Threading The Needle

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 profitabili

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. Analy

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

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.

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 Note

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 as

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.

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.

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 b

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.

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.co

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.

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 p

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.