Threading The Needle

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

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

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

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, produ

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 mail

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

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

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: profitsyst

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 e

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

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 migh

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

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

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

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

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 ri

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

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

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

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