes: Have a business you want to pitch to Forerunner? As Jason mentioned on the pod, Forerunner responds to every inquiry email. Reach out to them here: https://bit.ly/3HhW4GM Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month gameplan and audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 18, 2023
Most ecommerce brands have two big “moments” on their marketing calendar. Most ecommerce brands are getting it wrong. On this episode, Taylor & Richard break down what it looks like to create big revenue peaks in “offseason” moments. Show Notes: Need help building your marketing calendar? Our strategy team is putting together 12-month audit packages here: https://bit.ly/3ZLKfjw The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 11, 2023
New year, new ecommerce landscape: In this episode, Taylor and Richard make 6 resolutions for the ecommerce industry, breaking down the strategies your business will need to thrive in the coming year. Show Notes: Need help making your New Year’s resolutions happen? Sign up for our online membership, Admission, right here: https://bit.ly/3Qx29C8 The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm.
Wed, January 04, 2023
In this special two part series Taylor and Richard explore the current state of the ecommerce fundraising environment from two distinct points of view. In this first episode we talk with a founder, Dave Charne of Fyrn, who’s currently working on raising a bridge round for his DTC furniture brand Fyrn. Dave provides a view into what the experience has been like at this moment versus his previous round a year ago. Next week we’ll speak with Jason Bornstein of Forerunner Ventures on the view from the other side. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. Forecast your cash flow with Wayflyer: https://bit.ly/3v8d7nP Check out Fyrn here: https://fyrn.com/
Wed, December 28, 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, those of us in the ecommerce industry have more questions than answers: Where can you find hope in the midst of failure? What are the constants in a deeply unpredictable world? And is there really such a thing as being a failure? This week, Richard, Taylor, and former Ecommerce Playbook Podcast host Andrew Faris look back on a difficult year and reflect on what they’ve learned from it. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. Forecast your cash flow with Wayflyer: https://bit.ly/3v8d7nP Get a $200 credit with Insense: https://bit.ly/3THck7S
Wed, December 21, 2022
There’s three layers of revenue for any business: New customers, owned audiences, and existing customers. Maintaining the correct balance between these three tiers is crucial to sustainable growth. This week, Taylor and Richard explain how the “layer cake” metaphor helps ecommerce businesses focus on building a foundation of predictable revenue first. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. Get a $200 credit with Insense: https://bit.ly/3THck7S Forecast your cash flow with Wayflyer: https://bit.ly/3v8d7nP Get the Enterprise Scaling Guide: https://bit.ly/3hK8lKc
Wed, December 14, 2022
With consumer confidence at record-low levels, only one thing’s for sure: you’ll have to pay more to acquire new customers. But how do you forecast this all-important metric heading into the uncertainty of 2023? This week, Richard and (mostly) Taylor talk with CTC Ecommerce Data Analyst Steve Rekuc about building — and outperforming — your 2023 CAC forecast. Show Notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. Want more data? Subscribe to the DTC Index for weekly updates on 27+ metrics across 5 industry verticals: https://bit.ly/3FwiSBA Grab your tickets to the Ecommerce Marketing Summit from Agorapulse: https://bit.ly/3UGWU3p Get a $200 credit with Insense: https://bit.ly/3THck7S
Wed, December 07, 2022
Black Friday/Cyber Monday was bigger than ever this year. Inflation is also at its highest level in four decades. So what does this seeming paradox mean for your ecommerce business moving forward? In this episode, Taylor and Richard break down what went well, what didn’t, and the why you should still be vigilant even after the biggest shopping weekend in history. Show notes: The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm. Want more data? Subscribe to the DTC Index for weekly updates on 27+ metrics across 5 industry verticals: https://bit.ly/3FwiSBA Grab your tickets to the Ecommerce Marketing Summit from Agorapulse: https://bit.ly/3UGWU3p Get a $200 credit with Insense: https://bit.ly/3THck7S
Thu, December 01, 2022
It’s tempting to try to get more out of your existing customers when CAC is rising. But is it worth it? In this episode, Richard and Taylor discuss the second principle of the Enterprise Scaling Guide: the concept of the shrinking sponge. “You need to keep your active customer file growing as you grow the business.” Show notes: - Visit getparker.com to learn more about the card designed specifically for ecommerce brands. - Get the Enterprise Scaling Guide: http://bit.ly/3UjemdZ
Wed, November 23, 2022
To win this Black Friday, you need to understand what went well last year, and what needs to improve. In this episode, we take a break from our regular content and revisit our post-Black Friday recap from 2021. “We’ll tell you how it went for each of our brands, and the lessons we learned.”
Wed, November 16, 2022
What kind of business wins despite the volatility that surrounds them? In this episode, Taylor and Richard discuss Taylor and 4x400’s decision to sell skincare brand Bambu Earth, and the macroeconomic factors that caused the deal to fall through. “There are deeper business-level things that you need to be focusing on as an ecommerce business in order to weather the storm — it's not all about marketing.” Show Notes: - Unlock growth for your business with Wayflyer: http://bit.ly/3tzufSF - Find out what makes a business antifragile: http://bit.ly/3EgqPZM
Wed, November 09, 2022
With just 3 weeks until Black Friday, now is not the time to pull back. In this episode, Taylor and Richard debunk common arguments for pulling back spend ahead of Black Friday. “We are here to affirm your commitment of making the most out of this moment, because it’s necessary.” Show Notes: Get a $200 credit with Insense when you book by Nov. 18, 2022: https://bit.ly/CTCxInsenseNovember
Thu, November 03, 2022
The solution to $50M+ growth might not be what you think it is. In this episode, Richard and Taylor talk about Part 1 of the Ecommerce Enterprise Scaling Guide, which focuses on building a hierarchy of metrics to provide context around your business targets. “Once you hit the $50M mark, the things you’ve been doing stop working, and yet, there’s still going to be pressure on you to run the business at a profitable margin. So what do you do?” Show Notes: Get the Enterprise Scaling Guide: https://bit.ly/3FGL7hz Try the card made exclusively for ecommerce. Visit https://getparker.com/ Want guided support to implement these learnings in your brand? Try ADmission: https://bit.ly/3WrvsIX
Wed, October 26, 2022
How customer-centric are you? In this episode, Richard and Taylor propose an interesting solution to the acquisition problem, and it has almost nothing to do with the quality of your Facebook ads. “If we accept that the cost to acquire the next customer has a certain gravitational element to it — meaning the cost to acquire a customer always will rise — then how do we win this game?” Show Notes: Get a $200 credit from Insense, the UGC creator marketplace: https://bit.ly/3THck7S
Wed, October 19, 2022
Choice is sometimes an illusion. In this episode, Richard and Taylor talk about Facebook’s move toward the Advantage+ model, which shifts away from human decision making and toward artificial intelligence. “They will say Advantage+ is a way to build campaigns with fewer inputs. But the secondary implication is Facebook has a performance problem. In order to solve for that, they’re attempting to reduce the variables and take control of the situation.” Show Notes: Get a $200 credit with Insense, the creator content & ads platform trusted by 700+ DTC brands: https://bit.ly/3eHyDLt
Wed, October 12, 2022
What if you could see future results in the now? In this episode, Richard and Taylor talk about Common Thread’s unique relationship with Retina.ai, an AI platform that allows you to predict the future value of your customers. “You’re getting an instant view into the value of your customer within 96% accuracy.” Show Notes: Learn why Retina.ai is ecommerce’s magic 8-ball: https://bit.ly/3CzXGZ4
Thu, October 06, 2022
The latest Consumer Confidence Index paints a bleak picture of the economy at large. How does that affect DTC, ROAS, and forecasting for Q4? “It’s going to take more marketing resources to sell products. The practical output of that is less efficient advertising. You have to do more to get less action.” Show Notes: - Try Freshmarketer: https://bit.ly/3S5wXcH - Taylor’s tweet on CCI vs. MER: https://bit.ly/3fEosaB - Taylor’s Black Friday strategy article: https://bit.ly/3RDwspU
Thu, September 29, 2022
In Andrew’s farewell episode, he passes the torch over to CTC’s Taylor Holiday and Richard Gaffin. Andrew reflects on his time hosting the podcast, and what’s next for the show. “Moving forward, what you can expect from us is a conversation about frameworks, about large-scale thinking, and interesting things happening in the DTC space and what they mean for you.” Show Notes: - Try Freshmarketer: https://bit.ly/3S5wXcH - Keep listening to Andrew at “The Andrew Faris Podcast,” head to his new website at www.ajfgrowth.com, or follow him on Twitter @andrewjfaris.
Wed, September 21, 2022
Using your resources as effectively as possible is essential for growing your business at any pace. In this episode, Andrew talks about two ways to manage people well. “It’s not easy to be a great manager — and it’s not in the realm of tactics for growth — but it is an important part of building a great company.” Show notes: - Follow Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewjfaris - Try Freshmarketer: https://bit.ly/3S5wXcH
Thu, September 15, 2022
Brands that are trying to grow really fast often try the next most tempting “shiny object” to get there. In this episode, Andrew talks about the importance of taking time to align your behaviors to your goals. “Where are you trying to go, how clear can you get on that goal as quickly as possible, and how much can you put your focus toward it?” Show notes: Try Freshmarketer: https://bit.ly/3S5wXcH
Thu, September 08, 2022
The right tools don’t change the fundamentals of running your business — they allow you to think about your business in a new way. In this episode, Andrew talks with Obvi Founder & CEO Ron Shah about their plans for upcoming growth, and how they plan to finance that growth. “Because we’re bootstrapped, it’s hard to make that fuel last long. When you have opportunities to scale, it actually costs more to do that. When you realize the cost is higher, you need to come up with more solutions to make that happen.” Show Notes: - Parker, the ecommerce financial soultion: https://getparker.com/ - Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/obviceo - Ron's thread on how he built Obvi: https://bit.ly/3LdGVH3 - Ron's thread on his BFCM plans: https://bit.ly/3QsvtYX - Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronak06/ - Follow Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewjfaris
Wed, August 31, 2022
Not all customers are alike. In this episode, Andrew talks about the importance of meeting customers at different points in their customer journey. “It’s really what your whole business comes down to, in terms of your marketing, customer acquisition, and reacquistion.” Show Notes: - Get net 60 terms on every transaction. Visit getparker.com to learn more about the credit card built exclusively for ecommerce.
Wed, August 24, 2022
It’s a foundational question for any business: What exactly are you selling, and how is your marketing approach optimized for it? In this episode, Andrew cautions against using one-size-fits-all business advice, particularly for how you market your product. “How your product is sold may be fundamentally different than the way other products are sold.”
Thu, August 18, 2022
Is your business set up to withstand hardship? In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Common Thread Collective CEO Taylor Holiday about how businesses can remain resilient amid uncertainty. “Who are the businesses that will thrive even if the current situation does become a net negative?” Show Notes: - Visit getparker.com to learn more about the credit card built exclusively for ecommerce.
Thu, August 11, 2022
There's a lot of information on the internet about how to grow an ecommerce business, but none exists at this caliber of high-level strategy and detailed execution. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Common Thread Collective VP of Marketing Aaron Orendorff where he unveils the most significant piece of public-facing content CTC has ever produced: The Enterprise Scaling Guide. “It's without hyperbole the most I've bled, sweat, poured, shook-my-fists-at-the-heavens-in-certain-moments-thing that I've ever had the great privilege of putting together.” Show Notes: - Visit getparker.com to learn more about the credit card built exclusively for ecommerce. - Get the Enterprise Scaling Guide: https://bit.ly/3zNTALh
Wed, August 03, 2022
Email is an 80/20 game: 80% of the value comes from 20% of what you put into it. In this episode, Andrew shares his thoughts on the current state of email marketing. “The number one thing that generates more value out of email is to send more email. It’s almost annoying how simple that advice is, but it’s true.” Show Notes: - Subscribe to the Data Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3btYXqM - Get a free email marketing audit: https://bit.ly/3zttqxe
Wed, July 27, 2022
Funding growth is incredibly hard, especially for brands that are just starting to scale. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Stephen Duke, head of marketing and growth at Wayflyer. “The thing that determines the health of so many ecommerce businesses is their financial engine: how well they are using the right finance tools and thinking about finance.” Show Notes: Get started with Wayflyer: www.wayflyer.com
Wed, July 20, 2022
What’s the secret behind massive wins on Facebook? In this episode, Andrew goes back to Facebook ad basics: what works, and what doesn’t. “There are times when the thing that really moves the needle is the product. Or, put more simply, the offer.”
Thu, July 14, 2022
First it was supply chain disruptions, and now it’s … warehouse disruptions? In this episode, Andrew talks about brands currently experiencing an abundance of inventory, the problems this is causing, and how businesses should respond. “Our warehouses are now so backfilled that there’s all these containers and nowhere to put the stuff. Even Target has said publicly they’re going to cut prices in order to move product.” Show notes: Fund your ecommerce business with Wayflyer: https://bit.ly/3arbACq
Wed, July 06, 2022
How do you determine the percentage of revenue that goes toward your ad spend? In this episode, Andrew answers this question he received recently on Twitter. “This is a crucial question for any business. For ecommerce in particular, advertising is the key way you’re driving traffic to your site.” Show Notes: - Get started with Wayflyer ecommerce financing: https://bit.ly/3arbACq - Use the Unit Economics calculator: https://bit.ly/3P2DPWI
Wed, June 29, 2022
Retention is king right now, so what’s your strategy? In this episode, Andrew is joined by Yotpo Product Marketing Manager Judith Zhu where they discuss how to generate revenue with subscriptions for any type of business. “One of the most powerful levers you can pull is having subscriptions as a meaningful part of your business.” Show Notes: - Connect with Judith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithkayzhu/ - Try Yotpo subscriptions: https://apps.shopify.com/yotpo-subscription https://www.yotpo.com/platform/subscriptions/
Wed, June 22, 2022
What’s your greatest challenge right now? In this episode, Andrew talks through a problem he’s having trouble solving, and what he’s doing about it. (Spoiler: the key is breaking the problem down into smaller problems). “Despite the current macroeconomic moment, I still have to figure out how to help this client grow.”
Wed, June 15, 2022
The market decline is real — but is there hope? In this episode, Andrew casts a positive outlook for the future, and suggests this is the time to invest in growth. “There is a moment right now to capitalize amid all the doom and gloom in the ecommerce space.” Show notes: - Get started with YotPo subscriptions: https://bit.ly/YotpoSubscriptionsEcommPlaybook - Statlas: https://bit.ly/3MV23AP - Andrew’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewjfaris - Mehtab From Karta: https://twitter.com/MehtabKarta - Fan Bi: https://twitter.com/lifeofbi
Wed, June 08, 2022
At the center of what you’re selling, what’s the most important? In this episode, Andrew talks about getting as clear as possible on the marketing messaging for your product. “You have to know what you are selling with total clarity, and in order to sell it well, you have to communicate that one thing more and better than everything else.” Show Notes: - Bambu Earth’s success: https://bit.ly/3xHG8ch - Get started with YotPo subscriptions: https://bit.ly/YotpoSubscriptionsEcommPlaybook
Wed, June 01, 2022
What’s on your mind as an ecommerce owner or operator? This episode, Andrew and special guest Common Thread Collective CEO Taylor Holiday cover 10 trending and top-of-mind ecommerce topics. “We’ll go big, we’ll go broad, we’ll go bitter and angry Twitter wars.” Show Notes: Subscribe to the Data Newsletter: https://content.commonthreadco.com/ecommerce-data-newsletter Mehtab's Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/MehtabKarta
Wed, May 25, 2022
It is a fact that brands are pulling back on Facebook spend. They shouldn’t be. In this episode, Andrew explains why the return on Facebook ads is better than you think, where your money is going, and how your growth is happening. “When you start buying traffic of any kind, it affects all your channels. A steady decline in Facebook spend produces a steady decline in organic and paid. And, ultimately, creates significant revenue decline.” Show Notes: - https://bit.ly/3LHNobF - Statlas, CTC's data tool Andrew referenced on the show. - https://bit.ly/38eHjWr - CTC Weekly Data Newsletter from ~220 stores comprising $5B in GMV. - https://bit.ly/3lDBtB6 - Explore CTC's "Expert Strategy" program for your brand. - https://bit.ly/39QCh2K - View the graphs and charts Andrew mentions.
Wed, May 18, 2022
“Get really good” might seem like unhelpful advice, but there’s a principle behind it. In this episode, Andrew emphasizes the need to be great at some aspects of your business, and why doing so will set your brand apart from the rest. “The brands that are winning have some feature or element of their business that make them uniquely good. They’re great at something.” Looking to scale your business in this unique climate? Get personalized ecommerce training from a team of experts, free for a limited time. Visit http://www.youradmission.co/
Wed, May 11, 2022
If you aren't happy with your business, it’s probably time to make some changes. In this episode, Andrew draws from his experience as a consultant coming in with a fresh perspective on a brand and its problems. “When I look at businesses, my only goal is to win for them. So I ask, ‘Why not do the thing that’s going to make you more money?’”
Wed, May 04, 2022
Quantity alone isn’t always better than quality. In this episode, Andrew does a deep dive into Facebook ad creative strategy. “It’s not just about the volume of ads, but the quality of ads. I believe you need both to be successful.”
Wed, April 27, 2022
Ever made it to the end of your promotion and realize you forgot something? In this episode, Andrew zooms into the mechanics of effective product launch and promotion strategies. “I’m going to give you five elements of executing a great promotional moment from start to finish.” Show notes: - Overview of the Four-Peaks Theory: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/ecommerce-marketing-calendar - SMS capture page example: https://bambuearth.com/pages/text-offers - Landing page example: https://bit.ly/3khoynC
Wed, April 20, 2022
If you’re a naturally productive person, skip this episode. For the rest of us, Andrew shares how he’s managing context switching and productivity. “I know I’m not alone in the challenge of working between multiple things at once.”
Wed, April 13, 2022
The world of DTC as we know it is behind us … or is it? In this episode, Andrew throws it back to the first few episodes of the show with a brief reflection on a broad question. “Is pure-play DTC over?”
Wed, April 06, 2022
What makes a good manager? In this episode, Andrew follows up on a comment he made in a previous conversation with Common Thread CEO Taylor Holiday about his biggest leadership mistakes. “As your organization grows, think about how you are scaling the team’s ability to function effectively and efficiently.”
Wed, March 30, 2022
More creative, greater efficiency. In this episode, Andrew explores the best creative strategy to get the most out of Facebook ads. “The basic idea is: How much creative can you put into your Facebook account and manage it as efficiently as possible?”
Wed, March 23, 2022
Where do you create value in your business? In this episode, Andrew demonstrates how to answer that question and why it is so important for your business’ success. “Where is the profit going to come from and what is going to make this worth my time? Get as clear as you can on that, and build everything possible in the business towards that.”
Wed, March 16, 2022
Why argue on Twitter when you can do it on a podcast instead? In this special episode, Common Thread Collective CEO Taylor Holiday and ecommerce heavy-hitter Nate Poulin (@DigitallyNative on Twitter) take over to settle years of Twitter debates in one podcast. “We both value the identity of being not just a public thinker, but an operator.”
Wed, March 09, 2022
What’s the right financial structure for your business? In this episode, Andrew applies Common Thread Collective’s Four-Quarter Accounting Principle across a range of different kinds of businesses. “One-size-fits-all heuristics are just a way to begin thinking and press into your business.“ Show Notes: Sign up for the Ecommerce Data Newsletter here: https://content.commonthreadco.com/ecommerce-data-newsletter More on four-quarter accounting: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/unit-economics-for-ecommerce
Wed, March 02, 2022
What does a former CEO do after leaving the position? In this episode, Andrew gives some insights and learnings on being a CEO, and shares about the next step in his career (he’s not going far). “That means, for the sake of this show, it’s going to keep going!”
Wed, February 23, 2022
What would your boss say about your mistakes? In this episode, Andrew brings in Common Thread Collective CEO Taylor Holiday to “evaluate” his performance as CEO of 4x400. “It was such a gift to me, to get put into a position that I wasn’t ready for, and then to go and make a bunch of mistakes.”
Wed, February 09, 2022
What’s in it for the candidate? In this episode, Andrew shares his feedback on what he is seeing from recruiters during his job search. “My hope is to help you attract great talent, as well as to attract the right kind of people to your organization.”
Wed, February 02, 2022
Do you really know what you want in a job? In this episode, Andrew shares candid thoughts about his next steps in the current job market. “If you’re at a stopping point and you’re not sure what the next step in your career is, the best thing you can do is slow down and take a step away.”
Thu, January 27, 2022
What’s the best use of your investment? In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Andrew dives into the specifics of 4x400’s decision to go all-in on Bambu Earth. “If you’re like me and you love solving problems, it’s really hard to cut bait on stuff that has a lot to like about it.”
Thu, January 20, 2022
Resilience is often the key to success. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Common Thread Collective executives Orchid Bertelsen, Taylor Holiday, and Aaron Orendorff to discuss the seven characteristics of an “antifragile” ecommerce brand + 21 tactics. - Read the full article on developing an antifragile ecommerce brand: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/antifragile-ecommerce - Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6BkM1vbTYSM
Thu, January 13, 2022
Transitions are on the horizon. In this episode, Andrew provides his assessment of the aggregator model, the landscape for aggregators as a whole, and how that assessment informs incoming changes at 4x400. “We are now about four years into this journey of running an aggregator, and we have learned a lot.”
Tue, December 14, 2021
Lose, win, and draw. Three brands with three different outcomes. In this episode, Andrew follows up on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the lessons he’s bringing into 2022. “I’ve done Black Friday a lot of times now, and every year there’s more to learn.”
Tue, December 07, 2021
The supply chain, inflation, product volume — a multitude of factors went into ecommerce planning for the holiday season. In this episode, recorded prior to the big weekend, Andrew shares his expectations, offers, and reasoning behind each of his brands’ Black Friday, Cyber Monday strategies. “Like everything related to the time that we live in, it is so hard to forecast.”
Thu, November 11, 2021
In this bonus (dare we say, “emergency”) episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Andrew is joined by CTC’s VP of Marketing, Aaron Orendorff, and CEO, Taylor Holiday. Go behind-the-scenes as they share, benchmark, and examine the DTC metrics that matter most. “What we’re hopeful to do with this information is to help add another layer of context to your questions and struggles in a way that provides a richer narrative than an individual anecdote or response.” 📊 Full article with all the data https://bit.ly/3quFFXF 🎥 YouTube video to watch https://bit.ly/3qz1SUj 📩 Ecommerce data newsletter https://bit.ly/3qvhGrd
Tue, November 09, 2021
How do you create products that generate value over time? In this episode, Andrew shares the what, why, and how of a recent Modern Fuel launch. “When you launch a product, you need to keep the fundamentals in front of you and keep moving forward.” Link to Legends Collection: https://modernfuel.com/pages/legends
Wed, November 03, 2021
It’s not too late! In this week’s episode, Andrew shares his best strategy for a successful ecommerce holiday. “The way you maximize the moment with past customers, new customers, and everyone in between is strategizing for AOV.”
Wed, October 27, 2021
Customer acquisition deep dive — with all the numbers! Andrew explores how to nudge subscribers into becoming customers. “People on my list who have never purchased before are very unlikely to purchase after a certain point without some kind of offer or discount.”
Tue, October 19, 2021
We’re getting tactical. This week, Andrew shares strategies for using email and SMS subscription lists to acquire customers. “How do I turn those lists into dollars?”
Tue, October 12, 2021
In this special episode, Andrew Faris and Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, talk with Orchid Bertelsen — CTC’s new Chief Operating Officer. With six years of experience at Nestle USA, Orchid explains why operational leadership is no longer a luxury for DTC ecommerce brands. “The problem isn’t that people aren’t willing to take hills. They’re willing to take hills, but sometimes they take the wrong ones.”
Wed, October 06, 2021
Nobody has the Midas Touch. In this episode, Andrew shares four things he would have done differently with the Genuine Canine brand before ultimately selling it. “When you’re losing, you don’t want to keep doing that thing over and over again.” As mentioned in the show ... Kynship Influencer Marketing: https://kynship.co/
Wed, September 15, 2021
Do you feel like you’re running your business based on what others have told you to do? In this episode, Andrew shares how his team at 4x400 is working to develop real points of view, core beliefs, and values. “What I am experiencing right now as a CEO is the things I believed were true before are just starting to be internalized. I wish I would have done that sooner.” Now through Sept. 23, visit youradmission.co and get free access to our exclusive online community with trainings, tools, and support for your ecommerce brand.
Thu, September 09, 2021
The number one way to build your brand is to put products in peoples’ hands. In this episode, Andrew shares how 4x400 thinks about product development. “I’m betting a lot of the future of 4x400 on our ability to develop awesome products for our customers.” BONUS: Visit youradmission.co and get free access to our exclusive online community with trainings, tools, and support for your ecommerce brand. Limited time only, Sept. 14–23
Tue, September 07, 2021
The best influencer marketing starts palms down — giving without asking for anything back. In this week’s episode, Andrew is joined by Cody Wittick, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Kynship, to discuss the ups and downs of 4x400's influencer marketing strategy with 31 Bits. “If you are serious about building influencer relationships that work, it’s going to have to be authentic, and it’s going to have to be real.” Show Notes: The episode where we discussed the original plan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cnFSBEukHdaRP4QtRvP1P?si=bddb82ce727d4710 Cody's Twitter Thread (And Account– DM Him!) https://twitter.com/cody_wittick/status/1420046506841710594?s=21 Kynship's Website: http://www.kynship.co/ Andrew's Twitter Account: http://www.twitter.com/andrewjfaris
Tue, August 31, 2021
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be? In this episode, Andrew shares the number one thing 4x400 is doing to improve as a team. “The most important thing you can do when things are challenging is to solve the next most important problem next.”
Mon, August 16, 2021
Over $100k in one day?! In this week's podcast, Andrew and special guest Dave Rekuc — VP of New Brands at 4x400 — share the secrets to the highest revenue day in 4x400's history. “The 100% locked-in promise from this show: Guaranteed highest revenue day ever.”
Wed, August 04, 2021
Ready to jump in and get some wins? In this episode, Andrew shares five things you can do right now in your business to generate more revenue. “Last week, I talked to you about losing streaks. So today, let’s go from ‘therapy’ to super practical!”
Wed, July 28, 2021
If you’ve ever played sports, you know what it feels like to be on a losing streak. In this episode, Andrew shares his personal experience of pushing through periods of loss with 4x400’s brands. “One thing that I’m doing with losing streaks is reminding myself: This too shall pass.”
Fri, July 16, 2021
Measure what matters! Now more than ever, the 4x400 team is wrapping its heads around every number. In this episode, Andrew shares how they’re attacking KPIs in the ever-changing ecommerce landscape. “At the end of the day, we are trying to create brands that people love and operate efficiently”
Thu, July 08, 2021
Simplistic advice? It’s not. Even the most analytically minded operator can easily make costly mistakes. We did. In this episode, Andrew shares his biggest mistake of 2021: “Even if we’d been ‘successful,’ it would have been far too long for those dollars to turn into more dollars and not more costs.” https://www.youradmission.co/podcast
Thu, July 01, 2021
ROAS is plummeting. Reporting is a mess. And the sky is falling across paid media. As a guide through the storm, Taylor Holiday joins the pod to answer one question: “How in the world are we possibly analyzing Facebook ad data right now?”
Wed, June 23, 2021
Tune in for a candid conversation with special guest Kelcey Lehrich, the CEO of 365 Holdings, an ecommerce holding company with six brands in its portfolio plus a fulfillment service. Together, we tackle one of the most difficult challenges ecommerce brands face: product development.
Thu, June 17, 2021
Week-over-week, join Andrew Faris — CEO of 4x400 — where he shares the real-life numbers, struggles, and everything in between when running multiple ecommerce businesses. 4x400 is an ecommerce holding company that acquires, launches, and grows DTC brands (owned by Common Thread Collective). That means you’ll get to go behind the scenes into the raw truths. Even if it sounds crazy, this is the unpolished story: from failures to successes, from “the high highs to the low lows.” Let’s take this journey together.
Thu, June 03, 2021
Andrew Faris — CEO of 4x400 — shares the real-life numbers, struggles, and everything in between when running multiple ecommerce businesses. On today's episode, Andrew shares the upside and downsides of approaching business decision-making from a tactical and data-driven lens, rather than via brand marketing efforts. 4x400 is an ecommerce holding company that acquires, launches, and grows DTC brands (owned by Common Thread Collective). That means you’ll get to go behind the scenes into the raw truths. Even if it sounds crazy, this is the unpolished story: from failures to successes, from “the high highs to the low lows.”
Thu, May 27, 2021
Should you run a sale to earn some cash in the short-term or work on a longer-term plan instead? Today's episode will answer that question and bring you in on the thinking behind how we weigh strategic decision-making for our businesses.
Thu, May 20, 2021
Today's episode focuses on the importance of traffic channel diversity. More specifically, we share an easy-to-implement email segmentation strategy that our team is seeing great results with and how you can replicate that for your own brand.
Thu, May 13, 2021
On today's episode, we cover a topic that we've never talked about on the podcast before ... Search Engine Marketing. In host, Andrew Faris's words: "Is there anything less sexy in marketing?" It might not be sexy, but we will get tactical. Here's how we're approaching SEM strategy, why we're doing it, and how to get it right.
Wed, May 05, 2021
What kind of businesses aren't afraid? What kind of businesses actually get better under pressure? What kind of businesses will thrive in the aftermath of iOS 14.5? We answer these questions and share how to build an anti-fragile ecommerce brand in our monthly installment of the "One Topic with Taylor" series featuring Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective.
Mon, May 03, 2021
The immediate rollout of Apple's iOS 14.5 is finally here. These are our first major impressions and how it's preliminarily affected our Facebook ad accounts.
Thu, April 22, 2021
Weakness is reality. Especially in business. We acknowledge that in this episode and share how to solve for weaknesses as a leader and within areas of your own business. Show Notes: "Accounting for Ecommerce Businesses: 61 Resources that Could Save You +$1.3M" via https://bit.ly/3niHaV5
Thu, April 15, 2021
On this week’s episode we answer a question submitted by one of our listeners: how to build your resources against the best possible outcomes.
Thu, April 08, 2021
In this episode, we share one of our most crucial digital marketing lessons — the relationship between demand generation and demand capture. Show Notes: We originally put together this video for Black Friday, but we explain the delayed attribution concept brought up in today's episode further here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saQk-67X73w
Thu, April 01, 2021
We launched a new product on Kickstarter (which we've never done before) and it went well! Following the launch, we’re sharing how to set up a successful campaign along with the steps we took to do so. Featuring guest, David Rekuc, VP of New Brands at 4x400 Show Notes: • The Modern Fuel Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewsanderson/adjustable-bolt-action-pen • Dave's Pricing Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16hSDSJKMi8UWmw4WG5cHHTpzYzvXicPAC6kj1atHBpg/edit?usp=sharing • Successful Ad #1: https://fb.me/2SNaw1L3JjSS46W • Successful Ad #2: https://fb.me/1ERbtXYQ7MMwMU9 • Dave's Twitter Feed: https://twitter.com/DaveRekuc
Thu, March 25, 2021
On this episode, we unveil what makes someone "great" as a digital marketer. Beyond the "what", we also share the "how" — with actionable steps on how to pursue marketing greatness for you and your team. Show Notes: https://twitter.com/AaronOrendorff/status/1368326610525425665
Thu, March 18, 2021
We changed a customer's life. That’s a bold statement, but this past week, we received an email from a customer that demonstrates just how much a brand can produce real value for their customers. In this episode, we’ll unpack its implications for other brands and share (1) how to produce meaning for your brand along with (2) the methods to achieve that impact.
Thu, March 11, 2021
Our brand, 31 Bits, still isn’t working. True to the original mission of our podcast, we’re updating you on the real numbers and vulnerable struggles we’re experiencing trying to grow the brand. Host Andrew Faris, let’s you in on the despair that all boils down to one question: “Why aren’t people buying the product?”
Thu, March 04, 2021
How do you make a click on your website more valuable to you? Here's 17 actionable tactics to increase your Revenue-Per-Click. Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Hzw8spE1SJGXx49-cMf3thjY7NTG4gX7ENrNeO5Ew0/edit?usp=sharing
Thu, February 25, 2021
This week's episode centers on how an "agency guy" hires agencies. In that process, host Andrew Faris shares the one thing he looks for (above everything else) when hiring.
Thu, February 18, 2021
This week’s episode comes to you from on the ground at our shipping fulfillment center in North Carolina. And after being around the actual products that we are using, packing, and shipping — host, Andrew Faris reflects on the realities of gross margin in business and how he’s thinking about that differently.
Thu, February 11, 2021
Last week you learned about our side of the story: the sale of FC Goods. This week: we're bringing on the buyers, featuring Eric Weisser(CEO, Weisser Distributing)and Mike Childers(President, Weisser Distributing).
Thu, February 04, 2021
Pop the champagne and drop the beat … We just sold our first brand. And, yes, the math in that outlandish headline is right: a 15,500% increase from our initial investment. In early 2018, 4x400 — Common Thread Collective’s ecommerce holding company — acquired 80% of FC Goods. The price? $5,000. In Oct. of 2020, we sold it for $1.2M. Minus the founder’s 20% and less broker’s fees, that nets out to $780k. From $5k to $780k: 15,500% ROI. Of course, that clickbaity calculation is far from the whole story. That’s why this is a special episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast with guests Taylor Holiday and Aaron Orendoff … to reveal everything. All the numbers. The entire journey. Every struggle. Every loss. Every win. At the end of the episode, Taylor and I share 10 takeaways — the biggest and most-tactical lessons we learned. Best of all, I’ve summarized them all with examples and illustrations in this article to make the takeaways easier to take away: https://bit.ly/36HjDGf
Thu, January 28, 2021
One of the hardest things about running an ecommerce business is that the future is unpredictable. Or in the words of host, Andrew Faris: "the only certainty is uncertainty". Here's what to do about that.
Thu, January 21, 2021
We did not see this coming… but we stumbled into a giant Facebook ads win for one of our 4x400 brands. It was our biggest win in months, and it was pure luck. On today’s episode, we’ll give you the exact numbers and the exact process put in place that unlocked this high-performing creative campaign, so that you can get lucky too. Show notes: Full Length UGC Ad: https://www.facebook.com/115977923900/posts/10159209765208901 1x1 Cutdown Version: https://www.facebook.com/115977923900/posts/10159278228173901
Thu, January 14, 2021
Influencer Marketing that actually works? We've never done anything like it, but as we take the next steps to grow our brand 31 Bits, influencer marketing will play a key role. Cody Wittick, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Kynship, joins us on this episode as we lay out the influencer strategy. You can reach out to Kynship by emailing info@kynship.co or reaching out to Cody on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Cody_Wittick
Wed, December 23, 2020
Unleashing Vision by Common Thread Collective
Thu, December 10, 2020
This week, we're talking about the biggest problem we have to solve right now in our business and the steps we're taking to fix the top of the funnel. We've had this problem before, and this time around, we'll need some more magic.
Thu, December 03, 2020
We won't delay, Black Friday & Cyber Monday went below average for the six brands we operate this year... Here's why, plus five takeaways we learned.
Tue, November 24, 2020
As we head into Black Friday again, the same sentiment holds true: "this strategy has to work". Andrew Faris gets transparent on the impact of what a win and (more importantly) what a loss would mean for business during BFCM. Here's how we are preparing for both options.
Thu, November 19, 2020
We're gearing up for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and it's natural for the business anxieties to sink in. To face the uncertainties, root yourselves in the certainty that comes with building a data-backed strategy. Host Andrew Faris, talks us through the holiday strategy for each of the six brands under the 4x400 umbrella and how they're planning for success.
Thu, November 12, 2020
We're back with the monthly installment of "One Topic with Taylor". This week on the show, we're going to do a thought-exercise about how to extend brand success beyond Facebook advertising & build an organic marketing flywheel. Shownotes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F2yzttpbgE
Thu, November 05, 2020
You don’t have time to read this episode description, because Black Friday is right around the corner! So, we'll be quick – today's episode will teach you five holiday marketing tactics it’s not too late to try.
Mon, November 02, 2020
We’re diving back into the story of 31 Bits, one of our newly acquired ethical jewelry brands. From its acquisition to proving viability, the growth journey has been a struggle. This week, we’re taking a whole new approach – making changes that center in part on talking less about the brand’s impact in the world, and more on how great the product is. Here’s how we’re approaching this new strategy.
Wed, October 21, 2020
This episode, we have an exciting announcement to make… 🎉 We’ve acquired our 6th brand: Modern Fuel 🎉 From its founder story to early-stage strategy, we cover all things brand acquisition on today’s episode. Shownotes: - Sadie’s Design Tweets: https://twitter.com/sadielewski/status/1314744909237309440 - Dave’s Modern Fuel Growth Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZxDKtAdB5ysKNvftEYNKyUiONekwvs8lgD8LgjUGqVU/edit?usp=sharing
Wed, October 14, 2020
Back by popular demand, is the second monthly installment of “One Topic with Taylor” series on the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast. CEO of Common Thread Collective, Taylor Holiday and host, Andrew Faris get together (*socially distant) to talk about a highly debated subject: whether or not your brand should discount. Shownotes: - DigitallyNative’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/digitallynativ/status/1315290781679325185?ck_subscriber_id=942738930 - CTC's Analysis Of Great Brands’ Discounting: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/holiday-campaigns-successful?utm_source=ecommerceplaybook&utm_medium=podcast
Thu, October 08, 2020
A short message and a notice of a one week break from the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast
Wed, September 30, 2020
The ongoing narrative of what it’s like to run a new ecommerce business goes something like this: 1. Trying to prove brand viability in the early stages 2. Failing and learning post-launch 3. Then finally, growth If you’ve been following along on the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, then you’ll know that our brand 31 Bits has been hovering around “step 2” on that list. And if there’s any indication on how it’s going, host Andrew Faris’s quote from this week’s episode says it all – “I was hoping I wasn’t going to have to do an episode like this.” If you can relate, then ... listen now.
Thu, September 24, 2020
You read that title correctly – we have signs of life in the ad account of our newly acquired brand 31 Bits. We've had some bumps in the road getting the brand off the ground, but this week we may have finally solved it's problems. Here's how.
Thu, September 17, 2020
From acquisition, to relaunch, to this episode. Every weekly episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast up until this point has been leadup to this moment. Our newly acquired brand, 31 Bits, is a fully-built player in the ecommerce space. But, even though this is one of our favorite growth phases – brand redesign, supply chain locked down, etc – that doesn’t mean scaling it through ads going well. Actually, it’s going badly. Here’s why.
Thu, September 10, 2020
The first in a new monthly episode – CEO of Common Thread Collective, Taylor Holiday and host, Andrew Faris each bring one topic they've been wrestling with over the last month and talk it through. Shownote Resources: 1. QALO "Mark Of A Maker" Quality Campaign: https://bit.ly/2ZodSJZ 2. QALO "Mark Of A Maker" Quality Campaign Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5f7-ObdsvQ 3. Western Rise "Wear From Anywhere" Campaign: https://bit.ly/2Zk1dHN 4. "Mud Bogging" Facebook Group: https://business.facebook.com/theMudBog/?business_id=1514355852207761
Thu, September 03, 2020
The episode title pretty much says it all … But, when we started this podcast, we committed to sharing it all – the raw numbers, struggles, and growth. And after our brand relaunch for 31 Bits did not go as planned, there’s an emphasis on the “struggle” piece of our podcast title. Here’s what happened.
Thu, August 27, 2020
We finally relaunched our newly acquired brand, 31 Bits. After months of planning and research, we share how it went. Plus, get the exact strategies we used, so you can replicate what worked for your own business.
Thu, August 20, 2020
Our brand, Slick Products, just had it’s biggest. win. ever. That’s because we (finally) solved the problem of customer retention. How? This Richard Thaler quote — a Nobel Prize winning economist — from our new episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast sums it up: “If you want someone to do something, then make it easy.” Seriously though, this realization may have unlocked the account for us. And we’re still grasping what just happened. P.S. These are the exact assets we used in the campaign discussed in the episode. Feel free to check them out and follow along as you listen: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3z5ylequ3hhl5ag/Ecommerce%20Playbook%20Podcast%20-%20We%20Solved%20Our%20Brand%E2%80%99s%20%231%20Problem.zip?dl=0
Thu, August 13, 2020
On this week’s episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we talk about the challenge of sorting out profit vs. growth. Truthfully, it’s something we battle with for our own brand (Bambu Earth), but we know we’re not alone. It's a live issue for many operators. Knowing that, we get really transparent and talk a lot about the numbers – so that you can take these learnings and apply them to your own brand.
Thu, August 06, 2020
We are right on the cusp of rolling out all the work we’ve put in to get our newly acquired brand, 31 Bits, firing on all cylinders. That’s because we've just finished building out 31 Bit’s new homepage. For this week’s update, we’re taking a break from the numbers and focusing on the marketing substructure of our homepage – telling you the “why” behind strategic design and copywriting decisions onsite.
Thu, July 30, 2020
The challenge and beauty of our newly acquired brand, 31 Bits, centers on its mission of ethical manufacturing. While we’re always striving for ethical business decisions, it doesn’t mean business ethics are easy. When applied to the supply chain, a list of challenges can ensue, but the rewards are worth it. On today’s episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast – Andrew Faris interviews Rob Clemons, Director of Supply Chain at 4x400 – about setting up a supply chain that is “ruthlessly focused on caring for people well.”
Thu, July 23, 2020
C.S. Lewis said it first, and we’re seconding it today on the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast. Regardless of what the gurus say, jumpstarting revenue isn’t necessarily easy – especially coming off the back of a new brand acquisition. And, to be frank, revenue for our brand 31 Bits is getting destroyed right now. But, here’s why we’re not too worried about it ... [ BONUS: If you’re interested in diving into this story even more, here’s a link to what 31 Bit’s gameplan calendar looks like: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1024/1659/files/31_Bits_Calendar_-_Uganda_Close_Bali_Focus_Campaign.pdf?v=1595437790 ]
Thu, July 16, 2020
We acquired our fifth brand into the 4x400 ecosystem! Listen now to find out... Featuring: Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective
Wed, July 08, 2020
On today’s episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast we’re talking about the product development approach for 31 Bits. It’s built not just on what we think looks good – but, on what fits the unit economic approach we’re going after.
Thu, July 02, 2020
We’ve analyzed the problem, now it’s time to fix it. But, before we get to any solutions, we have one last question about conversion rate to answer… From website session to add-to-cart to initiate checkout to purchase – where did visitors drop off in the funnel? Once we determined the answer, we came up with a 4-step plan to fix conversion rate. As an added bonus, here's the Strategy Deck for 31 Bits: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1unKoo-tmjOC9BIx0YuFix4EAPdNGLqj8/view?usp=sharing
Thu, June 25, 2020
On today’s episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we’re defining success, putting a number on it, and pointing to metrics that indicate it. As we walk you through the journey of both acquiring and growing a business in real-time for this new season, one thing is still clear – you’re learning it, while we’re learning it.
Thu, June 18, 2020
Welcome to Season 2 of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast! Coming off the back of acquiring a new brand, this season will focus on pulling back the veil of how we approach growing a business from the ground up. First up, how we solve the problem of customer acquisition.
Thu, May 28, 2020
There’s big business opportunities in front of you if you stop with the small stuff. How big? Well, let’s just put it this way: our brand Slick Products had one of it’s highest revenue days ever this past weekend… … and on today’s episode we’ll tell you exactly how we did it.
Thu, May 21, 2020
Fresh off of the new acquisition of ethical fashion brand, 31 Bits, into the 4x400 portfolio – we talk about the ONE metric that will determine our destiny with the brand. We could either get this right, or get it really wrong. Listen now.
Wed, May 20, 2020
Bonus Episode! Host, Andrew Faris interviews the founders of newly acquired brand, 31 Bits.
Thu, May 14, 2020
From founder story to the future, we cover all things brand acquisition today as we add a new business to the 4x400 ecosystem. + Special guest, Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective.
Thu, May 07, 2020
Today on the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we talk about one of our brands that’s finding remarkable success in the age of coronavirus, the exact tactics we used to double it’s ad performance, the implications of it on our cash system… … And why that is absolutely terrifying. Seriously, the implications of it on the rest of our business are straight-up scary. So (as always), here’s the real numbers, struggles and growth behind our business.
Thu, April 30, 2020
Today we're talking about the challenge of success. In particular, the challenge of figuring out inventory buying vetted against performance.
Thu, April 23, 2020
At 4x400 our brands are winning big. And for many brands in the ecommerce space, it’s like Black Friday all over again. This week on the Ecommerce Playbook, Andrew Faris talks about the insanity of the moment we are in right now and has a very simple piece of advice for you: don’t wait, maximize it.
Tue, April 21, 2020
Bonus Episode! Featuring Jake Cohen, Director of Product Marketing at Klaviyo.
Thu, April 16, 2020
For most of our brands, Sunday’s are drastically outperforming any other day of the week for sales revenue. But, before I make any sweeping generalizations about consumer behavior to come up with my answer as to why – it begins with looking at the numbers and the data. The first step to solving a problem is understanding the problem. So on today’s episode of the Ecommerce Playbook, I share the strategies our team is using to break down the question, in search of the answer.
Thu, April 09, 2020
This one's for all the data nerds. On today's episode, we're getting a little more tactical – sharing the process we use for customer acquisition and how we improved our Facebook ads by 250%. Plus, we're even sharing the assets we use to do it – IG ads: 1. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-p0bXojvY_ 2. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QLGWtjxhf FB ads: 1. https://www.facebook.com/115977923900/posts/10158450367973901 2. https://www.facebook.com/115977923900/posts/10158450368268901 Landing page: https://bambuearth.com/pages/skin-detox-1 ... And, last but not least, a discount code for listening: https://bambuearth.com/discount/EcommercePlaybook20
Thu, April 02, 2020
We went from getting destroyed last week, to flipping the table and having the most profitable week in 4x400 history. On today’s new episode of the Ecommerce Playbook podcast, Andrew Faris is singing a new tune – sharing how his businesses went from getting crushed to crushing it.
Thu, March 26, 2020
We don’t always get it right, and things are not always going well for our business. Now is one of those times for us… When we started this podcast, we promised a level of transparency around numbers, struggles, and growth. So, we’re holding ourselves accountable to sharing the struggles – because the truth is, the Coronavirus is crushing us…
Thu, March 19, 2020
E-commerce playbook podcast coming back at you again in the midst of all things Coronavirus. I'm trying to figure out what the heck the right thing to do is in the midst of all of this, with sorting out all kinds of new workflows, and all it's a real challenge. So, one of the things I want to say right away is that: it is a fact that constraints generate creativity. I explore more about what that means for us during this unprecedented time in today's episode.
Thu, March 12, 2020
COVID-19 is officially a global pandemic. And we all have questions. Here’s how we’re responding and preparing our DTC brands at 4x400.
Thu, March 05, 2020
Returning to work after 6 weeks of paternity leave, I'm reacquainting myself on what the heck is happening in my business in the aftermath of Black Friday, Cyber Monday.
Tue, February 25, 2020
I’m back giving you the second update in this content series about what is going on with 4x400, the holding company for the brands that we at Common Thread Collective own ourselves. Last time I talked to you, I told you about how we were in a cash crunch. We basically had $300k in liabilities against $120k in the bank, plus a $70k payroll — and it was a huge challenge in front of us. That was going into the Black Friday,Cyber Monday weekend. Now that it's over, the results are in. Here’s a big takeaway for me from Black Friday this year that I saw across the board: our brands, CTCs, and everybody else ...
Tue, February 25, 2020
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Ecommerce Playbook. Each week we’ll be releasing a podcast from the frontlines — the numbers, struggles, and growth. Week-over-week, join Andrew Faris — CEO of 4x400 — where he shares the real-life numbers, struggles, and everything in between when running multiple ecommerce businesses. 4x400 is an ecommerce holding company that acquires, launches, and grows DTC brands (owned by Common Thread Collective). That means you’ll get to go behind the scenes into the raw truths. Even if it sounds crazy, this is the unpolished story: from failures to successes, from “the high highs to the low lows.” Let’s take this journey together. First up, "We Need Black Friday to Work" (recorded on Nov. 19, 2019)
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