Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

The Ecommerce Playbook
  • 4.9 (69)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

2020 transformed the world of ecommerce forever. For the modern DTC brand, the rewards have never been greater. But the waters have also never been choppier, and the way forward has never been more uncertain. So how do you navigate this dangerous new reality? No matter how you do it, you’d better not do it alone. That’s where the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast comes in — join Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin as they bring you guiding insights from across CTC’s portfolio of growing DTC businesses. Whether you need a clear view on the macro issues affecting the world of ecommerce, or want to reorient your business around groundbreaking new big-picture strategies, Taylor & Richard are here to help answer the tough questions about what it takes to scale — and sustain — an ecommerce business.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    The Truth About AppLovin: Should You Shift Your Budget NOW?

    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

    18 min
  2. Is This the Beginning of a DTC Comeback?: State of the Industry

    4 DAYS AGO

    Is This the Beginning of a DTC Comeback?: State of the Industry

    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

    30 min

  3. NOV 14

    How to Turn Amazon Into a DTC Profit Powerhouse

    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

    24 min

  4. NOV 12

    How We Went from 5 to 30 Clients in 4 Months - We Need More Talent

    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

    26 min

  5. NOV 7

    What Finance Got Wrong About Revenue Forecasting (and How Marketers Can Fix It!)

    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

    21 min

  6. NOV 5

    The Black Friday Budget Mistake That Could Tank Your Monthly Sales

    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

    9 min

  7. OCT 31

    WARNING: Election Week Could Sink Your Ad Performance!

    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

    14 min

  8. OCT 29

    Want Profits? Here Are the Exact Steps to Ecommerce Success

    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.

    57 min
See All (273)

4.9
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

2020 transformed the world of ecommerce forever. For the modern DTC brand, the rewards have never been greater. But the waters have also never been choppier, and the way forward has never been more uncertain. So how do you navigate this dangerous new reality? No matter how you do it, you’d better not do it alone. That’s where the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast comes in — join Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin as they bring you guiding insights from across CTC’s portfolio of growing DTC businesses. Whether you need a clear view on the macro issues affecting the world of ecommerce, or want to reorient your business around groundbreaking new big-picture strategies, Taylor & Richard are here to help answer the tough questions about what it takes to scale — and sustain — an ecommerce business.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada