Threading The Needle

95% of ecommerce brands are worth ZERO. Why? In this episode, we unpack the harsh reality behind most DTC businesses, why logical decisions don’t drive entrepreneurship—and what actually does.Taylor and Richard dive deep into:The real odds of building a valuable brandWhy success in ecommerce is often delusional by designHow to align your business model with your personal financial goalsThe traits that separate the 5% from everyone elseIf you’ve ever wondered whether your business is on the right path or what it takes to build one that truly matters this episode is 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.!Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.comThe Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecommMercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Ban

Are you obsessively tweaking your ad campaigns only to see flat results?In this episode of the Podcast, Richard sits down with Luke Austin, to expose why daily bid and budget changes are wasting your time and money. They dive into the root issue behind inconsistent performance: a lack of belief in the data.Luke shares the system CTC uses to align teams, set targets with confidence, and stop the reactive cycle. You’ll learn why geo holdout testing is the most trustworthy signal in media buying, and how shifting focus to creative output rather than micromanaging ad accounts is the real unlock for growth.If your team is stuck in the weeds, this conversation will show you how to rise above and operate with clarity.Stop second-guessing. Start scaling with confidence.Show Notes:Go to alialearn.com and mention our podcast on the demo, to get 30 days free and 20% off!Sign up for a 30 day trial and TaxCloud will give you free migration onboarding services when you decide to make the switch. Check it out at taxcloud.co

Ever wonder how $10M+ ecommerce brands make their next move?In this episode of the Podcast, Taylor and Richard walk through a real world growth scenario pulled directly from CTC’s work with a 9-figure brand. Using live data from our proprietary platform, Statlas, we break down exactly how our team evaluates performance, spots hidden opportunities, and decides what to do next.What You’ll Learn:What to do when you’re overperformingWhy beating your forecast might signal a problemHow a growth strategist holds the tension between short-term efficiency and long-term scaleThe metrics and hierarchy we use to power every decisionIf you’re serious about scaling your brand with clarity, precision, and profit in mind this is the inside look you need.Show Notes:Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20.See Taylor’s Tweet: https://x.com/TaylorHoliday/status/1920552618914373992Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.comThe Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcas

We just did something radical: we killed the Growth Map—CTC’s signature media buying tool used for years across hundreds of ecommerce brands.Why?Because AI changed the game.In this episode of the Podcast, we break down why our old system no longer works, how AI is reshaping the future of media buying, and what we’re building to replace human limitations with 24/7 omnipresence.Learn about:Why the Growth Map is deadWhat “circadian media buying” is (and why it’s obsolete)How AI forecasts spend, ROAS, and campaign performance better than any humanThe launch of Compass + Scout—CTC’s next-gen media ops platformWhat role humans still play in an AI-dominated futureThis isn’t just a tech update. It’s a shift in how performance marketing will be done from now on.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.!Sign up for a 30 day trial and TaxCloud will give you free migration onboard

Most brands think they have a growth problem—but what they really have is a DOING problem. In this episode, we break down why volume of action is the single greatest predictor of business growth—and how to build a system that trains this muscle every day.From 400+ ads to 52 product launches a year, we’ll show you what it takes to build momentum, create consistently, and generate real results.You’ll learn:Why most brands dramatically underestimate the effort requiredThe 3-stage framework: Quantity → Diversity → QualityHow consistent action builds compound returnsThe system we use at CTC to drive mid-8-figure growthIf you’re tired of waiting and ready to start creating, this is your blueprint..Show Notes:Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20.Shaping the Future of DTC in 2025: Virtual Event - May 12th - https://go.chargeflow.io/ctc-dtc-2025Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.comThe Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com t

What happens when you collaborate with a competitor instead of competing with them?In this episode of the Podcast, we sit down with Skullcandy CEO Brian Garofalow to unpack the bold business strategy behind their surprising partnership with Bose. From leveraging “product as marketing” to rebranding perception, launching at $99, and turning retail into a megaphone, this episode is a masterclass in how to create buzz, distribution, and long-term brand equity.You’ll learn:Why Skullcandy teamed up with Bose (and how it worked)The hidden math behind smart brand partnershipsHow to make your product the marketingLessons DTC brands can apply at any scale.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.comThe Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm

After years of relying on expensive, limited solutions, we decided to build our own. In this episode of the  Podcast, CTC’s VP of Ecommerce Strategy Luke Austin is joined by VP of Technology Kwa and Director of Data Steve Rekuc to unveil our brand new incrementality testing platform — now available to all CTC partners.We’ll break down:Why incrementality testing is the gold standard of marketing measurementHow our tool makes geo holdout testing more affordable and accessibleReal world results from brands already using itHow this changes the way we plan, forecast, and allocate ad budgetsIf you’re tired of guessing what your ads are really doing, this one’s 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-strategyExplore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.comThe Ecommerc

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 misleadingHow to evaluate an agency with real data, not anecdotesHow CTC forecasts client growth using a self-scrutinizing modelWhy contribution margin is our north star metric—and what that means for your brandIf 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

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 anymoreHow we’re adapting bidding strategies to Meta’s new algorithmThe role of creative diversification in targeting & scaleHow to use attribution windows (like 1-day view) without losing your shirtThe importance of incrementality and media measurementWhat we’re doing right now to unlock growth in high AOV accountsWhether 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.comThe Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm

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 brandsThe systems and structure behind its outsized resultsHow CTC leverages global talent, proven frameworks, and technology to deliver enterprise-grade strategyWhy brands are staying longer, scaling faster, and spending smarterWe’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/acceleratorThe Ecomme

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 areWhat to adjust in your CAC targets and growth strategyReal examples from CTC’s private client webinarThis 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

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

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 lowsHow shoppers are thinking (and acting) in the face of economic uncertaintyWhat our data reveals about new customer acquisition strugglesThe impact of tariffs, stock market drops, and shifting confidence on Q2 forecastsHow Facebook’s Andromeda update is influencing ad performance (hint: high CTR, low CVR)Why future and present purchase sentiment matters more than everWhat our MER based DTCCI forecast predicts for April and beyondWhether you’re a DTC founder, performance marketer, or ec

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 timesHow to maintain growth despite sudden cost increasesDetails on the CTC Tariff Relief Program (including a special $500 guarantee)Get our Tariff Relief Plan: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/tariff-relief

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 brandsKey insights from recent incrementality studies that reveal YouTube’s true potentialPractical strategies for integrating YouTube ads effectively into your current marketing mixA step-by-step approach for testing and scaling your YouTube investmentIf 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.comThe Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthrea

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 creativeThe exact moment Jacob realized AI had “solved” adsWhat happens when media buying meets infinite creativeWhy most brands still don’t believe this is real — and what that meansHow you can prepare for the future of AI-generated video, creative, and strategyFor 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 S

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

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 optimizationWhy Advantage+ Shopping is the new defaultHow to structure your ad account for 2025 and beyondWhy creative volume (yes, 5,000 ads, not 5) is the key to winningThe future of profit-optimized campaigns, incrementality testing, and moreThis 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 re

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://commo

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 p